JPH06324964A - Data communication system and data communication system for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable desired communication data to be transmitted/received without changing a communication program even when the change or addition of communication data, etc., is necessary. CONSTITUTION:Required data is always communicated between an operation control part C1 which performs the input/output of data on a control panel 4 and the whole control of an image forming operation and an engine control part C2 which controls the driving of an image reader Q1 and an image forming device Q2 and controls an actual image forming operation. A CPU 1, when transmitting the data to a CPU 2, reads out address data stored where the data is stored in a RAM 37 from a transmission destination storage address data table stored in a ROM 30, and transmits it with the address data, and the CPU 2 sets the data at an address shown by the address data in the RAM 37 when receiving the data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention controls a plurality of independent functional operations by a plurality of control units each equipped with a computer, and communicates communication data between the control units to provide the plurality of functional operations. The present invention relates to a data communication system for organically combining and performing a multi-function operation, and a data communication system of the data communication system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, each functional block has an independent structure in order to avoid complication and size increase of the entire apparatus due to diversification of image forming functions and higher quality. In addition to being divided into elements, each component is organically combined to be configured as a system device that performs an overall multi-function operation.

In such a system device, a control unit composed of a dedicated microcomputer for each constituent element and information necessary for the control unit to control each functional operation are stored.
A rewritable storage unit such as an AM (Random Access Memory) is provided, and the respective constituent elements are connected so that serial data communication is possible, for example, so that necessary information can be mutually exchanged. For example, in a digital copying machine, an operation unit block that controls input / output of various information regarding copying and an engine unit block that actually controls a copy operation based on the information from the operation unit block are communicably connected to each other. The thing is known (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-70654).

Conventionally, as a communication method for serial data communication in the above system device, a handshake communication method is known in which data is exchanged while mutually confirming the reception status of each other, and generally, a handshake for individual data is performed. And a method of performing handshaking in units of a predetermined number of data by presetting the number of data to be transmitted and received according to the communication mode.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the former communication method of the conventional handshake method.

Explaining the example of the above digital copying machine, the control section of the operation section block (hereinafter referred to as the operation section control section)
For example, when the size data A of the attached paper feed cassette is required (YES in step S200), the transmission request data of the size data A is sent to the control unit of the engine block (hereinafter referred to as the engine control unit). Yes (step S202). The engine control unit receives the transmission request data of the size data A (step S20).
If YES in 6), the size data A is generated and immediately transferred to the operation unit control unit (step S208).

When the operation control section completes the reception of the size data A (step S204), the communication for the size data A is terminated. Hereinafter, the operation unit control unit,
Every time a certain data is needed, the transmission request data of the data is sent to the engine control unit, and the data is received from the engine control unit.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the latter communication method of the conventional handshake method.

Each R of the operation section control section and the engine section control section
In the OM (Read Only Memory), there is a communication mode P for alternately communicating 25 pieces of preprogrammed data DAT1 (A, B, ..., Y) and data DAT2 (a, b, ..., Y). It is assumed that the data DAT1 and DAT2 are stored and always communicated in the communication mode P.

The operation section control section first transmits the code data of "communication mode P" to the engine section control section (step S210). The engine control unit is in "communication mode P".
When the code data of is received, the communication mode P is set to the communicable state (step S212), and the communication mode P is set.
The setting end data of is transmitted to the operation unit control unit (step S214).

When the operation section control section receives the setting end data of the communication mode P (step S216), it transmits the first data A of the data DAT1 to the engine section control section (step S218). On the other hand, the engine control unit
When the data A is received (step S220), the first data a of the data DAT2 is transmitted to the operation unit controller (step S222). When the operation unit control unit receives the data a (step S224), it transmits the next data B to the engine unit control unit (step S226), and when the engine unit control unit receives the next data B (step S22).
8) Then, the next data b is transmitted to the operation unit controller (step S230).

Hereinafter, the operation unit control unit and the engine unit control unit alternately transmit predetermined data DAT1 and DAT2 in a predetermined order, and when the operation unit control unit receives the last data y from the engine unit control unit ( (Step S232), the series of communication is ended, and the process returns to step S210 to perform the next serial data communication.

[0013]

The former of the above-mentioned conventional handshake system performs communication while confirming the reception status of the other party for each data, so that it takes a long time for each data communication and a large amount of data is transmitted. When communicating data, the processing speed of data communication decreases.

On the other hand, in the latter of the above conventional handshake systems, when data communication is started in the communication mode P, each data is alternately communicated until a predetermined number of data communication is completed, so that the communication time is long. Although it is shorter than the former one, the transmission conditions such as the number of data to be communicated, the data content, and the transmission order in the communication mode P are set in advance,
Since it is stored in each ROM of the operation block and the engine block, it is difficult to easily deal with the need to change the contents of the communication mode P.

For example, in order to preferably form an image, the contents of the communication mode P are 26 pieces of data DAT1 '.
(A, B, ..., Y, Z) and data DAT2 '(a, b,
, Y, z), it becomes necessary to change the contents so that they can communicate with each other alternately.
However, in general, the procedure cannot be performed promptly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can easily cope with a change in communication specifications such as change or addition of communication data without changing the basic communication control program. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data communication system capable of performing the above and a data communication method applied to the data communication system.

[0017]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Corresponding to each of the above-mentioned control units, and a plurality of control units for controlling each function action, which are connected to each other so that communication data can be communicated with each other to organically combine a plurality of independent function actions to perform a composite function action. In a data communication system provided with a plurality of storage means for storing data required for control of each control section, at least one control section stores address data in which address data in a storage means of a transmission destination is stored. Means, transmission data generation means for generating transmission data to be transmitted to the control unit of the transmission destination, and address data reading means for reading address data from the storage means of the transmission destination where the transmission data is stored from the address data storage means. And communication data generating means for generating predetermined communication data from the generated transmission data and the read address data. , The control unit of the transmission destination, the transmission data in the received communication data, in which a data writing means for writing the corresponding address indicated by the address data in the in the communication data storage unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above system device, at least one destination control unit has an I / O port for inputting / outputting data and a predetermined storage unit corresponding to the control unit. State setting means for setting the state of each port of the I / O ports corresponding to each bit information of the output data stored in the address.

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, a plurality of control units for organically combining a plurality of independent functional operations to control each functional operation so as to perform a composite functional operation are communicably connected to each other. In this data communication system, at least one control unit transmits communication data, which is composed of transmission data and address data in a storage unit of the transmission destination where the transmission data is stored, to the control unit of the transmission destination, and the transmission destination The control unit writes the transmission data in the received communication data to the address indicated by the address data in the communication data in the corresponding storage means.

[0020]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the control unit of the transmission source generates the transmission data to be transmitted to the control unit of the transmission destination, and the address data storing unit stores the transmission data. Is read out, communication data is generated from the transmission data and the address data, and is transmitted to the control unit of the transmission destination. Upon receiving the communication data, the control unit of the transmission destination decodes the transmission data and the address data from the communication data, and stores the transmission data in the address indicated by the address data in the corresponding storage means.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the control unit of the transmission source transmits the output data to the control unit of the transmission destination together with the address data indicating the predetermined address of the storage means of the transmission destination. Upon receiving the communication data including the output data and the address data, the control unit of the transmission destination stores the output data in the address indicated by the address data in the corresponding storage unit. Further, the state setting means sets each port of the I / O ports to a high or low state corresponding to each bit information of the output data set at a predetermined address of the storage means.

That is, the state of each port of the I / O port of the control unit of the transmission destination is set corresponding to each bit information of the output data transmitted from the control unit of the transmission source.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the communication between the control units of the data communication system, the control unit of the transmission source sets the transmission data and the address in the storage means of the transmission destination where the transmission data is stored. The communication data including the indicated address data is transmitted to the destination control unit. Upon receiving the communication data, the control unit of the transmission destination writes the transmission data in the communication data to the address indicated by the address data in the communication data in the corresponding storage means.

