JPH0897959A - Network system for digital copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve the operability of the entire system and to reduce the time till copy is started by releasing a preheat mode of other digital copying machine in response to release of the preheat mode of a digital copying machine when the preheat mode function is provided. CONSTITUTION: Whether or not the condition of releasing the preheat mode is reached is discriminated (S1). Whether or not a concerned digital copying machine reaches the preheat state is discriminated (S2), and when the concerned machine reaches the preheat state, the preheat mode of the concerned machine is released (S3). Then a command requesting preheat processing is sent to other digital copying machine in the network (S4). When at least two digital copying machines in the network system have the preheat mode function decreasing the power consumption more than that of the standby state, the preheat mode of the other digital copying machine connecting to the own digital copying machine is released in response to the release of the preheat mode of the own digital copying machine by the preheat mode release means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network system of a digital copying machine, and more particularly, it can be applied to a network technology of a digital copying machine, and in particular, another digital copying machine can be used via a network. When making a copy, without going to another digital copying machine,
A digital copying machine that can cancel the preheated state of another digital copying machine on its own side, improve the operability of the entire system, and shorten the time to start copying. Regarding network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image forming system, a plurality of image signal output means for outputting image signals of an image scanner, a word processor, a personal computer and the like, and image signals output from the respective image signal output means. Based on the above, there has been proposed a system in which image forming means such as a plurality of printers for respectively forming image images and recording them on recording paper are combined.

Conventionally, a plurality of image signal output devices and a plurality of image forming devices are organically combined by each function such as recording, storage and communication of image information to freely access from any place to another place. An image processing system that can be performed is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-21190. This conventional image processing system includes a storage unit for storing at least one screen of image data received from an external device, and the image data received and stored in the storage unit is scanned with a beam on a recording material. To the recording means line by line via the bus line to the recording means on the basis of a line synchronization signal generated from the recording means in synchronism with
The image data received regardless of the recording operation speed of the recording device can be supplied to the recording device in accordance with the recording operation of the recording device and the beam By repeatedly scanning the recording material by using, there is an advantage that image recording based on image data received from an external device can be executed at high speed.

Conventionally, a digital copying apparatus which can be connected to a digital copying machine to increase the copying operation speed is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-304575. This conventional digital copying apparatus outputs a copying control signal and a digital image signal to a transmission cable to which another digital copying apparatus is connected, and causes the other digital copying apparatus to execute the same copying operation. One or both of means for inputting a copy control signal and a digital image signal of another digital copying apparatus from a transmission cable to which the digital copying apparatus is connected to execute the same copying operation as the other digital copying apparatus. With such a configuration, there is an advantage that one manuscript can be copied by a plurality of digital copying apparatuses by simple addition of hardware, and mass copying and copying work time can be shortened.

[0005]

However, in the conventional network system of the digital copying machine as described above, the purpose is to share the image data, and the auxiliary functions such as the preheating function of each digital copying machine are provided. Since it was not configured to interlock with each other, when copying using other digital copying machines via the network,
The condition must go to the other digital copying machine to release the preheating state of the other digital copying machine. For this reason,
There is a problem in that the operability of the entire system is deteriorated and it takes a long time to start copying.

In view of the above, according to the present invention, when a copy is made using another digital copying machine via a network, the preheating state of the other digital copying machine is automatically maintained without going to another digital copying machine. To provide a network system for a digital copying machine, which can be canceled on the digital copying machine side of the copying machine to improve the operability of the entire system and shorten the time until the start of copying. To do.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In a network system of a digital copying machine, wherein at least two or more digital copying machines are provided with communication means for communicating operation commands and image information, the power consumption of at least two or more digital copying machines in the network system. Is provided with a preheating mode function for lowering the preheating mode than that during standby, the preheating mode canceling means is provided for canceling the preheating mode of another digital copying machine in response to cancellation of the preheating mode of one digital copying machine. It is a thing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned first aspect of the invention, when the preheating mode is released in response to the release of the preheating mode of the other digital copying machine, an operation portion display corresponding to the release of the preheating mode is displayed. It is characterized by having an operation unit control means for controlling the operation unit so as not to perform it. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first and second aspects of the invention, when the own machine and other digital copying machines in the network system are not in use for a certain period of time, the preheating mode is automatically set It is characterized in that it has an automatic preheating mode shifting means for shifting to.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when at least two or more digital copying machines in the network system have a preheating mode function for lowering power consumption as compared with the standby mode, one digital copying is performed by the preheating mode releasing means. According to the release of the preheat mode of the machine, the preheat mode of another digital copying machine connected to this digital copying machine is released.

Therefore, when a copy is made using another digital copying machine connected to one digital copying machine via a network, the copy of one digital copying machine is not moved to another digital copying machine. According to the release of the preheat mode of the digital copying machine, the preheat mode of another digital copying machine can be released. Therefore, even when making a copy using another digital copying machine via the network, the preheating state is not canceled by resetting to the location of the other digital copying machine and automatically canceled on the digital copying machine side of the own machine. Therefore, the operability of the entire system can be improved, and the time until the start of copying can be shortened.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the preheating mode is released in response to the release of the preheating mode of another digital copying machine connected to one digital copying machine via the network, the preheating is performed by the operation unit control means. The operation unit is controlled so as not to display the operation unit corresponding to the mode release. Therefore, when the preheat is released by interlocking with another digital copying machine, the operation unit can be controlled so as not to display the operation unit corresponding to the preheat release. Therefore, it is possible to avoid displaying the operation section of the digital copying machine which is not operated by the operator (unnecessary display), so that useless power consumption can be suppressed.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the self-machine and other digital copying machines in the network system are not in use for a certain period of time, the automatic preheating mode shifting means automatically shifts to the preheating mode. To configure. For this reason, when another digital copying machine is in use, the automatic preheat mode transition function can be disabled so that the other digital copying machine that the digital copying machine in use is trying to use is in the preheating mode. Can be prevented. Therefore, the function and operability of the entire system can be efficiently improved, and the time until the start of copying can be efficiently shortened.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The terms commonly used in this embodiment will be described and defined below. First, the image reading device and the image reading unit will be described. An image reading device used in a digital copying machine has a function of irradiating a document with a light source, receiving reflected light reflected by the document, converting it into an electric signal by a solid-state image forming device (CCD), and performing necessary image processing. A device that has is used.

