JP3727972B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

Ｔｓ：コピースタート時の準備時間
Ｘ ：原稿ページ数
Ｔｖ：画像読み取り及び画像データ転送の時間（原稿フィーダ動作含む）
Ｙ ：各原稿のコピー枚数
Ｎ ：重連設定されたステーション数
Ｔｃ：１枚あたりのコピー時間
Ｔtr１：原稿読み取り及び画像データ伝送の合計時間
Ｔtr１＝Ｔｓ＋Ｘ×Ｔｖ …式（２）
Ｔｃｐ１：プリンタ部でのコピー動作の合計時間
Ｔｃｐ１＝Ｘ×（Ｙ／Ｎ）×Ｔｃ …式（３）
いま、原稿ページ数Ｘ＝１６、各原稿のコピー枚数Ｙ＝２００、重連設定されたステーション数Ｎ＝４であり、原稿読み取り及び画像データ伝送に要する時間は、図１９の（ｂ）に示す（１）〜（16）の合計時間Ｔtr１となり、多大な時間を要する。式（２）より、
Ｔtr１＝Ｔｓ＋１６×Ｔｖ …式（４）
また、プリンタ部でのコピー動作時間は、図１９の（ｂ）に示す▲１▼〜（16）の合計時間Ｔｃｐ１となる。式（３）より、
Ｔｃｐ１＝１６×５０×Ｔｃ＝８００×Ｔｃ …式（５）
上記式（１）〜式（５）は、説明を簡単化するため、Ｎ、Ｘ、Ｙの比が整数比であるものとした。整数比でない場合は、所定のステーションに剰余のコピー出力枚数を割り当てても良い。
【００９７】
いま、複数ページの原稿を多量にコピーする場合、ページ毎に機械を振り分けて動作させるのが本発明の主な特徴であり、その実施例を以下に述べる。
【００９８】
まず、図１３に示したステーションＡの重連ステーション設定画面において、オート重連キー６２６を選択すると、タンデム接続された全ステーションＡ〜Ｄが１つのグループ１として重連動作設定される（図１５の状態６６１）。次に、ページ振り分け設定キー６２０を押すと、図２０に示すページ振り分け設定画面となり、オート振分キー６８１、マニュアル振分キー６８２が表示される。ここで、オート振分キー６８１を押すと、図２１に示す６９１のように、オート振分キーが反転表示し、オート振分モード設定済である事を示す。
【００９９】
本実施例では、ステーションＡのリーダ部の原稿フィーダ３５３に１６ページ分の原稿がセットされているので、ここで操作パネルの置数キーにより、コピー枚数“２００”をセットし、コピースタートキー６０１を押すと、各ステーションでのコピー枚数が“２００”にセットされる。また、公知の技術により、原稿フィーダにセットされている原稿のページ数が自動的に検知され、原稿ページ数１６にセットされる。次に、１ページ目の原稿が原稿読み取りエリアに搬送され、原稿画像が読み取られると共に｛図１９の（ａ）に示す（１）｝全ステーションＡ〜Ｄが自動的にページ振分モードに設定される。即ち、１ページ目の原稿が読み取られ、ステーションＡで１ページ目の原稿について２００枚コピーすべくプリント動作が開始される｛図１９の（ａ）に示す▲１▼｝。引き続いてステーションＡの原稿フィーダは、１ページ目の原稿を原稿フィーダ上に戻すと共に、５枚目の原稿を原稿読み取りエリアに搬送し、原稿画像の読み取りを開始し、ステーションＢへ５ページ目の原稿画像データが送られる｛図１９の（ａ）に示す（５）｝。一方、ステーションＢでは５ページ目の原稿画像が２００枚コピーされる｛図１９の（ａ）に示す▲５▼｝。
【０１００】
以下、同様にして、１６ページ目の原稿まで原稿読み取り及び画像データ伝送、そして、各ステーションでのコピー動作が行われる。結局、
ステーションＡ：１、２、３、４ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＢ：５、６、７、８ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＣ：９、１０、１１、１２ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＤ：１３、１４、１５、１６ページ目の順に各２００枚
のようにコピーされる。
【０１０１】
また、ページ振分の初期設定として、
ステーションＡ：１、５、９、１３ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＢ：２、６、１０、１４ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＣ：３、７、１１、１５ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＤ：４、８、１２、１６ページ目の順に各２００枚
のように設定しても良い。この場合、原稿フィーダにセットされた原稿のページの順に、順次各ステーションに画像を転送すれば良く、原稿フィーダ動作時間を短縮できる。
【０１０２】
従って、本実施例による重連システムでのトータルコピー時間Ｔtotal ２は、次式となる。
【０１０３】

Ｔtr２ ：原稿読み取り及び画像データ伝送の合計時間
Ｔtr２＝Ｔｓ＋｛（Ｘ／Ｎ）＋（Ｎ−１）｝×Ｔｖ …式（７）
Ｔｃｐ２：プリンタ部でのコピー動作の合計時間

式（７）より、

上記式（６）〜式（９）は、説明を簡単化するため、Ｎ、Ｘ、Ｙの比が整数比であるものとした。整数比でない場合は、所定のステーションに剰余のコピー出力枚数を割り当てても良い。
【０１０４】
従来例と本実施例のトータルコピー時間の差ΔＴtotal は、次式となる。
【０１０５】
ΔＴtotal ＝Ｔtr１−Ｔtr２

従って、式（11）及び図１９からも明らかなように、本実施例の場合、
ΔＴ４＝ΔＴtatal ＝９×Ｔｖ
だけ、トータルコピー時間を短縮可能である。
【０１０６】
本実施例では、原稿ページ数Ｘ＝１６、ステーション数Ｎ＝４を例に説明したが、同様にして、
Ｘ＝２０、Ｎ＝４では、ΔＴtotal ＝１２×Ｔｖ、
Ｘ＝２４、Ｎ＝４では、ΔＴtotal ＝１５×Ｔｖ・・・のように原稿ページ数が増える程、大幅にトータルコピー時間を短縮できる。
【０１０７】
また、原稿ページ数とステーション数とが等しい時には、
Ｘ＝Ｎ＝４ではΔＴtotal ＝０
となり、トータルコピー時間は等しくなる。
【０１０８】
また、原稿ページ数よりステーション数が大きい時には、例えば、
Ｘ＝３、Ｎ＝４ではΔＴtotal ＜０
となり、本実施例の振り分けモードでは、逆にトータルコピー時間が長くなる。このように、トータルコピー時間の短縮化の面では、本実施例はステーション数に比べ原稿ページ数が大きい程、効果的である。
【０１０９】
以上のように、原稿ページ数と、ステーション数の大小関係を比較することにより、自動的に最短時間でコピーが終了するように、振り分けを行うことも可能である。その場合、操作部に最短時間キーを設けても良い。
【０１１０】
また、従来の重連システムでは、重連接続されたステーション数に依らずに、同一ページの原稿画像を同時にコピーするモードしか提供できなかったが、本発明によれば、従来よりも柔軟な動作形態を提供できる。
【０１１１】
＜第２の実施例＞
次に、本発明に係る第２の実施例としてタンデムシステムに接続されたステーションにＩＰＵ等の外部Ｉ／Ｆ装置を介して接続されたホストコンピュータからの出力を複数のステーションを用いて複数のタンデムにグループとして出力する際の手順を説明する。尚、説明の簡単化のため、第１の実施例と同様、グループ１として、第１の外部Ｉ／Ｆ装置１００８（以下、ＩＰＵと呼ぶ）を介して接続された第１のホストコンピュータ１００９とステーション１００１、１００２、１００３、１００４（以下ステーションＡ、Ｂ、Ｃ、Ｄと呼ぶ）が所属する場合について説明する。また、ホストコンピュータから送られてくる原稿画像データのページ数は１６ページ、各ページのコピー枚数は２００枚とする。
【０１１２】
タンデムシステムに接続された全てのステーションの状態は、外部Ｉ／Ｆ装置１００８を介してホストコンピュータ１００９に集計されている。いま、ホストコンピュータ１００９上の操作でタンデムシステムの状態に応じてグループ１として使用するステーション、オート振り分け有り、コピー枚数、用紙等を設定し、１ページ目の画像データをＩＰＵに転送する。ＩＰＵは、これらの設定を接続されているステーション（今回の場合はステーションＡ）に通達する。この通達を受け取ったステーションＡは、使用される他のステーションＢ〜ステーションＤに対してプリントスタートコマンドを発行する。即ち、ステーションＡは受け取ったオート振り分け有りの設定に従い、１ページ目の画像データをステーションＡの画像メモリに格納するが、ステーションＢ〜Ｄには格納されない。また、使用するステーションを選ぶ操作の際に、選ばれなかったステーションに対してもプリントスタートコマンドは発行される。この場合、例えば「コピー枚数０を含むプリントスタートコマンドを受け取ると、選ばれなかったと判断する」等の手段が有効かと考えられる。こうする事により、選ばれなかったステーションにおいてもＩ／Ｆ部を切り替え、画像信号が目的のステーションに届くようにする事が可能になる。尚、プリントスタートコマンド中にはスタート要求元アドレスが含まれているため、自分自身のアドレスと比較する事によってＩ／Ｆ部をどのように切り替えればいいかを判断することができるからである。
【０１１３】
プリントスタートコマンドを受け取ったステーションは、前述した原稿台上の原稿の出力の場合と同様の手順により、画像信号待ち状態に入る。ＩＰＵの接続されているステーションＡは、ビデオ信号を「ＩＰＵからの入力」、かつ「他のステーションへの出力」のモードに切り替えた後、ＩＰＵに対して１ページ目の画像を送るようにコマンドを発行する。ＩＰＵからの画像読出し、及び、残りのステーションの画像書込みに用いられるＶＩＤＥＯ制御信号は全てＩＰＵが接続されているステーションＡが生成するものを用いてシステム全体の制御が行われる。従って、ＩＰＵから読み出された画像データはステーションＡの画像メモリに書き込まれる。画像書込みの後は、ステーションＡから画像転送終了コマンドが発行され｛図１９の（ａ）に示す（１）｝、ステーションＡでは１ページ目の画像データのプリントアウト動作が開始される｛図１９の（ａ）に示す▲１▼｝
次に、ステーションＡは、ＩＰＵに対して５ページ目の画像を送るようにコマンドを発行する。この時、ＩＰＵから読み出された５ページ目の画像データは、ステーションＡの画像メモリには格納されずに、そのままステーションＢの画像メモリに格納される。画像書込みに後は、ステーションＢから画像転送終了コマンドが発行され｛図１９の（ａ）に示す（５）｝、ステーションＢで５ページ目の画像データのプリントアウト動作が開始される｛図１９の（ａ）に示す▲５▼｝。
【０１１４】
以下、同様にして、１６ページ目の原稿まで原稿読み取り及び画像データ伝送、そして、各ステーションでのコピー動作が行われる。結局、
ステーションＡ：１、２、３、４ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＢ：５、６、７、８ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＣ：９、１０、１１、１２ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＤ：１３、１４、１５、１６ページ目の順に各２００枚
のようにコピーされる。もちろん、全ステーションが稼働中である時には、何れか１つ以上のステーションがスタンバイ状態になった後、次のページの画像データが転送可能となる。
【０１１５】
また、ホストコンピュータから送られる原稿画像データのページ順は、任意であって良い。ホストコンピュータ側でページ順を設定しても良く、また、ＩＰＵを介して、ステーションＡからホストコンピュータにページ番号情報を送っても良い。
【０１１６】
以上のように、第２の実施例によれば、ホストコンピュータから送られてくる複数ページの画像をコピー出力する際に、第１の実施例と同様に、画像プリンタ動作を振り分け可能なシステムを提供できる。
【０１１７】
また、トータルコピー時間の短縮化の面では、この実施例でも、ステーション数に比べ原稿ページ数が大きい程、効果的である。
