JPH01104566A - Composite copying system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the mixing of a copied recording paper and improve operation efficiency by allotting defined paper discharging bins one to each of plural image reading devices and carrying out a sorting operation by using paper discharging bins which are not allotted. CONSTITUTION:A composite copying system consists of plural microfilm reading devices 1a-1d, laser printers 2a, 2d, and a control device 3. The control device 3 allots a defined paper discharging bin 4 to each of optional image reading devices 1a-1d, while making paper-discharging bin sorters 5a, 5b carry out sorting operation using paper discharging bins 4 which are not allotted to the image reading devices out of the whole paper discharging bins 4. Thereby, the mixing of a copied recording paper can be prevented while improve the operation efficiency of an operator at the time of taking in recording papers.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a composite copying system constructed by combining a plurality of image reading devices such as a microfilm reader and an image generating device such as a laser beam printer. In particular, the present invention relates to a composite copying system that improves the efficiency of an operator's work when importing recorded paper that has already been copied.

Background of the Invention With the dramatic advances in technology in recent years, for example, in the field of image processing technology, the performance of image scanners that use solid-state image carriers, so-called COD, etc., which convert images into electrical signals, has improved dramatically. has improved. One example of the application of this image scanner is that it is used, for example, in a microfilm reading device that reads images recorded on microfilm.

This microfilm reading device was originally designed to inform the operator of the image information recorded on the microfilm by projecting it onto a screen, but conventionally it has been used as needed. There was a request to preserve the information on both cases on paper. Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-57645 discloses a copying system that combines a microfilm reading device and an image generation device that generates, or copies, an image read by the device on recording paper in a one-to-one manner. A technique has been proposed to meet the above requirements. According to this technology,
Image information read by an image reading device such as a microfilm reading device can be recorded and saved on recording paper by an image generating device.

However, if a copying system is configured by combining an image reading device and an image generating device one-on-one as in the past, when multiple image reading devices are introduced, The same number of image generation devices will be required. However, image generation devices generally require a large area;
In addition, since the image generating apparatus is very expensive, there is a problem in introducing a plurality of image generating apparatuses from the viewpoint of effective use of space and cost.

Therefore, the present applicant has focused on the above-mentioned problems and the fact that even if multiple image reading devices are introduced, all image reading devices will not be in operation at all times. We have created a technology for constructing a composite copying system by combining a smaller number of image generation devices, but this technology is advantageous in terms of effective space utilization and cost, but on the other hand, Since multiple image reading devices are connected to one image generation device, there is a risk of confusion as to which image reading device the image signal of the copied recording paper is based on. A new problem arises:

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and prevents operator confusion caused by confusion as to which image reading device the image signal of the copied recording paper is based on. It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite copying system that improves the work efficiency of an operator when taking in copied recording paper.

In order to achieve the above object of determining 1., the present invention provides an image reading device that converts an image into an electrical signal and outputs it, and a visible image on a recording paper according to the image signal output from the image reading device. In a copying system configured by combining an image generation device connected to a paper output bin sorter that performs sorting processing to sort and distribute the recording paper to a plurality of paper output bins, It is connected to the image reading device and the image generating device, and determines to allocate a predetermined paper output bin to each of the image reading devices, while determining the allocation of the image reading device among the paper output bins. The present invention is characterized in that a control means is provided for causing the sorting process to be performed using a paper discharge bin that is empty.

■ If the above means is adopted, a predetermined paper output bin is assigned to each arbitrary image reading device, and the sorting process is performed using a paper output bin to which the image reading device is not assigned among the paper output bins. will be carried out. As a result, the copied recording sheets are not mixed up, so that the operator's work efficiency when taking in the recording sheets is improved, and the sorter processing function can also be utilized.

