JP2001328323A - Optional device of image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An image forming apparatus, an optional apparatus for an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus, wherein the processing load on a controller of the image forming apparatus is small even when a plurality of optional apparatuses are connected, and the image forming apparatus and the optional apparatus. Providing an image forming system comprising: SOLUTION: A controller 127 of the image forming apparatus includes:
By communicating with the controller 128 of the directly connected optional device, the monitoring and control of the directly connected optional device are performed. Monitoring and control of another optional device having the controller 129 is performed not by the controller 127 of the image forming device but by the controller 128 of the optional device close to the image forming device. Further, a notification indicating the status of the optional device transmitted from the controller 129 to the controller 128 is sent to the controller 128.
Is transmitted to the controller 127 of the image forming apparatus, so that the image forming apparatus can grasp the status of the distant optional device without directly monitoring and controlling.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to which a plurality of optional devices can be connected and an optional device thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various optional devices that can be connected to an image forming apparatus have been prepared, and the functions of the image forming apparatus have been expanded in accordance with a user's desires and use environments. Such optional devices include a paper feed optional device for enabling a large amount of paper, a sorter, a duplex unit, and the like, each of which has a configuration capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus.

For example, when a plurality of paper feeding optional devices are arranged and connected below the image forming device, the image forming device and the plurality of paper feeding optional devices can communicate with each other from a desired paper feeding optional device to a paper while communicating. Is transported to the image forming apparatus located downstream of the transport path.

Conventionally, when an image forming apparatus is connected to a sheet feeding optional device for supplying a recording medium and medium conveyance control is performed, a controller in the image forming apparatus monitors sheet conveyance control in all sheet feeding optional devices. At the same time, if necessary, control data is transmitted to the optional device to perform all sheet conveyance control and monitoring processing. Similarly, for a paper discharge option device that performs post-processing on a sheet discharged from the image forming device, a controller in the image forming device performs sheet conveyance control and monitoring processing of all the paper discharge option devices. Further, as another example, the sheet transport control and monitoring processing of the optional paper feeding and discharging apparatus are separated from the controller in the image forming apparatus, and the sheet transport control and monitoring processing of the optional apparatus are integrated. The sheet conveying control and the monitoring process of the optional device are performed.

[0005]

However, such a conventional image forming apparatus has the following problems.

If the number of sheet feeding optional devices is one, or if the sheet conveying speed is not fast, the controller or option controller in the image forming apparatus controls the sheet conveying control and monitoring of the sheet feeding optional devices. Even so, the increased processing load on the controller is not significant. However, when multiple optional devices are connected or the sheet transport speed increases, the processing in the controller becomes complicated and high-speed processing is required, and the load of control and monitoring processing increases. In addition, it is necessary to use a high-speed and expensive processing device such as a CPU for the controller.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus optional apparatus, and an image forming apparatus, which do not increase the processing load on the controller of the image forming apparatus or the optional controller even when a plurality of optional apparatuses are connected. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system including a forming device and an optional device.

[0008]

That is, the gist of the present invention is that the image forming apparatus can be connected to the image forming apparatus directly or through another optional apparatus, and further another optional apparatus can be connected in the connected state. An optional device of the image forming apparatus, which is directly connected to a communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus or another optional apparatus, and from an image forming apparatus or another optional apparatus directly connected to the image forming apparatus side, An optional device control unit that controls its own operation based on an instruction received via the communication unit, wherein the optional device control unit operates the other optional device directly connected in a direction distant from the image forming apparatus. Control and / or monitoring, and use communication means to image the status of other optional devices to be controlled and / or monitored. It consists in the optional device of the image forming apparatus and transmits to the image forming apparatus or other optional devices that are directly connected to 置側.

Further, another gist of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which an optional apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is connectable in one and / or multiple stages, wherein control of image forming processing using the optional apparatus is provided. The image forming control unit monitors and / or controls the operation of the directly connected optional device and monitors the status of the optional device connected after the directly connected optional device. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the communication is performed with a directly connected optional apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention is that an image forming apparatus can be connected to the image forming apparatus directly or via another optional apparatus, and further another optional apparatus is connected in a connected state. An image forming system comprising an optional device, wherein the optional device is directly connected to a communication unit for communicating with the image forming device or another optional device, and is directly connected to the image forming device. It controls its own operation based on an instruction received from the image forming apparatus or another optional device via the communication unit, and controls and operates the operation of another optional device directly connected in a direction far from the image forming apparatus. And / or monitoring and directly connecting the status of other optional devices to be controlled and / or monitored to the image forming device side using a communication means. Has the option device control means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus or other optional devices,
An image forming apparatus for controlling an image forming process using the optional device, and monitoring and / or controlling the operation of the directly connected optional device by communicating with the optional device controlling means of the optional device; Wherein the image forming control unit monitors the status of the optional devices connected after the directly connected optional device by communicating with the optional device control unit of the directly connected optional device. Resides in an image forming system.

