JPH08172497A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To refer to the memory information at an optional time point and to improve the data processing efficiency by holding the internal state information in each unit. CONSTITUTION: The memory units 100 to 300 hold their states respectively. A printer control panel 300 stores the data on the presence of troubles and the presence of abnormality of an electronic circuit, the toner supply amount data for process control, the surface potential data on a photosensitive body, the fixing temperature data on a fixing part, etc. These variable data are occasionally held so that an optimum image is formed. A scanner control panel 200 has the same function as that of the panel 300 and holds the shading characteristic of a CCD sensor 212 and the processing parameter of a built-in image processing circuit 213 to output the optimum image data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing device in which a scanner, a printer and a system control device are connected by a communication path of a bus structure capable of communicating image data and control information data, and more particularly to a scanner, a printer and a system control device. It relates to processing of internal state information such as function setting information, function adjustment information, operation abnormality information, malfunction information, physical state information, etc. of each device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 9, an image processing control device for controlling functional elements of a typical conventional digital copying machine is as follows.
Main control board (SCU section) 1 for setting the image forming mode and controlling the image forming sequence corresponding to the operator input
00, a scanner control board (scanner section) 200 for controlling reading of an original image and image data processing, and a printer control board (scanner section) 300 for controlling reading of recorded image data and image recording. , The control information communication line is connected, and the image data line and the control information line are separated.

The above-mentioned internal state information of each part of the copying machine includes
For example, various information of so-called process control such as a sensor and a control amount for keeping the state of the image forming portion of the copy image optimal and improving the image quality, abnormal state such as paper jam, mechanical trouble, electric circuit trouble, There is a counter value (etc for billing for each copy), and so on.
For example, the machine power is turned off due to mechanical trouble,
If the mechanical trouble information is lost when the power is turned on again, the copy process is executed in response to the start input, the mechanical trouble causes an abnormal stop there, and the mechanical trouble information is reset. As a result, mechanical troubles are aggravated, and problems such as re-paper jamming occur. Therefore, conventionally, the main control board 100 is provided with a non-volatile memory (NV-RAM), and the internal state information is held in the non-volatile memory and is saved even when the power is turned off. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-336318 discloses a process control method using a neural network, and there is an explanation of mounting an NV-RAM in the embodiment.

For example, in the control device configuration shown in FIG.
When the main control board 100 is equipped with NV-RAM, the CPU of the main control board 100 checks the internal state information of the nonvolatile memory immediately after the power is turned on, and if there is an abnormality, it is notified and the abnormality is repaired. Until start input is disabled (does not respond to start input).

Conventionally, the main control board 100 exclusively checks the states of the sensors, actuators, electric circuits, etc. under its jurisdiction to update the internal state information of the non-volatile memory, and the main control board 100 controls the scanner. The control information is exchanged with the board 200 and the printer control board 300 to obtain the status information of the sensors, actuators, electric circuits, etc. under their control, and the internal status information of the non-volatile memory is updated. Figure 9
In the conventional control device configuration shown in FIG. 1, the image data line and the control data line are separated, and the scanner control board 200 and the printer control board 300 are connected by individual control data lines. It is relatively easy to collect the internal state information of the scanner control board 200 and the printer control board 300 described above.

Recently, a digital copying machine based on the NA architecture has been proposed. That is, FIG.
As shown in, the main control board 100, the scanner control board 2
00 and the printer control board 300 are connected by a general-purpose bus (for example, SCSI-2 bus) configuration, and image data and control commands are transferred via the bus. Further, each of these units 100 to 300 has a highly independent structure so that each unit (especially printer and scanner) can be used independently.

[0007]

In recent years, copiers have been highly functionalized due to the tendency toward digitalization.
In the configuration based on the A architecture, the conventional method (Fig. 9)
It is not possible to transfer image data and control commands on separate lines as in. Therefore, the transfer timing of the control command is limited, and the main control board 100 has a high degree of freedom in the scanner control board 200 and the printer control board 3.
It becomes difficult to collect the 00 internal state information, and restrictions are placed on the reference of the internal state information at appropriate timing.

