JP3531776B2 - Image forming system - 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 system configured such that a copying operation for one image is shared by a plurality of copying apparatuses, and one print job is shared by a plurality of printing apparatuses. The present invention relates to a charging process in the configured image forming system.

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2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming system for performing a charging process according to a copying operation or a printing operation, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-208
The inventions disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 682 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-98038 are known. The former invention is configured such that, when a job is performed by using one of the image forming apparatuses arranged in plural units, the existence of an inexpensive device for executing the job is displayed. Of the invention, when the operation machine is available for each digital copying machine, the operability is achieved by enabling the operation using the function of the digital copying machine which is not available other than the operation machine. It is intended to improve work efficiency.

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In such an image forming system, an operation called a connecting operation is generally performed. This linking operation means, for example, when copying 100 sheets of one original, when two image forming apparatuses share the function, it is possible to make a copy in half the time for one sheet (because each sheet prints 50 sheets). Is.

Further, as a charging device provided in this type of image forming apparatus, there are a coin rack for throwing in money, a card reader for handling prepaid cards, etc., and charging is performed every time an original is read or according to the number of printed sheets. It is supposed to do.

However, it is very inconvenient for an operator to insert money or a prepaid card into a billing device attached to each image forming apparatus to perform a connecting operation. In addition, even if the connection operation is possible, not only the connection operation is performed but also different operators may use the operations in parallel. Furthermore, even if it is a structure that can be connected,
In addition to performing the connecting operation, it may be used in parallel by different operators.

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By the way, as a method of authenticating the secret code, there is a method of matching the secret code with a preregistered several-digit number.
In addition, as a logging operation, a counter is provided for each personal identification number, and counting is performed every time an original is read or the number of printed sheets. Since the connecting operation temporarily occupies a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can operate independently, it is conceivable that the connecting operation can be used only by a specific operator.

Therefore, the first object of the present invention is to enable the connecting operation and realize the user's request only when the authentication by the same secret code registered in advance for the connecting operation is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system.

Further, since a plurality of image forming apparatuses are apparently operated as one during the connecting operation, it is conceivable that the password is regarded as a set of those registered in the connected image forming apparatuses.

Therefore, a second object is to provide an image forming system which enables the connecting operation when the authentication is performed by any of the individually registered secret codes and realizes the user's request. Especially.

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Further, since the connecting operation temporarily occupies a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can operate independently, it is conceivable that only a specific operator can use the operation.

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A third object is to realize an image forming system which enables a connecting operation and realizes a user's request only when authentication is performed by the same secret code registered for the connecting operation in advance. To provide.

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In order to achieve the first object, the first means is an original reading means for reading an original, a printing means for printing the read original, and a password authentication for authenticating a password. And a plurality of image forming apparatuses each including an image forming apparatus and a connecting operation mode in which image information read by any one of the image forming apparatuses is transferred to a different image forming apparatus and printed. in the set image forming system, comprising: means for communicating secret information between the image forming apparatus are connected by the connecting operation mode, the same password for the coupling operation mode is registered in the connection operable all the image forming apparatus Is authenticated,
And a control means for executing the connecting operation in the connecting operation mode. The second means connects a plurality of image forming apparatuses, each including a document reading means for reading a document, a printing means for printing the read document, and a password authentication means for authenticating a password, through a communication means. In an image forming system in which a connection operation mode is set in which image information read by any one of the image forming apparatuses is transferred to different image forming apparatuses and printed.
A means for communicating personal identification information between image forming apparatuses connected in the connection operation mode, and a plurality of connected images.
When the password registered in at least one of the image forming apparatuses is authenticated, the control means executes the connecting operation in the connecting operation mode. A third means connects a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a document reading means for reading a document, a printing means for printing the read document, and a password authentication means for authenticating a password through a communication means. A single operation mode in which the image forming apparatus that has read the image information in the image forming apparatus prints the image information, and an image information read in any one of the image forming apparatuses transfers and prints the image information in a different image forming apparatus. In the image forming system in which the connecting operation mode is set, the connecting means and the selecting unit for selecting either the single operation mode or the connecting operation mode are connected in advance.
Authentication is performed using the same secret code that was registered for the operation.
The when, characterized in that a control means for enabling selection of connection operation mode by said selection means.

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the second to eleventh embodiments have the same hardware configuration as that of the first embodiment, including the image forming apparatus,
Only the embodiment will be described in detail, and redundant description will be omitted.

1. First Embodiment 1.1 Configuration and Operation of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as A
The document stack placed on the document table 2 provided in the DF) 1 with the image side of the document up is the start key 34 on the operation unit 30.
When is pressed, the lowermost original is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feeding roller 3 and the feeding belt 4. After the image data of the original document on the contact glass 6 is read by the reading unit 50, the read original document is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharging roller 5. Further, when the document set detection sensor 7 detects the presence of the next document on the document table 2,
It is fed on the contact glass 6 as with the previous document. The feeding roller 3, the feeding belt 4, and the discharging roller 5 are driven by a motor.

The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first paper feeding device 11, the second paper feeding device 12, and the third paper feeding device 13, respectively. ,
It is conveyed by the vertical conveying unit 14 to a position where it abuts on the photoconductor 15. The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photoconductor 15 by the laser from the writing unit 57, and passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image. And
While the transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyor belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15, the toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred. After that, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 17,
The finisher 10 of the post-processing device is provided by the paper discharge unit 18.
It is discharged to 0.

The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge roller 19 of the main body toward the normal paper discharge roller 102 and the stapling section. By switching the switching plate 101 to the upper position, the normal paper ejection tray 104 is passed through the transport roller 103.
Can be discharged to the side. Further, by switching the switching plate 101 downward, the transport rollers 105, 107
It can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via. The transfer sheets stacked on the stapling table 108 have their end faces aligned by a jogger 109 for aligning the sheets each time one sheet is ejected, and when the copying is completed, the stapler 1
Bound by 06. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple-completed sheet discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

On the other hand, the normal paper ejection tray 104 is a paper ejection tray which can be moved back and forth. The paper discharge tray unit 104 that can be moved forward and backward is for sorting the copy paper that is moved forward and backward and is simply discharged for each document or for each copy unit sorted by the image memory.

When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 and imaged is not guided to the paper discharge tray 104 side, but branched for path switching. By setting the claw 112 on the upper side, the paper is once stocked in the double-sided paper feeding unit 111. After that, the transfer paper stocked in the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 in order to transfer the toner image formed on the photoconductor 15 again, and the branching claw 1 for path switching.
12 is set on the lower side and is guided to the paper discharge tray 104. The double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is used when images are formed on both surfaces of the transfer paper in this manner.

The photoconductor 15, the conveyor belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharge unit 18, and the developing unit 27 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and each paper feeding device 11 to 11 is driven.
13 is driven by the paper feed clutch to transmit the drive of the main motor. The vertical transport unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor by an intermediate clutch.

1.2 Operation Unit FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation unit (operation panel) 30.

The operation unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31,
Numeric keypad 32, clear / stop key 33, print key 34, mode clear key 35, and initial setting key 3
8 and so on. The liquid crystal touch panel 31 has function keys 3
7, the number of copies, and a message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus are displayed.

FIG. 3 shows the liquid crystal touch panel 3 of the operation unit 30.
It is a figure which shows an example of a display of 1.

When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is highlighted in black. Further, when the details of the function must be specified (for example, a scaling value for scaling), a detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching a key. As described above, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses the dot display device, it is possible to graphically perform the optimum display at that time. In Figure 3, the upper left is a message area that displays messages such as "Ready to copy" and "Please wait", and the right is the copy number display area that displays the number of copies set, and the image density underneath is automatically adjusted. Auto density key, Automatic paper selection key that automatically selects transfer paper, Sort key that specifies the process of arranging copies in page order, Stack key that specifies the process of sorting copies by page, Sorted Set the staple key to specify the process of binding the parts one by one, the same size key to set the magnification to the same size, the scaling key to set the enlargement / reduction ratio, the duplex key to set the duplex mode, and the binding margin mode. The delete / move key is a print key for setting printing of stamps, dates, pages, and the like. Keys are shaded in the selected mode.

1.3 Operation up to latent image formation of image read by image reading means Using FIG. 1, the operation of the image reading means in this embodiment and the operation up to forming a latent image on the recording surface. This will be described below.

The latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image into optical information and irradiating the image on the surface of the photoconductor. The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which a document is placed.
And an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54 and the like. Exposure lamp 51
The first mirror 52 is fixed on the first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on the first carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The original image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electric signal, and processed. Lens 53 and CCD image sensor 5
The image magnification is changed by moving 4 in the left-right direction in FIG. That is, the positions of the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 are set in the left-right direction corresponding to the designated magnification.