An embodiment of the composite copying system according to the present invention will be described below.
A case in which a microfilm reading device (hereinafter simply referred to as a scanner) is applied as an image reading device and a laser beam printer (hereinafter simply referred to as an LBP) as an image generating device will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the composite copying system according to the present invention, without showing the surroundings of the control unit, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the system, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation panel of the scanner. ,
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the exchange of signals within the system, and FIGS. 5 to 8 are operational flowcharts showing the operation of the system.

As shown in FIG. 2, the complex copying system on the actual production side consists of 4 scanners, 1.2 LB scanners, and 2 LB scanners.
1 serving as a control means connected to P2, scanner 1 and LBP2 and selectively connecting scanner 1 and BP2;
The control device for the machine is hereinafter referred to as the controller. )3.

Further, each of the LBPs 2 is connected to a paper output bin sorter 5 that performs a sorting process of sorting the recording sheets output from the LBP 2 and distributing them to a plurality of paper output bins 4 according to commands from the controller 3.

Here, the sorting process normally performed by the paper output bin sorter 5 will be explained using an example in which 10 copies of a set of five originals are to be copied. A processing method that allows 10 copies to be made, and a processing method called grouping that uses five paper ejection bins and allocates documents of the same page to the same paper ejection bin can be selected as appropriate.

On the other hand, the controller 3 is connected to an external computer 6 that issues various commands to the system from the outside.

Note that in this embodiment, four scanners and two LBPs are connected to - controllers, but
The present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if a plurality of scanners and a smaller number of LBPs than the scanners are connected to -1 controller.

Next, FIG. 3 shows the operation panel 7 provided in each of the scanners 1a to 1d, and the operation panel 7 provided in the scanner 1a will be described as an example.

As shown in the figure, on the operation panel 7 provided in the scanner 18, it is displayed whether the recording sheets copied based on the image data output from the scanner 1a are distributed to the paper output bins 4 or not. an image mode selection switch 9 for selecting the mode of the image to be copied; a scan size selection switch 10 for selecting the size of the image to be copied; and an exposure switch for selecting the exposure level of the image to be copied. A level selection switch 11, a start switch 12 for selecting the start of copying, and a scanner 1a during copying.
-d, respectively, are provided with a busy LED 12a that lights up when image data cannot be transferred to the controller 3, and a multi-selection switch 12C that selects whether or not to perform multi-reading, which will be described later.

Next, a schematic configuration around the control section of the composite copying system according to the present invention will be explained based on FIG.

As shown in the figure, a roll carrier 13 and a search device 14 compatible with various types of microfilm are connected to each of the scanners Ia-d provided with the operation panel 7 described above. In addition, each of the scanners 1a-d includes:
An input-side image bus switching unit 14a that switches image data via the image bus 13 for transferring image data.
-d is connected, and serial input/output ports 15a to 15d are connected via a control bus 15 for transferring control signals and the like necessary when exchanging image data. The serial input/output ports 16a-d include an input interface 17 into which image data is input;
A CPU 18 that issues various commands based on input data, a ROM 19 that stores various programs, etc., a RAM 20 that temporarily stores various data, etc., an input/output port 21 connected to an external computer 6 via a control bus 15,
Again, via the control bus 15, LBP2a, 2
Serial input/output capo-1-16e to which each of b is connected,
An output interface 22 for outputting image data (16f) and a buffer memory 23 for temporarily storing image data for one screen are connected to each other.

On the other hand, the input side image bus switching sections 14a to 14d are connected to the output side image bus switching section 24a,
24b is connected, and an input interface 17 is also connected via the image bus 13. Note that the reason why there are two sets of image buses 13 here is because two LBPs 2 are connected to the controller 3. Therefore, the number of image buses is not limited to two, but L
The number increases according to the number of BP2s. The input interface 17 is connected to an output interface 22 and a buffer memory 23 via the image bus 13, and the output interface 17 is connected to the output side image bus switching units 24a, 24 via the image bus 13.
connected to b. LBPs 2a and 2b, to which discharge bin sorters 5a and 5b are respectively connected, are connected to the output side image bus switching units 24a and 24b, respectively.

