JP4081950B2 - Digital copying machine and image data transfer method in digital copying machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital copying machine capable of simultaneously transferring bidirectionally read image data and print image data having different transfer directions via a shared image bus, and a method of transferring image data in the digital copying machine. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a digital copying machine having both a function as a copying machine and a function as a printer has been used. The digital copying machine includes a scanner that reads a document and a printer that prints print image data. The scanner and the printer realize a function as a copier. The digital copying machine is connected to a printer controller for causing the digital copying machine to function as a printer. The printer controller has both a function of transferring read image data obtained by reading a document with a scanner of a digital copying machine to a client computer and a function of transferring print image data output from the client computer to a printer. . The digital copying machine and the printer controller are connected by an image bus.
[0003]
When transferring the read image data from the scanner of the digital copying machine to the client computer, the read image data obtained by reading with the scanner is transferred from the digital copying machine to the printer controller via the image bus. Transferred from the printer controller to the client computer. On the other hand, when the print image data output from the client computer is transferred to the printer of the digital copying machine, the print image data output from the client computer is input to the printer controller, and the print image data is digitally copied from the printer controller. The image data is transferred by the same image bus as when the read image data is transferred to the printer of the machine.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional digital copying machine, when reading image data is transferred from the scanner of the digital copying machine to the client computer, and when printing image data output from the client computer is transferred to the printer of the digital copying machine Since the same image bus is used, read image data and print image data cannot be transferred simultaneously between the digital copying machine and the printer controller.
[0005]
As one method for improving such a problem, it is conceivable to separately provide an image bus for transferring read image data and an image bus for transferring print image data. However, if separate image buses are provided, two image buses are required and hardware for transferring image data corresponding to each image bus is also required. There is a problem that not only becomes difficult, but also the cost of the digital copying machine increases.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems of the conventional digital copying machine, and the reading directions differing from each other without changing the hardware configuration of the conventional digital copying machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital copying machine capable of simultaneously transferring image data and print image data via a shared image bus and a method for transferring image data in the digital copying machine.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.
(1) Reading means for reading an original, image forming means for printing image data, and read image data obtained by reading the original with the reading means are transferred from the reading means to an external computer and the external Transfer means for transferring print image data generated for printing by the external computer from the external computer to the image forming means, and each of the reading means and the image forming means is composed of a plurality of signal lines. A digital copier connected to the transfer means via a common image bus, and when transferring the read image data or the print image data, a plurality of signal lines constituting the image bus Detection means for detecting unused signal lines, and the read image data or the printing using the unused signal lines Transmitting means for transmitting the image data Restoring means for restoring the read image data transmitted by the transmitting means to the original read image data; Even if the print image data is transferred from the external computer to the image forming unit, the read image data can be transferred from the reading unit to the external computer, or the read image data is The print image data can be transferred from the external computer to the image forming unit even when transferred from the reading unit to the external computer.
(2) In the digital copying machine according to claim 1, the transmission unit transmits the read image data separately when the reading unit performs pre-scanning and when the main scanning is performed. Features.
(3) Reading means for reading an original, image forming means for printing image data, and read image data obtained by reading the original with the reading means are transferred from the reading means to an external computer and the external Transfer means for transferring print image data generated for printing by the external computer from the external computer to the image forming means, and each of the reading means and the image forming means is composed of a plurality of signal lines. A method of transferring image data in a digital copying machine connected to the transfer means via a common image bus, wherein the image bus is configured when transferring the read image data or the print image data A detection step of detecting an unused signal line among the plurality of signal lines, and the aforementioned signal line using the unused signal line A transmission step of transmitting the image data or the print image data taken, A restoration step of restoring the read image data transmitted in the transmission step to the original read image data; Even when the print image data is transferred from the external computer to the image forming means, the read image data can be transferred from the reading means to the external computer, or the read image data is The print image data can be transferred from the external computer to the image forming unit even when transferred from the reading unit to the external computer.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of a digital copying machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship between a digital copying machine of the present invention and peripheral devices. The digital copying machine 100 includes a copy unit 120, a control unit 150, and an interface unit 160. Note that the client computer 130 is connected to the interface unit 160 via a network cable 170, and the client computer 140 is connected via a parallel cable 180.
