JPH08251319A - Image forming device and its system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To make copying of lots of paper efficient by printing out desired sheet number of original image shared for each page for each device in a group grouped by a grouping means. CONSTITUTION: In the system where stations A-D (1001-1004) being plural copying machines are interconnected, the station A sets the tandem mode and designate a group consisting of desired stations to be selected. Then the station A enters number of copies and designates the devices in the group for their tandem operation and depresses a page share key. Then number of pages to be printed out by each station in the group is shared. When copying is started, the original information read by the station A is sent to each station in the group as being shared by the station A and then designated sheet number is printed out by each station. Thus, the efficiency for copying lots of paper sheets is enhanced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to image formation in a digital copying machine for outputting image data obtained by converting an original image optically scanned and read into an electric signal, image data created on a computer, and the like. The present invention relates to an apparatus and an image forming system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A reader / printer which constitutes a digital copying machine can be used independently as an image reading device / image output device.
/ F device is used to connect to a general computer system to be used as an image input / output device, or a reader / printer is divided into a plurality of sets and connected, and a central control means for controlling them is provided to provide a plurality of printers. There has been proposed a system for ensuring high CV by simultaneously using.

[0003]

When considering the system development in the digital copying machine as described above, one of the themes is that "a high output C is simultaneously used by using a plurality of output devices.
"A system configuration that can achieve V" is used. In the conventional method in which a plurality of reader / printer sets are connected and a central control unit for controlling them is used, the number of reader / printer sets that can be connected must be determined when considering the configuration of the central control unit. There is a limit in terms of expanding the flexible system as needed.

Further, when outputting a document of a plurality of pages,
If a plurality of output devices are simultaneously operated for each page, the time required for image reading and image data transmission will increase and the total copy time will increase.

If a plurality of output devices are inadvertently operated simultaneously, a situation occurs in which a specific user occupies the entire system for a long time.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] and

In recent years, with the increase in speed of digital copying machines, digital copying machines equipped with a full page memory for storing image data read inside the copying machine have begun to appear. In such a digital copying machine, the read image data is temporarily stored in the page memory and is read out at the time of output. Therefore, the timing of the image reading operation and the image writing operation is common. It can be said that it is more flexible than a copier with a configuration.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is configured such that the control signal for writing the image data in the page memory can be taken in from the outside of the copying machine in the digital copying machine as described above. Also has a means for switching the transfer from and to the copy machine, so that not only the image signal generated by itself but also the image signal generated by another copying machine can be stored in the page memory, It is intended to construct a system having a flexible expandability capable of changing the number of system components according to the required CV. In addition, by performing a group operation that is divided into one or a plurality of groups, the entire system can be operated efficiently.

In particular, when the original image data consisting of a plurality of pages is printed, the entire copy time is long, so that the system occupying state is relaxed as follows. That is, in an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are respectively connected by the image I / F and the communication I / F, a group operation mode command sent to each image forming apparatus via the communication I / F, or a group operation mode command One of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is selected according to an operation mode signal,
An image forming system in which a group operation mode can be set for each group, which is designated by grouping into a plurality of groups and is configured by one or more designated image forming apparatuses, and each image forming apparatus operates individually. Mode or group operation can be selected and designated. When printing page image data of at least one page sent through the image I / F, each image forming apparatus designated in the group is printed. It is possible to control the transmission of the page image data transmitted to each group.

Further, when printing image data consisting of a plurality of pages, there is a mode in which the printing operation is distributed to a predetermined group in a predetermined order for each page.

Further, when printing image data of a double-sided original consisting of a plurality of pages, there is a mode in which the printing operation is distributed to a predetermined group in a predetermined order for each of the front and back pages.

[0011]

Embodiment 1 FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a color copying machine which is an embodiment of the present invention. A printer unit 352 that has a color reader unit 351 that reads a color original document and further performs digital editing processing and a different image carrier, and reproduces a color image according to a digital image signal of each color sent from the reader.
It is divided into It should be noted that the grouping of a plurality of image forming apparatuses is referred to as "jure".

(Structure of Reader Unit) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital image processing unit in the reader 351. A color document on a document table (not shown) is exposed by a halogen lamp (not shown). As a result, the reflected image is captured by the CCD 101, sampled and held at 102, and then A
/ D conversion is performed to generate digital signals of RGB three colors. Shading and black correction is performed at 103 for each color separation data, NTSC signal correction is performed at 104, and the selector 12 is used.
At 4, the image signal of the reflection original or the image signal from the outside is selected, and the result is input at 105. The scaling unit 105 performs main scanning enlargement or reduction, and the result is input to the LOG 123 and the selector 125 (the select signal 127 is controlled by a CPU (not shown)). Further, the output of the LOG 123 is input to the memory unit 106, and the video data is stored here. Memory part 1
Data 06 is stored as YMCK data, which is read out at the timing of each of the four drums that record each color.

At 107, a selector 125 (C (not shown)
Output signal of controlling 127 by PU)
Color masking and UCR can be applied. Γ for 109
Correction, edge enhancement is done at 110. The processed image is output to the color LBP 352.

Reference numeral 116 denotes an output DTOP of the image sensor, a horizontal synchronization signal HSNC1 internally generated or a horizontal synchronization signal HSNC2 externally generated, and an output I of the paper edge sensor.
Based on a sub-scanning write enable signal from the outside, one main scanning write enable signal and one read enable signal 122 for the memory 106, a sub-scanning write enable signal, and four sub-scanning read enable signals 121 for each color are added to TOP1. To generate.

Reference numeral 130 denotes a video bus selector section for outputting video to the outside and inputting external video.

(Description of Bus Selector) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the video bus selector 130 and its peripheral portion.

Bidirectional buffers 504 and 505, 514 and 515, 519 and 520, 526 and 527, 524 and 5
25, output buffer 530, and signal lines 506, 513, 52 for controlling the bidirectional buffer by a CPU (not shown).
1, 527, 529, frequency conversion circuit (implemented by FIFO) 523, and DF / F5 that receives the outputs of selectors 508 and 608 that select A terminal input or C terminal input
07, DF / F 512 which receives the outputs of selectors 510 and 510 for selecting A terminal input or B terminal input,
Selector 516 for selecting B terminal input or C terminal input
DF / F 518, which receives the outputs of the outputs 516 and 516, and the sub-scanning synchronization signal ITOP2 (53) of the memory unit (IPU).
1) and a three-state output buffer for the main scanning synchronization signal (532), and an OR gate 542.

Further, VVEI (533) is a sub-scanning write enable signal to another device (reader printer), 53
6 is a sub-scanning write enable signal from another device (master device), 534 is a main-scanning enable signal to the other device, 541 is a main-scanning enable signal (low active) from the other device, of the frequency converter 523. A signal used as a write enable signal and a write reset signal (inverted signal of 539), 535 is a video clock to and from another device, 540 is a video clock from another device, and is used as a write clock of the frequency converter 523. 532 is an inversion signal of the main scanning synchronization signal, which is a signal used as a read reset signal of the frequency converter 523, and 522 and 539 are binarized in the bit map memory when the bit map memory is present in the device. Where written items are sent to or from the outside, 52
9, 528, 537, 506, 509, 511, 51
Reference numerals 3, 521, 517 are I / O ports set by a CPU (not shown), and 538 is a signal used as an enable signal for the frequency converter.

Further, the A terminal 503, the B terminal 501 and the C terminal 502 are respectively A0 to A in the video selector of FIG.
2, B0 to B2 and C0 to C2.