[0011] Further, another gist of the present invention is a storage medium storing a program that can be executed by a computer device, and causing the device that executes the program to function as an optional device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Characteristic storage medium.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer-executable program, wherein the program-executing apparatus functions as the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Exists in storage media.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer-executable program, wherein the program-executing apparatus is used as an image forming apparatus or an optional apparatus in an image forming system according to the present invention. A storage medium characterized by being made to function.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. . In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus forms a toner image on a sheet by an electrophotographic process.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus;
Reference numerals 1 and 102 denote a paper feed optional device, and 133 and 134 denote a paper discharge optional device. The image forming apparatus 100 is disposed above the optional device 101, and the optional device 101 is disposed above the optional device 102.

Reference numerals 104 to 107 denote sheets on which an image is transferred by the image forming apparatus, and a plurality of sheets are stacked. Also,
The sheets 104 and 105 are placed on a sheet feeding device built in the image forming apparatus. 108 to 111 are pickup rollers for feeding out a sheet, and a group of rollers 112 to 120 convey the sheet to the electrophotographic processing unit 103.

The roller pair 117 is installed downstream of the sheet conveying path from the position where the sheet conveyed in the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet conveyed from the optional apparatus 101 meet. If the preceding sheet has been conveyed in the image forming apparatus 100, the sheet from the optional apparatus 101 is temporarily stopped at a position before the roller pair 117.

The roller pair 119 is provided downstream of a position where the sheet conveyed in the optional device 101 and the sheet conveyed from the optional device 102 meet.
If the preceding sheet has been conveyed in the optional device 101, the sheet from the optional device 102 is temporarily stopped at a position before the roller pair 119.

Reference numeral 121 denotes a connector for communicatively connecting the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional apparatus 101. The connector 127 in the image forming apparatus 100, the controller 128 in the optional apparatus 101, and the connector 128 in the optional apparatus 102. Communication line 130a and power supply control signal line 130b used for communication with controller 129
Is being relayed. Similarly to 121, reference numeral 122 denotes a connector connecting the optional device 101 and the optional device 102, and relays a communication line 130c and a power control signal line 130d.

Reference numeral 123 denotes a tray on which sheets on which an image has been formed by the electrophotographic processing unit 103 in the image forming apparatus are conveyed by a pair of rollers 124 so that the surface on which the image is formed faces down.

Reference numeral 125 denotes a discharge port for a sheet on which an image has been formed by the electrophotographic processing unit 103 in the image forming apparatus. The sheet is conveyed by a roller pair 126 so that the surface on which the image is formed faces upward.

A plurality of stacked sheets 104 to 10
7 is conveyed by a group of rollers along a conveyance path indicated by a dotted line and an arrow in FIG.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a confluence (1) of the sheet conveying path in the image forming apparatus 100, which is located before (upstream of) the roller pair 117. A merge point (1) 131 indicates a position where the conveying path of the sheet 105 conveyed in the image forming apparatus 100 and the conveying path of the sheet 106 conveyed from the optional apparatus 101 merge.

Reference numeral 132 denotes a confluence (2) of the sheet conveying path in the optional apparatus 101, which is located before the roller pair 119. The confluence point (2) 132 is between the sheet 106 conveyed in the optional device 101 and the optional device 1
The position where the conveyance path of the sheet 107 conveyed from 02 converges is shown.

Reference numeral 133 denotes an optional device connected downstream of the image forming apparatus 100. The optional device 133 discharges sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus to a tray provided in the optional apparatus 133 or to a downstream optional apparatus 134. Discharge.

An optional device 134 is provided below the optional device 133.
Is a device that conveys and discharges the sheet conveyed from the printer.