The operation of the composite copying system configured as described above is explained in the fourth section.
A description will be given with reference to a diagram showing signal correction in the composite copying system shown in the figure and operation flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 8.

First, a description will be given focusing on the flowchart of the main routine in the controller 3 shown in FIG.

First of all, initial settings are performed to start up the composite copying system [Step 1 (lower Q, referred to as Sl)]
). At Sl, when preparations for starting up the composite copying system are completed, a subroutine program for determining a paper output bin is executed to determine which paper output bin 4 is to be assigned to any one of the scanners 1a to 1d. Subroutine 1 (hereinafter referred to as SUB 1)).

Here, referring to the operation flowchart shown in FIG. 6,
The subroutine program for determining the paper output bin will be explained.

First, scanners 1a-d installed in CPLJ1B
A setting is made for the count value BIN(n) of the first register indicating the paper ejection bin number assigned to an arbitrary scanner n (n=a, b, c, d) among the scanners.

That is, for the count value BIN (1) of the first register, the first paper output bin is set (S2), and the count value BIN (
2), set the number 2 paper output bin (83), set the number 3 paper output bin for the count value BIN (3) (S4), and set the number 4 paper output bin for the count value BIN (4). Remove the paper output bin (
S5) Perform allocation settings. In addition, each paper output bin 4
When numbering the paper output bins, for example, the uppermost paper output bin may be numbered 1, and the numbering may be sequentially incremented by 1 downward. Numbering may be performed such that the paper ejection bin located at is designated as number 1 and 1 is sequentially added upward. The important point here is to allocate one paper output bin to one scanner on a one-to-one basis, and you can freely change which scanner the paper output bin is assigned to as needed. Is possible.

In this way, in SUB, 1, one paper output bin is assigned to one scanner on a one-to-one basis, so there is no chance of mixing up the copied recording paper, and therefore the operator's work is easier. This will improve efficiency.

In this embodiment, since the program for determining the paper output bin is made into a subroutine, the program can be easily changed when adding a scanner or replacing the paper output bin corresponding to the scanner.

5LIB, 1, after the paper ejection bin numbers corresponding to each of the scanners 1a to 1d are determined, the CPLJ18 sets the count value NLBP of the second register indicating the LBP number for control.
Set 1 as . Here, in this embodiment, since it is connected and there are two BPs, the LBP number NL
Among the BPs, 1 and 2 are numbers indicating LBP, and 3 is a number indicating buffer 1 memory.

Next, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the printer ready signal indicating that the NLBP-th LAP whose count is 1 in the second register is ready for print processing is turned on (S 13 ). If it is determined in S13 that the printer ready signal is turned on, 51
On the other hand, if it is determined that the switch is not turned on, 1 is added to the count value BP of the second register (314). After the process of S14, the CPU 18
Determine if the count value NLBP of the second register is equal to the value 1 to 3 indicating the buffer memory.
5) From the judgment in S15, the count if of the second register
If it is determined that the LBP has become equal to the count value 3 indicating the buffer 7 memory, that is, it is determined that the printer ready signals of all LBPs are not turned on, the process advances to S16, and on the other hand, the count value N of the second register is [If it is determined that 8P is not equal to the count ifi3 indicating the buffer 1 memory, that is, there are still LBPs left to determine whether the print ready signal is turned on, the process returns to step 313.

If it is determined in step S15 that the printer ready signals of all LBPs are not on, the CPU 18
determines whether there is a writable memory space on the buffer 1 memory 23 (316), and if it is determined that there is memory space, it does not output a print busy signal to all scanners 1a-d. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no memory space, all scanners 1a
- Output print busy signal to d (318) L, te, S
Return to 12. Note that the buffer 1 memory 23 can store image data for one screen.

