JPH0946464A - Construction method for extension type multi-function system using printer as basis - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the extensiveness of functions through the multi-function of system by outputting the data received from a scanner to a printer engine via a PCI bus, merging the functions of both scanner and printer with each other, and carrying out a copying function. SOLUTION: A printer 101 connects together the scanner controller (PC, SC) 202 and 301 via a PCI bus 203 and controls a printer engine 201 and a scanner 102. The bus 203 uses a high-speed general-purpose bus, and the PC 202 performs the control to secure the overall matching and outputs the high- speed image data that are read by the scanner 102. These image data are transferred at high speed to the PC 202 by the SC 301 via the bus 203. Then the PC 202 outputs the image data to the engine 201 to merge the scanner and printer functions with each other to carry out a copying function. Thus the system secures multiple functions, and the extensiveness of these functions can be improved.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is based on a printer having a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function and a PCI bus which is a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module. The present invention relates to a method of constructing an extended multifunction system based on a printer by connecting various modules to a bus to expand the system and make it multifunctional.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various devices have been improved in performance, multifunction,
From the progress of miniaturization and networking (LAN construction),
Also in digital copying machines, multi-function digital copying machines equipped with a facsimile function, an offline printer function, a network function, etc. in addition to the copy function are provided.

Further, as an example of a digital copying machine, there is also provided one in which the scanner section and the printer section are housed in separate housings to improve the freedom of installation layout.

[0004]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, although the functions of the device have been increased, the respective functions are internally separated, so that the new functions can be combined by combining the respective functions. There was a problem that it was difficult to realize.

Specifically, for example, in a device having a printer function and a scanner function that operate independently, it is theoretically possible to realize the copy function by using the printer function and the scanner function. Since the printer function and the scanner function are internally separated, the copy function cannot be realized by the combination of these functions. In addition to the printer function and the scanner function, the copy function is newly added. Had to do.

That is, the device having the first function is provided with the second device.
When the function of is added, the third
There is also a problem that it is not efficient from the viewpoint of expandability of the function because it is necessary to add the third function in order to realize the third function, not the function that can realize the above function.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve system multi-functionality and function expandability.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a method of constructing an extended multifunctional system based on a printer according to claim 1 is a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function. And based on a printer having a PCI bus that is a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module, when a copy function is added and expanded in addition to the printer function, the scanner is controlled to realize the scanner function. The scanner module is the PCI of the printer
The scanner function and the printer function are combined by connecting to the bus, connecting the scanner to the scanner module, and outputting the data from the scanner to the printer engine via the scanner module, PCI bus, and printer module. It realizes the copy function.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer, comprising: a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function; and a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module. When a printer having a PCI bus as a base is used as a base, a network module that controls a network interface device to input / output data when the network function is additionally expanded in addition to the printer function is provided on the PCI bus of the printer. connection,
A network interface device is connected to the network module, and data from the network interface device is transferred to the network module and the PC.
The network function is realized by outputting to the printer engine via the I-bus and the printer module.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer, comprising: a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function; and a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module. When a facsimile function is additionally expanded in addition to the printer function based on a printer having a PCI bus, the scanner module for controlling the scanner and realizing the scanner function is connected to the PCI bus of the printer, A scanner is connected to the scanner module, a facsimile module that controls a facsimile transmission / reception device to input and output data is connected to the PCI bus of the printer, and a facsimile transmission / reception device is connected to the facsimile module. The chromatography data, scanner module, P
It is output to the facsimile transmission / reception device via the CI bus and the facsimile module, and the data from the facsimile transmission / reception device is output to the facsimile module, PCI bus,
The facsimile function is realized by outputting to the printer engine via the printer module.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer, wherein, when an application function is additionally extended, a personal computer module including a PC motherboard having an application program is installed on the PCI of the printer. The personal computer module is connected to a bus and controls the other modules via the PCI bus to execute the application function.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer, which comprises an image processing module which is connected to a PCI bus of the printer and specializes in image processing. Each module has its own I / O, each module independently executes I / O processing, and after executing a process executable in each module, data is transmitted to the image processing module via the PCI bus. Is transferred and image processing is executed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer, wherein a plurality of PDL (Printer Description Language) expansion processes are connected to a PCI bus of the printer. A PDL expansion module is provided, and the printer module transfers data to the PDL expansion module via the PCI bus, and simultaneously executes a plurality of different PDL expansion processes and / or the same PDL expansion process in parallel. .