The first object of the present invention is to effectively store various kinds of internal state information in a nonvolatile memory even in the structure (NA architecture) as shown in FIG. The second purpose is to facilitate the reference of the internal state information.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having a scanner, a printer and a system control device, and a communication path having a bus structure for connecting them and capable of communicating image data and control information data. In at least two of the scanner, the printer, and the system control device, each is provided with a non-volatile memory means, and each of which is provided with the memory means stores the internal state information in the memory means. .

A second aspect of the present invention is a scanner, a printer, and a system controller, and an image processing apparatus having a scanner and a printer and a system controller and a communication path of a bus structure for connecting the scanner, the printer and the system controller and capable of communicating image data and control information data. Only one of the system control devices is provided with a non-volatile memory means for storing the respective internal state information, and the one provided with the memory means reads the respective internal state information from the memory means immediately after the power is turned on to Transfer and operation
If there is a setting or adjustment input of the data, transfer it
Others hold the transferred internal state information and update the internal state information in response to changes in the internal state, and update the updated internal state information at the end of the copying process, when an error occurs, and in the standby state. Sometimes, the data is transferred to the one including the memory means, and the one including the memory means updates and stores the transferred internal state information in the memory means.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least two of the scanner, the printer and the system controller are provided with non-volatile memory means, and each of the means provided with the memory means obtains its internal state information. Since the information is stored in the memory means, a device including the memory means collects status information of a sensor, an actuator, an electric circuit, etc. under its jurisdiction without any other means, updates the information in the memory means, and It can be referenced at any time.

The read / write load of the internal state information on the non-volatile memory means is dispersed to enable efficient data processing. For example, when the non-volatile memory means is provided in each of the scanner and the printer, the scanner is provided. Also, the printer and the printer can operate independently. The internal status information of the copier may exceed 1000 items.
When all the data is concentrated in the non-volatile memory of the system controller as in the conventional example, it takes time to transfer the internal state information to be referred to from the system controller to the scanner and the printer immediately after the power is turned on. , This time will be saved.

The system control device is
When it is determined whether the image forming process is possible or not based on the internal state information, if it is not, it is notified, and an operation or work for removing the cause of the image forming process not being performed is prompted, or when it is necessary to wait for the fixing temperature to rise. It is necessary to notify the standby, etc., and the system control device needs to receive from the scanner and printer the internal state information in their non-volatile memory or the detection information of the sensors under their control. Since the information is a small number depending on whether the image forming process is possible or not, this data transfer does not require much time.

In an embodiment (first embodiment) to be described later of the first mode, immediately after the power is turned on, when the operator input is completed, when the copying process is completed, when an abnormality occurs, and when in the standby state,
The internal state information of the non-volatile memory is communicated with another via the communication path. Specifically, each of the system control device, the scanner, and the printer is provided with a non-volatile memory, and immediately after the power is turned on, the internal state information of the scanner and the printer regarding whether or not the image forming process is possible is transferred to the system control device. When the operator input is completed, the operator
The system controller transfers the function setting or adjustment data, which is input by the data and addressed to the scanner or printer, to the scanner or printer. When a sensor under their control detects an abnormality, the scanner and the printer transfer it to the system controller. In the standby state, the system control unit requests the scanner and printer to transfer the internal state information at regular time intervals, and the scanner and printer respond to the request by transmitting the internal state information related to whether the image forming process is possible or not. Transfer to. In this way, the number of items of internal state information transferred is small, and it does not take much time to transfer. Further, since this data transfer is a timing other than the timing when the communication path is used for image data transfer except when an abnormality occurs, the transfer of the internal state information is not hindered and the system controller The scanner and the printer each have a relatively small capacity nonvolatile memory, and can efficiently refer to the internal state information.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, only one of the scanner, the printer and the system control device is provided with a non-volatile memory means for storing respective internal state information. Immediately after the power is turned on, each internal state information is read from the memory means and transferred to the other, and when there is an operator setting or adjustment input, it is transferred. Therefore, the nonvolatile memory means immediately after the power is turned on. The internal state information under the jurisdiction is restored to that which is not provided with, and when the operator is set or adjusted, the internal state information is changed accordingly. Then, another one (which does not include the non-volatile memory means) holds the transferred internal state information, updates the internal state information in response to the change of the internal state, and updates the updated internal state information. At the end of the copying process, at the time of occurrence of an abnormality, and in the standby state, are transferred to those provided with the memory means, and those provided with the memory means update and store the transferred internal state information in the memory means.