That is, in 312 to 18, the CPU 18
Only when it is determined that the printer ready signal from P2 has been input, or is there no input but image data is stored in the buffer 1 memory, can the process proceed to the next step S19.

Next, the CPU 18 selects a third number indicating the scanner number for control.
Set 1 as the register count value N5CN (8
19). In this embodiment, since there are four scanners connected, among the scanner numbers 8P, 1 to 4 are numbers indicating the scanners, and 3 is a number indicating the buffer 1 memory.

The CPU 18 outputs the count value N5C of the third register.
It is determined whether the scan request signal of the Nth scanner is turned on (320). If it is determined in S20 that the scan request signal is turned on, the process proceeds to S24; on the other hand, if it is determined that it is not turned on, 1 is added to the count value N5CH of the third register. (S21).

After the processing in S321, the CPU 18 determines whether the count value N5CN of the third register is equal to the count value 5 indicating the buffer 7 memory. In other words, if it is determined that the scan request signals of all scanners are not turned on, the count value N5CN of the third register becomes equal to the count value 5 indicating the buffer 1 memory. If it is determined that the number is not equal to 5, that is, there are still scanners remaining for which it is to be determined whether or not the scan request signal is on, the process returns to S20.

If it is determined in S22 that the scan request signals of all the scanners are not turned on, the CPU 18 determines whether there is a writable memory space in the buffer memory 23 or not. It is determined whether image data is stored or not (323); if the CPU 18 determines that image data is not stored according to the determination in S23, the process returns to step 319; on the other hand, it is determined that image data is stored. or if the CPU 18 determines from the judgment in step 320 that the scanner's scan request signal is on, the count 1 of the third register is set again.
It is determined whether N5CN has become equal to the count value indicating the buffer 1 memory (S24>.

That is, in step 324, it is determined whether the scan request is based on the scan request signal or the image data stored in the buffer memory 23.

Based on the determination in S24, if the CPU 18 determines that the count value N5CN of the third register is not equal to the count value indicating the buffer 7 memory, that is, that a scan request is made by the scan request signal, the CPU 18
Then, the input side image bus switching units 14a to 14d are switched to perform a process of connecting the N5CNth scanner outputting the scan request signal to the image bus 13 (S25>).

After completing the process at step 325, the CPU 18 executes a scanner setting subroutine program (SUB, 2>).

Here, scanner setting SU 8.2 will be explained.

First, a reading size signal indicating the size of the recording paper set by the N5CNth scanner is input to the CPU 18 (326>, and this size signal is stored in the predetermined memories H, 5IZE of the RAM 20 (327>). on the other hand,
The CPU 18 determines whether or not the N5CNth scanner is outputting a multi-signal (S28>, and if it is determined that the N5CN-th scanner is outputting a multi-signal, it determines whether or not the scanner 1 performs multi-reading. 329), on the other hand, if it is determined that multi-reading is not to be performed, the process of setting the count 1i) IL of the fourth register to 0 is performed (33).
0).

Here, the multi-signal will be explained. The multi-signal is a signal output when the scanner 1 is set to the multi-mode. Furthermore, the multi-mode is a mode that does not output the copied recording paper from the corresponding paper output bin, but instead performs sorting processing using a paper output bin that is not assigned a scanner among the paper output bins 4. . To explain with an example, for example, the number of sheets to be scanned can be set to 5 by using a sheet number setting switch (not shown) provided on the scanner 1.
Assuming that the setting is set to 1 sheet and the multi-mode is selected, the output bin sorter 5 stores copied records in the output bins 5 and onwards, which are not assigned a scanner, among the output bins 4. The paper will be ejected one by one.

After completing the processing of 329 or 830, CPLJ 18:
After setting N5CN as the scanner number SCN of the image reading source when outputting image data to LBP2 (S32), the process returns to 333 of the main routine.