(Description of Signal Flow and Sync Signal in Each Mode) The video signal flow and I / O port setting in each mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5.

[Normal Copy] The flow of video is 101 → 102 → 103 → 104 →
124 (126 is set to 0 by CPU (not shown) and A input is selected) → 105 → 123 → 106 → 125 (0 is set and A input is selected by CPU (not shown)) → 10
7 → 109 → 110 → 352.

I / O of the video selector and its peripheral circuits
O setting 506 → high “1” 509 → X 511 → X 513 → high “1” 517 → X 521 → X 528 → high “1” 529 → high “1” 537 → high “1” [to external interface] Output] Video flow is 101 → 102 → 103 → 104 →
124 (126: 0 is set by a CPU (not shown) and A input is selected) → 105 → 125 (1: 1 is set by a CPU (not shown) and B input is selected by 127) → 107 → 1
It becomes 09->110->130-> 205.

I / O of the video selector and its peripheral circuits
O setting 506 → high “1” 509 → X 511 → X 513 → high “1” 517 → low “0” 521 → low “0” 528 → low “0” 529 → low “0” 537 → high “1” [Input from External Interface] The flow of video is 205 → 130 → 124 (126 is set to 1 by a CPU (not shown)) → 105 → 1
23 → 106 → 125 (0 is set by a CPU not shown in 127) → 107 → 109 → 110 → 129
→ It becomes 352. Further, here, as the sub-scanning write enable of the memory 106, 536 input to the area generation unit is used.

I / O of the video selector and its peripheral circuits
O setting 506 → low “0” 509 → low “0” 511 → X 513 → high “1” 517 → low “0” 521 → high “1” 528 → high “1” 529 → low “0” 537 → low “0” (Structure of printer unit) In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 is a polygon scanner for scanning a photosensitive drum with a laser beam,
Reference numeral 302 denotes a magenta (M) image forming unit at the first stage, which has the same configuration and has image forming units 303, 304 for cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K).
Shown at 305. As shown in FIG. 4, the polygon scanner 3
Reference numeral 01 scans the photosensitive drum of each color with a laser beam from the laser elements 401 to 404 independently driven by MCYK by a laser controller (not shown). 405-408
Is a BD detection means for detecting a scanned laser beam and generating a main scanning synchronization signal. When two polygon mirrors are arranged on the same axis and rotated by one motor as in the present embodiment, for example, the main scanning scanning directions of the M, C and Y, K laser beams are opposite to each other. become. Therefore, normally, for one of the M and C images, the other of the Y and K images is used.
The image data should be a mirror image in the main scanning direction.

In the image forming unit 302, 318 is a photosensitive drum which forms a latent image by exposure to laser light.
3 is a developing device for developing toner on the drum 318,
Reference numeral 314 in the developing unit 313 is a sleeve for applying a developing bias to perform toner development, and 315 is the photosensitivity RAM 3
A primary charger for charging 18 to a desired potential, 31
7 is a cleaner for cleaning the surface of the drum 318 after transfer, and 316 is a drum 31 cleaned by the cleaner 317.
8 is an auxiliary charger that removes the charge on the surface of the drum 8 so that the primary charger 315 can obtain good charge, 330 is a pre-exposure lamp that erases the residual charge on the drum 318, and 319 is the transfer belt 306. Is a transfer charger for discharging the toner image on the drum 318 to the transfer member by discharging from the back surface of the transfer charger.

Reference numerals 309 and 310 are cassettes for accommodating transfer members, 308 is a paper feed unit for supplying the transfer members from the cassettes 309, 310, and 311 is a transfer member fed by the paper feed units to the transfer members. Reference numeral 312 denotes an adsorption charging device that adsorbs the toner, and reference numeral 312 denotes a transfer belt roller that is used to rotate the transfer belt 306 and at the same time forms a pair with the adsorption charging device to transfer the transfer member to the transfer belt 306.

Numeral 324 is a discharging charger for facilitating separation of the transfer member from the transfer belt 306, and numeral 325 is a peeling charger for preventing image disturbance due to peeling discharge when the transfer member is separated from the transfer belt. Reference numerals 326 and 327 denote pre-fixing chargers that supplement the attraction of the toner on the transfer member after separation to prevent image disturbance, and 322 and 323 are belts that charge the transfer belt 306 and remove dirt on the transfer belt 306. It is a cleaner. 307 is a transfer belt 306
Is a fixing device for thermally fixing the toner image on the transfer member, which is separated from the toner image and recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 326 and 327, onto the transfer member. A paper discharge sensor 340 detects a transfer member on the conveyance path that passes through the fixing device. Reference numeral 329 is a paper leading edge sensor that detects the leading edge of the transfer member fed onto the transfer belt by the paper feeding portion 308. The detection signal from the paper leading edge sensor is sent from the printer portion to the reader portion, and the reader portion from the printer portion. It is used to generate a sub-scanning synchronization signal when sending a video signal to the.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the interface section with another device and the flow of video and sync signals in each mode.

The interface is a memory unit (I
An interface 201 with an PU (IPU interface), an interface 2 with another device (copier) 2
02 (R interface 1), 203 (R interface 2), CPU interface 204 that controls communication with other devices, and interface 20 with the main body
5 (video interface).
Further, this block diagram shows tri-state buffers 206 and 2.
11, 212, 214, 216, bidirectional buffer 20
7,209,210, special bidirectional buffer 2 described later
08, and D flip-flops 213 and 215 having a tri-state function. Also, BTCN0 to BTCN
10 is an I / O port set by a CPU (not shown), 218 is a communication line (4 bits) between the IPU and the main body, 2
Reference numeral 19 denotes a main scanning synchronization signal HSNC and a sub scanning synchronization signal IT.
OP and 220 are three systems of 8-bit video signal + binary signal BI + image clock + main scanning enable signal HV.
E total 27 bits, 221 is the same signal as 219, 222
Is a signal similar to 220, 224 is an 8-bit communication line with another device (copy machine), 223 is a 4-bit communication line with another device (copy machine) (any communication line will be described later in detail), 226
Is an image clock and a sub-scanning video enable signal VVE
2 bits in total (1 bit of 236 and 220), 22
8 is 3 video signal system + BI + HVE total 26 bits, 2
34 is 226 and 228, and 233 is 3 video signal lines +
BI + HVE total 26 bits, 234 image clock and sub-scan enable signal total 2 bits, 235 image clock (1 bit of 235), 237 233 and 23
4, 236 is VVE, 232 is the image clock (1 bit of 226), 238 is 220 and HSNC, HV
E, VVE, ITOP total 30 bits.

Next, I / O port control and signal flow in each mode will be described. Here, tri-state buffers (206, 214, 216, 211, 21
2) is enabled by low "0", high impedance state by high "1", the bidirectional buffer is, for example, LS245.
It is realized by the element like, and G is low "0" and D is low.
When 0 ”, the data flow is B → A, G is low“ 0 ”, D is high“ 1 ”, the data flow is A → B, and G is high“ 1 ”, the isolation state occurs, and the D flip-flop. Is enabled when the enable signal is low “0”, and has high impedance when high “1”.

[IPU interface → R interface 1 (mode 1)] BTCN0 ← high “1” BTCN1 ← low “0” BTCN2 ← low “0” BTCN3 ← low “0” BTCN4 ← low “0” BTCN5 ← X BTCN6 ← X BTCN7 ← high "1" BTCN8 ← X BTCN9 ← high "1" BTCN10 ← low "0" However, X is don't care, but it is assumed that signals are controlled so as not to collide. Signal flow is 238 →
219 → 221, 222 → 220 → 228 → 228 → 2
25 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225.

