JP3325425B2 - Digital copier network system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital copying machine network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for various purposes, a plurality of image signal output means such as an image scanner, a word processor, and a personal computer for outputting image signals, and a plurality of printers each for forming an image by each of the image signals. Has been proposed.

[0003] For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-21190, a plurality of image signal output devices and a plurality of image forming devices are organically coupled by respective functions such as recording, storage, and communication of image information. There is an image forming system that allows free access from any place to another place. Further, as disclosed in JP-A-5-304575, there is a system for connecting a digital copying machine to increase the copying operation speed.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned prior art is aimed at sharing image data, so that the functions of the whole system can be improved, such as transfer of parameter set values, copy conditions, backup, message exchange, and the like. It was not intended to improve reliability.

Therefore, the present invention can prevent loss of set values due to electrical injury or malfunction on a network system, erroneous operation by an operator, etc., and can improve the reliability of the entire system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital copying machine network system capable of improving overall operability and productivity.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a digital copying machine network system according to the present invention connects a plurality of digital copying machines via communication means for communicating operation commands, status, image information, and the like. A digital copying machine network system, comprising: setting means for setting control parameters and the like; and setting values stored in a non-volatile RAM so that the setting values do not disappear even after power is turned off / on. In a network system including at least one copying machine having storage means, a part or all of the set values are copied and stored in another copying machine on the same network system, and stored in the original copying machine as necessary. This configuration is provided with a setting value backup unit to be reflected again.

A digital copying machine network system according to the present invention is a digital copying machine network system in which a plurality of digital copying machines are connected via communication means for communicating operation commands, status, image information, and the like. Input means for inputting, storage means for storing the input copy conditions, transfer means for transferring the stored copy conditions to another copy machine on the network system, a transfer destination copy machine and an instruction for starting transfer. A copy condition transfer unit that, when instructed to transfer the copy condition by the instruction unit, reflects the copy condition set by the transfer source copy machine to the transfer destination copy machine. is there.

A digital copying machine network system according to the present invention inputs a message in a digital copying machine network system in which a plurality of digital copying machines are connected via communication means for communicating operation commands, status, image information and the like. Alternatively, there is provided a selecting means, an instructing means for instructing a transfer destination of the message, and a display means for transferring and displaying the message to another copying machine on the network system designated by the instructing means. .

[0009]

[Explanation and Definition of Terms] Terms used in this specification will be explained and defined below.

(1) Image reading device, image reading unit Digital copier (hereinafter referred to as digital PPC or simply PP)
Also called C. The "image reading device" used in (1) is a device that irradiates a document with a light source, converts the reflected light into an electric signal using a "solid-state image forming device" such as a CCD, and performs "necessary image processing". Is used. here,
The "required image processing", quantization: converting the analog data converted into an electric signal by CCD 2 value or multi-value data, Shedin grayed correction: a light source for illuminating the document illumination unevenness and, the CCD It shows processing such as correcting sensitivity variation, MTF correction: correcting blur caused by an optical system, and scaling processing: changing image reading density and interpolating data using read image data.

(2) Image Forming Apparatus and Image Writing Section An “image forming apparatus” or “image writing section” used in a digital PPC converts an image sent by an electric signal into an electrophotographic, heat-sensitive, thermal transfer, ink jet, or the like. This is a device for forming on plain paper, thermal paper, etc. by means.

(3) Video signal and image data Synchronize with the electric signal of the image converted by the above-mentioned "image reading apparatus", the electric signal of the image inputted to the "image forming apparatus", and the electric signal of the image. Are collectively expressed as "video signal" or "image data".

(4) Control Signals and Commands In order to exchange a “video signal” between an “image reading device”, an “image forming device”, and an “application”, it is necessary to exchange information between the devices. This means is referred to as "control signal" or "command" issuance.