These data transfers are timings other than the timing when the communication path is used for image data transfer except when an abnormality occurs, and therefore transfer of the internal state information is not hindered. Any of the system controller, scanner, and printer can efficiently refer to the internal state information.

The second object and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0018]

【Example】

-First Embodiment- Fig. 1 shows an outline of the first embodiment. This embodiment is an image processing control device 1000 of a digital copying machine based on the NA architecture. This connects the main control board 100, the scanner control board 200, and the printer control board 300 (each unit) by a general SCSI-2 bus structure, and transfers image data and control commands via the bus. Further, the scanner control board 200 and the printer control board 300 are highly independent so that they can be used by the printer and the scanner alone, respectively.

The units 100 to 300 are mutually SC
It is connected by the SI-2 bus. Each unit 100-3
The configuration of 00 is shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. In this embodiment, each unit is an NV-RAM 1
04, 204 and 304.

Referring to FIG. 2, the main control board 100 has a liquid crystal display board (LCD) 109 having an operator input touch panel, a keyboard 110 and a SCSI.
-2 bus is connected. The LCD 109 and the keyboard 110 are part of the operator operating board of the digital copying machine, and are provided for input for copying and image editing and for displaying status. A main control unit of the main control board 100 is a microprocessor 101, which performs input / output control for an operator, management control for a copying machine, and command control for a scanner (200) and a printer (300). The internal state information to be notified to the operator is held in the NV-RAM 104 which is a non-volatile memory, and the LCD
It is displayed at 109. The main control board 100 is SCSI-
The two communication controller 108 is used to connect the scanner (200) and the printer (30) via the SCSI-2 bus.
0) and control data are sent and received.

Referring to FIG. 3, the scanner control board 200
Various sensors 209 attached to the scanning mechanism, a scan driving motor and solenoid, and clutches 21
0, and a CCD sensor 212 for reading a document image,
An A / D converter 211, an image processing circuit 213, and a SCSI-2 bus are connected. The main body of control of the scanner control board 200 is the microprocessor 201, which performs original image reading control, image processing control, and image data transfer to the printer (300). Data for setting or adjusting original image reading characteristics and reading data processing characteristics,
In addition, data representing the state of each part of the mechanism and electric circuit is held in the NV-RAM 204 which is a non-volatile memory.
The scanner control board 200 is a SCSI-2 communication controller.
The controller 208 is used to send and receive control data to and from the main control board 100 and the printer control board 300 via the SCSI-2 bus. Moreover, the SCSI-2 communication controller 208 is used to send SCSI data. -2: Transfers the recorded image data to the printer control board 300 via the bus.

Referring to FIG. 4, printer control board 300
Various sensors 309 of the laser printer, electric motors and solenoids, clutches 310, an exposure laser beam scanner 312, a writing control transmission unit 311, and a SCSI-2 bus are connected to the laser printer. Has been done. The main control unit of the printer control board 300 is the microprocessor 301, which controls the reception of recorded image data and the electrophotographic image recording process control. The data for setting or adjusting the image recording processing characteristics, and the data showing the state of each part of the mechanism and the electric circuit are nonvolatile memories N.
It is held in the V-RAM 304. Printer control board 200
Using the SCSI-2 communication controller 308,
Sending and receiving control data to and from the main control board 100 and the scanner control board 300 via the CSI-2 bus,
Moreover, the SCSI-2 communication controller 308 is used to scan the scanner control board 200 via the SCSI-2 bus.
To receive the recorded image data.