[IPU interface → R interface 2 (mode 2)] BTCN0 ← high “1” BTCN1 ← low “0” BTCN2 ← low “0” BTCN3 ← X BTCN4 ← high “1” BTCN5 ← low “0” BTCN6 ← Low "0" BTCN7 ← High "1" BTCN8 ← Low "0" BTCN9 ← High "1" BTCN10 ← Low "0" Signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221 and 222 → 2
20 → 228 → 233 → 237 and 238 → 236 + 2
It becomes 20 → 226 → 234 → 237.

[IPU interface → video interface (mode 3)] BTCN0 ← high "1" BTCN1 ← low "0" BTCN2 ← low "0" BTCN3 ← X BTCN4 ← X BTCN5 ← X BTCN6 ← X BTCN7 ← X BTCN8 ← X BTCN9 ← high “1” BTCN10 ← low “0” The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221 and 222 → 2.
It becomes 20 → 238.

[R interface → R interface 2 (mode 4)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← X BTCN2 ← X BTCN3 ← high “1” BTCN4 ← low “0” BTCN5 ← low “0” BTCN6 ← low “0” BTCN7 ← High "1" BTCN8 ← Low "0" BTCN9 ← X BTCN10 ← High "1" Signal flow is 225 → 238 → 233 → 237, 22
The order is 5 → 226 → 234 → 237.

[R interface 1 → video interface (mode 5)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← high "1" BTCN2 ← X BTCN3 ← high "1" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← X BTCN6 ← high "1" BTCN7 ← High "1" BTCN8 ← Low "0" BTCN9 ← Low "0" BTCN10 ← High "1" The signal flow is 225 → 228 + 226 → 233 + 23.
4 → 220 → 238, 225 → 226 → 234 → 236
→ It becomes 238.

[R interface 2 → R interface 1 (mode 6)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← X BTCN2 ← X BTCN3 ← low "0" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← high "1" BTCN6 ← low "0" BTCN7 ← low "0" BTCN8 ← high "1" BTCN9 ← X BTCN10 ← high "1" The signal flow is 237 → 233 → 228 → 225 and 2
It becomes 37 → 234 → 226 → 225.

[R interface 2 → video interface (mode 7)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← high "1" BTCN2 ← X BTCN3 ← X BTCN4 ← X BTCN5 ← high "1" BTCN6 ← low "0" BTCN7 ← X BTCN8 ← High “1” BTCN9 ← Low “0” BTCN10 ← X The signal flow is 237 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 23.
8 and 237 → 234 → 236 → 238.

[Video interface → IPU interface (mode 8)] BTCN0 ← low “0” BTCN1 ← low “0” BTCN2 ← low “0” BTCN3 ← X BTCN4 ← X BTCN5 ← X BTCN6 ← X BTCN7 ← X BTCN8 ← X BTCN9 ← high “1” BTCN10 ← X signal flow is 238 → 220 → 222 and 238 → 2
It becomes 19 → 221.

[Video interface → R interface 1 (mode 9)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← high "1" BTCN2 ← X BTCN3 ← low "0" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← X BTCN6 ← X BTCN7 ← low "0 “BTCN8 ← X BTCN9 ← high“ 1 ”BTCN10 ← low“ 0 ”The signal flow is 238 → 220 → 228 → 225 and 2
38 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225.

[Video interface → R interface 2 (mode 10)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← high "1" BTCN2 ← X BTCN3 ← X BTCN4 ← high "1" BTCN5 ← low "0" BTCN6 ← low "0" BTCN7 ← High "1" BTCN8 ← Low "0" BTCN9 ← High "1" BTCN10 ← Low "0" The signal flow is 238 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 23.
7 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 23
It becomes 7.

[Mode 1 + Mode 2 (Mode 11)] BTCN0 ← high "1" BTCN1 ← low "0" BTCN2 ← low "0" BTCN3 ← low "0" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← low "0" BTCN6 ← Low "0" BTCN7 ← High "1" BTCN8 ← Low "0" BTCN9 ← High "1" BTCN10 ← Low "0" Signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 222 → 22
0 → 228 → 225, 222 → 220 → 228 → 233
→ 237, 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237.

[Mode 1 + Mode 3 (Mode 12)] BTCN0 ← high "1" BTCN1 ← low "0" BTCN2 ← low "0" BTCN3 ← low "0" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← X BTCN6 ← high " 1 "BTCN7 ← high" 1 "BTCN8 ← X BTCN9 ← high" 1 "BTCN10 ← low" 0 "The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 222 → 22
0 → 238, 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 and 23
8 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225.

[Mode 2 + Mode 3 (Mode 13)] BTCN0 ← high "1" BTCN1 ← low "0" BTCN2 ← low "0" BTCN3 ← X BTCN4 ← high "1" BTCN5 ← low "0" BTCN6 ← low " 0 "BTCN7 ← high" 1 "BTCN8 ← low" 0 "BTCN9 ← high" 1 "BTCN10 ← low" 0 "The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 222 → 22.
0 → 238, 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237
And 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237
Becomes

[Mode 1 + Mode 2 + Mode 3 (Mode 14)] BTCN0 ← high "1" BTCN1 ← low "0" BTCN2 ← low "0" BTCN3 ← low "0" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← low "0" BTCN6 ← low "0" BTCN7 ← high "1" BTCN8 ← low "0" BTCN9 ← high "1" BTCN10 ← low "0" The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 222 → 22
0 → 238, 222 → 238 → 225, 222 → 220
→ 238 → 233 → 237, 238 → 236 + 220 →
226 → 225 and 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 →
It becomes 234 → 237.

[Mode 4 + Mode 5 (Mode 15)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← X BTCN2 ← high "1" BTCN3 ← high "1" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← low "0" BTCN6 ← low "0" BTCN7 ← high "1" BTCN8 ← low "0" BTCN9 ← low "0" BTCN10 ← high "1" The signal flow is 225 → 228 → 233 → 237, 22
5 → 226 → 234 → 237, 225 → 226 + 228
→ 234 + 233 → 220 → 238 and 225 → 226
→ 234 → 236 → 238.

[Mode 6 + Mode 7 (Mode 16)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← high "1" BTCN2 ← X BTCN3 ← low "0" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← high "1" BTCN6 ← low "0" BTCN7 ← Low “0” BTCN8 ← High “1” BTCN9 ← X BTCN10 ← High “1” The signal flow is 237 → 233 → 228 → 225, 23.
7 → 234 → 226 → 225, 237 → 233 + 234
→ 220 → 238 and 237 → 234 → 236 → 238
Becomes

[Mode 8 + Mode 9 (Mode 17)] BTCN0 ← low "0" BTCN1 ← low "0" BTCN2 ← low "0" BTCN3 ← low "0" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← X BTCN6 ← X BTCN7 ← high “1” BTCN8 ← X BTCN9 ← high “1” BTCN10 ← low “0” The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 238 → 22.
8 → 225 and 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 22
It becomes 5.

[Mode 9 + Mode 10 (Mode 18)] BTCN0 ← Low "0" BTCN1 ← Low "0" BTCN2 ← Low "0" BTCN3 ← X BTCN4 ← High "1" BTCN5 ← Low "0" BTCN6 ← Low " 0 ”BTCN7 ← high“ 1 ”BTCN8 ← low“ 0 ”BTCN9 ← high“ 1 ”BTCN10 ← low“ 0 ”The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 238 → 22.
0 → 222, 238 → 228 → 233 → 237 and 23
8 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 210.