The writing unit 57 comprises a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a rotary polygon mirror that rotates at a high speed and a constant speed by a laser diode which is a laser light source and a motor. (Polygon mirror) is equipped. Laser light emitted from the laser output unit 58 is deflected by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through an imaging lens 59, is reflected by a mirror 60, and is focused and imaged on the surface of the photoconductor. The deflected laser light is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the photoconductor rotates, and the image signal output from the selector 64 of the image processing unit, which will be described later, is recorded line by line. An image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductor by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and recording density of the photoconductor.

As described above, the laser light output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the photoconductor 15 of the image forming system. Although not shown, a beam sensor for generating a main-scanning synchronization signal is arranged at a position near one end of the photoconductor 15 to be irradiated with the laser beam. Based on this main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction and generation of a control signal for inputting / outputting an image signal described later are performed.

1.4 Configuration of Image Processing Unit The configuration of the image processing unit (image reading unit and image writing unit) in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 illuminates the document surface, and the reflected light from the document surface is imaged and received by the CCD image sensor 54 by an imaging lens (not shown) and photoelectrically converted. , A / D converter 61 converts into a digital signal. The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to shading correction 62 and then subjected to MTF correction, γ correction and the like in the image processing unit 63. In the selector 64, the destination of the image signal is switched to either the variable power unit 71 or the image memory controller 65. The image signal that has passed through the scaling unit 71 is enlarged / reduced according to the scaling ratio and is sent to the writing unit 57. An image signal can be input / output bidirectionally between the image memory controller 65 and the selector 64. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the image data input from the reading unit 50, the image processing unit (IPU) also supplies image data externally supplied (for example, output from a data processing device such as a personal computer). Data) to be processed, it has a function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data.

A CPU for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like and controlling the reading section 50 and the writing section 57.
68, and a ROM that stores the program and data
69 and RAM 70. Furthermore, the CPU 68
Data in the image memory 66 can be written and read via the memory controller 65.

When functioning as a printer, according to the print image output from the print image data generator 74, the print synthesis units (1), (2) 7
2, 73, the print composition is performed, the combined print image is stored in the image memory 66, and the writing unit 5
Printing is executed by 7.

1.4.1 Image Signal Here, the image signal for one page in the selector 64 will be described with reference to FIG.

/ FGATE represents the effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. / LSYNC is
This is a main-scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. A signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is effective is /
It is LGATE. These signals are the pixel clock VC
It is synchronized with LK, and data of one pixel is sent for one cycle of VCLK. The image processing unit (IPU) 49
Separate / FGATE for image input and output,
It has a generation mechanism of / LSYNC, / LGATE, and VCLK, and various image input / output combinations can be realized.

1.4.2 Memory Controller and Image Memory Next, details of the memory controller and the image memory in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

The memory controller 65 comprises an input data selector 101, an image synthesizing section 102 and a primary compression / expansion section 1.
03, output data selector 104, secondary compression / decompression unit 1
It has 05 blocks. The control data is set in each block by the CPU 68. The addresses and data in FIG. 8 indicate image data, and the CPU 68
Data and addresses connected to are not shown.

The image memory 66 comprises primary and secondary storage devices 106 and 107. The primary storage device 106 is capable of high-speed access such as a DRAM so that data writing to the memory or data reading from the memory at the time of image output can be performed at high speed substantially in synchronization with the transfer rate of input image data. Use memory. Further, the primary storage device 106 has a configuration (an interface unit with a memory controller) capable of simultaneously performing input / output of image data by dividing the primary storage device 106 into a plurality of areas according to the size of image data to be processed. Two sets of address and data lines for reading and writing are connected to the interface with the memory controller so that image data can be input and output in parallel in each divided area. This enables the operation of outputting (reading) the image from the area 2 while inputting (writing) the image to the area 1.

The secondary storage device 107 is a large-capacity memory for storing data in order to combine and sort input images. If high-speed accessible elements are used for both the primary and secondary storage devices, data processing can be performed without distinction between primary and secondary storage, and control is relatively simple.
Since an element such as a DRAM is expensive, the access speed to the secondary storage device is not so high, but it is inexpensive and uses a large-capacity recording medium, and processing of input / output data is performed via the primary storage device. It has become.

By adopting the image memory configuration as described above, an image forming apparatus capable of inputting / outputting, storing, and processing a large amount of image data can be realized at a low cost and with a relatively simple configuration. Will be possible.

Next, the outline of the operation of the memory controller 65 will be described.

<1> Image Input (Saving in Image Memory) The input data selector 101 selects image data to be written in the image memory (primary storage device 106) from a plurality of data. The image data selected by the input data selector 101 is supplied to the image combining unit 102 and combined with the data already stored in the image memory.

The image data processed by the image composition unit 102 is compressed by the primary compression / decompression unit 103, and the compressed data is written in the primary storage device 106.
The data written in the primary storage device 106 is further compressed by the secondary compression / expansion unit 105 as necessary, and then stored in the secondary storage device 107.

<2> Image Output (Read from Image Memory) At the time of image output, the image data stored in the primary storage device 106 is read. If the image to be output is stored in the primary storage device 106, the primary compression /
The decompression unit 103 decompresses the image data in the primary storage device 106, and selects the decompressed data or the data after the image composition of the decompressed data and the input data with the output data selector 104 and outputs the data. To do.

The image synthesizing unit 102 includes a primary storage device 106.
Data and input data (having a phase adjusting function of image data), selection of output destination of the combined data (image output, write back to primary storage device 106, simultaneous output to both output destinations) Output is also possible).

The image to be output is the primary storage device 106.
If it is not stored in the secondary storage device 107, the output target image data stored in the secondary storage device 107 is output to the secondary compression / decompression unit 1.
Decompression in step 05, and the decompressed data is stored in the primary storage device 10
After writing in 6, the above image output operation is performed.

The operation reservation described in the present embodiment means that the copying operation cannot be started while the fixing machine is being heated in the copying machine, but the mode setting and the setting of the original document are completed and reserved. After the fixing heating is completed,
A function that automatically starts the copy operation when the copy operation is enabled. In this embodiment, the operation reserving target is set during the fixing heating, but other than this, those which become operable with the passage of time are also eligible. It is considered that the LCT tray rise time, the polygon motor rotation stabilization time, the toner replenishing operation, etc.

In the hardware configuration diagram of FIG. 4, the system includes an image reading unit 401, an image writing unit 402, a system controller 403, a memory unit 404, a user restriction device 405, a human body detection sensor 406, and a remote diagnostic device (CS).
S) 407, clock 408 and operation unit 409, the memory unit 404 is necessary only for realizing the memory function, and is not necessary if only for realizing the normal copy function. Furthermore, clock 4
08 is necessary only when implementing a weekly timer function such as booting or shutting down the machine at a specific time. Further, the human body detection sensor 406 is necessary only when realizing the function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when the user approaches the machine in the preheating mode, and the CSS 407 is used for remote diagnosis, that is, a machine error is detected. When it occurs, it has a function of automatically notifying the service center and monitoring the running / usage status of the machine from a remote location. Therefore, such a function may be installed only when necessary.

DRA in the memory unit 404 in FIG.
The M block 404a is for storing the image signal read by the image reading unit 401, and in response to a request from the system controller 403, the image writing unit 4
The image data stored in 02 can be transferred. Further, the compression block 404b includes MH, MR, and MM.
A compression function such as the R method is provided, and an image once read can be compressed to improve the efficiency of use of the memory (DRAM). Further, the rotation of the image is realized by changing the address read from the image writing unit 402 and its direction. Reference numeral 404c is a DMA block.

In the "hardware configuration example-A" of FIG. 4A,
The image reading unit 401, the image writing unit 402, the memory unit 404, and the CSS 407 are controlled only by the CPU 403a of the system controller 403.

On the other hand, "Hardware configuration example-B" in FIG. 4B.
Then, the image reading unit 401, the image writing unit 402,
The system hardware configuration can be freely configured such that each memory unit 404 has a CPU and commands from the system controller 403 to each controller are transmitted via control signal lines.

1.5 Network System FIG. 5 shows an example of a network copy system when the present invention is implemented. Although eight digital copies are networked in the figure, the number of connected copies need not be limited.

1.5.1 Network Hardware Configuration 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 one digital PPC is almost the same as that shown in "Hardware configuration example-A" of FIG. 4, but the read image is stored in the memory unit 404. To the external network, or to store the image data from the network in the DRAM block unit 404a in the memory unit, SCSI (S
mall Computer System Inter
face) 410, and the SCSI controller 411.
Is used. As a matter of course, for the network communication means, for example, Ethernet is used as the physical means, and OSI (Open System I) is used for data communication.
Various means are conceivable, such as using TCP / IP communication of the (reference) reference model. By using the configuration shown in the figure, not only the transfer of image data as described above, but also the notification of the in-machine state of each machine existing on the network and the control commands and settings such as the remote output command described later are set. It also transfers commands.

