JP3456967B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for connecting a plurality of image forming apparatuses to each other for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the widespread use of office automation equipment, there are many cases in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as copying machines are installed in offices. These plural image forming apparatuses are mutually connected (tandem connection), and a series of image forming operations based on the image data stored in one image forming apparatus is distributed to the image forming apparatus and other image forming apparatuses. Some have a tandem image forming function to be executed.

When this function is used, for example, when a large number of copies are made by a copying machine, two (or more) copying machines including the copying machine are based on image data of a document read by one copying machine. Copying operations can be assigned to the copying machine. As a result, the desired number of copies can be completed in a short time. Further, when some trouble occurs in the image forming unit of the copying machine to be used, the image forming operation can be executed by another image forming apparatus connected in tandem.

On the other hand, there is an image forming apparatus having a function of managing data (department management data) such as the number of sheets used for each department to which a user belongs. The department management data is
In order to identify the department to which the user belongs, data such as a department code, a personal identification number for each department code, the maximum number of sheets used for each department code, and the current number of used sheets for each department code are included. The current number of sheets used is updated every time the image forming operation is performed and the sheets are used. When the current number of used sheets reaches the upper limit of the number of used sheets set by the administrator, it is possible to prevent the image forming operation from being executed any more. Since the data such as the number of used sheets can be managed for each department code, for example, even when one image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of departments, the number of used sheets and the like can be managed for each department. .

[0005]

However, when performing department management and tandem image formation at the same time, the conventional image forming apparatus used for tandem image formation has the department code of the department in each department management data. If not, tandem image formation could not be performed. For example, even if the department code of the department to which the user belongs is registered in the image forming apparatus to be used, tandem image formation can be performed if the department code is not registered in another image forming apparatus connected in tandem. There wasn't. In such a case, it is necessary to manually input the department management data such as the department code to the image forming apparatus in which the necessary department code is not registered, which is troublesome to set.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily performing department management and tandem image formation.

[0007]

The invention according to claim 1 for solving the above problems stores department management data for managing the number of sheets used for each department to which a user belongs. Tandem control for controlling tandem image formation for distributing and executing a series of image forming operations based on the department management data storage means and image data stored in one image forming apparatus Means, a tandem connection means for connecting and receiving information by mutually connecting a plurality of image forming apparatuses so as to enable tandem image formation, and determining whether or not the tandem connection means exists in an effective state. Tandem connection determination means, department management data of the image forming apparatus used, and department management data of another image forming apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. And department management data comparing means for determining their difference by comparing the door, in response to the department management data comparison means has determined to be different department management data, the image forming apparatus and the other to the use image
Among the forming devices, regarding the predetermined items of department management data,
The content that only one image forming device has is
An image forming apparatus, comprising: department management data control means for adding to department management data of the forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, the plurality of tandem-connected image forming apparatuses automatically compare the department management data held by each of them and update the content of the predetermined item of the department management data as necessary. be able to. As a result, when the tandem image formation is performed, the department code necessary for the image forming apparatus to be used can exist. That is, it is not necessary to manually correct the department management data. Therefore, such an image forming apparatus connected in tandem can easily perform department management and tandem image formation.

The department management data may be updated to the latest contents so that the target image forming apparatuses completely match each other, and only the department code is registered in the necessary image forming apparatus. It may be. These can be selected depending on whether or not the upper limit number of sheets used for each department is managed for each image forming apparatus. The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the department management data comparison means compares the department management data when the power is turned on.
The image forming apparatus described above.

