JPH09233253A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve the load of a storage capacity by providing a main control section that stores temporarily transferred image information and returns the image after awaiting a return request and a state confirming means to confirm an operating state of a return destination. SOLUTION: For example, a digital copying machine 92 sends image data to a digital copying machine 93 having a largest image processing function and a memory with a large capacity. A prescribed image processing is conducted for the image data by the digital copying machine 93 and the processed image data are returned to the original digital copying machine 92 and outputted on paper as an image. When no image return request comes from the digital copying machine 92 being a request source for a long time, the operating state of the digital copying machine 92 is confirmed when a prescribed time elapses and when the digital copying machine 92 is in operation, since there is a possibility of making a transfer request of the image data, a timer is reset. On the other hand, when the digital copying machine 92 is not in operation, the content of the memory of the digital copying machine 93 is deleted to avoid useless memory occupancy.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system provided with a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as a digital copying machine, and these image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus that is currently commercialized reads an original image by an image reading section when copying an original image, and designates the read original image. The image processing is performed by the image processing unit, and the image information is printed out by the recording unit. Therefore, in such a digital copying machine, an image is obtained on a sheet using only the image processing function of the digital copying machine.

On the other hand, in recent years, networking of a plurality of image recording apparatuses and the like has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 53-116834 discloses a configuration in which a plurality of image reading devices and a plurality of image recording devices are connected via one control unit.

In this configuration, a document image read by any image reading device is printed out by any image recording device. With such a configuration, the standby time of the image recording apparatus can be reduced by exchanging a document in the image reading apparatus.

[0005] Also, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-36592 discloses that
In an image forming system in which a plurality of copying machines each including an image reading unit and an image recording unit are provided and each copying machine is connected to one control device, recording is performed according to a set original copy mode. It is disclosed that an image signal to be supplied is distributed to a plurality of copying machines and the copying operations are performed in parallel in these copying machines.

[0006]

However, the conventional image forming system has the following problems. That is, for example, while various image processing functions in a digital copying machine depend on software, the progress of development of the software in recent years has been remarkable, and in a digital copying machine, the image processing function is highly functional in a short period of time. In addition, a copying machine that has been commercialized and has an unprecedented function is newly commercialized. Therefore, for example, when a digital copying machine having a desired image processing function is purchased, even if the digital copying machine has the best image processing function at the time of purchase, the digital copying machine can relatively move in a short period of time. It becomes a low function.

[0007] In this case, if the purchased digital copier cannot provide the copier with more functions than the functions provided by the copier, and if a higher function or a new function is required, , A replacement copy machine is required. This imposes a heavy financial burden on the user, and has always been a problem for manufacturers since they provide products that meet the needs of the times.

Therefore, in order to deal with the above-mentioned problem, for example, when one of the copying machines performs reading, and when the storage capacity of the reading copying machine is small, it is stored in another copying machine. This is ideal because it is not necessary to replace the copier if it is temporarily stored and returned to the copier or the like that has read it when necessary, and if it can be printed out by the copier or the like that has read the document, it is not necessary to replace the copier. Although it can be printed out by another copying machine, there is a problem in that the image information cannot be returned to the copying machine or the like that has read the image information again for printing.

Further, when a request for storing image information is made to another copying machine, if there is no return request from the requesting source in the copying machine that has received the storage request, the copying machine requested to store the image information will remain for a long time. Since the image information is accumulated and the memory is occupied, the copying process of the copying machine which receives the storage request has a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional problems, and an object thereof is to have a storage capacity of image information,
Even if the image forming apparatus to be used by the operator is small, the image information read by one image forming apparatus is transferred to the other image forming apparatus, and the image information is temporarily stored in the other image forming apparatus. The image information requested to be stored can be returned to the original image forming apparatus, etc., and if there is no contact from the requesting image forming apparatus for a long period of time, the image forming apparatus on the requesting side An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of reducing the load of the storage capacity in the above.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming system according to the present invention has a main image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and a sub-image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine. Device, and a communication device that connects the main image forming device and the sub-image forming device to mutually transmit and receive image information. The sub-image forming device includes, for example, a scanner unit or the like that inputs image information. An image input unit,
A sub-image information storage unit for storing image information, an image recording unit such as a laser printer unit for forming a visible image based on the image information stored in the image information storage unit, and a storage request to the main image forming apparatus An input unit such as an operation panel for inputting a command to perform the image information stored in the sub-image information storage unit on the basis of a command for requesting storage of image information from the input unit. A main control unit for transferring image information to the main image information storage unit; and a main image information storage unit for storing image information, and temporarily storing the image information transferred via the communication device in the main image information storage unit. Storage
An image forming system comprising: a main control unit that waits for a return request from the sub image forming apparatus and returns the image information to the sub image information storage unit of the sub image forming apparatus via the communication device. The main image forming apparatus is further characterized by being provided with status confirmation means for confirming an operation status of the sub image forming apparatus, for example, "in operation" or "standby".

According to the above arrangement, in the sub-image forming apparatus, the original image is read from the image input section such as the scanner section, and the read image information is stored in the sub-image information storage section. Then, the image information stored in the sub-image information storage unit is recorded and output as a visible image by an image recording unit such as a laser printer unit.

By the way, when a plurality of originals are read by, for example, an electronic RDH as an image input unit, the image information of all originals is small because the sub-image information storage unit has a small capacity depending on the sub-image forming apparatus. May not be remembered.

In such a case, in the image forming system of the present invention, a command for requesting storage to a main image forming apparatus different from the sub image forming apparatus is issued by an operator operating an input unit such as an operation panel. You can enter. When a command to request storage of image information is issued from the input unit, the sub-control unit transmits the image information stored in the sub-image information storage unit to the main image forming apparatus based on the command to request storage of image information. Transfer to The transfer may be partial image information or all image information.

Next, the main image forming apparatus temporarily stores the image information transferred via the communication device in the main image information storage section. Then, the main control unit of the main image forming apparatus waits for a return request from the sub image forming apparatus, and when there is a return request, transmits the image information via the communication device to the sub image information of the sub image forming apparatus. Return it to the storage unit.

The sub-image forming apparatus takes out the returned image information stored in the sub-image forming apparatus, inputs it to the image recording section, and records and outputs it as a visible image in the image recording section.

As a result, even if the storage capacity of image information is small in the sub-image forming apparatus that the operator intends to use, the image information read by the sub-image forming apparatus can be transferred to another main image forming apparatus. It is possible to transfer and temporarily store the image information in the main image forming apparatus, and return the stored image information to the original sub image forming apparatus.

Here, the main control unit of the main image forming apparatus waits for a return request from the sub image forming apparatus and returns the temporarily stored image information to the sub image information storage section of the sub image forming apparatus. Even if there is no notification of the return request from the requesting sub-image forming apparatus for a period of time, if the current operation status of the sub-image forming apparatus is unknown, even if the storage of image information in the main image forming apparatus becomes a burden. , The image information cannot be erased.

However, in the present invention, the main image forming apparatus is provided with status confirmation means for confirming the operation status of the sub image forming apparatus, for example, "in operation" or "standby". Therefore, the operation status of the sub-image forming apparatus can be confirmed by this status confirmation means. For example, if it is "in operation", it can be expected that there will be a return request soon. If there is no return request, but "waiting", the requested image information is interpreted as unnecessary. be able to.

The operation status of the sub-image forming apparatus in the status checking means can be checked simply by exchanging signals, and the check items are further displayed on, for example, the display device of the main image forming apparatus. Then, it is possible for the user to directly check it with his / her eyes.

Therefore, in the main image forming apparatus, if there is no communication from the requesting sub image forming apparatus for a long period of time, the operation status of the sub image forming apparatus is confirmed,
In order to reduce the load on the storage capacity of the main image information storage unit,
For example, it becomes possible to take measures such as erasing.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the first aspect, wherein the main image forming apparatus is transferred from the sub image forming apparatus. When there is no return request from the sub-image forming apparatus and the elapsed time in the time measuring means exceeds a predetermined time, the time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time from the time when the image information is stored in the main image information storage unit An erasing unit for erasing the image information stored in the main image forming apparatus is provided.

According to the above arrangement, the time measuring means measures the elapsed time from the time when the image information transferred from the sub image forming apparatus is stored in the main image information storage section. Then, when there is no return request from the sub-image forming apparatus and the elapsed time in the time measuring means has exceeded the predetermined time, the erasing means erases the image information stored in the main image forming apparatus.

Therefore, for example, when there is no communication from the requesting image forming apparatus for a too long time, the main image forming apparatus is provided with the main image forming apparatus in order to reduce the load of the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus on the request side. Since the stored image information is deleted, the main image information storage unit of the main image forming apparatus can be effectively used.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes at least one main image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and a plurality of sub image forming units such as a digital copying machine. And a communication device that connects the main image forming device and the sub image forming device to each other to exchange image information with each other, and the sub image forming device is, for example, a scanner unit or the like for inputting image information. Based on the image input unit, the sub-image information storage unit that stores the image information and additional information related to the image information, such as the model number of the requester, and the image information stored in the image information storage unit. An image recording unit such as a laser printer unit for forming a visible image, an input unit such as an operation panel for inputting a command for requesting storage to the main image forming apparatus, and image information from the input unit. And a sub-control unit that transfers the image information and the additional information stored in the sub-image information storage unit to the main image forming apparatus based on the storage request command of the main image forming apparatus. The main image information storage unit, and the image information and the additional information transferred via the communication device are temporarily stored in the main image information storage unit, and after waiting for a return request from the sub image forming apparatus, the communication is performed. An image forming system, comprising: a main control unit that returns this image information to a sub-image information storage unit of the sub-image forming apparatus via an apparatus, When receiving the transfer of the image information, the same confirmation means for confirming whether or not it is the same as the sub-image forming apparatus for which the storage request was received last time based on the additional information, and the confirmation by the same confirmation means, Sub-image that received a memory request When the image information is from the same sub-image forming apparatus as the image forming apparatus, there is provided storage information erasing means for erasing the image information of the sub-image forming apparatus previously requested to be stored from the main image information storage unit. It is characterized by being.

According to the above arrangement, in the sub-image forming apparatus, the original image is read from the image input section such as the scanner section, and the read image information is stored in the sub-image information storage section. Then, the image information stored in the sub-image information storage unit is recorded and output as a visible image by an image recording unit such as a laser printer unit.