【０１１８】
＜第３の実施例＞
更に、本発明に係る第３の実施例として、重連システムにおける振り分け動作を応用した両面コピー出力について説明する。この実施例は、複数ページの原稿を大量にコピーする場合に、ページ毎に機械を振り分けて動作させるものであり、以下詳細に述べる。
【０１１９】
簡単のため、第１の実施例と同様に、４台のステーションを１つのグループとする重連システムにおいて、１６ページの片面原稿画像をコピーする場合を例に説明する。但し、両面コピーのため、２００部コピーする場合でも、コピー出力は１００枚である。
【０１２０】
ステーションＡの基本画面（図２２）において、両面設定キー６１６を押すと、両面設定画面（図２３）となる。ここで、両面モード１キー７０１を押し、片面原稿→両面コピーモード（モード１）を選択すると、両面モード１キー７０１は反転表示され、設定済である事が確認される。両面設定終了時には、設定終了キー６２３を押すと、図２２の基本画面に戻り、両面設定キー６１６が反転表示され、ステーションＡが両面モードに設定済である事が確認される。また、設定クリアキー６２４を押せば、両面設定を解除可能である。
【０１２１】
次に、ステーションＡの基本画面（図２２）において、重連設定キー６１５を押し、重連ステーション設定画面（図１３）において、オート重連キー６２６を選択すると、タンデム接続された全ステーションＡ〜Ｄが１つのグループ１として重連動作設定される（図１５の状態６６１）。
【０１２２】
次に、ページ振分設定キー６２０を押すと、図２０に示すページ振分設定画面となり、オート振分キー６８１、マニュアル振分キー６８２が表示される。ここで、オート振分キー６８１を押すと、図２１に示す６９１のように、オート振分キーが反転表示され、オート振分モード設定済である事を示す。また設定クリアキー６２４を押せば、重連設定を解除可能である。そして、設定終了キー６２３を押すと、図２２の基本画面に戻る。
【０１２３】
本実施例では、ステーションＡのリーダ部の原稿フィーダ３５３に１６ページ分の原稿がセットされているので、ここで操作パネルの置数キーにより、コピー枚数“２００”をセットし、コピースタートキー６０１を押すと、各ステーションでのコピー枚数が“２００”にセットされる。また、公知の技術により、原稿フィーダにセットされている原稿のページ数が自動的に検知され、原稿ページ数１６にセットされる。次に、１ページ目の原稿が原稿読み取りエリアに搬送され、原稿画像が読み取られると共に｛図１９の（ａ）に示す（１）｝全ステーションＡ〜Ｄが自動的にページ振分モードに設定される。即ち、１ページ目の原稿が読み取られ、ステーションＡで１ページ目の原稿について２００枚コピーすべくプリント動作が開始される｛図１９の（ａ）に示す▲１▼｝。引き続いてステーションＡの原稿フィーダは、１ページ目の原稿を原稿フィーダ上に戻すと共に、５枚目の原稿を原稿読み取りエリアに搬送し、原稿画像の読み取りを開始し、ステーションＢへ５ページ目の原稿画像データが送られる｛図１９の（ａ）に示す（５）｝。一方、ステーションＢでは５ページ目の原稿画像が２００枚コピーされる｛図１９の（ａ）に示す▲５▼｝。
【０１２４】
以下、同様にして、１６ページ目の原稿まで原稿読み取り及び画像データ伝送、そして、各ステーションでの両面コピー動作が行われる。結局、
ステーションＡ：１、２ページ目（表／裏）、３、４ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＢ：５、６ページ目（表／裏）、７、８ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＣ：９、１０ページ目（表／裏）、１１、１２ページ目の順に各２００枚
ステーションＤ：１３、１４ページ目（表／裏）、１５、１６ページ目の順に各２００枚
のようにコピーされる。
【０１２５】
また、ステーションＡのコピースタートキーを押すと、ステーションＡ〜Ｄの操作部の表示画面は重連動作画面（図２４）となり、ここで、７１１、７１２、７１３が反転表示されているので、両面設定、重連設定モードで動作中である事が確認できる。
【０１２６】
尚、本発明は、複数の機器から構成されるシステムに適用しても、１つの機器から成る装置に適用しても良い。また、システム或いは装置にプログラムを供給することによって達成される場合にも適用できることはいうまでもない。
【０１２７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、複数の画像形成装置で所定のグループを組織し、グループ単位で画像形成する画像形成システムを提供できる。
【０１３１】
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】実施例によるリーダ部のデジタル画像処理部を示すブロック図である。
【図２】実施例による外部とのインターフェースを示すブロック図である。
【図３】実施例によるカラー複写機の構造を示す断面図である。
【図４】実施例によるプリンタ内のポリゴンスキャナを示す図である。
【図５】実施例によるリーダ内のバスセレクタを示す図である。
【図６】重連システムの接続形態を示す概念図である。
【図７】重連システムでのビデオ信号関連の接続形態を示す概念図である。
【図８】重連システムのシリアル通信線の接続形態を示す概念図である。
【図９】重連システムのデータ送信時の各信号のタイミングチャートである。
【図１０】重連システムのシリアル通信で用いられるコマンドを示す図である。
【図１１】実施例による操作部の構成を示す図である。
【図１２】実施例による操作部の表示部を示す図である。
【図１３】重連システムでのタンデムステーション設定画面を示す図である。
【図１４】重連システムでのタンデムステーションキーを示す図である。
【図１５】実施例による重連設定及び振分設定手順を示す状態遷移図である。
【図１６】重連システムでの操作部外観である。
【図１７】重連システムでの操作部表示例である。
【図１８】重連システムでの操作部表示例である。
【図１９】実施例の重連システムと従来例の重連システムでの主要なタイミングチャートである。
【図２０】実施例による表示部のページ振り分け設定画面を示す図である。
【図２１】実施例による表示部の重連設定画面を示す図である。
【図２２】第３の実施例による表示部の基本画面を示す図である。
【図２３】第３の実施例による両面設定画面を示す図である。
【図２４】第３の実施例による両面コピー動作中の画面例を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
３５１ リーダ部
３５２ プリンタ部
３５３ 原稿フィーダ
２０５ インターフェース部
１２３ 対数変換部
１０６ メモリ
１０７ マスキング・ＵＣＲ部
１０９ ガンマ補正部
１１０ エッジ強調部[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system, and more particularly, an image constituted by a digital copying machine or the like that can output image data obtained by optically scanning and reading an original document into electrical signals, image data created on a computer, and the like. Relates to the forming system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the speeding up of digital copying machines, digital copying machines equipped with a full page memory for storing image data read inside the copying machine have started to appear. In such a digital copying machine, since the read image data is temporarily stored in the page memory and read out at the time of output, the timing of the image reading operation and the image writing operation is general. It can be said that it is more flexible than a copying machine with a configuration.
[0003]
Since the reader / printer constituting the digital copying machine can be used independently as an image reading device / image output device, for example, an external I / F device is used to connect to a general computer system, A system that can be used as an input / output device, or has a central control means for controlling readers / printers divided into a plurality of sets and controlling them, and using a plurality of printers at the same time, has been proposed. ing.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when considering the system configuration of the digital copying machine as described above, one theme is “to configure a system capable of achieving high CV by using a plurality of output devices simultaneously”. In the conventional method of connecting a reader / printer to a plurality of sets and using a central control device for controlling these, the number of reader / printer sets that can be connected is determined when considering the configuration of the central control device. There is a limit in terms of performing flexible system expansion as necessary.
[0005]
Further, when outputting a plurality of pages of a document, if a plurality of output devices are simultaneously operated for each page, the time required for image reading and image data transmission increases and the total copy time becomes longer.