[0024]

[Example] Regarding a data communication system according to the present invention,
A case where the present invention is applied to a digital image forming apparatus will be described as an example.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a color digital copying machine (digital image forming apparatus) according to the present invention.

The color digital copying machine 1 has a contact glass 2, a document retainer 3 and an operation panel 4 on its upper surface, and an image forming mechanism including an operation control block P and an engine control block Q is provided inside the main body. . Also,
Removable paper cassettes 10 and 11 at the lower left inside the main body
Is to be installed.

The operation control block P and the engine control block Q are functional blocks independent of each other, and their respective functional operations are controlled by the operation control unit C1 and the engine control unit C2 which are microcomputers provided in the respective blocks. It is supposed to be done. Further, the operation control unit C1 and the engine control unit C2 are connected to each other so that serial data communication is possible, and as described later, by exchanging necessary information with each other, the operation control block P and the engine control block Q are organically connected. It is designed to perform the combined function of copying a document by combining it with.

The operation control block P is a block for controlling input / output of information necessary for a copying operation on the operation panel 4 and controlling serial data communication with the engine control block Q.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the details of the operation panel 4. The operation panel 4 includes a key switch group 401 for inputting various image forming conditions, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal D) that displays various messages and copy conditions.
and an LCD display section 402 made of isplay).

The key switch group 401 includes a mode setting key 401a for setting various image forming modes, an exposure key 401b for setting an exposure level, a cassette key 401c for selecting a paper size, and a copy key for instructing image formation. 401d, reset key 4 for resetting input conditions
01e and numeric keypad 40 for setting / releasing the number of copies, etc.
It is composed of various switches such as 1f.

Further, the LCD display section 402 has a fixed information display section 402 for displaying fixed information such as paper size.
a and a message display unit 402b that displays an appropriate message as character information according to the operating state.

Returning to FIG. 3, the engine control block Q is
An image reading device Q1 that reads the image information of the document G placed at a predetermined position on the contact glass 2 and an image forming device that forms an image of the document G on a sheet using the image information read by the image reading device Q1. It is composed of Q2. The image reading device Q1 is arranged below the contact glass 2, and the image forming device Q2 is arranged below the image reading device Q1.

The image reading device Q1 includes a light source section 5 for illuminating the original G and an image forming section 6 for guiding an optical image of the original G to an image pickup section 7 described below.
And an image pickup section 7 for photoelectrically converting the light image of the original document G into an image signal and reading the image signal. The light source unit 5 includes a halogen lamp 501 and a reflecting plate 502, and the image forming unit 6 includes reflecting mirrors 601, 602, 603 and a lens 6.
04, and the imaging unit 7 includes a solid-state imaging device 701 (hereinafter, CCD 701) including, for example, a CCD image sensor.
)) And an image processing circuit 702 for performing a predetermined image processing on the image signal read by the CCD 701.

The CCD 701 is a line sensor composed of three CCD image sensors having, for example, red (R), blue (G), and green (B) color filters. The image signals of respective colors are output separately. Further, the image processing circuit 702 has a page memory for four pages, and the R, G, and
The image signals of the respective colors B are cyan (C), yellow (Y),
The image signals of magenta (M) and black (BK) are converted and generated and stored in the page memory.

The image reading device Q1 includes an engine control unit C2.
When the reading of the original image is instructed by, the halogen lamp 501 is caused to emit light to illuminate the original G, and
The light source unit 5 and the image forming unit 6 are scanned in the sub-scanning direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 3) to read the image of the document G.

That is, the illumination light emitted from the halogen lamp 501 is reflected by the original G and the reflecting mirror 60
1 to 603 guide the image to the image pickup unit 7, and the lens 604 collects the light on the image pickup surface of the CCD 701. Then, by scanning the light source unit 5 and the image forming unit 6 in the sub-scanning direction, an optical image of the original G is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 701, and the optical image of the original G is photoelectrically converted into an image signal by the CCD 701. Converted and read. CCD701
The image signal reading and reading operation of the image signal is controlled in synchronism with the scanning of the light source unit 5 and the image forming unit 6, and the image signal of the original G is read line by line.

The image forming apparatus Q2 includes an image forming unit Q21 for forming an image of a document G on a sheet and the image forming unit Q21.
The paper feed unit Q22 supplies paper from the paper feed cassettes 10 and 11 and the paper discharge unit Q23 which discharges the image-formed paper.

The image forming unit Q22 includes an image data output section 8 for outputting the image data and the image data output section 8
The image forming unit 9 performs the process of finally transferring the image onto a sheet based on the image data output from the image forming unit 9.

The image data output unit 8 outputs a laser light emitter 801 which outputs laser light modulated by the image data.
And a polygon mirror 802 for scanning the laser light emitted from the laser light emitter 801 in the main scanning direction (direction in which the laser light scans the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 901 in parallel with the drum axis) and the laser light described below. It is provided with a reflecting mirror 803 which guides the drum 901 to the exposure position.

The image forming section 9 also forms a latent image of the original G on the photosensitive drum 901 which forms a visible image of the original G to be transferred onto the sheet based on the image data. A main charging device 902 that charges the surface to a predetermined potential, a developing device 903 that visualizes the latent image of the original G formed on the photoconductor drum 901, and a sheet of paper to transfer the visible image of the document G to the photoconductor drum. A transfer drum 906 that is conveyed to 901 is provided.

A transfer device 907 is provided inside the transfer drum 906 at a position facing the photoconductor drum 901.
A separating device 908 for separating a sheet after image formation is provided on the downstream side of the transfer device 907 and inside and outside the transfer drum 906, and a separating claw 909 is further provided on the downstream side of the separating device 908. Has been. In addition, 910,
Reference numeral 911 denotes a photosensitive drum 901 and a transfer drum 9 respectively.
06 is a cleaning device for removing the toner remaining.

The developing device 903 has four developing devices 903a, 903b, 903c, 90 arranged in the vertical direction.
Each of the developing devices 903a to 903d stores four color developers of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) in order from the top. The developing units 903a to 903d are the elevator mechanism 905.
Is arranged in a case 904 that is arranged so as to be able to move up and down by means of the raising and lowering operation of the case 904.
03d are sequentially arranged to face the photosensitive drum 901.

The transfer drum 906 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 901 at the same peripheral speed in synchronization with the photosensitive drum 901 by, for example, a gear mechanism (not shown). The sheet fed from the unit Q22 is fed to the photosensitive drum 901 while being electrostatically attracted to the peripheral surface, and at the same time, the visible image of the original G formed on the photosensitive drum 901 is transferred onto the sheet. .

The paper feed unit Q22 is a paper feed cassette 1
Paper feed rollers 1 arranged at the upper ends of 0 and 11 respectively.
2, 13, the transfer drum 9 from the paper feed cassette 10, 11
Guide plates 14, 15, 16, 1 for guiding the paper to 06
7. A pair of conveying rollers 18 and 19 and a pair of registration rollers 20 arranged at appropriate intermediate positions of the guide plates 14 to 17
Is equipped with.

The sheet feeding cassettes 10 and 11 are provided with magnetic codes, for example, indicating the cassette size at appropriate places, and the code information is read by the engine control unit C2 when the sheet feeding cassettes are mounted. .

