JPH0934665A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the copying device which can hold more picture data than the number of output destinations and performs print control in each of processing parts connected by a network in the case of more stack and sort requests than the number of output destinations which a printer has. SOLUTION: In this copying device, at least an automatic original reader 3, an original picture processor 5, and a printer 7 which has the sort and stack function to selectively hold plural printed sheets of paper in plural output destinations are connected to one network 1. If more sort and stack operations than the number of output destinations which the printer 7 has are designated, picture data are preserved in a picture data storage part 9 managed by the automatic original reader 3; and when removal of originals from output destinations 7a to 7c is detected, the automatic original reader 3 selects picture data to be next outputted from the picture data storage part 9 to indicate print.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention includes at least an automatic document reading device, a document image processing device, and a printing device having a sort stack function for selecting and holding a plurality of printed sheets at a plurality of output destinations. With regard to a copying apparatus connected to one network, particularly when a stack sort request is issued in a number larger than the number of output destinations of the printing apparatus, the number of output destinations in each processing unit connected to the network is larger than the number of output destinations. The present invention relates to a copying apparatus capable of holding image data and controlling printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a copying machine is used alone,
It was usual for one copying machine to be equipped with one automatic document reading device, one image processing device and one printing device. However, in recent years, with the spread of LAN (local area network) and the digitalization of copying machines, a new usage method has been proposed in which a plurality of copying machines are connected to the LAN and the functions of the copying machines are summarized. There is.

[0003]

However, in both the copying machine used alone and the copying machine connected to the LAN, the printing apparatus selects a plurality of printed sheets as a plurality of output destinations. If the user has a stack stack function that holds the number of stack sort requests that the printer has more than the predetermined number of output destinations, will only the number of output destinations be printed? However, there is a disadvantage that the stack sort processing of the number of sheets desired by the user is not performed in any case. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to establish a network connection when more stack sort requests than the number of output destinations of a printing apparatus are made. Another object of the present invention is to provide a copying apparatus capable of holding and printing control of a larger number of image data than the number of output destinations in each processing unit.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides at least an automatic document reading device, a document image processing device, and a plurality of printed sheets as a plurality of output destinations. In a copying machine in which a printer having a sort / stack function for selecting / holding is connected to one network, when the number of sort / stack operations is specified to be larger than the number of output destinations of the printer, the automatic document reading is performed. The image data is stored in the image data storage unit managed by the apparatus, and when it is detected that the document is removed from the output destination, the automatic document reading device selects the print image data to be output next from the image data storage unit. It is characterized in that a print instruction is given. According to the invention described in claim 1, even when the sort stack exceeding the number of output destinations is instructed, by pulling out the paper from the output destinations,
The rest of the sort stack can be done automatically.
Further, since the image data is stored in the storage device by the automatic document reading device, the image processing device can be dynamically changed, so that high-speed copying can be performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, at least an automatic document reading device, a document image processing device, and a printing device having a sort stack function for selecting and holding a plurality of printed sheets at a plurality of output destinations. In a copying machine connected to a single network, when a larger number of sort stack operations than the number of output destinations of the printing apparatus is specified, the image data is stored in the image data storage unit managed by the image processing apparatus. Then, when it is detected that the document has been removed from the output destination, the image processing apparatus selects the print image data to be output next from the image data storage unit and issues a print instruction. According to the invention described in claim 2, even when the sort stacking exceeding the number of output destinations is instructed, the remaining sort stacking can be automatically performed by removing the paper from the output destinations. . Also,
Since the image processing device stores the image data in the storage device, image data from a plurality of automatic document reading devices can be transmitted to the printing device, and even when the automatic document reading device cannot continue operation due to a paper jam or the like. You can continue to read from other readers. Further, since the image processing device stores the image data in the storage device, the number of times the image data is transferred is reduced and the network is not loaded.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, at least an automatic document reading device, a document image processing device, and a printing device having a sort stack function for selecting and holding a plurality of printed sheets at a plurality of output destinations. In a copying machine connected to a single network, if a larger number of sort stack operations than the number of output destinations of the printing apparatus is specified, the image data is stored in the image data storage unit managed by the printing apparatus. When it is detected that the original has been removed from the output destination, the printing device selects print image data to be output next from the image data storage unit and issues a print instruction. According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the sort stack exceeding the number of output destinations is instructed, the remaining sort stack can be automatically performed by removing the paper from the output destination. . Further, since the printing device stores the image data in the storage device, it is possible to select and print the image data from the plurality of image processing devices. Further, since the printing device stores the image data in the storage device, the number of times the image data is transferred is further reduced and the network is not further loaded.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network-connected copying apparatus embodying the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, this copying apparatus includes an automatic document reading apparatus 3, an image processing apparatus 5, a printing apparatus 7, and a network apparatus 1 on a network 1.
The storage device 9 and the operation panel 11 are connected to each other. The automatic document reading device 3 has a paper feed port for holding a plurality of documents, a scanner for reading image information of the document and converting the image information into image data, and a paper discharge port for discharging the read document. When the "read" command is received from the operation panel 11, the original is fed from the paper feed port 1
Take out the sheet, scan it, and eject it. The scanned image data is sent to the image processing device 5. And each unique network identifier (abbreviated as NetID below)
have.