[Mode 9 + Mode 10 (Mode 19)] BTCN0 ← X BTCN1 ← high "1" BTCN2 ← X BTCN3 ← low "0" BTCN4 ← low "0" BTCN5 ← low "0" BTCN6 ← low "0" BTCN7 ← high “1” BTCN8 ← low “0” BTCN9 ← high “1” BTCN10 ← low “0” The signal flow is 238 → 228 → 225, 238 → 22.
8 → 233 → 237, 238 → 220 + 236 → 22
6 → 225 and 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 23
It becomes 4 → 237.

[Mode 8 + Mode 9 + Mode 10 (Mode 20)] BTCN0 ← Low "0" BTCN1 ← Low "0" BTCN2 ← Low "0" BTCN3 ← Low "0" BTCN4 ← Low "0" BTCN5 ← Low "0" BTCN6 ← low "0" BTCN7 ← high "1" BTCN8 ← low "0" BTCN9 ← high "1" BTCN10 ← low "0" The signal flow is 238 → 219 → 221, 238 → 22
0 → 222, 238 → 228 → 225, 238 → 228
→ 233 → 237, 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 →
225 and 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 →
It becomes 237.

FIG. 6 shows a system connection form of the digital copying machine of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a "double connection system").

1001, 1002, 1003, 1004
Are all one set of digital copying machines (hereinafter, this one set is called one station), each having a system address. This system address is not the same when connected as a multiple system, and it is necessary that the station with address 0 always exists. Also, the connection order of the system addresses is determined in order to switch the video signals. In this embodiment, the station with the address 0 is placed at the end, and the system address is sequentially increased from there. 1005 ・ 1006 ・ 100
Reference numeral 7 is a cable for connecting the multiplex system, the content of which is a cable for RGB video signals as indicated by 1010, and the content of which is an RGB video signal line 24 as indicated by 1010. Book, video control line 3
Includes a book and four serial communication lines. An interface device 1008 connects these digital copying machines and a general computer 1009.

Further, FIG. 7 shows a connection form of video signals in the system.

1101, 1102, 1103, 1104
Are the stations 1001, 1002, ...
Only the interface portion of 1003 and 1004 is extracted. Each interface unit in FIG. 6 is a diagram in which FIG. 2 is simplified. Cable 1105
1106 and 1107 include RGB video signal lines 24
A book and three video control lines are included.

As described above, in the present implementation system, contact points with other stations (1 and 2 of each I / F section)
The system address is such that a station having an address lower than itself is connected to the contact 1 and a station having an address higher than itself is connected to the contact 2. By the way, if the above relationship is maintained, inconvenience does not occur even if the system addresses are not necessarily continuous.

FIG. 8 shows the connection form of serial communication lines in the system.

Reference numerals 1201, 1202 and 1203 are extracted from only the interface parts in the respective stations 1001, 1002 and 1003 of FIG. The signal line for serial communication is ATN * (1207).
SiD * (1206) / DACK * (1205) / OF
There are four FER * (1204). ATN * is a synchronization signal indicating that data is being transferred from the master station (defined as system address 0) of the multiplex system, and data transfer is performed when ATN * = Low. Stations other than the master station (hereafter
The ATN * line is always an input in a slave station). OFFER * is OFFER * = Low when the slave station transmits data to the master station, and is always input at the master station. The slave stations are connected by wired OR. DAC
K * is a signal indicating that data reception is completed on the data receiving side, and the stations are connected by wired OR. Therefore, if there are multiple stations on the receiving side, the station with the latest data reception is DACK.
When * is made inactive, DACK * on the line becomes inactive. This synchronizes the data transfer between stations. SiD * is bidirectional serial data, ATN * (master → slave),
Data is exchanged in synchronization with OFFER * (slave → master). The data transfer method is a half-duplex start-stop synchronization method, and the baud rate and data format are preset at system startup. Interface part (1201
・ 1202 ・ 1203) has eight signal lines from the controller of each station, and TxD / R
xD is ATNo for each transmission / reception of serial communication
・ DACKo and OFFERo are connected to the input I / O port.
ATNi / DACKi / OFFERi are respectively connected to the output I / O ports. FIG. 9 shows a timing chart of each signal during data transmission.

When a multiple system is constructed using the interface having the above-described structure, communication is performed via the above-mentioned serial communication line. The main commands used at that time are shown in FIG. .

The interface clear command is for resetting the parameters related to the multiplex system, and is issued by the master station whose system address is defined as 0 after the initialization of itself is completed and turned off.
Fix ER * to input. Receiving this command, each slave station fixes ATN * as an input and initializes internal parameters.

The status request command is a polling command for collecting information such as the status of the slaves connected to the serial system. After the master station issues the interface clear command, the status request command is issued to each slave after a certain period of time. To be done. This command includes a request destination address for specifying the slave as a parameter.

The status transfer command is a command for the slave specified by the previous status request command to report its own status to each station in the multiplex system. This command must be issued within a certain period of time when the master station nominates it. This command includes its own system address, various flags indicating whether or not there is an error, waiting or copying, and parameters such as the type of paper and the presence or absence of paper.

If the slave appointed by the status request command from the master station does not issue the status transfer command even after a certain period of time, the master station is the one whose nominated slave station is not connected in the cascade system. To judge.

The print start command specifies which station the image transfer station uses, how the number of sheets is distributed to each station used, and the like. This is a command to prepare for. This command includes image transfer source address, request address, paper size, number of sheets, etc. as parameters.

The image transfer end command is used by the image transfer source station to report the end of image transfer to another station.

First, the procedure for outputting a document image placed on the document table of one reader using a multiple system from a plurality of printers will be described.

(Procedure for image output) As shown in FIG.
Four stations C and D are connected to the multiplex system, and a single-sided document for 16 pages is placed on the document feeder unit 35200 on the reader unit document table of station A, and 200 pages of each page are copied. I shall.

After operating the reader unit operation panel of station A and confirming that the stations of B, C, D can be used without any further, output should be performed using all stations of A, B, C, D. Set to, and the number of copies = 200
Set the number of sheets. When the copy start key of station A is pressed, station A distributes the set number of copies to each station and issues a print start command to all stations.

Upon receiving this print start command, the B, C, and D stations set parameters such as the number of copies and the paper size that come with this command, and the system address of the issuer of this command and itself. The video signal is switched based on the system address of the device, and the control for writing to its own image memory is controlled by the VIDEO control line (VCLK, HSY) on the I / F.
NC, VE) and enters a state of waiting for an image signal.

Station A, on the other hand, makes settings for image reading, and switches so that the control signal for writing to its own image memory is also output to the VIDEO control line on the I / F, and image reading is performed. Start operation. B
-The stations of C and D use the control signals from station A to write to their respective image memories. When the image reading operation of the station A is completed, the image transfer end command is issued from the station A, and the stations A, B, C, and D enter the printout operation.

By following the same procedure, A ・ B ・
Even when a document is placed on the reader platen of any of the C and D stations, it is possible to obtain output using a plurality of stations by operating the operation panel on that station.

Next, a procedure for outputting the output from the host connected to one station connected to the multiplex system via the external I / F device such as an IPU using a plurality of stations will be described. .

