JP2837702B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to various types of printer systems such as laser printers, LED printers, liquid crystal shutter printers and ink jet printers, and images of high-function copiers and high-function faxes. Related to the forming system.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as laser printers have tended to be systematized so as to meet various demands, and receive character information or image information from a host system such as a word processor, an office computer, or a personal computer to obtain an image. An image processing apparatus for generating information, an image forming apparatus for receiving image information from the image processing apparatus and forming an image on a recording medium, and each of which is detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus and feeds and discharges the recording medium. Image forming systems are being constructed by connecting various types of additional devices to be sent or conveyed via interfaces.

In some cases, the host system has a function corresponding to the image processing apparatus. In such a case, the image forming apparatus directly receives image information from the host system and forms an image on a recording medium.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, conventionally, the instruction sets handled in such various image forming systems have been independently developed in each system, and interface protocols have been different for each system.

Therefore, all the specifications of the image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and various additional apparatuses that constitute the image forming system must be determined in advance at the time of designing the initial concept of the system. There was a problem that the system lacked scalability and flexibility.

Also, when the current state of the image forming apparatus and the additional device is transmitted to the image processing device or the host system, the transmission method and contents are unique to each system, and the same applies when the additional device is expanded. An interface unit must be newly provided in the image forming apparatus and the image processing apparatus or the host system, which is irrational.

Further, the image processing apparatus or the host system must constantly manage the state of the image forming apparatus and each of the additional devices attached thereto, and if the number of additional apparatuses increases, the state management and processing become complicated. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and makes it easy to add or change an additional device to an image forming apparatus to enhance the expandability of the system. The status can be easily and quickly transmitted to the image processing device or the host system, and the efficiency of the process can be improved. If a status change occurs in the image forming device or the additional device, information on the status change is necessary. Can be immediately notified to the image processing apparatus or the host system.

[Means for solving the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that receives character information or image information from a host system to generate image image information, and an image processing apparatus that receives image image information from the image processing apparatus and stores an image on a recording medium. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming an image, and various additional devices each of which is detachable from the image forming apparatus and which feeds, discharges, or conveys a recording medium, and which are connected via an interface. In the above, the image forming apparatus and the additional apparatus are provided with means for grouping a current state into one information code and transmitting the information code to the image processing apparatus, and when a state change occurs in the image forming apparatus or the additional apparatus. And a state change notifying means for notifying the image processing apparatus of the change as an asynchronous message.

Further, when the host system has the function of the image processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus and the additional apparatus have a unit for grouping the current state into one information code and transmitting it to the host system, When a state change occurs in the image forming apparatus or the additional apparatus, a state change notification unit that notifies the host system of the state change as an asynchronous message may be provided.

Further, in any of the above image forming systems,
The image processing apparatus or the host system may include a unit that controls a range of the image forming apparatus and the additional apparatus in which the content of the information code is reflected on the information code.

(Operation)

In the image forming system according to the present invention configured as described above, the image forming apparatus and each of the additional apparatuses group the current various states into one information code and transmit it to the image processing apparatus or the host system. And a large number of state information can be transmitted efficiently and quickly without complicating the processing.

When it is necessary to immediately notify the image processing apparatus or the host system of a change in state of the image forming apparatus or the additional apparatus, the information is immediately transmitted to the image processing apparatus or the host system as an asynchronous message. Can be notified.

Further, the image processing apparatus or the host system specifies the range of the image forming apparatus and the additional apparatus in which the content of the information code is reflected on the information code,
The efficiency and simplification of the processing can be further improved.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a basic embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus main body 4 that receives character code information or image image information from a host system 1 and forms an image on a recording medium, and includes five detachable image forming apparatus main bodies 4 respectively. Additional device 5A
To 5E.

That is, as the additional devices, a multi-stage paper feeding device 5A and a large-volume paper feeding device 5B, which are additional paper feeding devices, an inverted paper discharging device 5C and a large-volume paper discharging device 5D, which are additional paper discharging devices, and an additional recording medium transport device. The two-sided conveyance device 5E is connected to the image forming apparatus main body 4
Are mechanically connected to each other, and they are all connected by a common signal line (serial bus) SB.

The image forming apparatus main body 4 and each of the additional devices 5A to 5E are provided with serial communication sections 4a and 5a to 5e as communication means for performing serial communication via signal lines SB.

Further, a command issuing unit is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 4.
4b, the command issuing means 4b converts a command including an identification code for individually specifying each of the additional devices 5A to 5E and a command including a common identification code for specifying all of the additional devices as necessary. It is issued and transmitted to each of the additional devices 5A to 5E via the signal line SB by the serial communication unit 4a.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body 4 can usually specify and control each of the additional devices 5A to 5E individually, and if necessary, for example, a serious error occurs in the system, For example, if you want to stop all mechanical operations in the system, issue and send a command containing a common identification code that specifies all the additional devices, and simultaneously perform an emergency stop to each of the additional devices 5A to 5E. Information such as instructions can be transmitted and executed.

Here, a communication protocol between the image forming apparatus main body 4 and each of the additional devices 5A to 5E will be briefly described.

Communication from the image forming apparatus main body to the additional apparatus is performed by transmitting a command, and communication from the additional apparatus to the image forming apparatus main body is performed by transmitting a response.

As shown in FIG. 2, one command is composed of an 8-bit operator and an argument, and transmits the argument first and then the operator.
Top three bits b ₇ ~b ₅ of Agiyumento is always "111".

Then, the normal command, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), placed in an identification code adding device for specifying the upper three bits b ₇ ~b ₅ of the operator as the communication partner (ID), b ₄ ~b ₀ Is a code indicating the type of instruction.

Here, the identification code (ID) of each of the additional devices 5A to 5E in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is determined as follows, for example.

Multi-stage paper feeder 5A: 000 (IN # 1) Large-volume paper feeder 5B: 001 (IN # 2) Double-sided conveyance device 5E: 010 (DPX # 1) Reverse paper output device 5C: 100 (OUT # 1) Paper device 5D: 101 (OUT # 2) The upper two bits of the three-bit identification code indicate the type of additional device (type: paper feed, transport, discharge), and the lower one bit is the device number (#). 1 or # 2), which is clearly indicated in parentheses.

FIG. 2 (b) shows a configuration of a command (hereinafter, referred to as "global ID command") including a common identification code (hereinafter, referred to as "global ID address") for specifying all the additional devices.

The global ID command, and the upper three bits b ₇ ~b ₅ of the operator, a global ID address "110",
In b _{4 to} b ₀ , a code indicating the type of instruction, for example, in the case of an emergency stop instruction, “01111” is inserted in b _{4 to} b ₀ .

When each of the additional devices 5A to 5E receives this global ID command in its respective serial communication unit, it recognizes that it has been specified and immediately executes the command without returning a response.

An example of using the global ID command is as follows.

(A) When performing system initialization (initialization operation and self-diagnosis).

(B) When setting a paper size in each additional device when an image forming operation is executed by selecting a paper feeding device that cannot detect the paper size by itself.

(C) When it is necessary to urgently transmit information to all the additional devices (for example, when transmitting an emergency stop command when a paper jam occurs).

Logical ID and Device ID FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment in which the expandability of the image forming system according to the present invention is further enhanced, and portions corresponding to those in FIG. Therefore, their description is omitted.

The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus main body 4 that receives character code information or image image information from a host system 1 and forms an image on a recording medium, and includes seven detachable image forming apparatus main bodies 4 respectively. Additional device 5A
The system is configured by ~ 5G.

That is, a multi-stage paper feeder 5F and a multi-stage paper discharge device 5G are added to the image forming system of FIG. 1 as additional devices, and the image forming apparatus main body 4 and each of the additional devices 5A to 5G share a common signal. Connected by line SB. It is possible to add more additional devices as indicated by the broken lines.

The image forming apparatus main body 4 according to this embodiment includes:
A maximum of two additional paper feeders, a maximum of two additional paper discharge devices, and a maximum of one additional double-sided conveyance device can be simultaneously controlled.

Here, being able to control at the same time means a state satisfying all of the following.

○ Direct communication enables processing of execution commands, inquiry commands, selection commands, etc.

○ Feeding, conveying, and discharging of recording media can be executed by commands.