[0006]
Furthermore, when a plurality of output devices are inadvertently operated simultaneously, a situation may occur in which a specific user occupies the entire system for a long time.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image forming system capable of constructing a system having flexible expandability capable of changing a system configuration in accordance with a necessary CV. Objective.
[0008]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of operating the entire system efficiently by forming an image with one or a plurality of groups.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the image forming system of the present invention comprises the following arrangement.
[0010]
  That is, an image forming system that organizes a group with a plurality of image forming apparatuses and forms an image in units of groups,
  Setting means for setting a group by designating a plurality of image forming apparatuses;
  Instruction means for instructing image formation to each image forming apparatus in the group set by the setting means;
  Image forming means for forming an image in accordance with an instruction from the instruction means.And
  The setting unit includes a unit that designates a plurality of image forming apparatuses into one or a plurality of groups, and sets a group operation mode for each group with respect to a group including one or more designated image forming apparatuses. The instruction means has means for selecting and specifying whether the image forming apparatus operates individually or in a group, and when printing one or more pages of image data, each image specified in the group The image data sent to the forming device can be controlled for each group..
[0012]
【Example】
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
In the following description, it is assumed that a plurality of image forming apparatuses form a group is called a tandem.
[0014]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, a color reader unit 351 that reads a color original and further performs digital editing processing and the like, and a plurality of different image carriers, and color according to digital image signals of a plurality of colors sent from the reader unit 351. The printer unit 352 reproduces an image.
[0015]
(Configuration of reader unit)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital image processing unit in the reader unit 351. A color document on a document table (not shown) is exposed with a halogen lamp (not shown). As a result, a reflected image is picked up by the CCD 101 and further sampled and held by the A / D & S / H circuit 102, and then A / D. Conversion is performed to generate RGB three-color digital signals. Each color separation data is subjected to shading and black correction by the shading circuit 103, corrected to an NTSC signal by the input masking circuit 104, and then selected by the selector 124 as an image signal of a reflection document or an external image signal. (This selection is performed by a CPU (not shown) by the control line 126). The result is input to the scaling circuit 105 and is enlarged or reduced in the main scanning direction, and the result is input to the logarithmic conversion unit (LOG) 123 and the selector 125 (on the control line 127 by a CPU (not shown)). Controlled). Here, the image signal logarithmically converted by the LOG 123 is input to the memory unit 106 to store video data. The memory unit 106 stores YMC data, which is read in accordance with the timing of each of the four drums.
[0016]
The signal input from the selector 127 to the masking / UCR unit 107 is subjected to masking and UCR for four colors. The γ correction unit 109 performs γ correction, the edge enhancement unit 110 performs edge enhancement, and the color LBP 352. Is output.
[0017]
Further, in the area generation unit 111, the output signal DTOP of the image tip sensor, the horizontal synchronization signal HSNC1 generated internally or the horizontal synchronization signal HSNC2 generated externally, the output signal ITOP1 of the paper tip sensor, On the basis of the sub-scan write enable signal, the main scan write enable and read enable signals 122 of the memory 106 are generated, and further, the sub-scan write enable signal and four sub-scan read enable signals 121 for the respective colors are generated.
[0018]
Further, the video bus selector unit 130, which will be described in detail later, can output a video signal to the outside or input an external video signal.
[0019]
(Description of bus selector)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the video bus selector 130 and its peripheral part.
[0020]
As shown in the figure, the video bus selector 130 and its peripheral part are controlled by bidirectional buffers 504 and 505, 514 and 515, 519 and 520, 526 and 527, 524 and 525, and each bidirectional buffer is controlled by a CPU (not shown). Signal lines 506, 513, 521, and 528, a frequency conversion circuit 523 (implemented by a FIFO), a selector 508 that selects an A terminal input or a C terminal input, and an output of the selector 508 as an input A DF / F 507 to be selected, a selector 510 for selecting an A terminal input or a B terminal input, a DF / F 512 having an output of the selector 510 as an input, a selector 516 for selecting a B terminal input or a C terminal input, The DF / F 518 that receives the output of the selector 516 and the sub-scan synchronization signal of a memory unit (IPU) (not shown). And ITOP2 and the main scanning synchronization signal HSNCx of (3-state) output buffer 530, and a OR gate 542.
[0021]
VVEI is a sub-scan write enable signal to another device (reader printer), 536 is a sub-scan write enable signal from another device (master device), HIEx is a main scan enable signal to another device, 541 Is a main scan enable signal (low active) from another device, and is used as a write enable signal and a write reset signal (inverted signal of Bi) of the frequency converter 523, and VCK is a video signal in the device and to other devices. A clock 540 is a video clock signal from another device that is used as a write clock for the frequency converter 523, and HSNCx is an inverted signal of the main scanning synchronization signal. Here, a signal that is used as a read reset signal for the frequency converter 523, 522 and Bi are binarized if there is a bitmap memory in the device, and the bit map is set. The signals written in the memory are sent to the outside or from outside, 529, 537, 509, 511, 517 are I / O ports set by a CPU (not shown), and IENx is used as an enable signal for the frequency converter. Signal.
[0022]
Further, the A terminal of 503, the B terminal of 501 and the C terminal of 502 correspond to A0 to A2, B0 to B2 and C0 to C2 in the video selector of FIG. 1, respectively.
[0023]
(Description of signal flow and synchronization signal in each mode)
The video signal flow and I / O port setting in each mode will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0024]
[Normal copy]
(1) Video flow 101-> 102-> 103-> 104-> 124 (0 is set by CPU not shown and A input is selected in 126)-> 105-> 123-> 106-> 125 (0 is set by CPU not shown) And A input is selected) → 107 → 109 → 110 → 352
(2) I / O setting of video selector and its peripheral circuits
506 → High “1”
509 → X
511 → X
513 → High “1”
517 → X
521 → X
528 → High “1”
529 → High “1”
537 → High “1”
[Output to external interface]
(1) Video flow 101 → 102 → 103 → 104 → 124 (126 is set to 0 by CPU not shown and A input is selected) → 105 → 125 (127 is set to 1 by CPU not shown) B input is selected) → 107 → 109 → 110 → 130 → 205
(2) I / O setting of video selector and its peripheral circuits
506 → High “1”
509 → X
511 → X
513 → High “1”
517 → Low “0”
521 → Low “0”
528 → Low “0”
529 → Low “0”
537 → High “1”
[Input from external interface]
(1) Video flow 205 → 130 → 124 (126 is set to 1 by a CPU not shown) → 105 → 123 → 106 → 125 (127 is set to 0 by a CPU not shown) → 107 → 109 → 110 → 352
Further, here, the sub-scan write enable of the memory unit 106 uses 536 input to the region generation unit.
[0025]
(2) I / O setting of video selector and its peripheral circuits
506 → Low “0”
509 → Low “0”
511 → X
513 → High “1”
517 → Low “0”
521 → High “1”
528 → High “1”
529 → Low “0”
537 → Low “0”
(Configuration of printer unit)
Next, the configuration of the printer unit 352 will be described. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a polygon scanner that scans a photosensitive drum with laser light, and 302 denotes an initial magenta (M) image forming unit, which has the same configuration and cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black. Reference numerals 303, 304, and 305 denote image forming units for the respective colors of (K). As shown in FIG. 4, the polygon scanner 301 scans the photosensitive drum of each color with a laser beam from laser elements 401 to 404 that are independently driven by MCYK by a laser control unit (not shown). Reference numerals 405 to 408 denote BD detection means for detecting a scanned laser beam and generating a main scanning synchronization signal. When two polygon mirrors are arranged on the same axis and rotated by one motor as in this embodiment, for example, the scanning directions of main scanning are opposite to each other with M, C, Y, and K laser beams. Become a direction. For this reason, normally, the other Y and K image data for one M and C image are mirror images with respect to the main scanning direction. The configuration of each image forming unit is the same, and the configuration will be described below using the M image forming unit 302 as an example.
[0026]
In the image forming unit 302, reference numeral 318 denotes a photosensitive drum, which forms a latent image by laser light exposure. A developing unit 313 performs toner development on the drum 318. Reference numeral 314 in the developing device 313 denotes a sleeve, which applies a developing bias to perform toner development. A primary charger 315 charges the photosensitive drum 318 to a desired potential. Reference numeral 317 denotes a cleaner that cleans the surface of the drum 318 after transfer. Reference numeral 316 denotes an auxiliary charger that neutralizes the surface of the drum 318 cleaned by the cleaner 317 so that the primary charger 315 can obtain good charge. Reference numeral 330 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that erases residual charges on the drum 318. A transfer charger 319 discharges from the back surface of the transfer belt 306 to transfer the toner image on the drum 318 to a transfer member.
[0027]
Reference numerals 309 and 310 denote cassettes that house transfer members. Reference numeral 308 denotes a paper feeding unit that supplies transfer members from the cassettes 309 and 310. Reference numeral 311 denotes an adsorption charger, which adsorbs the transfer member fed by the sheet feeding unit 308 to the transfer member. A transfer belt roller 312 is used to rotate the transfer belt 306, and at the same time, the transfer belt 306 is charged to the transfer belt 306 by suction while paired with an adsorption charger.
[0028]
Reference numeral 324 denotes a static elimination charger that facilitates separation of the transfer member from the transfer belt 306. A peeling charger 325 prevents image disturbance due to peeling discharge when the transfer member is separated from the transfer belt 306. Reference numerals 326 and 327 denote pre-fixing chargers that supplement the toner attracting force on the transfer member after separation and prevent image distortion. Reference numerals 322 and 323 denote belt cleaners that neutralize the transfer belt 306 and remove dirt on the transfer belt 306. Reference numeral 307 denotes a fixing device, which heat-fixes the toner image on the transfer member separated from the transfer belt 306 and recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 326 and 327 on the transfer member. Reference numeral 340 denotes a paper discharge sensor which detects a transfer member on the conveyance path passing through the fixing device. Reference numeral 329 denotes a paper leading end sensor that detects the leading end of the transfer member fed onto the transfer belt by the paper feeding unit 308. A detection signal from the paper leading edge sensor 329 is sent from the printer unit 352 to the reader unit 351, and is used to generate a sub-scanning synchronization signal when a video signal is sent from the reader unit 351 to the printer unit 352.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of video and synchronization signals in an interface unit with other apparatuses and in each mode.