FIG. 5 shows an outline of control of the copying machine by the microprocessor (MPU) 101 of the main control board 100. When the main control board 100 is powered on, the MPU 101 executes "initialization" (1), and then the scanner control board 200 is first provided with the SCSI-2 communication controller 10.
8 using NV-RAM via SCSI-2 bus
A request is made to transfer the mechanical abnormality data (data indicating an abnormality that inhibits the copying process) 204 and the image reading density setting data of 204, and when these are received, a memory (area) inside the MPU 101 or RAM 103 for the scanner is requested. ) (Step 2). In the following, in parentheses, the word step is omitted and only step numbers are shown.

The MPU 101 then proceeds to the printer control board 30.
0, using the SCSI-2 communication controller 108,
Via the SCSI-2 bus, NV-RAM 304 has mechanism abnormality data (data indicating an abnormality that disturbs the copying process), fixing possibility data (fixing temperature is above / below a set value), and image recording. When requesting the transfer of quality (density etc.) setting data and receiving them, MPU 101 internal or R
Write to the memory (area) of the AM 103 addressed to the printer (3). In the “initialization” (1), the MPU 10
1 is a standard mode of NV-RAM 304 (copying condition)
Data and equipment data (whether scanner is connected, printer is connected, ADF is connected, data is connected, etc.) are read and written in the memory (area) inside the MPU 101 or in the RAM 103 for the main controller. Put in.

The MPU 101 refers to these data and, if there is an abnormality to be reported to the operator, displays it on the LCD 109 and waits (no copy enable display). If there is no abnormality, if there is no fixing, it waits there and waits for the printer control board 300 to send the fixing possible data. When it is sent, the fixing non-fixed data is updated to the fixable data and the copy startable is displayed (4).

If there is no abnormality to be notified to the operator, the operation proceeds to "input reading" (5) and waits for operator input (5). Here, when the scanner 200 receives an input of a set value, a reference value, etc. relating to the image reading process and the image data process, the MPU 101 reads the input value and transfers it to the scanner control board 200 (6). Scanner control board 20
When the input data is a constant set value or a reference value (data that should be retained for subsequent setting even after the power is turned off), the input data is updated and stored in the NV-RAM 204. Temporary setting values or reference values (adjustment values that may be lost by turning off the power supply) are not written to the NV-RAM 204.
Save to the internal RAM or RAM 203 of the MPU 201.

In the "input reading" (5), the printer (30
When the setting value, the reference value or the like regarding the image recording process and the recording sheet process for 0) is input, the MPU 101 reads the input value and transfers it to the printer control board 300 (7).
The printer control board 300, when the input data is a constant set value or a reference value (data that should be held for subsequent setting even after the power is turned off), sets it to the NV-RAM 3
04, but the temporary setting value or reference value (setting value or adjustment value that may be lost by power-off) is N
First, the internal RA of the MPU 301 is not written to the V-RAM 304.
Save to M or RAM 303.

In the "input reading" (5), if there is a start input by the operator, the MPU 101 starts the image processing process, that is, the copying process control, and the scanner (2
The copy processing of the number of sheets set by the operator is performed for each of the originals loaded in (00) (8). When this is finished, the MPU 101 waits for the printer control board 300 to notify the end of all copies (copy-paper discharge completed) (9). Upon completion of all copying, the MPU 301 of the printer control board 300 updates and writes the number-of-recorded-sheet management information and the toner management information in the NV-RAM 304, and also transmits it to the main control board 100 (9). The MPU 101 saves these data, checks them, and displays on the LCD 109 if it is necessary to replace or replenish elements in the laser printer.

It should be noted that the main control board 100, the scanner control board 200, and the printer control board 300 are all under the control of a mechanism or an electric circuit under the control of the "image processing" (8) and before and after the operation. When an abnormality (normal copy process disabled state) is detected, the main control board 1
If the error is 00, the main control board 100 is SCSI-
The 2 controller 108 is used to stop the copy process via the SCSI-2 bus.
Also, the abnormal state data is transmitted to the printer control board 300 and the abnormal state data is written in the NV-RAM 104. Scanner control board 200
Then, the printer control board 300 stops the processing at a predetermined timing. In the case of an error in the scanner control board 200 or printer control board 300, they immediately (with an interrupt) use the SCSI-2 controllers 208, 308 over the SCSI-2 bus to detect the internal status error. −
Data to the main control board 100 and NV-RAM
The internal state abnormal data is written in 204 or 304. In response to this, the main control board 100 transmits a stop of the copy process to other normal units, displays an abnormality on the LCD 109, and waits there.

