JPH11316671A - Image recording device, host device and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform image recording while automatically selecting an image recording device capable of simultaneously sorting images as many as plural copies in the case of performing image recording for that copies through a host device in a system composed of the host device and plural image recording devices. SOLUTION: Before the host computer records images for plural copies, an instruction for transmitting the number of paper ejection enable bins is transmitted to plural image recording devices 1-4 together with the partial number of images while sorting the recorded paper sheets for each copy through the image recording devices. Corresponding to this instruction, each image recording device investigates the number of the ejection enable bins on that sorter and transmits it to the host computer. On the condition the received number of the bins is more than the said plural copies, the host computer selects one device matched with the condition out of the image recording devices 1-4 and transmits the recorded data to this device and images are recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a sheet-like recording medium based on recording data received from a host device such as a host computer, the above-mentioned host device, and each of these devices. The present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a control procedure program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image recording apparatus, for example, a copying machine has a plurality of tray-shaped discharge bins for discharging recording paper on which an image has been recorded (copied). 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a configuration in which a sorter that sorts and discharges recording paper on a plurality of paper discharge bins for each part, that is, a so-called sorting, can be optionally mounted, or a configuration including a sorter.

[0003] In such a copying machine, a user usually operates near the copying machine, sets the number of copies and sort mode, and sorts the copies by the copying machine accordingly. For this reason, one user near the copying machine exclusively uses the copying machine. In this method of use, if the number of copies equal to or larger than the number of output bins held by the copier is specified, the number of copies is sorted once for the number of held bins, and then discharged to the user. After the recording paper was removed, the remaining copies were sorted.

There is no problem in the case where the image recording apparatus for performing such sorting is used in a stand-alone manner. However, in a network environment, the image recording apparatus and the host computer are connected in a one-to-many or a plurality-to-many manner to form one image. In a situation where the recording device accepts the designation of image recording from a plurality of users, if the sort of the number of copies equal to or greater than the number of bins of the image recording device is specified, the user must be at the image recording device side. It is necessary to perform an appropriate operator operation or to transmit data to the image recording apparatus in a plurality of times.

[0005]

However, in a situation where a plurality of host computers are connected to the image recording apparatus in a network environment, and a plurality of users specify image recording from a remote place, the image recording apparatus is required. Often there are no users nearby. On the other hand, when the sort output is performed by the image recording apparatus having the number of retained bins smaller than the number of output copies, the user always goes by the image recording apparatus and removes all the recording sheets output to all the output bins. Otherwise, processing cannot be continued. Therefore, not only can the image recording job be completed without the intervention of the user,
If left unattended, other users on the network may not be able to use the image recording apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording system comprising a host device such as a host computer connected via a network and a plurality of image recording devices. When the host device causes a plurality of copies of image recording to be performed, an image recording device capable of sorting the number of copies at one time is automatically selected without user intervention, the recording data is transmitted, and the image recording is performed. Is to make it possible.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, it is possible to communicate with a host device and record an image on a sheet-like recording medium based on recording data received from the host device. An image recording apparatus that sorts recorded recording media into a plurality of ejection units and that can be equipped with or equipped with a sorter that ejects the recording medium, the host device, and a program for controlling these. In a storage medium readable by a stored computer, when the host device causes a plurality of copies of image recording to be performed, before that, the recording medium recorded in the image recording device is sorted by a part of a given number of sheets. A command to transmit the number of discharge units that can be discharged to the host device is transmitted to the plurality of image recording devices, and accordingly, the plurality of image recording devices are recorded in the sorter. The recording medium is sorted for each given number of sheets, the number of discharge units that can be discharged is checked, the number of discharge units that can be discharged is transmitted to the host device, and the discharge device that the host device receives from a plurality of image recording devices is checked. On condition that the number of possible discharge units is equal to or greater than the plurality of copies, one of the plurality of image recording apparatuses that corresponds to the above condition is selected, and the recording data is transmitted to the apparatus to perform image recording. I did it.

If there is no image recording apparatus that satisfies the above condition, one of the plurality of image recording apparatuses having the largest number of discharge units that can be discharged is selected, and the recording data is stored in the apparatus. The image was transmitted and recorded.