[0030]
The interface unit includes an interface 201 (IPU interface) with a memory unit (IPU), interfaces 202 (R interface 1) and 203 (R interface 2) with other devices (copiers), and a CPU that controls communication with other devices. Each interface includes an interface 204 and an interface 205 (video interface) with the main body. Further, this block includes tristate buffers 206, 211, 212, 214, and 216, bidirectional buffers 207, 209, and 210, and D flip-flops 213 and 215 having a tristate function.
[0031]
BTCN0 to BTCN10 are I / O ports set by a CPU (not shown), 218 is a communication line (4 bits) between the IPU and the main body, 219 is a main scanning synchronization signal HSNC and sub-scanning synchronization signals ITOP, 220 is 8 A total of 27 bits of 3 bit video signals + binary signal BI + image clock + main scan enable signal HVE, 221 is a signal similar to the above-mentioned signal 219, 222 is a signal similar to the above-mentioned signal 220, 224 is another device (Communication machine) 8 bit communication line 223 is communication line 4 bit to other device (copier) (all communication lines will be described in detail later) 226 is the image clock and sub-scanning video enable signal VVE 2 bits in total (1 bit out of 236 and 220), 228 is a total of 26 bits of 3 video signal systems + BI + HVE, 234 is 22 , 228 and 233 are 26 bits in total of 3 video signals + BI + HVE, 234 is a total of 2 bits of the image clock and the sub-scan enable signal, 235 is an image clock (1 bit of 235), 237 is 233 and 234, 236 is VVE, 232 is an image clock (1 bit in 226), 238 is 220, and HSNC, HVE, VVE, and ITOP are 30 bits in total.
[0032]
Next, I / O port control and signal flow in each mode will be described. Here, the tri-state buffers (206, 214, 216, 211, 212) are enabled by low “0”, are in a high impedance state by high “1”, and the bidirectional buffer is realized by an element such as LS245. , G is low “0”, D is low “0”, data flow is B → A, G is low “0”, D is high “1”, data flow is A → B, and G is high “ The isolation state is set to 1 ”, and the D flip-flop is enabled when the enable signal is low“ 0 ”and is set to high impedance when high“ 1 ”.
[0033]
[IPU interface → R interface 1 (mode 1)]
BTCN0 ← High “1”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← X
BTCN6 ← X
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← X
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
However, X is don't care, but the signal is controlled so as not to collide. The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 222 → 220 → 228 → 228 → 225 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225.
[0034]
[IPU interface → R interface 2 (mode 2)]
BTCN0 ← High “1”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← X
BTCN4 ← High “1”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221 and 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237.
[0035]
[IPU interface-> video interface (mode 3)]
BTCN0 ← High “1”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← X
BTCN4 ← X
BTCN5 ← X
BTCN6 ← X
BTCN7 ← X
BTCN8 ← X
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221 and 222 → 220 → 238.
[0036]
[R interface 1 → R interface 2 (mode 4)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← X
BTCN2 ← X
BTCN3 ← High “1”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← X
BTCN10 ← High “1”
The signal flow is 225 → 238 → 233 → 237, 225 → 226 → 234 → 237.
[0037]
[R interface 1 → video interface (mode 5)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← High “1”
BTCN2 ← X
BTCN3 ← High “1”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← X
BTCN6 ← High “1”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← Low “0”
BTCN10 ← High “1”
The signal flow is 225 → 228 + 226 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 238, 225 → 226 → 234 → 236 → 238.
[0038]
[R interface 2 → R interface 1 (mode 6)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← X
BTCN2 ← X
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← High “1”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← Low “0”
BTCN8 ← High “1”
BTCN9 ← X
BTCN10 ← High “1”
The signal flow is 237 → 233 → 228 → 225 and 237 → 234 → 226 → 225.
[0039]
[R interface 2 → video interface (mode 7)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← High “1”
BTCN2 ← X
BTCN3 ← X
BTCN4 ← X
BTCN5 ← High “1”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← X
BTCN8 ← High “1”
BTCN9 ← Low “0”
BTCN10 ← X
The signal flow is 237 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 238 and 237 → 234 → 236 → 238.
[0040]
[Video interface-> IPU interface (mode 8)]
BTCN0 ← Low “0”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← X
BTCN4 ← X
BTCN5 ← X
BTCN6 ← X
BTCN7 ← X
BTCN8 ← X
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← X
The signal flow is 238 → 220 → 222 and 238 → 219 → 221.
[0041]
[Video interface-> R interface 1 (mode 9)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← High “1”
BTCN2 ← X
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← X
BTCN6 ← X
BTCN7 ← Low “0”
BTCN8 ← X
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 220 → 228 → 225 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225.
[0042]
[Video interface → R interface 2 (mode 10)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← High “1”
BTCN2 ← X
BTCN3 ← X
BTCN4 ← High “1”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237.
[0043]
[Mode 1 + Mode 2 (Mode 11)]
BTCN0 ← High “1”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 222 → 220 → 228 → 225, 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237, 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237.
[0044]
[Mode 1 + Mode 3 (Mode 12)]
BTCN0 ← High “1”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← X
BTCN6 ← High “1”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← X
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 222 → 220 → 238, 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225.
[0045]
[Mode 2 + Mode 3 (Mode 13)]
BTCN0 ← High “1”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← X
BTCN4 ← High “1”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 222 → 220 → 238, 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237.
[0046]
[Mode 1 + Mode 2 + Mode 3 (Mode 14)]
BTCN0 ← High “1”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221,222 → 220 → 238, 222 → 238 → 225, 222 → 220 → 238 → 233 → 237, 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 .
[0047]
[Mode 4 + Mode 5 (Mode 15)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← X
BTCN2 ← High “1”
BTCN3 ← High “1”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← Low “0”
BTCN10 ← High “1”
The signal flow is 225 → 228 → 233 → 237, 225 → 226 → 234 → 237, 225 → 226 + 228 → 234 + 233 → 220 → 238 and 225 → 226 → 234 → 236 → 238.
[0048]
[Mode 6 + Mode 7 (Mode 16)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← High “1”
BTCN2 ← X
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← High “1”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← Low “0”
BTCN8 ← High “1”
BTCN9 ← X
BTCN10 ← High “1”
The signal flow is 237 → 233 → 228 → 225, 237 → 234 → 226 → 225, 237 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 238 and 237 → 234 → 236 → 238.
[0049]
[Mode 8 + Mode 9 (Mode 17)]
BTCN0 ← Low “0”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← X
BTCN6 ← X
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← X
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 238 → 228 → 225 and 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225.
[0050]
[Mode 9 + Mode 10 (Mode 18)]
BTCN0 ← Low “0”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← X
BTCN4 ← High “1”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 238 → 220 → 222, 238 → 228 → 233 → 237 and 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 210.
[0051]
[Mode 9 + Mode 10 (Mode 19)]
BTCN0 ← X
BTCN1 ← High “1”
BTCN2 ← X
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 228 → 225, 238 → 228 → 233 → 237, 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225 and 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 237.
[0052]
[Mode 8 + Mode 9 + Mode 10 (Mode 20)]
BTCN0 ← Low “0”
BTCN1 ← Low “0”
BTCN2 ← Low “0”
BTCN3 ← Low “0”
BTCN4 ← Low “0”
BTCN5 ← Low “0”
BTCN6 ← Low “0”
BTCN7 ← High “1”
BTCN8 ← Low “0”
BTCN9 ← High “1”
BTCN10 ← Low “0”
The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221,238 → 220 → 222, 238 → 228 → 225, 238 → 228 → 233 → 237, 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225 and 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 237.
[0053]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a system connection form (hereinafter referred to as a tandem system) of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment.
[0054]
In the figure, reference numerals 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 are all one set of digital copiers (hereinafter, one set is referred to as one station), and each has a system address. This system address is not the same when connected as a tandem system, and a system address of “0” must be present. Further, in order to switch the video signal, the connection order of the system addresses is determined. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the station with the address 0 is placed at the first end, and the connection is made so that the system address is increased in order from there. Reference numerals 1005, 1006, and 1007 denote tandem system connection cables. As shown in 1010, the content includes 24 RGB video signal lines, 3 video control lines, and 4 serial communication lines. Yes. Reference numeral 1008 denotes an interface device for connecting these digital copying machines and a general computer 1009.
[0055]
Here, the connection form of the video signal in the system is shown in FIG.
[0056]
In the figure, reference numerals 1101, 1102, 1103, and 1104 are obtained by extracting only the interface portions in the respective stations 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 in FIG. Cables 1105, 1106, and 1107 include 24 RGB video signal lines and 3 video control lines.
[0057]
As described above, in this embodiment, the relationship between the contact points with other stations (1 and 2 of each I / F section) and the system address is that the station with an address lower than itself is set as the contact point of one. A station with a higher address than itself is connected to two contacts. Incidentally, if this relationship is maintained, there is no inconvenience even if the system addresses are not necessarily continuous.
[0058]
Further, FIG. 8 shows a connection form of serial communication lines in the system. In the figure, reference numerals 1201, 1202, and 1203 are obtained by extracting only the interface units in the stations 1001, 1002, and 1003 shown in FIG. There are four signal lines for serial communication: ATN * (1207), SiD * (1206), DACK * (1205), and OFFER * (1204). ATN * is a synchronization signal indicating that data is being transferred from the master station (defined as system address 0) of the tandem system, and data transfer is performed when ATN * = Low. In stations other than the master station (hereinafter referred to as slave stations), the ATN * line is always input. OFFER * is OFFER * = Low when the slave station transmits data to the master station, and is always input at the master station. Note that a plurality of slave stations are connected by Wired-Or. DACK * is a signal indicating that data reception is completed on the data receiving side, and the stations are connected by Wired-Or.