By the way, when a plurality of originals are read by an electronic RDH as an image input unit, the image information of all originals is small because the sub-image information storage unit has a small capacity depending on the sub-image forming apparatus. May not be remembered.

In such a case, in the image forming system of the present invention, a command for requesting storage to a main image forming apparatus different from the sub image forming apparatus is issued by an operator operating an input unit such as an operation panel. You can enter. When a command to request storage of image information is issued from the input unit, the sub-control unit transmits the image information stored in the sub-image information storage unit to the main image forming apparatus based on the command to request storage of image information. Transfer to

The transfer may be partial image information or full image information. Next, the main image forming apparatus temporarily stores the image information transferred via the communication device in the main image information storage unit. Then, the main control unit of the main image forming apparatus waits for a return request from the sub image forming apparatus, and when there is a return request, transmits the image information via the communication device to the sub image information of the sub image forming apparatus. Return it to the storage unit.

The sub-image forming apparatus takes out the returned image information stored in the sub-image forming apparatus, inputs it to the image recording section, and records and outputs it as a visible image in the image recording section.

As a result, even if the storage capacity of the image information is small in the sub-image forming apparatus that the operator intends to use, the image information read by the sub-image forming apparatus can be transferred to another main image forming apparatus. It is possible to transfer and temporarily store the image information in the main image forming apparatus, and return the stored image information to the original sub image forming apparatus.

Here, the main control unit of the main image forming apparatus waits for a return request from the sub image forming apparatus and returns the temporarily stored image information to the sub image information storage section of the sub image forming apparatus. There may be a case where there is no notification of a return request from the requesting sub-image forming apparatus during the period.

After that, when the image information is transferred again from the same sub-image forming apparatus, normally, the image information temporarily stored in the main image information storage unit of the previous time becomes unnecessary, and the sub-image forming apparatus does not have the image information. In many cases, the recording and outputting of the previous image information is completed and the image formation of other image information is started.

In such a case, the previously stored image information should be erased.

In the present invention, when the same confirmation means provided in the main image forming apparatus receives the transfer of the image information for the storage request, whether the same confirmation means is the same as the sub image forming apparatus which received the storage request last time. Whether or not it is confirmed based on additional information such as the model number of the request source.

By the confirmation of the same confirmation means, when the image information is from the same sub-image forming apparatus as the sub-image forming apparatus that received the storage request last time, the accumulated information erasing means received the storage request last time. The image information of the sub image forming apparatus is erased from the main image information storage unit.

Therefore, in the main image forming apparatus, it is possible to reduce the load on the storage capacity of the main image information storage section by deleting unnecessary image information.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the third aspect, wherein the main image forming apparatus is provided with a reset signal for clearing all, for example. Reset means for erasing the stored contents of the main image information storage portion based on the above, and when the reset signal is generated, prevent the reset means from erasing the image information and the additional information requested to be stored in the main image information storage portion. It is characterized in that a blocking means is provided.

Generally, in a main image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, when a predetermined time elapses after the image forming process is completed,
For example, the state of the device is returned to the initial state based on a reset signal for clearing all.

In the present invention, the resetting means performs all clear on the main image forming apparatus based on the reset signal, and at this time, the contents stored in the main image information storage section are also erased.

However, it is inconvenient if the image information requested to be stored by the sub-image forming apparatus is deleted when the all clear operation is performed.

Therefore, in the present invention, when the reset signal is generated, the blocking means prevents the resetting means from erasing the image information and the additional information requested to be stored in the main image information storage section.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the image information from the sub-image forming apparatus temporarily stored in the main image information storage unit from being erased when the main image forming apparatus is completely cleared.

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the present image forming system, a plurality of digital copying machines as image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication device. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of a digital copying machine 30 as an example of the digital copying machine. In FIG. 1, the digital copying machine 30 includes a scanner unit 31 as an image input unit, a laser printer unit 32 as an image recording unit, and a post-processing device 34 including a sorter.

The scanner unit 31 includes a document placing table 35 made of transparent glass and a double-sided automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as "R") for automatically feeding and conveying the document on the document placing table 35.
ADF (Recirculating Automatic Document Feeder) "
), And a document image reading unit for scanning and reading an image of a document placed on the document table 35, that is, a scanner unit 40. The document image read by the scanner unit 40 is sent as image information, that is, image data, to an image processing unit described later, where predetermined image processing is performed.

The RADF 36 is a device that automatically feeds a plurality of originals set on a predetermined original tray at a time one by one onto the original table 35 of the scanner unit 40. The RADF 36 has a transport path for a one-sided original, a transport path for a two-sided original, a transport path switching mechanism, and the like so that the scanner unit 40 reads one or both sides of the original according to an operator's selection. ing.

The scanner unit 40 includes a first scanning unit 40a, a second scanning unit 40b, and an optical lens body 43.
And a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 44. The first scanning unit 40a includes a lamp reflector assembly 41 and a second reflecting mirror 42a that irradiate the surface of the document on the document table 35 with light to scan the surface.

The second scanning unit 40b comprises a second reflecting mirror 42b and a third reflecting mirror 42c. The first
The third reflection mirrors 42a to 42c are for guiding the reflected light from the document to the CCD 44. The optical lens body 43 forms a reflected light image from the document on the CCD 44. The CCD 44 is an element that converts a reflected light image from a document into an electric image signal.

The scanner section 31 is operated by the RADF 36 and the scanner unit 40 in cooperation with each other, so that the document table 3
The scanner unit 40 is moved along the lower surface of the document table 35 to read a document image and convert the image data into image data while sequentially placing the documents on the document 5.

The image data obtained from the scanner unit 31 is sent to an image processing unit described later, and after being subjected to various image processing, it is temporarily stored in a memory 73 described later of the image processing unit. Thereafter, the image data is provided to the laser printer unit 32 in response to the output instruction, and is recorded as an image on a sheet.

The laser printer unit 32 is provided with a laser writing unit 46 and an electrophotographic process unit 47 for forming an image on the upper portion, and a paper storage / conveyance unit 55 on the lower portion. The laser writing unit 46 includes a semiconductor laser that emits laser light corresponding to image data from the memory 73, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser light at an equal angular velocity, and a laser light that is It has an f-θ lens and the like for correcting so that it is deflected at a constant speed on the body drum 48.

The electrophotographic process section 47 has a photosensitive drum 48, a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, a peeling device, a cleaning device, a fixing device 49, etc. arranged around the photosensitive drum 48 according to a well-known mode. It is composed by. A transport path 50 is provided downstream of the fixing device 49 in the transport direction of a sheet on which an image is to be formed. The transport path 50 branches into a transport path 57 leading to the post-processing device 34 and a transport path 58 leading to the sheet storage / transport section 55.

The paper storage / conveyance unit 55 is provided in the first cassette 5
1, a second cassette 52, a double-sided copying unit 53, and a multi-bypass tray 54 are provided. The first cassette 51 and the second cassette 52 accommodate a bundle of sheets,
When the operator selects a cassette containing sheets of a desired size, the sheets are sent out one by one from the sheet bundle in the cassette, and are sequentially conveyed to the electrophotographic process unit 47. The double-sided copying unit 53 is for supplying the paper on which the image has been formed in the electrophotographic processing unit 47 to the electrophotographic processing unit 47 again without being turned upside down or without being turned upside down.

In the laser printer section 32, the image data read from the memory 73 is emitted as a laser beam from the laser writing unit 46, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 of the electrophotographic process section 47. Formed as. This electrostatic latent image is visualized to become a toner image. This toner image is electrostatically transferred onto the paper conveyed from the paper storage / conveyance unit 55, and then fixed on the paper by the fixing unit 49. You.

The sheet on which the image is thus formed is
The sheet is sent from the fixing device 49 to the post-processing device 34 via the conveyance path 50,
Is supplied again to the electrophotographic processing unit 47 via the.

Next, the image processing section of the digital copying machine 30 will be described. The image processing unit performs image processing on image data of a document obtained from the scanner unit 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing unit includes an image data input unit 70, an image data processing unit 71, an image data output unit 72, a memory 73 serving as a main image information storage unit and a sub image information storage unit, and a main control unit. And a print control unit (hereinafter, referred to as “PCU”) 74 as a sub control unit.

The PCU 74 controls the overall operation of the digital copying machine 30 and includes a CPU (Central Process).
ssing Unit). The memory 73 stores image data, and is a RAM (Random Access
Memory) and a hard disk.

The image data input section 70 is a CCD section 70.
a, histogram processing unit 70b, and error diffusion processing unit 70
c. This image data input unit 70 is a CCD
The image data of the original read from the document 44 is binarized and processed by the error diffusion method while obtaining a histogram as a binary digital amount.
3 is stored once.

In the CCD section 70a, after analog signals corresponding to pixel densities of image data are A / D converted,
MTF correction, black-and-white correction or gamma correction is performed and output to the histogram processing unit 70b as a digital signal of 256 gradations (8 bits).

In the histogram processing section 70b, the density information (histogram data) is obtained by adding the digital signals output from the CCD section 70a for each pixel density of 256 gradations. This histogram data is sent to the error diffusion processing unit 70c as pixel data and, if necessary, to the PCU 74.

In the error diffusion processing unit 70c, the error diffusion method, which is a kind of pseudo intermediate processing, that is, the method of reflecting the binarization error in the binarization judgment of the adjacent pixel,
The digital signal of 8 bits / pixel output from the CD unit 70a is converted into 1 bit (binarized), and a redistribution calculation for faithfully reproducing the local area density in the document is performed.

The image data processing section 71 is a multilevel processing section 7.
1a / 71b, synthesis processing section 71c, density conversion processing section 71
d, a scaling unit 71e, an image processing unit 71f, an error diffusion processing unit 71g, and a compression processing unit 71h. The image data processing unit 71 is a processing unit that converts input image data into image data desired by an operator. Therefore, the final output image data is stored in the memory 73.
Until the image data is stored in the image data processing section 71, the processing is performed. However, the above-described processing units included in the image data processing unit 71 function as needed, and may not function.

In the multi-value processing units 71a and 71b, the image data binarized by the error diffusion processing unit 70c is converted into 256 gradations again. The synthesis processing unit 71c selectively performs a logical operation for each pixel, that is, an operation of a logical sum, a logical product, or an exclusive logical sum. The data to be subjected to this calculation is the pixel data stored in the memory 73 and the bit data from the pattern generator (PG).