[0009]
The copying unit 120 causes the digital copying machine 100 to function as a copying machine, a scanner, or a printer. The copy unit 120 scans a document and outputs read image data of RGB colors (hereinafter simply referred to as read image data), and reads the read image data output from the scanner 122 into CMYK print image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “ready image data”). A printer unit 124 that prints the converted print image data, and a copy command for causing the digital copier 100 to function as a copier or a scanner based on a user's operation. The operation panel 125 that outputs a scan command for causing the printer to function and a print command for functioning as a printer, and the entire copy unit 120 are controlled, and each command (scan) output from the operation panel 125 and the client computers 130 and 140 is controlled. Command, print command), digital copying The control unit 126 for setting the status of 100 (indicating in which state the digital copying machine 100 is currently operating), the read image data and the print image data, and the status of the digital copying machine 100 are stored. And a storage unit 128.
[0010]
The control unit 150 controls the transfer of image data between the copy unit 120 and the client computers 130 and 140 according to the status of the digital copying machine 100.
[0011]
The interface unit 160 includes a network I / F unit 162 that exchanges image data between the client computer 130 and the control unit 150, and a parallel I / F that exchanges image data between the client computer 140 and the control unit 150. F section 164 is provided.
[0012]
Each component of the digital copying machine 100 is connected to each other via an image bus 190 as shown in the figure. In this embodiment, the RGB image data output from the scanner 122 can be transferred in parallel at the same time for three colors, and the image bus 190 can be expressed in 256 gradations per pixel. Each of the eight colors is composed of a total of 24 signal lines.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine according to the present invention, and shows a detailed configuration of the copy unit 120 and the control unit 150 shown in FIG. The copy unit 120 includes a scanner 122, a printer unit 124, an operation panel 125, a control unit 126, a selector 127, and a transfer unit 129.
[0014]
The control unit 126 includes a copy / print control unit 121 and a data line control unit 123. The copy / print control unit 121 is a digital copier based on a copy command, a scan command, and a print command output from the operation panel 125, and based on a scan command and a print command output from the client computers 130 and 140. A signal for causing the printer 100 to function as a copier, a scanner, or a printer is output. The copy / print control unit 121 sets the status of the digital copying machine 100 simultaneously with the output of these signals, and stores the status in the storage unit 128 of FIG. When a copy command is output from the operation panel 125, the status is set to “copying”, and when a scan command is output from the operation panel 125 or the client computers 130 and 140, the status is set to “scanning”. When a print command is output from the operation panel 125 or the client computers 130 and 140, the status is set to “printing”, and when no command is output, the status is set to “do nothing”.
[0015]
When one of the signals described above is output from the copy / print control unit 121, the data line control unit 123 is currently operating in which state the digital copying machine 100 is operating based on the status stored in the storage unit 128. Recognize whether The data line control unit 123 recognizes the recognized status (any one of “copying”, “scanning”, “printing”, and “doing nothing”) and a signal output from the copy / print control unit 121 ( The connection of the image bus 190 is controlled by the digital copier 100 as a copier, a scanner, or a signal for functioning as a printer.
[0016]
For example, when the status recognized by the data line control unit 123 is “doing nothing” and a signal for causing the digital copier 100 to function as a copier is output from the copy / print control unit 121, the data line control is performed. The unit 123 sets the copy enable signal to “HI”. When the copy / print control unit 121 outputs a signal for causing the digital copier 100 to function as a scanner, the data line control unit 123 sets the copy enable signal to “LO” and outputs the print enable signal. It is set to “LO” and reading image data can be transferred using all 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190. Further, when a signal for causing the digital copier 100 to function as a printer is output from the copy / print control unit 121, the data line control unit 123 sets the print enable signal to “HI” and configures the image bus 190. The print image data can be transferred using 8 signal lines out of the 24 signal lines.
[0017]
On the other hand, the operation is performed when a print command and print image data are sent from the client computers 130 and 140 when the status recognized by the data line control unit 123 is “scanning” or when the recognized status is “printing”. When a scan command is output from the panel 125 or the client computer 130 or 140, the data line control unit 123 reads using the unused signal lines among the 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190. Since image data and print image data are transferred simultaneously, signal lines that are not currently used (empty) are detected, and output of the print enable signals “HI” and “LO” is controlled for each signal line. .