Here, necessary image processing includes processing such as quantization, shading correction, MTF correction, and scaling processing. Quantization is a process of converting analog data converted into an electric signal by the CCD into binary or multi-valued data, and shading correction is a process of correcting irradiation spots of a light source for irradiating a document and sensitivity variations of the CCD. Is. The MTF correction is a process for correcting blurring caused by the optical system, and the scaling process is a process for changing the image reading density and performing data interpolation using the read image data.

Next, the image forming apparatus and the image writing section will be described. An image forming apparatus or an image writing unit used in a digital copying machine is an apparatus for forming an image image sent by an electric signal on plain paper, thermal paper or the like by means of electrophotography, heat sensitive, thermal transfer, inkjet or the like. Next, the video signal and the image data will be described. The electric signal of the image converted by the image reading apparatus, the electric signal of the image input to the image forming apparatus, and the signal for synchronizing with the electric signal of the image are collectively expressed as a video signal or image data.

Next, control signals and commands will be described. An image reading device for video signals, an image forming device,
In order to exchange between applications, it is necessary to transfer information between devices. This means is expressed as control signal or command issue. Next, the extended function, application (hereinafter referred to as application), memory function and memory unit will be described. A major feature of digital copying machines is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is restored by an image forming apparatus. At this time, by having a means for variously changing and transmitting the read electrical signal,
It can be applied to fields other than conventional analog copying machines.

In addition to realizing the functions of FAX, page printer, scanner and file system,
Recently, even when the copying function is executed, the read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM, and the image data is read out as needed, so that a plurality of prints can be performed in one scan during a plurality of copies. Or
Alternatively, a function of printing a plurality of originals on one transfer sheet (hereinafter, referred to as a memory function) and the like are also realized. Functions that can be realized by these digital copier systems are expressed as extended functions or applications. In addition, in the present invention, the memory unit is also used as a buffering means at the time of transferring image data between machines on the network.

Next, the system controller and system will be described. When executing the copy mode, in order to form an image in the image writing section, paper conveyance processing, electrophotographic process processing, in-machine monitoring of abnormal status and paper feed cassette status (paper presence etc.), and image reading section Controllers that control the scanner operation, ON / OFF of the light source, and the like for reading an image are collectively referred to as a system controller.

Furthermore, recent digital copying machines are not only equipped with one extended function, but are also equipped with a plurality of applications simultaneously. In this way, a digital copying machine that shares one resource may be expressed as a system, and a controller that controls this system may be expressed as a system controller. Next, resources and resources will be described. A functional unit shared by multiple applications is expressed as a resource. The system controller described above controls the system in units of this resource. The resources managed by the digital copying machine of this embodiment are the image reading device, the image forming device, the operation unit, the memory, and the peripheral devices (ADF, sorter, automatic duplex unit, etc.).
Etc.

Next, user restrictions will be described. In particular, a copying machine using an electrophotographic process consumes a large amount of money, and thus it may not be desired to permit unlimited use. At this time, in order to identify, limit, and manage the user, a user-restricted device such as a coin rack, a key counter, a key card, a prepaid card, or a personal identification code is used.
Next, the user setting will be described. When the system becomes complicated, it is necessary to support each user individually. It is practically difficult to satisfy all of these measures at the time of factory shipment, and therefore it is indispensable to take measures in the market. Therefore, normally, a nonvolatile RAM is installed and system setting is performed according to a user's request, but this function is referred to as user setting.

Next, the idle state will be described. A state in which no user operation is performed for a certain period of time is referred to as an idle state, and other states are referred to as a busy state. The time from the busy state to the idle state can be set by the user. For example, not only during the copying operation, but also after the copying operation ends, if the user's non-operation state does not continue for a certain period, the state does not shift to the idle state.

Next, the human body detection sensor will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor 1 includes an infrared light emitting diode, an optical system that limits the emission of infrared rays in a certain direction, and an infrared light receiving sensor that detects reflected light of emitted infrared rays, and an object (operator) within a certain distance from the sensor. Is detected, and a signal is sent to the main body control plate 2.

Further, a detection distance changeover switch is provided inside the human body detection sensor 1, and the detection distance can be changed over in two steps. By arranging the human body detection sensor 1 on the front surface of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to confirm whether or not an operator is in front of the apparatus. Next, the weekly timer will be described. Weekly timer matches the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week,
It means the function to turn on / off the power. In order to perform this function, it is necessary to perform an operation for adjusting the time of the clock module and an operation for setting an ON / OFF time for each day of the week. The operation will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the power supply system. In the power supply unit 3, a light load constant voltage V _L such as a CPU and various sensors generated from a commercial power source and a heavy load constant voltage V _H such as a motor, a clutch, and a heater are supplied to each unit. However, the clock IC and RAM (not shown)
The backup power supply is connected when the commercial power supply is cut off. The relay driver 4 is a solid-state relay (SSR) 5 inserted in the supply line of the light load constant voltage V _L of the power supply unit 3 in response to an instruction from the main body control plate 2.
a and a solid state relay 5b inserted in the supply line of the heavy load constant voltage power source V _H are independently activated / activated.
Turn off. The main body side realizes an automatic power ON / OFF function by a weekly timer or the like by deactivating only the heavy load constant voltage power supply V _H side using the same function.