[0059]
Therefore, when there are multiple stations on the receiving side, the DACK * on the line becomes inactive when the station that has completed the latest data reception inactivates DACK *. As a result, data exchange between stations is synchronized. SiD * is bidirectional serial data, and data is exchanged in synchronization with ATN * (master → slave) and OFFER * (slave → master). The data transfer method is a half-duplex asynchronous method, and the baud rate (BaudRate) and data format are set in advance when the system is started. Eight signal lines are output from the interface units (1201, 1202, 1203) to the controllers of the respective stations, TxD / RxD is used for transmission / reception of serial communication, and ATNo, DACo, and OFFERo are input I / Os. ATNi, DACKi, and OFFERi are connected to the output I / O ports, respectively. FIG. 9 shows a timing chart of each signal at the time of data transmission.
[0060]
When a tandem system is constructed using the interface having the above-described configuration, communication is performed via the serial communication line described above, and main commands used at that time are shown in FIG.
[0061]
First, the interface clear command is for resetting parameters related to the tandem system. A master station whose system address is defined as “0” is issued after its initialization is completed, and OFFER * is input. Fix it. Each slave station receives this command, fixes ATN * to the input, and initializes internal parameters. The status request command is a polling command for collecting information such as the status of slaves connected to the tandem system, and is issued to each slave after a certain time from the master station issuing an interface clear command. This command includes a request destination address for specifying a slave as a parameter.
[0062]
The status transfer command is a command for the slave specified by the above-described status request command to report its own state to each station in the tandem system. If there is a nomination from the master station, this command must be issued within a certain time. This command includes parameters such as its own system address, the presence / absence of an error, various flags indicating waiting and copying, the type of paper and the presence / absence of paper. If the slave designated by the status request command from the master station does not issue a status transfer command even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the master station determines that the designated slave station is not connected in the tandem system.
[0063]
The print start command designates which station the image transfer station uses, how to distribute the number of sheets to each used station, etc., and prepares image reception for the used station. It is a command to make This command includes, as parameters, an image transfer source address, a request address, a paper size, the number of sheets, and the like. Finally, the image transfer end command is for the image transfer source station to report the end of the image transfer to other stations.
[0064]
<First embodiment>
Next, a procedure for outputting document images placed on a document table of an arbitrary reader from a plurality of printers using the above tandem system will be described.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 6, four stations A, B, C, and D are connected to the tandem system, and a single-sided document for 16 pages is placed on the document feeder on the document table of the reader unit of station A. It is assumed that 200 pages are copied for each page. In that case, first, operate the operation panel of the reader unit of station A to confirm that the stations B, C, and D can be used without any abnormality, and then output using all the stations A, B, C, and D. In this way, the number of copies = 200 is set. Next, when the copy start key of the station A is pressed, the station A distributes the set number of copies to each station and issues a print start command to all the stations. On the other hand, when each station of B, C, and D receives this print start command, it sets parameters such as the number of copies and paper size sent along with this command, and the system address of the issuer of this command The video signal is switched based on the system address of itself and the control for writing to the image memory of itself is switched to the VIDEO control line (VCLK, HSYNC, VE) on the I / F, and the image signal is waited. Transition to the state.
[0066]
On the other hand, the station A performs setting for image reading, performs switching so that the control signal for writing to its own image memory is also output to the VIDEO control line on the I / F, and performs image reading operation. Start. The stations B, C, and D use the control signal issued by the station A to perform writing to each image memory. When the image reading operation of the station A is completed, an image transfer end command is issued from the station A, and the stations A, B, C, and D enter the printout operation.
[0067]
By using the same procedure, even if there is a document on the platen of the reader section of any station, A, B, C, or D, output using multiple stations can be performed by operating the operation panel on that station. It is possible to get.
[0068]
Next, a procedure for outputting an image transmitted from a host connected to one station connected to the tandem system via an external I / F device such as an IPU using a plurality of stations will be described.
[0069]
The states of all stations connected to the tandem system are aggregated in the host computer 1009 via an external I / F device 1008 (hereinafter referred to as IPU). By using the host computer 1009, the station to be used, the number of copies, paper, etc. are set according to the state of the tandem system, and the output image is transferred to the IPU. The IPU communicates these settings to the connected station (station A in this case) 1001. Receiving this notification, the station 1001 issues a print start command to other stations to be used. The station that has received the print start command waits for an image signal according to the same procedure as in the case of outputting a document on the platen described above.
[0070]
The station 1001 to which the IPU is connected switches the video signal to the “input from the IPU” and “output to another station” mode, and then issues a command to send an image to the IPU. VIDEO control signals used for image reading from the IPU and image writing for the remaining stations are all generated by the station 1001 to which the IPU is connected, and the entire system is controlled. Therefore, the image data read from the IPU is simultaneously written in the image memory of another station at the same time as being written in the image memory of the station 1001. After the image writing, an image transfer end command is issued from the station 1001, and a printout operation is started at each station.
[0071]
In any of the above cases, a print start command is issued to a station that has not been selected in the operation of selecting a station to be used. In this case, for example, it is considered that means such as “determining that a print start command including 0 copies has not been selected when received” is effective. By doing so, it is possible to switch the I / F unit even at a station not selected so that the image signal reaches the target station. Since the start request source address is included in the print start command, it is possible to determine how to switch the I / F unit by comparing with the own address.
[0072]
Also, when copying locally at any station connected in the tandem system (meaning that other stations are not used together), interrupts are masked by serial communication in the tandem system, which is the master If it is a station, it issues its own status transfer command and status request command for each slave station at regular intervals. If it is a slave station, it issues only its own status transfer command at regular intervals. This makes it possible to notify other stations of their own status. When the local copy is completed, interrupt processing by serial communication in the tandem system is permitted again, and the processing returns to processing for issuing a status transfer command in response to the status request command issued by the master station.
[0073]
The above description has described in detail the case where the same image is printed out using all the stations A, B, C, and D. That is, this is a case where a plurality of stations (Ns = 4) are operated as a tandem system integrated into one group, but the number of stations that can be integrated into one group is arbitrary. Therefore, in general, G1 of Ns (Ns ≧ 2) stations is designated as the first group and tandem operation is performed, and G2 of the remaining (Ns−G1) stations is set to the second group. In the same way, the group is sequentially grouped, the last remaining Gm stations are designated as the mth group, and m types of image output are executed in parallel by dividing them into m groups and operating them in tandem. A possible system can be provided. Of course, it is not necessary to group all Ns stations. It is also useful to divide a part of Ns stations into one or a plurality of groups, perform tandem operation for each group, and operate the remaining stations independently without grouping.
[0074]
Hereinafter, a case where the group operation is performed in the tandem system will be described in detail.
[0075]
<Description of operation unit>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel in the present embodiment. Reference numeral 600 denotes a numeric key, 601 denotes a copy start key, 602 denotes a stop key, 603 denotes a preheating key, and 605 denotes a display unit using liquid crystal display means or the like. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a basic screen of the display unit 605. As each display on the basic screen, 611 indicates the apparatus status, 612 indicates the number of copies, 613 indicates the paper size, 614 indicates each set value of the copy magnification, and 615 is a tandem mode touch key. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a tandem station in the tandem mode, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a legend of a tandem station setting key. For stations connected in tandem, the tandem configurable station display (633 in FIG. 14) is shown as touch key 631 and station A is shown as station number 1 (632). Similarly, stations B, C, and D are shown as station numbers 2, 3, and 4, respectively. 634 is a tandem set station display, 635 is an unconnected station display, 637 is a paper-free station display in which the selected print paper size (for example, B5 size) is out of paper, and 638 is an error, jam, and toner. No station display, and 639 a station display during job execution. A touch key is displayed to set a tandem for a station that is executing a job, and no new setting is accepted. When the auto tandem key (626 shown in FIG. 13) is selected, all stations connected in tandem are set in tandem as one group (state shown in FIG. 15).
[0076]
FIG. 15 is a state transition diagram showing a procedure for setting duplicates and sorting in this embodiment.
[0077]
Here, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that four stations A, B, C, and D are connected to the tandem system, and a document is placed on each of the reader unit document tables of stations A and C, respectively. First, in the operation unit of station A, the number key 600 is pressed to set the number of copies (state 651 in FIG. 15), the tandem mode is selected on the basic screen of station A (state 650), and the tandem station shown in FIG. On the setting screen, check the connection status, tandem setting status, and device status of each station. That is, when the tandem mode key 615 on the reader unit operation panel of the station A is pressed, a tandem station setting screen is displayed (state 652). That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the states of 18 stations are displayed, and among these, stations A, B, C, and D are displayed as station numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the touch keys. For example, the touch key 622 indicates that the station B is in a state where tandem setting is possible. Similarly, stations A, C, and D are in a state where tandem setting is possible. Further, it is confirmed that the stations other than the stations A to D are not connected. Furthermore, the tandem setting can be cleared by pressing the setting clear key 624.
