JP2605009C - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial applications]   The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and in particular, information to be printed received from a plurality of apparatuses.
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of printing. [Conventional technology]   It is no exaggeration to say that the wave of OA has evolved based on LSI technology.
Due to the remarkable progress of semiconductor integration technology in recent years and the synergistic effect of computer technology, various
The function of the OA equipment has been significantly improved. The core LSI is the so-called 1 chipma.
It is an ikrocomputer. As is well known, rapid reduction in chip cost
It goes without saying that the spread of this technology has been further spurred. Factory and factory floor FA
Nowadays, office work has been automated in office
The emphasis has also been on the transition. That is, office automation is shouted,
Various OA devices have been developed. In particular, the growth of copying machines is by far the best.
And maintain a growth potential of more than 20% every year. Copying equipment widely used in general
Is the one that irradiates the original with an exposure lamp and forms the reflected light directly on the photosensitive drum.
(Hereinafter referred to as an analog copying apparatus). This depends on the intended use.
-Mini copy machine for personal use, medium speed machine for general office, and high speed machine for mass copying
is there. In recent years, images have been read electrically by analog copiers,
Where the image quality is electrically improved or the image is enlarged / reduced electrically
Has been realized. For analog copying machines,
The reading unit and the printing unit were inseparable from each other by the optical system.
Once the image has been converted to a
Save in the image file, or read this image or saved file
Transmit images to remote image printer Can be easily performed, which is a very important factor in configuring the OA equipment system.
It is convenient. Of course, it is also possible to do offline copying with a digital copying machine
It is. Thus, at present, especially LAN (Local Area Network)
The systemization of the used OA is rapidly progressing. In the near future, analog
It may be considered that most of the copying apparatus is replaced by a digital copying apparatus. Only
At the moment, however, analog copying machines are still digitally duplicated in terms of price and image quality.
It is superior to copying equipment, and analog copying equipment
The arrangement is more advantageous. However, in any case, inexpensive and easy-to-use information processing devices are complex.
OA equipment system used efficiently by a number of image information sources (image readers)
The present is desired. [Problems to be solved by the invention]   The present invention has been made on the background of the above-described conventional technology, and has an object.
However, print requests from multiple devices are processed and used by users of each device.
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that realizes easy and efficient print output. [Means for solving the problem]   The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems.
The following configuration is provided to solve the problem.   That is,Two information processing devices, the two being placed in different places from the information processing device
Including the above external devicesCan receive print requests and information to be printed from multiple devices
Receiving means, based on a print request received from one or more devices by the receiving means;
Selecting means for selecting one device from the one or more devices, and
Printing for printing information to be printed received by the receiving means from a selected device
Means for storing the sheets printed by the printing means so as to be distinguishable from each other.
Storing means provided with a number of storing positions, and a sheet printed by the printing means,
According to which of the plurality of devices is the print result of the information received from the device,
Control means for controlling storage in different storage positions of the storage means.
It is characterized by that.   For example, it has an input means for inputting information at its own device, and as its plurality of devices,
It is characterized by including a device.   For example, the input means is means for inputting a read image.
You.   Further, the apparatus has a setting means for setting a printing priority for each of the plurality of devices.
And the selecting means selects one device based on the priority set in the setting means.
It is characterized by doing.   For example, the plurality of devices include own device, and the setting unit includes another device in the own device.
The priority is set higher than the priority.   Further, when printing the information received from the plurality of devices by the printing means,
It has a notifying means for notifying which device the information is from.
. [Action]   With the above configuration, in the information processing apparatus,In a different location from the information processing device
Each of a plurality of devices including two or more external devices placedBased on the print request received from
Resulting print results can be stored in different positions so as to be identifiable. Follow
hand,A plurality of devices including two or more external devices placed in a different place from the information processing device.
Each ofIf the print result based on the print request received from
Also,The print result came from a different location than the information processing deviceUsers of each device
Easily distinguish your requested print results from those requested by other users.
There is a specific action and effect that can be performed. [Example]   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.   FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the image OA system of the embodiment. In the figure, 5
1 is an analog / digital image forming apparatus, 53-56 are solid-state image sensors (C
Digital image which is read by a CD or the like and transmits the read digital image signal.