According to such a configuration, in an image recording system including a host device and a plurality of image recording devices,
When recording multiple copies of images, without user intervention,
The host device automatically selects and records one device in which the number of discharge units that can be discharged among the plurality of image recording devices is equal to or greater than the plurality of copies, that is, one device capable of sorting the plurality of copies at one time. Data can be transmitted and image recording can be performed. Further, when there is no image recording apparatus in which the number of discharge units that can be discharged is equal to or more than the plurality of copies, one device having the maximum number of discharge units that can be discharged is selected to transmit recording data, and image recording is performed. Can be performed.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a control system of the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment. Although this device is a laser beam image recording device here, the image recording device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a laser beam image recording device, and other printing type image recording devices such as an ink jet image recording device. But it goes without saying that it is good. In the following, an example in which two optional devices are connected will be described. However, more optional devices can be connected, and the function of the optional device may be included in the main body.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 102 denotes a laser beam image recording apparatus, to which various optional devices can be connected, and a host computer 101 serving as a host apparatus and an LA.
N is connected via a network such as N, and print data (such as code data based on a predetermined image recording device language, such as Post Script, LIPS III, LIPS IV, image data, etc.) transmitted from the host computer 101 via the network. Image recording on a recording sheet, which is a sheet-shaped recording medium, based on the image data.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a video controller, which is connected to the host computer 101 via a network and transmitted from the host computer 101 via the network.
Various kinds of PDL data are received, page information including dot data based on the code data is generated, and image data (binary or multi-valued) is transmitted to an engine controller 105 described later via the video interface 80. At the same time, a command for specifying paper feed and paper discharge is transmitted to the option controller 106, which will be described later, via the general interface 90.

An engine controller 105 forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum by a well-known electrophotographic process based on image data transferred from the video controller 103, develops the latent image as a toner image, and supplies Transfer and fix the image. At this time, the control unit 106 instructs the option controller unit 106 to supply and discharge paper.

Reference numeral 104 denotes an operation panel unit, which is an interface with a user including various switches (buttons) for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like.
The user can instruct the image recording apparatus 102 to perform a predetermined operation by operating the operation panel unit 104.
Note that various data set by the user are stored and managed in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory, for example, NVRAM, EEPROM, or the like.

The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (not shown) and the like, and is connected to the video controller 10 via the general interface 90.
3 is an overall controller that controls one or more optional devices (units) based on the paper supply / discharge designation or the like transferred from the printer 3 and the paper supply / discharge instruction from the engine controller 105. It communicates with the selected option controller unit and the same protocol via the option unit interface 70 serving as a common bus, and controls the various optional devices in an integrated manner.

In the RAM of the option controller unit 106, there is a shared memory accessible by the video controller 103. This shared memory has a transport status management area, a basic status area, and a command status management area for about 40 pages. The video controller 103 designates each optional device through each area of the shared memory.

The transport status management area is stored in the video controller 103 by the recording method (paper feed port, paper discharge port, color,
An area for notifying each optional device of stapling, shifting, and the like, and an area for notifying the video controller 103 of each option state (how far the recording has been performed, the discharge has been completed, and the like).

The basic status area is an area for notifying the video controller 103 of an abnormality (JAM, no paper, no staple, etc.) of each optional device, and the command / status management area is a command / status management area. The start-up processing area is an area in which the video controller 103 specifies the start-up processing of each optional device.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a paper feed option device (unit)
Here, the paper deck is an optional unit, and has a paper deck controller (large-capacity paper cassette controller) 107 a therein, and performs paper feed control based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. The paper deck controller 107
a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown);
Controls the operation of the sheet feeding option device 107 based on a program stored in the ROM. Further, the ROM stores various information of the paper feed option device 107, for example, information of a paper size that can be stored in the paper deck.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a discharge option device (unit).
Here, this is a sorter option unit having a sort function, has a sorter controller (large-capacity sheet discharge stacker controller) 108a inside, and performs a sort operation and sheet discharge based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Perform the operation. The sorter controller 108a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown).
The CPU controls the operation of the paper discharge option device 108 as a sorter based on a program stored in the ROM. The ROM also stores various information of the paper discharge option device 108, for example, the number of paper discharge bins, the presence or absence of a sort function,
Information on the presence / absence of a staple function, the presence / absence of a shift function for shifting a discharged sheet in a predetermined direction, the presence / absence of a reversing function for reversing the recording surface direction of the discharged sheet, and the like are stored.

The paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option device 108 are provided with operation units 107b and 108b having a display unit and various keys, respectively, for displaying messages and operation methods for the user when each option is used. Operation is possible.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a control unit which controls the image recording process of the image recording apparatus 102, controls the entire image recording apparatus 102, analyzes data from the host computer 101, and converts the data into image data. It is composed of a video controller 103 for conversion and an option controller unit 106 for controlling various optional units.

The option controller 106
Manages each option unit by a common option unit interface 70, and communicates with the video controller 103 via the general interface 90. This embodiment is characterized in that the video controller 103 controls each paper supply / discharge option unit via the option controller unit 106.

Next, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the mechanical structure of the image recording apparatus 102 and the optional devices 107 and 108 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. Is attached.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette, which has a mechanism for holding the recording paper S and electrically detecting the size of the recording paper S by a partition plate (not shown). 231
Denotes a cassette paper feed clutch, which separates only one of the uppermost recording papers S of the recording papers S placed in the paper cassette 230 and transfers the separated recording paper S to a paper feed roller 204 by a driving unit (not shown). It is a cam that conveys, intermittently rotates each time paper is fed, and feeds one sheet of recording paper corresponding to one rotation. 230S is a recording paper detection sensor which detects the amount (presence or absence) of the recording paper S held in the paper cassette 230.

Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter which presses the recording paper S to stop paper feeding. The paper feed roller 204 is
The leading end of the recording paper S is transported to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 202 denotes a manual feed tray on which the recording paper S is placed. Reference numeral 203 denotes a manual paper feed clutch, which is used to release the recording paper S placed on the manual feed tray 202 from the registration shutter 22.
To 7 An optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay conveyance roller) 233 supplies the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option device 107 into the main body of the image recording device 102.

Further, downstream of the manual paper feed roller 203, the cassette paper feed clutch 231 and the optional paper feed roller 233, a pair of registration rollers 20 for synchronously transporting the recording paper S is provided.
5 is provided, and a laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream thereof.
Image forming unit 2 that forms a toner image on recording paper S by a known electrophotography and process using laser light emitted from
07 is provided.

In the laser scanner unit 206, 215
Denotes a laser unit, which emits a laser beam based on an image signal (VDO signal) sent from the video controller 103. The laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is scanned by the polygon mirror 216 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 220 via the imaging lens group 218 and the folding mirror 219. A beam detector 217 detects a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 and outputs a main scanning synchronization signal. A light amount sensor 270 detects the light amount of the laser light emitted from the laser unit 215.

In the image recording unit 207, 222
Denotes a primary charger, which charges the photosensitive drum 220 uniformly. Reference numeral 223 denotes a developing unit, which develops a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 by being charged by the primary charging unit 222 and laser-exposed by the laser scanner unit 206. Reference numeral 224 denotes a transfer charger, which transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 220 by the developing device 223 to the recording paper S fed by the registration roller 205. 225
Is a cleaner for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. Reference numeral 221 denotes a pre-exposure lamp, and the photosensitive drum 2
20 is subjected to light neutralization.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a fixing unit, and an image recording unit 207
To thermally fix the toner image formed on the recording paper S to the recording paper S. Reference numeral 210 denotes a conveyance roller that discharges and conveys the recording paper S. A paper discharge sensor 209 detects a paper discharge state of the recording paper S. Reference numeral 211 denotes a flapper, which switches the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S on which recording has been completed to the discharge tray 213 side or the discharge option apparatus 108 side. 214 and 2
A paper discharge roller 12 discharges the recording paper S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 onto a paper discharge tray 213. Reference numeral 213S denotes a discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor, which detects the stacking amount of the recording paper stacked on the stacking tray 213.

The engine controller 105 in the control unit 109 controls the electrophotographic process by the laser scanner unit 206, the image recording unit 207, and the fixing unit 208, and controls the conveyance of the recording paper in the main body of the laser beam image recording apparatus 102. Perform

The option controller 106 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the main body of the image recording apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 2 and has the same protocol as various option units via the option unit interface 70 serving as a common bus. It is configured to be able to communicate. Further, the option controller unit 106 includes a general interface 90.
Is connected to the video controller 103 via the.