Next, the image read by the "digital PPC-A" is read by the image writing unit 402 of the "digital PPC-B".
The operation (hereinafter, remote output) of transferring the data to the device will be described (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of software.
The “copy application” shown therein is an application that executes a copy sequence for executing a copy operation, the “input / output control” is a layer (device driver) that logically / physically converts data, and the operation unit controller is an MMI.
(Man Machine Interface) is a layer (a layer that performs LCD display, LED lighting / lighting, key input scanning, etc. at a logical level), and the "peripheral device controller" is an automatic duplex unit, sorter, AD.
It is a layer that executes control of peripheral devices mounted on a PPC such as F at a logical level, and the "image forming device controller", "image reading device controller", and "memory unit" are as described above. Also, the "daemon process" plays a role of reading the image data stored in the memory unit and transferring the image data to the "image forming apparatus" when a print request is requested from another machine on the network. Exists as an application. Naturally, the "daemon process"
The image transfer from other machines on the network must be completed before the image is read from the memory unit and the printing operation is executed.

Here, the operation unit, peripherals, image forming apparatus,
Image reading device and memory unit are PPC
Is treated as a resource owned by. When the "digital PPC-A" in the figure uses each resource of its own to perform the copying operation (when the print start key is pressed), the "system controller" is set to "image forming apparatus" and "image It requests the "reader" or, if necessary, each resource of "peripheral device" and "memory unit" from the "system control" section. The "system control" unit arbitrates the right to use the resource in response to the request from the "copy application" and notifies the "copy application" of the arbitration result (usability). When "Digital PPC-A" is used standalone (when not connected to the network), all the "copy applications" can occupy the resources held by the system, so the copying operation is executed immediately. .

On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, resources are provided to the "system controller" of the remote digital PPC that executes the printing operation using the resources of another machine (hereinafter, remote digital PPC) existing on the network. Request usage rights.

The system controller of the remote digital PPC arbitrates the resource according to the request and notifies the application of the requesting machine of the result. If the application is permitted to use the image, the application reads the image, and when the storage of the image in its own memory unit is completed, the external interface (SCS in this embodiment) is read.
The image is transferred to the memory unit of the remote destination machine via I). When the image transfer is completed, after sending each condition (paper feed port, paper output port, number of prints, etc.) for executing printing to the "daemon process" of the remote output destination machine, execute the "print start" command. Send. When the "daemon process" of the remote output destination receives the "print start" command, it requests the "system controller" of its own "machine that executes remote output" to start printing, and the remote output is executed by the system controller. .

When the "digital PPC-B" memory unit is used by the "digital PPC-A", the "digital PPC-B" memory unit is the "digital PPC-B" (or, as shown in FIG. ] When a plurality of digital PPCs as shown in [] are connected on the network, use of applications other than "digital PPC-I" is disabled.

1.6 Data Flow of Input / Output Information of Charging Device in Concatenated Copy System Here, a data flow of input / output information of the charging device in the concatenated copy system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of a concatenated copy system composed of two units. First PPC indicated by reference numeral 1101
In (1), the billing device 1102 is connected to the system controller 1103 via the billing device interface 1104, and the system controller 1103 receives information on the amount of money, the remaining number of prepaid cards, the personal identification number, etc., inputted to the billing device 1102. Reportedly. Further, the system controller 1103 displays the remaining amount of money, the number of remaining balances, etc., on the charging device 1102.
Through 4. Similarly, in the second PPC (2) 1105, the system controller 1106 and the charging device 1 are also included.
The 107 is connected via the billing device interface 1108 to exchange input / output information.

PPC (1) 1101 and PPC (2) 11
05 is connected by the connection interface 1109. P
The system controller 1103 of the PC (1) 1101 is connected to the PPC (2) 1 via the interface 1109.
It is possible to obtain the input information of the charging device 1107 of 105 and to instruct the displaying of the PPC (2) 1105 on the charging device 1107. Similarly, the system controller 1106 of the PPC (2) 1105 also charges the charging device 1 of the PPC (1) 1101 via the connection interface 1109.
It is possible to obtain the input information of 102 and to instruct the charging device 1102 to display the PPC (1).

12 to 14 are flow charts showing the operation of the copy system connected in this way.

In the processing shown in the flow chart of FIG. 12, when the connecting operation is performed (step 1201), it is investigated whether any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to be connected can be charged (step 1202). If possible, execute the linking operation and collect money from any one billing device or required amount from the pre-paid card (step 1
203).

In the processing shown in the flow chart of FIG. 13, when the independent operation is performed (step 1301), it is checked whether or not the charging is possible from each charging device (step 1302). Execute (step 1303).

In the processing shown in the flow chart of FIG. 14, if the charging is possible from a plurality of charging devices (step 1401), the linking operation is prohibited, and the charging is connected only when charging is possible from only one charging device. The operation is executed (step 1402).

If it is not possible to charge from a plurality of charging devices in step 1401, the operator is alerted by displaying on the operation panel in FIG. 3 that the linking operation cannot be performed as shown in FIG. be able to.

1.7 Explanation and Definition of Terms Here, the terms commonly used in each embodiment will be described, and the definitions of these terms will be clarified.

[Image reading device] [Image reading part] The "image reading device" used in the digital PPC irradiates a document with a light source and reflects the reflected light into a "solid-state image forming device = CC".
An apparatus having a function of converting into an electric signal by "D" and performing "necessary image processing" is used.

Here, "required image processing" is quantization: a process of converting analog data converted into an electric signal by the CCD into binary or multivalued data.

Shading correction: A process for correcting uneven irradiation of a light source for irradiating a document and variations in CCD sensitivity.

MTF correction: Processing for correcting blurring caused by the optical system.

Zooming process: A process of changing the image reading density and performing data interpolation using the read image data.

The processing such as the following is shown.

[Image forming apparatus] [Image writing section] The "image forming apparatus" or the "image writing section" used in the digital PPC is an electrophotographic, heat-sensitive, thermal transfer, inkjet, etc., of an image image sent by an electric signal. This is a device for forming plain paper, thermal paper, etc. by means of.

[Video signal] [Image data] Synchronized with the electric signal of the image converted by the above-mentioned "image reading device", the electric signal of the image input to the "image forming device", and the electric signal of the image Signals for obtaining the signal are collectively expressed as "video signal" or "image data".

[Control Signal] [Command] In order to exchange the "video signal" among the "image reading device", the "image forming device" and the "application", it is necessary to transmit information between the devices. . This means is referred to as "control signal" or "command" issuance.

[Extended function] [Application (abbreviated as application)] [Memory function] [Memory unit] One of the major features of the digital PPC is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is read by the image forming apparatus. Restore. By providing a means for changing and transmitting the read electrical signal in various ways, it can be applied to fields other than the conventional analog PPC. Functions such as FAX, page printer, scanner, and file system can be realized, and recently, even when the PPC function is executed, read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM.
By reading out the image data as needed, you can execute multiple prints in one scan for multiple copies,
Alternatively, a function of printing a plurality of originals on one sheet of transfer paper (= memory function hereinafter) or the like is also realized.

Functions that can be realized by these digital PPC systems are expressed as "extended functions" or "applications".

In the present invention, the memory unit is also used as a buffer for transferring image data between machines on the network.

[System Controller] "System" In carrying out the copy mode, in order to form an image in the image writing section, a paper conveyance process, an electrophotographic process process, an abnormal state or a paper feed cassette state (paper presence or absence, etc.) ) And the like, and controllers that control the scanner operation and ON / OFF of the light source for reading an image by the image reading unit are collectively referred to as a "system controller".

Furthermore, recent digital PPCs are not only equipped with one extended function, but are also equipped with a plurality of applications simultaneously. In this way, a digital PPC that shares one resource is expressed as a "system", and a controller that controls this system is a "system controller".
Sometimes expressed as.

[Resource] [Resource] A functional unit unit shared by a plurality of applications is expressed as “resource” or “resource”. The above-mentioned "system controller" controls the system in units of this resource. The resources managed by the digital PPC of this embodiment are “image reading device”, “image forming device”, “operation unit”, “memory”, “peripheral device (= ADF, sorter, automatic duplex unit, etc.)”, etc. There is.

[User Restriction] Especially, since the PPC using the electrophotographic process consumes a large amount, it may not be desired to permit unlimited use. At this time, in order to identify, limit, and manage "users", "user-restricted devices" such as "coin racks", "key counters", "key cards", "prepaid cards", and "personal code" And so on.

[User Setting] When the system becomes complicated, it is necessary to individually handle each user. Since it is impossible to satisfy all of these measures at the time of factory shipment, it is essential to take measures in the market. Therefore, normally, a nonvolatile RAM is installed to enable system setting according to the customer's request, but this function is referred to as "user setting".