Reading device (reader), 57-60 are copied off-line or printed on-line
Sorter (or sorter / collator) that sorts and stacks output paper sheets, 5
Reference numeral 2 denotes a bank in which a plurality of sorters 57 to 60 are connected in a chain, and 41 denotes a bank
Image OA equipment Are connected by a LAN.   The analog / digital image forming apparatus 51 irradiates the original with the exposure lamp 3 and
The emitted light is imaged on the photosensitive drum 20 through the mirrors 4 to 9 and the zoom lens 11.
It can also be used as an off-line copying machine of the type
By inputting the digital image signals read by the readers 53 to 56, the
Digital image signals are transferred to an LED array, liquid crystal shutter or DMD
An online type of writing on the photosensitive drum 20 via a slump / writing head 15
It can also be used as an digital printer. Therefore, it is connected to readers 53-56.
Thus, it can be used as an online digital copying apparatus.   The sorters 57 to 60 are, for example, a sorter 57 for the reader 53 and a sorter 58 for the reader 53.
Sorter 59 for reader 55 and sorter 60 for reader 56
The assignment can prevent print paper from being mixed, and this OA
The system can be operated efficiently. In other words, each component is placed in the same room and the same place
It is not necessary to place the image forming apparatus 51 on a floor or the like where people frequently use it.
Then, the readers 53 to 56 can be placed at the side of each private room or desk. Each leader
The person who made the copy may go to his / her own sorta tsuka to make a copy as appropriate. like this
Conventionally, a plurality of persons can use an image forming apparatus that can be used only in one place.
Apparently shared at the same place. And, for example, doing a job of high importance
By giving the highest priority to leaders placed at the side of a person's desk,
Operation can be made more rational. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 51 is
The person making the fly copy uses the stocker 64 for the main body or copies it in large quantities.
If you do, disable interrupts from other readers by operating the main unit (not shown).
Thus, the sorters 57 to 60 can be used exclusively. Of course, Sorta Stuka
The method of assignment is not limited to this. For example, each sorter
The information may be assigned to each recipient. In this case, for example, the reader 53
The designated image is output to, for example, the sorter 60 by designating the destination.
Therefore, the efficiency of copy distribution as an information transmission means has been improved, and the use of the system has been further expanded.
Great.   FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an optical system / mechanical unit of the analog / digital image forming apparatus 51.
You. The functions of the copying apparatus 51 are roughly divided into a paper feeding and conveying system, an exposure system, an optical system, and a writing system.
It has a head (printer head), drums, and an electric control system.   First, the details of the off-line copying operation will be described with reference to FIG. Offline copying
The operator intends to open the platen cover 1 and set the original (document).
To When reducing or enlarging, it is necessary to change the size of the
Set the appropriate magnification. Auto / Manual for offline copy number and density
Key, offline copy mode, one-sided or two-sided selection
Do it. For now, let's talk about double-sided copying. One-sided / two-sided selection key in duplex
And turn on the copy start key. Then a halogen lamp for document exposure
3 turns on, the photosensitive drum 20 rotates, and the charging corona 13 is energized. Haloge
The lamp 3 and the first mirror 4 operate in the same manner, and scan the original surface in the sub-scanning direction.
Scan in the direction (right direction in the figure). The reflected light is the first mirror 4 and the second mirror
-5, the third mirror 6, and the fourth mirror 7 and the fifth mirror through the zoom lens 11.
-8, an image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 through the optical axis by the sixth mirror 9
. The image (latent image) formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is further erased / written by a writing head 1.
5, according to the paper (transfer paper) size, the surface potential of the portion where the latent image is not mounted
Is removed. In the developing device 17, the toner adheres to the area where the potential is applied, and the latent image is formed.
It is visualized. On the other hand, paper is fed from the selected upper cassette 22 or lower cassette 24.
The transferred transfer paper is waiting at the registration roller 30. Resist at predetermined timing
The roller 30 rotates and the image is aligned with the image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 20.
The image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 20 is transferred to a transfer sheet by the urging of the copying corona 14.
. Next, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 20 by a paper separation roller 31, and the paper is conveyed.
The toner is conveyed to a fixing unit (fixing heater roller) 33 by a belt 32. Where heat and pressure
Force is applied and the toner fuses. Next, is the paper guide plate 34 in the duplex mode?