On the other hand, based on the determination in S24, the CPU 1B determines that the count value N5CN of the third register is not equal to the count value indicating the buffer memory, that is, a scan request is made using the image data stored in the buffer 1 memory 23. In this case, the CPU 18 switches the input side image bus switching units 14a to 14d, and also switches the buffer 7 memory 23 to the image bus 1 via the input interface 17.
3 (S34>. After completing the process of S34, the CPU 18 executes a subroutine program for memory read settings (SLJB, 3>).

Here, memory read setting SUB, 3 will be explained.

First, the CPU 18 sets the signal @5SrzE indicating the size of the image stored in the buffer 7 memory 23 as the signal 5IZE indicating the size of the recording paper output by the LBP 2 (335), and also determines whether the scanner will perform multi-reading. Processing is performed to set a signal scale indicating whether or not the image stored in the buffer 1 memory 23 is a multi-image, as a count value HLT of the fourth register indicating whether the image is a multi-image or not (336). Next, CPtJlB uses buffer 7 as the scanner number SCN of the image reading source when outputting image data to LBP2.
The CPtJ 18 performs processing to set the IEH (scanner number of the source for reading the image stored in the memory 23) (S37), and after this processing is completed, the CPtJ 18
A process is performed to set 0 as the scanner number HEM of the reading source of the image stored in (S38), and the process returns to 533 of the main routine.

After SUB, 2 or 5LJB, 3 is completed, CPU18
determines whether the count value BP of the second register is equal to 3, that is, whether the printer ready signal of the LBP is on (333), and from the determination in S33, the printer ready signal of the LBP is turned on. If it is determined that the output side image switching unit 24 is turned on, the CPU 18
A and 24b are switched to connect the NLBP-th LBP to the image bus 13 (340). After completing the process in step 340, the CPU 18 executes a printer setting subroutine program (StJB, 4).

Here, printer setting SUB 4 will be explained.

First, CPtJlB outputs a size signal indicating the image size to the NLBP-th LBP (841).

Next, the CPU 18 selects the count 1 direct HL of the fourth register.
It is determined whether T is O or not, that is, whether the scanner performs multiple reading (342). If it is determined that the scanner does not perform multiple reading, CPLJ
1B outputs the paper output bin number BIN (SCN) assigned to the scanner number SCH of the image reading source when outputting to LBP to the NLBPth LBP (343
) On the other hand, if it is determined that the scanner performs multi-reading, the CPU 1B assigns an output bin number such as 5 or later to the NLBP-th LBP so that recording paper in the copy stream can be sorted. I want to output the paper bottle number 5
44) After S43 or S44, the process returns to the main routine 845. When the printer is thus set and ready, the CPU 18 outputs an activation request signal to the NLBP-th LBP (S45).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the LBP printer ready signal is not turned on based on the determination at step 833, the CPU 18 switches the output side image switching sections 24a and 24b and also sends the buffer 1 memory 2 via the output interface 22.
3 to the image bus 13 (346).

After completing the processing in step 346, CPUIA executes a memory write setting subroutine program (SUB, 5).

Here, memory write setting SUB, 5 will be explained.

First, the CPU 18 sets the signal 5IZE indicating the size of the recording paper output by the LBP 2 as the signal MSIZE indicating the size of the image stored in the buffer 7 memory 23 (347). A signal indicating whether or not the image is multi-read) 1) A count value of the fourth register indicating whether or not the scanner performs multi-reading as ILT) Processing to set ILT is performed (S48
). Next, the CP (J18) performs processing to set the control scanner number N5CN, which is the count value of the third register, as the scanner number HE14 of the reading source of the image stored in the buffer 1 memory 23 (S49). , After this process is completed, the process returns to the main routine 850. Then,
The CPU 18 performs processing to start writing image data to the buffer memory 23 (850).

After 345 or S50 is completed, the CPU 18 determines whether a scan request is made by the scan request signal or a scan request is made by the image data from the buffer 7 memory 23 (551) If it is determined that a request has been made, the CPtJ18 outputs a scan signal to the N5CN-th scanner (S52).On the other hand, if it is determined that a scan request using image data from the buffer memory 23 has been made, Then, the CPU 18 performs processing to start reading from the memory (353). Then, when the processing of 352 or 353 is completed, 5LJB.