(5) Extended Function, Application, Memory Function, Memory Unit A major feature of the digital PPC is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is restored by the image forming apparatus. By providing means for changing and transmitting the read electrical signal in various ways, it can be applied to fields other than the conventional analog PPC. In addition to realizing functions such as FAX, page printer, scanner, and file system, recently, even when executing the PPC function, the read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM, and the image data is stored as necessary. By reading, a function of executing a plurality of prints in one scan at the time of a plurality of copies, a function of printing a plurality of documents on one sheet of transfer paper (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a memory function), and the like are also realized. Functions that can be realized by these digital PPC systems are expressed as “extended functions” or “applications (hereinafter abbreviated as applications)”. In addition,
In the present invention, as described later, the memory unit is also used as a buffer for transferring image data between machines on a network.

(6) System controller, system In carrying out the copy mode, in order to form an image in the image writing section, a paper transport process, an electrophotographic process process, an abnormal state and a paper cassette state (such as presence or absence of paper). In-flight monitoring, etc.
In addition, a controller that controls a scanner operation, ON / OFF of a light source, and the like in order to read an image by the image reading unit is generically referred to as a “system controller”. Furthermore, recent digital PPCs have been equipped not only with one extended function but also with a plurality of applications simultaneously. Thus, digital PPC sharing one resource
May be expressed as a “system”, and a controller that controls this system may be expressed as a “system controller”.

(7) Resources, Resources Functional unit units shared by a plurality of applications are expressed as “resource” and “resource”. The above-mentioned "system controller" controls the system on a resource-by-resource basis. The resources managed by the system according to the present invention include “image reading device”, “image forming device”, “operation unit”, “memory”, “peripheral devices (ie, ADF, sorter, automatic duplex unit, etc.)” and the like. It is.

(8) Restriction on Users In particular, there is a case where it is not desirable to permit unlimited use of a PPC using an electrophotographic process because of its large consumption.
At this time, in order to identify, limit, and manage "users,"
Use a "user restricted device" such as a "coin rack", "key counter", "key card", "prepaid card", or a "password".

(9) User setting When the system becomes complicated, it is necessary to individually deal with each user. Since it is impossible to satisfy all of these measures at the time of factory shipment, measures in the market are indispensable. Therefore, normally, a non-volatile RAM is provided to enable system setting according to customer's request, but this function is expressed as "user setting".

(10) Idle State A state in which no operation by the user is performed for a certain period of time is referred to as an “idle state”, and other states are referred to as a “busy state”. The time until the transition from the "busy state" to the "idle state" is user-configurable. For example, not only during the copying operation but also after the copying operation is completed, the state does not transition to the “idle state” unless the user does not operate for a certain period of time.

(11) Human body detection sensor The human body detection sensor comprises an infrared light emitting diode, an optical system for restricting the emission of infrared light in a certain direction, and an infrared light receiving sensor for detecting reflected light of the emitted infrared light. It is configured to detect an object (operator or the like) within a distance and send a signal to a control board on the PPC main body side. Further, a detection distance switch is provided inside the human body detection sensor, and the detection distance can be switched, for example, in two stages. By arranging the human body detection sensor on the front of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to confirm whether an operator is in front of the apparatus.

(12) Weekly timer This is a function for turning on / off the power in accordance with the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week. For this function, an operation for adjusting the time of the clock module and an operation for setting the ON / OFF time for each day of the week are required. In the present invention, the clock function does not need to be provided in all copying machines in the network system. In a copying machine having no clock function, only the ON / OFF time for each day of the week may be set, and the time adjustment operation is not required. Further, the set time may be transferred from all the copying machines having no clock function to a copying machine having a clock capable of performing a clock adjustment operation and performing the time adjustment. FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a power supply system configuration. In the power supply unit 60, a constant voltage VL for light loads such as a CPU and various sensors and a constant voltage VH for heavy loads such as a motor, a clutch, and a heater, which are generated from a commercial power supply, are supplied to each unit. However, a backup power supply when the commercial power supply is cut off is connected to the clock IC and the RAM (not shown). The relay driver 61 includes a solid state relay (SSR) 62 inserted into the light load constant voltage VL supply line of the power supply unit 60 in accordance with an instruction from the main body control board of the digital copier main body, and a heavy load relay The solid state relays 63 inserted into the supply line of the constant voltage power supply VH are individually energized / deenergized. The copier body uses the same function to deactivate only the VH side, thereby realizing an automatic power ON / OFF function using a weekly timer or the like.