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A method for constructing an extended multifunctional system based on the printer of the present invention will be described below.
[First Embodiment], [Second Embodiment], and [Third Embodiment] will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 shows an external view of an extended multi-function system based on the printer of the first embodiment. The printer 1 which is the base of the extended multi-function system.
01 and a scanner 102 for realizing a scanner function and a copy function. These printer 101 and scanner 102 are devices that can operate as a printer or a scanner independently. Reference numeral 103 indicates a table for mounting the printer 101 and the scanner 102.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printer 101 which is the base of the extended multifunctional system of the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the printer engine 201 for forming an image on recording paper and the printer engine 201 are controlled. The printer controller 202 is a printer module that realizes a printer function, the PCI bus 203 is a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer controller 202, and the operation panel 204 is connected to the printer controller 202.

The printer 101 can be used alone as an ordinary printer. For example, Figure 2
In the above, image data can be input from a host device such as a personal computer and output to recording paper by the printer engine 201.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, this printer 1
A case where the scanner function and the copy function are additionally expanded in addition to the printer function based on 01 will be described. The scanner controller 301 as a scanner module that controls the scanner 102 to realize the scanner function is connected to the PCI bus 203 of the printer 101 shown in FIG. 2, and then the scanner 102 is connected to the scanner controller 301. In such a configuration, the image data read by the scanner 102 is transferred to the scanner controller 301 and the PCI bus 20.
3. By outputting to the printer engine 201 via the printer controller 202, the scanner function of the scanner controller 301 and the printer function of the printer controller 202 are combined to realize a copy function.

When the scanner function is realized, the image data read by the scanner 102 is output to a host device such as a personal computer through the scanner controller 301, PCI bus 203, and printer controller 202, or the scanner controller 301 is used. It is realized by directly outputting the data to a host device such as a personal computer. In addition, each module (printer controller 20
2. The scanner controller 301) has its own dedicated I / O, so that the corresponding function can be executed at high speed.

In the configuration of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the printer controller 202 controls the overall matching. The printer controller 202 and the scanner controller 301 basically control the unique functions of the printer 101 or the scanner 102, respectively. In this way, each function basically controls its own function, thereby facilitating combination when expanding other functions described later. Further, since high-speed image data (image data) from the scanner 102 is transferred to the printer controller 202 via the PCI bus 203 which is a general-purpose high-speed bus, high-speed transfer matching the reading performance (speed) of the scanner 102 is achieved. It can be performed.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, this printer 1
A case where the network function is additionally expanded in addition to the printer function, the scanner function, and the copy function based on 01 will be described. In addition to the configuration of FIG. 3, a network controller 401 as a network module that controls input / output of data via a network is connected to the PCI bus 203, and a network I / F 402, which is a network interface device, is connected to the network controller 401. , Network I / F4
The network function is realized by outputting the data input via 02 to the printer engine 201 via the network controller 401, PCI bus 203, and printer controller 202.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the printer controller 202 controls the overall matching. In addition, each module (printer controller 202, scanner controller 301, network controller 401) has its own dedicated I / O, so that the corresponding function can be executed at high speed.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, this printer 1
A case where the facsimile function is additionally expanded in addition to the printer function, the scanner function, and the copy function based on 01 will be described. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a facsimile controller 501 as a facsimile module for controlling input / output of data via a telephone line is connected to a PC.
The facsimile I / F 502, which is a facsimile transmission / reception device, is connected to the facsimile controller 401 by connecting to the I bus 203.