Next, preheating will be described. Preheating is a mode in which the fixing temperature is controlled to a constant temperature, for example, by lowering it by 10 ° C., and the operation unit display is turned off to save power consumption. The setting of this mode is automatically set after a certain period of time after the operation and the operation are stopped depending on the key input on the operation unit or the machine setting.

This mode is released when a human body detection sensor detects a person standing in front of the machine by key input on the operation unit or machine setting. Further, in the present invention, the usage status of other copying machines in the network system is also added to the conditions for setting and canceling the preheating mode. next,
The reload will be described. When the fixing temperature reaches the fixable temperature and copying is possible, it is called reloading.

Next, the interrupt mode will be described.
The interrupt mode is a mode in which copying is temporarily interrupted to perform copying during execution and operation of the copying operation. By setting this mode, if the previous copy mode and copying are in progress, the intermediate progress information is stored in the nonvolatile RAM, the mode is shifted to the interrupt mode, and the mode is initialized.

When the interrupt mode is released after the copy operation is executed, the mode and information stored in the non-volatile RAM are returned, the state before the interrupt mode is set is restored, and the mode before the interrupt is continued by restarting. be able to. The setting / cancellation of this mode can be performed using the keys of the operation unit. Next, CSS (remote diagnosis system or image forming apparatus management system) will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image forming apparatus management system. A management device 6 installed at a service base and a device such as a digital copying machine 7 installed at a user's source are connected via a public line network 8.
A communication control device 9 for controlling communication with the management device 6 is installed on the user side, and the user's original digital copying machine 7 is connected to this communication control device 9.

The communication control device 9 includes a telephone 10
The facsimile 11 can be connected, and the facsimile 11 can be installed by being inserted into the existing line of the user. A plurality of digital copying machines 7 can be connected to the communication control device 9, but a single device may be used. These digital copying machines 7 do not have to be of the same type, may be different models, and may be devices other than the digital copying machine 7.

Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five digital copying machines 7 can be connected to one communication control device 9. The communication control device 9 and the plurality of digital copying machines 7 are multi-drop connected according to the RS-485 standard. Communication control between the communication control device 9 and each digital copying machine 7 is performed by a basic type data transmission control procedure.

By establishing a data link by the polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 9 as a control station, communication with an arbitrary digital copying machine 7 can be performed. There is. A unique value can be set in each digital copying machine 7 by an address setting switch, whereby the polling address and the selecting address of each digital copying machine 7 are determined.

The configuration and operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the digital copying machine 55 includes a document feeding device (A
DF; Auto Document Feeder) 5
6, an operation unit 57, an image reading device 58, an image forming device 59, a duplex unit 60, a paper discharge sorting device 61, a paper feed cassette 62, an expansion function 63, and a user restriction device 64.

The document feeding device 56 automatically scans a plurality of sheet documents set on a document table by the image reading device 5.
Sent one by one in sequence. The operation unit 57 is a MMI (M
It has an LCD display unit, an LED display unit, and a key input unit for providing an anMachine Interface) to a user. The image reading device 58 irradiates the original sheet with light emitted from a light source, converts the reflected light into an electric signal by a charge coupled device (CCD), and the image forming device 59
Electrophotography using the photoelectric effect and electrostatic adsorption phenomenon of the image sent by electric signal, thermal recording that heat is generated by applying pulsed voltage, inkjet recording that deflects ink droplets ejected from the nozzle, etc. The image forming means is used to form recording paper such as plain paper or thermal paper.

The double-sided unit 60 temporarily retracts the recording paper on which one side of the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 59 when performing double-sided copying, reverses the front and back of the recording paper, and feeds it to the image forming apparatus 59. The discharge sorting device 61 has a sorting function and a stacking function. The sorting function collects discharged recording papers one by one in the discharge order, and the stacking function sorts the discharged recording papers into pages. Sort by each. Paper feed cassette 62
In order to feed the recording sheets set in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, after setting the sheets in the cassette tray, the sheets are sequentially fed one by one as needed.

The extended function 63 is a ROM card or R for providing an application according to the use of an individual user.
By mounting the OM cassette, the read image data is temporarily stored, and the image data is controlled to be read out as necessary. For example, in the case of a plurality of copies, a memory for executing a plurality of prints in one scan. -It is possible to realize a retention function and a memory function such as an in-to-one function for printing a plurality of originals on one recording sheet.

The user restriction device 64 is for mounting a coin rack, a key counter, a key card, a prepaid card, or the like to manage the amount of recording paper consumption by specifying or limiting the user. In particular, it is effective in a digital copying machine using an electrophotographic process. Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a digital copying machine 55.
Is a system controller 66, an image reading unit 67,
Image writing unit 68, memory unit 69, CSS7
0, a clock unit 71, a user restriction device 72, and a human body detection sensor 73. System controller 6
6 identifies the user set in the user-restricted device 72 /
Each part is controlled based on the program control by the internal CPU using the information for limitation / management and the presence or absence of the operator detected by the human body detection sensor 73 as parameters. Further, the system controller 66 has an internal RAM and temporarily stores the operation information set by the operation unit 57.

The image reading section 67 outputs image data after performing necessary image processing on the electric signal of the original sheet read by the image reading device 58. In the image processing here, for example, in quantization, the analog data converted into an electric signal by the CCD is converted into binary or multivalued data. In the shading correction, the irradiation unevenness of the light source for irradiating the original and the sensitivity fluctuation of the CCD are corrected. In MTF correction, image blur due to the optical system is corrected. Further, in the scaling process, the read image data is interpolated to change the image read density.