The invention according to claim 3 is the tandem control.
Tandem mode that enables tandem image formation by means
In response to the setting of the mode setting, the department management data comparison means is set to execute the department management data before the tandem image formation.
Regarding the specified items of the
Check whether the existing contents exist in the other image forming device.
It is determined that the department management data comparison means has the department management data.
Check that the content of the data does not exist in the other image forming device.
In response to the determination, the department management data control means
However, the content of the department management data is changed to another image forming apparatus.
2. The data is added to the department management data of 1.
The image forming apparatus described above. The necessity of adding a new department code to the department management data does not occur very often. Therefore, as described in claim 2, the department management data may be compared when the power is turned on, and predetermined items of the department management data may be updated as necessary. As a result, in many cases, when performing tandem image formation, it is possible to make a state in which the department code necessary for the image forming apparatus used exists. Also, as described in claim 3, the tandem mode is set to compare the department management data.
If it is done in response to this , the department management data can be updated with the minimum necessary frequency.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of digital copying machines 1 and 51 which are image forming apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1
This shows a state where two digital copying machines 1 and 51 having the same function are connected in tandem. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, reference numerals indicating the parts of the digital copying machine are described in order of the digital copying machine 1 and the digital copying machine 51.

The digital copying machines 1 and 51 are provided with scanner units 2 and 52 for reading a document. The scanner units 2 and 52 include a DF (automatic document feeder) 3 and 53 that automatically conveys the set document to the document reading unit when a document is set, and a platen for manually setting the document. 4 and 54, and image reading CCDs 5 and 55 for reading a document. The scanner units 2 and 52 are controlled by the control units 6 and 56, and the image data read by the image reading CCDs 5 and 55 are given to the control units 6 and 56.

Operation units 7 and 57 are connected to the control units 6 and 56. The operation units 7 and 57 are arranged, for example, on the front upper surface of the digital copying machine 1 or 51. The operation units 7 and 57 include key input units 8 and 58 and liquid crystal display units 9 and 5.
9, LED display units 10, 60, etc. are provided. The user inputs various operation signals via the key input units 8 and 58, and the liquid crystal display units 9 and 59 and the LED display unit 10 and
The operation content can be confirmed via 60. The key input units 8 and 58 and the liquid crystal display units 9 and 59 may be of a so-called touch panel type in which these are integrated.

The control units 6 and 56 include selectors 11 and 61, respectively.
The image data from the scanner units 2 and 52 is given to the selectors 11 and 61. Selector 1
Image data is sent to the memory copy unit via 1 and 61.
2, 62 and are written. Memory copy unit 1
2, 62 are bitmap memories 13, 63 and HD
D (hard disk drive) 14, 64 is included. The bitmap memories 13 and 63 are memories for developing and storing image data for printing, and the second and subsequent sheets of input image data are compressed and stored in the HDDs 14 and 64. At the time of printing, the image data stored in the HDDs 14 and 64 is decompressed to the bitmap memory 1
3, 63, and the developed image data passes through the control units 6, 56 and LSU (laser scanning unit) 16, 6 of the engine unit 15, 65 for image formation (for printing).
6 is transferred.

The engine parts 15 and 65 are mechanism parts for forming an image by an electrophotographic system, and LSUs 16 and 66.
A photosensitive drum for forming an electrostatic latent image by means of a developer, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the toner image onto a sheet, and a sheet conveying mechanism for conveying the sheet. The configuration includes a fixing device and the like for fixing the image transferred on the paper. Since the configurations of the engine units 15 and 65 are already known, the description thereof is omitted here.

The control units 6 and 56 include image management units 17 and 67.
Is included, and by the image management units 17 and 67,
Memory copy unit 12, 62 and engine unit 15, 65
Is controlled, and the image data for printing is read from the memory copy units 12 and 62 and transferred to the engine units 15 and 65. Printer controllers 18 and 68 are further connected to the control units 6 and 56. Printer controller 1
Reference numerals 8 and 68 are connected to an external personal computer or the like, and the image data provided from the personal computer or the like is input to the selector 1
1, 61 is input. The image data supplied via the printer controllers 18 and 68 is also stored in the memory copy units 12 and 62 in the same manner as the image data read by the scanner units 2 and 52, and the memory copy unit 1
It is read out from Nos. 2 and 62 and given to the engine units 15 and 65.