While waiting for the operator's operation (typically, start input), the MPU 101 displays the WT at the WT time limit.
Start the timer and wait for its time-over (10
13) When the time is over, the WT timer is restarted (14).
2 Communication controller 108, via the SCSI-2 bus, NV-RAM 204 data on the presence or absence of a mechanism abnormality (data indicating the presence or absence of an abnormality that inhibits the copying process).
Of the MPU 101 or RAM 103, the data in the memory (area) addressed to the scanner is updated (15). The MPU 101 then attaches the SCSI-2 communication controller 10 to the printer control board 300.
8 using NV-RAM via SCSI-2 bus
When 304 is requested to transfer the mechanism abnormality data (data indicating the presence or absence of an abnormality that inhibits the copying process) and the fixing possibility data (fixing temperature is above / below the set value), the request is received. Inside the MPU 101 or RAM 103,
The data is written in the memory (area) addressed to the printer (16). While the standby state continues, this data transfer process is repeated at the time limit value WT cycle of the WT timer.

According to the first embodiment described above, each unit 100 to 300 saves its state. For example, the printer control board 300 has a mechanical abnormality (trouble).
In addition to the presence / absence and the presence / absence of an electric circuit abnormality, the toner replenishment amount data required for process control, the surface potential data of the photoconductor, and the fixing temperature data of the fixing unit are also stored. These have different characteristics for each machine, and the surrounding environment (temperature,
Humidity) and changes over time. Optimal image formation can be performed by holding constantly changing data. The same applies to the scanner control board 300. In addition to the presence / absence of abnormality in the mechanism and electric circuit,
Optimal image data can be output by holding the changes over time of the illumination lamp, the shading characteristics of the CCD sensor 212, and the processing parameters of the built-in image processing circuit 213. Further, in the main control board 100, the total counter value of the number of copies (for each of full color, monochrome and mono color), the program operation mode registered by the user, and other management data (jam recording, abnormality recording of mechanism or electric circuit, service data) Keep records).

As in this embodiment, each unit 100-3
By installing the NV-RAMs 104, 204, and 304 in 00, the read / write load of the internal state information on the main control board 100 is dispersed, and efficient data processing becomes possible, and the printer (300) and the scanner (200) are also provided. Each can operate independently. Furthermore, such NV-R
The state data of each unit stored in AM is 1000
The number of items may exceed the number of items, and when concentrated on the main control board 100 as in the conventional example, since it takes time to transfer data to another unit after power is turned on, the copy operation cannot be performed immediately and the requirements for office equipment are met. Cannot be met.
In the present embodiment, such a problem is avoided.

Modification of the First Embodiment-On the other hand, since such status data can be shared by each unit (for example, jam information, abnormality information, service program mode = operation mode in which a service person can check the system status) Etc.), such state data may be held in only one unit, and the units may communicate with each other through the SCSI-2 bus when necessary.
In this case, unlike the conventional example, since the image data and the control information data pass through the same communication path (SCSI-2 bus), the above status data cannot always be communicated. Therefore,
Communication of status data as described above is performed by (1) when power is turned on,
(2) When the operator operation is completed, (3) When the copying process is completed, (4) When an abnormality occurs and (5) When in the standby state, the time intervals are limited. By doing so, the state data can be efficiently held with a small NV-RAM capacity as the image processing control apparatus 1000, and the cost can be reduced.

If the state data can be shared between the units, most of the state data is concentrated on the main control board 100 and the NV-RAM capacity of the printer control board 300 and the scanner control board 200 is reduced. It can be the minimum required. For example, in the printer unit, if at least the abnormal data of the fixing unit and the jam information are held, the danger can be prevented, the operation can be performed immediately after the power is turned on, the requirements of office equipment can be satisfied, and the cost can be further reduced.