The image writing section 68 forms an image image of the input image data by the image forming means and copies it onto a recording paper such as plain paper or thermal paper. Memory unit 6
9 is a compression block 76 and a DRAM (Dynamic).
Random Access Memory (block 75) and DMA (Direct Memory Acc)
The ess) block 78 constitutes the inside.
The compression block 76 compresses the input image data based on an encoding / decoding method such as an MH method, an MR method, an MMR method, or the like, in order to improve the use efficiency of the DRAM block 75. To image data. The DRAM block 75 DR the image data
Temporarily store in AM. The DMA block 78 transfers the input image data without the intervention of the system controller 11.

The CSS 70 has a monitor function for automatically notifying the service center when an error occurs in the digital copying machine, and for remotely monitoring the execution status / usage status of the digital copying machine. The clock unit 71 notifies the system controller 11 that a specific time has come in order to realize a weekly timer function when booting or shutting down a program when the digital copying machine is started up. The weekly timer function is a function to turn on / off the power according to the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week, and the ON / OFF time is set for each day of the week in order to adjust the time of the clock unit 71. The setting operation is necessary.

The user restriction device 72 is equipped with a coin rack, a key counter, a key card, a prepaid card, etc., and inputs a personal identification code for specifying or limiting the user,
It is for controlling the amount of recording paper consumed, and is particularly effective in a digital copying machine using an electrophotographic process. The human body detection sensor 73 detects a human body within a certain distance and sends a detection signal to the system controller 11.

The memory unit 69 is necessary only when realizing the memory function, and is not necessary when only realizing the normal copy function. Furthermore,
The clock unit 71 is necessary only when realizing a weekly timer function of booting or shutting down the machine at a certain time. Further, the human body detection sensor 73 is necessary only when realizing the function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when the user approaches in front of the machine in the preheating mode.
Remote diagnosis, that is, when a machine error occurs, it automatically notifies the service center and monitors the execution status / usage status of the machine from a remote location.
It may be attached only when such a function is required.

Here, the DRAM in the memory unit 69
The block 75 is for storing the image signal read from the image reading unit 67, and transfers the image data stored in the image writing unit 68 in response to a request from the system controller 66. Further, the compression block 76 in the memory unit 69 has a compression function of MH, MR, MMR system or the like, and compresses an image read once to improve the use efficiency of the memory (DRAM). The image reading unit 67, the image writing unit 68, the memory unit 69, and the CSS 70 are controlled by only the 1 CPU 77 of the system controller 66.

Next, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the digital copying machine 55 includes a system controller 79, an image reading unit 80, an image writing unit 81, a memory unit 82, a CSS 83, a clock unit 84, a user restriction device 85, and a human body detection sensor 86. ing.

Image reading unit 80 and image writing unit 81
The CPUs 87a, 87b, and 87c are incorporated in the memory unit 82 as controllers, and commands from the system controller 79 to the controllers are transmitted via control signal lines. The system hardware configuration can be arbitrarily configured, and the basic function is the same as that of the digital copying machine 55 shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a connection of a network system of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated example shows a system example of network copy. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, eight digital copying machines 55a to 55h are connected to form a network to form a network system of the digital copying machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the number of digital copying machines connected to the network may be two or more.

Next, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which the digital copying machines of one embodiment according to the present invention are connected via a network. The illustrated example shows a hardware configuration example. As shown in FIG. 8, digital copying machines 55a and 55b
Is a system controller 66, an image reading unit 67,
Image writing unit 68, memory unit 69a, CSS7
0, a clock unit 71, a user restriction device 72, and a human body detection sensor 73.

The system controller 66, the image reading section 67, the image writing section 68, the CSS 70, the clock section 71, the user restriction device 72, and the human body detection sensor 73 of the digital copying machines 55a and 55b are the digital signals shown in FIG. Since the function of each unit of the copying machine 55 is the same, the description thereof is omitted. Here, the memory unit 69a constituting the digital copying machines 55a and 55b will be described.

The memory unit 69a includes a DRAM block 75, a compression block 76, a DMA block 78 and an S block.
It is composed of a CSI controller 90. The compression block 76 uses the MH method and the M format for the input image data in order to improve the use efficiency of the DRAM block 75.
The compression is performed based on an encoding / decoding method such as the R method and the MMR method, and the compressed data is expanded into image data.

The DRAM block 75 stores the image data in D
The image is temporarily stored in the RAM, and the DMA block 78 transfers the input image data without the intervention of the system controller 66. SCSI (Small Computer S
system interface) controller 90
Controls data transfer with peripheral devices connected in a daisy chain system. In particular, in this embodiment, SC
SI is used as a network for connecting a plurality of digital copying machines.

As shown in FIG. 8, the hardware configuration of one digital copying machine 55a, 55b is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 5, but the read image is stored in the memory unit 69a. Image data to the external network or to transfer image data from the network to the memory unit 6
In order to save in the DRAM block unit 75 in 9a, SCSI (Small Comp) is used as a network means.
uter System Interface) and S
The CSI controller 90 is used.

As a matter of course, as the network communication means, for example, Ethernet is used as the physical means, and OSI (Open System Inter) is used for data communication.
face) using TCP / IP communication of reference model,
Various means are possible. Further, by using such a configuration, as described above, not only the transfer of image data but also the notification of the in-machine state of each machine existing on the network, the control command such as a remote output command described later, and the setting command We are also transferring.