(13) Preheating The fixing temperature is controlled by lowering the fixing temperature by a certain temperature (for example, 10 ° C.).
In this mode, power consumption is saved by turning off the operation unit display. The setting of this mode is automatically set after a lapse of a certain period of time after the operation and the operation are lost by the key input on the operation unit or the machine setting. This mode is canceled when a human body detection sensor detects that a person stands in front of the machine by key input on the operation unit or machine setting.

(14) Reload A state in which the fixing temperature reaches the fixing-possible temperature and copying is possible is called reloading.

(15) Interrupt mode This is a mode in which a copy operation is temporarily interrupted and another copy is performed during the execution and operation of the copy operation.
By setting this mode, the previous copy mode and, if the copying is in progress, the progress information are stored in the non-volatile RAM, the mode is shifted to the interruption mode, and the mode is initialized. When the interrupt mode is released after execution of the copy operation, the mode and information stored in the nonvolatile RAM are returned, the state before the interrupt mode is set is restored, and the mode before the interrupt can be continued by restarting. The setting / cancellation of this mode can be performed using keys on the operation unit.

(16) CSS (or Remote Diagnosis System, Image Forming Apparatus Management System) FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus managing system. A management device 70 installed at a service base and devices such as PPCs 71... Installed at the user are connected via a public network 72. A communication control device 73 for controlling communication with the management device 70 is installed on the user side, and the user's original PPC 71 is connected to the communication control device 73. The communication control device 73 includes a telephone 74 and a facsimile 7
5 is connectable and can be installed by inserting it into a user's existing line. Although a plurality of PPCs 71 can be connected to the communication control device 73, there may of course be a single PPC 71. These PPCs 71 need not be of the same type, and may be different models or devices other than the PPC. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five PPCs can be connected to one communication control device 73. The communication control device 73 and the plurality of PPCs 71 are connected in a multi-drop manner according to the RS-485 standard. Communication control device 7
3 and each PPC 71 are controlled by a basic data transmission control procedure. By establishing a data link by a polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 73 as a control station, communication with an arbitrary PPC is possible. Each PP
C71 can be set to a unique value by an address setting switch, whereby the polling address and the selecting address of each PPC 71 are determined.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The construction and operation of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a general digital copier system, and FIG. 2 shows a general stand-alone digital PPC.
The following shows an example of the hardware configuration. In FIG. 1, 1 is an original feeder (ADF), 2 is an operation unit, 3 is an image reading device, 4 is an image forming device, 5 is a duplex unit, 6 is a paper sorting device (sorter), and 7 is a paper feed cassette. , 8 is an extended function unit, 9
Is a user restricted device.

The system configuration of the PPC shown in FIG. 2 includes a system controller 11, an image reading unit 12, a memory unit 13, an image writing unit 14, and a user-restricted device 1.
5. Human body detection sensor 16, remote diagnostic device (CSS) 1
7 and a clock 18. However, the memory unit 13 is necessary only for realizing a memory function, and is not necessary only for realizing a normal copy function. Further, the clock 18 is necessary only when a weekly timer function is realized such that the machine is booted or shut down at a specific time. In the present invention, when the weekly timer function is realized by using the clock of another copying machine in the network system, only one of the units in the system needs to have the same function. In addition, the human body detection is necessary only when realizing a function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when a user approaches the machine in the preheating mode, and the CSS 17 performs a remote diagnosis, that is, a machine error occurs. In this case, the function is a function for automatically notifying the service center or monitoring the execution state / use state of the machine from a remote place. Therefore, it is sufficient to mount the function only when such a function is required.

A DRAM block 19 in the memory unit 13 shown in FIG. 2A is for storing an image signal read from the image reading section 12, and writes an image in response to a request from the system controller 11. The image data stored in the unit 14 can be transferred. The compression block 20 has a compression function such as MH, MR, or MMR, and can compress a once read image to improve the use efficiency of a memory (DRAM). In the figure, 21 is a DMA block, 22 is an image data bus, and 23 is a system bus.