135 and 136 are optional devices 1
Trays for stacking the sheets conveyed by 33 and 134 are shown. Reference numerals 137 to 142 denote roller pairs for conveying the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. 1, trays 135 and 136 are shown for simplicity.
Only the roller pairs 138 and 142 for carrying out the sheet are described, but in actuality, a roller pair for carrying out the sheet to another tray is also provided.

143 and 144 are optional devices 13
3 and 134, which are connected by a signal line 145c and a power control signal line 145d. The signal line 145a and the power control signal line 145b connect the controller 127 and the controller 143 in the image forming apparatus 100. Reference numerals 149 and 150 denote connectors provided between the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional device 133 and between the optional devices 133 and 134, respectively. The signal lines 145a and 145c and the power control signal line 145 are provided.
b and 145d.

However, the connectors 121, 122, 14
9 and 150 may be replaced by cables or other communication means that can be connected in the order of the transport paths.

(Construction of Controller) FIG. 2 shows the controller 127 and the optional device 10 in the image forming apparatus 100.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration and a connection relationship of a controller 128 in an optional device 1 and a controller 129 in an option device 102. However, the controllers 143 and 144 in the optional devices 133 and 134 are not shown because they have the same configuration as the controllers 128 and 129.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a CPU in the controller 127 for controlling the image forming apparatus and controlling image formation and sheet conveyance. The CPU 200 includes a ROM 200a, a RAM 200b, and a timer 200c. However, the ROM 200a, the RAM 20
0b and the timer 200c may be installed outside the CPU 200.

The ROM 200a always holds processing contents to be executed by the CPU 200, and stores software for image forming processing, sheet conveying processing, and communication processing. The RAM 200b is a CPU 200
And temporarily stores data necessary for executing image forming processing, sheet conveying processing, and communication processing. Timer 200
c generates various timings when performing image forming processing, sheet conveying processing, and communication processing.

An image forming circuit 201 is a circuit for performing an electrophotographic process when an image is formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 202 denotes a circuit for controlling various actuators (not shown) that are driven when performing sheet conveyance and image forming processing in the image forming apparatus.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a circuit for inputting output signals from various sensors (not shown) to the CPU 200 when performing sheet conveyance and image forming processing in the image forming apparatus.
Reference numeral 204 denotes a circuit for performing a process of turning on / off the power from the image forming apparatus to the optional device, and controls a power circuit of the optional device 101 via a power control signal line 130b.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a circuit for performing communication processing between the image forming apparatus and the optional device, and is connected to the optional device via a communication line 130d. However, the connection form is not particularly limited.

Reference numerals 207 and 214 denote controllers 1
28, 129 and optional devices 101, 102
And a CPU that controls sheet conveyance to the image forming apparatus 100. ROMs 207a and 214a and RAMs 207b and 2 are provided inside the CPUs 207 and 214.
14b and timers 207c and 214c are built in. However, ROM 207a, 214a, RAM 207
b, 214b and timers 207c, 214c are CPU2
07 and 214 may be installed.

The ROMs 207a and 214a are
7, 214, always hold the processing contents to be executed,
The software for the sheet conveyance processing and the communication processing is written therein. RAM 207b, 21
Reference numeral 4b temporarily stores data necessary when the CPUs 207 and 214 execute sheet conveyance processing and communication processing.

The timers 207c and 214c are for generating various timings when performing a sheet conveying process and a communication process. 212 and 218 are circuits for controlling various actuators (not shown) that are driven when the sheet is conveyed in the optional devices 101 and 102.

213 and 219 are optional devices 101;
This is a circuit for inputting output signals from various sensors (not shown) to the CPUs 207 and 214 when performing a sheet conveyance process in the 102. Reference numerals 209 and 216 denote circuits for performing a process of turning on / off the power of another optional device from the optional device.
The power supply circuit of the optional device is controlled via d.

Reference numerals 211 and 217 denote circuits for performing communication processing between the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional devices 101 and 102, and are connected to the optional devices via a communication line 130c. However, the connection form is not particularly limited.

(Operation at Power-on) FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (c)
Are the image forming apparatus 100, the optional apparatuses 101,
14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure after power-on of the power supply units 2, 133, and 134. FIG. 3A shows the image forming apparatus 10.
3 shows the operation of the optional devices 101 and 1 in FIG.
FIG. 3C shows the operation of the optional device 102.
And 134 respectively.