The paper discharge unit Q23 is provided with a conveyor belt 21, a paper discharge roller pair 22 and a paper discharge tray 23 in this order from the upstream side. Between the conveyor belt 21 and the paper discharge roller pair 22, the original image of the transferred paper is placed. A fixing device 24 for fixing is provided. The fixing device 24 includes a heating roller 241 and a pressure contact roller 242. A fixing heater 243 is provided at an appropriate position inside the heating roller 241, and a temperature sensor 244 for detecting a peripheral surface temperature is provided at an appropriate position on the peripheral surface.

The duplication operation of the original G will be described below.
The photosensitive drum 901 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed,
The surface of the drum is charged to a predetermined potential by the main charging device 902 and then conveyed to the irradiation position of the laser light. And
A laser beam relatively raster-scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 901 by the rotating operation of the photosensitive drum 901, and the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 901 is displaced in accordance with the illuminance of the laser beam to form a latent image of the development G.

The latent image of the original document G is visualized by electrostatically attaching charged toner by the developing device 903, and the visible image of the original document G is pressed and transferred onto the sheet conveyed by the transfer drum 906. Image formation is performed.

The above image forming operation is performed four times for the image data of each color of Y, M, C and BK, and when the image forming operation of the color of BK is completed, it is electrostatically attracted to the peripheral surface of the transfer drum 906. The separated sheet is separated from the transfer drum 906 by the separating device 908 and the separating claw 909. And the paper is
After being conveyed to the fixing device 24 by the conveying belt 21 and fixing the transferred original image, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 23 by the pair of discharge rollers 22.

The series of reading of the image data of the original G and the image forming operation of the original G are centrally controlled by the engine controller C2.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of the operation control section C1 and the engine control section C2.

The operation control section C1 is basically a central processing unit (hereinafter, C) for controlling the operation of the operation control block P.
PU1), a ROM 30 in which a control program such as a processing procedure of operation control in the operation control block P and a communication procedure with the engine control block Q is stored in advance, the CPU 1
RAM 31 for storing information and calculation results necessary for performing predetermined calculation processing based on the control program, and input / output port for inputting / outputting required data to / from the operation panel 4 (hereinafter, I / O port). 32), an LCD controller 33 for controlling the drive of the LCD display unit 42 in the operation panel 4, and a serial data communication with a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU 2) in an engine control unit C2 described later. Interface (hereinafter, I / F
) 34.

The CPU 1 has an internal RA for arithmetic processing.
M35 (hereinafter, referred to as internal RAM35), and acquires necessary programs and data from the ROM30 and the RAM31 according to the processing content and expands them in the internal RAM35,
For example, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed in the virtual memory space shown in FIG. 2, and the processing result is used as the LCD controller 33 and I
It is sent to the operation panel 4 via the / O port 32 or is sent to the engine control unit C2 via the I / F 34 based on a communication mode described later.

On the other hand, similarly to the operation control unit C1, the engine control unit C2 also communicates with the CPU 2 that controls the operation of the engine control block Q, the procedure of the operation control in the engine control block Q and the operation control block P in advance. ROM 36 in which a control program such as a procedure is stored in advance, the CPU
2 is an I / O for inputting / outputting required data to / from the RAM 37, which stores information necessary for performing predetermined arithmetic processing based on the control program and the arithmetic result, and the image reading apparatus Q1 and the image forming apparatus Q2. Port 38 and above CPU1
And an I / F 39 for performing serial data communication with.

The CPU 2 also has an internal RAM 40, and C
After performing a predetermined calculation process in the same manner as PU1, the calculation result is output to the image reading device Q1 and the image forming device Q2 via the I / O port 38, or the operation control is performed via the I / F 39. Send to section C1.

In the serial data communication, the RO is previously set.
This is performed based on the communication program stored in the M30 and the ROM 36, which includes a transmission program, a reception program, and a communication data table. The transmission program is composed of a transmission control, a transmission interruption control, and a control program for setting information to be transmitted during communication (hereinafter referred to as communication data). The reception program is a reception interruption control and a reception error check. And connection control and other control programs.

The communication data table is a data table of various data (hereinafter referred to as transmission data) communicated by serial data communication, and an address data table (hereinafter, referred to as a transmission data table) in a RAM area of the transmission destination where the transmission data is set. It is called a destination storage address table).

Table 1 shows an example of data exchanged between the operation control section C1 and the engine control section C2.

[0059]

[Table 1]

In the table, (A) shows data transmitted from the operation control section C1 to the engine control section C2, and (B) shows data transmitted from the engine control section C2 to the operation control section C1.

[Normal communication data] is data for setting the current state mainly relating to the copy operation. While the color digital copying machine 1 is operating, the operation control section C1 is used.
And the engine control unit C2 are constantly communicated with each other.

Each data of the normal communication data has the following contents. In other words, ・ Communication mode data: Data indicating the communication mode described later ・ Control file: Copy request, copy stop request, counter drive prohibition request, lag A, B fixing heater lighting prohibition request Control flag data ・ Copy mode flag: Various flag data related to copy mode such as color copy, double-sided copy, continuous page copy, etc. ・ Selected cassette information: Paper cassette status selected in manual mode or auto mode. Information-Magnification data: Copy magnification data in enlargement / reduction copying-Communication mode recognition: Data for confirming communication mode-Status flag: Engine control block for fixing temperature, copying operation, toner supply, no paper, etc. Flags indicating various statuses in the cassette ・ Cassette size: Set Data indicating the paper size of the paper cassette-Environmental data: Data indicating the environment such as temperature and humidity of the engine control block-Feeding sheet data: Data on the number of sheets fed during the copy operation-Discharging sheet data : Data on the number of sheets ejected during the copy operation.

[Simulation data] is data of driving timings and control reference values of various actuators in the image reading apparatus Q1 and the image forming apparatus Q2, and is adjusted and set by simulating driving of the color digital copying machine 1. It is a thing. The simulation data is normally determined by performing a simulation at the time of manufacturing the color digital copying machine 1 or during maintenance, and is transmitted from the operation control unit C1 to the engine control unit C2 at the end of the simulation.

The simulation data is backed up in the RAM 31 of the operation control section C1.
When an abnormality occurs in the RAM 31, the R of the engine control unit C1 recovers the backup data of the RAM 31.
The simulation data stored in the AM 37 is transmitted to the operation control unit C1.

[History data] is various data indicating the operation history of the engine control block Q, and is used for periodical inspection and repair of the color digital copying machine 1. This history data is stored in the engine control unit C, for example, at the end of the copy operation or every time a fixed period of time elapses.
2 is transmitted to the operation control unit C1.

[Operation unit backup data] is data for backing up data required by the operation control unit C1 by the engine control unit C2. The operation section simulation data is data such as a personal identification number and a tablet correction value, and is set by simulation. Similar to the above simulation data, the operation section simulation data also has the operation control section C1 at the end of the simulation.
Is transmitted from the engine control unit C2 to the engine control unit C2 and an abnormality occurs in the RAM 31.
Sent to.

The abnormality detection count data is data for counting the number of abnormality detections that have occurred in the engine control block Q, and is data for confirming the state and performance of the color digital copying machine 1. The operation control unit C1 counts the number of abnormality detections by the state flag transmitted from the engine control unit C2 to create abnormality detection number data, and transmits the abnormality detection number data to the engine control unit C2 at the time of abnormality detection.

The set function count data is count data of various functions set at the time of copying such as double-sided copy and continuous page copy, and is data for confirming the usage status of the color digital copying machine 1. The set function count data is transmitted from the operation control unit C1 to the engine control unit C2 at the end of copying.

The history data, the abnormality detection count data, the set function count data, and other data indicating the history may be interrupted in the normal communication data communication. For example, every time the normal communication data is communicated a predetermined number of times, the communication mode is switched from the normal communication mode described later to the transmission mode of the history data and the history data is interrupted and communicated. When the communication is completed, the normal communication is resumed. You may make it switch to a mode and communicate normal communication data.