The configuration shown in FIG.
2, image writing unit 14, memory unit 13, CSS
17 is controlled by one CPU of the system controller 11.
11a only. On the other hand, in the configuration of FIG. 2B (portions shared with FIG. 2A are denoted by common reference numerals), the image reading unit 12 and the memory unit 1
3. CPUs 12a and 13
a, 14a, and a system hardware configuration for transmitting a command from the system controller 11 to each controller through a control signal line 24.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a digital copying machine network when the present invention is carried out.
(A) The eight digital PPCs 30 shown in FIG. 2 (B) are networked via the network interface 31, but in the present invention, the number of connected copies is not limited to the illustrated number.

Next, an example of a hardware configuration for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the hardware configuration of the digital PPCs 40 and 41 is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 2A, but the read image is transferred to an external network in the memory unit. Alternatively, in order to save image data from the network in the DRAM block unit 19 in the memory unit 13, a SCSI (Small)
Computer System Interface
e) 25 and SCSI controller 26 are used.
Naturally, network communication means include, for example:
Ethernet is used as a physical means, and OS is used for data communication.
Various means are conceivable, such as using TCP / IP communication of an I (Open System Interface) reference model. Also, by using the configuration as shown in FIG.
Control commands such as an in-machine status notification of each machine existing on the network, a control command such as a remote output command described later, a setting command, a time and weekly timer setting status notification command according to the present invention, and a power ON / OFF request command can also be transferred. .

Next, the operation of transferring the image read by the digital PPC 40 to the image writing section 14 of the digital PPC 41 (hereinafter, referred to as remote output) will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a software configuration for implementing the present invention, and FIG. 6 is data (command) flowing between the layers shown in FIG.
It is the figure which showed the flow in time series.

A copy application 50 shown in FIG. 5 is an application for executing a copy sequence for executing a copy operation. An input / output control 51 is a layer (device driver) for logically / physically converting data. Is an MMI (Man Machine In)
layer (LCD display or LE)
D: ON / OFF, key input scan, etc. are performed at a logical level. The peripheral controller 53 is a layer that executes at a logical level control of peripherals mounted on a PPC such as an automatic duplex unit, a sorter, and an ADF. The image forming apparatus controller 54, the image reading apparatus controller 55, and the memory unit 13 are as described above. In addition, when a print request is requested from another machine on the network, the daemon process 56 reads out image data stored in the memory unit 13 and transfers the image data to the image forming apparatus. Existing. Of course, before the daemon process 56 reads an image from the memory unit 13 and executes a print operation, the image transfer from another machine on the network must be completed.

Here, an operation unit, a peripheral device, an image forming apparatus,
The image reading device and the memory unit 13
It is treated as a resource (resource) held by the PC. In the case where the digital PPC 40 shown in the figure executes a copying operation using its own resources (when the print start key is pressed)
Has a system controller (system controller) 5
7 requests the system control unit 57 for the resources of the image forming apparatus, the image reading apparatus, or the peripheral device and the memory unit as required. System control unit 57
Performs arbitration of the resource use right in response to a request from the copy application 50, and notifies the copy application 50 of the arbitration result (usability or non-usability). In a case where the digital PPC 40 is used in a stand-alone state (a state in which the network is not connected to the network), the copy application 50 is immediately executed because all the resources held by the system can be occupied by the copy application 50. On the other hand, when performing a composite copy using another machine (hereinafter referred to as a remote digital PPC, a resource (scanner) of the digital PPC 41 in the illustrated example) existing on the network, a resource is transmitted to the system controller 57 of the digital PPC 41. Request the right to use. The system controller 57 of the digital PPC 41
Performs the resource arbitration according to the request, and notifies the application of the requesting machine (digital PPC 40) of the result. The application of the digital PPC 41 reads the image when the usage right is permitted, and when the image storage in the memory unit 13 is completed, the external interface (in this embodiment, the SCSI2
The image is transferred to the memory unit 13 of the remote output destination machine via 5). When the image transfer is completed, a print start command is transmitted after transmitting various conditions (paper feed port, paper discharge port, number of prints, etc.) for executing printing to the daemon process 56 of the remote output destination machine. . Upon receiving the print start command, the remote output destination daemon process 56 requests the system controller 57 of itself (the machine that executes the remote output) to start printing, and the remote output is executed by the system controller 57. .