In the density conversion processing unit 71d, the relationship between the input density and the output density is arbitrarily set for the 256 gradation data based on a predetermined gradation conversion table. The scaling unit 71e performs an interpolation process based on the input known data in accordance with the designated scaling ratio,
Pixel data (density value) for the target pixel after scaling is obtained. After that, the magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed based on the pixel data, and then the magnification in the main scanning direction is changed.

The image processing section 71f performs various image processing on the input pixel data. In addition, information collection for a data string, such as feature extraction, is performed. The error diffusion processing unit 71g performs the same processing as the error diffusion processing unit 70c of the image data input unit 70. The compression processing unit 71h compresses the binary data by encoding called run length. As for the compression of the image data, the compression functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed.

The image data output unit 72 includes a restoration unit 72a,
It includes a multi-value processing section 72b, an error diffusion processing section 72c, and a laser output section 72d. The image data output unit 72
The image data stored in the memory 73 is restored in a compressed state and converted again to the original 256 gradations, and then error diffusion of quaternary data that is a smoother halftone representation than the binary data is performed. The data is transferred to 72d.

In the decompression unit 72a, the compression processing unit 71h
The compressed image data is restored. The multi-value processing section 72b performs the same processing as the multi-value processing sections 71a and 71b of the image data processing section 71. The error diffusion processing unit 72c performs the same processing as the error diffusion processing unit 70c of the image data input unit 70.

The laser output section 72d converts the digital pixel data into a laser on / off signal based on a control signal from a sequence controller (not shown). The semiconductor laser in the laser writing unit 46 is turned on / off based on the on / off signal, and an electrostatic latent image is written on the photosensitive drum 48.

The data handled by the image data input section 70 and the image data output section 72 are basically stored in the memory 73 in the form of binary data in order to reduce the capacity of the memory 73. It is also possible to process in the form of four-valued data in consideration of deterioration of image data.

The operation of the digital copying machine 30 is the same as the PCU 7 described above.
4 and the configuration of the control system by the PCU 74 is as shown in FIG.

In the figure, a desk-related load 75, an RADF-related load 76, an operation board unit 77, a sorter control unit 78, a scanner-related load 79, a printer-related load 80 and the image data processing section 71 are connected to the PCU 74. ing.

The PCU 74 manages each of the above parts by sequence control, and outputs a control signal to each part during control. The desk-related load 75 is a load of a motor, a clutch, and the like in the sorter of the post-processing device 34 other than the digital copying machine 30. The RADF-related load 76 is
36 is the load of the motor, clutch, switch, and the like. The scanner-related load 79 is connected to the scanner unit 40.
, The load of the motor and solenoid. The printer-related load 80 is a load such as a motor, a solenoid, and a high-voltage power supply in the electrophotographic process unit 47. The sorter control unit 78 includes a CPU,
The operation of the sorter is controlled based on the control signal from the control unit 4.

The operation board unit 77 is an input unit for various settings such as a copy mode and commands to the digital copying machine 30 by an operator, and has a CPU. The operation board unit 77 transfers a control signal corresponding to, for example, a copy mode set by the operator to the PCU 74. The PCU 74 operates the digital copying machine 30 according to the mode based on the control signal. Meanwhile, PC
U74 sends the digital copier 30 to the operation board unit 77.
Is transferred. The operation board unit 77 operates the digital copier 30 based on the control signal.
Is displayed on the display unit in order to show the operator what operation state is currently in operation.

The memory 73 connected to the image data processing unit 71 is composed of a main memory 73a, which is a semiconductor memory, and a hard disk 73b. The image data communication unit 81 is connected to the main memory 73a. This image data communication unit 8
Reference numeral 1 is provided to enable information communication such as image data and image control signals with another digital information device. The image data communication unit 81 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the digital copying machine 93 shown in FIG.
3a and a communication line 96.

The operation board unit 77 has an operation panel 90 as an input section shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display device 1 which is a touch panel type display unit is arranged in the center of the operation panel 90. On a part of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 1, a screen switching instruction area 1a is provided. The screen switching instruction area 1a is for inputting an instruction to switch the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 to a screen for selecting an image editing function. When the operator directly presses the area 1a with a finger, various editing functions are listed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 so that a desired function can be selected, as described later. At this time, when the operator presses a desired editing function area among the displayed display areas of the various editing functions with a finger, the editing function is set.

A brightness adjustment dial 2 for adjusting the brightness of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 is provided on the operation panel 90 at the leftmost position in FIG. Between the dial 2 and the liquid crystal display device 1, an automatic magnification setting key 3, a zoom key 4, fixed magnification keys 5.6 and an equal magnification key 7 are provided. The automatic magnification setting key 3 is used to set a mode for automatically selecting a copy magnification.
The zoom key 4 is used to set the copy magnification in increments of 1%. The fixed magnification keys 5 and 6 are for selecting a fixed magnification, and the same magnification key 7 is for returning the copy magnification to a standard magnification (same magnification).

At the right position of the liquid crystal display device 1 in the figure, the number of sheets setting key 13, the clear key 14, the start key 15, the all cancel key 16, the interrupt key 17, the operation guide key 18, the message forward key 19, and the memory. Transmission mode key 20, copy / fax mode switching key 2
1. One-touch dial keys 22 are provided.

The number-of-sheets setting key 13 is for setting the number of copies, and the clear key 14 is for operating to clear the number of copies or to stop continuous copying on the way. The start key 15 is for instructing the start of copying, and the all release key 16 is for releasing all of the currently set modes and returning to the standard state. The interrupt key 17 is operated when the user wants to copy another document during continuous copying. The operation guide key 18 is operated when the operation of the digital copier 30 is not known.
The operation method of the digital copying machine 30 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1. The message forward key 19 is for switching the display of the message displayed by the operation of the operation guide key 18 while sequentially forwarding the message.

The memory transmission mode key 20, the copy / fax mode switching key 21 and the one-touch dial key 22 are setting keys related to the facsimile mode.
The memory transmission mode key 20 is used to specify that a document to be transmitted is temporarily stored in a memory and then transmitted.
The fax mode switching key 21 is the digital copying machine 30.
To switch the mode between copy and fax. The one-touch dial key 22 is for making a one-touch operation to make a call to a destination whose telephone number is stored in the digital copying machine 30 in advance.

The configuration of the operation panel 90 relating to the types and arrangements of the various keys described above is merely an example, and differs depending on various functions installed in the digital copying machine 30.

In the liquid crystal display device 1, for example, as shown in FIG.
FIG. 7A shows a basic screen shown in FIG. 7A, a first function setting screen shown in FIG. 7B, a second function setting screen shown in FIG.
, A post-processing setting screen shown in FIG. 8B, an initial setting screen shown in FIG. 8A, a fingerprint registration screen shown in FIG. 8B, and a department management setting shown in FIG. The screen, the limiter setting screen shown in FIG. 9A, the simulation screen shown in FIG. 9B, and each screen described later can be displayed.

The basic screen is provided with a function setting area, an image quality setting area, a post-processing setting area, an initial setting area, a set function confirmation operation area, and a cassette setting area. These areas serve as setting keys 101a to 101d. Further, on the basic screen, a set cassette display, a density display, a copy number display, and a magnification display are performed. When the setting function confirmation operation area is operated, the function set in the image forming system is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1.

In the first function setting screen, areas for setting the editing functions of mirror image, italic, inversion, shadowing, trimming and masking are provided. These areas are the setting keys 102a to 102f. Further, each operation area for transition to the basic screen and transition to the next page screen is set. When the next page key is pressed, a second function setting screen is displayed.

On the second function setting screen, an area for setting each editing function of composition and independent scaling, an area for setting a sharpness function for enhancing an image, and an area for setting a translation function are provided. It is provided. These areas serve as setting keys 103a to 103d. further,
Each operation area for transition to the basic screen and transition to the previous page screen is set.

In the image quality setting screen, density, HI-F
I (high-quality copy mode), background removal mode,
Auto scaling mode, text mode, text / photo mixed mode,
Each setting area for setting a photograph mode and a magnification is provided. Further, the display of the density and the magnification is performed.

The post-processing setting screen is provided with an input area indicating whether the original is single-sided or double-sided, an input area indicating whether the copy is single-sided or double-sided, and a setting area for the bookbinding function. Furthermore, the setting area of the post-processing function of the staple sorter, the sorter and the finish, and the electronic RDH (Rec
ycle Document Handler) setting area is provided.

On the initial setting screen, fingerprint registration, department management, simulation, maintenance management, new function registration,
A setting area for each mode for selecting an output device and an operation area for transition to a basic screen are set.

On the fingerprint registration screen, an area for inputting the department code and name is provided, and the input department code and name are displayed.

On the department management setting screen, a setting input area for the department code and the number of persons is provided, and the inputted department code and the number of persons are displayed.

The transition of each screen is performed in the order shown in FIG. That is, in the liquid crystal display device 1, first, a basic screen is displayed. When any one of the function setting area, the image quality setting area, the post-processing setting area, and the initial setting area is pressed on this display screen, the display is performed. The screen changes to a screen corresponding to the area.

For example, when the function setting area is pressed, the screen switches to the first function setting screen, and when the operation area for transition to the next page screen is pressed on this screen, the screen changes to the second screen. Transit to the function setting screen (NEXT function setting screen). On the other hand, when the operation area for transition to the basic screen is pressed, the screen returns to the basic screen. Further, for example, in the first function setting screen, when the italic function setting area and the inversion function setting area are pressed, the screen is inverted as shown in FIG. 12A. After that, the screen transits to the screen of FIG. Next, on the screen of FIG.
When the user presses the button 12a, the screen changes to an italic setting screen shown in FIG. In the italic setting screen, an angle input key 106a as a setting area for an oblique angle and a setting completion key 106b as a setting completion input area are provided. Further, the display of the italic angle is performed.

When a predetermined function setting area is pressed on the first and second function setting screens, the screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 correspondingly sets the corresponding parameter setting like the italic setting screen. It becomes a screen.

Table 1 shows an example of the image editing function of the image forming system which can be set by operating the function setting area and its processing operation. The image editing function set in the image forming system is not limited to these functions. As other things, for example, a function of copying handwritten characters and images can be considered.