The above-mentioned normal communication data, simulation data, history data, and operation unit backup data have different communication conditions (two-way communication / one-way communication), communication conditions such as the number of data to be transmitted, and communication time. Communication is performed in a predetermined communication mode corresponding to the communication mode. And the control program of each communication mode is
They are stored in the ROMs 30 and 36, respectively.

Table 2 shows the types of communication modes and their contents.

[0072]

[Table 2]

The normal communication mode is a communication mode for communicating the above-mentioned normal communication data. When the color digital copying machine 1 is started, the normal communication mode is set as the communication mode, and the operation control unit C1 repeatedly communicates the normal communication data with the engine control unit C2 unless data communication in another communication mode is required. .

In the normal communication mode, as shown in Table 1,
Communication mode data, control flag data A, control flag data B, copy mode flag, selected cassette information and magnification data are transmitted from the operation control unit C1 to the engine control unit C2, and the communication mode data is transmitted from the engine control unit C2 to the operation control unit C1. The recognition data, the status flag, the cassette size data, the environmental data, the number of fed sheets data and the number of ejected sheets data are transmitted, and the respective pieces of normal communication data are exchanged alternately.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation control section C1 first transmits communication mode data (step S0). This communication mode data is, for example, the mode No. shown in Table 2. Therefore, for example, it is “0” in the normal communication mode. When the engine control unit C2 receives the communication mode data “0” (step S2), the communication mode data is set to the communication mode indicated by the communication mode data, and the communication mode data (= “0”) of the set communication mode is set. ) Is transmitted to the operation control unit C1 as communication mode recognition data (step S4).

The operation control section C1 recognizes from the received communication mode recognition data that the preparation for the communication in the normal communication mode is completed (step S6), and then the data of the next control flag A is sent to the engine control section C2. (Step S8). That is, the operation control unit C1 confirms the preparation state of the communication mode by checking whether the received communication mode recognition data matches the transmitted communication mode data, and when the communication mode recognition data of “0” is received, It is determined that the preparation for communication in the communication mode is completed, and then the next normal communication data is transmitted.

On the other hand, when the engine control section C2 receives the data of the control flag A (step S10),
The data of the state flag is transmitted to the operation control unit C1 (step S12). Then, hereinafter, the operation control unit C1 and the engine control unit C2 alternately exchange the control flag B, ..., Magnification data and cassette size data, ..., Ejection number data (step S14), and the operation control unit C1. Receives the final data of the number of discharged sheets (step S
16), the operation control unit C1 determines that the communication of the normal communication data is completed, and returns to step S0 to perform the communication of the normal communication data again.

Simulation data transmission modes A and B
In each transmission mode from the operation section backup data transmission mode to the operation section backup data transmission mode, data is transmitted in one direction, and the number of data to be transmitted, data content, and data order are set in advance in the control program. Therefore, the transmission source unilaterally transmits a certain amount of data to the transmission destination based on the predetermined control program, and the transmission destination receives the data transmitted based on the predetermined control program.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of data communication in the simulation data transmission mode A.

When a simulation mode code is input from the operation panel 4, the CPU 1 reads the corresponding simulation mode control program stored in the ROM 30 into the internal RAM 35, and executes a predetermined simulation based on the control program. (Step S20).

When the processing in the simulation mode ends (YES in step S22), the communication mode is changed to the simulation data transmission mode A in order to transmit various data (simulation data) set by the simulation to the engine control unit C2. At the same time, the communication mode data “1” indicating the simulation data transmission mode A is transmitted to the CPU 2 (step S24).

Upon receiving the communication mode data (step S26), the CPU 2 changes the communication mode from the normal communication mode to the simulation data transmission mode A and transmits the set communication mode data to the CPU 1 as the communication mode recognition data. (Step S28). C
The PU 1 determines whether or not the preparation for the simulation data transmission mode A is completed based on the received communication mode recognition data and the transmitted communication mode data (step S
30), if the preparation for the simulation data transmission mode A is completed (YES in step S30), the simulation data is transmitted (step S32).

That is, when the communication mode recognition data received from the CPU 2 matches the transmitted communication mode (YES in step S30), the CPU 1 determines that the preparation for the simulation data transmission mode A is completed, The toner control data, the development correction data, the main charging control data, the primary paper feed timing data, the secondary paper feed timing data, the fixing temperature control data, and the lamp control data are transmitted in this order to the CPU 2, and the CPU 2 sends the simulation data in this order. Each data is received (step S32).

When the CPU1 completes the transmission of the lamp control data, it transmits the communication mode data of "0" to the CPU2 to change the communication mode to the normal communication mode (step S34).

On the other hand, when the CPU 2 sequentially receives the transmitted simulation data and subsequently receives the communication mode data of "0" (step S36), the communication mode is changed from the simulation data transmission mode A to the normal communication mode. At the same time, the communication mode recognition data of "0" is transmitted to the CPU 1 (step S38).

When the CPU 1 receives the communication mode recognition data "0" (YES in step S40), it determines that the communication mode has returned to the normal communication mode, and thereafter performs data communication in the normal communication mode ( Step S4
2).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of data communication in the history data transmission mode A.

When the copy key 401d on the operation panel 4 is operated and a copy start is instructed, the CPU 1 transmits the copy start information to the CPU 2 in the normal communication mode to start the copy operation (step S50). Then, the CPU 2 transmits information indicating that the copy is completed, and determines that the copy operation is completed (YES in step S52).
S), the communication mode data of "3" is transmitted to the CPU 2 to change the communication mode to the history data transmission mode A (step S54).

Upon receiving the communication mode data (step S56), the CPU 2 changes the communication mode from the normal communication mode to the history data transmission mode A, and
The communication mode data “3” of the set history data transmission mode A is transmitted to the CPU 1 as communication mode recognition data (step S58). Subsequently, the CPU 2 makes a CP of the history data of the total number of developed sheets data, the number of start agent exchanges data, the toner empty number data, the upper cassette number data, the lower cassette number data, the total count data and the development aging time data in this order.
It is transmitted to U1 (step S60).

On the other hand, when the CPU 1 receives the communication mode recognition data "3" from the CPU 2 (YES in step S62), it determines that the history data transmission mode A is ready, and prepares to receive the history data (step S62). S64), and successively receives the history data to be transmitted (step S66).

Then, when the transmission of all history data is completed (YES at step S68), the CPU 2
Communication mode recognition data of "0" is transmitted to the CPU 1 to change the communication mode to the normal communication mode (step S7).
0).

The CPU 1 follows the history data,
When the communication mode recognition data of "0" is received (step S72), the communication mode is changed to the normal communication mode and the communication mode data of "0" is transmitted to the CPU 2 (step S74). When the CPU 2 receives the communication mode data of "0" (YES in step S76), it determines that the preparation for the normal communication mode is completed, and thereafter, the data communication in the normal communication mode is performed (step S7).
8).

FIG. 8 shows a communication protocol in the serial data communication. FIG. 8A shows the structure of communication data (frame structure), FIG. 8B shows the data structure of the first block, and FIG. 10] is a diagram showing the structure of checksum block data.

The communication data is checked from the beginning in order of a head block SB indicating the beginning of the communication data, an address block AB indicating the storage address of the transmission data, a data block DB indicating the transmission data, and an error check of the communication data. It consists of a thumb block CSB and is composed of 4 bytes or 6 bytes.

When the communication data is composed of 4 bytes, each of the blocks is composed of 1 byte, and when the communication data is composed of 6 bytes, each of the head block SB and the checksum block CSB is composed of 1 byte.
Each of the bytes, the address block AB and the data block DB is composed of 2 bytes.