Next, the optional devices 107 and 108 which are detachably mounted on and connected to the main body of the image recording apparatus 102 will be described.

In the configuration of the paper feeding optional device 107 which is a paper deck optional unit, reference numeral 241 denotes a paper deck on which a large amount of recording paper S is stacked. A paper deck paper feed roller 242 feeds the recording paper S stacked on the paper deck 241. A conveyance roller 244 conveys the recording paper S fed from the paper deck paper feed roller 242 toward the optional paper feed roller 233. Reference numeral 243 denotes a paper feed relay roller, which is fed from another paper feed system optional unit (which can feed recording paper of different size or the same size) detachably connected to a plurality of lower portions of the paper deck option. Relay the recording paper. A recording paper storage amount detection sensor 241S detects the amount of the recording paper S placed on the paper deck 241.

In the configuration of the paper discharge option device 108 which is a sorter option unit, 251 to 257
First to seventh discharge bins for face-down discharge, which sort and stack the recorded recording paper S with the recording surface facing down. Reference numeral 258 denotes an eighth discharge bin for directly passing the recorded recording paper S carried into the sorter option unit as it is and performing face-up discharge with the recording surface facing upward. Reference numeral 280 denotes a flapper, which is a flapper 21 of the main body of the image recording apparatus 102.
Sorter option unit 108 sorted by 1
Controller 103 for recording paper S sent to
The transport path is switched so that the direction of the recording surface is switched based on the instruction from the printer.

Reference numerals 261S to 268S denote paper empty detection sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the recording paper S discharged on the first to eighth discharge bins 251 to 258.

Further, the discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor 271S-
278S is a full load detection sensor, and the first discharge bin 25
It is detected that the height of the recording sheets S stacked in the first to eighth discharge bins 258 has reached, for example, 18 mm (equivalent to about 120 sheets). At the time of this detection, the sorter controller 108a notifies the video controller 103 of the full loading of each bin via the option controller unit 106.

The first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 have about 120 sheets for each bin, that is, about 9 sheets for 8 bins.
60 sheets can be stacked.
The seventh discharge bin 257 is capable of performing sorted discharge.

When face-up paper discharge is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned on to perform distribution, and the distributed recording paper S is directly discharged by the roller 290 to the eighth paper discharge. The paper is sent to the paper exit of the bin 258.

When face-down paper discharge is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned off and the paper is sorted.
The rear end is once conveyed by the roller 291 until the rear end exceeds the face-up flapper 280, and then the roller 291 is reversed and fed from the rear end of the recording paper S to the vertical path, and any one of the bin flappers 281 to 286 is designated by a discharge bin. Is driven at a predetermined timing, and sorting is performed to the discharge port of one of the discharge bins, and the discharge is completed in a face-down state. When the specified discharge bin is the seventh discharge bin 257, the face-down discharge is completed by driving the bin flappers 281 to 286 and performing the discharge as it is.

Further, a stapler (not shown) for stapling the recorded recording paper S one by one with a staple is provided, and when the stapler is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the stapler not shown is provided. The recording paper S is stored in the tray, the recording paper S is aligned, the stapler executes stapling, and discharges the paper to any one of the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258. In this case, a staple remaining amount detection sensor (not shown) is provided, and the remaining amount of the staple stored in the staple is detected.

When the shift is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the sheets are stored in a staple tray (not shown), and the recording sheets S are arranged in the same manner as in the case where the staple is designated. The recording paper S is shifted for each tray, that is, the mounting area (tray) of the recording paper S to be discharged is shifted, and then the recording paper S is discharged to one of the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258. The staple also has a staple remaining amount detection sensor (not shown), and detects a staple remaining amount stored in the staple.

Note that the option controller 106,
The paper deck controller 107a and the sorter controller 108a are connected by connectors, respectively, and perform serial communication by the option unit interface 70. They are connected in series by the same connector. Therefore, the paper deck option unit 107 and the sorter option unit 108 can be connected in a different order.

Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the video controller 103 shown in FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a panel interface (I / F) unit, which receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the operation panel unit 104 by data communication with the operation panel unit 104. Reference numeral 302 denotes a host interface (I / F), which is an input / output unit for signals with the host computer 101 such as a host computer. 30
Reference numeral 6 denotes an engine interface (I / F) unit, which is an input / output unit for signals with the engine controller 105;
A data signal is transmitted from an output buffer register (not shown) and communication control with the engine controller 105 is performed.

Reference numeral 303 denotes an image data generating unit which generates bitmap data for actual image recording based on the recording data sent from the host computer 101. An image memory 305 stores image data. Reference numeral 309 denotes a CPU, and the video controller 103
Take charge of overall control. Reference numeral 304 denotes a ROM, and the CPU 30
9 is stored. 307 is R
AM, which functions as a temporary storage unit used by the CPU 309. Reference numeral 310 denotes an EEPROM, which is constituted by a nonvolatile memory medium.

Reference numeral 308 denotes a DMA control unit.
9 transfers the bitmap data in the image memory 305 to the engine interface unit 306 in accordance with the instruction from the CPU 9.

An option interface unit 312 communicates with the option controller unit 106 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 309. Further, the paper supply / discharge timing signal 93 and the like are transmitted to the engine interface unit 306.
Is sent to the general interface 90 through.

Reference numeral 311 denotes a system bus having an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface 3
01, a host interface unit 302, an image data generation unit 303, a ROM 304, an image memory 305, an engine interface unit 306, a RAM 307, a DMA control unit 308, a CPU 309, an EEPROM 310, and an option interface unit 312 are connected to a system bus 311. They can access each other via a bus 311.

The control program that controls the CPU 309 includes an OS that performs time-division control on a load module basis called a task that is operated by a system clock (not shown) and a load module (for example, a flowchart corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 8 described later). Task), and a plurality of load modules that operate in units of functions including a task.

Next, referring to FIG.
1 will be described.

In the configuration of the host computer 101, the CPU 4 provided in the computer
01 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 404, and stores graphics, images, characters, and tables (tables) based on a document processing program or the like stored in the ROM 403 or loaded from the external memory 411 to the RAM 402. (Including spreadsheets) are executed.

The RAM 402 functions as a main memory into which a control program of the CPU 401 is loaded, a work area, and the like.

The ROM 403 stores a control program of the CPU 401, font data used in the above document processing, and the like.

Reference numeral 405 denotes a keyboard controller (KB
C) to control input from the keyboard 409 and a pointing device (not shown).

Reference numeral 406 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC)
And controls the display on the CRT display (CRT) 410.

Reference numeral 407 denotes a memory controller (MC) which communicates with an external memory 411 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various application programs, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD). Control access.

Reference numeral 408 denotes a printer controller (PRT)
C), which is connected to a plurality of laser beam image recording apparatuses 102 (only one is shown here) via a network bidirectional interface and a network, and performs communication control processing with these image recording apparatuses. Execute

The CPU 401 is, for example, a RAM 40
2 to perform rasterization of the outline font in the display information RAM set on the CRT 41.
0 enables WYSIWYG on the screen. Further, the CPU 401 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the screen of the CRT 410 and executes various data processing.

Next, as an operation related to the present invention in the above configuration, in an image recording system in which a host computer and a plurality of image recording devices are connected via a network, the host computer records a plurality of copies of images. The operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the operation of the entire system will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, one host computer 101 whose address is (150.61.66.69), which is the above-described host computer 101, and a plurality of image recording apparatuses, each of which is the above-described laser beam image recording apparatus 102, Assume that the devices (1) to (4) are connected via a network cable 501.

Here, the host computer, for example, when recording a plurality of copies of an image with a partial output number of ten,
One of the image recording apparatuses (1) to (4) is selected to perform image recording. For the selection, the recording paper that has been recorded in each image recording apparatus is sorted for each part. A command to transmit the number of output bins that can be ejected (hereinafter, referred to as output bin number) to the host computer (hereinafter, referred to as an output bin number acquisition instruction) together with its own address and data of a part of sheets Image recording devices (1) to (4)
Send to

According to this, the image recording apparatuses (1) to (4)
Then, when the sorter option unit is installed,
The number of bins that can be output is checked and transmitted to the host computer as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, an image recording device (1)
In this case, since one discharge bin cannot discharge a part of the output number of 10 sheets, the number of discharge bins is three, but the number of output possible bins is two. ) And send it to the host computer. Similarly, the image recording device (2) has five output bins and four output possible bins, and the image recording device (3) has no output bins because the sorter option unit is not mounted. In (4), the number of outputable bins is set to seven and transmitted to the host computer.