[0094]

[Table 1]

On the other hand, the image forming system is constituted by digital information equipment provided in the office, for example, as shown in FIG. The image forming system shown in the figure includes a digital copying machine 91 as an image forming apparatus.
To 93, a scanner 94 and a printer 95.

The digital copying machine 91 is a memoryless low-function low-priced version and has a basic editing function. In addition, the memoryless here means that although there is no page memory capable of storing a large amount of image data,
This indicates that a line memory necessary for performing a normal operation on image data in the digital copying machine is provided at a minimum. The basic editing function is a function that can be executed without a page memory, such as black and white inversion. The digital copying machine 91 has a scanner function of the scanner unit 40 shown in FIG.
It is DPI. Also, copy speed is 20 CPM
(20 sheets / min), which is of a low-speed class. Further, the digital copying machine 91 is provided with the laser printer unit 32.
Printer function is monochrome and has a resolution of 400 DPI, and has an interface (I / F) 91a.

The digital copying machine 92 is of an intermediate class having a scanner function of monochrome with a resolution of 400 DPI, a printer function of monochrome with a resolution of 400 DPI and a copying speed of 40 CPM. Also, 64 Mbytes (resolution 400 DPI, 8b) as various editing functions and page memory
It is provided with a memory of (it / pixel and a capacity equivalent to 4 pages of A4 size) and an interface 92a. The memory corresponds to the main memory 73a shown in FIG.

In the digital copying machine 93, the scanner function is monochrome with a resolution of 400 DPI, the printer function is monochrome with a resolution of 400 DPI, and the copying speed is high.
CPM. In addition, various editing functions, character recognition function,
5 bit data coding function and page memory
Large capacity of 00M bytes (resolution 400DPI, 8bit
/ Pixel, a compression rate of 1/4 and a capacity of 100 pages of A4 size), which is of an advanced class. Therefore, it is also possible to change the page order of the image data and store document data in various formats. The memory corresponds to the one including the main memory 73a and the hard disk 73b shown in FIG. Further, the digital copier 93 has an interface 93
a.

Further, the scanner 94 can read a color image and has a resolution of 600 DPI.
The printer 95 is capable of printing a color image,
The recording density is 600 DPI. These scanners 9
4 and the printer 95 have respective interfaces 94.
a.95a.

The digital copying machine 91, the digital copying machines 92 and 93, the scanner 94 and the printer 95 respectively have interfaces 91a to 95a and a communication line 96.
, So that data can be transmitted and received mutually. Therefore, a communication device is configured by the interfaces 91a to 95a, the communication line 96, and the PCU 74.

The types of data handled by this communication device are, for example, bit data such as image data (gradation data for each pixel, eg 8 bits; 256 gradations) and command codes. The communication device can transmit a high gradation image such as a natural image with high definition. In addition, the communication device reduces the amount of text data such as characters to a small data amount by encoding,
High-speed transmission is also possible. In particular, image data having a gradation such as a natural image may be transferred after being processed by a dither method or an error diffusion method, which is one of the area gradation methods generally used for compressing the data amount. . The processing by the error diffusion method is performed in advance in each device. The format of the transmission data is set according to a format that can be processed by each of the digital copying machines 91 to 93 or the printer 95. Therefore, for example, in a digital copying machine that has received image data to be output on paper, the image data is input to the laser printer unit 32 and converted into a data string required for writing by the image processing unit. Is output.

Further, each of the interfaces 91a to 95a
Is defined by a protocol and a communication speed specified in each of them, and an appropriate standard is selected according to the content of data to be transmitted, for example, a data amount, a positional relationship between respective devices, for example, a distance, and the like. Furthermore, in the present image forming system, not only is the device connected one-to-one, but also the daisy chain (Daisy Ch.
There is also a state where a plurality of devices are connected to a common communication line 96 as in ain). Therefore, an address is set in each device so that each of the interfaces 91a to 95a can determine the transmission destination of the image data. The standard of the interfaces 91a to 95a is, for example, Ethernet, which is a network capable of transferring image data at high speed. Further, interfaces 91a to 95a
Is SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), R
It is also compatible with general-purpose standards such as S-232C.

Further, the digital copying machines 91 to 93 have a FAX function capable of transmitting and receiving data via a telephone line, and a printer mode for printing out document data from a personal computer, a word processor or the like.

Generally, the function of the digital copying machine provided in each office is largely affected by the price problem, the capacity of the image memory, etc., and the purpose of use and the demand for the function in each office. There are various types depending on the degree. Therefore, the digital copiers provided in the office include the digital copiers 91 to 9 described above.
A variety of product lineups are conceivable without being limited to three.

Table 2 below shows an example of the image editing function of the digital copying machines 91 to 93 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0106]

[Table 2]

These functional information are stored in each digital copying machine 91.
９３93 are stored in the memories 73, respectively, and can be referred to at any time by each PCU 74.

In this image forming system, as shown in FIG. 11, a digital copying machine 93 having the largest number of image processing functions and a large capacity memory 73 is used as a main digital copying machine. On the other hand, the other digital copying machines 91 and 92 are connected to the scanner 94 and the printer 95. Then, for example, the digital copying machines 91 and 92 can use the image processing function of the digital copying machine 93 and the memory 73. When the image processing function is used, the digital copying machine 91.9 is used.
2, the image data is transmitted to the digital copying machine 93, the image data is subjected to predetermined image processing by the digital copying machine 93, and the processed image data is returned to the original digital copying machine, for example. Is output as an image on paper. When the memory 73 is used, image data is transmitted from one of the digital copying machines 91 and 92 to the digital copying machine 93, and the image data is stored in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93. It will be returned to the original digital copier.

The image processing operation of the image forming system having the above structure will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a description will be given assuming that the digital copying machine 91 selects a "sharpness" function for emphasizing images for each of a plurality of document images as image processing on a document image, and performs distributed processing on the digital copying machines 92 and 93. . Note that the function setting screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 in the digital copying machines 91 and 92 is also displayed on the digital copying machine 9.
3 are displayed.

First, in the basic screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 shown in FIG. 6A, when the function setting key 101a is pressed, the screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 is changed to the first screen shown in FIG. 6B.
Move to Function setting screen. When the next page key is pressed in this state, the screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 transits to the second function setting screen shown in FIG. When the sharpness key 103c is pressed to select the "sharpness" function on this screen (S1), the sharpness function setting area is highlighted as shown in FIG. It can be seen that the function has been selected.

Next, the PCU 74 of the digital copying machine 92
Are provided with an image forming system having a "sharpness" function and each digital copying machine 91/92/93.
Is determined (S2).

Next, the PCU 74 determines whether or not the "sharpness" function is provided in the digital copying machine 91 that is performing the operation (S3). In this case, as shown in Table 2, the digital copying machine 91 does not have the “sharpness” function. Therefore, the determination result in S3 is NO
Becomes Therefore, the "sharpness" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1.
In addition to displaying that the function is not available in the machine, the user is also prompted to select whether to process the external device in the system other than the machine (S
4). The display screen for this selection is as shown in FIG.

As described above, since the digital copying machine 91 does not have the "sharpness" function, the copying machine in the system is inevitably requested to process the "sharpness" function. In the form, the operator's intention is confirmed by displaying the above display screen for the purpose of confirmation. Therefore, when the operator does not perform the processing by the digital copiers 92 and 93 in the system, the operator presses the cancel key 122b to perform the operation.
The PCU 74 determines that (S5), and can cancel the setting mode (S6).

When the system selection key 122a is pressed on the above display screen, the PCU 74 judges to that effect (S5), and the digital copying machine equipped with the "sharpness" function in the digital copying machines in the system. The machines 92 and 93 are selected, and the screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 transits to the sharpness function setting screen shown in FIG.

Next, the "sharpness" emphasis level is input with the sharpness input key 116a displayed on this display screen. When the setting is completed, the setting completion key 11
By pressing 6b, the PCU 74 of the digital copying machine 91 determines the request destination of the image processing of each document information including this machine (S7). The details of the determination method will be described later. Next, function control information is added to each image, and after scrambling processing described later is performed, the image data is transferred to the digital copying machines 92 and 93 (S8).

The above image data is transmitted from the main memory 73a shown in FIG. 4 via the image data communication unit 81 and a modem (not shown). At this time, as the content to be transmitted, in addition to the image data, the requested processing content, that is, the function control information including the processing code indicating the "sharpness" process is also transmitted. As shown in FIG. 11, the transmission image data is transmitted through an interface 91a, a communication line 96, and interfaces 92a and 93a.
It is input to each digital copying machine 92/93.

Here, the image data to be processed is
For example, it is data of a document image read by the scanner unit 31. The digital copying machine 91 does not include a page memory, but includes only a line memory. Therefore, the read image data for each line is sequentially transferred for each line.

In the above transfer, when a general-purpose network is used, the image data may leak outside. For this reason, when the image data is an image of a very important document and includes confidential matters, it is necessary to take sufficient care not to leak the contents.

However, in the case of a general-purpose network, an unspecified number of people can access it at will, and hackers (Ha
There is a possibility that someone who snoops on data running on the network, such as a crime such as cker), may appear. Therefore, it is preferable to perform data conversion such as scramble (Scramble) processing on the data to be sent to the network so that the contents cannot be recognized even if the eavesdropping is performed. This scrambling process is also performed in the present embodiment.

Upon receiving the above image data, the digital copying machines 92 and 93 cancel the scramble process and
Check the image data and the requested function control information. Then, the received data is processed in accordance with the content of the request, that is, the "sharpness" processing (S9).

Here, in the present embodiment, each of the digital copying machines 92 and 93 immediately digitally copies the processed image information when the predetermined image processing is completed and the image data that can be returned is prepared. When the digital copying machine 91 is ready to output the image instead of transferring it to the machine 91,
In other words, when the return of the image subjected to the predetermined image processing is requested, the image is returned (S10).

That is, it is conceivable that the digital copying machine 91 that requested the image processing does not have a sufficient memory for storing the image information returned from each of the digital copying machines 92 and 93.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as a countermeasure against such a case, when the laser printer unit 32 of the digital copying machine 91 outputs an image, the image processing is performed by the digital copying machines 92 and 93. The image information is immediately transferred to the digital copying machine 9 when the image processing is completed.
When the digital copying machine 91 is in the stage of outputting the image instead of returning to step 1, it is determined whether or not the image data is requested to be returned (S10). And then return it.