The states of all the stations connected to the multi-link system are the external I / F device 1008 (hereinafter, IPU).
(Referred to as “call”). By operating the host computer 1009, the station to be used, the number of copies, the paper, etc. are set according to the state of the cascade system, and the output image is transferred to the IPU. The IPU notifies the station (station A in this case) 1001 to which these settings are connected. Upon receiving this notification, the station 1001 issues a print start command to the other stations used.

The station receiving the print start command enters the image signal waiting state by following the same procedure as in the case of outputting the original on the original table. The station 1001 to which the IPU is connected switches the video signal to the mode of “input from IPU” and “output to other station”, and then issues a command to the IPU to send an image. V used for image reading from IPU and image writing of remaining stations
The entire control of the system is performed by using the IDEO control signal generated by the station 1001 to which the IPU is connected. Therefore, the image data read from the IPU is simultaneously written in the image memory of the station 1001 and the image memory of another station. After writing the image, the station 1001 issues an image transfer end command,
The printout operation is started at each station.

In any of the above cases, the print start command is issued to the stations not selected when the station to be used is selected.
In this case, it is conceivable that a means such as “determine that the print start command including the number of copies 0 is not selected” is effective. By doing so, it becomes possible to switch the I / F unit even in a station that has not been selected so that the image signal reaches the target station. Since the start request source address is included in the print start command, it is possible to judge how to switch the I / F section by comparing it with the address of the print start command.

Further, when copying locally (meaning that other stations are not used together) at one certain station connected in the multiplex system, an interrupt is generated by serial communication in the multiplex system. If it is a master station, it issues its own status transfer command and status request command for each slave station at regular intervals, and if it is a slave station, its own status transfer command Set to issue only every fixed time. This prevents unnecessary interrupt processing during copying, and
It is possible to inform other stations of their own status. When the local copy is completed, the interrupt processing by serial communication in the multiplex system is permitted again, and the processing returns to the processing of issuing the status transfer command in response to the status request command issued by the master station.

The above description is a detailed description of the case where the same image is printed out by using all the stations A, B, C and D. That is, this is a case where Ns = 4 stations are operated as a multiplex system that is integrated into one group, but the number of stations that can be integrated into one group is arbitrary. Therefore, in general, the first G1 of Ns (Ns ≧ 2) stations is
Group to specify multiple groups for continuous operation, and the remaining (Ns-G
1) G2 stations out of the stations are designated as a second group, similarly grouped in sequence, and the Gm stations remaining at the end are designated as an mth group, and divided into m groups. A system capable of executing m kinds of image outputs in parallel can be provided by performing the double operation. Of course, it is not necessary to group all Ns stations. It is also useful to divide a part of the Ns stations into one or a plurality of groups, operate in multiple groups for each group, and operate the remaining stations independently without grouping.

Below, a detailed description will be given of the case where the group operation is performed in the multiplex system. <Regarding Operation Unit> FIG. 500 shows the appearance of the operation panel. Reference numeral 50000 is a numeric key, 50001 is a copy start key, 50002 is a stop key, 50003 is a preheat key, and 50005 is a display unit such as liquid crystal display means.

Hereinafter, with reference to the state transition diagram of FIG. 16, display and internal state transition when a key input or a command input is made in the copying machine will be described. In addition, the state of FIG.
It starts from the state of the basic screen 35100.

FIG. 12 shows the basic screen (50401) of the display section.
Indicates. As the respective displays on the basic screen, 50101 indicates the apparatus state, 50102 indicates the number of copies, 50103 indicates the set value of the copy size, 50104 indicates each setting value of the copy magnification, and 50105 is the touch key in the multiplex mode. FIG.
3 is the multiple station setting screen (504
02) An example is shown. FIG. 14 shows a legend of the duplicate station setting key. Regarding the stations connected in cascade, the station settable display (50303) is shown as a touch key 50301, and the station A is shown as a station number 1 (50302). Similarly,
Stations B, C and D are station numbers 2, 3, 4
Indicated as. Stations with duplicate stations set display 503
04, unconnected station display is 50305, the selected print paper size (example: B5 size) is paper-free station display is 50307, error, jam, toner-free station display is 50308, job executing station display Is shown as 50309.
When a job is being executed, a touch key is displayed to set multiple stations, and new settings are not accepted. Also,
When the automatic cascading key 50206 is selected, all stations connected in cascading are set to one group in cascading (state 35111).

Now, as shown in FIG. 6, four stations A, B, C, and D are connected to the multi-row system, and the originals are placed on the respective reader section original plates of the stations A and C. Suppose In the operation part of station A,
The number key 50000 is pressed to set the number of copies (state 35101), and the basic screen 50401 of station A is displayed.
In (state 35100), the multiple station mode is selected, and the connection state, multiple station setting state, and device state of each station are confirmed on the multiple station setting screen. That is, when the multiple station mode key 50105 on the reader unit operation panel of station A is pressed, the multiple station setting screen 50402 is displayed (state 35102). Then, the status of 18 stations is displayed, of which stations A, B,
C and D are station numbers 1, 2, 3, on the touch keys.
Displayed as 4. For example, the touch key 50202 indicates that the station B is in a state in which multiple stations can be set. Similarly, stations A, C, and D are also in a state in which multiple stations can be set. In addition, station A ~
It is confirmed that stations other than D are not connected.
In addition, if the setting clear key 50204 is pressed, the overlapped setting can be cleared.

The keys of the station numbers 1 and 2 are settable station display 50303, and after confirming that the station A and station B can be set without any abnormality, the group key 50205 is pressed.
It is determined whether or not there is a station that has already been set to multiple stations (state 351
04), when the group key image is pressed, if there is no station for which duplicated lines have already been set, as shown in FIG. 502, it is automatically set as group 1 (state 3510).
7) Display the multiple station setting list (state 35105) and press the station touch key (state 35108). That is,
The stations selected as candidates are displayed on the group setting list as well as the touch keys blinking. By pressing the touch keys of the station numbers 1 and 2 and displaying them in a blinking manner, it is possible to easily confirm that the station image station numbers 1 and 2 are to be grouped. When the setting end key 50203 is pressed after confirming that there is no input error, the multiple station setting is completed so that the stations of A and B are output as the group 1, and the multiple station setting screen is returned (state 35102). .

When the setting is completed, the display of the touch keys of the station numbers 1 and 2 returns from the blinking display to the continuous lighting and the set station display 50304 is displayed, which makes it easy to confirm which station has been set.

After the completion of the multiple station setting, the setting end key 50 is again displayed on the multiple station setting screen (state 35102).
When 203 is pressed, the screen returns to the basic screen 50401 of FIG.
However, the continuous mode key 50105 is 50601 (see FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the station A is highlighted and indicates that the station A is set to overlap. Further, the screen 50101 showing the apparatus state shows that the continuous copy operation is possible as in the case of the numeral 50405b (FIG. 15B).

When the copy start key of the station A is pressed, the copy operation is started (state 35109). That is, the station A distributes the set number of copies to the stations A and B, and issues a print start command to the station B. Upon receiving this print start command, station B sets parameters such as the number of copies and paper size that come with this command, and based on the system address of the issuer of this command and its own system address, the video signal is sent. And the control for writing to its own image memory is controlled by the VIDEO control line (VCLK, H) on the I / F.
Switch to SYNC, VE) and enter the state of waiting for an image signal. On the other hand, station A makes settings for image reading, switches so that the control signal for writing to its own image memory is also output to the VIDEO control line on the I / F, and starts the image reading operation. To do. The station B uses the control signal output from the station A to write to each image memory. When the image reading operation of the station A is completed, the image transfer end command is issued from the station A, and the stations A and B start the printout operation.