The host computer having received this selects one of the image recording apparatuses (1) to (4) which satisfies the above-mentioned condition, on condition that the number of output-capable bins is equal to or more than the above-mentioned number of copies. Then, the recording data is transmitted to this device to record the image. For example, if the number of copies is 6, the image recording device (4) is selected, and the recording data is transmitted to the image recording device (4) to perform image recording.

For example, if the number of copies is nine and there is no image recording apparatus that satisfies the above condition, one of the image recording apparatuses (1) to (4) having the largest number of bins that can be output is used. Here, the image recording device (4) is selected to transmit the recording data and perform the image recording.

The operation of the host computer described above is performed under the control of the CPU 401 of FIG. 4, and the operation of the image recording apparatus is performed by the CPU 3 of the video controller 103 of FIG.
The control is performed under the control of step S09. Details of each control operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8
Is a flowchart showing each control procedure,
“S” in these flowcharts and in the following description is an abbreviation for “step”.

First, the CPU 401 of the host computer
Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This control operation is performed by the CPU 401 according to a control program stored in the ROM 403 or loaded into the RAM 402.

Before transmitting the recording data edited by the application in the host computer to the image recording apparatus, the CPU 401 first checks whether or not a plurality of recording outputs are to be outputted (S101).

When a plurality of copies are not recorded, that is, when only a part is recorded, the recording data is transmitted to a designated or arbitrary image recording apparatus on the network as it is (S1).
08) Then, the process ends.

On the other hand, in the case of recording a plurality of copies, a command to acquire the number of outputable bins is required in order to acquire information on the number of outputable bins (outputtable discharge outlets) in all the image recording apparatuses on the network. (S102), and waits for a response from each image recording device (S103).

Next, when the answer is received, it is compared whether the number of output possible bins of the image recording apparatus which transmitted the answer is equal to or more than the number of output copies (S104). The recording data is transmitted to the image recording apparatus having the number of bins that can be output, and the image recording is performed (S
108) Then, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the number of outputable bins is smaller than the number of output copies, the name of the image recording apparatus which has transmitted the answer of the outputable bin number and the number of outputable bins are stored in the RAM 402 (S
105) Then, it is determined whether or not there has been a response from all the image recording apparatuses (S106).
03, and repeats the processing of S103 to S106.

Even if answers are received from all image recording apparatuses,
If there is no image recording apparatus with the number of outputable bins equal to or larger than the number of output copies and the transmission destination is not determined, the image recording apparatus having the largest number of bins among the number of outputable bins stored in the RAM 402 is searched (S107). Then, the recording data is transmitted to the image recording apparatus to record the image (S108), and then the processing is terminated.

With the above control operation, as described above, the host computer transmits an outputable bin number acquisition command to each image recording apparatus, and in response thereto, the outputable bin number transmitted from each image recording apparatus to the host computer. One image recording apparatus can be selected according to the value of the number, and the recording data can be transmitted to perform the image recording.

Next, the control operation of the CPU 309 of the image recording apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This control operation is performed by the CPU 309 according to a control program stored in the ROM 304.

First, when data transmitted from the host computer is received (S201), it is checked whether the data is a command for obtaining the number of bins that can be output (S202). Image recording is started as recording data (S209).

On the other hand, if the received data is a command to acquire the number of outputable bins, the counter BIN for counting the number of outputable bins is initialized, that is, set to 0 (S203). It is checked whether or not it is (S204).

When the printer is mounted, the discharge bins 251-2
For 57, sequentially obtain the number of sheets that can be output (discharged),
It is determined whether or not the number of printable sheets is equal to or more than a part of the number of output sheets received together with the output bin number acquisition command (S205).
If the number of output sheets is equal to or more than a part, the counter BIN is incremented by assuming that the discharge bin is an outputable bin (S206). The number of sheets that can be output in each of the discharge bins 251 to 257 corresponds to the full load detection sensors 271S to 271S.
When the full load is detected by 277S, it is set to 0,
In other cases, the paper ejection empty sensors 261S-2S
67S, the output empty number of each bin, that is, the number of output sheets after the number 0 of stacked recording sheets is detected is counted and stored, and the difference between the stored number and the full number of sheets is recorded. It is calculated as the number of sheets.