○ It can be selected as the transport path of the recording medium.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body 4 has six types of codes as control identification codes (hereinafter, referred to as “logical (logical) IDs”). This corresponds to the identification code (ID) of each additional device in the above-described embodiment.

That is, all additional devices (option units) are classified into three types of unit types, namely, a paper feeding device, a paper discharging device, and a transporting device.
ID is prepared.

Additional paper feeder (IN # 1): 000 Same (IN # 2): 001 Additional transporter (DPX / INP): 010 Same (DPX / OUT): 011 Additional paper ejector (OUT # 1): 100 Same ( OUT # 2): 101 This logical ID is a 3-bit code, of which the upper 2 bits are a unit type code for identifying the type of IN, OUT, DPX, and the lower 1 bit is # 1 or # 2. It is a code for identifying a number (in the case of a double-sided conveying device as an additional conveying device: DPX, whether to use it as an input unit (INP) or an output unit (OUT)).

The image forming apparatus main body 4 has a serial communication function of transmitting a command including the logical ID to the signal line SB, and all of the internal image processing unit, the image creating unit, and the external host system normally operate the logical ID. Using each additional device
Identify 5A-5G.

On the other hand, each of the additional devices 5A to 5G has a unique identification code (hereinafter referred to as “device (physical) ID”) and has a serial communication function of sending a response including the device ID to the signal line SB. .

In addition, each unit has its own unit type, that is, a paper feeding device (IN), a paper discharging device (OUT), and a double-sided conveying device (DP).
X) is stored as a two-bit code like the unit type code of the logical ID.

If the device ID is given by a 4-bit code for each unit type, 16 units can be identified for each unit type, for a total of 48 units.

In this embodiment, device IDs are assigned as follows.

Multi-stage paper feeder 5A: (IN) 0000 Multi-stage paper feeder 5F: (IN) 0001 Large-volume paper feeder 5B: (IN) 0010 Reversing paper ejection device 5C: (OUT) 0000 Multi-stage paper ejection device 5G: (OUT) 0001 Mass output device 5D: (OUT) 0010 Double-sided transport device 5E: (DPX) 0001 In addition, IN, OUT, DPX in parentheses is actually a 2-bit unit type code for each additional unit (option unit). The device ID is stored separately, and only the 4-bit code after that is the device ID.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus main body 4, an additional device in the same unit type is designated (assigned) to each logical ID, and the device ID is stored in a table in the memory, for example, as shown in the following table. .

On the other hand, each of the additional devices 5A to 5G has its own unit type code (IN, DPX, OUT identification code) and a memory for storing the device ID, and a memory when the logical ID is assigned (specified). And a memory for storing a logical ID.

In this way, the six logical IDs and the device IDs of the additional devices respectively assigned thereto (however, DPX
・ The device ID of the same transport device for both sides is used for INP and DPX / OUT
The image forming apparatus main body 4 can specify and control the assigned additional device only by the logical ID.

In FIG. 3 and the above-described example, the multi-stage paper feeder 5A is placed in IN # 1 of the logical ID (indicated with Log in FIG. 3) as the additional paper feeder, and the large-volume feeder 5B is placed in IN # 2. Inverted paper output device 5C, OUT # 2 to OUT # 1 of logical ID as additional paper output device
To the DPX (I)
NP and OUT) are assigned to the double-sided transfer device 5E.

In FIG. 3, the assigned additional device is indicated by a double-lined frame. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body 4 can simultaneously control the five additional devices 5A to 5E.

However, since this assignment state can be changed as needed, it can be used even when other additional devices, that is, the multi-stage paper feeding device 5F and the multi-stage paper ejection device 5G or more additional devices are added. , You can make them available.

In addition, between the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus main body 4, and between the image forming apparatus main body 4 and each additional device 5A.
The communication protocol for serial communication between ~ 5G provides two levels of commands.

One of them is a basic command. When the image forming system includes two or less additional paper feeding devices, two or less additional paper discharging devices, and one or less double-sided conveyance device, a logical command is issued. The basic command, which is a command for handling only the additional device registered in the ID, can include all system functions.

Thus, an image forming system in which all system functions can be controlled by a basic command is referred to as a basic system. In this system, the code number of the device ID may be the same as the code number of the logical ID. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to this basic system.

The other is an enhancement command (extended command). If the image forming system has three or more additional paper feeders, three or more additional paper discharge devices, or two or more double-sided conveyance devices, the three commands are used. The second and subsequent additional sheet feeding devices or additional sheet discharging devices and the second and subsequent double-sided conveyance devices assign their device IDs to the same unit-type logical ID using an enqueue command, so that the image forming apparatus main body 4 can be used. This makes it possible to control paper feeding, paper discharging, double-sided conveyance, and the like.

The functions according to the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of specific embodiments.

Laser Printer System An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a laser printer system will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the laser printer system, and portions corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

This laser printer system has a host system 1
A printer main body 4 which is an image forming apparatus main body including a controller 2 and a print engine (hereinafter, simply referred to as an "engine") 3; and various additional devices (hereinafter, "option units") such as the above-described additional devices 5A to 5G. 5)
And a host interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "host I / F"), a laser printer video interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "LPVI"), and an engine option interface (hereinafter referred to as "EOI"). / F ").

The host system 1 is an information processing device such as a word processor, an office computer, or a personal computer for transmitting character information or image information.

The controller 2 is an image processing apparatus that receives character information and image information from the host system 1 and generates image image information (video data) for each page of a print sheet.

The engine 3 is an image forming apparatus that prints image information generated by the controller 2 on paper.

The host I / F is an interface for connecting between the host system 1 and the controller 2, and RS232C, Centronics I / F and the like are well known.

The LPVI is a standard interface that connects the controller 2 and the engine 3 that constitute the printer body 4, and unifies the hardware of the video interface that has been individually determined for each engine (for each model) in the past. It is not affected by the function.

The EOI / F connects the engine 3 and the various option units 5 by the above-described common signal line (serial bus), and transmits a command including the above-described logical ID from the engine 3 so that the engine 3 can use the ID. This is a standard interface for serial communication by returning the specified option unit to a response.

 FIG. 5 shows a hardware configuration of the controller 2.

The controller 2 includes a CPU 20 and a program RO as shown in the figure.
M21, RAM22, font ROM23, nonvolatile RAM24, operation panel 2
5, a scaling unit 26, an option interface 27, a video control unit 28, an engine interface 29, and the above-described host interface 54 and a controller-side part of the LPVI, all of which are connected by a CPU bus.

The CPU 20 is a central processing unit for controlling the whole of the controller 2, and uses a general-purpose 16-bit or 32-bit microcomputer.

The program ROM 21 stores microcode (program) for controlling the CPU 20.

The RAM 22 is a large-capacity random access memory, and is mainly used for the following purposes.

(A) System memory (b) Input buffer (c) Page buffer (d) Font file (e) Macro file (f) Image file (g) Print control file (h) Video buffer FIG. 6 shows the flow of data processing. And the relationship between each buffer and file in the RAM 22.

Information sent from the host system 1 is stored in the input buffer 22b via the host interface 54.

The data stored in this input buffer 22b is
The data is extracted by the data processing unit 201 and registered in one of the page buffer 22c or the font file 22d, the macro file 22e, the image file 22f, and the print control file 22g according to the type of data.

That is, the print sequence control data (designation of the paper transport path, the number of prints, etc.) is stored in the print control file 22g, the page layout information (the relation between the print data and the print position) is stored in the page buffer 22c, and the image information is stored in the image file 22f. The download font is registered in the font file 22d, and the overlay information and the like are registered in the microfile 22e.

The image information processing unit 202 includes an image file 22f and a font file 22d in accordance with the contents of the page buffer 22c.
Then, the contents of the font ROM 23 are developed into the video buffer 22h through the scaling unit 26.

When the development of the print data for one page is completed in the video buffer 22h, the print control unit 203 activates the engine 3 via LPVI according to the contents of the print control file 22g, and when the engine 3 reaches the image recording timing, the video buffer 22h. LPVI with expanded video data
To the engine 3 via

The engine 3 prints the video data sent through the LPVI on a sheet.

Returning to FIG. 5, the font ROM 23 stores font data for converting character information sent from the host system 1 via the host interface 54 into image information.