In this way, when there is a preset station, in the scanning section of station C, the numeric key 500
Press 00 to set the number of copies (state 35101),
Station C basic screen 50401 (state 3510
Select the multiple station mode in 0) and check the connection status, multiple station setting status, and device status of each station on the multiple station setting screen. That is, when the multiple station mode key 50105 on the reader unit operation panel of the station C is pressed, the multiple station setting screen 50402 is displayed. (State 3510
2) Then, when the group key is pressed, a list of already set group numbers and station numbers belonging to each group is displayed (state 35105). Then, a new group number is input (state 35106), and the setting end key 502
After pressing 03, the touch key of the station to be assigned to the group number is pressed (state 35108). For example, by inputting the already set group number 1 and then pressing the touch key of the station, a station belonging to the group can be added. Also, a new group can be added by inputting a group number that has not been set yet. That is, when the group key is pressed, it is confirmed that the station numbers 1 and 2 belong to the group 1 by the setting list display, and the touch keys of the station numbers 1 and 2 are the job executing station display 50309, It is similarly confirmed that the multiple copy operation is currently being performed. Therefore, enter the new group number 2 and set the station numbers 3 and 4 that can be set in duplicate.
Is input to make the stations C and D belong to the group 2 and the setting end key is pressed to end the multiple station setting and return to the multiple station setting screen (state 35102).

As described above, four stations can be divided into groups 1 and 2 and can be set in duplicate.

Of the series of serial copy operations of group 1, while the image signals of the original placed at station A are being stored in the image memories of stations A and C, the I / I for serial connection is connected. Since F is occupied for image transfer, the image signal of the original placed at station C cannot be transferred to the image memories of stations C and D. Therefore,
In the operation section of the station C, even if the copy start key is pressed after the completion of the group 2 overlapping setting, a series of copying operations are immediately performed on the stations of the group 2, that is, the image signals to the image memories of the stations C and D are transferred. No transfer is done. For example, after the image reading operation of the station A is completed, the storage of the image signal in the image memory of each station of the group 1 is completed, and the image transfer end command is issued from the station A,
The multiple copy operation of group 2 is started (state 351).
09). That is, the station C distributes the set number of copies to the C / D stations and issues a print start command to the station D. Thereafter, the duplicate copy operation is executed in the group 2 as well as the duplicate copy operation in the group 1.

Upon receiving this print start command, station D sets parameters such as the number of copies and paper size that come with this command, and determines the system address of the issuer of this command and its own system address. The video signal is switched to and the control for writing to its own image memory is performed by I / O.
VIDEO control line on F (VCLK, HSYNC, V
Switch to E) and enter the state of waiting for an image signal. Station C, on the other hand, makes settings for image reading, switches so that the control signal for writing to its own image memory also appears on the VIDEO control line on the I / F, and starts the image reading operation. To do. The station D uses the control signal issued by the station C to write in each image memory. When the image reading operation of the station C is completed, an image transfer end command is issued from the station C, and the stations of the stations C and D start the printout operation.

As described above, four stations can be divided into groups 1 and 2 and duplicated copying can be performed.

By following the same procedure, A ・ B ・
Even when the document is placed on the reader platen of any of the C and D stations, it is possible to obtain an output using a plurality of stations divided into a plurality of groups by operating the operation panel on that station.

The operation of the multi-spindle system using the group operation mode together has been described above. Next, for simplification, in a multi-strip system having four stations as one group, a 16-page original image is displayed. An example will be described in which 200 pages are copied for each page. Of course, in a multiplex system consisting of arbitrary stations, the pages may be divided into arbitrary groups, and the page allocation mode of the present invention may be used together with arbitrary groups.

FIG. 17 shows a timing chart in the case of copying a document of a plurality of pages by the conventional multiplex system.

FIG. 18 shows the multiple link system of the present invention.
7 shows a timing chart when copying a document of a plurality of pages by allocating a machine to each page.

In the conventional multiple station system, for example, when the automatic multiple station key 50206 is selected on the multiple station setting screen (50402) of the station A, all the stations A to D connected in multiple groups are regarded as one group 1. Double operation is set. Documents for 16 pages are set in the document feeder 3531 of the reader unit of the station A. The document feeder 353 is a known option that automatically conveys a document to the document reading area of the reader unit 351.

The number of copies "200" is set by the number keys on the operation panel, and the copy start key 5000
When you press 1, the number of copies at each station is "50"
Is set to Next, the original on the first page is conveyed to the original reading area, the image of the original is read, and the original image data on the first page is subsequently sent to stations B to D {FIG. 17- (1)}. In each of the stations A to D, 50 pages of the original image of the first page are copied (FIG. 17-).

After copying 50 sheets at each station, the original feeder 353 of the station A returns the original of the first page to the original feeder, and the original of the second page is conveyed to the original reading area, Image is read, and subsequently, the original image data of the first page is sent to stations B to D {FIG. 17- (2)}.

In the same manner, document reading and image data transmission up to the document of the 16th page, and copy operation in each station are performed in the same manner.

The total copy time Ttotal 1 in the conventional multiplex system is given by the following equation.

Ttotal1 = Ts + X × {Tv + (Y / N) × Tc} (1) = Ttr1 + Tcp1 Ts: Preparation time at the start of copying X: Number of original pages Tv: Time for image reading and image data transfer (original feeder operation Y): The number of copies of each original N: The number of stations that are set in series Tc: Copy time per sheet Ttr1: Total time of original reading and image data transmission Ttr1 = Ts + X × Tv (2) Tcp1: Printer section Total time of copy operation in Tcp1 = X × (Y / N) × Tc (3) Now, the number of original pages X = 16, the number of copies of each original Y =
200, the number of stations set to multiple stations N = 4,
Figure 1 shows the time required for reading the original and transmitting the image data.
It becomes the total time Ttr1 of 7- (1) to (16), which requires a lot of time. From Equation 2, Ttr1 = Ts + 16 × Tv (4) Further, the copy operation time in the printer unit is as shown in FIG.
○ 16 is the total time Tcp1. From Expression 3, Tcp1 = 16 × 50 × Tc = 800 × Tc (5) In the above Expressions 1 to 5, the ratio of N, X, and Y is assumed to be an integer ratio for simplification of description. If the ratio is not an integer, the surplus copy output number may be assigned to a predetermined station.

Now, when copying a large number of pages of a document, the main feature of the present invention is to distribute and operate the machine for each page. An embodiment will be described below.

On the station setting screen (50402) of station A, the automatic station key 50206
Is selected, all the stations A to D connected in the cascade are set as the group 1 in the cascade operation (state 35).
111).

Next, page allocation setting key 35000
When is pressed, the page distribution setting screen (3530
0), and the automatic distribution key 35301 and the manual distribution key 35302 are displayed. Auto sort 35301
When is pressed, the auto sort key is highlighted, indicating that the auto sort mode has been set.

Documents for 16 pages are set in the document feeder 3531 of the reader section of the station A. When a document is set on the document feeder as in the present embodiment, the number of copies "20" is set by the number key on the operation panel.
When "0" is set and the copy start key 50001 is pressed, the number of copies at each station is set to "200". The number of pages of the document set in the document feeder is automatically detected by a known technique. Then, the number of original pages is set to 16. Next, the first page of the original is conveyed to the original reading area, the original image is read (FIG. 18- (1)), and all stations A to D are automatically operated. The page allocation mode is set to 1. That is, the first page of the original is read, and the printing operation is started at station A to copy 200 sheets of the first page of the original {FIG. 18-}.