[0078]
The keys of station numbers 1 and 2 are settable display (633 in FIG. 14). After confirming that the station tandem settable stations A and B can be used without any abnormality, when the group key 625 is pressed, A tandem setting list is displayed (state 655), and the presence / absence of a tandem-set station is determined (state 654). Here, as shown in FIG. 13, when there is no station already set in tandem, it is automatically set as group 1 (state 657), and the station touch key is pressed to select a station to belong to the group number. Press (state 658). That is, the touch keys of the stations listed as candidates are blinked and displayed on the group setting list. Here, by pressing the touch keys of the station numbers 1 and 2 and blinking, it is easily confirmed that the stations to be grouped are the station numbers 1 and 2. When the setting end key 623 is pressed after confirming that there is no input mistake, the tandem setting is ended so that the group 1 is output using the stations A and B, and the screen returns to the tandem station setting screen (state 652). When the setting is completed, the touch keys of the station numbers 1 and 2 return from blinking to continuous lighting and set station display (634 shown in FIG. 14), and it is easy to check which station has been set. it can.
[0079]
After the tandem setting is completed, when the setting end key 623 is pressed again on the tandem station setting screen (state 652), the screen returns to the basic screen shown in FIG. 12 (state 650). However, the tandem mode key 615 is highlighted as indicated by 671 in FIG. 16 to indicate that the station A is set in tandem. Further, a screen 611 indicating the apparatus status indicates that a tandem copy operation is possible as shown in FIG.
[0080]
Next, when the copy start key 601 of the station A is pressed, the copy operation is started (state 659). That is, the station A distributes the set number of copies to the A and B stations and issues a print start command to the station B. Upon receiving this print start command, station B sets parameters such as the number of copies and paper size sent along with this command, and based on the system address of this command issuer and its own system address. Then, the video signal is switched, the control for writing to the own image memory is switched to the VIDEO control lines (VCLK, HSYNC, VE) on the I / F, and the state shifts to a state waiting for the image signal. On the other hand, the station A performs setting for image reading and performs switching so that a control signal for writing to its own image memory is also sent to the VIDEO control line on the I / F. To start. Station B uses the control signal issued by station A to write to each image memory. When the image reading operation of the station A is completed, an image transfer end command is issued from the station A, and the stations of the stations A and B enter a printout operation.
[0081]
As described above, when there is a set station, the number of copies is set by pressing the numeric key 600 on the operation unit of the station C (state 651), and the tandem mode is selected on the basic screen of the station C (state 650). Check the connection status, tandem setting status, and device status of each station on the tandem station setting screen. That is, when the tandem mode key 615 on the operation panel of the reader unit of the station C is pressed, the tandem station setting screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed (state 652). When the group key 625 is pressed, a list of already set group numbers and station numbers belonging to each group is displayed (state 655). Here, a new group number is input (state 656), the setting end key 623 is pressed, and then the touch key of the station to which the group number belongs is pressed (state 658). For example, a station belonging to the group can be added by inputting the already set group number 1 and then pressing the touch key of the station. A new group can also be added by entering a group number that has not yet been set.
[0082]
That is, when the group key 625 is pressed, it is confirmed from the setting list display that the station numbers 1 and 2 belong to the group 1, and the touch key of the station numbers 1 and 2 becomes the job execution station display 639. It is confirmed that the tandem copy operation is currently in progress. Therefore, the new group number 2 is input, the station numbers 3 and 4 that can be set in tandem are input, the stations C and D are assigned to the group 2, and the setting end key 623 is pressed to end the tandem setting. Return to the setting screen (state 652).
[0083]
As described above, four stations can be divided into groups 1 and 2 and set in tandem.
[0084]
Of the series of tandem copy operations of group 1, while the image signal of the original placed at station A is being stored in the image memory of stations A and C, the tandem connection I / F is used for image transfer. The image signal of the original placed on station C cannot be transferred to the image memory of stations C and D. Therefore, even if the copy start key 601 is pressed after the group 2 tandem setting is completed in the operation unit of the station C, each station in the group 2 immediately performs a series of copying operations, that is, image signals to the image memories of the stations C and D Is not transferred. For example, when the image reading operation of the station A is completed, the storage of the image signal in the image memory of each station in the group 1 is completed, and the image transfer end command is issued from the station A, the group 2 A tandem copy operation is started (state 659). That is, the station C distributes the set number of copies to the CD station and issues a print start command to the station D.
[0085]
Thereafter, the tandem copy operation is executed in the group 2 in the same manner as the tandem copy operation in the group 1.
[0086]
When station D receives this print start command, it sets parameters such as the number of copies and paper size sent along with this command, and based on the system address of this command issuer and its own system address. Then, the video signal is switched, the control for writing to the image memory of itself is switched to the VIDEO control lines (VCLK, HSYNC, VE) on the I / F, and the image signal waiting state is entered. On the other hand, the station C performs setting for image reading, performs switching so that a control signal for writing to its own image memory is also sent to the VIDEO control line on the I / F, and image reading operation To start. Station D uses the control signal from station C to write to each image memory. When the image reading operation of the station C is completed, an image transfer end command is issued from the station C, and the stations of the stations C and D enter a printout operation.
[0087]
As described above, four stations can be divided into groups 1 and 2 and tandem copy can be performed.
[0088]
By adopting the same procedure, even if there is a document on the document table of the reader unit of any station A, B, C, or D, a plurality of groups divided into a plurality of groups can be obtained by operation from the operation panel on that station. It is possible to obtain output using the station.
[0089]
The operation of the multiplex system using the group operation mode has been described above. Next, for simplicity, in the multiplex system in which four stations are grouped into one group, a 16-page document image is displayed on each page 200. The case of copying one sheet at a time will be described below. Of course, in a multiplex system composed of arbitrary stations, it can be divided into arbitrary groups, and the page distribution mode of the embodiment may be used in combination with arbitrary groups.
[0090]
(A) shown in FIG. 19 is a timing chart in the case where a multi-page document is copied by sorting the machines for each page by the redundant system of this embodiment. FIG. 19B is a timing chart in the case of copying a document of a plurality of pages by a conventional redundant system.
[0091]
In the conventional heavy-duty system, for example, when the automatic heavy-duty key 626 is selected on the heavy-duty station setting screen of the station A (FIG. 13), all the stations A to D connected in tandem are set as one group 1 for the multi-duty operation setting. Is done. Here, 16 pages of originals are set in the original feeder 353 of the reader unit of station A. A document feeder 353 is a known option for automatically transporting a document to a document reading area of the reader unit 351.
[0092]
First, the number of copies “200” is set using the numeric keys 600 on the operation panel, and when the copy start key 601 is pressed, the number of copies at each station is set to “50”. Then, the first page of the document is conveyed to the document reading area, the document image is read, and then the first page of document image data is sent to the stations B to D (as shown in FIG. 19B (1). )}. Next, at the stations A to D, 50 original images of the first page are copied {1} in (b).
[0093]
After copying 50 sheets at each station, the document feeder 353 of the station A returns the document of the first page onto the document feeder, the second page of the document is conveyed to the document reading area, the image of the document is read, and then Then, the original image data of the first page is sent to the stations B to D {(2) of (b)}.
[0094]
Thereafter, in the same manner, the original reading up to the 16th page original, the image data transmission, and the copying operation at each station are performed.
[0095]
The total copy time Ttotal 1 in the conventional multiplex system is expressed by the following equation.
[0096]

Ts: Preparation time at the start of copying
X: Number of original pages
Tv: time for image reading and image data transfer (including document feeder operation)
Y: Number of copies of each document
N: Number of stations set in duplicate
Tc: Copy time per sheet
Ttr1: Total time for document reading and image data transmission
Ttr1 = Ts + X × Tv (2)
Tcp1: Total time for copying in the printer unit
Tcp1 = X × (Y / N) × Tc (3)
Now, the number of manuscript pages X = 16, the number of copies of each manuscript Y = 200, the number of stations N = 4 set in series, and the time required for manuscript reading and image data transmission is shown in FIG. The total time Ttr1 of (1) to (16) is required, and a great deal of time is required. From equation (2)
Ttr1 = Ts + 16 × Tv Equation (4)
Further, the copy operation time in the printer unit is the total time Tcp1 of (1) to (16) shown in FIG. From equation (3),
Tcp1 = 16 × 50 × Tc = 800 × Tc (5)
In the above formulas (1) to (5), the ratio of N, X, and Y is an integer ratio in order to simplify the description. When the ratio is not an integer ratio, a surplus copy output number may be assigned to a predetermined station.
[0097]
Now, when copying a large number of documents of a plurality of pages, the main feature of the present invention is that the machines are sorted and operated for each page, and an embodiment thereof will be described below.
[0098]
First, when the automatic multiple key 626 is selected on the multiple station setting screen of the station A shown in FIG. 13, all the stations A to D connected in tandem are set as a single group 1 (FIG. 15). State 661). Next, when the page distribution setting key 620 is pressed, a page distribution setting screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and an automatic distribution key 681 and a manual distribution key 682 are displayed. Here, when the auto sort key 681 is pressed, as shown by 691 in FIG. 21, the auto sort key is highlighted to indicate that the auto sort mode has been set.
[0099]
In this embodiment, since 16 pages of originals are set in the original feeder 353 of the reader unit of the station A, the number of copies “200” is set by the numeric keys on the operation panel, and the copy start key 601 is set. When is pressed, the number of copies at each station is set to “200”. In addition, the number of pages of the document set in the document feeder is automatically detected by a known technique, and the number of document pages is set to 16. Next, the first page of the document is conveyed to the document reading area, the document image is read, and {1 (shown in (a) of FIG. 19)} all stations A to D are automatically set to the page distribution mode. Is done. That is, the first page of the original is read, and the printing operation is started to copy 200 pages of the first page of the original at station A {1} shown in FIG. Subsequently, the original feeder of station A returns the original of the first page onto the original feeder, conveys the fifth original to the original reading area, starts reading the original image, and sends the fifth page to station B. Original image data is sent {shown in (a) of FIG. 19 (5)}. On the other hand, at station B, 200 original images of the fifth page are copied {5} shown in FIG.