[0018]
The selector 127 is provided independently for each signal line constituting the image bus 190. In FIG. 2, only one selector 127 is shown for easy understanding of the content of the invention, but in reality, 24 selectors 127 are provided in the copy unit 120. The selector 127 outputs the read image data output from the scanner 122 to the printer unit 124 when the copy enable signal is “HI”, and the read image output from the scanner 122 when the copy enable signal is “LO”. Data is output to the transfer unit 129.
[0019]
The printer unit 124 includes a color conversion unit 132 and a printer 134. The color conversion unit 132 converts RGB read image data into CMYK print image data. The printer 134 sequentially accumulates the transferred print image data, restores the original print image data, and prints the restored print image data.
[0020]
Similar to the selector 127, the transfer unit 129 is provided independently for each signal line constituting the image bus 190. In FIG. 2, only one transfer unit 129 is shown to facilitate understanding of the content of the invention, but in reality, 24 transfer units 129 are provided in the copy unit 120. The transfer unit 129 includes an inverter 135, a print buffer 136, and a reading buffer 137. The inverter 135 inverts the print enable signal to generate a scan enable signal. The print buffer 136 temporarily stores print image data when the print enable signal is “HI”. The reading buffer 137 temporarily stores the read image data when the scan enable signal is “HI”.
[0021]
The control unit 150 includes a data line control unit 151, a transfer unit 153, and a storage unit 158. The data line control unit 151 is connected to the data line control unit 123 by a spool line (not shown), and performs the same operation in synchronization with the data line control unit 123 except that it does not output a copy enable signal. That is, when the status recognized by the data line control unit 123 is “doing nothing” and a signal for causing the digital copier 100 to function as a scanner is output from the copy / print control unit 121, the data line control unit 151 sets the print enable signal to “LO” and enables transfer of the read image data using all 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190. When a signal for causing the digital copier 100 to function as a printer is output from the copy / print control unit 121, the data line control unit 151 sets the print enable signal to “HI” and configures the image bus 190. The print image data can be transferred using 8 signal lines out of the 24 signal lines.
[0022]
On the other hand, similarly to the data line control unit 123, the data line control unit 151 recognizes when the print command and the print image data are transmitted from the client computers 130 and 140 when the recognized status is “scanning”. When a scan command is output from the operation panel 125 or the client computers 130 and 140 when the status is “printing”, among the 24 signal lines constituting the image data 190, signal lines that are not currently used The data line control unit 123 outputs the same “HI” and “LO” outputs as the print enable signal output to each transfer unit 129 in order to transfer the read image data and the print image data simultaneously. The data is output to the transfer unit 153.
[0023]
Similar to the transfer unit 129, the transfer unit 153 is provided independently for each signal line constituting the image bus 190. In FIG. 2, only one transfer unit 153 is shown for easy understanding of the content of the invention, but in reality, 24 transfer units 153 are provided in the control unit 150. The transfer unit 153 includes an inverter 154, a print buffer 155, and a reading buffer 156. The inverter 135 inverts the print enable signal to generate a scan enable signal. The print buffer 155 temporarily stores print image data when the print enable signal is “HI”. The reading buffer 156 temporarily stores the read image data when the scan enable signal is “HI”.
[0024]
The storage unit 158 accumulates the read image data divided and sent from the read buffers 156 of all the transfer units 153 for each color, and restores the read image data sent to the original read image data. Provided. The restored read image data is transferred to the client computers 130 and 140 via the interface unit 160 shown in FIG.
[0025]
Next, the operation of the digital copying machine according to the present invention is divided into the case of copying, scanning, printing, printing during scanning, or scanning during printing. This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
When copying (Refer to the flowchart in FIG. 3)
When a copy instruction is issued using the operation panel 125, a copy command is output from the operation panel 125 (S1: YES), and if the status of the digital copying machine 100 is “nothing” (S2: YES), digital Copy processing is performed by the copying machine 100 (S3). Copy processing is performed as follows.