Subsequently, the original document feeder at station A returns the first page of the original document onto the original document feeder, conveys the fifth original document to the original document reading area, starts reading the original image, and goes to station B. The document image data of the page is sent {FIG. 18- (5)}. At station B, the fifth page of the original image is copied 200 sheets {FIG. 18-}.

In the same manner, document reading and image data transmission up to the 16th page document and copying operation at each station are performed in the same manner. Eventually, Station A: 1, 20, 3, 4 each on the 20th page
0 sheets Station B: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th page ranking 20 each
0 sheets Station C: 200 sheets for each of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th pages of the station Station D: 200 sheets for each of the 20th sheets of the order of the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th pages.

As the initial setting of page allocation, station A: 1, 5, 9, and 13 for page rank 2 each
00 sheets Station B: Ranks of pages 2, 6, 10, 14 each 200 sheets Station C: Ranks of pages 3, 7, 11, 15 pages 200 sheets each: Station D: Ranks of pages 4, 8, 12, 16 You may set it as 200 sheets each. In this case, since the images may be sequentially transferred to each station in the order of pages of the document set on the document feeder, the document feeder operation time can be shortened.

The total copy time Ttotal2 in the multiplex system of this embodiment is given by the following equation.

Ttotal 2 = Ts + {(X / N) + (N−1)} × Tv + (X / N) × Y × Tc = Ttr2 + Tcp2 = Ttr2 + Tcp1 (6) Ttr2: Total time of original reading and image data transmission Ttr2 = Ts + {(X / N) + (N-1)} * Tv (7) Tcp2: total time of copying operation in the printer unit Tcp2 = (Y / N) * X * Tc (8) = Tcp1 (From Formula 3) From Formula 7, Ttr2 = Ts + {(16/4) + (4-1)} × Tv = Ts + 7 × Tv (9) The above Formulas 6 to 9 are N for simplification of description. , X, Y ratio is an integer ratio. If the ratio is not an integer, the surplus copy output number may be assigned to a predetermined station.

The difference ΔTtotal between the total copy times of the conventional example and this example is given by the following equation.

ΔTtotal = Ttr1−Ttr2 = {(N−1) (X−N) / N} × Tv (10) = 9 × Tv (11) Therefore, it can be seen from the equation (11) and FIGS. As described above, in the case of the present embodiment, the total copy time can be shortened by ΔT4 = ΔTtatal = 9 × Tv.

Original page number X-16, station number N
= 4 is taken as an example. Similarly, when X = 20 and N = 4, ΔTtotal = 12 × Tv X = 24, and when N = 4, ΔTtotal = 15 × Tv. As the number increases, the total copy time can be greatly shortened.

When the number of original pages is equal to the number of stations, ΔTtotal = 0 at X = N = 4, and the total copy time becomes equal.

Further, when the number of stations is larger than the number of original pages, for example, ΔT total <0 when X = 3 and N = 4, and in the distribution mode of the present embodiment, the total copy time becomes longer.

Thus, in terms of shortening the total copy time, this embodiment is more effective as the number of original pages is larger than the number of stations. As described above, it is possible to sort the number of original pages and the number of stations.

Further, in the conventional tandem system, only the mode of simultaneously copying the original image of the same page can be provided regardless of the number of stations connected in tandem. However, according to the present invention, Can provide a flexible operation mode.

[0116]

[Embodiment 2] Next, as another embodiment, outputs from a host computer connected via an external I / F device such as a station IPU connected to a multiplex system are output to a plurality of stations using a plurality of stations. A procedure for outputting a group as a series will be described. For simplification of description, as in the first embodiment, the first host computer 1009 and the station 10 connected as a group 1 via a first external I / F device (hereinafter referred to as IPU) 1008.
A case where 01, 1002, 1003, and 1004 (hereinafter referred to as stations A, B, C, and D) belong will be described. The number of pages of original image data sent from the host is 16 and the number of copies of each page is 200.

The statuses of all the stations connected to the multiplex system are totalized in the host computer 1009 via the external I / F device 1008. Now, by operating the host computer 1009, according to the state of the multiplex system, there is station auto-sorting used as group 1, the number of copies, sheets, etc. are set, and the image data of the first page is transferred to the IPU 1008. IPU1
008 informs the connected station (station A in this case) of these settings. Upon receiving this notification, the station A issues a print start command to the other stations B to D to be used. That is, the station A stores the image data of the first page in the image memory of the station A, and does not store the image data of the first page in the stations B to D according to the received setting of the automatic distribution. The print start command is issued to the stations that were not selected during the operation of selecting the station to be used. In this case, it is considered that a means such as “determine that the print start command including the number of copies 0 is not selected” is effective. By doing so, it becomes possible to switch the I / F unit even in a station that has not been selected so that the image signal reaches the target station. Since the start request source address is included in the print start command, it is possible to determine how to switch the I / F section by comparing it with the address of the printer itself.

The station receiving the print start command enters the image signal waiting state by following the same procedure as the case of outputting the original on the original table. IPU1
Station A to which 008 is connected switches the video signal to the mode of “input from IPU” and “output to other station”, and then issues a command to IPU1008 to send the image of the first page. Issue. I
The VIDEO control signals used for image reading from the PU 1008 and image writing for the remaining stations are all generated by the station A to which the IPU 1008 is connected to control the entire system. Therefore, the image data read from the IPU 1008 is
It is written in the image memory of station A. After writing the image, the station A issues an image transfer end command {FIG. 18- (1)}, and the station A starts the printout operation of the image data of the first page {FIG. 18-}.

Next, the station A receives the IPU 1008.
A command is issued so as to send the image of the fifth page. At this time, the image data of the fifth page read from the IPU 1008 is stored in the image memory of the station B as it is without being stored in the image memory of the station A. After image writing, station B issues an image transfer end command {FIG. 18- (5)}, and station B starts printing out the image data of the fifth page {FIG. 18-}.

In the same manner, document reading and image data transmission up to the 16th page document and copying operation at each station are performed in the same manner. Eventually, Station A: 1, 20, 3, 4 each on the 20th page
0 sheets Station B: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th page ranking 20 each
0 sheets Station C: 200 sheets for each of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th pages of the station Station D: 200 sheets for each of the 20th sheets of the order of the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th pages Of course, when all the stations are in operation, the image data of the next page can be transferred after any one or more stations are in the standby state.

The page order of the document image data sent from the host computer may be arbitrary. The page order may be set on the host computer side.
The page number information may be sent from station A to the host computer via U1008.

As described above, in the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a system capable of distributing the image printer operation in the same manner as in the first embodiment when copying and outputting the images of a plurality of pages sent from the host computer. Showed a thing.

In terms of shortening the total copy time, it is more effective in the present embodiment as well when the number of original pages is larger than the number of stations.

[0124]

[Third Embodiment] As a third embodiment, a double-sided copy output to which a sorting operation in a multi-strip system is applied will be described. When copying a large number of pages of a document, the main feature of this embodiment is to divide the machine into pages and operate the machines, which will be described in detail below.

For simplification, as in the first embodiment, a case where a 16-page single-sided original image is copied in a multiplex system having four stations as one group will be described as an example. However, even if 200 copies are made for double-sided copying, the copy output is 100 sheets.