Further, the image processing device 5 adds various processing instructed from the operation panel 11 to the image data sent from the automatic document reading device 3 and sends the image data to the printing device 7. Each has a unique network identifier (hereinafter abbreviated as NetID). Further, the printing device 7 is for printing the image data from the image processing device 5 on paper, and has a plurality of output destinations 7.
a, 7b, 7c, and has a sort stack function for outputting the printed paper to each of the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7c according to an instruction from the operation panel 11. Each has a unique network identifier (hereinafter abbreviated as NetID). The storage device 9 can store, write, and read image data from the automatic document reading device 3, the image processing device 5, and the printing device 7.

The operation panel 11 also notifies the automatic document reading device 3, the image processing device 5 and the printing device 7 of various settings input by the user. And each unique network identifier (abbreviated as NetID below)
have. Further, the storage device 9 has records as shown in FIG. 2, and is configured to store image data and a network identifier in them. When the storage device 9 receives a read request for image data from each device on the network 1, the storage device 9 compares the network identifiers and, if correct, sends the image data to each device. Then, if the network identifiers are different, an error is returned, and when a request for writing image data is received from each device on the network 1, the image data and the network identifier are written in a record. As a result, each device on the network 1 can be identified.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the copying apparatus having the above structure will be described with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. First, in step 101 of FIG. 3, when a number of (X) copy start operations of the sort stack operation are input from the operation panel 11 to a predetermined number of output destinations (A copy) of the printing device 7, the step starts. At 103
A "read start request" is issued from the operation panel 11 to the automatic document reading apparatus 3 via the network 1. In step 105, the operation panel 11 sends an image to the image processing apparatus 5 via the network 1. Processing request "is issued, and in step 107,
From the operation panel 11 to the printing device 7, a "print request for a larger number (X parts) than the predetermined number of output destinations (A parts)" is issued via the network 1.

Next, in step 109, the predetermined number of output destinations (A section) can be sorted and stacked, but the large number of copies (X section) cannot be sorted and stacked. "Notification that sort / stacking is possible only for part A" is issued to the automatic document reading device 3, and in step 111, the read image data is stored in the storage device 9 based on the management control of the automatic document reading device 3.
Image processing and printing of the predetermined number of output destinations (A section) are performed based on the stored image data.
The data is output to the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7c of the printing device 7.

Next, in step 113, it is judged whether or not all the printed sheets have been removed from the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7c. If they have been removed, step 1
In step 15, the printing device 7 issues a "notice of acceptance of next operation" to the document automatic reading device 3, and in step 117, based on the management control of the document automatic reading device 3, the large number of parts (X section). Image data is read from the storage device 9, the image processing and printing of the X section is performed, and the output destinations 7a and 7b of the printing device 7 are output.
It is output to 7c.