[0027]
First, the copy / print control unit 121 outputs a signal for causing the digital copying machine 100 to function as a copying machine, and sets the status to “copying”. The data line control unit 123 receives a signal from the copy / print control unit 121 and recognizes the current status of the digital copying machine 100 based on the status stored in the storage unit 128. If the recognized status is “doing nothing”, the data line control unit 123 sets “HI” to all (24) selectors 127 based on the signal output from the copy / print control unit 121. A copy enable signal is output. If the current status of the digital copying machine 100 is not “doing nothing” (S2: NO), the data line control unit 123, specifically, “copying”, “scanning”, or “printing” If “medium”, the output states of the copy enable signal and the print enable signal are maintained as they are, and the digital copying machine 100 is operated until the current operation is completed.
[0028]
When the copy enable signal becomes “HI”, each selection unit 127 connects the scanner 122 and the color conversion unit 132. When the scanner 122 operates to read a document, the scanner 122 outputs read image data composed of three colors of RGB, and the read image data is input to the color conversion unit 132. The color conversion unit 132 converts RGB read image data into CMYK print image data, and outputs the print image data to the printer 134. The printer 134 performs printing based on the print image data. The above operation is performed until the number of copies designated on the operation panel 125 is completed (S4).
[0029]
When scanning (Refer to the flowchart in FIG. 4)
When scanning is instructed using the operation panel 125 or scanning is instructed from the client computers 130 and 140, a scan command is output to the copy / print control unit 121 (S11: YES), and the copy / print control unit 121 Then, a signal for causing the digital copying machine 100 to function as a scanner is output. In addition, the copy / print control unit 121 sets the status to “scanning”. The data line control unit 123 receives a signal from the copy / print control unit 121 and recognizes the current status of the digital copying machine 100 based on the status stored in the storage unit 128.
[0030]
If the recognized status is “doing nothing” (S12: YES), the data line control unit 123 outputs “LO” copy enable signals to all (24) selectors 127, and Print enable signals “LO” are output to all (24) transfer units 129. At the same time, the data line control unit 151 outputs “LO” print enable signals to all (24) transfer units 153 in synchronization with the data line control unit 123. As a result, 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190 are secured for transferring the read image data (S13). Then, scanning processing is performed by the digital copying machine 100 (S14).
[0031]
If the current status of the digital copying machine 100 is “copying” or “scanning”, the data line control unit 123 maintains the output state of the copy enable signal and the print enable signal in the current state. The digital copying machine 100 is operated until the current operation is completed. On the other hand, if the current status of the digital copying machine 100 is “printing”, this corresponds to the case of scanning during printing. The operation of the digital copying machine 100 in this case will be described in detail later.
[0032]
The scanning process is performed as follows.
[0033]
When the copy enable signal is set to “LO” by the data line control unit 123, all the selection units 127 connect the scanner 122 and the reading buffer 137. When the print enable signal is set to “LO” by the data line control unit 123 and the data line control unit 151, the transfer unit 129 and the transfer unit 153 are scanned for “HI” by the inverter 135 and the inverter 154. An enable signal is output. When the scanner 122 operates to read a document, the scanner 122 outputs read image data composed of RGB three colors. The read image data is temporarily stored in the read buffer 137 of the 24 transfer units 129 via the selection unit 127, and the stored read image data is transmitted via the 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190. The data is transferred to the reading buffer 156 of the 24 transfer units 153.
[0034]
The read image data is transferred using eight signal lines for each color, and the transfer is performed for one pixel every one cycle of the pixel clock. The transferred read image data is temporarily stored in each reading buffer 156 of the transfer unit 153 and further transferred to the storage unit 158. The storage unit 158 stores the transferred read image data for each color, restores the original read image data, and outputs the original read image data to the client computer 130 via the network I / F unit 162 and the network cable 170 illustrated in FIG. Or output to the client computer 140 via the parallel I / F unit 164 and the parallel cable 180. The above operation is performed until reading of all originals is completed (S15).
[0035]
When printing (Refer to the flowchart in FIG. 5)
When printing is instructed using the operation panel 125 or printing is instructed from the client computers 130 and 140, a print command is output from the operation panel 125 (S21: YES), and the copy / print control unit 121 performs digital copying. A signal for causing the apparatus 100 to function as a printer is output. The copy / print control unit 121 sets the status to “printing”. The data line control unit 123 receives this signal and recognizes the current status of the digital copying machine 100 based on the status stored in the storage unit 128.