The nonvolatile RAM 24 is a memory for storing information for controlling the operation state of the printer after the power is turned on,
The following items are mainly stored.

(A) printing direction (b) font (font) (c) character size (d) line spacing (e) paper feed port (f) paper discharge port (g) host interface Updated from panel 25.

FIG. 7 shows an appearance row of the operation panel 25. An operation of updating the storage content of the nonvolatile RAM 24 by using the operation panel 25 is called a mode set.

The operation panel 25 has an LCD display 250 for displaying the status of the printer and the contents of the mode set in characters, a power LED 251 that lights up when the power is turned on, an online LED 252 that indicates the online status of the printer, and lights up when the printer is abnormal. Or blinking attention LED 253, data LED 254 indicating that there is print data in the printer, online switch 255 for switching the printer online / offline, and printing data in the printer when the data LED 254 is lit. Form Fee
d) A switch 256, a test switch 257 for activating a self-diagnosis test function of the printer and the like, a reset switch 258 for resetting the printer, and switches 25A, 25B, 25C and 25D for operating the mode set.

The contents of the mode set are arranged in a hierarchical manner as shown in FIG.

Then, in the offline state, the up arrow mode switch
By pressing 25A, the mode is set, and the "print direction" of the first level is selected. To select another item on the first level, the left or right arrow switch 25B or 25C is operated.

Each time you press the right arrow switch 25C, the set items are “font type”, “character size”, “line spacing”, “paper feed port”,
It changes to "host interface".

On the other hand, each time the left arrow switch 25B is pressed, the set item changes from “host interface” to “discharge port” and “paper feed port” in the reverse direction.

If the item to be set is "typeface", "typeface" is selected by the right arrow switch 25C, and then the down arrow arrow switch 25D is pressed to shift the hierarchy to the second hierarchy.

Then, there are three typefaces in the second hierarchy, namely, Courier, Elite, and Gothisk.
c) One of them is selected by the left and right arrow switches 25B or 25C.

For example, when selecting "elite" and setting it, pressing the down arrow enter switch 25D registers "elite" in the nonvolatile RAM 24. That is, by pressing the ENTER switch 25D at the bottom layer, the nonvolatile RAM
24 registrations are updated.

In the other set items of the first layer, "Printing direction" is vertical and horizontal, "Character size" is 8 points, 10 points, and 12 points, and "Line spacing" is 3LPI (Line / Inch), 6LPI, 8LPI To
The “paper feed slot” refers to the upper paper feed cassette, the lower paper feed cassette, and the large-volume paper feed unit. The “paper discharge port” refers to the upper discharge tray, side discharge tray, and large-volume paper discharge unit. The “host interface” refers to Centronics and RS-232C can each be selected in the second layer.

Further, when RS-232C is selected as the "host interface", the type of parity check and the baud rate (communication speed) can be selected and set in the third hierarchy.

Returning to FIG. 5, the scaling unit 26 is a scaling unit for scaling the image information to an optimum size in accordance with the resolution of the engine 3.

The host interface 54 is an interface for connecting the host system 1 and the controller 2, and prepares two types, a Centronics-compliant parallel and an RS-232C, and selects them by operating the operation panel 25 described above.

The option interface 27 is an interface for supplying a font or a program from the outside in order to extend the function. In this example, two IC cards 6 can be handled.

The IC card 6 is a commercially available one, and there are a card storing a font card, a program card, or both depending on the type of data stored, but they are physically the same.

As shown in FIG. 9, the file format of the IC card 6 is composed of a file size, CRC check data, a file type, a resolution, and font data or a program.

The type of data is determined based on the file type. That is, if the file type is “1”, the file is font, and if the file type is “0”, the file is program.

Returning to FIG. 5, the video control unit 28 converts the video data stored in the video buffer 22h of FIG. 6 with the bus width (16 bits or 32 bits) of the CPU 20 into serial data or 8-bit parallel data. And sends it to Engine 3 via LPVI.

The engine interface 29 has a serial communication (transmission / reception) function of detecting the state of the engine by a bidirectional serial signal via the LPVI and transmitting a command to control the engine.

Here, the LPVI signal is shown in FIG. The signal includes an image signal system, a control signal system, and a power supply.

Image signal system is / WCLK, / WDATA, / ISYNC, / LGATE, / FG
There are five types of ATE signals.

The control signal system consists of four signals: / PETXD, / PERXD, / PECTS, / PEDTR
The power supply is of two types: + 5V and GND.

Here, “/” added to the front of each signal name indicates negative logic (low active), and is shown with an overline in FIG.

(A) / WCLK: Clock for synchronizing image data from print engine. The image is printed by transmitting the image data (/ WDATA) in synchronization with the fall of this signal. Low level is black.

(B) / WDATA: image data sent from the video control unit 28 in FIG.

(C) / LSYNC: Line synchronization signal indicating the start of each scan line.

Synchronizes with the falling edge of the / WCLK signal.

(D) / LGATE: a signal indicating the effective image area of each scan line.

Synchronizes with the falling edge of the / WCLK signal.

(E) / FGATE: A signal indicating the effective image area in the paper feed direction. Synchronizes with the fall of the / LSYNC signal.

(F) / PETXD: status signal for notifying the controller of the engine status from the engine.

(G) / PERXD: Command line from the controller to the engine.

(H) Indicates the ready of the / PECTS: / PETXD signal. When this signal is at a low level, it is possible to send a status from the engine to the controller.

(I) / PEDTR: Indicates the ready of the PERXD signal. When this signal is at a low level, a command can be sent from the controller to the engine.

(J) + 5V: + 5V power supplied from the engine.

(K) GND: Ground (Earth) FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the print area and the image signal.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an effective printing area, 8 denotes an image area printed by the / WDATA signals 8a and 8b, and 9 denotes an image area printed by the / WDATA signals 9a and 9b.

Next, the structure of the engine will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an engine main body constituting a mechanism of the engine 3 of the above-described laser printer system, and mechanisms of various option units connected thereto.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an engine body, including a photosensitive drum 101, a charging charger 102, a light (laser) writing unit 103, a developing device 104, a transfer separating charger 105, a cleaning unit 106, a fixing unit 107, and a pair of registration rollers 108. And a drive motor and a drive mechanism for the rollers.

Reference numerals 11 and 12 denote paper cassettes (trays) which are directly bonded to the engine body 10 and can normally store 100 to 200 sheets. A multi-stage paper feeding unit corresponding to the above-described multi-stage paper feeding device 5A, 5F having a multi-stage paper feeding cassette (tray) may be inserted into the two paper feeding cassette insertion openings of the engine body 10. it can.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a reversing device for switching a paper feeding path, which corresponds to the above-described reversing paper discharging device 5C, and sets the paper discharging path to its own upper paper discharging tray 14,
It can be switched to any of a mail box (multi-stage paper discharging device) 15, a double-sided paper unit 16, and a large-volume paper discharging unit 18.

Further, other than the upper discharge tray 14, a sheet which is turned upside down can be supplied to each unit. Of course, non-reversed paper can also be supplied. Therefore, face-up discharge and face-down discharge can be arbitrarily selected by using this function.

15 is a mail box having a large number of output trays 15a,
It corresponds to the above-described multi-stage paper ejection device 5G, and can select an arbitrary paper ejection tray according to an instruction from the controller 2.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a double-sided unit serving as a re-feeding unit for double-sided printing, which corresponds to the above-described double-sided conveying device 5E, and the paper printed on one side in the engine body 10 is turned upside down by an inverter 13. Supplied and from here the engine body 10 again
And printed on the other side to perform double-sided printing.

The double-sided unit 16 used in this embodiment is
Paper path 161 without stopping supplied paper
And a second conveying path for feeding the supplied sheets to a stacker 162 in a stack and holding the required number of sheets, and then sequentially conveying the sheets to the sheet feeding side. It has a transport path.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a high-volume paper feeding unit corresponding to the above-described high-volume paper feeding device 5B, which can store about 2000 sheets.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a large-volume paper discharging unit corresponding to the above-described large-volume paper discharging device 5D, which can store about 2,000 or more sheets.