Data from the scanner 102 is sent to the facsimile I / F 5 via the scanner controller 301, the PCI bus 203, and the facsimile controller 501.
The facsimile reception is performed by outputting the data from the facsimile I / F 502 to the printer engine 201 via the facsimile controller 501, the PCI bus 203, and the printer controller 202. In this way, the facsimile function is realized.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the printer controller 202 controls the overall matching. In addition, each module (printer controller 202, scanner controller 301, facsimile controller 501) has its own dedicated I / O, so that the corresponding function can be executed at high speed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a case where another application function is added and expanded will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, a network function, and a facsimile function are added and expanded based on the printer 101, and an application function is further added to this configuration as follows.

First, a PC system controller 601 as a personal computer module consisting of a PC motherboard on which a desired application program is mounted is connected to the PCI bus 203. Next, the PC system controller 601 executes the application program and executes other functions necessary for executing the application program on the PC.
By controlling via the I-bus 203, the corresponding application function is executed.

For example, when character recognition of an image read by the scanner 102 is performed as an application function, a character recognition program is stored in a memory on the PC system controller 601 in advance, and data such as a dictionary necessary for character recognition is stored. Is also stored in memory. The PC system controller 601 executes a character recognition program, controls the scanner controller 301 via the PCI bus 203, and scans the scanner 1 via the scanner controller 301 and the PCI bus 203.
Image data is input from 02 and character recognition processing is performed. At this time, the scanner controller 301 executes its own processing, and the PC system controller 601 controls the whole.

Further, for example, as an application function, a function of transmitting image data received by the facsimile function to a terminal device on the network by using the network function can be realized. In this case, P
A facsimile / network transfer program is stored in the memory of the C system controller 601, and when a facsimile is received by the facsimile controller 501, the PC system controller 601 executes the facsimile / network transfer program,
Facsimile controller 50 via CI bus 203
1 is transmitted to the terminal device on the network via the facsimile controller 501, the PCI bus 203 and the network controller 401. At this time, the facsimile controller 50
1 and the network controller 401 execute their own processing, and the PC system controller 601
Has overall control.

Each module (printer controller 202, scanner controller 301, facsimile controller 501, PC system controller 6)
01) each have a dedicated I / O, which allows the corresponding function to be executed at high speed.

Further, as shown in the figure, a CRT or keyboard is connected to the PC system controller 601 as indicated by 602.
To the PC system controller 601 by connecting the hard disk to the PC system controller 601 as shown at 603.
It is also possible to add a personal computer function by using the function of the PC mother board of the system controller 601.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the PCI
Based on the printer 101 having the bus 203,
By connecting a module having a desired function (scanner controller 301, network controller 401, facsimile controller 501, etc.) to the PCI bus 203, the system can be easily expanded and the functions can be combined to form a system. It is possible to increase the number of functions.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, an image processing module that specializes in image processing is arranged, and a dedicated I / O is arranged in each module. By performing processing and I / O in a distributed manner, the bus occupation rate is reduced, and the system processing speed is increased. Note that the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals indicate common configurations, so only different portions will be described here.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the extended multifunctional system according to the second embodiment. The image processing controller 701 is connected to the PCI bus 203 of the printer 101 and serves as an image processing module that specializes in image processing. Is equipped with. In addition, each module has its own I / O
PCI, each module independently executes I / O processing, and after executing executable processing in each module, PCI
Data is transferred to the image processing unit 103 via the bus 203 and image processing is executed.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, by performing image processing and I / O in a distributed manner, it is possible to reduce the bus occupation rate and speed up system processing. Also, high-speed processing is possible by performing data processing between modules after performing as much processing as possible.

[Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, a plurality of PDL controllers serving as PDL development modules for executing PDL (printer description language) development processing are arranged,
The expansion processing of is made possible at high speed. Note that the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals indicate common configurations, so only different portions will be described here.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the extended multi-function system of the third embodiment. It is a PDL controller 801, which is connected to the PCI bus 203 and serves as a plurality of PDL expansion modules for executing PDL expansion processing. 80
2, 803. Here, the PDL controller 801 has a function of executing the expansion processing of the first PDL, and the PDL controllers 802 and 803 are the second PDs.
It is assumed to have a function of executing the expansion processing of L.