Then, it is determined whether or not all the output bins have been checked as to whether they are output bins (ie, whether or not the number of output bins is equal to or greater than a part of output sheets) (S207). Return and check for the next output bin.

After all the output bins are checked for output bins, the value of the output bin number counter BIN and the name of the image recording apparatus are transmitted to the host (S208), and the process is thereafter terminated.

If the sorter option unit 108 is not installed in S204, the process proceeds to S20.
The process proceeds to step 8, where 0 is transmitted to the host computer together with the name of the image recording apparatus as the value of the outputable bin number counter BIN, and the process is thereafter terminated.

With such a control operation, the number of bins that can be output is checked in each image recording apparatus as described above, and transmitted to the host computer.

According to the present embodiment as described above, in an image recording system including a host computer on a network and a plurality of image recording apparatuses, when recording a plurality of copies of an image, the host computer can operate without user intervention. One of the plurality of image recording apparatuses, the number of outputable bins of which is equal to or more than the plurality of copies, that is, one apparatus capable of sorting the plurality of copies at one time is automatically selected, and the recording data is transmitted. Can be performed. Further, when there is no image recording apparatus in which the number of outputable bins is equal to or larger than the plurality of copies, it is possible to select one apparatus having the maximum number of outputable bins, transmit recording data, and perform image recording.

That is, when a plurality of copies of an image are to be recorded, the selection of the image recording apparatus can be automatically and appropriately performed without the intervention of the user. Unable to end recording job,
Problems such as hindering other users on the network from using the desired image recording apparatus can be prevented beforehand, and image recording in a comfortable network environment can be realized.

[Other Embodiments] In the embodiment described above, when a plurality of copies of an image are to be recorded, the image recording device having a larger number of outputable bins than the number of recording copies receives a response from the image recording device. It is assumed that the recording data is transmitted. However, if the recording data of the image recording job being executed or to be executed remains in the recording data storage means such as a memory in the image recording apparatus, the recording data amount is also answered. If there are a plurality of image recording apparatuses having the number of outputable bins equal to or larger than the number of recording copies, the image recording apparatus having a small recording data amount may be selected to transmit the recording data.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of bins that can be output is requested from all the image recording apparatuses on the network. However, priorities are assigned to the respective image recording apparatuses in advance, and the output is sequentially performed according to the priority. The number of possible bins may be requested, and selection may be made by comparing the answer with the number of recording copies.

In the above-described embodiment, the host computer C corresponding to the flowchart of FIG.
A storage medium such as a ROM storing a program for a PU control procedure, and a ROM storing a program for a CPU control procedure of the image recording apparatus corresponding to the flowchart of FIG.
Such a storage medium constitutes the present invention because the functions according to the present invention are realized by the respective programs. As a storage medium for storing each program, in addition to the ROM, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-RO
Computer-readable storage media such as M, CD-R, magnetic tape, and non-volatile memory card can be used.