Second Embodiment Further, if the NV-RAM data communication function is used, the NV-RAM can be concentrated in one unit (for example, the main control board 100) as in the conventional example, which is cost effective. Will be more advantageous to. In this case, there will be a problem that the time that can be operated when the power is turned on will be delayed, but it will be possible to inform you that the operation is not possible during that time by a warm-up display such as "Please wait" If this is done, no major inconvenience will occur. The second embodiment is configured in this way, in which the configuration of the image processing control device 1000 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the internal configuration of the main control board 100 is also shown in FIG. It is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the scanner control board 200 and the printer control board 300 have the NV-RAMs 204 and 304 removed, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

FIG. 8 shows the main control board 100 of the second embodiment.
An outline of control of the copying machine by the microprocessor (MPU) 101 of FIG. The MPU 101 is a main control board 10
When the power is turned on to 0, "initialization" (21) is executed, and then the scanner internal state information of the NV-RAM 104 is read out, and the SCSI-2 communication controller 108 is used for the scanner control board 200. Then, the data is transferred via the SCSI-2 bus (22). MP of the scanner control board 200
The U201 stores the transferred data in the internal RAM of the MPU201 or the internal state information memory (area) of the RAM203.
Write to.

The MPU 101 then proceeds to the NV-RAM 104.
Then, the printer internal state information is read and transferred to the printer control board 300 using the SCSI-2 communication controller 108 via the SCSI-2 bus (23). The MPU 301 of the printer control board 300 receives the transferred data.
Data into the internal RAM of the MPU 301 or the internal state information memory (area) of the RAM 303.

In the "initialization" (1), the MPU
Reference numeral 101 is standard mode (copying condition) data and equipment data of the NV-RAM 304 (whether scanner is connected, printer is connected, ADF is connected, sorter is connected, etc.)
Is read out and written in the memory (area) for the main controller inside the MPU 101 or in the RAM 103.

The MPU 101 includes a main control board 100, a scanner control board 200 and a printer control board 3 for controlling the main control board 100, the scanner control board 200 and the printer control board 3.
00 Internal information addressed to each
If there is an abnormality that should be reported to the
Display and wait (no display is allowed). If there is no abnormality, and if fixing is not possible, “please wait” is displayed on the LCD 109 and the printer stands by there, and the printer control board 3
Wait for 00 to send fixable data. When transmitted, the fixing non-fixing data is updated to the fixing fixing data and the copying start enabling is displayed (24).

If there is no abnormality to be notified to the operator, the operation proceeds to "input reading" (25) and waits for operator input (25). Here, when the scanner 200 receives an input of a set value, a reference value, etc. relating to the image reading process and the image data process, the MPU 101 reads the input value and transfers it to the scanner control board 200 (26). In the main control board 100, the input data has a constant set value or a reference value (data to be held for subsequent setting even after the power is turned off).
However, the temporary setting value or reference value (adjustment value that may be lost by turning off the power supply) is not written in the NV-RAM 104.

In the "input reading" (25), the printer (30
When a setting value, a reference value, or the like relating to the image recording process and the recording paper process for 0) is input, the MPU 101 reads the input value and transfers it to the printer control board 300 (2
7). When the input data is a constant set value or a reference value (data that should be held for subsequent setting even after the power is turned off), the main control board 100 sets it as NV-RA.
Although it is updated and stored in M104, it is a temporary setting value or reference value (setting value or adjustment value that may be lost when the power is turned off).
Does not write to the NV-RAM 104.

When there is a start input by the operator in the "input reading" (25), the MPU 101 starts the image processing process, that is, the copy process control, and the original document loaded on the scanner (200) is read. Operation of each
Copy processing is performed for the number of sheets set by the computer (28). When this is completed, the MPU 101 waits for the printer control board 300 to notify the end of all copies (copy-paper discharge completed) (29). The MPU 301 of the printer control board 300 is
When all copies are completed, the internal information information addressed to the printer, which was previously transferred from the MPU 101, is corrected by the change due to the copy process this time, and the updated number-of-records management information and toner management information are updated by the MPU 301. Internal R
The internal state information memory (area) of the AM or RAM 303 is updated and written, and is transmitted to the main control board 100 (9). The MPU 101 stores these data in NV-RAM.
If it is necessary to replace or replenish elements in the laser printer while updating and writing in 104, check it.
It is displayed on the LCD 109.