[0036]
If the recognized status is “doing nothing” (S22: YES), the data line control unit 123 outputs a “HI” print enable signal to eight of the 24 transfer units 129. The “LO” print enable signal is output to the remaining 16 transfer units 129. At the same time, the data line control unit 151 outputs a “HI” print enable signal to the transfer unit 153 corresponding to the transfer unit 129 to which the “HI” print enable signal has been output, in synchronization with the data line control unit 123. Then, a “LO” print enable signal is output to the remaining 16 transfer units 153. As a result, eight signal lines out of the 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190 are secured for transfer of print image data (S23). Then, a printing process is performed by the digital copying machine 100 (S24).
[0037]
If the current status of the digital copying machine 100 is “copying” or “printing”, the data line control unit 123 maintains the output state of the copy enable signal and the print enable signal as they are. The digital copying machine 100 is operated until the current operation is completed. On the other hand, if the current status of the digital copying machine 100 is “scanning”, this corresponds to the case of printing during scanning. The operation of the digital copying machine 100 in this case will be described in detail later.
[0038]
The printing process is performed as follows.
[0039]
When the print enable signal is set to “HI” by the data line control unit 123 and the data line control unit 151, only the transfer unit 129 and the transfer unit 153 in which the print enable signal is set to “HI” are transmitted via the image bus 190. Connected. The print buffer 155 of the transfer unit 153 in which the print enable signal is set to “HI” receives the CMYK four-color print image data generated for printing by the client computer 130 via the network cable 170 and the network I / F unit 162. The CMYK four-color print image data generated for printing by the client computer 140 is temporarily stored via the parallel cable 180 and the parallel I / F unit 164. The stored print image data is transferred to the print buffer 136 of the transfer unit 129 via 8 signal lines out of 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190.
[0040]
The transferred print image data is temporarily stored in the print buffer 136 of the transfer unit 129 and output to the printer 134. The output print image data is accumulated for one line and printed by the printer 134. The above operation is performed until the print image data sent from the client computer 130 or the client computer 140 disappears and printing is completed (S25).
When scanning during printing (Refer to the flowchart of FIG. 6)
When a scan command is output from the operation panel 125, the client computer 130, or the client computer 140 while the above-described printing operation is being performed, the scan command is output to the copy / print control unit 121, and the copy / print control is performed. The unit 121 outputs a signal for causing the digital copying machine 100 to function as a scanner. Upon receiving this signal, the data line control unit 123 recognizes the current status of the digital copying machine 100 based on the status stored in the storage unit 128. Since the current status of the digital copying machine 100 is “printing”, the data line control unit 123 detects the presence or absence of signal lines that are not currently used among the signal lines constituting the image bus 190 (S31). .
[0041]
Then, the necessary number of scanning signal lines for transferring the read image data is secured (S32). In the case of the printing operation described above, only 8 signal lines out of 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190 are used for transfer of print image data. All or a part of them is secured for transferring read image data.
[0042]
For example, when the read image data is transferred by 4 bits for each color of RGB, it is necessary to secure four signal lines for each color of R, G, B as shown in FIG. It is necessary to secure the signal lines for reading image data transfer. In this case, the data line control unit 123 includes 12 transfer units 129 out of the 16 transfer units 129 except for the eight transfer units 129 that are currently outputting a “HI” pre-enable signal for transfer of print image data. The “LO” print enable signal is output to each of the transfer units 129. At the same time, the data line control unit 151 sends a “LO” print enable signal to the transfer unit 153 corresponding to the transfer unit 129 to which the “LO” print enable signal is output, in synchronization with the data line control unit 123. Output. Then, a scanning process is performed (S33).