Since the CPU 1 and the CPU 2 are composed of a 16-bit microcomputer, the number of data in the address block AB and the data block DB are each composed of 2 bytes, and the communication between the operation control section C1 and the engine control section C2 is performed. The data has a 6-byte structure.

Communication data having a 4-byte structure is as follows:
In consideration of data communication with a CPU composed of an 8-bit microcomputer, for example, when the control unit for controlling the driving of the image reading device Q1 is composed of a CPU composed of an 8-bit microcomputer, the CPU and the CPU
Serial data communication is performed between 1 or the CPU 2 by using communication data of 4 bytes.

Data SBD constituting the first block SB
(Hereinafter, referred to as head block data SBD) includes the content of the communication data and information on the number of data in the data block DB, as shown in FIG. The information on the number of data in the data block DB is represented by "D0" bit, and the content of the communication data is represented by "D7" bit. The "D1" bit to the "D6" bit are fixed to "0".

The above "D0" bit is the data block D
When the data number of B is 1 byte, it is reset to "0", and when the data number of the data block DB is 2 bytes, it is set to "1". The CPU 1 and CP
Since the number of data to be transmitted between U2 is 2 bytes, the "D0" bit of the head block data SBD is set to "1".

The "D7" bit is reset to "0" when requesting the communication partner to transmit data, and set to "1" when transmitting data to the communication partner. Therefore, the head block data SBD has the following two types of fixed data configurations depending on whether the communication data is data to be transmitted to the communication partner or data transmission is requested to the communication partner.

At the time of data transmission request: SBD1 = “0000
0001B (1H) ”When transmitting transmission data: SBD2 =“ 10000001B
(81H) ”It should be noted that“ B ”at the end of the above data indicates a binary number display, and“ H ”indicates a hexadecimal number display.

The address block AB is the data DBD of the data block DB following the address block AB.
The storage address in the RAM of the transmission destination (hereinafter referred to as data block data DBD) is shown. For example, in the engine control unit C2, the fixing device 2 is based on the data D _T (hereinafter referred to as temperature data D _T ) relating to the fixing temperature set at the address “0578H” of the RAM 37.
It is assumed that the temperature of 4 is controlled. CPU1 to CPU
When the temperature data D _T is transmitted to 2, the communication data address block AB is set to “0578H”, and the subsequent data block DB is set to the temperature data D _T. That is, the transmission data is transmitted by designating the storage address of the transmission destination at the transmission source.

The CPU 1 uses the R in the operation control section C1.
R in the engine control unit C2 corresponding to the temperature data D _T from the destination storage address data stored in the OM 30
The storage address in the AM 37 is read and set in the address block AB of the communication data.

Data CSBD (hereinafter referred to as checksum block data CS) forming checksum block CSB
As shown in FIG. 8 (c), the term “BD” refers to the data ABD 1 (hereinafter, lower address block) of lower 8 digits of the head block data SBD and the data (hereinafter, referred to as address block data ABD) forming the address block AB Data ABD1), address block data A
The upper 8 digit data ABD2 of BD (hereinafter referred to as upper address block data ABD2), the lower 8 digit data DBD1 of data block data DBD (hereinafter referred to as lower data block data DBD1) and the upper 8 digit of data block data DBD This is an exclusive OR (XOR) of the data DSD2 (hereinafter referred to as upper data block data DBD2).

On the receiving side of the communication data, the received head block data SBD and lower address block data AB are received.
Checksum block data CSBD 'is created by taking the XOR of D1, upper address block data ABD2, lower data block data DBD1 and upper data block data DBD2, and the created result CSBD' matches the received checksum block data CSBD. A communication error is determined depending on whether or not to perform.

Here, the serial data communication based on the above communication protocol will be described with a specific example. First, a case where the data D _T regarding the fixing temperature is transmitted from the CPU 1 to the CPU 2 in the simulation data transmission mode A will be described.

The fixing device 24 includes a heating roller 24 that holds the transferred sheet at a preset reference temperature T _R.
The original image transferred by being pressed against 1 is fixed. The temperature of the fixing device 24 is the engine control unit C.
2, the engine control unit C2 controls the fixing device 2
When the temperature control of 4 is required, the temperature data D _T set in the backup area of the RAM 37 is transferred to the internal RA.
The data is read to a predetermined address in the work area of M40, and the temperature of the fixing device 24 is controlled based on the temperature data D _T.

The temperature data D _T is obtained by assigning a standard value of the reference temperature T _R , for example, 180 ° C. to “80H”, and adding / subtracting the displacement amount ΔT with respect to the standard value 180 ° C. to “80H”. For example, the reference temperature T _R is 183 ° C. (or 1
77 ° C.), the temperature data D _T becomes “83H” (or “77H”).

The reference temperature T _R is adjusted for each color digital copying machine 1 by simulation, and the adjustment value (initial data) is set at a predetermined address in the RAMs 31 and 37 of the operation control section C1 and the engine control section C2. Remembered in. After that, when the simulation adjusts the adjustment value of the reference temperature T _R by, for example, maintenance or the like, the _R of the operation control unit C1 is changed after the simulation.
The initial temperature data D _T stored in the AM 31 is the corrected temperature data D _T ′ (hereinafter referred to as corrected temperature data D _T ′).
And the modified temperature data D _T ′ is transmitted to the engine control unit C2 in the simulation data transmission mode A described above.

FIG. 9 shows each C in serial data communication.
It is a flow chart which shows communication processing of PU.

When data is transmitted from the operation control section C1 to the engine control section C2, RA is set as shown in FIG.
The corrected temperature data D _T ′ (= 83H) is stored in the address “8326H” of M31, and the initial temperature data D _T (= 80) is stored in the address “0578H” of the RAM 37.
H) is stored.

First, the operation control section C1 creates the head block data SBD, and from the address "8326H" of the RAM 31, the corrected temperature data _DT '(= 83H).
From the transmission destination storage address data of the ROM 30 to the storage address (0578) of the correction temperature data D _T ′.
H) is read to create address block data ABD and data block data (transmission data) DBD.

The operation control section C1 also creates checksum block data CSBD from the head block data SBD, address block data ABD and data block data DBD. Then, the operation control unit C1
The following communication data is created by combining these respective data and set in the transmission buffer of the internal RAM 35 (step S80).

SBD = 10000001B (81H) ABD1 = 01111000B (78H) ABD2 = 00000101B (05H) DBD1 = 10000011B (83H) DBD2 = 00000000B (00H) CSBD = 01111101B (7FH) Then, the operation control section C1 is the first block. Data SB
D, lower address block data ABD1, upper address block data ABD2, lower data block data DBD1, upper data DBD2 and checksum block data CSBD are sequentially transferred to the transmission register of the internal RAM 35 and transmitted to the CPU 2 via the I / F 34. Yes (step S82).

Then, the checksum block data CS
When the transmission of the BD ends, it is determined whether or not there is a transmission error (step S84). If there is no transmission error (NO in step S84), the process returns to step S80 to transmit the next simulation data. If there is a transmission error (YES in step S84), a predetermined error process is performed (step S86), and then the communication ends. In the error processing, for example, a message indicating a communication error and an inspection warning by a service person is displayed on the LCD display unit 42, and the image forming operation is stopped.

On the other hand, the CPU 2 sends the head block data SBD and the lower address block data ABD to be transmitted.
1, upper address block data ABD2, lower data block data DBD1, upper data block data D
BD2 and checksum block data CSBD are sequentially received (step S88), and when reception of the transmission data is completed, the received first block data SBD, lower address block data ABD1, upper address block data ABD2, lower data block data DBD
1. Create checksum block data CSBD 'from upper data block data DBD2 (step S9)
0).