Return to step 1 and repeat the control from the beginning.

Next, the flow of control of the scanner will be explained based on the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the initial settings of the scanner 1 are performed (S60).
Preparations for starting up the scanner 1 are made. When the startup preparation is completed in S60, the scanner 1 determines whether or not a controller busy signal indicating that image data cannot be transferred from the scanner 1 to the controller 3 is input to the scanner 1 (S61). If the controller busy signal is input, the busy LED 12 shown in FIG.
On the other hand, if the controller busy signal is not input, processing is performed to turn off the busy LED I2 (363). In other words, when image data cannot be transferred from the scanner 1 to the controller 3,
This is notified to the operator by lighting up the busy LEDI 2. As a result, when scanning does not start even though the star switch 12 is pressed, the operator can easily determine whether the scanner is malfunctioning or the controller is busy.

Note that the controller busy state refers to a state in which all LBPs 2 are in use and there is no writable memory area in the buffer memory 23.

After completing the processing in 362 or 363, the scanner 1 determines whether the number of sheets setting switch is pressed or not.
64) If the number of sheets setting switch is pressed, the number of scans is set (S65); if the number of sheets setting switch is not pressed, the process advances to 866. The scanner 1 also determines whether the scan size selection switch 10 is pressed (S66), and if the scan size selection switch 10 is pressed, sets the reading size (S67).
) On the other hand, if the scan size selection switch 10 is not pressed, the process advances to S68. Roughly speaking, the scanner 1 determines whether or not the start switch 12 is pressed (
S68), if the start switch 12 is pressed, S6
If the start switch 12 is not pressed, the process returns to 361.

Next, the scanner 1 determines whether the controller busy signal is off (S69), and if the controller busy signal is off, the scanner 1 outputs the scan request signal (S69).
370) and turns off the busy LED I2α, and outputs the multi signal and reading size signal (371
). On the other hand, if the controller busy signal is input, the determination in step 369 is repeated until the signal is turned off.

The scanner 1 also determines whether a scan signal has been input (S72), and if a scan signal has been input (S72), it lights up the busy LED 12a (S73) and starts scanning (374). The image signal for the screen is output to the controller 3 (875). On the other hand, if the scan signal is not input, the determination at 372 is repeated until the signal is input.

If the scanner 1 determines that the image signal for one screen is not output to the controller 3, the process returns to step S69, whereas if the scanner 1 determines that the image signal for one screen has been output to the controller 3, the scanner 1 starts the scanning operation. Stop (377
) and the busy LED12. Turn off the a (3
78) When S78 ends, the process returns to 361 and the control is restarted from the beginning.

Next, the flow of control of the printer will be explained based on the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

First, initial settings of LaF3 are performed (S80), and L
Preparations for starting aF3 are made. When the startup preparation is completed in S80, the LaF 3 outputs a printer ready signal to the controller 3 (S81) to inform that the preparation for copying is completed. Next, the LaF3 determines whether the activation request signal has been input (S82), and when the activation request signal is input, the LaF3 outputs a printer busy signal (383), while the activation request signal is input. If not, 382 is repeated until the signal is input.

After S83 ends, a nice signal specifying the niceness of the recording paper is input from the controller 3 to the LaF3 (384), and the LaF3 executes paper setting processing based on this size signal (885). Further, a paper ejection bin number signal specifying a paper ejection bin number is input from the controller 3 to the LaF3 (386), and based on this paper ejection bin number signal, the LaF3
executes the paper output bin setting process (387). When 387 is completed, LaF3 starts copying operation (S88).
, the image signal for one screen from the controller i-roller 3 is sent to the LaF3
When the image signal is input, the LaF3 executes print processing according to the input image signal (S89).