Then, the paper is guided to a two-sided paper discharge roller 37 and once carried to a two-sided paper discharge table 38. Carried here
The paper naturally slides downward due to gravity and is held by the intermediate cassette guide roller 39.
Rarely, it is stocked in the intermediate cassette 26. Note that both sides The paper is not stored on the paper discharge tray 38. It slides down one by one. like this
The paper whose front side has been copied by the set number is stored in the intermediate cassette 26.
To go. On the other hand, the image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 after the transfer is
The surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is cleaned, and the residual
The toner is removed. Further, the discharge lamp 18 is irradiated, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is irradiated.
Above the residual potential is removed. Next, it is newly charged by the charging corona 13.
A predetermined surface potential is applied on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20, and then a new image (latent image) is formed.
Is formed. When the one-sided copy is completed, the operator copies the original.
Then, the next copy operation (back side copy) is performed. Set the original and add a new
When the bee start key is turned on, the copy operation on the back side starts. Prescribed timing
The intermediate cassette paper feed roller 25 rotates from the intermediate cassette 26 to feed paper.
The paper is inverted by the intermediate cassette paper guide plate 29 and is held by the registration roller 30.
Be included. A start signal is issued at a predetermined timing to align the leading edge of the image.
Waiting for you. In order to align the leading edge of the image,
The gyst roller 30 rotates, and the transfer of the image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is performed.
Done. At this time, the transfer corona 14 is urged at a predetermined timing, and the image is
Is transferred. The photosensitive drum 20 is separated from the photosensitive drum 20 by a paper separating roller 31,
At 32, the sheet is conveyed to the fixing unit 33. Here, the toner is fused. Next, a paper guide board guy
It is held in the roller 40. The paper guide plate 34 is guided to the paper output tray 36 this time.
The transfer paper that has been guided by the printer 2 and that has been double-sided copied is stocked on the paper discharge tray 36. This
Thus, the duplex copying process is completed. For normal single-sided copy,
The guide plate is guided to a paper discharge tray 36. Also, when copying only the back side, the upper cassette 22 or
Indicates that the paper fed from the lower cassette 24 is urged only by the paper transport system, and
To the cassette 26. At this time, no operation of the imaging system is performed
Paper is fed from the feed cassette of the cassette 22 or the lower cassette 24, and the intermediate cassette 2 is fed.
Only the system that transports paper to 6 operates.   It has an automatic exposure function to improve copy quality. This is a photosensitive drum
The surface potential on the surface 20 is controlled to be constant to obtain a good density regardless of the original density.
Degree You control so that you can get it. Before starting offline copying
First, the surface potential is monitored. This is reflected by the standard (white) reflector 10
Irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum 20 with the generated light, and monitors this with the surface potential sensor 16.
First, the corona voltage of the charging corona 13 is controlled so as to obtain an appropriate value.
. In the case of offline copying operation, if the user selects the auto mode, the optical system
Performs a pre-scan for document monitoring, monitors the document density,
Set the pressure and bias values. If this pre-scanning operation is troublesome,
While monitoring the document density in sequence, adjust the value of the developing bias so that the proper density is obtained.
Control. Continuous copy (take multiple copies from the same manuscript)
If this is the case, control the corona voltage and lamp intensity from the second copy to obtain the appropriate density.
It can be. In addition, the reflected light whose original density is applied to the original surface is sampled and
The detection of the positive density and the document size may be performed. In this case, the light amount
Control. Thus, the use of an off-line copying apparatus has been described.   Next, online printing will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 (a) and 3 (b).
The erase lamp / write head 15 has an LED array as shown in FIG. 3 (a).
The LED array 74 is arranged at a density of 16 LEDs / mm.
You. Driver data transfer circuit (shift register) 7 for LED on board
3 is arranged so as to be paired with the LED, and the head 15 is a short focus of FIG.
When combined with the lens array 75, it can be used as an erase lamp,
It is also used as a head for writing line image data. That is, erase lamp / book
The head 15 is used to delete an area other than the image forming area in the offline copying apparatus.
Used as an erase lamp for
It is used as a write head of the data.   Next, the operation of the present OA system will be described. In the case of this embodiment, the system operation
The main control part which takes charge of is provided in the analog / digital image forming apparatus 51.
You. FIG. 4 shows a system of the embodiment using four controllers (CPUs) 81 to 84.