The connection form of the two digital copying machines shown in FIG. 8 is provided for the convenience of explanation, and in the present invention, it is applied to the network system of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. can do. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the network software configuration of the digital copying machines 55a and 55b shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, a digital copying machine 55.
The network softwares a and 55b have a three-layer structure including a device control layer 92, a system control layer 93, and an application layer 94. The device control layer 92 controls the digital copying machine 55a for input / output control.
Is a layer (device driver) for logically / physically converting data between the digital copying machine 55b and the digital copying machine 55b.

The SCSI controller 90 manages the ID number of the partner SCSI controller 90 individually set with the peripheral device connected in the daisy chain system, and controls the data transfer by designating the ID number. And is widely used as an interface for small computer systems. The SCSI controller 90 also communicates control commands and image data via the memory unit 69a.

Here, the SCSI controller 9
However, in the present invention, SCS is used.
A LAN controller may be used instead of the I controller 90. TCP for the LAN controller
/ IP (Transmission Control)
Protocol / Internet Protoco
1) Software etc. are mentioned.

The system control layer 93 is used for the digital copying machine 5.
5a and 55b, a system controller 66 that configures a system control unit that controls each unit that configures the systems 5a and 55b, an operation unit controller 95, a peripheral device controller 96,
The image forming apparatus controller 97 includes an image reading apparatus controller 98 and a memory unit 69a.

The system controller 66 controls the paper conveying process and the electrophotographic process process for forming an image in the image writing section 68 in the copy mode, and also the paper feed cassette condition including the detection of the abnormal condition and the presence or absence of the recording paper. In addition to the in-machine monitoring, the scanner operation for reading an image by the image reading unit 67 and the ON / OFF of the light source are controlled.

The operation unit controller 95 uses the MMI (MMI (MMI) for LCD display, LED on / off, key input scan, etc.).
an Machine Interface) and a layer performed at a logical level. Peripheral controller 96
This is a layer for executing control of peripheral units mounted on a copying machine such as an automatic duplex unit, a sorter, and an ADF at a logical level.

The image forming apparatus controller 97 is a layer for controlling to form an image image such as an electrophotographic image, a thermal recording image and an ink jet recording image from the image data. The image reading device controller 98 is a layer that controls quantization, shading correction, MTF correction, scaling processing, and the like. The memory unit 69a is a layer that controls compression processing, DMA transfer setting processing, and the like.

The application layer 94 is composed of a copy application 99 and a daemon process 100. The copy application 99 is an application that executes a copy operation based on a copy sequence. When a print request is requested from another digital copying machine via the network, the daemon process 100 reads out the image data stored in the memory unit 69a and transfers the image data to the image writing unit 68 of its own machine. Application.

Of course, the daemon process 10
Image transfer from other machines on the network must be completed before 0 reads the image from the memory unit 69a and executes the printing operation. Here, the operation unit 57, the peripheral device, the image forming device 59, the image reading device 58, and the memory unit 69a are handled as resources possessed by each copying machine. When the digital copying machine 55a uses each of its own resources to perform a copying operation (when the print start key is pressed), the system controller 66 is instructed to the image forming apparatus 59, the image reading apparatus 58, or as necessary. hand,
Each resource of the peripheral unit and the memory unit 69a is requested to the system controller 66 constituting the system control unit.

In response to a request from the copy application 99, the system controller 66 arbitrates the right to use the resource and notifies the copy application 99 of the arbitration result (usability). When the digital copying machine 55a is used standalone (when it is not connected to the network), all resources owned by the system are copied by the copy application 9a.
Since 9 can be occupied, the copying operation is executed immediately.

On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, to the system controller of the remote digital copying machine which executes the printing operation by using the resources of another machine existing on the network (hereinafter referred to as the remote digital copying machine). Request resource usage rights. The system controller of the remote digital copying machine arbitrates resources according to the request,
The result is notified to the application of the requesting machine. If the application is granted usage rights,
When the image is read and the storage of the image in its own memory unit is completed, the image is transferred to the memory unit of the remote destination machine via the external interface (SCSI in this embodiment).

When the image transfer is completed, the print start command is transmitted after the conditions such as the paper feed port, the paper ejection port, the number of prints, etc. for executing the printing are transmitted to the daemon process of the remote output destination machine. . When the remote output destination daemon process receives the print start command, it requests the start of printing to its own system controller (the machine that executes the remote output), and the remote output is executed by the system controller.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 described later, when the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b is used by the digital copying machine 55a, the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b is the digital copying machine 55b or When a plurality of digital copying machines as shown in FIG. 7 are connected to the network, use of applications of the digital copying machines other than the digital copying machine 55a is disabled.

The FGATE assert command from the system controller 66 to the daemon process 100 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is a command issued when the fed transfer paper reaches the registration roller position, and is the front end of the transfer paper. It is necessary to synchronize the writing start position of the output image from the unit and the memory unit 69a. Next, FIG.
Reference numerals 0 and 11 denote digital copying machines 55 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of a, 55b.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the image data read by the digital copying machine 55a is stored in the memory unit 69a.
Copier 5 stored in the network and connected to the network
An operation (remote output) of transferring image data to the image writing unit 68 of the memory unit 69a of 5b and copying from the image writing unit 68 will be described. The memory use request shown in FIG. 10 is a remote output request indicating that the digital copying machine 55a transfers the image data stored in its own memory unit 69a to the digital copying machine 55b for storage and then copying. It is a similar control command.

First, the copy application 99 of the digital copying machine 55a issues a memory use request for requesting the use of the memory unit 69a of the own machine to the system controller 66 of the own machine. For example, the digital copier 55 on the operating side (own machine)
When copying a total of four images for each of two copies of a and the other party's digital copying machine 55b, unless the image is sent from the digital copying machine 55a to the digital copying machine 55b, the other party's digital copying machine 55b copies. Therefore, the resource request for the memory unit 69a of its own machine is made. Next, when the memory unit 69a of the system controller 66 is in the usable state, the system controller 66 returns the use permission to the copy application 99.