When the printer controller 202 inputs the data described in PDL via the host device or the network, the printer controller 202 receives the data input via the PCI bus 203 (data described in PDL) from the corresponding PDL.
To the PDL controller that executes the expansion processing of.
Here, when the input data is the data described in the first PDL, the input data is transferred to the PDL controller 801. In addition, the input data is the second PD
If the data is written in L, enter the input data in P
The data is distributed and transferred to the DL controllers 802 and 803.
In addition, the input data is the first PDL and the second PDL.
In the case of mixed DL data, input data is
The DL controllers 801, 802 and 803 are distributed and transferred.

PDL controllers 801, 802, 80
3 uses the internal frame memory (not shown) to execute the corresponding PDL expansion processing. Therefore, it is possible to concurrently execute different PDL expansion processing and / or the same PDL expansion processing in parallel. At this time, the printer controller 202
Can be devoted to control of the printer engine 201 only.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, different PDLs are expanded at the same time and / or the same PDL is processed.
Since the DL expansion processing can be executed in parallel, the processing speed can be increased.

In addition, when the printer controller 202 has a function for performing PDL expansion processing, and the printer controller 202 performs a relatively small amount of processing, the printer controller 202 is replaced by one PD.
It can also be used as an L controller.

[0042]

As described above, the method of constructing an extended multifunctional system based on the printer of the present invention (claim 1) is a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function, and Based on a printer having a PCI bus, which is a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module, when a printer function is added and a copy function is additionally expanded, a scanner module that controls the scanner to realize the scanner function is used as the printer. The scanner function and the printer function are combined by connecting the scanner function to the PCI bus, connecting the scanner to the scanner module, and outputting the data from the scanner to the printer engine via the scanner module, PCI bus, and printer module. Realization of copy function Because, it is possible to improve the scalability of multiple functions and capabilities of the system.

Further, a method of constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer includes a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function, and a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module. When a network function is added and expanded in addition to the printer function based on a printer having a PCI bus, the network module that controls the network interface device to input and output data is connected to the PCI bus of the printer. By connecting the network interface device to the network module and outputting the data from the network interface device to the printer engine via the network module, PCI bus, and printer module, To realize the function, it is possible to improve the scalability of multiple functions and capabilities of the system.

A method of constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer includes a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function, and a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module. Based on a printer having a PCI bus as a base, a scanner module that controls the scanner and realizes the scanner function when the facsimile function is additionally expanded in addition to the printer function is installed in the printer
Connect the printer to the CI bus, connect the scanner to the scanner module, and control the facsimile transmission / reception device to input / output data to / from the facsimile module of the printer.
Connect to the CI bus, connect the fax machine to the fax module, and send the data from the scanner to
The facsimile function is realized by outputting the data from the facsimile transmitting / receiving apparatus to the printer engine via the scanner module, PCI bus, and facsimile module, and outputting the data from the facsimile transmitting / receiving apparatus to the printer engine via the facsimile module, PCI bus, and printer module. Therefore, it is possible to improve the multi-functionality of the system and the expandability of the function.

Further, in the construction method of the extended multi-function system based on the printer (claim 4), when the application function is additionally extended, the personal computer module including the PC motherboard having the application program is installed on the printer PCI bus. The personal computer module controls the other modules via the PCI bus to execute the application function, so that the system can be made multifunctional and the function expandability can be improved.

Further, a method of constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer (Claim 5) is provided with an image processing module which is connected to the PCI bus of the printer and specializes in image processing. Each module has its own I / O, each module executes I / O processing independently, and after executing the processing that can be executed in each module, P
Since data is transferred to the image processing module via the CI bus and image processing is executed, it is possible to improve the multifunctionality of the system and the expandability of the function. Further, by performing image processing and I / O in a distributed manner, it is possible to reduce the bus occupation rate and speed up system processing. Also, high-speed processing is possible by performing data processing between modules after performing as much processing as possible.