[Idle State] A state in which no user operation is performed for a certain period is referred to as an “idle state”, and other states are referred to as a “busy state”. The time from the "busy state" to the "idle state" can be set by the user. For example, not only during the copying operation, but also after the copying operation ends, if the user's non-operation state does not continue for a certain period, the state does not transition to the “idle state”.

[Weekly timer] A function of turning on / off the power according to the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week. For this function, the operation to set the time of the clock module and ON / OFF for each day of the week
An operation to set the OFF time is required. Refer to the attached sheet for the operation.

[Preheating] The fixing temperature is controlled by lowering it by a constant temperature (for example, 10 ° C.),
In this mode, power consumption is saved by turning off the display of the operation unit. The setting of this mode is automatically set after a certain period of time has passed since there was no key input on the operation unit or operation or operation depending on machine settings. This mode release is released when the human body detection sensor detects a person standing in front of the machine by key input on the operation unit or machine setting.

[Reload] The state where the fixing temperature reaches the fixing possible temperature and copying is possible is called reloading. -[Interrupt mode] This is a mode in which copying is temporarily interrupted during copying during execution and operation of copying. By setting this mode, the previous copy mode,
If the copying is in progress, the progress information is stored in the nonvolatile R
It is stored in AM, transitions to interrupt mode, and initializes the mode. When the interrupt mode is released after executing the copy operation, the mode and information stored in the non-volatile RAM are returned to restore the state before the interrupt mode is set, and the mode before the interrupt can be continued by restarting. The setting / cancellation of this mode can be performed using the keys on the operation unit.

[CSS] (or [remote diagnosis system], [image forming apparatus management system]) FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus management system. Management devices installed at service bases and devices 1602-1606 such as PPCs installed under the user
And are connected via the public line network 1607. Communication control devices 1608 and 1609 for controlling communication with the management device are installed on the user side, and the user's original PPCs 1602-1606 are connected to the communication control devices 1608 and 1609. A telephone 1610 and a facsimile 1611 can be connected to the communication control devices 1608 and 1609, and can be installed by inserting them into an existing line of the user.
A plurality of PPCs can be connected to the communication control devices 1608 and 1609, but, of course, there may be a single PPC. These PPCs do not have to be of the same type, may be different models, and may be devices other than PPCs.

Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five PPCs can be connected to one communication control device. Communication control device and multiple PPCs are RS-48
Multi-drop connection according to 5 standards. Communication control between the communication control device and each PPC is performed by a basic type data transmission control procedure. By establishing the data link by the polling / selecting method of the centralized control with the communication control device as the control station,
Communication with any PPC is possible. A unique value can be set for each PPC by an address setting switch, and the polling address and selecting address of each PPC are determined by this.

2. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, a charging device (coin rack, card reader, etc.) is provided for each image forming apparatus. By the connecting operation, the image information, the number of copies, and the like instructed by the master image forming apparatus (the apparatus operated by the operator) are allocated to each slave image forming apparatus. The image forming operation in each slave is executed based on the information from the billing device connected to each slave.

2.1 When the charging operation is started after the connection operation is started assuming that all connected charging means are chargeable, only the non-chargeable image forming apparatus operates. When the charging process cannot be performed by the connected charging device regardless of the master or slave (remaining amount of money is 0, etc.), the image forming operation of the device that cannot charge is stopped. that time,
The other devices continue the image forming operation unless their charging process is disabled.

The processing procedure for stopping the image forming operation in each image forming apparatus is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the charging process is possible in the connected charging device (step 1701). If the billing process is impossible, the image forming operation is stopped (1702). Next, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus is a master machine (1703). In this determination, if the device is the master device, the fact that the operation is stopped is displayed (1704).
If it is not the master machine, an operation stop notification is sent to the master machine (1705). Response from master unit (ACK signal)
Is displayed, a message indicating that the operation is stopped is displayed (170
6).

On the other hand, if the billing process is possible in step 1701, it is judged in step 1707 whether or not it is the master machine. If it is not the master machine, the process returns without doing anything (1707). If it is the master machine, it is judged whether or not a stop notification has been sent from the slave machine. If the stop notification has not been received, the process returns without doing anything (17).
08). If a stop notification is received from the slave machine, a response (ACK signal) to the stop notification is returned to display that the slave machine has stopped (1709).

2.2 When the charging operation is started after the connection operation is started assuming that all the connected charging means are chargeable, the charging of the connected image forming apparatus is judged. Processing to stop all This processing cannot be charged by the connected charging device regardless of whether it is a master or a slave (remaining money 0, etc.)
In this case, the image forming operation of the device for which the charging is disabled is stopped, and the other device is notified of the request for stopping the image forming operation. The image forming operation is also stopped by receiving the operation stop request notification in the other apparatuses, and the processing procedure of the image forming operation stop in each image forming apparatus is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In this processing, first, it is judged whether or not the charging processing is possible in the connected charging device (step 1801). If the billing process is impossible, the image forming operation is stopped (step 1802). Then, it is displayed that the image forming operation is stopped (step 180).
3). Next, the operation stop request is notified to each image forming apparatus (step 1804). If step 180
If the billing process is possible with No. 1, it is determined whether the operation stop request is notified from another image forming apparatus. If the operation stop request is not notified, the process returns (step 18).
05). If the operation stop request is notified in step 1805, the image forming operation is stopped (step 180
6) Further, a message indicating that the image forming operation is stopped is displayed (1
807).

2.3 When it is recognized that any charging means is not chargeable after the connection operation is started assuming that all connected charging means are chargeable, another image formation connected Processing in which the device performs the image forming operation and the billing process on behalf of this device. The billing process can no longer be performed by the billing device connected regardless of the master or the slave (remaining amount 0, etc.).
In this case, the image forming operation of the device for which charging is not possible is stopped, and another device is notified of the request for continuing the image forming operation. By receiving the operation continuation request notification in the other devices, the image forming operation of the stopped device is performed, and the processing procedure for stopping the image forming operation in each image forming device is shown in FIG.
It is shown in the flowchart.

In this processing, first, it is judged whether or not the charging processing is possible in the connected charging device (step 1901). If the charging process is impossible, the image forming operation is stopped (step 1902),
A message indicating that the image forming operation is stopped is displayed (step 190).
3). Next, an operation stop request is notified to each image forming apparatus (step 1904), and if there is a response (ACK signal) to the notification of the operation continuation request, image forming information (image information, number of copies, etc.) is transmitted. Yes (Step 1
905). If the billing process is possible in step 1901, it is determined in step 1906 whether another device has issued the operation continuation request. If the operation continuation request is not notified, the process returns. If the operation continuation request is not notified, a response (ACK signal) is returned and the image formation information is received (step 1907). Then, it is judged whether or not the image forming apparatus is in operation (step 1908), and if the image forming operation is in progress, a reservation for the next operation is made (1909). Also, step 1908
If the image forming operation is not in progress, the image forming operation is started based on the received image forming information (step 1910).

3. Third Embodiment 3.1 General Flowchart A general flowchart of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The two image forming apparatuses connected through the connection interface have a peer (peer-to-peer) relationship, and it is not determined which is the parent machine in the initial state after the power is turned on. A charging device (coin rack, prepaid card reader, etc.) is provided for each image forming apparatus.

When the operator designates the concatenated copy mode (concatenated operation mode) on the operation panel 30 of one of the image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus becomes the master machine and the other becomes the slave machine (slave machine). In the standby state, it checks whether any request is issued from another machine.If a request arrives, the other party becomes the master machine and the own machine becomes the slave machine, so the slave machine executes the processing requested by the master machine. Execute sequentially (step 20)
01). When the operator presses the copy start key 34 (step 2002), if the linked copy mode is not set, a single copy operation is performed (step 20).
03, 2004), if the linked copy mode is set, the linked copy operation is performed (steps 2002 and 200).
6). The single copy operation (single operation mode) is a mode in which the image read by the original document reading unit is formed by the own image forming unit (printed by the own printing unit), and the description thereof is omitted because it is a known technique. To do.

FIG. 21 shows a detailed flowchart of the slave process. When a print request is received from the parent machine (step 2101), the image forming operation is performed in the image forming mode designated by the parameter accompanying the command (step 21).
02), one copy is output (step 2103).
When the billing request is received (step 2104), the amount of money designated by the parameter is output to the billing device to perform billing processing (step 2105). That is, in the case of a coin rack, coins are stored by the designated amount, and in the case of a prepaid card, the balance of the card is reduced by the designated amount. When the balance inquiry request is received (step 2106), the amount of money inserted in the coin rack or the balance of the prepaid card is notified to the parent machine (step 2107). When a coin return request is received (step 2108), the inserted coin is returned in the case of a coin rack, and the inserted card is ejected in the case of a prepaid card (step 2109).