Next, the copy application 99 of the digital copying machine 55a issues an external memory use request to the system controller 66 of its own, and the SCSI of the digital copying machine 55a is sent.
The memory use request is transferred from the controller 90 to the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55b via the SCSI network 91. Next, digital copier 5
The memory use request is transferred from the 5b SCSI controller 90 to the system controller 66. Upon receipt of this memory use request, the system controller 66 of the digital copying machine 55b, when its own memory unit 69a is in the usable state, gives its own SCSI controller 90 permission to use the memory unit 69a. Issue. Then, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55b transfers the use permission to the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a via the SCSI network 91.

Next, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a transfers the use permission of the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b to the system controller 66 of its own machine as an external memory use permission. Next, the external memory use permission is transferred from the system controller 66 of the own device to the copy application 99. By communicating the permission of use of the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b, another digital copying machine 55b connected to the network prohibits the use of the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machines 55a and 55b. And resource usage conflicts are avoided.

Further, when the memory use request is issued from the copy application 99 of the digital copying machine 55b when the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b is in the use prohibited state, the system controller 66 causes the memory unit 69a of its own machine. Since 69a is in the use prohibited state, the memory application 69a issues a memory unusable message indicating that the memory unit 69a cannot be used to the copy application 99.

Next, the copy application 99 of the digital copying machine 55a which has received the permission to use the external memory sets the write start address of the DRAM block 75 and the transfer data amount in the DMA unit of the memory unit 69a. In this way, the memory unit 69a of the own device is set to the standby state in which the image data can be transferred. Next, copy application 9
9 issues an image reading start to start reading image data to its own memory unit 69a, and
The image reading unit 67 turns on the scanner operation for reading the image or the light source to sequentially read the image. In this way, the image data output from the image reading section 67 is transferred to and written in the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55a.

Next, the copy application 9 of the digital copying machine 55a which has received the image reading end from the image reading section 67.
9 issues an image data read end notification to its own memory unit 69a. The memory unit 69a which has received the image reading completion issues the image data reading completion to the copy application 99 of its own machine. Next, the copy application 99 which has received the reading end issues an image transfer request for requesting the transfer of the image data stored in the memory unit 69a of its own.

Next, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a, which has received the image transfer request, transfers the image data recorded in the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55a to the memory of the digital copying machine 55b via the SCSI network 91. Initiate the transfer as written to unit 69a. Here, when the transfer of the image data stored in the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55a is completed, the transfer completion is issued to the SCSI controller 91 of the digital copying machine 55b. Next, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a issues a transfer end notification to the copy application 99 of its own machine.

Next, the copy application 99 of the digital copying machine 55a which has received the transfer is transferred to the digital copying machine 55b.
To start the printing operation on the
A parameter that sets the number of prints and the like is issued to the SCSI controller 90. Next, digital copier 55a
SCSI controller 90 to digital copier 55b
This parameter is transferred to the SCSI controller 90.

Next, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55b sets this parameter in its own daemon process 100. The daemon process 100 of the digital copying machine 55b acquires necessary parameters such as a paper feed port, a paper ejection port, and the number of prints from this parameter, and then sets this parameter in its own system controller 55b.

Next, the copy application 99 of the digital copying machine 55a issues a print start command to the SCSI controller 90 in order to make the digital copying machine 55b start the printing operation. Next, digital copier 55a
SCSI controller 90 to digital copier 55b
The print start command is transferred to the SCSI controller 90.

Next, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55b sets this print start command in its own daemon process 100. Digital copier 5
The daemon process 100 of 5b issues this print start command to its own system controller 66 based on this print start command. Next, the system controller 66 of the digital copying machine 55b, which has received the print start command, starts the print operation in accordance with the print start command, and then the daemon process 10
Feeding of the transfer paper is started from the paper feed port designated from 0.
Next, the system controller 66 issues to the SCSI controller 90 via the daemon process 100 a paper feed start indicating that the transfer paper has been fed from the paper feed port.

Next, the SCSI controller 90 transfers this paper feed start to the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a. Next, S of the digital copying machine 55a
The CSI controller 90 transfers the received paper feed start to the copy application 99. Next, in the digital copying machine 55b, when the fed transfer sheet reaches the image forming start position (registration roller position), the FGATE assert permission command is issued to the daemon process 100 of the digital copying machine 55b. The daemon process 100 that has received the FGATE assertion enable command requests the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55b to transfer the image data to the image writing unit 68, and the SCSI controller 90 sends the image writing unit 68 the image data. Start the transfer.

Further, when the transfer paper is ejected, the system controller 66 of the digital copier 55b notifies the daemon process 100 of the digital copier 55b of the paper ejection execution. Next, the daemon process 100 that has received the paper discharge execution issues the paper discharge execution to the SCSI controller 90. Next, the SCSI controller 90 transfers this paper discharge execution to the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a. Next, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a transfers the received paper discharge execution to the copy application 99.

In response to this paper discharge execution, the digital copying machine 55
The copy application 99 of “a” issues an external memory resource release to the SCSI controller 90 of its own. Then, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a
Digital copier 55b via CSI network 91
The external memory resource release is transferred to the SCSI controller 90. Next, SCSI of digital copier 55b
The external memory resource release is transferred from the controller 90 to the system controller 66.

10 and 11, only the flow for outputting the image data read by the image reading unit 67 of the digital copying machine 55a to the image writing unit 68 of the digital copying machine 55b will be described. However, after the transfer of the image data from the digital copying machine 55a to the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b is completed,
Since the digital copying machine 55a and the digital copying machine 55b can operate completely independently, the digital copying machine 55a
When the print operation is started in b, the digital copying machine 55a can transfer the image data stored in the memory unit 69a of the own machine to the image writing unit 68 of the own machine to perform the print operation. .