When an image return request is issued from the digital copying machine 91 in S10, the digital copying machines 92 and 93 perform scramble processing again, and the digital copying machine 91 which is the image data sending source performs the scrambling process again. Return (S1
1).

In the digital copying machine 91, the scramble processing of the received data is canceled (S12). The image-processed image data that has been released from the scramble processing is temporarily stored in an image memory for each page, and thereafter, after a series of other processing described above is performed, the laser printer unit 32
When printing is enabled, the image data is sequentially output to the laser as serial image data, whereby the image data is output as an image on paper (S13). The recording operation in this case is as described for the digital copying machine 30 described above.

On the other hand, if the result of S3 is YES, that is, if the digital copying machine being operated is equipped with the "sharpness" function, as shown in FIG. It is displayed that the function is provided in this machine, and it is selected whether to utilize the digital copying machine 93 in the system other than this machine for processing (S
14).

In such a case, for example, it is assumed that this machine is the digital copying machine 92 and the image data processing section 71 of the digital copying machine 93 is used to perform the "sharpness" processing.

At this time, the PCU 74 determines whether or not the system should process (S15).
7, the document image is transferred to the digital copier 93,
While the image data processed by the digital copier 93 is output by the laser printer unit 32, when the image data is processed only by the machine, the "sharpness" process is performed by the machine (S16).
Then, the process proceeds to step S13, and the output is performed.

As described above, in this image forming system,
When an image editing function not provided in the digital copying machine 91 is selected, the image editing can be performed by requesting the digital copying machines 92 and 93 to be distributed. Therefore, the digital copying machine 91 is not necessarily a digital copying machine 92/93.
It is not necessary to provide the same high image editing function as that described above.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, in S11, the image data processed by the digital copying machines 92 and 93 is returned to the requesting digital copying machine 91, and the digital copying machine 91 displays the image. Instead of this, it is possible to select the return destination of the processed image data according to various conditions and output the image with the selected digital copying machine or printer.

In the above description, the digital copying machines 91 to 93 are targeted, but a combination of the scanner 94 and the printer 95 can also have a function as a digital copying machine. The target can be the same as that of a digital copying machine. In this case, for example, the resolution 60 obtained by reading with the scanner 94 is
The color image data of 0 DPI is transferred to the digital copying machine 93 to perform image processing, and the processed image data is returned to the printer 95 of 600 DPI for printing. Thereby, the same operation as the above-described digital copying machine can be performed.

Further, in this image forming system, the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 can be used so that another digital copying machine can perform copying. Here, the operation of the present image forming system will be described with reference to a communication operation between a digital copying machine 92 as a sub image forming apparatus and a digital copying machine 93 as a main image forming apparatus. In this case, the digital copying machine 92
It has a DH function. The electronic RDH means that, for example, all image data of a document of, for example, 10 pages are temporarily stored in the memory 73, the image data of each page is sequentially read from the memory 73, and this is repeated, for example, to 2 pages.
That is, 0 copies are made. The electronic RDH can be selected by operating the function setting key 101a shown in FIG. In this case, by operating the function setting key 101a, for example, the electronic RDH setting key is displayed on the second function setting screen shown in FIG.

The digital copying machine 92 is equipped with a 64 Mbyte page memory as the memory 73 as a sub-image information storage unit. Therefore, the page memory can continuously read four pages, for example, assuming that an A4 size document has 256 gradations of image data. This capacity is sufficient when copying is performed by temporarily storing a document image in a normal copying process. However, for example, when a plurality of copies of a document image of 10 pages are made by the electronic RDH, the page memory for 6 sheets becomes insufficient. Therefore, in this case, the electronic RDH is executed using the memory 73 as the main image information storage unit of the digital copying machine 93. Hereinafter, the operation in this case will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

When the electronic RDH is selected in the digital copying machine 92 and the document is set in the RADF 36 shown in FIG. 2 (S31) and the start key 15 shown in FIG. 5 is turned on (S32), the document is copied by the RADF 36. The images are sequentially conveyed and the image of the original is read by the scanner unit 40. The image data thus obtained is sequentially stored in the memory 73 (S33). The image data is sequentially processed by the image data processing unit 71.
Processing such as density conversion and scaling based on the setting is performed (S
34). When the electronic RDH setting key is operated, an external memory selection key 121a shown in FIG. 17A is provided in the liquid crystal display device 1, and the memory capacity is displayed by the memory remaining amount display section 121b.

Thereafter, during the reading of the original by the scanner unit 40, the free space of the memory 73 becomes smaller than the memory required for reading the remaining originals (S3).
5) If the external memory selection key 121a has not been previously pressed (S36), a message to the effect that the external memory needs to be used is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1 as shown in FIG. (S37).

Thereafter, when the user presses the external memory selection key 121a (S38), the liquid crystal display device 1 becomes the message display screen shown in FIG. 17 (b). In this screen, the external memory selection key 12
1a is an inverted display indicating that the pressing operation has been performed, and the display on the memory remaining amount display section 121b is
Is obtained by adding the capacity of the memory 73 of FIG.

Next, when the user presses the continue key 121c in accordance with the message shown in FIG. 16B (S39), the image data is digitally displayed because the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 is used as the external memory. The data is transferred to the copying machine 93 (S40).

The screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 at this time is as shown in FIG. In this case, the image data to be transferred is one of the image data that is subsequently read in sequence and the image data that has already been read and stored in the memory 73. The image data transfer operation is performed in the same manner as the image data sending operation described above. The digital copier 93 stores the received image data in its memory 73.

As described above, the operations of S33 to S40 are repeated until there are no more documents waiting to be read (S4).
1). Thereafter, when reading of all the originals is completed, if the external memory is used (S42),
In accordance with the output order, the image data is transferred from the digital copying machine 93 to the digital copying machine 92 and output as an image on a sheet (S43). In this case, the document on the last page side is sequentially output.

Similarly to the case of writing, when reading from the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 92, the image data is read from each memory through the data line in the digital copying machine 93, and the digital copying machine 93 is read. When read from, it is performed via the communication line 96.

On the other hand, in S35, the digital copying machine 9
If the free space of the second memory 73 is larger than the memory capacity required for reading the remaining originals, the image data is continuously stored in the memory 73 (S44), and the process proceeds to S41. After that, the memory 73 goes through S41 and S42.
Are output on paper in accordance with the output order (S46).

If the specified time has elapsed before the external memory selection key 121a is pressed in S38 (S45), the process proceeds to S42, and in S46, the image data stored in the memory 73 until then is stored. Output on paper according to the output order.

In the above description, the digital copying machine 9 is used.
The page memory No. 2 is used for storing image data read from the original image, but an area corresponding to several sheets is always reserved for the control operation of the digital copying machine 92. It may be configured.

Furthermore, in this image forming system,
If another digital copying machine requests the digital copying machine 93 to perform processing such as image processing or storage that exceeds the processing capability of the digital copying machine 93, the processing cannot be performed by the digital copying machine 93. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1 of the digital copier of the processing request source. The operation in this case is as follows.
That is, the PCU 74 of the digital copying machine 93 confirms the contents requested by another digital copying machine.

Next, the digital copying machine 93 executes the process if the requested process can be executed,
If it cannot be executed, data indicating that fact is transmitted to the requesting digital copying machine. Upon receiving the data, the requesting digital copying machine displays the data on the liquid crystal display device 1.
To be displayed.

Next, in the image forming system, in the memory 73 as the main image information storage unit in the digital copying machine 93 which is the main image forming apparatus, which receives the storage request from the digital copying machine 92 which is the sub image forming apparatus. The deletion of the stored contents will be described.

In the image forming system of the present embodiment, when the requested digital copying machine 93 does not receive an image return request from the requesting digital copying machine 92 for a long period of time, the load on the storage capacity is reduced. Therefore, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the storage of the image information regarding the request from the digital copying machine 92 and the additional information regarding the image information is erased.

That is, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 which has received the request is accumulated and occupied by the image data for a long period of time, which causes the burden of the copying process of the digital copying machine 93 itself. If there is no return request from the requester for a long period of time, the image data is deleted based on the validity of the image data to eliminate unnecessary occupation of the memory 73. I am trying.

The operation in this case will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This operation will also be described by exemplifying a case where the page memory of the digital copying machine 93 as an external memory is used for the processing of the digital copying machine 92 as described above.

As described above, the digital copier 92 is equipped with a 64 Mbyte page memory. In this 64 Mbyte page memory, for example, in the case of an A4 size document and image data of 256 gradations,
It is possible to continuously read and store four originals.

The 64 Mbyte page memory has a sufficient memory capacity for temporarily storing an original image for copying in the case of a normal copying process. However, for example, when the electronic RDH used for copying 20 copies of 10 originals is executed, the page memory for 6 pages is insufficient.

At this time, in the page memory which is the memory 73 as the sub-image information storage unit of the digital copying machine 92,
The image data of the document which is sequentially read is accumulated. When the capacity of the page memory becomes full, FIG.
As shown in 7 (a), a message to that effect is displayed on the screen to notify the user.

The user determines whether or not to use the external memory. When the external memory is used, the user operates the external memory key 121a to instruct the external memory processing. As a result, the liquid crystal display device 1
The display screen of the message shown in FIG.

When the continue key 121c is pressed to continue the processing on this screen, the screen display changes to that shown in FIG. 17C, and the screen display indicates that the processing is being performed using the external memory.

When the continue key 121c is pressed, the digital copying machine 92 transfers the image data of the original image to another digital copying machine 93 using the communication device.

The digital copying machine 93 receives the transferred document image data (S51) and sequentially stores it in the memory 73 (S52).

As a result, the remaining 6 originals are temporarily stored. The memory 73 for storing the image requested from the outside is managed under an environment in which the image data from the outside is not lost after receiving the image data from the outside. That is, the digital copier 93 is constituted by a nonvolatile memory such as a memory supplied with backup power or a flash memory so that the power of the digital copying machine 93 is not accidentally shut off and the image data is not lost.

When the document reading operation is completed,
The image data is sequentially read from the image data corresponding to the last page of the document, and is recorded and output by the laser printer unit 32 of the digital copying machine 92 itself. The memory 73 of the digital copier 92
After the recording and outputting of the image data stored in the digital copying machine 93 is completed, a return request is made to the digital copying machine 93 (S54), and the remaining image data is read from the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 and returned to the digital copying machine 92. Later (S55),
The same is recorded and output. That is, the digital copying machine 9
In reading the original image data from the memory 73 of the third embodiment, similarly to writing, the image data of the page to be recorded is sequentially read out via the communication device in the image forming system and returned to the digital copying machine 92. Be recorded.