In step S100, the image forming apparatus 100
The CPU 200 is initialized immediately after the power is turned on. In the next step S101, a timer 200c for measuring the time until the power of the connected optional device 101 is turned on is started. This is because a startup time difference is provided in order to prevent voltage fluctuations in peripheral AC lines (not shown) due to turning on the power of all the devices at once at the same time, and in order from an optional device closer to the image forming apparatus 100. This is for recognizing the optional devices connected upstream or downstream one by one.

In step S102, step S101
In step S103, a signal for turning on the power of the option device 101 is output in step S103.

On the other hand, in step S200 (FIG. 3B), the option device 101 activates the power supply according to the signal output to the option device 101, and then proceeds to step S200.
At 201, the CPU 207 in the optional device 101 is initialized.

In step S202, the optional device 1
Optional device 10 connected further upstream of 01
Start the 207c timer for turning on the power supply of No. 2.

In step S203, step S200
It is checked whether the predetermined time has elapsed by the 207c timer started in step. If it has elapsed, a signal for turning on the power of the optional device 102 further upstream is output in step S204.

In step S205, the optional device 1
01 is a communication process a predetermined time after the power is turned on,
The information of the optional device 101 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100. This transmission content is information on the function and status of the optional device 101.

The data transmitted in step S205 is received by the image forming apparatus 100 (step S104), and in step S105, the image forming apparatus 100 recognizes that one hundred optional devices are connected one upstream on the sheet conveying path. Then, the connection state with the optional device 101 is set on the RAM 200b.

On the other hand, in the option device 102, the option device 101 receives the power-on signal output in step S204 in step S300 (FIG. 3 (c)), activates the power of the option device 102, and then proceeds to step S30.
In step 1, the CPU 214 in the optional device 102 is initialized.

In step S303, a process for turning on the power of the optional device connected further upstream is performed. In the present embodiment, other optional devices are not connected further upstream of the optional device 102, but the same power supply is applied to a configuration in which three or more paper feed optional devices are further connected upstream of the optional device 102. The signal shall be output.

Next, in step S305, information on the optional device 102 is transmitted to the optional device 101 on the downstream side. The option device 101, which has received the information of the option device 102 in step S206 (FIG. 3B), recognizes that the option device 102 is connected to one upstream of the option device 101 in step S207, and Is set on the RAM 207b, and the device information of the optional device 102 is transferred to the image forming apparatus 100. In step S305, the optional device 102 may directly transmit its own information to the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S107.
Optional device 1 upstream of the sheet transport path at
02 is connected, and the optional device 10 is recognized.
2 is set on the RAM 200b. Also,
Even in a configuration in which three or more paper feed optional devices are further connected upstream of the optional device 102,
It is assumed that the device information is sequentially transmitted to the downstream optional device, and the received downstream optional device holds the information of the device connected upstream. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the device information and the connection state of all the upstream sheet feeding optional devices on the RAM 200b.

However, as a process for setting the connection state between the optional devices 101 and 102, the optional device 102 transmits only the image forming device 100 without transmitting its own device information to the optional device 101. ,
The image forming apparatus 100 may transmit information on the optional device 102 to the optional device 101.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 can turn on the power of the optional device 101 installed one upstream, and the optional device 101 is installed one upstream. Optional device 1
02 can be turned on. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can recognize the information and the connection state of the upstream optional devices 101 and 102, and
1 can recognize the information and the connection state of the option device 102 which is one upstream.

In the present embodiment, as for the optional devices 133 and 134 connected downstream of the image forming apparatus 100, except that the power-on sequence is changed from upstream to downstream.
The same operation as that of the optional devices 101 and 102 is performed.
That is, by changing the process of sequentially turning on the power from the image forming apparatus 100 to the upstream side and sequentially receiving the optional device information, to the process of sequentially turning on the power to the downstream side and sequentially receiving the optional device information, all the options can be obtained. When the power of the apparatus is turned on, the information and the connection state can be recognized. Further, paper feed optional devices 101 and 102
The same applies to a configuration in which a plurality of optional devices are connected upstream or downstream in addition to the paper discharge optional devices 133 and 134.

At this time, it is optional to first recognize all the optional devices connected to the upstream side when viewed from the image forming apparatus 100 and then recognize the downstream optional devices, or vice versa. Further, if the image forming apparatus 100 can independently receive the device information from the upstream optional device and the device information from the downstream optional device,
The power may be turned on in parallel.