3.2 Concatenated Copy Operation (Part 1) FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of the concatenated copy operation. First, when the balance on the machine side is equal to or more than the charge per copy, the charging process is performed on the charging device connected to the machine (steps 2201 and 2202).
If the remaining amount on the own device side is insufficient, the remaining device is inquired about the remaining amount (steps 2201 and 2032), and if the remaining amount is sufficient, a charging process is performed on the charging device on the child device side (step 2).
204). When the billing is completed, one copy is output on the self-device side (step 2205). If both the self-apparatus and the sub-apparatus have insufficient balance with respect to the copy fee, the copy operation ends (return from step 2203).

Next, if the balance on the slave unit side is equal to or more than the charge per copy, the billing device connected to the slave unit is charged (step 2206).
2207). If the balance on the child device side is insufficient, if the balance on the own device is sufficient, the billing device on the own device side is charged (steps 2206, 2208, 2209). When the billing is completed, a print request is issued to the slave unit, one copy is output on the slave unit side (step 2210), and this is repeated until the copy is completed (step 2211). If the balance is insufficient for the copy fee for both your machine and the child machine,
The copy operation ends (returns from step 2208).

The fee per copy is set according to the copy size and copy mode.

3.3 Concatenated Copy Operation (Part 2) FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of the concatenated copy operation. If the balance on the machine side is equal to or more than the charge per copy, the charging process is performed on the charging device connected to the machine (steps 2301 and 2302). If the remaining amount on the own device side is insufficient, the remaining device is inquired about the remaining amount, and if the remaining amount is sufficient, the billing device on the lesser device side is charged (steps 2301, 2303, 2304). When the billing is completed, one copy is output on the machine side (step 2)
305). If the balance is insufficient for the copy fee for both the own device and the child device, the copy operation is ended (return from step 2303).

Next, if the balance on the machine side is equal to or more than the charge per copy, the charging process is performed on the charging device connected to the machine (step 230).
6, 2307). If the remaining amount on the side of the own device is insufficient, the remaining amount is inquired to the child device, and if the remaining amount is sufficient, the charging process is performed on the charging device on the side of the child device (steps 2306, 230).
8, 2309). When the billing is completed, a print request is issued to the slave unit and one copy is output on the slave unit side (step 231).
0), and this is repeated until the number of copies is completed (step 2).
311). If both the self-apparatus and the sub-apparatus have insufficient balance with respect to the copy fee, the copy operation ends (return from step 2308).

3.4 Concatenated Copy (3) FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of the concatenated copy operation. In this process, if the balance on the slave unit side is equal to or more than the charge per copy, the billing device connected to the slave unit is charged (steps 2401 and 2402).
2). If the balance on the child machine side is insufficient, if the balance on the machine side is sufficient, the billing device on the machine side is charged (steps 2401, 402, 2404). When the billing is completed, one copy is output on the machine side (step 2)
405). If both the self-apparatus and the sub-apparatus have insufficient balance for the copy fee, the copy operation is ended (return from step 2403).

Next, when the balance of money on the side of the slave unit is equal to or more than the charge per copy, the billing device connected to the self unit is charged (step 240).
6, 2407). If the balance on the child device side is insufficient, if the balance on the own device is sufficient, the billing device on the own device side is charged (steps 2406, 2408, 2409).
When the billing is completed, a print request is issued to the slave unit, one copy is output on the slave unit side (step 2410), and this is repeated until the final copy (step 2411). If the balance of the copy fee is insufficient for both the own device and the child device, the copy operation is ended (return from step 2408).

3.5 Concatenated Copy (Part 4) FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the concatenated copy operation. In this process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the remaining amount of money is equal to or more than the charge per copy for both the own device and the child device (steps 2501, 2502, 2505). If the copy charges are sufficient for both of them, the charging process is performed for the charging device with the smaller remaining amount (steps 2503, 2504, 2).
506). If the balance on one side is less than the copy fee,
A billing process is performed on the billing device on which the copy fee is sufficient (steps 2505 and 2506). When the billing is completed, one copy is output on the machine side (step 250).
7). If the remaining amount is insufficient for the copy fee for both the own device and the child device, the copy operation is ended (return from step 2505).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the remaining amount of money is equal to or more than the charge per copy for both the own device and the child device (steps 2508, 2509, 2512). If the copy charges are sufficient for both of them, the charging process is performed for the charging device with the smaller balance (steps 2510 and 151).
1, 1513). If one of the remaining charges is less than the copy fee, the billing device for which the copy fee is sufficient is charged (steps 2512 and 2513). When the billing is completed, a print request is issued to the slave unit, one copy is output on the slave unit side (step 2514), and this is repeated until the final copy (step 2515). If the remaining amount of money is insufficient for both the own device and the child device, the copy operation is ended (return from step 2513).

3.6 Concatenated Copy (No. 5) FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of the concatenated copy operation. In this process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the remaining amount of money is equal to the charge per copy for both the own device and the child device (step 260).
1, 2602, 2605). If the copy charges are sufficient for both of them, the charging process is performed for the charging device with the larger remaining amount (steps 2603, 2604, 2606).
If one of the remaining charges is less than the copy fee, the billing device on the side with the sufficient copy fee is charged (steps 2605 and 2606). When the billing is completed, one copy is output on the self-device side (step 2607). If the remaining amount of money is insufficient for both the own device and the child device, the copy operation is ended (return from step 2605).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the remaining amount of money is equal to or more than the charge per copy for both the own device and the child device (steps 2608, 2609, 2612). If the copy charges are sufficient for both of them, the charging process is performed for the charging device with the larger remaining amount (step 2610, 2611,
2613). If one of the remaining charges is less than the copy fee, the billing device on the side with the sufficient copy fee is charged (steps 2612 and 2613). When the billing is completed, a print request is issued to the slave unit, one copy is output on the slave unit side (step 2614), and this is repeated until the final copy (step 2615). If the remaining amount of money is insufficient for both the own device and the child device, the copy operation is ended (return from step 2612).

4. Fourth Embodiment A process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30. In the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 27,
It is checked whether all the charging devices connected are chargeable (step 2701), and if all are possible, the connection operation is performed (step 2702). Further, in the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, it is checked whether all the charging devices connected are chargeable (step 2801), and if any one is not chargeable, the connecting operation is stopped (step 2801). 2802). Furthermore, in the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.
All the billing devices connected are examined to see if they can be billed (step 2901), and if any of them is not billable, the linking operation is stopped and a warning to that effect is issued (step 2902). It was done. An example of this warning display is shown in FIG. Each of these processes corresponds to the above-mentioned thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth processes, respectively.

5. Fifth Embodiment In this system, a charging device (coin rack, card reader, etc.) is provided for each image forming apparatus.
The image forming devices are always connected in terms of hardware,
By selecting the single operation / connection operation, the image forming operation and the charging processing operation are executed individually / connected.

In connection, when the connection operation is selected from the master image forming apparatus (the apparatus operated by the operator), the connection operation is also selected for any connected image forming apparatus. Image information, the number of copies, and the like instructed by the master image forming apparatus are allocated to each slave image forming apparatus. The image forming operation is executed based on the information from the billing device connected to each.

5.1 When charging from a plurality of linked charging means, when the single operation mode is selected,
In the slave machine in which the connection operation is selected by the instruction from the master machine, if the independent operation mode is selected from the operation unit on the slave side, the connection is released, Cancel the image forming request and billing processing request from the master machine.

The processing in each image forming apparatus is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, it is determined whether the connecting operation is selected on the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus. Since the selection of the single operation / connection in the operation unit 30 is switched by the toggle operation, it is determined in this determination whether the single operation is changed to the connection operation (step 3101). A determination is made as to whether or not charging processing is possible from a charging device connected to this image forming apparatus. If the billing process is impossible, the process returns without doing anything (step 3102). A connection operation request is notified to another image forming apparatus, and a response (ACK signal) is recognized as a connection target (slave machine) (step 3103). Input processing of various conditions such as conditions for image formation and allocation of the number of copies during connection (step 3)
104). An image reading operation is performed by the master machine (step 3105). Of the read images, the image forming operation assigned to the master machine is performed. The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are shown in the flowchart of FIG. 32 (step 3106). Among the read images, the image assigned to the slave machine is transmitted as image formation information (step 3107).