Here, in the present embodiment, a timer as a time-lapse means is started from the time when the document image data from the digital copying machine 92 is stored in the memory 73 in S52 (S53), and then the image is stored. Manages the elapsed time of. When a predetermined time has elapsed by the timer management (S56), the memory 7 of the digital copying machine 93
Then, the image data is deleted from No. 3 (S57). This allows
The same image is not stored in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 for a long time.

The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily, and an appropriate time is set according to the configuration of the image forming system. For example, the setting time may be short if it is constituted by a high-speed digital copier, while
If it is constituted by a low-speed digital copying machine, the set time is lengthened. As a result, unnecessary image data is not erased from the memory 73, and unnecessary image data is not stored forever.

As described above, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, in the digital copying machine 92, the scanner unit 3 is used.
A document image is read from an image input unit such as 1 and the read image information is stored in a memory 73 as a sub-image information storage unit. The image information stored in the memory 73 is recorded and output by the laser printer unit 32 as a visible image.

By the way, when a plurality of originals are read by, for example, the electronic RDH as the scanner unit 31, the digital copier 92 stores the image information of all the originals because the memory 73 has a small capacity. Sometimes you can't.

In such a case, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, the operation panel 90 as an input unit for the operator is used.
By inputting the command to, it is possible to input a command for requesting storage to a digital copying machine 93 different from the digital copying machine 92. When a command to request storage of image information is issued from the operation panel 90, the PCU 74 as a sub-control unit is
Transfers the image information stored in the memory 73 to the digital copying machine 93 based on the instruction to request the storage of the image information. The transfer may be partial image information or all image information.

Next, the digital copying machine 93 temporarily stores the image information transferred via the communication device in the memory 73 as the main image information storage section. The PCU 74 as the main control unit of the digital copier 93 waits for a return request from the digital copier 92, and when the return request is made, the PCU 74 transmits this image information to the digital copier 92 via the communication device. It is returned to the memory 73.

The digital copying machine 92 is the digital copying machine 9
The returned image information stored in 2 is taken out and input to the laser printer unit 32, and the laser printer unit 32 records and outputs it as a visible image.

As a result, even if the storage capacity of the image information is small in the digital copying machine 92 which the operator intends to use, the image information read by the digital copying machine 92 is transferred to another digital copying machine 93. The information can be transferred and temporarily stored in the digital copying machine 93, and the image information requested to be stored can be returned to the original digital copying machine 92.

Further, in the image forming system of this embodiment, the digital copying machine 93 is provided with a timer as a time measuring means, and the digital copying machine 9 is used by this timer.
The elapsed time from the time when the image information transferred from No. 2 is stored in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 is measured. Then, when there is no return request from the digital copying machine 92 and when the elapsed time on the timer exceeds a predetermined time, the PCU 74 as the erasing means of the digital copying machine 93 erases the image information stored in the memory 73. .

Therefore, for example, if there is no contact from the requesting digital copying machine 92 for a too long time, the digital copying machine 93 should be used in order to reduce the storage capacity burden on the digital copying machine 93 on the requesting side. Since the image information stored in 93 is deleted, the memory 7 of the digital copying machine 93 is deleted.
3 can be effectively used. That is, the digital copying machine 93 requested to store the image data by an external device.
In addition to simply storing this image data, when the digital copying machine 93 itself feels in doubt about the storage of the image data, it deletes the image data after considering the validity of the image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary image data from being accumulated / occupied for a long period of time, which may impose a burden on the copying process of the digital copying machine 93 itself. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently record a large amount of image information in the best state from the viewpoint of the entire image forming system.

Further, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, the elapsed time from the storage of the image is managed by the timer as the aging means, and when the predetermined time has elapsed by the timer management, the digital copying machine 93 Although the image data is erased from the memory 73, the predetermined time can be set arbitrarily.

Therefore, even if the image forming system is formed by a machine having a fast copying process or a machine having a slow copying process, unnecessary image data can be erased at the most appropriate time for the entire image forming system. In addition, for a slow machine, it is possible to prevent an inquiry from being made too fast, for example.

Further, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 for temporarily storing the image data from the digital copying machine 92 is provided even if the main power source of the digital copying machine 93 is cut off. In order to maintain the storage state, for example, it is constituted by a memory to which backup power is supplied or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.

Therefore, the image data requested to be stored by another person such as a customer will not be lost by mistake.
Again, it is possible to prevent the unpleasant situation of having a memory request again.

[Second Embodiment] The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention in reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. For the sake of convenience, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the image forming system according to the first embodiment, in the description of the flowchart of FIG.
The image data is erased from the memory 73 at the time when the predetermined time elapses in step S57 (S57), but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the machine on the side requesting the storage of the image data when the predetermined time elapses. That is, it is possible to confirm the operation status of the digital copying machine 92 and determine whether to retain the image data in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 or delete the image data from the memory 73 based on the confirmation result. It is possible.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the digital copying machine 93 receives the image data from the digital copying machine 92 and the additional information such as the model number of the requester (S).
61), the image data and the additional information are stored in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 (S62). Then, the timer is started from the time when the data is stored in the memory 73 (S63). The timer setting here is, for example, 10 minutes.

Thereafter, the digital copying machine 93 waits for an image data return request from the digital copying machine 92 (S6).
4) If there is a return request, the return is made to the digital copying machine 92 (S65), and the timer is reset after the return (S66).

On the other hand, if there is no image data return request from the digital copying machine 92 in S64, a predetermined time, that is, 1
It is determined whether or not 0 minutes have elapsed (S67). If 10 minutes have elapsed, the timer is reset once (S68), and the operation status of the requesting machine, that is, the digital copying machine 92 is confirmed (S69).

The operation status of the digital copying machine 92 is confirmed via the communication device between the digital copying machine 92 and the digital copying machine 93.

Next, if the digital copying machine 92 requesting to store the image data is in operation (S70), there is a possibility that the digital copying machine 92 will request the transfer of the image data. Therefore, the timer is set again. (S71), S64
Returns to the state of waiting for an image data transfer request. The timer time set again in S71 is set from the level of the digital copying machine in the image forming system, as described above. Here, the first set time of 10 minutes in S63 is taken into consideration. , For example, 5 minutes.

Further, in S70, the digital copying machine 9
2 is not operating, the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 is erased (S72).

Further, when the time is not up in S67, the process returns to S64 and stands by for the image data transfer request.

In the above embodiment, for example, when the digital copying machine 92 is not in operation in S70, the digital copying machine 93 automatically erases the memory 73. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the user can confirm the operating state of each requesting digital copying machine on the liquid crystal display device 1 of the operation panel 90 of the digital copying machine 93. Then, it is possible to manually erase the memory 73 based on this display screen.

As shown in the figure, the display screen shows "NO." Indicating the number of requests, "request status" indicating the size information of the document and the number of documents, and the digital data requesting the storage of the image data. "Requester" indicating the copying machine, "operating state" indicating whether it is in standby or in operation, and "elapsed time" indicating the elapsed time after storing the image data in the memory 73.
Are displayed in a table format.

Further, in the area below the above-mentioned tabular display,
The current status of the memory 73 is displayed so that the usage status and remaining amount of the memory 73 can be checked. Further, an up key 130a and a down key 130b are provided in an area on the right side of the display screen.
0a and the down key 130b are pressed, an arrow cursor 13 provided on the left side of the tabular display is displayed.
1 can be moved up and down. Therefore, after selecting "NO." Of the image data with the arrow cursor 131 and pressing the clear key 132, the desired image data can be erased from the memory 73.

With the above-described structure, the current status of the digital copying machine 92 that has requested the storage of image data can be confirmed. If the requesting digital copying machine 92 is on standby, the copying operation for the original document is completed. It is understood that you are doing. Further, if the power of the digital copying machine 92 is turned off, it is the same as the all-reset operation, and it is possible to manually or automatically delete the image data requested to be stored under these conditions. It is possible.

As described above, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, the PCU 74 of the digital copying machine 93 waits for a return request from the digital copying machine 92, and temporarily stores the image information stored in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 92. However, if there is no notification of the return request from the requesting digital copying machine 92 for a long period of time, if the current operation status of the digital copying machine 92 is unknown, the image information stored in the digital copying machine 93 will not be stored. Even if it becomes a burden, the image information cannot be erased.

However, in the present embodiment, the digital copying machine 93 has the operating status of the digital copying machine 92, for example, “in operation” or “standby” or “power down”.
Since the PCU 74 is provided as a status confirmation means for confirming the above, the operating status of the digital copying machine 92 can be confirmed by exchanging signals with the digital copying machine 92 by the PCU 74.

For example, if it is "in operation", it can be expected that there will be a return request soon. If it is "standby" or "power down" despite no return request, the requested image will be displayed. The information can be interpreted as no longer needed.

Therefore, in the digital copying machine 93, if there is no contact from the requesting digital copying machine 92 for a long period of time, the operation status of the digital copying machine 92 can be confirmed.

Further, in order to reduce the load of the storage capacity of the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93, when the operation status of "standby" or "power down" is confirmed, the memory 73 is automatically erased. It becomes possible.

On the contrary, since the memory 73 is erased after confirming the operation status of the requesting digital copying machine 92,
It is possible to prevent the problem that even the image data required by the requester is deleted.

Further, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, in particular, the operation status of the digital copying machine 92 confirmed by the PCU 74 as the status confirmation means is similar to that of the liquid crystal display device 1 which also functions as the status confirmation means. For example, "in operation" or "standby" or "power down" is displayed.

Therefore, the user looks at this display and
The image data of the digital copying machine 92 can be erased.

Further, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, the image data from the digital copying machine 92 and the additional information related to this image data, such as the model number of the requester, are also stored in the digital copying machine 93. While temporarily stored in the memory 73, the additional information such as the model number of the requester can be displayed and confirmed on the liquid crystal display device 1 as a display device.

Therefore, when a recording request is received from a plurality of digital copying machines, it is possible to confirm from which digital copying machine the data has been transferred. For this reason,
When the image data is left for a long time or is unnecessary, it can be specified that the image data is from the digital copying machine and the image data can be erased.