By setting the number of sheets stored in the large-volume paper discharging unit 18 to be larger than the number of papers stored in the large-volume paper feeding unit 17, all the sheets supplied from the large-volume paper feeding unit 17 can be discharged.
18 can be collected.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a printer table on which the engine main body 10 and its option unit are mounted.

Engine unit 10 and option unit (reversing unit 13, mail box 15, double-sided unit 16, high-volume feeding unit 17,
The mass discharge unit 18) is connected by the aforementioned engine option interface (EOI / F).

Further, it is possible to configure a system by omitting a part of these units, or replacing or adding various option units other than these units with the above-mentioned units.

Here, a printing operation by each unit in the engine body 10 will be briefly described.

As the paper supply source, one of the upper paper feed cassette 11, the lower paper feed cassette 12, the high-volume paper feed unit 17, and the duplex paper unit 16 (only during refeeding) of the engine body 10 is selected and the paper is supplied. Then, it stands by at the position where it is held between the registration roller pair 108.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 101 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow, and the laser beam modulated according to the video signal by the optical writing unit 103 is mainly applied in the drum axial direction on the surface charged by the charging charger 102. Exposure is performed by irradiating while scanning to form a latent image.

The latent image is developed with toner from the developing device 104,
The toner image is transferred to a sheet supplied to the image transfer section at a predetermined timing by a pair of registration rollers 108 by a transfer separation charger 105, and the transferred sheet is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. .

The sheet on which the image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing unit 107, where the sheet is heated and fixed by a fixing roller and a pressure roller heated to a constant temperature, and then sent to a reversing unit 13.

The sheet discharged from the engine body 10 and sent to the reversing unit 13 is sent out from one of the three outlets A, B, and C at the upper side, the side, and the lower side. It is discharged to the mail box 15 and the screen unit 16.

If the paper is ejected to the duplex unit 16,
The sheet is re-supplied to the engine body 10 through one of the second conveyance paths, or is discharged to the mass discharge unit 18.

Next, FIG. 13 shows a block configuration of the engine main body 10 and an engine control section (engine driver) 30 for controlling the above-mentioned option units connected thereto.

The CPU 31 is a central processing unit that controls the engine control unit 30 as a whole, and uses a general-purpose 8-bit microcomputer.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a program ROM, which stores a microcode for controlling the sequence of the engine body 10 and the connection with the controller 2 and each of the above-mentioned units (engine option units).

33 is for storing control data and engine status, etc.
RAM.

Reference numeral 34 denotes an interval timer for creating a basic time for controlling the sequence of the engine.

35 is engine option interface (EOI /
F), which is a serial interface for connecting the inverter unit 13, mail box 15, double-sided unit 16, large-volume paper feeding unit 17, large-volume paper discharging unit 18 and the like, which are option units, by a common line. Therefore, it has a serial communication function.

Each option unit has the device described above.
An ID is set, and at the time of communication between the engine control unit 30 and each of the option units 13, 15 to 18, the other unit is specified by transmitting a command to which a logical ID to which the device ID is assigned is added. And receives a response from the unit.

Reference numeral 36 denotes a controller interface, which receives a command from the controller 2 via the LPVI and notifies the controller 2 of the state of the engine 3.

Reference numeral 37 denotes an optical control unit which controls the controller 2 via LPVI.
Receiving the image signal (video data) sent from
The optical writing unit 103 is controlled.

Reference numeral 38 denotes an A / D converter, in which an analog signal from a thermistor (temperature sensor) of the image forming / paper transport unit 100 of the engine body 10 is amplified by an operational amplifier 41 and input, and the CPU 31 can perform arithmetic processing on the analog signal To a digital signal as follows.

The above-mentioned thermistor is for grasping the temperature condition in each unit and the like in the machine, and is provided at several places in the machine.

Reference numeral 39 denotes an I / O port, which drives a motor, a plunger, a clutch, and the like in the image forming / paper transport unit 100 of the engine body 10 via a driver 42 and a driver 43, and applies a high voltage to various chargers. And a signal from a sensor or a switch for detecting the state of the engine main body 10 is input to the amplifier 44 via the amplifier 44 to input a signal whose image width is changed to a logical level.

These units are connected to the CPU 31 by a CPU bus 40 including a data bus, a control bus, and an address bus.

Next, communication between the controller and the print engine will be described.

First, the communication conditions between the controller and the print engine are as follows.

1. Interface: Asynchronous serial I / F 2. Communication speed: 9600 baud 3. Parity bit: None 4. Stop bit: 1 Communication between controller and print engine via LPVI 4 types of signal / PETXD, / PERXD, / PEC
This is done by TS and / PEDTR.

These interface signals have been briefly described above, but will now be described in more detail.

(1) / PERXD This signal is a serial communication reception data signal line for sending a command from the controller to the print engine.

(2) / PETXD This signal is a serial communication transmission data signal line that sends a response and an event report from the print engine to the controller.

(3) / PEDTR This signal is a ready signal line for serial communication for command transmission. When this signal is "L", it indicates that the controller may send a command to the print engine.

The print engine is powered on or initialized (including when system configuration is established)
Except for this signal, this signal must be held low.

(4) / PECTS This signal is a serial communication ready signal line for transmitting a response or an event report. When this signal is "L", it indicates that the print engine may send a response or an event report to the controller.

The controller must hold this signal "L" except when the power is turned on or when the communication with the print engine cannot be performed.

If the print engine receives too many event reports while this signal is "H", it may discard old event reports.

Next, a communication protocol between the controller and the print engine will be briefly described.

Communication between the controller and the print engine is performed by transmitting a command from the controller to the print engine, receiving the command, and returning a response to the controller.

Each command is composed of a 1-byte argument and an operator. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the most significant bit of the argument is always "1".
The most significant bit of the operator is always "0".

The command sends the argument first and the operator later.

Arguments can also be omitted, in which case the print engine must still correctly identify commands without the argument.

If a command consisting of an Argument and an Operator (eg, a "Status Request" command) is issued by the controller without an Argument, the previous Argument of the same command is effectively in effect.

When the print engine receives the command, if there is no valid argument, the print engine defaults to a virtual argument.

The response is to send the information requested by the received command from the print engine to the controller.

The length of each response is 1 byte, and the most significant bit is "0" as shown in FIG. 14 (c). However, in the case of a response to the "illegal command" shown in FIG. 9D, all bits are "1".

Event reports show events (options such as occurrence of jams and supply shortage) in the option unit and print engine.
When an error occurs, the print engine sends information not requested to the controller as a response.

Each event report includes one as shown in FIG.
It has a byte flow and its most significant bit is "1".

Whether this event report can be generated or not is made by the controller using the 'ETB' command.

In this embodiment, the types of commands transmitted by the controller are as follows, and there are 13 basic commands and 3 enhance commands.

<Basic command> 1. Status request 'ENQ' 2. Ink Aqua input tray condition 'SI' 3. Ink eye output tray condition 'SO' 4. Ink eye paper size of input tray 'EM' 5. * Feed start 'FF' 6. * Print start 'VT' 7. * Input tray select 'DC1' 8. * Output tray select 'DC2' 9. Event report enabled 'ETB' 10. * Print engine mode set DC4 '11. * Paper size setting' DC3 '12. Ink Eye Extruded Paper ID (Inquire e
xited paper ID) 'ACK' 13. Reset 'CAN'<Enhancecommand> 14. Assigned device ID 'FS' 15. Inquiry assigned Device ID 'GS' 16. Inquiry Communication Active
Device ID 'RS' Of the above commands, those marked with * are stored in the command buffer and executed sequentially.

However, as for the commands of "Input tray select", "Output tray select", "Print engine mode set" and "Paper size set", if the command with the argument is accompanied by another command with an argument. If neither the "feed start" command nor the "print start" command follows before, the previous command is erased from the command buffer and becomes ineffective.

This means that if no 'FF' or 'VT' command follows, the tray, paper size or mode specified by the command will be the selected tray, selected paper size or selected mode. It does not mean

These commands are not valid for the previous “feed start” command or “print start” command.

The print engine sets the mode or status specified by the "input tray select", "output tray select", "print engine mode select", or "paper size set" command, and then uses these commands. Hold until status or mode is reselected.

The print engine never clears the contents of the command queue by itself, but clears it with a command received from the controller. Also, the 'FF' and 'VT' commands in the command buffer are erased at the start of their execution.