The copying operation of the original reading device 3 is shown in the operation flowchart of FIG. That is, in step 201 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether the copying operation is stacking or sorting. In the case of sorting, one original is read in step 203 (where n =
1), the image data n is written in the storage device 9 in step 205, and the image data n is sent to the image processing device 5 as the section A in step 207. Next, in step 209, n =
It is determined whether or not the image data set as n + 1 is the A part. If the image data is the A part, in step 211,
It is determined whether to accept the next operation, and if it is not the A section, the process returns to step 203.

If the next operation can be accepted in step 211, the image data n with n = 1 is read from the storage device 9 in step 213, and the image data n is used as the section A in step 215. It is sent to the image processing device 5. Next, step 21
In step 7, it is determined whether the image data with n = n + 1 is the A part. If it is the A part, it is determined in step 219 whether the sorting of the designated number of sheets is completed, and the A If not, the process returns to step 213. If it is determined in step 219 that sorting of the designated number of sheets is completed, the process is terminated, and if sorting of the designated number of sheets is not completed, the process returns to step 211.

In the case of stacking in step 201, one original is read in step 221 (here, n = 1), and in step 223, the image data n is copied by the number of copies. Then, in step 225, n (where n = n + 1) is compared with A (the number of A parts). And
If n ≦ A in step 225, the process returns to step 221. If n> A, in step 227, the image data n with X = n is written in the storage device 9, and in step 229, the original is 1 Sheets are read.

Next, in step 231, it is determined whether or not there is a document. If yes, then n = n + 1 and the process returns to step 227. If no, y = n, and in step 233, whether or not the next operation is accepted. Is determined. When the next operation is accepted in step 233, the image data X is read from the storage device 9 in step 235, and the image data X is sent to the image processing device 5 in the number of copies in step 237. Then, in step 239, the above X and y are compared, and if X = y, the processing is terminated and x =
If x + α (not equal), the process returns to step 233.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the copying machine having the above structure will be described with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. First, in step 301 of FIG. 5, when a copy start operation of the sort stack operation is input from the operation panel 11 by a larger number (X parts) than the predetermined number of output destinations (A parts) of the printing device 7, At 303,
A "read start request" is issued from the operation panel 11 to the automatic document reading device 3 via the network 1, and in step 305, the "image is sent from the operation panel 11 to the image processing device 5 via the network 1". Processing request "is issued, and in step 307,
A “print request for a large number of copies (X copies) from the predetermined output destinations (A copies)” is issued from the operation panel 11 to the printing device 7 via the network 1.

Next, in step 308, when there are no more originals to be read from the automatic original reading device 3, a "notice of no original" is issued to the image processing device 2, and in step 309, the predetermined number of output destinations. (A
It is possible to sort and stack multiple parts, but the above multiple parts (X
Since it is impossible to perform stacking and stacking of copies, the printing device 7 issues a "notification that only part A can be stacked and stacked" to the image processing device 5, and in step 311, management control of the image processing device 5 is performed. The read image data is stored in the storage device 9 on the basis of the image data, and the predetermined number of output destinations (A portion) of image processing and printing are performed based on the stored image data. , 7
b, 7c.

Next, in step 313, it is judged whether all the printed sheets have been removed from the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7c. If they have been removed, step 3
15, the image processing device 5 from the printing device 7
"Notice of acceptance of next operation" is issued to step 31
7, the image data of the large number of parts (X parts) is read from the storage device 9 based on the management control of the image processing device 5, and the image processing and printing of the X parts are performed.
The data is output to the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7c of the printing device 7.

The copying operation of the image processing apparatus 5 is shown in the operation flowchart of FIG. That is, in step 401 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether the copying operation is stacking or sorting. If sorting is performed, step 40 is executed.
3, the image data is read by the automatic document reading device 3 (here, n = 1), and step 4
In 05, the image data n is written in the storage device 9, and in step 407, the image data n is sent to the printing device 7 as the A section.