[0043]
The scanning process is completed when the scanner 122 scans the same document twice, transfers the read image data in half, and combines the read image data transferred in half to restore the original read image data. . That is, when the scanner 122 performs a first scan (pre-scan) and reads a document, the scanner 122 outputs read image data composed of 8 bits for each of RGB three colors. The reading buffer 137 of the twelve transfer units 129 includes, through the selection unit 127, read image data (from the first bit) of 4 bits for each color among the read image data of 8 bits for each color of RGB output from the scanner 122. (Up to the 4th bit) is temporarily stored. The stored read image data is transferred to the read buffers 156 of the twelve transfer units 153 via the twelve signal lines constituting the image bus 190. The transferred read image data is temporarily stored in each reading buffer 156 of the transfer unit 153, and further transferred to the storage unit 158 and stored therein. When the scanner 122 performs the second scan (main scan) and reads the document, the scanner 122 outputs the same read image data as when the pre-scan was performed. The reading buffer 137 of the twelve transfer units 129 stores the read image data of the remaining 4 bits of each color (the 5th to 8th bits) excluding the read image data of 4 bits of each color stored when the pre-scan is performed. Is temporarily stored. The stored read image data is transferred to and stored in the storage unit 158 as in the pre-scan. The storage unit 158 stores the read image data transferred by half each time for each scan, and restores the read image data transferred in two steps to the original read image data. The restored read image data is output to the client computer 130 via the network I / F unit 162 and the network cable 170 illustrated in FIG. 1, or the client computer 140 via the parallel I / F unit 164 and the parallel cable 180. Is output. The above operation is performed until reading of all originals is completed (S34).
[0044]
In the above embodiment, 12 signal lines are secured, read image data is transferred twice for each color 4 bits (in pre-scan and main scan), and the transferred read image data is stored. A mode has been described in which the original read image data is restored by finally combining on the unit 158 as shown in FIG. In addition to the mode of transferring 4 bits at a time in this way, as shown in FIG. 9, 16 signal lines are secured, and only the read image data of R and G is transferred twice every 4 bits (in prescan and main scan). 8), the read image data of B is all transferred once in the pre-scan, and these transferred read image data are finally combined as shown in FIG. The present invention can also be applied to a mode in which the image is restored. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, 15 signal lines are secured, read image data of 5 bits for each color is transferred during pre-scan, and read image data of the remaining 3 bits for each color is transferred during main scan, The present invention is also applicable to an aspect in which these read image data are finally combined as shown in FIG. 8 to restore the original read image data.
[0045]
When printing during scanning (Refer to the flowchart in FIG. 11)
When print image data and a print command are output from the client computer 130 or the client computer 140 during the above-described scanning operation, the print command is output to the copy / print control unit 121, and the copy / print control is performed. The unit 121 outputs a signal for causing the digital copying machine 100 to function as a printer. Upon receiving this signal, the data line control unit 123 recognizes the current status of the digital copying machine 100 based on the status stored in the storage unit 128. Since the current status of the digital copying machine 100 is “scanning”, the data line control unit 123 detects the presence / absence of signal lines that are not currently used among the signal lines constituting the image bus 190 (S41). .
[0046]
In the case of the scan operation described above, all 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190 are used. In this case, there are no unused signal lines. Therefore, since a signal line for transferring print image data cannot be secured (S42, S43: NO), the print command is accepted after the scanning operation of the digital copying machine 100 is completed.
[0047]
When a scanner that reads three colors of RGB at the same time with one scanning operation is used, it is necessary to transfer the read image data using all of the signal lines constituting the image bus 190 as described above. However, when a scanner that reads three colors of RGB for each color three times in one scan is used, eight of the 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190 are used. The read image data can be transferred using only the signal line. When such a scanner is used, 16 signal lines are not used even during scanning. The data line control unit 123 detects the 16 unused signal lines, and reserves 8 of them for transfer of print image data sent from the client computers 130 and 140.
[0048]
When the signal line for printing can be secured (S43: YES), the data line control unit 123 outputs the eight transfer units 129 that are currently outputting a “LO” pre-enable signal for transferring the read image data. A print enable signal of “HI” is output to eight transfer units 129 out of the 16 transfer units 129 excluding. At the same time, the data line control unit 151 outputs a “HI” print enable signal to the transfer unit 153 corresponding to the transfer unit 129 to which the “HI” print enable signal has been output, in synchronization with the data line control unit 123. Output.
[0049]
Through the above processing, eight of the 24 signal lines constituting the image bus 190 are used for transferring the read image data, and further eight are used for transferring the print image data. Through 190, the read image data and the print image data can be transferred simultaneously.