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the minimum information necessary for the operation to execute the remote output by the digital copying machine 55b is simply described. However, the peripherals of the digital copying machine existing in a remote place are actually described. When using the above, it is necessary to request only the right to use the memory unit to the digital copying machine and also request the use of peripheral machine resources.

In particular, when the paper discharge sorting device 61 for executing the sorter function is used, if the arbitration of the right of use is insufficient, the digital copying machine 55a is remoted from the digital copying machine 55a at the paper discharging port of the digital copying machine 55b. If the output paper of the output and the output paper of the digital copying machine 55b (transfer paper) are mixed, a problem occurs. Next, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an operation flow of arbitration processing of two digital copying machines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Note that the memory use request shown in FIG. 12 is a remote indicating that the digital copying machine 55a transfers the image data stored in its own memory unit 69a to the digital copying machine 55b for storage and then copying. It is a control command similar to the output request. First, digital copier 55
The copy application 99 of “a” issues a memory use request for requesting the use of the own memory unit 69a to the own system controller 66. Next, when the memory unit 69a of the system controller 66 is in the usable state, the system controller 66 returns the use permission to the copy application 99.

Next, the copy application 99 of the digital copying machine 55a issues an external memory use request to its own system controller 66, and then the system controller 6
6 issues an external memory use request to the SCSI controller 90. Next, SCSI of digital copier 55a
The memory use request is transferred from the controller 90 to the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55b via the SCSI network 91. Next, digital copier 5
The memory use request is transferred from the 5b SCSI controller 90 to the system controller 66.

Upon receipt of this memory use request, the system controller 66 of the digital copying machine 55b performs an arbitration process according to the system use status and issues an arbitration result to its own SCSI controller 90. Then, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55b transfers the arbitration result to the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a via the SCSI network 91.

Next, the SCSI controller 90 of the digital copying machine 55a sends the arbitration result of the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b to the system controller 6 of its own.
Transfer to 6. Next, my system controller 6
The arbitration result is transferred from 6 to the copy application 99. As described above, when the system controller 66 of the digital copying machine 55b receives the memory use request from the digital copying machine 55a, as shown in FIG. 12, the system controller 66 executes the arbitration processing according to the system use status, and executes the arbitration processing. As a result, the arbitration result is returned to the digital copying machine 55a.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the permission of use of the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b may be returned as the arbitration result. On the other hand, when the use refusal is returned as the arbitration result, the digital copying machine 55a interrupts the remote output processing or continues the copying processing by using only the resources possessed by the digital copying machine 55a.

10 and 11, as described above, the image read by the digital copying machine 55a is displayed on the digital copying machine 55a.
Although the operation flow of transferring / printing (remote output) to the image forming apparatus of FIG. 5B is shown, the remote output is possible because the digital copying machine 55a makes a memory use request to the digital copying machine 55b (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The command is valid only when the system controller gives a use permission (command in FIGS. 10 and 11) to the system controller.

That is, as shown in FIG. 12, when the system controller 66 of the digital copying machine 55a receives the memory use request (command of FIG. 12) from the digital copying machine 55a, as shown in FIG. Arbitration processing is executed according to the usage status, and the result of the arbitration processing (command of FIG. 12) is returned to the digital copying machine 55b.

As a matter of course, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, as a result of the arbitration, the usage right request of the memory unit 69a of the digital copying machine 55b may be permitted, or the usage right request may be rejected. There is also. If the request for the usage right is rejected, the digital copying machine 55a interrupts the processing or continues the processing by using only the resources owned by itself.

Next, FIGS. 13 and 14 are flow charts showing the preheat mode release processing flow of the digital copiers on the transmitting side and the receiving side according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Here, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a preheat mode release processing flow of the digital copier on the transmission side. In the present embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not a condition for canceling the preheating mode (a human body detection sensor operated by the operation unit is turned on, a machine is in use, such as during copying) has been reached (step S1). If any one of these conditions is satisfied (step S1), the preheating mode release process after step S2 is performed.

It is judged whether the digital copying machine of the own machine is in the preheating state (step S2). If the self copying machine is in the preheating state (step S2), the preheating mode release processing of the own machine is performed (step S3). The preheat mode releasing process of the digital copying machine of the own device is, specifically, a process of turning on the display of the operation unit, returning the fixing heater temperature target value to the copyable state, and the like. And to other digital copiers in the network,
A process of transmitting a command requesting cancellation of preheating is performed (step S4).

On the other hand, FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a processing flow in which the receiving side digital copying machine releases the preheating in response to the preheating release request transmitted to the receiving side digital copying machine in step S4 of FIG. In this embodiment, first, when a digital copying machine of another machine in the network receives a request for canceling the preheating mode (step S11), it is judged whether or not the digital copying machine of the transmitting side is in the preheating mode ( In step S12), if the digital copying machine of the own machine is in the preheating state (step S12), the preheating mode of the other digital copying machine on the receiving side is released (step S1).
3). In the preheat mode release process of the other digital copying machine, only the process for returning the fixing heater temperature target value to the copy ready state such as returning to the copy ready state is performed.
The operation unit display is not lit.

Thus, in this embodiment (claim 1),
When at least two or more digital copiers in the network system have a preheat mode function that lowers power consumption compared with the standby mode, the preheat mode canceling means responds to cancellation of the preheat mode of the digital copier of the machine itself. It is configured to release the preheat mode of another digital copying machine connected to the digital copying machine of the copying machine.