In the present embodiment, the model number is illustrated as the additional information related to the image data, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the digital copying machine 9 is used.
The time when the image data is transferred from the digital copying machine 93 to the digital copying machine 93 can be included in this additional information. Therefore, also by this, it can be confirmed that the image data is left for a long time.

Further, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, storage requests are made from a plurality of sub-image forming apparatuses such as the digital copying machine 93, and the memory 73 in the digital copying machine 93 is requested.
Each image data temporarily stored in can be arbitrarily selected and deleted.

Therefore, it is possible to select and erase only the unnecessary ones of the image data stored by the plurality of sub-image forming apparatuses.

[Third Embodiment] The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention in reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

This embodiment illustrates how to handle the previous image data stored in the memory 73 when another recording request is made from the same digital copying machine.

That is, as a method for surely erasing the image data from the memory 73, when the same digital copying machine requests to store the image data again, the already stored image data is stored in the memory. It is possible to delete from 73.

As described above, as the information on the image data, when the digital copying machine from which the data is transferred is managed, whether the data is transferred from the same digital copying machine by this management data. You can check whether or not.

At this time, it is necessary to judge whether or not the image data transferred successively after a predetermined time are original images to be simultaneously processed and whether they are completely different original images. is there. The reason is that, when a document image to be processed at the same time is requested, image data corresponding to one document is not always transferred at predetermined intervals, and is not always transferred until the next transfer between documents. Time can be irregular.

In such a case, the minimum guaranteed time from the level of each device of the image forming system is set as a predetermined time, and if it is sent within this predetermined time, it may be periodically or It is stored in the memory 73 as a document image to be simultaneously processed at regular intervals. On the other hand, if image data is sent from the same digital copying machine after the elapse of the predetermined time or more, it is determined that the image data is image data of a document different from the previously stored previous image data. Erase from the memory 73.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, for example, the digital copying machine 93 receives the image data and the additional information from the digital copying machine 92 (S81), and thereafter, the image data, the additional information and the receiving time. The information is stored in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93 (S82). Then, it is determined whether or not this image data is from the same machine as the previous time, that is, from the digital copying machine 92 (S83). If the image data is from the same digital copying machine 92 as the previous time, the elapsed time is checked (S84), and it is determined whether it is within the predetermined time (S85). If it is within the predetermined time, it is left as it is, but if it has passed, the image data accumulated up to the previous time is deleted (S86).

As described above, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, the PCU 74 of the digital copying machine 93 waits for a return request from the digital copying machine 92, and temporarily stores the image information stored in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 92. However, there may be a case where there is no notification of the return request from the requesting digital copying machine 92 for a long period of time.

After that, when image information is transferred again from the same digital copying machine 92, normally,
The image information temporarily stored in the memory 73 of the previous digital copying machine 93 is no longer necessary, and the digital copying machine 92 often finishes recording and outputting the previous image information and starts copying another image information.

In such a case, the previously stored image information should be erased.

In the present embodiment, the PCU 74 as the same confirmation means provided in the digital copying machine 93 is
When receiving the transfer of the image information for the storage request, it is confirmed whether or not it is the same as that of the digital copying machine 92 that received the storage request last time based on the additional information such as the model number of the request source.

Then, when the image information is from the same digital copying machine 92 as the digital copying machine 92 which was previously requested to be stored by the confirmation by the PCU 74, the PCU 74 as the accumulated information erasing means requests the storage last time. The received image information of the digital copying machine 92 is transferred to the digital copying machine 9
3 from the memory 73.

Therefore, in the digital copying machine 93, the burden of the storage capacity of the memory 73 can be reduced by erasing unnecessary image information.

Further, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, when the image information is from the same digital copying machine 92 as the digital copying machine 92 which received the storage request last time,
Instead of unconditionally erasing the image information of the digital copying machine 92 from the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 93, erasing is prohibited in a certain case.

Particularly, as a constant case, a predetermined time can be set, the erasing of the memory 73 can be prohibited within the predetermined time, and the memory 73 can be erased when the predetermined time has elapsed.

Therefore, if it is within the predetermined time, it is determined that the image data is of the same original document group, and, for example, when image data for a plurality of pages in the original document group of 50 sheets are sporadically and continuously requested, It is possible to prevent erroneous deletion of the image data of the first sheet when a request is made to store the image of the first sheet and the twentieth sheet after a while.

[Fourth Embodiment] The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention in reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of Embodiments 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In a normal digital copying machine, after a predetermined time after the copying operation is completed, automatic clearing is performed to return the settings such as the number of copies and the copy mode to the initial state. However, it is inconvenient if the digital copying machine on the side requested to store the image data deletes even the image data requested to be stored when the automatic clearing is performed.

Therefore, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, even if the digital copying machine on the storage request side performs auto clear, if the predetermined time does not elapse, the storage requested image data is cleared. I try not to be.

Specifically, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 21, after the copying operation of the digital copying machine 93 is completed (S90), the timer is set (S91). Next, it is determined whether or not the time is up (S92). If the time is up, it is automatically cleared and returns to the standard mode. However, at this time, the area storing the image data in the memory 73 is not cleared (S93). Next, the timer is offset (S
94), returning to S91.

On the other hand, if there is a key operation (S95) when the time is not up in S92, it is determined whether or not the key operation is the pressing operation of the start key 15 for copying (S96). ). Then, in the case of YES, after the timer is offset (S97), a copying operation is performed (S98). In the case of NO, the timer is offset (S99), and the process returns to S91.

As described above, in the image forming system of this embodiment, the digital copying machine 93 as the main image forming apparatus is used.
Includes a PCU 74 as a reset means for erasing the stored contents of the memory 73 as a main image information storage unit on the basis of a reset signal for all clear, and a digital copying machine 93 by the PCU 74 when the reset signal is generated. The PCU 74 is provided as a blocking unit that blocks the deletion of the image information and the additional information for which the storage request is received.

That is, in general, in a digital copying machine,
When a certain time has elapsed after the copying process is completed, the state of the apparatus is returned to the initial state based on the reset signal for clearing all.

Also in this embodiment, the PCU 74 performs all clear on the digital copying machine 93 based on the reset signal, and at this time, the contents stored in the memory 73 are also erased.

However, it is inconvenient if the image information requested to be stored by the digital copying machine 92 is erased when the all clear operation is performed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the reset signal is generated and all clearing is performed, the PCU 74 prevents the image information and the additional information requested to be stored in the memory 73 from being erased.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the image information from the digital copying machine 92 temporarily stored in the memory 73 from being erased when the digital copying machine 93 is all cleared.

[Embodiment 5] The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention in reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the above-described first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 22, this image forming system includes, for example, six digital copying machines 201 to 206, and these digital copying machines 201 to 206 have interfaces 201a to 206a for communicating with each other. doing. The digital copying machine 201 having the largest capacity memory 73 and the digital copying machine 202 having the largest number of image processing functions are main digital copying machines as main image forming apparatuses in the present image forming system.

The digital copying machine 201 as the second main image forming apparatus and the digital copying machine 202 as the first main image forming apparatus have interfaces 201a and 202a between them.
The digital copiers 203 to 206 are similarly connected to each other by the
1a and 203a to 206a and a communication line 96 are communicably connected to the digital copying machine 201, respectively. The digital copying machines 202 to 206 can communicate with other digital copying machines other than the digital copying machine 201 via the digital copying machine 201.

In this image forming system, the main digital copying machine is constituted by the digital copying machine 201 and the digital copying machine 202, and the main digital copying machine can perform each operation described in the first embodiment. It has become. For example, the function of the digital copying machine 202 corresponds to the digital copying machine 93 shown in FIG. 11, and the function of the digital copying machine 201 has fewer image processing functions and a larger memory capacity than the digital copying machine 93. The functions of the digital copying machines 203 and 204 correspond to the digital copying machine 92, and the functions of the digital copying machines 205 and 206 correspond to the digital copying machine 91.

In the digital copying machines 201 and 202 constituting the main digital copying machine, the digital copying machine 201
However, they are mainly in charge of management of image data requiring a large-capacity memory 73, and the digital copying machine 202 is in charge of image processing. That is,
For example, when image processing is requested from the digital copying machine 203, image data transmitted from the digital copying machine 202 is stored in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 201, and is sequentially sent to the digital copying machine 202 for image processing. .

The processed image data is stored again in the memory 73 of the digital copying machine 201 and then returned from the digital copying machine 201 to the digital copying machine 203. Such control is performed by, for example, the PCU 74 of the digital copying machine 201.
It is performed in.

By configuring the main digital copying machine by dividing the roles of a plurality of digital copying machines as described above, it is possible to compare the main digital copying machine requiring a high function with one digital copying machine. Thus, the cost can be reduced and the efficiency of the image forming system can be improved.

The image forming system of this embodiment can also be configured as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 23, for example, 5
Digital copiers 211 to 215, and these digital copiers 211 to 215 have interfaces 211a to 215a for communicating with each other. These digital copiers 211 to 215 are connected to a loop network. As configured, each interface 211a-
215a and the communication line 96. Each of the digital copying machines 211 to 215 has a configuration corresponding to, for example, the digital copying machine 30.

In this image forming system, when each of the digital copying machines 211 to 215 itself does not have a desired image processing function, another digital copying machine is requested to perform image processing on the image data. There is. For this purpose, each of the digital copying machines 211 to 215 holds information such as an image processing function and a memory capacity of another digital copying machine. In the above-described image processing request operation, each digital copying machine automatically selects a digital copying machine to which the request is made, or a digital copying machine that can be processed is displayed on each liquid crystal display device 1, and the operator selects the digital copying machine. You can do it.

In this image forming system, each operation similar to that of the image forming system shown in the first embodiment can be performed. In this case, the digital copier requested to perform image processing by the digital copier of the image processing requester is not the main digital copier but another digital copier having the image processing function.

The construction of the image forming system which does not specify the main digital copying machine is as follows.
This is effective when 11 to 215 have different image processing functions.