In addition, in this embodiment, the external combinations 1 to 6 connected via the control bus 15 and the input/output port 21
Perform the following J: Una work.

That is, the scanners 1a to 1a serve as host computers.
The search machines 14 connected to each of d are controlled in parallel. Image signals input from arbitrary scanners 1 are synthesized on the buffer memory 23. Data input from the external computer 6 and any scanner 1 are stored on the buffer memory 23.
and the image signal input from the above. By storing image data in the buffer memory 23, a plurality of hard copies can be obtained with one scanning operation. Perform partial deletion such as masking or rimming of image data on the buffer memory 23; Perform image enlargement, reduction, rotation, etc. on the buffer memory 23; Perform image movement on the buffer memory 23; It performs second class work.

In this embodiment, the display device provided on the operation panel provided in each image reading device is configured to display the paper output bin number corresponding to any image reading device. However, the display of the paper ejection bin compatible with any image reading device is not limited to this.

That is, for example, if the operator attaches labels of the same color to both an image reading device and a paper output bin corresponding to the image reading device, changing the color of the label for each image reading device, the operator can By recognizing the color of the label, it is possible to know which paper output bin corresponds to any image reading device. As a result, the operator can identify the relevant paper output bin at a glance, thereby preventing the operator from making mistakes such as taking recording paper from another paper output bin.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a microfilm reading device is exemplified as an image reading device, but the image reading device is not limited to this, and a device capable of converting a visible image into an electrical signal, such as an image reader, may be used as the image reading device. A composite copying system may also be configured.

Finally, in this embodiment, a laser beam printer is exemplified as an image generation device, but the image generation device is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet printer, a thermal transfer printer, etc. can be used as an image generation device to generate an image signal as a visible image on a recording paper. A composite copying system may be constructed by employing convertible devices.

Effects of the Invention As described in detail above, according to the present invention, a predetermined paper output bin is allocated to each arbitrary image reading device on a one-to-one basis. Sorting processing is performed using a paper output bin that has no assignment. This prevents the recording sheets in the copy stream from being mixed up, which improves the work efficiency of the operator when taking in the recording sheets, and also makes it possible to utilize the sorter processing function.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the vicinity of the control unit of an embodiment of the composite copying system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the system, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation panel of the scanner, and FIG. The figure shows the exchange of signals within the hU recording system, and FIGS. 5 to 8 do not show the operation of the system, but are operation flowcharts. 1a-d... Microfilm reading device (image reading device), 2a, b... Laser beam printer (image generation device), 3... Control device (control means), 4... Paper output bin, 5a, b... Paper output bin sorter, 6... External computer, 14a-d... Input side image bus switching section (control means)
16a-f... serial input/output ports (control means),
17... input interface (control means), 18.
... CPU (control means), 19 ... ROM (control means), 20 ... ΔM (control means), 21 ... input/output board (control means), 22 output interface (control means) , 23...Buffer 1 memory (
Control means), 2/la, b... Output side image bus switching unit (control means) Patent applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent Patent attorney 8 1) Mikio (and 1 other person) Fig. 2 8 9 10 12c 11 4
2 Figure 4 cOU > November 25, 1988, Commissioner of the Patent Office Kunio Ogawa, No changes to the composite copying system).

Claims (1)

[Claims] An image reading device that converts an image into an electrical signal and outputs it;
A paper output bin sorter is connected to generate a visible image on the recording paper according to the image signal output from the image reading device, and perform sorting processing to sort and distribute the recording paper to a plurality of paper output bins. In a copying system configured by combining a plurality of image reading devices and an image generating device, the plurality of image reading devices are connected to the image generating device, and a predetermined paper output bin is assigned to each of the image reading devices. A composite copying system characterized in that a control means is provided that determines the allocation and also causes the sorting process to be performed using a discharge bin to which the image reading device is not assigned among the discharge bins.