During the "image processing" (28) described above,
Also, before and after that, when the main control board 100, the scanner control board 200, and the printer control board 300 each detect an abnormality (a normal copy process impossible state) of a mechanism or an electric circuit under its control, the main control board 100. In case of abnormality, the main control board 100 is SCSI
2 controller 108 is used to stop the copy process via the SCSI-2 bus.
0 and the printer control board 300 to send the abnormal status data.
Data into the NV-RAM 104. Scanner control board 20
0 and the printer control board 300 then stop the processing at a predetermined timing. In the case of an error in the scanner control board 200 or printer control board 300, they immediately (with an interrupt) use the SCSI-2 controllers 208, 308 over the SCSI-2 bus to detect the internal status error. -Transmits the data to the main control board 100, and
Save to M. The main control board 100 sets this to NV-R.
Write to AM 104, send copy process stop to other normal units, display anomaly on LCD 109 and wait there.

While waiting for the operator's operation (typically, start input), the MPU 101 displays the WT at the WT time limit.
Start the timer and wait for the time over (20-
23) When the time is over, the WT timer is restarted (24).
2 The communication controller 108 is used to request transfer of mechanism abnormality presence / absence data (data indicating the presence / absence of an abnormality that interferes with the copying process) via the SCSI-2 bus. -Update the data in the memory (area) addressed to the scanner in the RAM 104 (25). MPU101
Next, using the SCSI-2 communication controller 108 on the printer control board 300, data on the presence or absence of a mechanism abnormality (data indicating the presence or absence of an abnormality that inhibits the copying process) is transmitted via the SCSI-2 bus. ) And fixing permission / prohibition data (fixing temperature is equal to or higher than the set value), and when they are received, they are written in the memory (area) of the NV-RAM 104 destined for the printer (26). While the standby state continues, this data transfer process is repeated at the time limit value WT cycle of the WT timer.

According to the second embodiment, since the NV-RAM is concentrated only on the main control board 100 as in the conventional example, the cost is more advantageous. In this case, there is a problem that the time during which the power becomes operable becomes slower, but the LCD 109 of the operation unit displays "Waiting" while warming up and informs that the operation cannot be performed during that time, which is inconvenient. Does not occur.

[0046]

As described above, in the digital copying machine having the NA architecture, the state inside the machine can be efficiently held by the NV-RAM.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main control board 100 shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner control board 200 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer control board 300 shown in FIG.

5 is an MPU 10 of the main control board 100 shown in FIG.
2 is a flowchart showing an outline of the control operation of No. 1.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner control board 200 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer control board 300 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an MPU 1 of the main control board 100 of the second embodiment.
10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the control operation of 01.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional image processing control device.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having a scanner, a printer, and a system controller, and a communication path having a bus structure for connecting them and capable of communicating image data and control information data, at least the scanner, the printer, and the system controller. An image processing apparatus comprising two non-volatile memory means, each of which is provided with the memory means stores internal state information in the memory means. 2. A memory device comprising the memory means, immediately after power is turned on, when an operator input is completed, when a copying process is completed,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal state information of the memory means is transmitted to another through the communication path when an abnormality occurs and in a standby state. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal state information includes information indicating an abnormal state in which the device cannot operate. 4. An image processing apparatus having a scanner, a printer, and a system control device, and a communication path having a bus structure for connecting them and capable of communicating image data and control information data, which is one of the scanner, printer, and system control device. In addition, a nonvolatile memory means for storing each internal state information is provided, and the one including the memory means reads each internal state information from the memory means immediately after turning on the power and transfers it to another and also an operator. When there is a setting or adjustment input of, the other is transferred, and the others hold the transferred internal state information, update the internal state information in response to the change of the internal state, and update the updated internal state information. , At the end of the copying process, when an error occurs and in the standby state,
An image processing apparatus, comprising: transferring to an apparatus including the memory unit, and updating the transferred internal state information in the memory unit in the apparatus including the memory unit.