As shown in FIG. 6, when the memory unit 13 of the digital PPC 41 is used by the digital PPC 40, the memory unit 13 of the digital PPC 41 can be used by itself or a plurality of digital PPCs as shown in FIG. When connected above, use of digital PPC applications other than the digital PPC 40 is disabled.

The "FGATE assert" command from the system controller 57 to the daemon process 56 shown in FIG. 6 is a command issued when the fed paper reaches the registration roller position. This is necessary to synchronize the leading edge of the paper with the writing position of the output image from inside the memory unit 13.

Next, the operation and processing of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows an image read by the digital PPC 40 as described above,
An operation flow for transferring and printing (remote output) to one image forming apparatus is shown. The remote output corresponds to a “memory use request” (command 1 in FIG. 6) from the digital PPC 40 to the digital PPC 41. On the other hand, it is valid only when "use permission" (command 2 in FIG. 6) is given from the system controller 57. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the system controller 57 of the digital PPC 41 receives the “memory use request” (the command of 1 in FIG. 7) from the digital PPC 40, the system controller 57 responds according to the use status of the system as shown in FIG. To execute the “arbitration process”, and the result of the “arbitration process” (2 command in FIG. 7)
To the digital PPC 41. Naturally, as a result of the arbitration, as shown in FIG. 6, the request for the right to use the memory unit 13 of the digital PPC 41 may be permitted, or the request for the right to use may be rejected. If the request for the right to use is rejected, the digital PPC 40 interrupts the processing or
Alternatively, the processing is continued using only the resources owned by itself.

Although FIG. 6 shows only the minimum information required for the operation of simply executing the remote output, when a peripheral device of a remote digital PPC such as the digital PPC 41 is actually used, the memory is not used. It is necessary to request not only the right to use the remote digital PPC but also peripheral device resources. In particular, regarding the use of the paper discharge sorting device (sorter), if the arbitration is insufficient, the output paper (transfer paper) of the digital PPC 40 and the digital PPC 41 will be used.
Are mixed in the paper discharge port.