[0100]
Thereafter, in the same manner, the original reading up to the 16th page original, the image data transmission, and the copying operation at each station are performed. After all,
Station A: 200 sheets in order of pages 1, 2, 3, 4
Station B: 200 sheets in order of pages 5, 6, 7, 8
Station C: 200 sheets in order of pages 9, 10, 11, 12
Station D: 200 sheets in order of pages 13, 14, 15, 16
It is copied as follows.
[0101]
Also, as an initial setting for page allocation,
Station A: 200 sheets in order of pages 1, 5, 9, 13
Station B: 200 sheets in order of pages 2, 6, 10, 14
Station C: 200 sheets in order of pages 3, 7, 11, 15
Station D: 200 sheets in order of pages 4, 8, 12, 16
You may set as follows. In this case, it is only necessary to sequentially transfer the images to each station in the order of the pages of the document set on the document feeder, and the document feeder operation time can be shortened.
[0102]
Therefore, the total copy time Ttotal 2 in the cascade system according to this embodiment is expressed by the following equation.
[0103]

Ttr2: Total time for document reading and image data transmission
Ttr2 = Ts + {(X / N) + (N−1)} × Tv (7)
Tcp2: Total time of the copy operation in the printer unit

From equation (7)

In the above formulas (6) to (9), the ratio of N, X, and Y is an integer ratio in order to simplify the description. When the ratio is not an integer ratio, a surplus copy output number may be assigned to a predetermined station.
[0104]
The difference ΔTtotal between the total copy time between the conventional example and this embodiment is expressed by the following equation.
[0105]
ΔTtotal = Ttr1-Ttr2

Therefore, as is clear from the equation (11) and FIG.
ΔT4 = ΔTtatal = 9 × Tv
Only the total copy time can be shortened.
[0106]
In this embodiment, the number of document pages X = 16 and the number of stations N = 4 have been described as an example.
When X = 20 and N = 4, ΔTtotal = 12 × Tv,
When X = 24 and N = 4, the total copy time can be greatly shortened as the number of document pages increases as ΔTtotal = 15 × Tv.
[0107]
When the number of original pages is equal to the number of stations,
ΔTtotal = 0 when X = N = 4
Thus, the total copy time becomes equal.
[0108]
When the number of stations is larger than the number of document pages, for example,
When X = 3 and N = 4, ΔTtotal <0
Thus, in the sorting mode of the present embodiment, the total copy time becomes longer. Thus, in terms of shortening the total copy time, this embodiment is more effective as the number of document pages is larger than the number of stations.
[0109]
As described above, by comparing the size relationship between the number of document pages and the number of stations, it is possible to perform sorting so that copying is automatically completed in the shortest time. In that case, a shortest time key may be provided in the operation unit.
[0110]
In addition, in the conventional multiplex system, only the mode for simultaneously copying the original image of the same page can be provided regardless of the number of stations connected in tandem. Form can be provided.
[0111]
<Second embodiment>
Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, output from a host computer connected to a station connected to a tandem system via an external I / F device such as an IPU is used to output a plurality of tandems using a plurality of stations. The procedure for outputting as a group is described below. For the sake of simplicity, as in the first embodiment, the first host computer 1009 connected as a group 1 via a first external I / F device 1008 (hereinafter referred to as IPU) is used. A case where stations 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 (hereinafter referred to as stations A, B, C, and D) belong will be described. Further, the number of pages of original image data sent from the host computer is 16 pages, and the number of copies of each page is 200.
[0112]
The states of all stations connected to the tandem system are aggregated in the host computer 1009 via the external I / F device 1008. Now, a station to be used as group 1 according to the state of the tandem system, automatic sorting, the number of copies, paper, and the like are set by operation on the host computer 1009, and the image data of the first page is transferred to the IPU. The IPU communicates these settings to the connected station (in this case, station A). Receiving this notification, station A issues a print start command to the other stations B to D to be used. That is, the station A stores the image data of the first page in the image memory of the station A according to the received setting with auto distribution, but is not stored in the stations B to D. In the operation of selecting a station to be used, a print start command is issued to a station that has not been selected. In this case, for example, it is considered that means such as “determining that a print start command including 0 copies has been selected is not received” is effective. By doing so, it is possible to switch the I / F unit even in a station not selected so that the image signal reaches the target station. This is because the start request source address is included in the print start command, and it is possible to determine how to switch the I / F unit by comparing with the own address.
[0113]
The station that has received the print start command enters an image signal waiting state in the same procedure as in the case of outputting a document on the platen described above. The station A to which the IPU is connected switches the video signal to the “input from the IPU” mode and the “output to other station” mode, and then sends a command to send the image of the first page to the IPU. Issue. VIDEO control signals used for image reading from the IPU and image writing for the remaining stations are all generated by the station A to which the IPU is connected, and the entire system is controlled. Accordingly, the image data read from the IPU is written into the image memory of the station A. After the image writing, an image transfer end command is issued from station A {(1) shown in (a) of FIG. 19}, and the printout operation of the image data of the first page is started in station A {FIG. 19 (1)} shown in (a)
Next, station A issues a command to send the image of the fifth page to the IPU. At this time, the image data of the fifth page read from the IPU is not stored in the image memory of the station A but is stored in the image memory of the station B as it is. After the image writing, an image transfer end command is issued from the station B {(5) shown in (a) of FIG. 19}, and the printout operation of the image data of the fifth page is started in the station B {FIG. 19 (5) shown in (a).
[0114]
Thereafter, in the same manner, the original reading up to the 16th page original, the image data transmission, and the copying operation at each station are performed. After all,
Station A: 200 sheets in order of pages 1, 2, 3, 4
Station B: 200 sheets in order of pages 5, 6, 7, 8
Station C: 200 sheets in order of pages 9, 10, 11, 12
Station D: 200 sheets in order of pages 13, 14, 15, 16
It is copied as follows. Of course, when all the stations are in operation, the image data of the next page can be transferred after any one or more of the stations are in the standby state.
[0115]
Further, the page order of the document image data sent from the host computer may be arbitrary. The page order may be set on the host computer side, or page number information may be sent from the station A to the host computer via the IPU.
[0116]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a plurality of pages of images sent from the host computer are copied and output, a system that can distribute image printer operations as in the first embodiment. Can be provided.
[0117]
Also, in this embodiment, the reduction in the total copy time is more effective in this embodiment as the number of document pages is larger than the number of stations.
[0118]
<Third embodiment>
Furthermore, as a third embodiment according to the present invention, a double-sided copy output to which a sorting operation in a multiplex system is applied will be described. In this embodiment, when a large number of documents of a plurality of pages are copied, the machine is sorted and operated for each page, which will be described in detail below.
[0119]
For the sake of simplicity, as in the first embodiment, an example will be described in which a 16-page single-sided original image is copied in a multiplex system having four stations as one group. However, because of double-sided copying, even when 200 copies are made, the copy output is 100 sheets.
[0120]
When the duplex setting key 616 is pressed on the basic screen of the station A (FIG. 22), the duplex setting screen (FIG. 23) is displayed. Here, when the duplex mode 1 key 701 is pressed and the single-sided document → duplex copy mode (mode 1) is selected, the duplex mode 1 key 701 is highlighted and it is confirmed that it has been set. At the end of duplex setting, when the setting end key 623 is pressed, the screen returns to the basic screen of FIG. 22, the duplex setting key 616 is highlighted, and it is confirmed that the station A has been set to duplex mode. If the setting clear key 624 is pressed, the duplex setting can be canceled.
[0121]
Next, when the duplicate setting key 615 is pressed on the basic screen of the station A (FIG. 22) and the automatic duplicate key 626 is selected on the duplicate station setting screen (FIG. 13), all the stations A to tandem connected. D is set as a group 1 in a continuous operation (state 661 in FIG. 15).
[0122]
Next, when the page distribution setting key 620 is pressed, a page distribution setting screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and an automatic distribution key 681 and a manual distribution key 682 are displayed. Here, when the auto sort key 681 is pressed, as shown by 691 in FIG. 21, the auto sort key is highlighted to indicate that the auto sort mode has been set. If the setting clear key 624 is pressed, the redundant setting can be canceled. Then, when the setting end key 623 is pressed, the screen returns to the basic screen of FIG.
[0123]
In this embodiment, since 16 pages of originals are set in the original feeder 353 of the reader unit of the station A, the number of copies “200” is set by the numeric keys on the operation panel, and the copy start key 601 is set. When is pressed, the number of copies at each station is set to “200”. In addition, the number of pages of the document set in the document feeder is automatically detected by a known technique, and the number of document pages is set to 16. Next, the first page of the document is conveyed to the document reading area, the document image is read, and {1 (shown in (a) of FIG. 19)} all stations A to D are automatically set to the page distribution mode. Is done. That is, the first page of the original is read, and the printing operation is started to copy 200 pages of the first page of the original at station A {1} shown in FIG. Subsequently, the original feeder of station A returns the original of the first page onto the original feeder, conveys the fifth original to the original reading area, starts reading the original image, and sends the fifth page to station B. Original image data is sent {shown in (a) of FIG. 19 (5)}. On the other hand, at station B, 200 original images of the fifth page are copied {5} shown in FIG.
[0124]
Thereafter, in the same manner, the document reading up to the 16th page document, the image data transmission, and the duplex copying operation at each station are performed. After all,
Station A: 200 pages each in the order of pages 1 and 2 (front / back), pages 3 and 4
Station B: 5th and 6th pages (front / back), 7th and 8th pages in order, 200 sheets each
Station C: 9th, 10th page (front / back), 11th, 12th page in order 200 sheets
Station D: 200th page in order of 13th and 14th page (front / back), 15th and 16th page
It is copied as follows.
[0125]
When the copy start key of the station A is pressed, the display screen of the operation unit of the stations A to D becomes a double operation screen (FIG. 24). Here, 711, 712, and 713 are displayed in reverse video. It can be confirmed that the device is operating in the setting and multiple setting mode.
[0126]
The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where the object is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.