The configuration for system control is shown. Each controller has an internal network (for example, μL
AN) Can communicate with each other via The controller 81 is an operation sequence controller of the apparatus.
Performs rolls and mainly controls mechanical parts. In addition, sorters 57-60
If continued, specify the sorter status. The controller 82 is a server of the optical system.
Button control and control of the operation panel and display unit. Controller 83 has write head 1
5 is performed. The image information input from the readers 53 to 56 is
Is processed and printed. For example, the read image information of the reader 52
Appropriate image processing is performed for good reproduction, and image data transfer is efficient
Image compression is performed for better performance. Therefore, the controller 83
After the data is decompressed, the image is transferred to the photosensitive drum by the write head 15 shown in FIG.
Write on the surface of the ram 20. The controller 84 has a LAN interface with the readers 53 to 56.
Interface, for example, by RS232C as an example.
Is done. The controller 84 also performs priority processing of the embodiment. Fig. 4 Control
The lines 81 to 84 each include a one-chip CPU having a built-in ROM and RAM.
For example, Intel's 8051, NEC's 87AD etc. are used.
And an I / O element and a memory as needed.   As described above, the controller 81 controls the mechanical part of the embodiment 51.
Perform a roll. Therefore, although not shown, an I / O element (port
Are connected, and an A / D converter is provided in the CPU body of the controller 81.
8 channels available, pattern recognition of original density, temperature control of fixing heater
And the light input for controlling the light amount of the exposure lamp and the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 20 are detected.
The output analog signal is input to the A / D channel. Also, the control sequence
A drum clock that detects the rotation of the photosensitive drum 20 is inserted to advance the imaging.
The controller 81 counts this clock pulse and proceeds with the sequence.
Confuse. Furthermore, a zero cross pulse that detects the zero cross point of the AC input is input
Then, switching of AC power is performed using the zero-cross pulse, for example,
Power control by phase control of the exposure lamp 3 is performed.   The controller 82 controls the original scanning motor of the apparatus 51 of the embodiment. Control of the photoconductor drum 20, the main motor for driving the transport system, and the zoom ratio.
Pulse motor for changing zoom lens, key input and operation / display of operation / display section
Control play.   The controller 83 controls the printer head 15. As mentioned above
In this embodiment, the LED array 74 is used as the write head 15. In addition
The controller 83 has a two-line buffer as a buffer memory for input image data.
ing. When the resolution is 16 lines / mm, A4 size main scanning (horizontal) direction 2
In order to buffer the image data for one line, 6.4 Kbytes for one line
It has a buffer memory of 13 Kbytes in total.   The controller 84 interfaces, in part, with the externally connected readers 53-56.
Control. RS232C interface channel as shown in FIG.
May be provided in parallel with each of the connection readers 53 to 56, or
Or, configure a chain connection LAN by one of the RS232C interface channels.
May be. As the RS232C interface 41, an appropriate I / O chip for the CPU is used.
A tip (for example, I / O controller 8255 or 8251) is connected. Also
The controller 84 temporarily stores image data sent from each reader.
Has row memory. This matches in part the difference in data processing speed
Plays the role of buffering. Also, if you need page memory,
, A buffer when image data is input from each reader at the same time.
Can be sequentially printed out.   FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the reader. For example, the reader 53 is a platen movable type,
The platen 91 performs highly accurate scanning by a five-phase pulse motor 92. The user
The original is set on the platen 91, and the number of copies and the magnification are set from the console.
. Then, when the start switch is pressed, the pulse motor 92 is rotated, and the original exposure light is emitted.
The light 94 is turned on, and scanning (scanning) is started. Original image is short focal length lens
The image is formed on the same-size image sensor 95 through the pixel array 93. The image formed is
It is electrically converted and temporarily stored in the line memory 96 as pixel data.
2C interface The image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 51 via the source 41. In addition, enlargement of the image based on the magnification /
Reduction is performed by logical processing. In addition, image processing for halftone reproduction has been performed.
Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 51 after appropriate data compression. Image forming device
At 51, the compressed data is expanded and post-writing is started. in this case
If the reader does not have a page memory because the memory is still expensive at the moment
Scanning is performed for the number of copies set by the user.   6A and 6B are flowcharts showing the operation of the image OA system according to the embodiment.
It is. In this example, the offline copying operation of the image forming apparatus 51 has the highest priority.