Next, in step 409, n = n +
It is determined whether or not the image data set as 1 is the above-mentioned section A. If it is the above-mentioned section A, it is determined in step 411 whether or not to accept the next operation. If it is not the above-mentioned section A, the above-mentioned step 403 is executed. Return. If the next operation can be accepted in step 411, the image data n with n = 1 is read from the storage device 9 in step 413, and the image data n is transferred to the printing device 7 as the A section in step 415. Sent. Next, in step 417, it is determined whether or not the image data with n = n + 1 is the A part. If it is the A part, it is determined in step 419 whether the sorting of the designated number of sheets is completed. If not, the process returns to step 413. If it is determined in step 419 that sorting of the designated number of sheets is completed, the process is ended, and if sorting of the designated number of sheets is not completed, the process returns to step 411.

In the case of stacking at step 401, image data is received from the document automatic reading device 3 at step 421 (where n =
1), in step 423, the image data n is sent to the printing device 7 by the number of copies, and step 425
In the case of n = n + 1, n is compared with A (the number of A parts). If n ≦ A in step 425, the process returns to step 421 and n> A.
In the case of, the image data n with X = n is written in the storage device 9 in step 427, and step 429
At, the image data is received from the automatic document reading device 3.

Next, in step 431, it is judged whether or not there is a document. If yes, then n = n + 1 and the process returns to step 427. If no, then y = n and in step 433 whether or not to accept the next operation. Is determined. If the next operation is accepted in step 433, the image data X is read from the storage device 9 in step 435, and the image data X is sent to the printing device 7 in the number of copies in step 437. Then, in step 439, the above X and y are compared, and if X = y, the processing is terminated, and x = x +
If α (not equal), the process returns to step 433.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment of the copying machine having the above structure will be described with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. First, in step 501 of FIG. 7, when a number (X) of copy start operations for the sort stack operation is input from the operation panel 11 to the predetermined number of output destinations (A) of the printing device 7, the step starts. At 503,
A "read start request" is issued from the operation panel 11 to the automatic document reading apparatus 3 via the network 1, and in step 505, an "image is sent from the operation panel 11 to the image processing apparatus 5 via the network 1." Processing request "is issued, and in step 507,
A “print request for a large number of copies (X copies) from the predetermined output destinations (A copies)” is issued from the operation panel 11 to the printing device 7 via the network 1.

Next, in step 509, when there are no more originals to be read, the automatic original reading device 3 issues a "notice of no original" to the image processing device 5, and in step 511, the image processing device 5 sends the above-mentioned information. Similarly, a "notification of no original" is issued to the printing device 7. next,
In step 513, the predetermined number of output destinations (A copy) can be sorted and stacked, but the large number of copy copies (X copy) cannot be sorted and stacked. Therefore, the data is read based on the management control of the printing device 7. The image data is stored in the storage device 9, the predetermined number of output destinations (A copy) is printed based on the stored image data, and output to the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7c of the printing device 7. It

Next, in step 515, it is judged whether all the printed sheets have been removed from the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7c. If they have been removed, step 5
In 17, the image data of the large number of copies (X copies) is read from the storage device 9 based on the management control of the printing device 7, the X copies are printed, and the output destination 7 a of the printing device 7 is output. , 7b, 7c.

The copying operation of the printing device 7 is shown in the operation flowchart of FIG. That is,
In step 601 of FIG. 8, it is determined whether the copying operation is stacking or sorting. In the case of sorting, in step 603, image data is received from the image processing apparatus 5 (here, n = 1), and step 605. In step 607, the image data n is written in the storage device 9, and the image data n are recorded one by one in the total area A.
A sheet of paper is printed and sent to each of the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7c.
Next, in step 609, it is determined whether or not the image data with n = n + 1 is the A part. If the image data is the A part, in step 611, the output destination 7a,
It is determined whether or not there is paper on 7b and 7c, and if it is not the A section, the process returns to step 603.

In step 611, the output destination 7
If there is no paper on a, 7b, and 7c, the image data n with n = 1 is read from the storage device 9 in step 613, and the image data n is read in step 615.
A total of A sheets are printed, and each of the output destinations 7a, 7b, 7
sent to c. Next, in step 617, n = n
It is determined whether or not the image data set to +1 is the A section. If it is the A section, it is determined in step 619 whether sorting of the designated number of sheets has been completed. Return to step 613.