If the mode set and tray select are done properly and a sufficient number of 'FF' and 'VT' commands are stored in the command buffer, or 'FF' and 'VT' commands are appropriated by the controller. When issued at time intervals, the print engine executes these commands at maximum throughput (print speed).

A general command transmission sequence for the controller to request the print engine to execute printing is shown below.

1) Input tray selection An input tray including a double-sided input unit is selected. If the argument is omitted, the previous tray is valid.

In addition, the previous tray is valid even when the "Int tray select" command is not issued.

2) Output tray selection The output tray including the screen output unit is selected. If the argument is omitted, the previous tray is valid.

The previous tray is also effective when the "output tray select" command is not issued.

3) Feed request Send a "feed start" command. If this command has not been issued, the next "print start" command is valid for feed and print.

4) Print request Send a "print start" command.

If the “/ PRINT signal ignore flag” of “system current mode” is “0”, the controller also
It is also possible to request the print engine to execute printing with the "print request sequence hand-shake between NT and / PREADY". Note that "/" before each signal means negative logic (low active).

This request is executed prior to the 'FF' and 'VT' commands. However, it is not stacked in the command queue. The print request sequence is valid only in real-time execution.

If the controller does not request printing with the / PRINT signal, the print engine mode is set to “ignore / PRINT signal” by issuing the 'DC4' command.
Mode should be set.

If the print engine receives the / PRINT signal and 'FF' and 'V
If a print request is received by both the T 'command and the command timing and sequence, a serious error may occur in the execution of the command.

The controller queries the print engine's current status (eg, the currently active input tray) just prior to requesting the print engine to perform printing via the / PRINT signal line.

A response to a command (command marked with *) stored in the command buffer is transmitted from the print engine immediately after receiving the command, not when the command is executed.

As such, the content of the response may sometimes differ from the actual status of the execution of the command. For example, after responding to the “Input tray select” command, if a cassette of a different size is attached to the selected input tray,
The actual paper size will be different from the size sent by the print engine in response to the "Input Select" command.

In such a case, the status of the print engine becomes an error state (input size mismatch).

For the "Status Request" command, which queries the currently active input tray, the currently active output tray, and the current mode status of the system, the print engine issues the "FF" command immediately after the start of execution or the second command. Answer the current active tray specified for the mode 'VT' command, or answer the currently active mode at that time.

The print engine will not respond to the tray code or mode specified by a command that has not been executed in the command queue.

The capacity of the command buffer should be as large as possible, depending on the maximum print speed of the print engine, but if the print speed of the print engine is less than 20 pages / min, it will be equivalent to 32 sheets of paper. Having enough capacity is enough.

If the controller wants to change the currently active input or output tray because the paper is empty or full while the print engine is executing a 'FF' or 'VT' command. The controller first issues a "command buffer clear" command and then reselects a new input or output tray.

In some cases, the print engine must predict the status of each unit and predict a response in response to the predicted status.

For example, a double-sided unit overflow or empty paper status indicates that the previous command was still in the command buffer and has not yet been executed.
Predicted to depend on previous commands.

Communication between Print Engine and Option Next, communication between the print engine and an option unit as various additional devices will be described.

The communication conditions between the print engine and the option unit are the same as the communication conditions between the controller and the print engine described above.

1. Interface: Asynchronous serial I / F 2. Communication speed: 9600 baud 3. Parity bit: None 4. Stop bit: 1 Communication protocol was briefly described earlier in the description of the basic system configuration. I will explain this in more detail.

Also in this case, communication from the print engine to the option unit is performed by transmitting a command, and communication from the option unit to the print engine is performed by transmitting a response.

An example of the format of this command and response is shown in FIG.

One command is by connexion configured operator and Agiyumento, b ₇ ~b ₅ of Agiyumento is always "111", or b ₇ ~b ₅ operator indicating the logical ID code option Chillon Units - To communicate the print engine .

The operator also serves as the end of one instruction.

The types of commands used in this embodiment are as follows.

<Basic command> 1. Inquire unit status (Inquire unit)
status) “*** 10001” 2. Ink iron paper size (Inquire papar siz
e) “*** 10010” 3. Inquiry unit condition (Inquire
unit condition) “*** 10011” 4.Ink eye unit
ire unit availability) “＊＊＊ 10100” 5. Inquiry Unit Specification #
1 (Inquire unit specification # 1) "*** 10101" 6. Inquiry Unit Specification #
2 (Inquire unit specification # 2) “*** 10110” 7. Inquiry Unit Specification #
3 (Inquire unit specification # 3) “*** 10111” 8. Ink Eye Exposed Paper ID (Inquire ex
ited paper ID) "*** 11000" 9. Inquiry unit firmware version "*** 11111" 10. Tray selection "*** 00001" 11. Mode setting (Mode setting) “*** 00010” 12.Paper size setting
"*** 00011" 13.Paper feed start (*** 00100) 14.Paper feed stop (Paper feed stop)
“*** 00101” 15.Paper feed restar
t) “*** 00110” 16.Paper eject star
t) “*** 01000” 17. Paper eject end
"*** 01001" 18. Initializing "*** 01110" 19. Abort "*** 01111" 20. Length of print engine
path) "***" 01010 "21. Registration distance (*** 01011) 22. Transport velocity (*** 01100) <Enhance command> 23. Assign Device ID (Assign Device ID) ) “*** 11001” 24. Inquiry assigned device ID (Inquire a
ssigned Device ID) "*** 11010" 25. Inquire Device ID
"*** 11011" These commands are always executed in real time by the option unit.

Each option unit has a specific tray selection, mode set, paper size set, print engine
Path length, resist distance, transfer speed, and specified device ID
Mode, status, or designation is retained until re-selected by these commands.

Commands must be sent to the operator first with arguments, but the arguments of the command consisting of arguments and operators can be omitted, and the option unit must correctly identify commands without arguments.

For example, if the print engine sends a command without arguments, such as a command such as the “Inquire Unit Status” command, the argument before the same command to the same Logical ID Unit is valid as the effective argument. is there.

However, the “paper eject start” command,
The “assign device ID” command shown in FIG. 15 (b) and the “inquire device I” shown in FIG.
Except for the D "command. In these commands, the previous argument is never valid.

Also, arguments for other commands and other logical
Arguments to the ID unit are invalid in any case.

If there is no valid argument on the option unit side when the command is received, the option unit must take the default value as the effective argument.

The response is a message sent from the option unit to the print engine, and indicates that the command has been received. All of the response is the length of one byte, b ₇ is summer to "0".

If the option unit does not support the function of the received command, the option unit must return <7Ehex>, that is, "01111111" as a response.

FIG. 15B shows an “assign device ID” command transmitted when the print engine assigns a device ID to a logical ID, and a format of a response transmitted from the option unit receiving the command.

This b ₃ ~b ₀ arguments command enters the device ID code is assigned, the operator of b ₇ ~b
₅ (indicated by ***) contains the logical ID code to be assigned.

For example, if this command is “111 × 0010,00011001”, “Device ID“ 001
0 "(INP # 3: High-volume paper feed unit 17, high-volume paper feeder shown in Fig. 3
5B) as a logical ID "000" (IN # 1). "

In response to this, the CPU of the option unit with the device ID “0010” (the large-volume sheet feeding unit 17 in the above example) recognizes this and returns a response of “00000010”.

This means that “device ID“ 0010 ”is changed to logical ID“ 000 ”(IN
# 1). "

Here, no Units - type code to the device ID code, two bits of b _6, b ₅ logical ID code is Units - type code, discrimination since in this example, "00" represents the Imp bracts Units - it can.

FIG. 15 (c) shows a command for inquiring the device ID of the option unit assigned to a specific logical ID.
D "command and its response. This command is an operator only command without an argument. For example," 00011010 "is a logical ID" 00 ".
Each option unit will be queried as to what is assigned to "0".

If the option unit having the assigned device ID is a large-volume feeder, a response of "00000010" (input option unit "0010" is assigned to the logical ID IN # 1) is then sent. Will return.

FIG. 15 (d) shows an "inquire device ID" command for inquiring whether or not a specific option unit can communicate, and a response corresponding thereto.