[0127]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system in which a predetermined group is organized by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an image is formed in units of groups.
[0131]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a digital image processing unit of a reader unit according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an interface with the outside according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the structure of a color copying machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a polygon scanner in a printer according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a bus selector in a reader according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a connection form of a multiplex system.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing video signal-related connection forms in a cascade system.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a connection form of serial communication lines in a cascade system.
FIG. 9 is a timing chart of each signal at the time of data transmission in the multiplex system.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing commands used in serial communication of the cascade system.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit according to an embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display unit of the operation unit according to the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a tandem station setting screen in a multiplex system.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a tandem station key in a multiplex system.
FIG. 15 is a state transition diagram showing a sequence setting and distribution setting procedure according to the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is an external view of an operation unit in a multiplex system.
FIG. 17 is a display example of an operation unit in a multiplex system.
FIG. 18 is a display example of an operation unit in a multiplex system.
FIG. 19 is a main timing chart in the redundant system of the embodiment and the conventional redundant system.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a page allocation setting screen of the display unit according to the embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a duplicate setting screen of the display unit according to the embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a basic screen of a display unit according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a double-sided setting screen according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during a double-sided copy operation according to the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
351 Reader unit
352 Printer section
353 Document Feeder
205 Interface section
123 Logarithmic converter
106 memory
107 Masking / UCR
109 Gamma correction section
110 Edge enhancement part

Claims (26)

An image forming system for organizing a group with a plurality of image forming apparatuses and forming an image in units of groups,
Setting means for setting a group by designating a plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Instruction means for instructing image formation to each image forming apparatus in the group set by the setting means;
Possess an image forming unit for forming an image according to an instruction by said instruction means,
The setting unit includes a unit that designates a plurality of image forming apparatuses into one or a plurality of groups, and sets a group operation mode for each group for a group including one or more designated image forming apparatuses. The instruction means includes means for selecting and specifying whether the image forming apparatus operates individually or as a group, and when printing one or more pages of image data, each image specified in the group is specified. An image forming system capable of controlling image data sent to a forming apparatus for each group . An image forming system for organizing a group with a plurality of image forming apparatuses and forming an image in units of groups,
Setting means for setting a group by designating a plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Instruction means for instructing image formation to each image forming apparatus in the group set by the setting means;
Image forming means for forming an image in accordance with an instruction from the instruction means,
When the image data of a double-sided original composed of a plurality of pages is printed, the instruction unit distributes the printing operation to each image forming apparatus in the group in a predetermined order for each front and back page. 3. The image according to claim 1 , wherein the instruction unit distributes the printing operation to each image forming apparatus in the group in a predetermined order for each page when printing the image data including a plurality of pages. 4. Forming system. The setting means, the operation mode signal or the operation mode command sent from the external device to the predetermined image forming apparatus through the communication interface, according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to set image forming system. 1 through claim, characterized in that the display unit of the image forming apparatus includes an apparatus state or setting state of the set group to one of the plurality of image forming apparatus that is not included in the group display is possible 5. The image forming system according to any one of 4 above . An image forming method in an image forming system in which a group is organized by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and image formation is performed in units of groups.
A setting step for specifying a plurality of image forming apparatuses and setting a group;
An instruction step for instructing image formation to each image forming apparatus in the group set in the setting step;
An image forming step of forming an image in accordance with an instruction by the instruction step;
A step of designating a plurality of image forming apparatuses into one or a plurality of groups;
A step of setting a group operation mode for each group of one or more designated image forming apparatuses, and selecting and specifying whether the image forming apparatus operates individually or performs group operation. An image forming method characterized in that, when printing image data of a page or more, image data to be sent to each image forming apparatus designated for the group can be controlled for each group. An image forming method in an image forming system in which a group is organized by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and image formation is performed in units of groups.
A setting step for specifying a plurality of image forming apparatuses and setting a group;
An instruction step for instructing image formation to each image forming apparatus in the group set in the setting step;
An image forming step of performing image formation according to an instruction by the instruction step,
The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein when the image data of the double-sided original composed of a plurality of pages is printed, the printing operation is distributed to each image forming apparatus in the group in a predetermined order for each front and back page.   8. The image according to claim 6, wherein the instruction step distributes the printing operation to each image forming apparatus in the group in a predetermined order for each page when printing the image data including a plurality of pages. Forming method.   9. The setting according to claim 6, wherein the setting step performs setting by an operation mode signal or an operation mode command transmitted from an external device to a predetermined image forming apparatus via a communication interface. Image forming method.   7. The apparatus state or setting state of a set group can be displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus included in any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses not included in the group. The image forming method according to claim 9. An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
Display control means for causing a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be displayed as candidates on a display unit; and
First setting means for setting a first group based on an instruction to any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses as candidates displayed on the display unit;
A second setting for setting a second group different from the combination of the image forming apparatuses in the setting of the first group based on an instruction to the image forming apparatus displayed as a candidate while holding the setting of the first group. And image formation based on the setting of the first group is executed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses corresponding to the setting of the first group, and image formation based on the setting of the second group is performed An image forming system that is executed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses corresponding to the setting of the image forming apparatus. An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
Display control means for causing a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be displayed as candidates on a display unit; and
First combination information based on an instruction to any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses as candidates displayed on the display unit and a plurality of image forming apparatuses corresponding to the first combination information are executed. First setting means for setting a first group including an image forming parameter indicating an image forming operation to be performed;
Based on an instruction to the image forming apparatus displayed as a candidate while holding the first combination information, the second combination information different from the combination of the image forming apparatuses in the first combination information, and the second combination information An image forming system comprising: a second setting unit configured to set a second group including image forming parameters indicating image forming operations in a plurality of corresponding image forming apparatuses.   Image formation based on the setting of the first group is executed by the image forming apparatus indicated by the first combination information, and image formation based on the setting of the second group is executed by the image forming apparatus indicated by the second combination information. The image forming system according to claim 12.   A first input unit that inputs an instruction for a new group setting, and the display control unit is made to belong to the new group setting when an instruction for the new group setting is input by the first input unit; The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein an image forming apparatus capable of performing the display is displayed as a candidate on a display unit. A second input means for inputting an instruction of an already set group;
Means for displaying and confirming identifiable image forming apparatuses belonging to the group designated by the input of the second input means;
The image according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising an additional unit for adding another image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus belonging to the designated group confirmed by the confirming unit. Forming system. A second input means for inputting an instruction of an already set group;
15. The image forming system according to claim 11, further comprising means for displaying and confirming image forming apparatuses belonging to the group designated by the input of the second input means in an identifiable manner.   The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the display control unit displays the state of each of the candidate image forming apparatuses in an identifiable manner. An image forming system that performs grouping by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and forms an image in units of groups,
Setting means for setting a group by designating a plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Instruction means for instructing each image forming apparatus in the group set by the setting means to form an image including double-sided output;
An image forming unit that forms an image according to an instruction from the instruction unit, and the instruction unit forms each image so that a pair of front and back pages are distributed to the same image forming apparatus when performing duplex output. An image forming system for sorting output pages to an apparatus. A setting method in an image forming method for operating a plurality of image forming apparatuses to perform image formation,
A display control step of displaying a plurality of image forming apparatuses on the display unit as identifiable candidates;
A first setting step for setting a first group based on an instruction to any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses as candidates displayed on the display unit;
A second setting for setting a second group different from the combination of the image forming apparatuses in the setting of the first group, based on an instruction to the image forming apparatus displayed as a candidate while maintaining the setting of the first group. Image forming based on the setting of the first group is executed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses corresponding to the setting of the first group, and the image forming based on the setting of the second group is performed in the second group The setting method is executed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses corresponding to the setting. A setting method in an image forming method for operating a plurality of image forming apparatuses to perform image formation,
A display control step of displaying a plurality of image forming apparatuses on the display unit as identifiable candidates;
First combination information based on an instruction to any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses as candidates displayed on the display unit, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses corresponding to the first combination information are executed. A first setting step for setting a first group including an image forming parameter indicating a power image forming operation;
Second combination information different from the combination of image forming apparatuses in the first combination information based on an instruction to the image forming apparatus displayed as a candidate while retaining the setting of the first group, and the second combination information And a second setting step of setting a second group including image forming parameters indicating image forming operations in a plurality of image forming apparatuses corresponding to the setting method in the image forming system.   Image formation based on the setting of the first group is executed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses corresponding to the first combination information, and image formation based on the setting of the second group is a plurality of images corresponding to the second combination information. The setting method according to claim 20, wherein the setting method is executed by a forming apparatus. A first input step for inputting a new group setting instruction;
22. When an instruction for a new group setting is input in the first input step, an image forming apparatus that can belong to the new group setting is displayed as a candidate on a display unit. The setting method in any one of. A second input step for inputting an instruction of a group that has already been set;
Displaying and confirming identifiable image forming apparatuses belonging to the group designated by the input in the second input step;
23. The setting according to claim 19, further comprising an additional step of adding another image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus belonging to the designated group confirmed by the confirming step. Method. A second input step for inputting an instruction of a group that has already been set;
23. The setting method according to claim 19, further comprising a step of displaying and confirming image forming apparatuses belonging to the group designated by the input in the second input step so as to be identifiable.   The setting method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the display control step displays the state of each of the candidate image forming apparatuses in an identifiable manner. An image forming method in an image forming system that performs grouping by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and forms an image in units of groups,
A setting step for specifying a plurality of image forming apparatuses and setting a group;
An instruction step for instructing image formation including double-sided output to each image forming apparatus in the group set in the setting step;
An image forming step of performing image formation according to an instruction by the instruction step,
In the image forming method, the instruction step distributes output pages to each image forming apparatus so that the front and back pages to be paired are distributed to the same image forming apparatus when performing duplex output.

Images