Then, the order of the reader 53, the reader 54, the reader 55, and the reader 56 is as follows.
6 (a) and 6 (b) show the readers 54, 53, 56 during execution of the offline copy.
An example is shown in which there is a request for more online copying. Step S71 to Step S7
In No. 3, since the printout is requested by the readers 54, 53, 56, the flow is Y
And the process goes to step S74. In step S74, the priority is checked, and there is a request.
In order to first accept the request of the leader 53 with the highest priority,
A wait (wait) signal WAIT is issued to the data 54, 56. In step S75, the image
A test is made as to whether or not the copying apparatus 51 is executing off-line copying. If not running
Proceeding to step S76, the display of the reader 53 is displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus 51.
Show. At the same time, the display section of the reader 53 is also pre-
A signal to start the event is sent, and the reader 53 displays the signal. This
In this case, if the reader 53 is already in the reading start state, the original scanning
When the light-sheet state is released, the reader 53 starts document scanning. Step S
At 77, a printing operation is performed in the image forming apparatus 51. LED head 15
Is driven, and the printed out paper is stored in the statue. With sorter
In the event of a hit, it will be stored in the designated statue. The information of the designated statistic is, for example, image data
Can be sent via RS232C either before or after sending. S
In step S78, it is tested whether a predetermined number of prints have been completed. Predetermined number
Is completed, the process proceeds to step S79, and first, the printing operation of the reader 53 is performed.
Is sent to the reader 53. This Thus, the display of the reader 53 also indicates that the predetermined printing operation has been completed. Next,
Examine the queue waiting for the beeper,
Releases the wait signal WAIT of the reader 54 having a higher priority and outputs the signal from the reader 54.
Accepts image signals. In step S80, the reader 5 is displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus 51.
4 to indicate that the image data is to be received and printed. Also at the same time the reader
The display of the document is also displayed on the display unit 54, and the document scanning starts.
You. In step S81, the printer operates and drives the LED head 15 to check the location.
Perform a fixed number of prints. In step S82, whether a predetermined number of prints has been completed
A test is performed to determine whether or not the processing has been completed. If the processing has not been completed, the process returns to step S81. Eventually, the predetermined number
Is completed, the process proceeds to step S83, and first, the printing operation of the reader 54 is performed.
Is transmitted to the reader 54. As a result, a predetermined program is also displayed on the display of the reader 54.
A message indicating that the lint operation has been completed is displayed. Next, check the queue (queue) waiting for copying.
In addition, the way of the leader 56 with the next highest priority among requests that have been made
The signal WAIT is released and the image signal from the reader 56 is accepted. Step S
At 84, a message that the image is to be read is displayed on the reader 56, and the image data from the reader 56 is read.
The fact that the data is to be printed is displayed on the image forming apparatus 51. Next, scan the leader 56
Reading starts. In step S85, pre-processing is performed based on the image signal from the reader 56.
The image forming process of the printer starts. In step S86, the number of sheets requested by the reader 56 is determined.
A test is performed to determine whether printing has been completed. If not, step S85
Is repeatedly executed. If the copying has been completed, the process proceeds to step S87, and the subsequent copy,
Cleaning of the photoconductor drum 20 and mechanical porting so that printing goes smoothly
The initialization of the judgment is performed.   If it is determined in step S75 that the offline copy is being executed, the process proceeds to step S75.
Go to 88. In step S88, the offline copy has the highest priority.
Therefore, the wait signal WAIT is also applied to the reader 53 until all this is completed.
You. In this case, a reader 53, a reader 54, and a
The printer 56 indicates that a print request has been made, and the readers 53, 54, 56
Is displayed so as to wait because the main body 51 is performing the operation. In step S89
Is the image forming equipment The offline copy of the device 51 is executed, and the copy output is stored in a predetermined stacker.
You. In step S90, it is checked whether a predetermined number of copies have been executed, and the process is terminated.
If not completed, the process returns to step S89, and if completed, the process returns to step S76.
Branch and enter a waiting printer operation.   In this embodiment, the offline copy of the image forming apparatus 51 is given the highest priority, and
Although the order of das 53, 54, 55 and 56 has been described based on the example, this order is necessary.
For example, the priority order setting mode provided in the image forming apparatus 51 can be changed.