When the connecting operation is not selected (step 3101), it is determined whether or not the current operation is the single operation state. Since the selection of single / concatenated is switched by the toggle operation, in this judgment, it is determined whether the concatenated operation is changed to the single operation or remains the single operation. If it is already in the linked operation state when it is targeted by the slave machine, it returns without doing anything (step 3108). If it is an independent operation, it is determined whether or not the connection operation request is notified. If there is no connection operation request from another image forming apparatus, the process returns without doing anything (step 3109). A determination is made as to whether or not charging processing is possible from a charging device connected to this image forming apparatus. If the billing process is impossible, nothing is done and the process returns (step 3110). If the connection operation request is notified, a response (ACK signal) is returned, the connection operation is switched to (step 3111), and the image formation information sent from the master machine is received (step 3112). Then, an image forming operation is performed based on the image forming information sent.
The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are shown in the flowchart of FIG. 32 (step 3113). Note that step 31
Steps 02 to 3107 show the operation of the master machine at the time of connection, and steps 3108 to 3113 show the operation of the slave machine at the time of connection.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the image forming operation during the connecting operation. In this process, it is determined whether the single operation is not selected on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus (step 3201). If the linking operation remains, the image forming operation processing is performed based on the held image forming information (step 3202). Next, an accounting process is performed from the accounting device together with the image forming operation (step 3203), and it is further determined whether the image forming information to be output is completed. If not completed, the processing returns to step 3201 and the image forming operation is performed again (step 3204). if,
If the single operation is selected from the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus in step 3201, the connection operation is switched to the single operation (step 3205). Then, it notifies the other image forming apparatuses in the linked operation state of the link release, and if there is a response (ACK signal) to the notification of the link release, it returns (step 3206).

5.2 When a plurality of charging means are chargeable, when the image forming function is instructed by the operation display means, the process master machine which prohibits the connecting operation in the connecting operation mode instructs the connecting operation. At this time, if an operation such as an input process is being performed in the image forming apparatus designated as the slave machine, it is regarded as a single operation state and is not linked.

The process of stopping the image forming operation in each image forming apparatus is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the connecting operation is selected by the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus. Since the selection of single operation / connection in the operation unit is switched by the toggle operation, it is determined in this judgment whether the single operation is changed to the connection operation (step 330).
1). A determination is made as to whether or not charging processing is possible from a charging device connected to this image forming apparatus. If the billing process is impossible, the process returns without doing anything (step 330).
2). Then, the connection operation request is notified to the other image forming apparatus (step 3303), and it is determined whether the connection operation request is accepted. It is checked whether the connection operation request has been accepted or rejected from another image forming apparatus (step 3304). If the concatenation operation is rejected, it is excluded from the concatenation subject because it is not in the concatenable state (step 3305). (If the linking operation is accepted, the image forming apparatus is recognized as a linkable state (slave unit) as a linkable state (step 3306). Input processing of various conditions such as allocation (step 330)
7). After that, an image reading operation is performed by the master machine (step 3308). Of the read images, the image forming operation assigned to the master machine is performed. The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are shown in the flowchart of FIG. 34 (step 3309). Of the read images, the one assigned to the slave unit is transmitted as image formation information (step 3310).

If the connecting operation is not selected (step 3301), it is judged whether or not the current operation is the single operation state. Since the selection of single / concatenated is switched by the toggle operation, in this judgment, it is determined whether the concatenated operation is changed to the single operation or remains the single operation. If it is already in the linked operation state when it is targeted by the slave machine, it returns without doing anything (step 3311). If it is an independent operation, it is determined whether or not the connection operation request is notified. If there is no connection operation request from another image forming apparatus, nothing is done and the process returns (step 3312). Then, it is determined whether or not the charging process is possible from the charging device connected to the image forming apparatus. If the billing process is impossible, nothing is done and the process returns (step 3313). Next, it is determined whether the input process from the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus is being performed (step 3314). If the input processing from the operation unit 30 is being performed, it is considered that the operation is being performed by a single operation, and a rejection signal for the connection operation request is transmitted (step 3315). When the input processing from the operation unit 30 is not performed, an acceptance signal for the connection operation request is transmitted,
The connection operation is switched to (step 3316). afterwards,
The image forming information sent from the master machine is received (step 3317). An image forming operation is performed based on the image forming information sent (step 3318). The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Steps 3302 to 3310 show the operation of the master machine at the time of connection, and steps 3311 to 3
Reference numeral 318 shows the operation of the slave unit at the time of connection.

The flowchart of FIG. 34 shows the image forming operation at the time of the connecting operation. In this processing, it is first judged whether or not the single operation is selected by the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus (step 3401). ). If it is the connecting operation, the image forming operation processing is performed based on the held image forming information (step 3402), and the charging apparatus performs the charging processing together with the image forming operation (step 340).
3). Then, it is determined whether the image forming information to be output is completed. If not completed, the process returns to step 3401 to perform the image forming operation again (step 340).
4).

On the other hand, if the single operation is selected by the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus (step 3401), the connection operation is switched to the single operation (step 340).
5) Notifying the other image forming apparatuses in the linked operation state of the linked release. Then, if there is a response (ACK signal) to the notice of disconnection, the process returns (step 3406).

5.3 Processing for Prohibiting Instruction of Image Forming Function by Operation Display Means When Plural Charging Means Can Be Charged When the slave machine is in the connecting operation state, input prohibition processing is performed. Furthermore, when an operation such as an input process is performed, a warning display is displayed to prompt that the connecting operation is being performed.

The process of stopping the image forming operation in each image forming apparatus is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the connecting operation is selected on the operation unit 30 of the image forming operation. Since the selection of the single operation / connection in the operation unit 30 is switched by the toggle operation, it is determined in this determination whether the single operation is changed to the connection operation (step 350).
1). Next, it is determined whether or not the charging process is possible from the charging device connected to the image forming apparatus. If the charging process is impossible, the process returns without doing anything (step 3502). If the billing process is possible, another image forming apparatus is notified of the connection operation request and a response (ACK signal)
If there is such a connection, it is recognized as a connection target (slave machine) (step 3503). Then, various conditions such as conditions for image formation and allocation of the number of copies at the time of connection are input (step 3504), and an image reading operation is performed by the master machine (step 3505). Next, the image forming operation assigned to the master machine among the read images is performed (step 3506). The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are shown in the flowchart of FIG. After image formation, of the read images, the ones assigned to the slave units are transmitted as image formation information (step 3507).

On the other hand, when the connecting operation is not selected (step 3501), it is determined whether or not the current operation is the single operation state. Since the selection of single / concatenated is switched by the toggle operation, in this judgment, it is determined whether the concatenated operation is changed to the single operation or remains the single operation. If it is already in the linking operation state when it is targeted by the slave machine, it returns without doing anything (step 3508). If it is an independent operation, it is determined whether or not the connection operation request is notified. If there is no connection operation request from another image forming apparatus, nothing is done and the process returns (step 3509). Next, it is determined whether or not the charging process is possible from the charging device connected to the image forming apparatus. If the billing process is impossible, the process returns without doing anything (step 3510). If the connection operation request is notified, a response (ACK signal) is returned and the operation is switched to the connection operation (step 3511). Next, input prohibition processing and input prohibition display are performed on the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus (step 3512). After that, the image forming information sent from the master machine is received (step 351).
3) The image forming operation is performed based on the sent image forming information. The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are shown in FIG.
It is shown in the flowchart.

Steps 3502 to 3507 show the operation of the master machine at the time of connection, and steps 3508 to 3514 show the operation of the slave machine at the time of connection.

The flowchart of FIG. 36 shows the image forming operation at the time of the connecting operation. In this processing, first, it is judged whether or not the input processing or the like has been performed from the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus (step 3601). And the operation unit 30
If the input processing is performed from, a warning display is displayed to indicate that the image forming apparatus is in the connecting operation state (step 3602). Next, it is determined whether or not the single operation is selected on the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus (step 3603). If it is determined in this determination that the connecting operation is still performed, the image forming operation process is performed based on the held image forming information (step 3604). Then, together with the image forming operation, the billing device performs billing processing (step 360).
5) It is determined whether the image forming information to be output is completed. If not completed, the processing returns to step 3601 and the image forming operation is performed again (step 360).
6).

On the other hand, if the single operation is selected on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus (step 3603), the connection operation is switched to the single operation (step 3607). Next, a notice of disconnection is sent to the other image forming apparatuses in the connected operation state. Then, if there is a response (ACK signal) to the notice of disconnection, the process returns (step 3608).

6. Sixth Embodiment Next, a general flow chart of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Two image forming devices connected via a connection interface are equal (peer-to-peer)
It is not related to which is the master in the initial state after the power is turned on. A charging device (coin rack, prepaid card reader, etc.) is provided for each image forming apparatus.

This processing content is the same as the third processing in FIG.
20 in the flowchart of FIG. 20 in the embodiment of the present invention before the accounting process monitoring process (step 37
01), and the subsequent steps 370.
Each processing step from 2 to 3707 is step 200.
Since it corresponds to the processing from 1 to 2006, the description is omitted. The slave processing subroutine in step 3702 is also the same as that described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 38 shows a flowchart of the linked copy operation. In this operation, if the balance on the machine side is equal to or more than the charge per copy, the billing device connected to the machine is charged and one copy is made on the machine side. Output (steps 3801 to 3804). When the copy fee is insufficient, the copy operation is ended (return from step 3802). Next, if the remaining amount of money on the handset side is equal to or more than the charge per copy, the billing device connected to the handset is charged and a print request is issued to the handset. The slave unit outputs one copy (steps 3805 to 3808). If the copy fee is insufficient, the copy operation is terminated (return from step 3805).