If it is determined in step 619 that sorting of the designated number of sheets is completed, the process is terminated, and if sorting of the designated number of sheets is not completed, the process returns to step 611. In the case of stacking in step 601, image data is received from the image processing device 5 in step 621 (here, n = 1), and in step 623, the image data n is added one by one, i.e., A sheets. It is printed and sent to each of the output destinations 7a, 7b, and 7c, and in step 625, n when n = n + 1 is compared with A (the number of A copies). Then, in step 625, n
If ≦ A, the process returns to step 621. If n> A, the image data n with X = n is written in the storage device 9 in step 627, and the image data from the image processing device 5 is read in step 629. Is received.

Next, in step 631, it is determined whether or not there is a document. If yes, n = n + 1 and the process returns to step 627. If no, y = n, and in step 633 whether or not to accept the next operation. Is determined. When the next operation is accepted in step 633, the image data X is read from the storage device 9 in step 635, the image data X is printed one by one in total in step 637, and the output destinations 7a and 7b are output. Sent to 7c. And step 63
In 9, the above X and y are compared, and if X = y, the processing is terminated, and if x = x + α (not equal), the process returns to step 633.

[0031]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when the sort stack exceeding the number of output destinations is instructed, by removing the paper from the output destination, the remaining sort stacks are automatically removed. It can be carried out. Further, since the image data is stored in the storage device by the automatic document reading device, the image processing device can be dynamically changed, so that high-speed copying can be performed. Further, since the image processing device stores the image data in the storage device, the image data from a plurality of automatic document reading devices can be transmitted to the printing device, and the automatic document reading device cannot continue operation due to a paper jam or the like. You can continue to read from other readers at any time.

Further, since the image processing device stores the image data in the storage device, the number of times the image data is transferred is reduced and the network is not loaded. Further, since the printing device stores the image data in the storage device, it is possible to select and print the image data from the plurality of image processing devices. Further, since the printing device stores the image data in the storage device, the number of times the image data is transferred is further reduced and the network is not further loaded.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network-connected copying apparatus embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a storage format in the storage device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the first embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of a copying operation by the document reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the second embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of a copying operation performed by the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the third embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a copying operation performed by the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Network, 3 ... Automatic document reading device, 5 ... Image processing device,
7 ... Printing device, 7a ... Output destination 1,
7b ... output destination 2, 7c ... output destination 3,
9 ... Storage device, 101 to 117, 20
1-239, 301-317, 401-439, 501
~ 517, 601-639 ... Each step,

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Agency reference number FI Technical display location H04N 1/21 H04N 1/21

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An automatic document reading device, a document image processing device, and a printing device having a sort stack function for selecting and holding a plurality of printed sheets at a plurality of output destinations are connected to one network. A copying machine that has more sorts than the number of output destinations of the printing device.
When the stack operation is designated, the image data is stored in the image data storage unit managed by the automatic document reading device, and when it is detected that the document is removed from the output destination, the automatic document reading device detects the image. A copying apparatus, wherein image data to be output next is selected from a data storage unit and a print instruction is given. 2. At least an automatic document reading device, a document image processing device, and a printing device having a sort stack function for selecting and holding a plurality of printed sheets at a plurality of output destinations are connected to one network. A copying machine that has more sorts than the number of output destinations of the printing device.
When the stack operation is designated, the image data is stored in the image data storage unit managed by the image processing apparatus, and when it is detected that the document is removed from the output destination, the image processing apparatus stores the image data. A copying apparatus characterized by selecting print image data to be output next from a set and instructing printing. 3. An automatic document reading device, a document image processing device, and a printing device having a sort stack function for selecting and holding a plurality of printed sheets at a plurality of output destinations are connected to one network. A copying machine that has more sorts than the number of output destinations of the printing device.
When the stack operation is specified, the image data is stored in the image data storage unit managed by the printing device, and when it is detected that the document is removed from the output destination, the printing device stores the image data in the image data storage unit. A copying machine characterized by selecting print image data to be output next and instructing printing.