Subsequently, the CPU 2 determines whether or not there is a communication error by comparing the created checksum block data CSBD 'with the transmitted checksum block data CSBD (step S92). CSBD '
= CSBD, it is determined that the communication is normally performed (YES in step S92), the storage address in the RAM 37 is determined to be "0578H" from the contents of the transmitted address block data ABD1 and ABD2 (step S94). Data block data DBD1,
From the contents of DBD2, the data to be set at the address "0578H" is determined to be "0083H" (step S
96).

Then, the CPU 2 rewrites the contents of the address "0578H" of the RAM 37 into "0083H" (step S98), and ends the communication processing. On the other hand, CS
If BD '≠ CSBD, it is determined that a reception error has occurred (NO in step S92), the same error processing as described above is performed (step S100), and then the communication processing ends.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the temperature control of the fixing device. When the CPU 2 instructs the temperature control of the fixing device 24 by the normal communication data from the CPU 1 (step S102), the address "057" of the RAM 37 is read.
8H ”, the temperature data D _T is read and the temperature data D _T
Difference ΔT (= _DT ) between the standard value data D _TR (= 80H)
-D _TR ) is calculated (step S104), and the calculated result is added to the standard temperature of 180 ° C. to calculate the temperature control value T _C (step S106).

Subsequently, the temperature T of the heating roller 241 detected by the temperature sensor 244 is changed to the temperature control value T _C (= 1.
It is determined whether or not it exceeds 80 + ΔT (step S
108), if the detected temperature T exceeds the temperature control value T _C (YES in step S108), the energization of the fixing heater 243 is stopped (step S110), and the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than the temperature control value T _C. If (N in step S108
O), the energization of the fixing heater 243 is started or continued (step S112).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the temperature control stop of the fixing device 24 is instructed (step S114). If the temperature control stop is not instructed, the process returns to step S104 and the above-mentioned steps S104 to S112 are performed. The temperature of the heating roller 241 is set to (180 + Δ
T) Hold at ° C. If the temperature control stop is instructed in step S114, the energization of the fixing heater 243 is stopped (step S116), and the temperature control process ends.

Before transmitting the simulation data, 80H is set in the address 0578H of the RAM 37 (see FIG. 9), and ΔT = 80H-80H =
Since it is 0 ° C., the temperature control value T _C becomes T _C = 180 ° C., and the heating roller 241 is controlled to 180 ° C.
When the content of 578H is rewritten to 83H, the temperature control value T _C becomes T _C = 180 + 3 = 183 ° C., and the heating roller 241 is controlled to 183 ° C.

Next, an example in which the copy start data is transmitted in the normal communication mode will be described. As described above, the information about the control of each copy operation, such as the copy start / stop request and the copy condition, includes the control flag A,
B, flag data such as copy mode is always transmitted from the operation control unit C1 to the engine control unit C2 in the normal communication mode.

The flag data is constructed as status information of each bit of the data D _CP (hereinafter referred to as copy control data D _CP ) relating to the control of the copy operation. For example, the copy start / stop information is represented by the state of the D0 bit of the copy control data D _CP . For example, if it is set to “1”, it indicates a copy start request, and if it is reset to “0”, This indicates a copy stop request.

The operation control section C1 is, as shown in FIG.
For example, by setting the copy control data D _CP at the address “0100H” of the RAM 31, the color digital copying machine 1
While controlling and managing the operating state of the engine, the engine control unit C2
Is the copy control data D transmitted from the operation control unit C1.
_{The CP} is set to the address “0200H” of the RAM 37 to control the actual copy operation.

When the copy key 401d of the operation panel 4 is operated to instruct the start of copying, the CPU 1 causes the above D
Copy control data D _{CP with} 0 bit set to "1"
And rewrite the contents of the address “0100H” of the RAM 31 with new copy control data D _CP ,
The copy control data D _CP is transmitted to the CPU 2.

The transmission of the copy control data D _CP is shown in FIG.
The same procedure as the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the copy key 401d is operated, step S6
The following communication data is created with 0, and the communication data is C
Send to PU2.

[0128] SBD = 10000001B (81H) ABD1 = 00000000B (00H) ABD2 = 00000010B (02H) DBD1 = 00000001B (01H) DBD2 = 00000000B (00H) CSBD = 10000010B (82H) Note that except D0 bits of copy control data D _CP It is assumed that the flag of the bit is reset to "0".

When the CPU 2 normally receives the copy control data D _CP , it sends the transmitted data block data D _CP.
BD (= 0001H) is set to the address indicated by the address block data ABD (0200H) in the RAM 37. The CPU 2 constantly monitors the flag state of each bit of the copy control data D _CP and controls the copy operation based on the state of each flag.
_{When CP} is received, the copy start / stop flag is set to "1", and it is judged from the flag information that there is a copy start request, and the copy operation is started.

FIG. 13 is a view showing the basic arrangement of the second embodiment of the operation control section C1 and engine control section C2 of the digital color copying machine 1.

This figure shows the I / O port 38 in FIG.
I / O port 38 'consisting of memory mapped I / O
And an interface (I / F) 42 for the image reading device Q1 and the image forming device Q2. The CPU 2, the ROM 36, the RAM 37
The I / O port 38 'is composed of a one-chip microcomputer 41.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the operation control section C1 only transmits the data necessary for controlling the engine control block Q to the engine control section C2, and the engine control block Q is directly controlled by the engine control section C2. , Is to be controlled. Since the output state of the I / O port 38 is also set by the engine control unit C2, the drive timing and drive conditions of each actuator connected to the I / O port 38 are controlled by the engine control unit C2.

The second embodiment is constructed so that the output state of the I / O port 38 'is set by the data D _P (hereinafter referred to as port data D _P ) corresponding to the I / O port 38'. By transmitting the port data D _P from the operation control unit C1 to the engine control unit C2, the operation control unit C
1 is for directly controlling each actuator connected to the I / O port 38 '. In the second embodiment, since the data and control program necessary for controlling the actuator are provided on the operation control section C1 side, there is an advantage that the load on the configuration and processing of the engine control section C2 can be reduced accordingly.

Next, the control of the actuator connected to the I / O port 38 'by the operation control section C1 will be described by taking the control of the drive voltage of the halogen lamp 501 as an example.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure of a control circuit for controlling the driving of the lamp 501. In the figure, 41
Is the CPU 2, ROM 36, RAM 37 and I / O
A microcomputer in which the port 38 'is integrated on one chip (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 43 is an adder 431 and an adder for adding the output levels output from the bits of the port A of the I / O port 38'. A D / A conversion circuit for converting the digital signal output from the port A into an analog signal, which is composed of an amplifier 432 for amplifying the output, 44
Is a lamp control circuit for controlling the driving of the lamp 501.

The I / O port 38 'has an output port A and a port B, each of which is composed of eight ports. Data D _V of the driving voltage of the lamp 501 from the output port A (hereinafter referred to as voltage data D _V ). ) Is output and output port B
Port 0: Lighting control of lamp 501 Port 1: Main motor drive control Port 2: Image reading device Q1 drive control Port 3: Paper feed rollers 12 and 13 drive control Port 4: Registration roller pair 20 Drive control port 5: drive control of main charging device 902 Port 6: drive control of transfer device 907 Port 7: energization control of fixing heater 243 Remote control signals are output.

Further, the respective port data D _PA and D _PB corresponding to the output ports A and B are R as shown in FIG. 15, for example.
It is set to the addresses "0010H" and "0020H" of the work area of the AM 37, respectively. The voltage data D _V corresponds to the port data D _PA set to the address “0010H”, and the data of each port of the output port B corresponds to the port data D _PB set to the address “0020H”. There is. Therefore, the remote control signal of the lamp 501 is the port data D _PB.
Corresponding to the D0 bit data.