Next, a setting value backup process according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The setting value to be backed up includes the above-mentioned "user setting", which is stored in the nonvolatile RAM because it is necessary to keep it even after the power is turned off. However, the correct set value may be lost, for example, an electrical failure due to static electricity or noise, or erroneous data being written due to an erroneous operation by an operator. For this reason, when the "user setting" is changed or when the copying machine is connected to the network system for the first time, a backup process is performed in which the "user setting" is transferred to another copying machine on the network and stored in the nonvolatile RAM. .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a backup process performed when the power is turned on. When the power of the copier is turned on, a connection process to the network system is performed. In the process of FIG. 8, a command (remote machine registration command) for causing another machine on the network to recognize itself is first transmitted to the network. It is issued to all the above copying machines (step 1). This command includes the type and function information of the copy machine of the issuing source, connection state information of peripheral devices such as a sorter, and the like. When a remote machine registration command is issued, a remote machine configuration notification command is issued as an acknowledgment response from another machine. This command, like the remote machine registration command, includes the type and function information of the copy machine of the issuing source, connection state information of peripheral devices such as a sorter, and the like. In addition, the command includes whether the source copier has the “user setting” backup data of the copier that issued the remote machine registration command, and stores the new backup data in the source copier. The copier on the power-on side receives the command from all copiers in the system (step 2) and checks whether it has backup data. (Step 3), one copier with data
If no copy is found, a "user setting" backup request command is transmitted to any one of the copy machines that has notified that backup is possible, and the ID of the copy machine is stored (steps 4 and 5). The backup request command contains all the “user setting” data that you want to store, and the copier that receives it stores the transmitted data in the nonvolatile RAM along with the ID number of the source copier and the date and time when it was stored. I do. If two or more copiers having backup data are found in step 2, a backup data deletion request command is issued to the other copiers except for the one having the latest data (steps 6 and 7). .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a backup data update process performed when "user setting" is changed. First, it is confirmed whether a copying machine storing the backup data of the own machine still exists on the network (step 1), and if the connection can be confirmed, a backup request command is issued to the copying machine (step 2). On the other hand, if no copying machine having backup data is found on the network in step 1, a remote machine configuration data transmission request is issued to each copying machine in the system (step 3). Similarly to the processing, a remote machine configuration notification command is received from each copying machine (step 4), a copy machine capable of backing up is searched, and a backup request command is issued to any one of the copying machines (step 5). The ID is stored (step 6).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the "user setting" data performed when correct "user setting" data is lost. This processing is performed, for example, when the nonvolatile RAM data is destroyed, or when correct setting data is erased by an erroneous operation of the operator. In this process, first, it is confirmed whether a copying machine having backup data is connected on the network (step 1), and if so, a backup data return request command is issued (step 2). Upon receiving this, the copy machine returns a backup data return command including backup data corresponding to the requesting copy machine ID (step 3). Based on this command, the "user setting" data is backed up. It is restored to the state when it was done (step 4). On the other hand, if the copying machine having the backup data is not found on the network in step 1, a message indicating that the power of the copying machine having the backup data is turned on or connected to the network system is displayed on the operation unit ( Step 5), wait for the copier to be found on the network.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the operation unit LCD display screen 80 when performing a copy condition transfer process for reflecting the copy conditions set by the transfer source copy machine on the transfer destination copy machine. The operation unit LCD 80 is a touch panel, and is configured so that an operator can set a copy mode by pressing a key (shown by a rectangular frame in each drawing) that appears on the LCD screen. If the operator stops using the copying machine that had been copying for some reason and has to move to another copying machine to carry out the subsequent work and processing, the following processing is performed to perform arbitrary copying. Setting conditions can be transferred to the machine. In FIG. 11, when a "transfer of copy condition" key 81 displayed on operation unit LCD 80 is pressed, a copy machine on a network system capable of transferring copy conditions is displayed on operation unit LCD 80 as shown in FIG. Are all displayed (indicated by the arrow 82 in the figure), and can be selected by the operator.

At this time, a command (copy condition transfer permission status notification request) is issued to each copying machine on the network as to whether transfer of the copying condition is possible, and each copying machine sends the command to the copying machine that issued the command. A copy condition transfer permission status command is issued to notify whether the copy condition can be accepted. A copying machine that cannot accept the transfer (for example, when the copying machine is operating or does not have the same function as the transfer source copying machine) notifies that the transfer cannot be accepted. It is displayed in a hanging manner so that keys are not accepted. Note that “operating device” in the figure is its own device. On this screen, for example, if "copying machine 2 " is selected and the "setting end" key is pressed, the copying condition setting state of the copying machine (FIG. 12)
Copies 1O coins in the example, the automatic exposure mode, the automatic paper selection mode, magnification magnification, stack mode, etc.) is a copying machine 2
Forwarded to. In addition, information indicating how far copying has progressed in this setting is also transmitted at the same time. The transfer process is performed by issuing a copy condition transfer command to the copying machine 2. The command includes the copy condition of the transfer source copying machine and information on how far the copy has progressed (the number of copies completed). Etc.) are included. Receiving the same command, the copying machine 2 performs processing for reflecting the transmitted copying conditions as its own copying conditions.

Next, a message transfer process for transferring and displaying a message to another copying machine on the network system designated by the designation means will be described. When the message transfer key 83 is pressed on the LCD display screen 80 of FIG.
Is displayed. Here, the “operating device” refers to the own device. In this screen, for example, when "copying machine 1" is selected and the "setting end" key is pressed, FIG.
A message selection screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. Here, by selecting an appropriate message and pressing a transmission start key, a re-message is transmitted. The message is transmitted to the selected copying machine (here, copying machine 1).
This command includes the data length of the message and the message data in the form of an ASCII character string. Upon receiving the command, the copying machine 1 displays the received ASCII character string data on the operation unit as shown in FIG.