Therefore, when making a copy by using another digital copying machine connected to the digital copying machine of the own machine through the network, the copying machine of the own machine does not go to another digital copying machine. According to the release of the preheat mode of the digital copying machine, the preheat mode of another digital copying machine can be released. Therefore, even when making a copy using another digital copying machine via the network, it is possible to cancel it on the side of the own digital copying machine without canceling the preheating state by going to the position of the other digital copying machine. Therefore, the operability of the entire system can be improved, and the time until the start of copying can be shortened.

In this embodiment (Claim 2), when the preheat mode is released in response to the release of the preheat mode of the other digital copiers connected to the own digital copier via the network, the preheat mode is released. The display of the corresponding operation unit is not performed. Therefore, when the preheat is released by interlocking with another digital copying machine, it is possible not to display the operation unit according to the preheat release. Therefore, it is possible to avoid displaying the operation section (display not necessary) of the digital copying machine which is not operated by the operator.
Useless power consumption can be suppressed.

Next, FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an automatic preheating mode shift processing flow of one embodiment according to the invention of claim 3. It should be noted that this automatic preheating mode transition processing is executed at regular time intervals using a timer interrupt or the like. In this embodiment, first, it is judged whether or not the digital copying machine of the own machine is in a condition capable of shifting to the preheat mode (step S21). These conditions include that the machine is not being operated, that the human body detection sensor of the machine is off (no person is in front of it), that the machine is not in an abnormal state such as during a jam, or that the machine is not in use during copying, etc. Is mentioned.

When it is judged that the digital copying machine of the own machine is in the condition capable of shifting to the preheating mode (step S21),
It is determined whether or not a busy command is received from another digital copier (step S22). If no busy command is received from another digital copier (step S22), the unused state duration is set. The timer for counting is incremented (step S23).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S21 that the digital copying machine of the own machine is in use (step S2)
In 1), a command is transmitted to another digital copying machine in the network to inform that it is in use (step S24). This is the same command as that used in step S22 to determine whether it has been received from another digital copier. Therefore, the other digital copying machines in the system also perform the same processing, so that the usage status of the copying machine in the entire system can be known by the judgments in steps S21 and S22.

After execution of step S24 and step S24.
If it is determined in 22 that the other digital copying machine is in use, a timer clear process is performed (step S25), and the unused state duration timer is cleared to 0 (step S25). Further, it is determined whether the timer incremented in step S23 has reached a predetermined value (whether the unused state has continued for a certain period of time) (step S2
6) If the incremented timer has a predetermined value (step S26), the transition process to the preheat mode is executed (step S27).

Thus, in the present embodiment (claim 3),
The system is configured to automatically shift to the preheat mode when the self-machine and the other digital copiers are not in use for a certain period of time. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the automatic preheat mode transition function from working when another digital copier is in use. Can be prevented. Therefore, the function and operability of the entire system can be efficiently improved, and the time until the start of copying can be efficiently shortened.

[0105]

According to the present invention, when a copy is made using another digital copying machine via a network, the preheating state of the other digital copying machine is not brought to the position of the other digital copying machine. Can be canceled on the side of the digital copying machine of the own machine, the operability of the entire system can be improved, and the time until the start of copying can be shortened.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a human body detection sensor.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a connection of a network system of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which two digital copying machines of one embodiment according to the present invention are connected via a network.

9 is a block diagram showing a network software wafer configuration of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation flow of two digital copying machines of one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation flow of two digital copying machines of one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an operation flow of arbitration processing of two digital copying machines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a preheat mode release processing flow of the digital copier on the transmission side according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a preheat mode release processing flow of the receiving-side digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a preheat mode transition determination processing flow of one embodiment according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 human body detection sensor 2 main body control plate 3 power supply unit 4 relay driver 5a, 5b solid state relay 6 management device 7 digital copying machine 8 public line network 9 communication control device 10 telephone 11 facsimile 55, 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, 55e , 55
f, 55g, 55h Digital copying machine 56 Document feeding device 57 Operation part 58 Image reading device 59 Image forming device 60 Image forming device 60 Duplex unit 61 Paper ejection sorting device 62 Paper feeding cassette 63 Extended function 64 User restricted device 66 System controller 67 Image reading part 68 image writing unit 69, 69a memory unit 70 CSS 71 clock unit 72 user restricted device 73 human body detection sensor 75 DRAM block 76 compression block 77 CPU 79 system controller 80 image reading unit 81 image writing unit 82 memory unit 83 CSS 84 clock unit 85 User Restricted Equipment 86 Human Body Detection Sensors 87a, 87b, 87c CPU 89 DMA Block 90 SCSI Controller 91 SCSI Network 92 Device Control Layer 93 System Control layer 94 application layer 95 operation unit controller 96 peripheral controller 97 the image forming apparatus controller 98 image reader controller 99 copy application 100 daemon process

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A network system of a digital copying machine, wherein at least two digital copying machines are provided with communication means for communicating operation commands and image information, and at least two digital copying machines in the network system are provided. When the copying machine has a preheating mode function for lowering power consumption compared to the standby mode, it has preheating mode releasing means for releasing the preheating mode of another digital copying machine in response to cancellation of the preheating mode of one digital copying machine. A network system of a digital copying machine characterized by the above. 2. When the preheat mode is released in response to the release of the preheat mode of the other digital copying machine, there is provided operation portion control means for controlling the operation portion so as not to display the operation portion corresponding to the release of the preheat mode. The network system for a digital copying machine according to claim 1, wherein: 3. An automatic preheating mode shifting means for automatically shifting to a preheating mode when a self-machine and other digital copying machines in the network system are not in use for a certain period of time. The network system for a digital copying machine according to claim 1,