FIG. 39 shows a flowchart of the charging device monitoring process. When the operator performs a coin return operation (or a prepaid card removal operation) on at least one of the own machine side and the child machine side (steps 3901 and 3902), the coin return operation (steps 3901 and 3902) is performed. The prepaid card is ejected) (steps 3903 and 3904).

7. Seventh Embodiment In this processing, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 40, the charging condition is determined and the charging is performed according to the operation mode requested to each image forming apparatus.

8. Eighth Embodiment 8.1 Connection Operation When Identical PIN is Authenticated In this system, each image forming apparatus has a PIN management means, and an independent PIN is registered for each image forming apparatus. Can be deleted. Although the image forming apparatuses are always connected by hardware, the image forming operation is performed individually / connected by selecting the independent operation / connection operation.

In the connection, when the personal identification number is input in the master image forming apparatus (the apparatus operated by the operator) and the connection operation is selected, the connection operation is performed with respect to any connected image forming apparatus. Is selected. The image forming apparatuses that are the targets of connection are in a standby state for inputting a personal identification number. Here, the image forming apparatus to which the same personal identification number as that input from the master is input is recognized as a slave. Image information, the number of copies, and the like instructed by the master image forming apparatus are allocated to each slave image forming apparatus. Logging and the like accompanying the image forming operation are performed by each slave machine.

The process of stopping the image forming operation in each image forming apparatus is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In this processing, the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus is used.
It is determined whether or not the concatenation operation has been selected by. Since the selection of single / link in the operation unit 30 is switched by the toggle operation, it is determined in this determination whether the single operation is changed to the connection operation (step 4101). If the connecting operation is selected, the ten-key input on the operation unit is permitted and the personal identification number is input. When a key other than the numbers (* key, # key, etc.) is pressed, it is regarded as an invalid number and the number is input again (step 4102), and the input number is the personal identification number registered in the image forming apparatus. Determine whether the same as. If the entered number does not correspond to any of the registered personal identification numbers, nothing is done and the process returns (step 4103). Then, the connection operation request is notified to the other image forming apparatus, and the personal identification number input by the image forming apparatus is transmitted (step 4104) to determine whether the connection operation request is accepted. Here, it is determined whether the connection operation request is accepted or rejected from another image forming apparatus (step 4105). If the linking operation is rejected, the linking operation is excluded from the linking targets (step 4106). If the linking operation is accepted, the linking operation is not possible and the image forming apparatus is linked. It is recognized as a slave machine (step 4107). Then, various conditions such as conditions for image formation and allocation of the number of copies at the time of connection are input (step 4108), and the image reading operation is performed by the master machine (step 4109). Of the read images, the image forming operation assigned to the master machine is performed (step 4110). The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are shown in the flowchart of FIG. Then, of the read images, the image assigned to the slave device is transmitted as image formation information (step 4111).

On the other hand, when the connecting operation is not selected (step 4101), it is determined whether or not the current operation is the single operation state. Since the selection of single operation / connection is switched by a toggle operation, in this judgment, it is determined whether the single operation is changed to the connection operation or the single operation remains. If it is already in the linked operation state when it is targeted by the slave machine, it returns without doing anything (step 4112). If it is an independent operation, it is determined whether or not the connection operation request is notified. If there is no connection operation request from another image forming apparatus, the process returns without doing anything (step 4113). If the connection operation request has been notified, the ten-key input on the operation unit 30 is permitted, and the personal identification number is input. When a key other than the numbers (* key, # key, etc.) is pressed, it is regarded as an invalid number and the number is input again (step 4114). Then, it is judged whether or not the input number is the same as the personal identification number sent together with the notification of the connection operation request (step 4115). If the input number is different from the personal identification number sent, the operator is different. If the entered number is the same as the sent secret code, it is considered that the operation is performed by the same operator, and the connection operation is performed. An acceptance signal for the request is transmitted, and the connection operation is switched (step 4117). Next, the image forming information sent from the master machine is received (step 4118), and the image forming operation is performed based on the sent image forming information (step 4119). The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Steps 4102 to 4111 show the operation of the master machine at the time of connection, and steps 4112 to 4119 show the operation of the slave machine at the time of connection.

The flowchart of FIG. 42 shows the image forming operation at the time of the connecting operation. In this process, first, it is judged whether or not the single operation is selected by the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus (step 4201). If it is determined in this determination that the connecting operation is still performed, the image forming operation processing is performed based on the held image forming information (step 4202), and the logging count processing is performed together with the image forming operation. The copy count and the like are counted according to the number of output sheets for each image forming operation (step 4203). Then
It is determined whether the image forming information to be output is completed. If not completed, the process returns to step 4201 and the image forming operation is performed again (step 4204).

On the other hand, if the single operation is selected on the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus (step 4201), the connection operation is switched to the single operation (step 420).
5) Notifying the other image forming apparatuses in the linked operation state of the linked release. Response to notification of disconnection (A
If there is a CK signal, the process returns (step 420).
6).

8.2 Connection Operation When Password Registered in At least One Image Forming Apparatus is Authenticated This system is also the same as the system described in 7.1. In connection, when the personal identification number is entered in the master image forming device (device operated by the operator) and the connecting operation is selected, the connecting operation is also selected for any connected image forming device. It The image forming apparatuses that are the targets of connection are in a standby state for inputting a personal identification number. If the personal identification number registered for each image forming apparatus is input, the image forming apparatus is recognized as a slave machine. The image information instructed by the master image forming apparatus, the number of copies, etc. are allocated to each slave image forming apparatus. Logging and the like accompanying the image forming operation are performed by each slave machine.

The process of stopping the image forming operation in each image forming apparatus is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, it is determined whether the connecting operation is selected on the operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus. Since the selection of single / connection in the operation unit is switched by the toggle operation, it is determined in this determination whether the single operation is changed to the connection operation (step 4301). If the connecting operation is selected, the ten-key input on the operation unit 30 is permitted, and the personal identification number is input. When a key other than the numbers (* key, # key, etc.) is pressed, it is regarded as an invalid number and the number is input again (step 4302). Then, it is determined whether the input number is the same as the personal identification number registered in the image forming apparatus, and if the input number does not correspond to any of the registered personal identification numbers, do nothing. It returns (step 4303). Then, the connection operation request is notified to another image forming apparatus (step 4304), and it is determined whether or not the connection operation request is accepted. Here, it is determined whether the connection operation request has been accepted or rejected from another image forming apparatus (step 4305). If the linking operation is rejected, the linking operation is excluded as a linkable state (step 4306), and if the linking operation is accepted, the image forming apparatus is linked as a linkable state (slave machine). ) Is recognized (step 4307). And
Input processing is performed for various conditions such as conditions for image formation and allocation of the number of copies during connection (step 4308), and image reading operation is performed by the master machine (step 430).
9) The image forming operation assigned to the master machine among the read images is performed (step 4310). The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG. Then, of the read images, the image assigned to the slave machine is transmitted as image formation information (step 4311).

On the other hand, when the connecting operation is not selected (step 4301), it is determined whether or not the current operation is the single operation state. Since the selection of single operation / connection is switched by a toggle operation, in this judgment, it is determined whether the single operation is changed to the connection operation or the single operation remains. If it is already in the linked operation state when it is targeted by the slave machine, it returns without doing anything (step 4312). If it is an independent operation, it is determined whether or not a connection operation request is notified, and if there is no connection operation request from another image forming apparatus, the process returns without doing anything (step 4313). Then, if the connection operation request is notified, the ten-key input of the operation unit 30 is permitted, and the personal identification number is input. When a key other than the numbers (* key, # key, etc.) is pressed, it is regarded as an invalid number and the number is input again (step 4314). Next, it is judged whether or not the input number is the same as the registered personal identification number (step 4315), and if the input number is different from the registered personal identification number, the operator is instructed of the image forming apparatus. Assuming that there is no right to use, a rejection signal for the connection operation request is transmitted (step 4316). When the input number is the same as the registered personal identification number, it is considered that the operation is performed by the same operator, an acceptance signal for the connection operation request is transmitted, and the operation is switched to the connection operation (step 4317).
Next, the image forming information sent from the master machine is received (step 4318), and the image forming operation is performed based on the sent image forming information. The contents of the image forming operation process at the time of connection are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG. 9. Ninth Embodiment Since the general flowchart of this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 37, description of the general flow is omitted. Figure 4
4 shows a flowchart of the linked copy operation. First, check the balance of the billing device on the own device side and the child device side (step 4).
401-4404). If both of them have insufficient copy charges, the copy operation is terminated (return from step 4403). Next, when the balance on the machine side is equal to or more than the charge per copy (step 4404),
The charging device connected to the own device is charged (step 4405), and one copy is output on the own device side (step 4406). If the copy fee is insufficient, this process is skipped. Further, if the balance on the side of the slave unit is equal to or more than the charge per copy (step 4407), the charging device connected to the slave unit is charged (step 4408), and the slave unit is charged. A print request is issued and one copy is output on the slave side (step 4409). If the copy fee is insufficient, this process is skipped.