The voltage data D _V output from the output port A is converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion circuit 43, and the lamp control circuit 4 outputs the actual drive voltage V.
4 is output. The data corresponding to each remote control signal is flag data (hereinafter, referred to as a flag FR) for controlling the drive of each actuator, and indicates the start of drive control when reset to "0", for example.
When set to "1", it indicates drive control stop.

The lamp control circuit 44 uses, for example, the flag FR.
Is reset to "0", the lamp 501 is turned on by the drive voltage V input from the D / A conversion circuit 43, and when the flag FR is set to "1", the lamp 501 is turned off.

The flag FR is set at an appropriate timing by the engine control unit C2 executing the image reading process based on the control program of the image reading device Q1.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for controlling the drive voltage of the lamp 501 based on the exposure level of the operation control section C1.

The exposure level of the image reading device Q1 can be manually set in 13 steps from level 0 to level 12 by the exposure key 401b. When the power of the color digital copying machine 1 is turned on, the initial level is normally set to the intermediate level 6. It is supposed to be done.

The CPU 1 sets exposure level data D _E (hereinafter referred to as exposure data D _E ) at a predetermined address of the internal RAM 35, and converts the exposure data D _E into voltage data D _V of the lamp 501, The voltage data D _V is transmitted to the CPU 2 in the normal communication mode. On the other hand, CP
When the U2 receives the voltage data D _V , the RAM 37
The content of the address "0010H" is rewritten to the voltage data D _V.

The voltage data D _V is constantly transmitted to the CPU 2 in the normal communication mode, and when it is changed by a manual operation, it is immediately transmitted to the CPU 2 and the content of the address “0010H” of the RAM 37 is changed to a new voltage. The data D _V is rewritten.

That is, when the exposure level is changed by the exposure key 401d (step S120), the CPU 1
Rewrites the contents of the predetermined address of the internal RAM 35 in which the exposure data D _E is set to the changed exposure data D _E , and the changed exposure data D _E is the voltage data D _V.
(Step S122). This conversion processing is calculated based on a predetermined arithmetic expression, or is calculated using a preset conversion table.

Subsequently, the CPU 1 determines the calculated voltage data D _V as the data block data DBD, reads the storage address (0010H) of the voltage data D _V from the destination storage address data of the ROM 30, and reads the address block data. An ABD is created, and predetermined communication data is created from the data block data DBD and the address block data ABD (step S12).
4).

For example, the changed exposure data D _E is “8”
If the exposure data D _E = 8 is converted to voltage data D _V = 78H, and the exposure data D _E = 8 is set by the exposure key 401d, then SBD = 10000001B (81H) ABD1 = The communication data of 00010000B (10H) ABD2 = 00000000B (00H) DBD1 = 01111000B (78H) DBD2 = 00000000B (00H) CSBD = 1111001B (E9H) is created.

Then, the operation control section C1 determines the start block data SBD, the lower address block data ABD1,
Upper address block data ABD2, lower data block data DBD1, upper data block data DBD
2 and the checksum block data CSBD are sequentially transferred to the transmission register of the internal RAM 35 and transmitted to the CPU 2 via the I / F 34 (step S126).

Then, the checksum block data CS
When the transmission of the BD is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a transmission error (step S128). If there is no transmission error (NO in step S128), the process returns to step S120 to transmit the next normal communication data. If there is a transmission error (YES in step S128), the predetermined error processing described above is performed (step S130), and then the communication ends.

On the other hand, the CPU 2 sends the head block data SBD and the lower address block data ABD to be transmitted.
1, upper address block data ABD2, lower data block data DBD1, upper data block data D
BD2 and checksum block data CSBD are sequentially received (step S132), and when reception of the transmission data is completed, the received first block data SBD, lower address block data ABD1, upper address block data ABD2, lower data block data DBD
1. Create checksum block data CSBD 'from upper data block data DBD2 (step S1
34).

Subsequently, the CPU 2 determines whether there is a communication error by comparing the created checksum block data CSBD 'with the transmitted checksum block data CSBD (step S136). If the checksum block data CSBD 'and CSBD match, it is determined that communication has been normally performed (step S13).
6), the transmitted address block data AB
The storage address in the RAM 37 is determined to be "0010H" from the contents of D1 and ABD2 (step S
138), from the data block data DBD1, DBD2, the data to be set at the storage address "0010H" is determined to be "0078H" (step S140).

Then, the CPU 2 rewrites the contents of the address "0010H" of the RAM 37 to "0078H" (step S142), and ends the communication process. On the other hand, if the checksum block data CSBD 'and CSBD do not match, a reception error is determined (step S
If NO at 136), the same error processing as described above is performed (step S144), and then the communication processing ends.

Address "0010H" of the RAM 37
Is rewritten to 0078H, the lamp 50 input to the lamp control circuit 44 from the engine control unit C2.
The drive voltage of 1 is changed to a predetermined drive voltage V obtained by D / A converting the voltage data D _V = 78H. And
After that, the engine control unit C should read the image of the document G.
When a low level remote control signal is input to the lamp control circuit 44 from 2, the lamp control circuit 44
The lamp is turned on by the drive voltage V.

As described above, since the driving voltage V of the lamp 501 input to the lamp control circuit 44 is directly controlled by the voltage data D _V transmitted from the CPU 1, C
The PU 2 does not need to control the conversion processing of the exposure data D _E into the voltage data D _V and the supply of the voltage data D _{V to} the lamp control circuit 44, and the processing load of the CPU 2 is reduced accordingly.

According to the preset specifications, the exposure data D _E = 8 is normally converted into the voltage data D _V = 78H. However, when the color digital copying machine 1 is operated for a long time, The overall image forming conditions including the image forming apparatus Q2 change with time due to a large number of copies, and conversions different from the normal specifications, for example, exposure data D _E = 8 and voltage data D _V =
It may be necessary to convert to 80H.

In such a case, it is usually necessary to inspect and maintain the color digital copying machine 1 as a whole, but another communication other than the normal communication mode is performed with the currently set exposure level "8" being held. CPU1 to CPU2 depending on the mode
By transmitting the voltage data D _V of “80H” to the address “0010H” of the RAM 37 and rewriting the content of the address “0010H” from 78H to 80H without changing the contents of the conversion table or the arithmetic expression stored in the ROM 30. Conversion is possible, and it becomes possible to drive the color digital copying machine 1 provisionally.

In the above processing, the CPU 2 makes the CPU 1
From the exposure data D _E transmitted in the normal communication mode from the voltage data D _V to the RAM 37 at the address “00”.
The same operation can be performed when the content of "10H" is rewritten to the voltage data D _V.

Similarly, the port data D _{PB is transferred} to the operation control unit C1.
From the lamp 5 to the engine control unit C2.
It is also possible to change the lighting timing of 01 to a timing different from the regular specifications.

For example, in the regular specifications, the lamp 501
An example will be described in which the lighting timing that is turned on 1000 ms after the on timing of the registration switch provided immediately downstream of the registration roller pair 20 is changed to be turned on at the same time as the on timing of the registration switch.

The detection signal of the registration switch is transmitted from the engine control section C2 to the operation control section C1 so that the operation control section C1 can confirm the on / off state of the registration switch. Further, normally, for the lighting control of the lamp, the engine control unit C2 executes a predetermined control program, and the address “0020 of the RAM 37 is displayed.
It is assumed that this is done by appropriately rewriting the port data D _{PB of} “H”.

When it is necessary to change the lighting timing of the lamp 501, when the CPU 1 detects that the registration switch is turned on, the control program of the operation control section C1 is changed to perform the following processing.