The control units 6 and 56 include department management data management units 19 and 69. Department management data management unit 19,
69 includes a department code for identifying the department (organization) to which the user belongs, a personal identification number for each department code, a maximum number of sheets used for each department code, and a current number of sheets used for each department code. Management data is stored. The current number of sheets used is updated every time the image forming operation is performed and the sheets are used. When the current number of sheets used reaches the maximum number of sheets that can be used by the administrator,
It is also possible to prevent the image forming operation from being executed any further. The department management data can be added, deleted, changed, etc. as necessary. Since the data such as the number of used sheets can be managed for each department code, it is possible to confirm or limit the number of used sheets for each department. Whether to enter the state of performing department management (department management mode) can be designated from the key input units 8 and 58 provided in the operation units 7 and 57.

As shown in FIG. 1, two digital copying machines 1,
When 51 is connected in tandem, the image reading CCDs 5, 55 and printer controllers 18, 68 of one digital copying machine 1, 51 and the other digital copying machine 5
1, 1 selectors 61 and 11 are connected. Similarly, both control units 6 and 56 are also connected. As a result, the two digital copying machines 1 and 51 are in a state (tandem mode) in which they can transfer image data to each other and control their operations.

It is possible to set not to execute the tandem mode even if the tandem connection is made. Whether or not to execute the tandem mode can be set by operating the tandem keys of the key input units 8 and 58 provided in the operation units 7 and 57. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a state in which two digital copying machines 1 and 51 are connected in tandem.

The two digital copying machines 1 and 51 have tandem interface boards 20 and 70, respectively.
Via a tandem interface cable 71. One tandem interface cable 71 has a plurality of wirings related to the above-mentioned interconnection therein. When the digital copying machines 1 and 51 thus connected are used, for example, when copying 100 sheets of the original set in the original reading section of the digital copying machine 1, each of the digital copying machines 1 and 51 has 50 sheets. Can be copied one by one. Therefore, the time required for copying can be shortened.

The above operation is achieved as follows. The image data generated by the image reading CCD 5 is
It is sent not only to the selector 11 of the digital copying machine 1 but also to the selector 61 of the digital copying machine 51. The control unit 6 of the digital copying machine 1 determines the distribution of the number of copies and controls the control unit 56 of the digital copying machine 51 to cause both the digital copying machines 1 and 51 to perform the designated number of copies.
Next, a method of managing department management data when connected in tandem will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method of managing department management data when the power is turned on in the digital copying machine 1 of FIG. When the power of the digital copying machine 1 (own apparatus) is turned on (step S1), the control section 6 determines whether or not the other digital copying machines 51 are tandem connected in the valid state (step S2). If the tandem connection is made in the valid state, the control unit 6 reads out the department management data stored in the department management data management unit 69 of the digital copying machine 51 (the partner machine), and the contents and the digital copying machine 1 The content of the department management data stored in the department management data management unit 19 is compared to determine the difference between the two (step S
3).

If they do not match, the control section 6
Different data are complemented so as to reflect the latest data (step S4). For example, when a certain department code is stored in the department management data management unit 19 but not stored in the department management data management unit 69, the department code and the secret code associated therewith are stored in the department management data management unit. Copied to part 69. The maximum number of sheets of paper
When it is desired to manage the digital copiers 1 and 51 separately, the data such as the number of used sheets may not be copied, but only the department code may be copied to the department management data management unit 69.

Thereafter, the digital copying machine 1 is in a standby state until the next processing is instructed (step S5). When it is determined in step S2 that the tandem connection is not established, or in step S3, both department management data management units 1
When it is determined that the contents of the department management data held by 9, 69 match, the standby state is also set (step S5). Figure 4
3 is a flowchart showing a method of managing department management data when forming a tandem image in the digital copying machine 1 of FIG.