The device ID code to query the b ₃ ~b ₀ argument to this command, put Units - Type code to b _7, b ₆ operators. For example, “111 × 0010,00 × 11011”
Is a command for inquiring whether the input option unit "0010" (mass feed unit 17) is communicable.

If the large-volume sheet feeding unit 17 is assigned, a response of “000 × 0010” is returned.

As described above, the command operators b _{7 to} b ₅
Is the global ID address "110", it indicates that the command is a global ID command.

When a global ID command is transmitted from the print engine, all of the option units in a communicable state must execute the command according to this command as much as possible. However, the option unit does not issue a response to this command, and the print engine can issue the next command without having a response.

Initial Setup Next, the initial setup of this laser printer system will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG.

FIG. 16 shows the relationship between the transmission and reception of signals between the operation panel, the host system, the controller, the print engine, and each of the option units at the time of initialization, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print engine.

Mainly referring to FIG. 17, when the power is turned on (power is turned on) and when an initialization command is received from the controller, the print engine sends all additional device (option unit) initialization commands.

This initialization command may be a global ID command.

Then, the print engine itself performs initialization and self-diagnosis to perform initialization, and all communicable additional devices that have received the initialization command also perform initialization and self-diagnosis to initialize.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the printer system is an enhanced system. If YES, the printer system is an enhanced system. Therefore, the communication enable / disable state of all device IDs (48 IDs) is checked twice or more, and each device ID is checked. When the ID status becomes the same as the previous cycle, the status of each device ID is determined.

The reason why the results of the two confirmations are coincident is to prevent the state of the additional device in an unstable state such as a transient state when the power is turned on or off from being erroneously determined.

Next, one device ID is assigned to one logical ID in priority order, and a system configuration is established.

 Here, the priorities include the following 1 and 2.

Priority 1: Communication active device Priority 2: Younger device ID code On the other hand, if it is not an enhanced system, it is a basic system, so all logical ID units (5 IDs)
Is confirmed twice or more, and when the state of each logical ID unit becomes the same as the previous cycle, the state of each additional device is determined, and the system configuration is established.

The print engine must not issue any command to any option unit during initialization of the print engine itself.

Also, while any option unit is initializing itself, it must not send any response to the print engine.

After establishing the system configuration,
The print engine can communicate with the controller, but until then, the / PEDTR signal, which is a communication ready signal with the controller, must be turned off.

<< Response of Status Information >> Next, the response of the status information according to the present invention in the laser printer system will be described.

18 to 20 show the detailed flow of communication for the controller 2 to check the status of the print engine 3 and a specific option unit.

FIG. 21 shows the print engine status code responded by the print engine and its contents in FIG.
The options and responses to which the option unit responds are shown in the figure.
It shows the input / output unit status code and its contents.

The outline of communication between the controller, the print engine, and the option unit will be described with reference to these drawings.

First, as shown in FIG. 18, a "printer general status" code (a code for asking the general condition of the printer) is sent from the controller to the engine. Bit b _{0 of} this command
Bb ₆ = 0 indicates a request for a general status.

Engine contrast, returns the response, shows the overview of the b ₀ ~b of each bit of the ₆ "1" or "0" each of printer status.

Next, the controller sends a "print engine status" command to the engine for asking the status of the engine unit.

If bit b ₆ is "0" for this command, the engine to the controller, priority is shown in top priority (FIG. 21 among the states of the engine unit that currently exist "print engine status code" 1 → Responding high 64) information, if there is no information to be returned if the bit b ₆ of the response to "1", bit b ₅ ~b ₀ sends a response remains undefined.

Controller if bit b ₆ is "1" in the response, then stop the question the status to the engine at that time, moves to query status of the next Yunitsuto. If the bit b ₆ is "0" in response, because still known state information to be is present in the status punishment Hua of the engine and sends the code to ask the status of the engine again.

At this time, since the bits a b ₆ Not the priority information again to "1" in the command is sent, the bit b ₆ to ask the state of the next priority to "1" for "print engine status" A command is transmitted, and status information of the next priority is obtained according to a response from the engine.

The controller must keep asking until bit _{6 of} the response becomes "1". Thus, the controller can know all the current engine states.

The status code selected by the response is
As shown in FIG. 21, it follows a table agreed between the engine and the controller.

After the status inquiry to the engine is completed, the controller moves to the engine to inquire the status of each additional device (option unit).

That is a query command "Imp bracts Units - # 1 status", the bit b ₅ ~b ₀ is "001001".

Upon receiving this, the print engine sends an "ink unit status" command to the input unit # 1, and receives a response from the input unit # 1.

Rather than using the status information during this time, like the exchange between the controller and the engine, the command on the querying side has a bit (b ₆ ) indicating whether or not to ask the next priority information. has a bit (b ₆₎ indicating whether the status punishment Hua for state storage is empty the response status cross Hua until it can be seen that has decreased to empty, the controller Imp engine bracts Units - # 1
Query the status of.

The status code returned by the response is
As shown in FIG. 22, a table is established between the engine, the controller and the options.

The engine is thus input unit # 1
The status information obtained from is sent to the controller in response.

In the same manner, the controller passes through the engine,
The status of the input unit # 2, output unit # 1, output unit # 2, and double-sided unit is sequentially inquired.

Here, the response example of the engine unit status
Shown in the figure.

In this example, in the print engine, the paper feed tray in use has no paper (B) and the cover open # 1
(C) and paper jam # 1 (D) occur simultaneously,
Then, after the toner shortage (addition required) (A) occurs, the absence of paper in the paper tray in use (B) is resolved, and then (C) and (D) are resolved simultaneously. It is assumed that it has been resolved. The priority of each status (state) is (D) (C) (B) (A).

In the figure, 'ENQ' is the “print engine status” command, and INPS is the bit b of the command argument.
₆ (when “1”, the flag for asking the next priority), SBE sets the response bit b ₆ (when “1”, indicates that the status buffer is empty) The details of the "status" commands and their responses will be described.

This command is used when the argument is 80 in hex code.
_H, since (in hex code 05 _H) operator 'ENQ' is represented as 80 _H 'ENQ', status request
A command that queries the general status of the engine system, including the option units.

Each bit of the response indicating the status from the print engine to this command is as follows.

Response (status): b ₇ : “0” b ₆ : paper is present in the system paper path b ₅ : paper ejection ID is in the paper ejection buffer b ₄ : paper jam fixed b ₃ : print start ready (registration point
The ready) b _2: the start of paper feed (in Fuido) b _1: Status group code 1 b _0: "There is paper in the paper path of the system" status group code 0 (description) 1. any of the Imp bracts tray (screen Yunitsuto except for)
When there is any paper that has not been discharged to any of the output trays (except for the screen unit) in the paper path of the engine system including the double-sided pass, The flag is set to "1".

If there is no paper in the paper path of the engine system, this flag is set to "0".

2. The flag of "paper discharge ID exists in paper discharge ID buffer" is set to "1" when one sheet of paper has been discharged to an output tray other than the duplex unit. This flag is set to "0" when the paper discharge ID buffer becomes empty due to the issuance of the event report # 3 or the issuance of a response to the 'ACK' command.

If the paper ejection ID still remains in the paper ejection ID buffer, this flag remains "1", indicating that the paper ejection ID buffer is not empty.

The controller is “Ink Eye Exit Paper I
By issuing the D ": 'ACK' command, the delivery ID can be queried.

3. "Paper jam fixation" In some cases, even if a jam (paper jam) occurs in the engine system during printing, paper other than the jammed paper may be transported and discharged to the output tray.

Then, the jammed paper is fixed (fixed) when the discharge of the other paper is completed. The engine sets this flag to "1" when the jammed paper is fixed.

When this flag is "1", the controller can ask the ID number of the jam paper by issuing a status request command.

The engine sets this flag to "0" when it is confirmed that no paper remains in the paper path after the jam recovery operation is performed.

4. "Print state ready" This flag is set to "1" when the fed paper is ready to be printed at the registration location.
This flag is set to "0" when no paper is waiting for printing at the registration position.

When this flag is "1", the engine starts printing to execute the 'VT' command.

The controller may send a print start command without waiting for this flag, depending on the correct print sequence.

5. "Feed start (during feeding)" This flag is set to "1" when the engine starts feeding one sheet of paper.