FIG. 45 shows a flowchart of the charging device monitoring process. When the operator performs a coin return operation (or a prepaid card removal operation) on both the own machine side and the child machine side, the image forming mode is initialized (steps 4501 to 4503), and further the connecting operation mode is performed. Is canceled (step 4504).

10. Tenth Embodiment The processing contents according to the tenth embodiment are shown in the flowchart of FIG. As can be seen from this flowchart, in this processing, it is checked whether or not the billing device of each copying machine performing the linking operation is billable (step 4601), and when the personal identification number entered by the operator matches the system (step 4602). ) The connection operation is enabled (step 4603).

11. Eleventh Embodiment First, with reference to FIG. 47, a general flow chart of the present embodiment will be described. The two image forming apparatuses connected via the connection interface have a peer (peer-to-peer) relationship, and it is not determined which is the master in the initial state after the power is turned on. A charging device (coin rack, prepaid card reader, etc.) is provided for each image forming apparatus.

First, when the operator designates the linked copy mode on the operation panel of one of the image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus becomes the master machine and the other becomes the slave machine (slave machine).
In the standby state, it checks whether any request is issued from another machine.If a request arrives, the other party becomes the master machine and the own machine becomes the slave machine, so the slave machine executes the processing requested by the master machine. The steps are sequentially executed (step 4701). Next, a code number input screen is displayed (step 4702). An example of this display screen is shown in FIG. The personal identification number is configured so that the user can arbitrarily set up to 50 arbitrary numbers up to 6 digits. The set personal identification number is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown). When the entered personal identification number matches any of the stored personal identification numbers, the personal identification number input image memory is closed and the normal copy standby screen is displayed (steps 4703 and 4704). Next, the slave process is performed again (step 4705). This is because an operation request may be issued from another device even after the personal identification number is input, and the operation as a slave device is guaranteed. When the secret code release key (not shown) on the operation panel is pressed, the inputted secret code number is cleared and the initial state is returned (step 4707).

When a connection copy mode key (not shown) is pressed (step 4708), an inquiry about the secret code authentication status is issued to the slave unit to check whether the secret code is also authenticated on the slave unit side. . If it has been authenticated (correct password has been entered), the linked copy mode is set (step 4709).

When the operator presses the copy start key (step 4710), if the linked copy mode is not set, a single copy operation is performed (step 47).
11, 4712, 4713), if the linked copy mode is set, the linked copy operation is performed (step 471).
1, 4714). Since the single copy operation is a known technique, its description is omitted. Note that the slave processing subroutine is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 49 shows a flowchart of the linked copy operation. In this process, first, the self-device side performs a logging process (step 4901) and outputs one copy (step 4902). Next, a logging request is issued to the slave unit to perform logging processing on the slave unit side (step 490).
3) Further, a print request is issued to the slave unit and one copy is output on the slave unit side (step 4904). When all the copies are output, the copy ends (step 4905).

FIG. 50 shows a flowchart of the linked copy operation. In this process, first, the self-device side performs a logging process (step 5001) and outputs one copy (step 5002). Next, the logging process is performed again on the self device side (step 5003), a print request is issued to the slave device, and one copy is output on the slave device side (step 500).
4). When all the copies are output, the copy ends (step 5005).

FIG. 51 shows a general flow chart of processing when the same password is used for authentication. 47 is different from the flow of FIG. 47 only when the personal identification number input on the master unit side when the concatenation copy mode key is pressed and the personal identification number input on the slave unit side are compared and they match. This is the point that the setting of the linked copy mode is allowed (step 470).
8-1).

FIG. 52 shows a general flow chart of the processing for ending all the authentications connected when the authentication is completed by an arbitrary authentication means after the connection. The difference from the flow of FIG. 47 is that it determines whether or not a password release request has been received (step 4705-1), and if the connection copy mode is set when the password release operation is performed, Is to issue a password release request and to shift to the initial state when this password release request is received (step 4).
706, 4706-1, 4706-2).

[0221]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, 1. Since the operator who can perform the connecting operation can be specified by the secret code, it becomes possible to meet various user's requests. 2. Since the connecting operation can be performed by performing the authentication operation with the password registered in any one of the connected image forming apparatuses, the operability can be improved. 3. It is possible to identify the operator who can connect with the same password.
Since it is possible to respond to various user's requests
It will be possible .

[0222]

[0223]

[0224]

[0225]

[0226]

[0227]

[0228]

[0229]

[0230]

[0231]

[0232]

[0233]

[0234]

[0235]

[0236]

[0237]

[0238]

[0239]

[0240]

[0241]

[0242]

[0243]

[0244]

[0245]

[0246]

[0247]

[0248]

[0249]

[0250]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal touch panel of an operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a system of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of network copy.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a network.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of software.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit.

9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory controller and an image memory in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a time chart showing an image signal for one page in the selector.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a linked copy system.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG. 11.

13 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG.

14 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example when the connecting operation is impossible.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing content according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing contents according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing contents according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing contents according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of slave processing according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a concatenated copy operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a concatenated copy operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a concatenated copy operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a concatenated copy operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a concatenated copy operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the processing contents in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing contents in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the processing contents in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display example of a warning of the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the processing contents in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of image forming operation processing at the time of connection in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of image forming operation stop in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an image forming operation at the time of a connecting operation in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of stopping the image forming operation in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an image forming operation at the time of a connecting operation in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a general flowchart showing the processing contents in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the contents of a linked copy operation in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the processing contents in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of a charging process in each image forming apparatus in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an image forming operation at the time of a connecting operation in the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of image forming operation stop in each image forming apparatus in the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the contents of a concatenated copy operation in the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the contents of a concatenated copy operation in the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a charging device monitoring process in the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a general flow chart showing the processing contents in the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for inputting a personal identification number in the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the contents of a concatenated copy operation in the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the contents of a concatenated copy operation in the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a general flow chart showing the processing contents in the case of authenticating the same secret code according to the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a general flow chart showing the processing contents in the case of ending all the authentications linked when the authentication is ended by the arbitrary authentication means according to the eleventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

54 CCD 64 selector 65 memory controller 66 image memory 68 CPU 69 ROM 70 RAM 401 Image reading unit 402 image writing unit 403 system controller 404 memory unit

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI G03G 21/02 H04N 1/00 E 21/04 1/34 H04N 1/00 G03G 21/00 390 1/34 392 (72) Inventor Mountain ▲ Saki ▼ 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Tokyo, Ota-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Takeshi Endo 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Tokyo, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Ricoh (56) References Special Kaihei 3-198068 (JP, A) JP 7-261613 (JP, A) JP 8-171313 (JP, A) JP 5-324971 (JP, A) JP 5-127448 ( JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 396 G03G 21/00 376 G03G 21/00 378 G03G 21/00 384 G03G 21/00 386 H04N 1/00 H04N 1/34 G03G 21/02

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of image forming apparatuses each including an original reading unit for reading an original, a printing unit for printing the read original, and a password authentication unit for authenticating a password are connected via a communication unit, and In an image forming system in which a connecting operation mode is set in which image information read by any one of the image forming apparatuses is transferred to another image forming apparatus and printed, between the image forming apparatuses connected by the connecting operation mode. A means for communicating the password information, and a control means for executing the linking operation in the linking operation mode when the same password registered in all the image forming apparatuses capable of the linking operation in the linking operation mode is authenticated. An image forming system comprising: 2. A plurality of image forming apparatuses each including an original reading unit for reading an original, a printing unit for printing the read original, and a password authentication unit for authenticating a password are connected via a communication unit, and In an image forming system in which a connecting operation mode is set in which image information read by any one of the image forming apparatuses is transferred to another image forming apparatus and printed, between the image forming apparatuses connected by the connecting operation mode. And a control for executing a connecting operation in the connecting operation mode when a password registered in at least one image forming apparatus among a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses is authenticated. An image forming system comprising means and. 3. A plurality of image forming apparatuses including a document reading unit for reading a document, a printing unit for printing the read document, and a password authentication unit for authenticating a password are connected through a communication unit, and A single operation mode in which the image forming apparatus that has read the image information of the image forming apparatus prints the image, and a connection in which the image information read by any one of the image forming apparatuses is transferred to a different image forming apparatus and printed. In the image forming system in which the operation mode is set, the selection means for selecting either the single operation mode or the connection operation mode and the same secret code previously registered for the connection operation are used.
When the authentication is performed , the image forming system includes: a control unit that enables the selection unit to select the connection operation mode.