That is, when the CPU 1 detects that the registration switch has been turned on, the C mode is set in the normal communication mode.
Port data D _PB sent from PU2 to CPU1
From the I / O port 38 sends to the CPU2 to create a 'check the status of port B of further only the D0 bit of the port data D _PB port data D _PB which is reset to "0"'.

For example, if the port data D _PB is “111101”
01B ”, it is assumed that the main motor and the pair of paper feed rollers are being driven.
Port data D _PB ′ of “11110100B” in which only the D0 bit is reset to “0” to light 1 is created and transmitted to the CPU 2.

Upon receipt of the port data D _PB ′ from the CPU 1, the CPU 2 receives the address “002” of the RAM 37.
The contents of “0H” are rewritten to the port data D _PB ′. As a result, only the port 0 of the port B is inverted from the high level to the low level, and the lamp 501 is turned on at substantially the same timing as the ON timing of the registration switch without changing the operating states of the main motor and the paper feed roller pair. Will be.

In the above embodiment, the color digital copying machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a facsimile and a printer.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, and a plurality of independent control blocks are communicably connected and each control block is organically combined by exchanging data with each other. Can be applied to any data communication system configured to perform a multi-function operation. For example, dedicated OA (Office Automation)
It is also applicable to a data communication system applied to various production devices such as system, product manufacturing, processing, and testing.

[0167]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Corresponding to each of the above-mentioned control units, and a plurality of control units for controlling each function action, which are connected to each other so that communication data can be communicated with each other to organically combine a plurality of independent function actions to perform a composite function action. In a data communication system provided with a plurality of storage means for storing data necessary for control of each control unit, at least one control unit is provided with transmission data to be transmitted and transmission data of the storage unit of the transmission destination. Is transmitted to the control unit of the transmission destination, and the control unit of the transmission destination transmits the transmission data in the received communication data to the address data in the communication data of the corresponding storage unit. Since it is written to the address indicated by, the control unit of the transmission source can freely control the data necessary for controlling the control unit of the transmission destination, and can change the communication contents such as change or addition of the transmission data. Further easily desired transmission data without to change the basic programs also controls communication when occurring can be transmitted to the control unit of the transmission destination.

Further, at least one destination control unit is
The state of each port of the I / O port is set in correspondence with the I / O port for inputting / outputting data and each bit information of the output data stored at a predetermined address of the storage unit corresponding to the control unit. The actuator connected to the I / O port by transmitting the output data from the control unit of the transmission source and changing the content of the output data stored in the storage unit of the transmission destination. Can be directly controlled by the control unit of the transmission source. Therefore,
By providing the control of the actuator on the control unit side of the transmission source, the load of the configuration and processing on the control unit side of the transmission destination is reduced accordingly.

Regarding the communication method between the control units, at least one control unit transmits the communication data including the transmission data and the address data in the storage unit of the transmission destination where the transmission data is stored to the control unit of the transmission destination. Since the control unit of the transmission destination writes the transmission data in the received communication data to the address indicated by the address data in the communication data of the corresponding storage unit, the control unit of the transmission source
It is possible to freely control the contents stored in the storage means of the transmission destination, and even when special control different from the basic control program is required in the control unit of the transmission destination, the required data is transmitted from the control unit of the transmission source. By rewriting the corresponding data in the storage means of the transmission destination, special control can be easily performed without changing the basic control program of the control unit of the transmission destination.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of an operation control unit and an engine control unit of a color digital copying machine (system device) according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a virtual memory space when a central processing unit performs arithmetic processing.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a color digital copying machine (system device) according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing details of an operation panel.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of data communication in a normal communication mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of data communication in simulation transmission mode A.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of data communication in history data transmission mode A.

8A and 8B show communication protocols in serial data communication, wherein FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a configuration (frame configuration) of data to be transmitted, FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a data configuration of a head block, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of checksum block data.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a communication process of each CPU in serial data communication.

10A and 10B show a set state of data relating to a fixing temperature in each RAM of the operation control unit and the engine control unit, FIG. 10A is a diagram showing addresses of the data in the RAM of the operation control unit, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the address of the said data in RAM of a control part.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing temperature control of the fixing device.

12A and 12B show a set state of data regarding a copy operation in each RAM of the operation control unit and the engine control unit, FIG. 12A is a diagram showing addresses of the data in the RAM of the operation control unit, and FIG. RAM of control unit
3 is a diagram showing addresses of the data in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the basic configuration of the operation control unit and the engine control unit of the color digital copying machine (system device) according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit for controlling driving of a lamp.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of addresses of I / O port data for memory-mapped I / O.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of control of the lamp drive voltage based on the exposure level of the operation control unit.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a conventional handshake serial data communication method.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another example of a conventional serial data communication method using a handshake method.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Color Digital Copier 2 Contact Glass 3 Original Presser 4 Operation Panel 401 Switch Group 402 LCD Display 5 Light Source 501 Halogen Lamp 502 Reflector 6 Imager 601, 602, 603 Reflector 604 Lens 7 Imager 701 Solid-state Image Sensor (CCD) 702 Image processing circuit 8 Image data output unit 801 Laser light emitter 802 Polygon mirror 803 Reflecting mirror 9 Image forming unit 901 Photoconductor drum 902 Main charging device 903 Developing device 904 Housing 905 Elevator mechanism 906 Transfer drum 907 Transfer device 908 Separation device 909 Separation claw 910,911 Cleaning device 10,11 Paper feed cassette 12,13 Paper feed roller 14,15,16,17 Guide plate 18,19 Conveying roller pair 20 Registration roller pair 21 Conveying belt 22 Discharging roller -Pair 23 discharge tray 24 fixing device 241 heating roller 242 pressure contact roller 243 fixing heater 244 temperature sensor 30,36 ROM 31, 35, 37, 40 RAM 32, 38, 38 'I / O port 33 LCD controller 34, 39, 42 I / F 41 1-chip microcomputer 43 D / A conversion circuit 44 Lamp control circuit C1 Operation control unit C2 Engine control unit CPU1, CPU2 Central processing unit P Operation control block Q Engine control block Q1 Image reading device Q2 Image forming device Q21 Image forming unit Q22 Paper feeding unit Q23 Paper discharging unit G Original

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shuji Yamada 1-2-2 Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka Mita Engineering Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of control units for controlling each functional operation, which are connected to each other so that communication data can be communicated with each other so as to organically combine a plurality of independent functional operations to perform a composite functional operation, and each control described above. In a data communication system provided with a plurality of storage means for storing data necessary for control of each control section, at least one control section,
Address data storage means for storing the address data in the storage means of the transmission destination, transmission data generation means for generating transmission data to be transmitted to the control unit of the transmission destination, and the transmission data is stored from the address data storage means. Address data reading means for reading address data in the destination storage means, and communication data generating means for generating predetermined communication data from the generated transmission data and the read address data. The data communication system, wherein the control unit includes data writing means for writing the transmission data in the received communication data to the address indicated by the address data in the communication data of the corresponding storage means. 2. At least one destination control unit stores an I / O port for inputting / outputting data and bit information of output data stored at a predetermined address of a storage unit corresponding to the control unit. 2. A data communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a status setting means for correspondingly setting the status of each of said I / O ports. 3. A data communication system in which a plurality of control units for controlling each function operation to organically combine a plurality of independent function operations to perform a composite function operation are communicatively connected to each other. At least one control unit transmits communication data including transmission data and address data in a storage unit of the transmission destination in which the transmission data is stored, to the control unit of the transmission destination, and the control unit of the transmission destination receives the communication. A data communication method for a data communication system, characterized in that transmission data in the data is written to an address indicated by address data in the communication data in a corresponding storage means.