[0238]

As described above, the image forming system according to the first aspect of the present invention connects the main image forming apparatus, the sub image forming apparatus, the main image forming apparatus and the sub image forming apparatus, and A communication device for transmitting / receiving image information to the sub image forming apparatus, wherein the sub image forming apparatus stores an image input unit for inputting image information, a sub image information storage unit for storing image information, and the image information storage unit. An image recording unit for forming a visible image based on the received image information, an input unit for inputting a command for requesting storage to the main image forming apparatus, and a command for requesting storage of image information from the input unit A sub-control unit that transfers the image information stored in the sub-image information storage unit to the main image forming apparatus, the main image forming apparatus stores a main image information storage unit that stores image information, Image transferred via the above communication device The broadcast temporarily stored in the main image information storage unit, waiting for the return request from the sub-image forming apparatus,
An image forming system comprising: a main control unit that returns this image information to a sub-image information storage unit of the sub-image forming apparatus via the communication device, wherein the main image forming apparatus includes a sub-image forming unit. In this configuration, status confirmation means for confirming the operation status of the device is further provided.

Therefore, even if the storage capacity of the image information is small in the sub-image forming apparatus which the operator intends to use, the image information read by the sub-image forming apparatus is transferred to another main image forming apparatus. It is possible to transfer and temporarily store the image information in the main image forming apparatus, and return the stored image information to the original sub image forming apparatus.

Further, since the main image forming apparatus is provided with status confirmation means for confirming the operation status of the sub image forming apparatus, for example, "in operation" or "standby",
The operation status of the sub-image forming apparatus can be confirmed by this status confirmation means.

Therefore, in the main image forming apparatus, if there is no communication from the requesting sub image forming apparatus for a long period of time, the operation status of the sub image forming apparatus is confirmed,
In order to reduce the load on the storage capacity of the main image information storage unit,
For example, it is possible to take an action such as erasing.

As described above, in the image forming system according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the main image forming apparatus mainly receives the image information transferred from the sub image forming apparatus. The main image when there is no return request from the sub-image forming apparatus and the elapsed time in the time measuring means has passed a predetermined time, and the time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time from the time of storage in the image information storage unit An erasing unit for erasing the image information stored in the forming apparatus is provided.

Therefore, when there is no return request from the sub-image forming apparatus and the elapsed time in the time measuring means has exceeded the predetermined time, the erasing means erases the image information stored in the main image forming apparatus.

Therefore, if there is no contact from the requesting image forming apparatus for a too long period, the main image forming apparatus is arranged to reduce the load on the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus on the requesting side. Since the stored image information is erased, the main image information storage unit of the main image forming apparatus can be effectively used.

As described above, the image forming system according to the third aspect of the present invention includes at least one main image forming apparatus, a plurality of sub image forming apparatuses, and the main image forming apparatus and the sub image forming apparatus. The sub-image forming apparatus is provided with a communication device connected to each other and transmitting and receiving image information to and from each other. The sub-image forming device stores an image input unit for inputting image information, image information and additional information related to the image information. A sub-image information storage unit, an image recording unit that forms a visible image based on the image information stored in the image information storage unit, and an input unit for inputting a command for requesting the main image forming apparatus to store the image. And a sub-control unit that transfers the image information and the additional information stored in the sub-image information storage unit to the main image forming apparatus based on a command from the input unit to store the image information. The image forming device The main image information storage unit that stores the image information and the additional information transferred via the communication device is temporarily stored in the main image information storage unit, and waits for a return request from the sub-image forming device. An image forming system, comprising: a main control unit for returning the image information to a sub-image information storage unit of the sub-image forming apparatus via the communication device; When the image information for transfer is received, the same confirmation means for confirming whether or not it is the same as the sub-image forming apparatus for which the storage request was received last time based on the additional information, and the confirmation by the same confirmation means, When the image information is from the same sub-image forming apparatus as the sub-image forming apparatus that received the storage request last time, the image information of the sub-image forming apparatus that received the storage request last time is deleted from the main image information storage unit. Stored information erasing hand Is configured to bets is provided.

Therefore, when the same confirmation means provided in the main image forming apparatus receives the transfer of the image information for the storage request, whether or not it is the same as the sub image forming apparatus which received the storage request last time. Is confirmed based on additional information such as the model number of the requester.

By the confirmation of the same confirmation means, if the image information is from the same sub-image forming apparatus as the sub-image forming apparatus that received the storage request last time, the stored information erasing means received the storage request last time. The image information of the sub image forming apparatus is erased from the main image information storage unit.

Therefore, in the main image forming apparatus, by erasing unnecessary image information, it is possible to reduce the load on the storage capacity of the main image information storage section.

As described above, the image forming system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the third aspect, wherein the main image forming apparatus stores the contents stored in the main image information storage unit based on a reset signal. And a blocking means for blocking the deletion of the image information and the additional information requested to be stored in the main image information storage section by the resetting means when the reset signal is generated. .

Therefore, when the reset signal is generated, the blocking means prevents the resetting means from erasing the image information and the additional information requested to be stored in the main image information storage section.

As a result, when all clear is applied to the main image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the image information from the sub image forming apparatus temporarily stored in the main image information storage section from being erased. Play.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a digital copying machine provided in the image forming system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an operation panel provided in the digital copying machine.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front views showing the display contents of the operation panel, wherein FIG. 6A shows a basic screen of the liquid crystal display device of the operation panel, FIG. 6B shows a first function setting screen of the operation panel, and FIG. () Shows the second function setting screen.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are front views showing display contents of the operation panel. FIG. 7A shows an image quality setting screen on the liquid crystal display device of the operation panel, and FIG. 7B shows a post-processing setting screen. .

8A and 8B are front views showing display contents of the operation panel, FIG. 8A shows an initial setting screen of the liquid crystal display device of the operation panel, FIG. 8B shows a fingerprint registration screen of the operation panel, and FIG. ) Shows a department management setting screen.

9A and 9B are front views showing display contents of the operation panel, wherein FIG. 9A shows a limiter setting screen in a liquid crystal display device of the operation panel, and FIG. 9B shows the simulation screen.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of transitioning each screen in the liquid crystal display device of the operation panel.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming system.

12A and 12B are front views showing display contents of the operation panel, wherein FIG. 12A shows a selection state of an image editing function on the first function setting screen shown in FIG. 6B, and FIG. Indicating the display state of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to the italic function operation,
(C) shows the same italic setting screen.

13A and 13B are front views showing display contents of the operation panel, wherein FIG. 13A shows a selection state of an image editing function on the second function setting screen shown in FIG. 6C, and FIG. FIG. 15 shows a display state of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to the operation of S4 shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 15C shows the same sharpness setting screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the operation panel shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a front view showing a display state of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to the operation of No. 4.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation when making an image processing request in the image forming system.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation when a storage request is made in the image forming system.

17A and 17B are front views showing display contents of the operation panel, wherein FIG. 17A shows a display state of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to the operation of S37 shown in FIG. 16, and FIG. FIG. 4C shows a display state when the memory key is pressed, and FIG. 4C shows a display state when the continuation key is pressed in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing an operation when the memory is erased when a storage request is made.

19 is a front view showing the display contents of the operation panel, showing the display state of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to the operation of S69 shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the image forming system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing an operation when the memory is erased when a storage request is made.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the image forming system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing an operation when all clear is applied when a storage request is made.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid crystal display device (status confirmation means) 31 Scanner section (image input section) 32 Laser printer section (image recording section) 71 Image data processing section 73 Memory (main image information storage section, sub-image information storage section) 74 PCU (main Control unit, sub-control unit, status confirming unit, erasing unit, same confirming unit, stored information erasing unit, reset unit, blocking unit) 90 operation panel (input unit) 91 digital copying machine 92 digital copying machine (sub-image forming apparatus) 93 Digital copier (main image forming device) 91a to 95a Interface (communication device) 96 Communication line (communication device)

Claims (4)

[Claims] A main image forming apparatus, a sub image forming apparatus, and a communication device for connecting the main image forming apparatus and the sub image forming apparatus and mutually transmitting and receiving image information; An image input unit for inputting image information, a sub-image information storage unit for storing image information, and an image recording unit for forming a visible image based on the image information stored in the image information storage unit. An input unit for inputting a command to request the main image forming apparatus to store the image information stored in the sub-image information storage unit based on a command to request storage of image information from the input unit; A sub-control unit that transfers the image information to the main image forming apparatus; the main image forming apparatus stores a main image information storage unit that stores image information; and the main image information storage that stores the image information transferred via the communication device. And temporarily store the secondary image An image forming system comprising: a main control unit that waits for a return request from the image forming apparatus and returns the image information to the sub image information storage unit of the sub image forming apparatus via the communication device, An image forming system, wherein the main image forming apparatus is further provided with status confirmation means for confirming an operation status of the sub image forming apparatus. 2. The main image forming apparatus, clocking means for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the image information transferred from the sub image forming apparatus is stored in the main image information storage section, and the sub image forming apparatus. And a erasing means for erasing the image information stored in the main image forming apparatus when there is no return request from the device and the elapsed time in the time measuring means exceeds a predetermined time. The image forming system according to claim 1. 3. At least one main image forming device, a plurality of sub image forming devices, and a communication device for connecting the main image forming device and the sub image forming device to each other for transmitting and receiving image information. The sub-image forming apparatus includes an image input section for inputting image information, a sub-image information storage section for storing image information and additional information related to the image information, and the sub-image information storage section for storing the sub-image information storage section. The image recording unit for forming a visible image based on the image information, the input unit for inputting a command for requesting storage to the main image forming apparatus, and the command for requesting storage of image information from the input unit. And a sub-control unit that transfers the image information and the additional information stored in the sub-image information storage unit to the main image forming apparatus, wherein the main image forming apparatus stores the main image information storage unit. Through the communication device The transferred image information and additional information are temporarily stored in the main image information storage unit, wait for a return request from the sub image forming apparatus, and the image information is transferred to the sub image forming apparatus via the communication device. An image forming system including a main control unit that returns the sub image information to the sub image information storage unit, wherein the main image forming apparatus stores the image information previously stored when the image information is transferred for a storage request. The same confirmation means for confirming whether or not it is the same as the sub-image forming apparatus that has received the request based on the additional information, and the same sub-image forming apparatus that received the storage request last time by confirmation of the same confirmation means. When the image information is from the image forming apparatus, a stored information erasing unit that erases the image information of the sub-image forming apparatus that was previously requested to be stored from the main image information storage unit is provided. Image formation sys Tem. 4. The main image forming apparatus, wherein reset means for erasing the stored contents of the main image information storage portion based on the reset signal, and the main image information storage portion by the reset means when the reset signal is generated. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, further comprising blocking means for blocking deletion of the image information and the additional information requested to be stored.