This flag is set to "0" when the engine can start feeding the next paper from the currently used input tray. The timing at which this flag is set to "0" depends on what tray is to be used next.

6. "Status group code" This 2-bit flag indicates the general status of all engine systems.

 The meanings of these flags are as shown in FIG.

The status indicated with this status group code depends on the event report enabled state. This means that the status group code changes according to the bits b ₁ and b ₀ of the argument of the 'ETB' command which is a command of “event report enable”.

The relationship between the bits b ₁ and b ₀ and the contents of the general status indicated with the status
See Figure 25.

<< Notification of Event Report >> Hereinafter, a feature of the present invention according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

According to this embodiment, the printer system (engine +
When a state change occurs in the option unit, the engine can notify the controller of this by an event report, which is an asynchronous message.

Therefore, the method by which the controller sets whether or not to transmit asynchronous messages to the engine is based on the LPVI shown in FIG.
Asynchronous message from controller 2 to engine 3 shown in Fig. 4 etc. by means of / PERXD signal (event report)
A command for setting transmission permission, that is, a command “event report enable” composed of [argument + 'ETB'] is sent as shown in FIG. 26 (A).

On the other hand, transmission availability information 00Hex to 7
FHex is returned as a response to the controller 2 by the / PETXD signal.

Here, "ETB" of "event repeat enable"
The command and its response will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 (A) and (B).

The 'ETB' command is a command for enabling or disabling the engine to transmit various event reports for each event report number.

The format: "Agiyumento" + 'ETB'<17hex>_{Agiyumento; b 7: "1" b} 6 ~b 2: Lee pent Report Number b _1, b _0: Events enable condition Response: "enable flag" b _7: "0" b _{6 to} b ₂ : Event report number b ₁ , b ₀ : Event report enabled condition Default: In the default enable state immediately after power-up or initial setting, bits b ₁ and b ₀ are set to “00” for all event report numbers And the engine is prohibited from sending any event reports.

Preferably, the controller checks the diagnostic results of the engine after the initialization is completed. Therefore, the 'ETB' command is set to the default to prohibit the event report from being issued by the engine. Then, after initialization is complete, the controller queries the status of the engine or enables the issuance of an event report.

Here, the state changes that may occur in the engine, divided into 12 types as shown in FIG. 26 (A), adds the event report number as its identification number, it bit b ₆ ~b of Agiyumento this command Assign to ₂ .

Then, assign an indication of transmittable do specify undeliverable be specified bit b ₁ ~b _0.

Among them, for the event report # 4, the transmission availability is divided into the following four levels.

Bits b ₁ and b ₀ “1 1”; Send all the statuses that have occurred to all devices.

"1 0"; Sends all statuses that have occurred in the currently selected device or error status of serviceman call that has occurred in the currently unselected device.

"01"; Sends all the statuses that have occurred only to the currently selected device.

“0 0”; No event report is sent no matter what happens.

For other event reports, transmission permission / inhibition is not divided into levels, and either transmission permission or transmission impossibility is specified.

The controller transmits an 'ETB' command to the engine using these arguments, thereby setting whether or not to transmit an event report.

When a state change occurs in the engine 3, if transmission is specified, the state change is sent from the engine to the controller 2 as an event report with a code of 80Hex to FFHex by the / PETXD signal.

The format of this event report is shown in Fig. 14 (e).
As shown in the figure, the data is composed of 8 bits.

Here, the event report will be described in more detail.

The engine system stacks all state changes (events) occurring in the engine system as event reports in the event buffer while the event reportable condition is specified by the controller with the 'ETB' command.

Then, if the / PECTS signal is active, the engine continuously issues an event report. Ample event buffer capacity depends on the scale of the engine system, but 20 to 30 events will suffice.

 Next, a description will be given for each event report number.

A. Event Report # 0 (Sheet Feed / Print Event) This event report is sent to the controller when paper feed starts or when paper is ready for printing at the registration position.

_{Report: b 7 ~b 2: "100000} " b 1: print start the ready (the ready at the registration position) b _0: start feeding (in Fuido) print start the ready flag is printed in the paper feed has been paper resist position Set to “1” when ready.
This flag is set to "0" when there is no paper waiting for printing at the registration position.

In this event report, this flag is changed from “0” to “1”
It is issued the moment it changes to, and is not issued when it changes from "1" to "0".

When this event report is issued by the start of sheet feeding, this flag is fixed to "0".

Feed start (feed start) This flag is set to '1' when the engine system starts feeding one sheet of paper. This flag is set to "0" when the engine system can start feeding the next paper from the currently used paper feed tray.

The timing at which this flag is set to "0" depends on what tray is used next.

In this event report, this flag is changed from “0” to “1”
It is issued the moment it changes to, and is not issued when it changes from "1" to "0".

When this event report is issued for “print start ready”, this flag is fixed to “0”.

B. Event report # 4 (general status group code) This event report is sent to the controller when the status in the engine system changes.

Report: b _{7 to} b ₂ : “100100” b ₁ : General status group code 1 b ₀ : General status group code 2 This “general status group code” flag indicates the general status of the engine system. The meaning of the flag is as follows.

For details, see FIGS. 21 and 24. b ₁ b ₀ Error name 0 0 No error (ready) 0 1 Calibration 1 0 Busy 1 1 Error The status indicated with this status group code depends on the event reportable condition. See FIG. 25 for possible conditions.

C. Event report # 5, # 6, # 7, # 8, # 9 Event report # 5 Input unit # 1 status group code Event report # 6 Input unit # 2 Status group code Event report # 7 Double-sided unit # 2 Status group code Event report # 8 Output unit # 1 Status group code Event report # 9 Output unit # 2 Status group code These event reports are sent when the level of the "status group code" of each unit changes. .

_{Report: b 7: "1" b} 6 ~b 2: Event Report Number b _1: option Chillon Units - status group code 1 b _2: option of Chillon Units - status group code 0 of each Yunitsuto "status group code" is "option Chillon Units - di-energy Lal status Is the same as

D. Event Report # 12 (Top Jam Paper ID) This event report is issued when the position of the jam paper is fixed, that is, the “paper jam fix flag” of “printer general status” changes from “0” to “1”. Sent to the controller when it changes.

_{Report: b 7 ~b 4: "1011} " B 3 ~B 0: top Jiyamupepa ID (21 see printer di ENE Lal status codes view) E. Event Report # 16 (Imp bract tray paper end) of the event report Is sent to the controller when any input tray state in the system changes between a paper empty state and a paper present state.

Report: b _{7 to} b ₄ : “1100” b ₃ : “X” (reserved) b ₂ : Paper end / exit b ₁ , b ₀ : Input unit number Any input of any input unit When the state of the tray changes to an empty state, the bits b ₁ and b ₀ are set to the input unit number of the bit b.
This event report is sent with _{2 set} to “1”.

Then, when any of the input tray states of any of the input units changes to a state in which paper is present, bits b ₁ and b ₀ are set to the input unit number, and bit b _{2 is set} to “0”. Leverage event report is sent.

F. Event Report # 20 (Output Tray Paper Full) This event report is generated when any output tray status in the system changes between a paper full status and a paper full status. Sent to controller.

_{Report: b 7 ~b 4: "1101} " b 3: "X" ( spare) b _2: paper full / non full b _1, b _0: Autopu bract Units - number either one of Autopu bract Units - Autoputsuto when the tray status changed to paper full state, the bit b ₂ where the bit b _1, b ₀ to the Autopu bracts Units - number by excisional to '1', the event report is sent.

Then, when any output tray state of any output unit changes to a state where the paper is not full, bits b ₁ and b ₀ are set to the output unit number, and bit b _{2 is set} to “0”. This event report is sent.

G. Event Report # 24 (Discharge Paper ID) This event report is sent to the controller when a print cycle is completed and one sheet of paper is completely discharged to the specified output tray.

_{Report: b 7 ~b 2: "1110} " B 3 ~B 0: discharging paper ID H. Event Report # 28 (configurator BRITAIN Yoo rate Chillon change) This event report, configurator BRITAIN Yu rate Chillon system (valid configuration Sent to the controller when the state changes.