Further, a method of constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer (claim 6) includes a plurality of PDLs which are connected to a PCI bus of the printer and execute a PDL (Printer Description Language) expansion process. Since the printer module is provided with the expansion module, the printer module transfers data to the PDL expansion module via the PCI bus, and simultaneously executes different PDL expansion processing and / or the same PDL expansion processing in parallel, so that the system has multiple functions. And the expandability of functions can be improved. In addition, since different PDL expansion processing and / or the same PDL expansion processing can be executed in parallel at the same time, the processing speed can be increased.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an extended multi-function system based on a printer according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of a printer that is a base of the extended multifunction system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where a scanner function and a copy function are added and expanded in addition to a printer function based on a printer.

[Figure 4] Printer function based on the printer,
It is explanatory drawing which shows the case where a network function is added and expanded in addition to a scanner function and a copy function.

[Figure 5] Printer function based on the printer,
It is an explanatory view showing the case where a facsimile function is added and expanded in addition to a scanner function and a copy function.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where another application function is added and expanded.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an extended multifunction system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of an extended multi-function system according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 printer 102 scanner 201 printer engine 202 printer controller 203 PCI bus 301 scanner controller 401 network controller 501 facsimile controller 601 PC system controller 701 image processing controller 801 to 803 PDL controller

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A printer having a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function and a PCI bus, which is a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module, as a base, and a copy function in addition to the printer function. When the functions are added and expanded, a scanner module that controls the scanner to realize the scanner function is connected to the PCI bus of the printer, the scanner is connected to the scanner module, and the data from the scanner is transferred to the scanner module and the PC.
Construction of an extended multi-function system based on a printer characterized by realizing a copy function by fusing the scanner function and the printer function by outputting to a printer engine via an I-bus and a printer module Method. 2. A printer having a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function and a PCI bus which is a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module as a base, and a network in addition to the printer function. When the function is added and expanded, a network module that controls the network interface device to input / output data is connected to the PCI bus of the printer, the network interface device is connected to the network module, and By outputting data to the printer engine via the network module, PCI bus, and printer module,
A method for constructing an extended multifunctional system based on a printer, which is characterized by realizing network functions. 3. A facsimile in addition to the printer function, based on a printer having a printer module for controlling a printer engine to realize a printer function and a PCI bus which is a general-purpose high-speed bus connected to the printer module. When the function is added and expanded, a scanner module that controls the scanner to realize the scanner function is connected to the PCI bus of the printer, and the scanner is connected to the scanner module,
A facsimile module that controls a facsimile transmission / reception device to input / output data is connected to the PCI bus of the printer, a facsimile transmission / reception device is connected to the facsimile module, and data from the scanner is transferred to a scanner module, a PCI bus, and a facsimile. Output to the facsimile transceiver through the module,
Construction of an extended multi-function system based on a printer, characterized in that a facsimile function is realized by outputting data from the facsimile transmission / reception device to a printer engine via a facsimile module, a PCI bus, and a printer module. Method. 4. When the application function is additionally expanded, a personal computer module consisting of a PC motherboard having an application program is connected to the PCI bus of the printer, and the personal computer module is a PC.
By controlling other modules via the I-bus,
4. A method for constructing an extended multifunctional system based on a printer according to claim 1, which executes an application function. 5. An image processing module that is connected to a PCI bus of the printer and specializes in image processing, each module having its own I / O, and each module independently. / O processing is executed,
5. The printer-based extension according to claim 1, wherein after executing a process that can be executed in each module, data is transferred to the image processing module via a PCI bus and the image processing is executed. How to build a multi-functional system. 6. A plurality of PDL developing modules connected to a PCI bus of the printer and executing a PDL (Printer Description Language) developing process, wherein the printer module is connected to the PDL developing module via a PCI bus. Multiple PDs that transfer data and are simultaneously different
5. The method for constructing an extended multi-function system based on a printer according to claim 1, wherein L expansion processing and / or the same PDL expansion processing are executed in parallel.