(Sheet Conveying (Supply) Processing) FIGS.
5D and FIGS. 5A to 5C show the image forming apparatus 10.
0 is a flowchart showing a sheet conveying process in an optional device (not shown in FIG. 1) upstream of the optional devices 101, 102 and 102.

FIGS. 4A and 5A show the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, FIGS. 4B and 5B show the operation of the optional apparatus 101, and FIGS. FIG. 4C shows the operation of the optional device 102, and FIG.
2 shows the operation of each of the optional devices located upstream of FIG.

Hereinafter, sheet 1 (FIG. 1, sheet 106) is supplied from optional device 101, and sheet 2 (sheet 107) is supplied from optional device 102 to optional device 1.
01 to the image forming apparatus 100 via the sheet 3
The operation will be described with an example in which (not shown) is supplied from an optional device upstream of the optional device 102 and supplied to the image forming apparatus 100 via the optional device 102 and the optional device 101.

First, in step S400, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the sheet conveyance information to the optional
02 and 102 to the optional devices upstream. The sheet conveyance information includes the optional devices 101 and 10
2, and one of the optional devices upstream of 102 is designated to support the supply of the sheet and to instruct the downstream optional device to convey the sheet. When the supply of a plurality of sheets is instructed, the conveyance of each sheet is controlled so that the sheets are supplied to the image forming apparatus 100 in the instructed order.

The optional device 101 determines in step S50
At 0, the transport information of the sheets 1, 2, and 3 is received from the image forming apparatus 100 and recognized. Further, the received transport information of the sheet 1 and the received sheets 2 and 3 is stored in the RAM 207b. In order to convey the sheet 2 from the option device 102, the option device 101 receives the conveyance information of the sheet 2. Also, since the optional device 101 also conveys the sheet 3 from the optional device upstream of the 102,
It is assumed that the transport information of the sheet 3 is received. Next, conveyance of the sheet 1 is started (step S501). Also,
Start the timer 207c. Hereinafter, a timer in each apparatus is set to determine the sheet conveyance timing when each sheet is conveyed, and is used for conveyance control.

On the other hand, the optional device 102 receives and recognizes the transport information of the sheet 2 from the image forming device 100 in step S600, and the optional device 102 transports the sheet 3 from the optional device upstream of the
The transport information of the sheet 3 is also received. Also, the RAM 214
b, the received transport information of the sheets 2 and 3 is stored. Then, conveyance of the sheet 2 is started (Step S)
601). Further, the timer 214c is started.

In step S501, the optional device 101
Starts conveying the sheet 1, the image forming apparatus 100
When the sheet 1 is conveyed into the image forming apparatus 100, the conveyance of the sheet 1 is confirmed by a signal from the sensor input circuit 203 and conveyance control is started (step S401).
In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may perform the driving operation of the roller pair 118 in advance to convey the sheet 1 without detecting the sensor signal.

The optional device 101 proceeds to step S502
And the sheet 1 joins (1) 13 before the roller pair 117.
1 is determined by the timer 207c, and if it has reached, the conveyance of the sheet 1 is stopped in step S503. However, if there is no other sheet at the junction (1) 131, the conveyance of the sheet 1 may be continued without stopping.

Next, in step S504, the optional device 1
01 transmits data for notifying the image forming apparatus 100 that the conveyance of the sheet 1 has been stopped, and the image forming apparatus 100 receives and recognizes the data indicating that the conveyance of the sheet 1 has stopped in step S402. Further, the conveyance of the sheet 1 in the image forming apparatus 100 is stopped.

In the optional device 102 that has started conveying the sheet 2 in step S601, the timer 214c determines whether or not the sheet 2 has reached the confluence point (2) 132 before the roller pair 119 in step S602. If so, the conveyance of the sheet 2 is stopped in step S603. However, if there is no other sheet at the junction (2) 132, the conveyance of the sheet 2 may be continued without stopping.

Next, the optional device 102 proceeds to step S
At 604, data for notifying that the conveyance of the sheet 2 has been stopped is transmitted to the optional device 101. This data is received by the optional device 101 (step S505), and the optional device 101 recognizes that the conveyance of the sheet 2 has stopped.

The image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S403
Then, the sheet 1 is joined at the junction (1) 1 in the image forming apparatus 100.
31 is passed, and if it is possible, step S
In step 404, data indicating that the sheet 1 can be conveyed is transmitted to the optional device 101.