_{Report: b 7 ~b 4: "1111} " b 3: Communication flag b ₂ ~b _0: Logical ID code communication flag is optional Chillon Units - Assigned logical ID code specified correctly communicate with the print engine Set to "1" when possible.

This flag is set to '0' when communication between the assigned Option Unit and the print engine is disabled, either because the power is turned off or certain communications are broken.

This event report is issued at both timings of change from “0” to “1” and change from “1” to “0”.

Event report possible conditions a. For event report # 0 b ₁ : 1/0; "Print start ready" event enable / disable b ₀ : 1/0; "Paper start" event enable / disable b. Event report # See FIG. 25 for 4.

c. For other event reports, b ₁ : “X”; Reserved b ₀ : 1/0; Event report enable / disable As described above, according to this embodiment, the controller has one type of control. The status of the printer system (engine + additional device) can be known by a command.

To know the status of the printer system, refer to FIGS.
The controller 2 is controlled by the / PERXD signal of LPVI shown in the figure.
From the state detection command described above with respect to the engine 3 "printer di energy Lal status" command (80 _H 'E
NQ ').

On the other hand, the response of the status information from the engine 3 is / P
Returned to controller 2 by ETXD signal.

Before the controller 2 transmits this command, an “event report enable” command (Argument + 'ETB': Argument) is used to specify the range of each device (engine or additional device) in which the status information is reflected. (Determined) is sent to the engine 3 by the / PERXD signal, thereby returning the state information for the devices within the specified range to the controller 2.

Here, according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 27 and 28, when the power is turned on (power is turned on) and when a print request is issued from the host system, the controller specifies the device range of the state information and reads the subsequent process. An example will be described.

 The processing at the time of power ON is performed as shown in FIG.

Controller 2, it is necessary to preliminarily grasp the status of the printer system at the time of the initial state, after Serufuchietsuku and internal initialization, (bits b _1, b ₀ of Agiyumento) 'ETB' command allows conditions for the engine 3 after sending set to "11", "printer di energy Lal status" by sending a command 80 _H "ENQ", the printer di energy Lal status (to be read one information code indicating to group the current state Thus, the status of the entire printer system can be known.

Then, if the printer general status indicates a ready state, the controller 2 can proceed to the next processing without inquiring each device.

If the printer general status shows a status other than ready, query and read the status details (status in the status group code shown in Fig. 21), which is the cause of the printer not being ready for the first time, and read the content. A warning may be displayed on the LCD display 250 in FIG.

Next, the processing during the printing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

When there is a print request from the host system, the controller 2 is started up according to the flow of data processing shown in FIG.
Then, the print control unit 203 fetches a feed / discharge destination command and a print mode (single-sided or double-sided printing) command from the print control file 22g, and establishes the command for the engine 3.

If the paper feed, paper discharge destination, and print mode are determined, in the system as shown in FIG. 12, the additional device to be activated at the time of the print operation is determined. Management can be ignored.

Yotsute, 'ETB' to enable condition command "01" after sending by setting (25 see figure) to the engine, sends a "printer di energy Lal status" command 80 _H 'ETB', select The busy image processing can be managed by reading the printer general status (group code) indicating the state of only the selected device.

If the read printer general status is ready or caution, image processing and printing are executed, and this is repeated until printing is completed.

If the printer general status indicates an error state during a printing operation, the error content should be postponed and error processing must be rushed (such as outputting a busy signal to the host system). ) Is performed first, and then the details of the status are read by inquiring about the details of the error, and the LCD display 250 shown in FIG. 7 is read.
May be performed.

As described above, the “printer general status”, which is one information code indicating the current state of the printer system as a group, and the “ETB” command that controls the range of the device in which the content of the information code is reflected are possible. The condition settings can be used effectively.

In the embodiment described above, the controller 2 and the engine 3 are built in the printer main body 4 as shown in FIG. 4, but the controller 2 'is connected to the host system 1' as shown in FIG. The present invention can be similarly applied to a laser printer system built in and connected to the engine 3 by LPVI.

Further, the present invention is not limited to a laser printer system,
The present invention is also applicable to an image forming system using another page printer, a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine, or the like.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, in the image forming system according to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus and the additional apparatus, the current state is grouped into one information code (printer general status) to form the image processing apparatus (controller) or the host. Since the information can be transmitted to the system, the image processing apparatus or the host system can quickly grasp the state of the entire system, and can improve the efficiency and simplification of the processing.

Further, when a state change occurs in the image forming apparatus or the additional apparatus, the change can be immediately notified to the image processing apparatus as an asynchronous message.

At this time, if the type of the state change is designated by an identification number added by grouping and the state change can be selected when the state change occurs to the image processing apparatus, Can efficiently notify only information that the user wants to know immediately. In addition, according to the type of the controller and the operation state, it is also possible to efficiently notify only information at a necessary level by the importance of the state change and the device in which the state change has occurred.

Further, by providing the image processing apparatus or the host system with means for controlling the range of the apparatus in which the content of the information code is reflected, it is possible to request an information code suitable for the current state of the image forming apparatus or the host system. As a result, the efficiency and simplification of processing can be further improved, and even if the number of additional devices increases, the management of the state becomes easy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a basic embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command issued from the image forming apparatus main body to each additional apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of another basic embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a laser printer system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a controller 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the relationship between each buffer and file in FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is an external view showing a specific example of the operation panel 25 in FIG. 5, and FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a file format of the IC card 6 in FIG. 5, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of LPVI signals in this embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a print area in this embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between image signals, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an engine body constituting the printer system, and a schematic diagram of a mechanism section of various option units connected thereto, and FIG. FIG. 14, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of commands and responses used between the controller and the print engine, and FIG. 15 is used for communication between the print engine and each option unit. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of commands and responses, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system at the time of power-on and initialization execution in this embodiment, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print engine at that time, FIG. FIGS. 21 to 22 are flow charts showing the exchange of commands and responses when the status of the print engine and the option unit are confirmed by the controller. FIGS. 21 and 22 show the status of the print engine used for the communication. Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a table of codes and option unit status codes. Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of response of an engine unit status. Fig. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a status group code and a status level represented thereby. Fig. 25 shows the bit b ₁ of the argument of the 'ETB' command. b
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the contents of the general status indicated with ₀ and a status group code, etc. FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (B) are flow charts showing a part of communication of setting of various parameters and inquiry 27 and 28 are flowcharts showing an example of a device range designation of status information by the controller at the time of power ON and a print request from the host system and a subsequent reading process, and FIG. 29 is another flowchart of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser printer system according to an embodiment. 1, 1 ': Host system 2, 2': Controller (image processing unit) 3: Print engine (image forming unit) 4: Image forming apparatus (printer) main body 5, 5A to 5G: Various additional devices 10 Engine body 13 Reversing device (reversing paper ejection device) 15 Mail box (multi-stage paper ejection device) 16 Double-sided unit (double-sided conveyance device) 17 Large-volume paper feeding unit (large-volume paper feeding device) 18: Large-volume paper-discharge unit (large-volume paper-discharge unit) 19: Printer table 20: CPU of controller, 25: Operation panel 27: Option interface 29: Engine interface 30: Engine control unit ( Engine driver) 31 CPU of engine control unit 35 Engine option interface 36 Controller interface

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for receiving character information or image information from a host system to generate image image information, and an image forming apparatus for receiving the image image information from the image processing apparatus and forming an image on a recording medium And an additional device which is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and which feeds, discharges, or conveys the recording medium, and which is connected through an interface. The device and the additional device are provided with means for grouping a current state into one information code and transmitting the information code to the image processing device. When a change in the state occurs in the image forming device or the additional device, the change is asynchronous. An image forming system comprising: a status change notification unit that notifies the image processing apparatus of a message. 2. An image forming apparatus which receives image information from a host system to form an image on a recording medium, and which is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and feeds the recording medium.
In an image forming system comprising various additional devices for discharging or transporting and connecting them via an interface, the current state is grouped into one information code by the image forming device and the additional device. And a status change notifying means for notifying the host system as an asynchronous message when a status change occurs in the image forming apparatus or the additional device. Image forming system. 3. The image processing apparatus or the host system according to claim 1,
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a unit configured to control a range of the image forming apparatus and an additional apparatus in which the content of the information code is reflected on the information code.