[0047]

As described above, in the digital copying machine network system according to the first aspect, important data such as set values are transferred to another copying machine on the network and can be read out as necessary. Since the backup function is provided, important data stored in the nonvolatile RAM can be easily prevented from being lost due to an electrical failure due to static electricity or noise, or erroneous data being written by an operator's erroneous operation. There is an effect that can be.

As described above, the digital copying machine network system according to the second aspect is provided with a transfer function for transferring the setting of the copying condition to an arbitrary copying machine on the network system. If you need to change the copy machine because the machine cannot be used in the middle, etc., you can save the trouble of having to make the same setting on the copy machine that you have started using twice, and operate the entire system. This has the effect of increasing productivity and productivity.

The digital copying machine network system according to the third aspect exchanges arbitrary messages between copying machines on the network system as described above.
In addition, because the system is configured to display the sent message, it provides a means of exchanging information within the system, allowing the user to quickly know the usage status of other copiers, improving operability and productivity of the entire system. There is an effect that it can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a general digital copying machine system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a general stand-alone digital PPC.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a digital copying machine network when embodying the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a software configuration example for implementing the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing a command flow between the layers shown in FIG. 5 in chronological order.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing in chronological order a command flow between the layers shown in FIG. 5 when performing arbitration processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a backup process performed when the power is turned on.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a backup data update process performed when a user setting is changed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of user setting data performed when correct user setting data is lost.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation unit LCD display screen when performing a copy condition transfer process for reflecting a copy condition set by a transfer source copy machine on a transfer destination copy machine;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an operation unit LCD display screen when performing a copy condition transfer process for reflecting a copy condition set in a transfer source copying machine on a transfer destination copying machine;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation unit LCD display screen when performing a message transfer process of transferring and displaying a message to another copying machine on the network system designated by the designation means.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a message transfer destination selection screen when performing a message transfer process.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a message selection screen when performing a message transfer process.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a digital copying machine network when embodying the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a power supply system of a timepiece for enabling a weekly timer function.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Document feeder (ADF) 2 Operation unit 3 Image reading device 4 Image forming device 5 Double-sided unit 6 Discharge sorting device (sorter) 7 Paper feed cassette 8 Extended function unit 9 User restriction device 10 Image data bus selector 11 System controller 11a CPU 12 Image reading unit 12a CPU 13 Memory unit 13a CPU 14 Image writing unit 14a CPU 15 User restriction device 16 Human body detection sensor 17 Remote diagnostic device (CSS) 18 Clock 19 DRAM block 20 Compression block 21 DMA block 22 Image Data bus 23 System bus 24 Control signal line 25 SCSI 26 SCSI controller 30, 40, 41 Digital PPC 31 Network interface 50 Copy application 51 Input / output control 52 Operation unit Controller 53 peripheral device controller 54 image forming device controller 55 image reading device controller 56 daemon process 57 system control unit (system controller) 60 power supply unit 61 relay driver 62 solid state relay (SSR) 70 management device 71 PPC 72 public network 73 Communication control device 80 LCD display screen of operation unit 81 Copy condition transfer key 82 Copy machine capable of transferring copy condition 83 Message transfer key

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-7-2977967 (JP, A) JP-A-7-13717 (JP, A) JP-A-5-308450 (JP, A) JP-A-7-29 143280 (JP, A) JP-A-62-163447 (JP, A) JP-A-5-193231 (JP, A) JP-A-6-242904 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67826 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 29/38 G03G 21/00 370 G06F 3/12 H04L 12/54 H04L 12/58 H04N 1/32

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A copier network system including a plurality of digital copiers connected via a network, wherein at least one of the plurality of digital copiers includes input means for inputting copy conditions, and the plurality of digital copiers. Transfer permission notification requesting means for inquiring whether or not to permit transfer of the copy condition to another digital copying machine of the copying machine; and the digital copying machine responding to the transfer permission notification request with the permission. Display means for displaying information on an operation display unit; and for the digital copying machine selected from the information displayed on the operation display unit by the display means,
A digital copying machine network system comprising: copying condition transferring means for transferring the copying condition input by the input means.