Basic screen of station A (FIG. 21: 35
When the double-sided setting key 35501 is pressed in 500), the double-sided setting screen (FIG. 22: 35600) is displayed. If the double-sided mode 1 key 35601 is pressed and the single-sided original → double-sided copy mode (mode 1) is selected, the double-sided mode 1 key 3
5601 is highlighted and it is confirmed that it has been set. At the end of double-sided setting, press the setting end key 50203 to return to the basic screen (35500) and set the double-sided setting key 355.
01 is highlighted and it is confirmed that the station A has been set to the double-sided mode. Also, the setting clear key 50
By pressing 204, the double-sided setting can be canceled.

Next, the basic screen of station A (see FIG. 2)
1: 35500), and the automatic station key 50206 is selected on the station station setting screen (50402) by pressing the station setting key 50105. The operation is set (state 35111).

Next, when the page allocation setting key 35000 is pressed, the page allocation setting screen (35300) of FIG. 19 is displayed, and the automatic allocation key 35301 and the manual allocation key 3
5302 is displayed. When the auto sort key 35301 is pressed, the auto sort key is highlighted so that the auto sort mode has been set (FIG. 20). Also, by pressing the setting clear key 50204, it is possible to cancel the multiplex setting.
When the setting end key 50203 is pressed, the basic screen 35500
Return to

Documents for 16 pages are set in the document feeder 3531 of the reader section of the station A. When a document is set on the document feeder as in the present embodiment, the number of copies "20" is set by the number key on the operation panel.
When "0" is set and the copy start key 50001 is pressed, the number of copies at each station is set to "200". The number of pages of the document set in the document feeder is automatically detected by a known technique, The number of original pages is set to 16. Next, the first page of the original is conveyed to the original reading area, the original image is read (FIG. 18- (1)), and all stations A to D automatically set the pages. The sorting mode is set, that is, the image of the first page of the original is read, and the printing operation is started in station A to copy 200 sheets of the first page of the original {FIG. 18-}.

Subsequently, the document feeder at station A returns the first page of the document to the document feeder, conveys the fifth document to the document reading area, starts reading the document image, and goes to station B. The document image data of the page is sent {FIG. 18- (5)}. At station B, the fifth page of the original image is copied 200 sheets {FIG. 18-}.

In the same manner, document reading and image data transmission up to the document of the 16th page, and copy operation in each station are performed in the same manner. After all, Station A: 200 pages each in order of the 1st, 2nd page (front / back), 3rd and 4th page (front / back) Station B: 5th, 6th page (front / back), 7th, 8th page 200 sheets each in order of (front / back) Station C: 9, 10th page (front / back), 11,
200 pages each in order of 12th page (front / back) Station D: 13, 14th page (front / back), 1
The 5th and 16th pages (front / back) are copied in the order of 200 sheets each.

When the copy start key of the station A is pressed, the operation section display screen of the stations A to D becomes the double operation screen (FIG. 23: 35700).
Since 0105, 35501, and 35701 are highlighted, it can be confirmed that the operation is being performed in the double-sided setting mode and the multiplex setting mode.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

As described above, according to the present invention,
Forming a predetermined group of a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
It is possible to provide an image forming system that forms an image in group units, and for example, to build a system with flexible expandability that can change the number of system constituents as needed, and to configure one or more groups. By organizing and performing group operations, it is effective to operate the entire system efficiently.

Further, it is possible to efficiently output a large number of original images in a copy while improving the operability.

In particular, when the number of pages of the original image is large, the effect of shortening the total copy time is great.

Also, when printing image data consisting of a plurality of pages, there is a mode in which the printing operation is distributed to a predetermined group in a predetermined self-order for each page, and
This function can be provided by a simple operation.

When printing the data of a double-sided original consisting of a plurality of pages, the front and back pages are printed in a predetermined order.
It is possible to provide a mode in which the printing operation is distributed to a predetermined group and to provide such a function by a simple operation.

[0138]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital image processing unit in a reader that executes a multiplex system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an interface with the outside in a reader that executes a multiplex system.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a reader printer that executes a multiplex system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a polygon scanner in a printer that implements a duplex system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a bus selector in a reader that implements a duplex system.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a connection form of a multiplex system.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a connection form related to a video signal in the multiplex system.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a connection form of serial communication lines in a multiplex system.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart of each signal at the time of data transmission in serial communication in the multiplex system.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a main command system used in serial communication in a multiplex system.

FIG. 11 is an external view of an operation unit in the multiple link system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of display of an operation unit in the multiple link system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of an example of a multiple station setting screen in a multiple system.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a legend of a duplicate station key in the duplicate system.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an operation unit display during copying in the multiplex system.

FIG. 16 is a state transition diagram showing a sequence setting and distribution setting procedure in this embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a main timing diagram in the conventional multiple-connection system.

FIG. 18 is a main timing chart in the cascade system of the present embodiment.

19 is an example of a page allocation setting screen on the display unit in FIG.

FIG. 20 is an example of a multiplex setting screen on the display unit of FIG. 11.

21 is an example of a basic screen in Example 3 of the display unit in FIG. 11. FIG.

22 is an example of a double-sided setting screen in the third embodiment of the display unit in FIG.

FIG. 23 is an example of a screen during operation in the third embodiment of the display unit in FIG. 11.

[Explanation of symbols]

 351 Reader Unit 352 Printer Unit 353 Document Feeder 205 Interface Unit 123 Logarithmic Conversion Unit 106 Memory 107 Masking / UCR Unit 109 Gamma Correction Unit 110 Edge Enhancement Unit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image forming system comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses for forming an image formed on a page-by-page basis, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises at least a desired one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Grouping means for instructing the formation of a group by one image forming apparatus, sorting means for sorting the document images page by page among the devices in the group by the grouping means, and document images sorted by the sorting means And an output unit configured to print out a desired number of sheets. 2. The grouping means specifies a group so as to include at least one master station image forming apparatus and a desired number of slave station image forming apparatuses, and the allocating means specifies the master station. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the original image is distributed from the station to the slave station. 3. The image forming apparatus further comprises a mode specifying unit for selecting and specifying, for each group, whether the image forming apparatus operates individually or operates in a group for the group formed by the grouping unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: 4. Each of the image forming apparatuses further comprises a double-sided output unit for printing out a double-sided original consisting of a plurality of pages,
The sorting means, in a predetermined order for each front and back pages,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the original image is distributed to each device. 5. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus which is the master station further includes a document reading unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming system further comprises an external device connected to the master station, and the original image is sent from the external device to the master station. system. 7. An image forming apparatus which is connected to each other to form an image forming system, wherein grouping instruction means for grouping desired apparatuses among the image forming apparatuses connected to each other, and a manuscript image on a page thereof. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a distribution unit that distributes each device to each of the grouped devices, and an output unit that prints out a document image distributed by the distribution unit. 8. An image forming system comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses for forming images on a page-by-page basis, the grouping instructing means having a desired apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses as a group. Distribution means for allocating a document image to each image forming apparatus in the group for each page, and a document image distributed by the allocating means,
A master image forming apparatus having image transmitting means for transmitting to each image forming apparatus together with the number of pages to be output, receiving means for receiving the image transmitted by the image transmitting means and the number of output pages, and receiving by the receiving means. An image forming system comprising: a slave image forming apparatus having an output unit that prints and outputs the formed image for the number of received pages.