[0050]
Then, a printing process is performed (S44). The printing process is the same as the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. The above operation is performed until the print image data sent from the client computer 130 or the client computer 140 disappears and printing is completed (S45).
[0051]
As described above, in the digital copying machine of the present invention, the read image data and the print image are used using the signal lines that are not used in both cases of scanning during printing and printing during scanning. Both data and data can be transferred simultaneously on a common image bus. Therefore, a printing operation for transferring print image data generated for printing by an external computer to the image forming means without changing the hardware configuration of the conventional digital copying machine, and a reading means The reading operation of transferring the read image data obtained by reading the document from the reading unit to an external computer can be executed simultaneously.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, even when print image data is transferred, read image data is obtained by using unused signal lines among a plurality of signal lines constituting the image bus. Even when read image data is transferred, print image data can be transferred using unused signal lines among a plurality of signal lines constituting the image bus. Accordingly, a printing operation for transferring print image data generated for printing by an external computer to the image forming means without changing the hardware configuration of the conventional digital copying machine, and a reading means. A reading operation of transferring read image data obtained by reading a document from a reading unit to an external computer can be executed simultaneously.
[0053]
Moreover, since the read image data can be restored to the original read image data or the print image data can be restored to the original print image data, the read image data or the print image data can be divided and transmitted and used. Regardless of the number of signal lines that are not connected, the printing operation and the reading operation can be performed simultaneously.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship between a digital copying machine of the present invention and peripheral devices.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the digital copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the digital copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the digital copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the digital copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of image data transfer status of the digital copying machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of image data transfer status of the digital copying machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of image data transfer status of the digital copying machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of image data transfer status of the digital copying machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the digital copying machine of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100: Digital copier,
120 ... copy section,
121... Copy / print control unit,
122 ... Scanner,
123, 151 ... Data line control unit,
124: Printer unit,
125 ... operation panel,
126 ... control unit,
127 ... selector,
128, 158 ... storage unit,
129, 153 ... transfer section,
130, 140 ... client computer,
132 ... a color conversion unit,
134 ... printer,
135, 154 ... Inverter,
136, 155 ... print buffer,
137, 156 ... reading buffer,
150 ... Control part,
160 ... interface part,
162 ... Network I / F part,
164 ... Parallel I / F section,
170 ... Network cable,
180 ... Parallel cable,
190 ... Image bus.

Claims (3)

Reading means for reading an original, image forming means for printing image data, and read image data obtained by reading the original with the reading means are transferred from the reading means to an external computer, and at the external computer A transfer unit configured to transfer print image data generated for printing from the external computer to the image forming unit, and each of the reading unit and the image forming unit includes a plurality of signal lines. A digital copying machine connected to the transfer means via an image bus,
Detecting means for detecting unused signal lines among a plurality of signal lines constituting the image bus when transferring the read image data or the print image data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the read image data or the print image data using a signal line that is not used;
Restoring means for restoring the read image data transmitted by the transmission means to the original read image data ,
Even when the print image data is transferred from the external computer to the image forming unit, the read image data can be transferred from the reading unit to the external computer, or the read image data is transferred from the reading unit. A digital copying machine, wherein the print image data can be transferred from the external computer to the image forming means even when transferred to the external computer.   2. The digital copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the read image data separately when the reading unit performs pre-scanning and when the main scanning is performed. Digital copier. Reading means for reading an original, image forming means for printing image data, and read image data obtained by reading the original with the reading means are transferred from the reading means to an external computer, and at the external computer A transfer unit configured to transfer print image data generated for printing from the external computer to the image forming unit, and each of the reading unit and the image forming unit includes a plurality of signal lines. A method of transferring image data in a digital copying machine connected to the transfer means via an image bus,
A detecting step of detecting an unused signal line among a plurality of signal lines constituting the image bus when transferring the read image data or the print image data;
A transmission step of transmitting the read image data or the print image data using a signal line that is not used;
A restoration step of restoring the read image data transmitted in the transmission step to the original read image data, and even when the print image data is transferred from the external computer to the image forming unit, The read image data can be transferred from the reading unit to the external computer, or the print image data can be transferred from the external computer even when the read image data is transferred from the reading unit to the external computer. A transfer method of image data in a digital copying machine, wherein transfer to the image forming means is possible.

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