In the following, it is assumed that the digital copying machine 1 and the digital copying machine 51 are connected in tandem, and both are in the department management mode. When the department management mode is executed, the digital copying machines 1 and 51 cannot perform operations such as copying unless the personal identification number is input from the key input units 8 and 58. Your PIN is entered (Step T
1) When it is confirmed that the corresponding department code exists, the number of sheets used for subsequent copying or the like is added to the data of the currently used number of sheets corresponding to the department code. If no operation is performed for a certain period of time, a personal identification number input screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display portions 9 and 59, and an operation such as copying cannot be performed unless a proper personal identification number is input. .

When the tandem key of the key input unit 8 is pressed to set the digital copying machine 1 in the tandem mode (step T2), the control unit 6 causes the tandem-connected digital copying machine 51 (counterpart). It is determined whether or not the department code currently used in the digital copying machine 1 exists in the department management data stored in the department management data management unit 69 (step T3). If the department code already exists, the tandem mode is set (step T
6). If the department code does not exist, it waits for the input of an instruction as to whether or not the department code currently in use is added to the department management data stored in the department management data management unit 69 (step T4). This instruction is input from the key input unit 8 of the operation unit 7.

When the instruction to add the department code is input, the control unit 6 sends data to the control unit 56.
6 is controlled to add the department code in use to the department management data of the department management data management unit 69 of the partner machine (step T5). If necessary, data attached to the department code such as the number of sheets used may be copied. After updating the department management data in this manner, the digital copying machines 1 and 51 are set to the tandem mode (step T6). As a result, when tandem image formation is performed, the number of sheets used in the department is also counted in the digital copying machine 51.

In step T4, if an instruction not to add the department code is input, the tandem mode is not set and the normal standby state is set (step T7). In such digital copying machines 1 and 51, it is not necessary to manually correct the department management data, so that department management and tandem image formation can be easily performed. In the above embodiment,
This is a case where two image forming apparatuses, that is, the digital copying machines 1 and 51 are connected in tandem, but the same is true when three or more image forming apparatuses are connected. Moreover, the department to which the user belongs may be confirmed by using a magnetic card as a medium instead of inputting the personal identification number from the key input units 8 and 58.

Besides, various design changes can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine that is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a state where two digital copying machines are connected in tandem.

3 is a flowchart showing a method of managing department management data when the power is turned on in the digital copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of managing department management data during tandem image formation in the digital copying machine of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,51 Digital copier 6,56 Control unit 19,69 Department Management Data Management Department 71 Tandem Interface Cable

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-7-261613 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 G03G 21 / 00 370-502

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A department management data storage unit for storing department management data for managing the number of sheets used for each department to which a user belongs, and a series of image formations based on image data stored in one image forming apparatus. A tandem control unit that controls the tandem image formation that distributes and executes the operation to the image forming apparatus and other image forming apparatuses, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to each other so that the tandem image formation can be performed. Tandem connection means for exchanging, tandem connection determination means for determining whether or not the tandem connection means exists in an effective state, department management data of the image forming apparatus to be used, and connection to the image forming apparatus. And a department management data comparison means for comparing the department management data of another image forming apparatus and discriminating the difference between them. Image formation data comparison means and responsive to determine that different department management data, and the use
Of the device and other image forming devices
Only one of the image forming devices has certain items
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a department management data control unit that adds the content of the content to the department management data of the other image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the department management data comparison unit compares the department management data when power is turned on. 3. A tandem image by the tandem control means.
In response to the setting of the tandem mode that enables formation.
In response, the department management data comparison means is a tandem image.
Prior to formation, regarding certain items of department management data,
The contents existing in the image forming apparatus to be used are related to other images.
Whether it exists in the image forming apparatus, the department management data comparison means determines whether
Content is not present in the other image forming apparatus.
In particular in response, the department management data control means, the
The content of the department management data is managed by the department of the other image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is added to the physical data .