[0089]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, there are provided a plurality of image recording apparatuses capable of being equipped with or equipped with a sorter for sorting and discharging recorded recording media into a plurality of discharge sections. In an image recording system in which a host device that transmits recording data to perform image recording is connected to the host device via a network or the like, when recording a plurality of copies of an image, the host device is connected to a plurality of devices without user intervention. Among the image recording apparatuses, one apparatus in which the number of discharge units which can be discharged by sorting recorded recording media for each of a predetermined number of copies is equal to or more than the plurality of copies, that is, the plurality of copies are sorted once. One possible device is automatically selected, the recording data is transmitted, and the image recording can be performed. Further, when there is no image recording apparatus in which the number of discharge units that can be discharged is equal to or more than the plurality of copies, one device having the maximum number of discharge units that can be discharged is selected to transmit recording data, and image recording is performed. Can be performed. That is, when a plurality of copies of an image are to be recorded, the selection of the image recording device can be automatically and appropriately performed without the intervention of the user.
For example, an image recording job cannot be completed without the intervention of a user, and problems such as hindering other users on the network from using a desired image recording apparatus are prevented beforehand. Image recording can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of a laser beam image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of the image recording apparatus and a paper supply / discharge option apparatus thereof.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of a configuration of a video controller in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the host computer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the host computer transmits an outputable bin number acquisition instruction to a plurality of image recording apparatuses in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a plurality of image recording apparatuses transmit the number of outputable bins to a host computer in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a process of selecting an image recording apparatus when the host computer causes a plurality of copies to be recorded in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a process in which the image recording apparatus checks the number of outputable bins and transmits the number to the host computer in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 101 host computer 102 laser beam image recording device 103 video controller 104 operation panel unit 105 engine controller 106 option controller unit 107 paper feeding optional device (paper deck optional unit) 108 paper discharging optional device (sorter optional unit) 206 laser scanner unit 207 image Recording unit 208 Fixing unit 241 Paper deck 251 to 258 Paper discharge bins 261S to 268S Paper discharge empty detection sensor 271S to 278S Paper discharge stacking amount detection sensor (full load detection sensor) 304 ROM 307 RAM 309 CPU 401 CPU 402 RAM 403 ROM

Claims (6)

[Claims] An image recording apparatus capable of communicating with a host device and recording an image on a sheet-shaped recording medium based on recording data received from the host device, wherein the recorded recording medium is ejected to a plurality of recording media. In an image recording apparatus capable of being equipped with or equipped with a sorter for sorting and discharging the recording media, according to a command received from the host device, the recording media recorded in the sorter can be sorted for a given number of sheets and discharged. An image recording apparatus comprising: means for checking the number of discharge units which can be discharged and transmitting the number of discharge units which can be discharged to the host device. 2. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of image recording apparatuses configured to perform image recording on a sheet-shaped recording medium based on the recording data. In a host device capable of transmitting data and performing image recording, before recording a plurality of copies of an image, the recording medium that has been recorded in the image recording apparatus is sorted by a given number of sheets. Means for transmitting, to the plurality of image recording apparatuses, a command to transmit the number of dischargeable parts to the host device, and transmitting the number of dischargeable parts from the plurality of image recording apparatuses in response to the command. In the case where the number of discharge units that can be discharged is equal to or more than the plurality of copies, one device that satisfies the condition is selected from the plurality of image recording devices, and recording data is stored in the device. Send and record images A host device and having a means for causing. 3. If there is no image recording apparatus that satisfies the condition, select one of the plurality of image recording apparatuses having the largest number of discharge units that can be discharged, and record the recording data in the apparatus. 3. The host device according to claim 2, further comprising means for transmitting an image and performing image recording. 4. An image recording apparatus capable of communicating with a host device and performing image recording on a sheet-shaped recording medium based on recording data received from the host device, wherein the recorded recording medium is discharged to a plurality of recording media. In a storage medium readable by a computer that stores a program of a control procedure of an image recording apparatus capable of being mounted or provided with a sorter that sorts and discharges a part, recorded in the sorter according to a command received from the host device. A storage medium storing a procedure for sorting the recording medium for each given number of sheets, checking the number of dischargeable parts, and transmitting the number of dischargeable parts to the host device. 5. It is possible to communicate with a plurality of image recording apparatuses that perform image recording on a sheet-shaped recording medium based on recording data, and select one of the plurality of image recording apparatuses to record on the apparatus. In a computer-readable storage medium storing a control procedure program of a host device capable of transmitting data and causing image recording to be performed, the image recording apparatus records a plurality of copies before recording the plurality of copies. Transmitting a command to the plurality of image recording apparatuses to cause the host device to transmit the number of discharge units that can be discharged by sorting the recording medium into a part of a given number of sheets; and When the number of dischargeable discharge units is transmitted from the image recording device, the number of dischargeable discharge units is equal to or greater than the plurality of copies. Storage medium to select one device corresponding to the serial conditions, characterized in that transmitted the print data to the device storing the instructions to perform the image recording. 6. When there is no image recording apparatus that satisfies the condition, one of the plurality of image recording apparatuses having the largest number of discharge units that can be discharged is selected, and the recording data is stored in the apparatus. 6. The storage medium according to claim 5, wherein a procedure for transmitting an image and performing image recording is stored.