This can be achieved by switching a switch (not shown). Also, for example, the reader 54
Even when the wait signal WAIT is generated, the user sets the original in the reader 54.
If the wait signal WAIT is released, the
Reading scanning starts, and printing is started in the image forming apparatus 51.
.   Further, in the above embodiment, the readers 54, 53, 56
Although there is an example in which there is a request for online copying,
If an online copy request from the reader 54 is received during online copying,
The online copy operation by the printer 56 at the end of a predetermined print cycle
Then, the online copy operation of the reader 54 is started. And the leader 54 online
When all the in-copy operations have been completed, the online
Restart the beeper operation. [Other Examples]   FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an image OA system according to another embodiment. In the figure
The contents of the controller of the image forming apparatus 51 'are digital chains as shown in FIG.
It is a multiprocessor by the method. The controller is RS232C interface
And four, for example, readers 53 and 54, and a personal computer.
Data / word processors 44 and 45, respectively. Also sorter / co
The generators 57 and 58 are connected in series. As mentioned earlier, using two readers
In this case, the sorter / collator is printed while corresponding to each of the readers 53 and 54.
Can be discharged. Therefore, when a print is requested from the reader 53 now
Print ejection Is discharged to the sorter / collator 57. The print from reader 54 is a sorter
/ Is discharged to the collator 58. Personal computer / word processor 44
, 45 are used both as personal computers and word processors
However, for example, an image read from the reader 53 is first projected on the CRT 1 and edited.
Can be performed, and new characters can be inserted from the keyboard. Follow
Thus, the required number of copies of the edited image data can be printed. This is a CRT
The same applies to No. 2. That is, the image data read by the reader 54 is
′ Via the controller, edit it, and then print it.
Or store the image on a floppy disk (FD) provided for CRT2
Can be done. In this way, the image forming apparatus 51 ′ is connected between the reader and the CRT.
During the operation, an off-line copy operation in the image forming apparatus 51 'or another
Needless to say, the online print operation with the printer can be performed in the same manner as in the related art. [The invention's effect]   As described above, according to the present invention,In the information processing device, the information processing device
Each of a plurality of devices, including two or more external devices located in different locationsReceived from
The paper printed based on the print request
AndTwo or more external devices placed in different places from the information processing deviceBased on the printing request of the device
Even if the print result is stored at the same time,Is the location different from the information processing device?
Came to get the print resultThe user of each device can print the print result at his own request to another user.
This has the effect that it can be easily distinguished from the print result at the request of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image OA system according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an optical system / mechanical unit of an analog / digital image forming apparatus 51, and FIG. FIG. 3 (b) is a front view of the erase lamp / write head 15, FIG. 3 (b) is a mounting arrangement diagram of the erase lamp / write head 15, and FIG. 4 is a controller (FIG. 4) constituting the analog / digital image forming apparatus 51 of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the reader, and FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are flowcharts showing the operation of the image OA system of the embodiment. In the figure, 51, 51 '... analog / digital image forming apparatus, 52 ... bank, 53
-56: Digital image reading device (reader), 57-60: Sorter (sorter / collator), 44, 45 ... Word processor / personal computer, 41 ... R
This is the S232C interface.

Claims (1)

Claims: (1) An information processing apparatus capable of receiving a print request and information to be printed from a plurality of apparatuses including two or more external apparatuses located in different places from the information processing apparatus. Receiving means, selecting means for selecting one device from the one or more devices based on a print request received from one or more devices by the receiving means, A printing unit for printing information to be printed received by the receiving unit, a storage unit having a plurality of storage positions for storing sheets printed by the printing unit so as to be identifiable with each other; Control means for controlling the stored paper to be stored in different storage positions of the storage means in accordance with which one of the plurality of apparatuses is the print result of the information received from any of the plurality of apparatuses. The information processing apparatus according to claim Rukoto. (2) The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: input means for inputting information at the own device, wherein the plurality of devices include the own device. (3) The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input unit is a unit for inputting a read image. (4) setting means for setting a priority of printing for each of the plurality of apparatuses, wherein the selecting means selects one apparatus based on the priority set in the setting means; The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is characterized in that: (5) The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of apparatuses include an own apparatus, and the setting unit sets a higher priority to the own apparatus than other apparatuses. (6) When printing the information received from the plurality of devices by the printing unit,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying from which apparatus the information is transmitted.