In steps S 506 and S 507, the optional device 101 monitors the communication data, and the data output from the image forming apparatus 100 in step S 404 indicates that the sheet 1 can pass through the junction (1) 131. When it is determined that the data is the data shown in step S508,
Proceed to.

In step S508, the optional device 10
1 is restarted, and the process of step S
At 405, conveyance of the sheet 1 in the image forming apparatus 100 is restarted.

The optional device 101 includes a roller pair 119
When the sheet 2 is allowed to pass through the junction (2) 132 before this point, data indicating that the sheet 2 can pass is transmitted to the optional device 102 (step S509). Optional device 1
In 02, communication is monitored to detect whether or not the sheet 2 which has been stopped in step S603 can pass through the junction (2) 132 (steps S606 and S60).
7) After determining that the data indicating that the passage of the junction (2) 132 is possible is received from the optional device 101, the conveyance of the sheet 2 is restarted in step S608.

When the sheet 1 is discharged from the optional device 101, the completion data of the sheet 1 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 (step S510), and the image forming apparatus 10
0 receives and recognizes the sheet 1 discharge completion data in step S406. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 performs step S
At 407, an image forming process is performed on the sheet 1 conveyed into the image forming apparatus 100.

On the other hand, the optional device 101 that has completed discharging the sheet 1 starts transporting the sheet 2 transported from the optional device 102 to the optional device 101 (step S511).

Upon completion of discharging the sheet 2, the optional device 102 transmits data indicating the completion of discharging the sheet 2 to the optional device 101 in step S610, and the optional device 101 receives data indicating the completion of discharging the sheet 2 in step S512. I do.

The image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S408
When it is detected from the sensor input circuit 203 that the sheet 2 has been conveyed to the image forming apparatus 100, the conveyance of the sheet 2 is started. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may perform a driving operation of the roller pair 118 in advance in order to convey the sheet 2 without detecting the sensor signal.

The optional device 101 proceeds to step S513
And the sheet 2 joins (1) 13 before the roller pair 117.
1 is determined, and if it has been reached, the conveyance of the sheet 2 is stopped in step S514 (FIG. 5B). However, if there is no other sheet at the junction (1) 131, the conveyance of the sheet 2 may be continued without stopping.

In step S515, the optional device 101
Transmits data for notifying the image forming apparatus 100 that the conveyance of the sheet 2 has been stopped, and the image forming apparatus 100
Receives and recognizes this data indicating that transport has stopped. Then, the conveyance of the sheet 2 in the image forming apparatus 100 is stopped (Step S409).

In step S410, it is determined whether the sheet 2 can pass through the junction (1) 131 in the image forming apparatus 100. If the sheet 2 can pass, the flow advances to step S411 to convey the sheet 2 to the optional apparatus 101. Send data indicating that there is. In step S517, the option device 101 monitors the communication data.
When it is determined at 18 that the sheet 2 can pass through the junction (1) 131, the process proceeds to step S519.

In step S519, the optional device 10
The conveyance process of the sheet 2 in 1 is restarted. Further, the image processing apparatus 100 also restarts the sheet 2 conveyance processing in step S412. When the sheet 2 is discharged from the optional device 101 in step S521, data indicating completion of discharge of the sheet 2 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 by communication processing.

The image forming apparatus 100 having received the data in step S413 performs an image forming process on the sheet 2 in step S414. The transport control for the sheets 1 and 2 has been described above, but for the sheet 3, similarly to the sheet 2, the option device upstream from 102 to the option device 102 one downstream, to the option device 101 further downstream, and The paper is sequentially conveyed to the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in steps S620 to S628. Finally, steps S419, S
In steps 529 and S619, sheets 1 to
The images are conveyed to the image forming apparatus 100 in the order of No. 3 to form an image.

According to the sheet conveyance and monitoring processing shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 4 and 5, the image forming apparatus 100 conveys the sheet to all the optional apparatuses 101, 102 and 102 which are upstream of the connected optional apparatuses. The information is transmitted first, and after the start of the sheet conveyance processing, the conveyance control and monitoring of the sheet only by the option device 101 one upstream are performed. The option device 101 controls the conveyance of the sheet only by the option device 102 one upstream. The optional device 102 controls and monitors the conveyance of the sheet of only one upstream optional device, so that the image forming process and the conveying process can be performed on all the sheets. Further, even in a configuration in which a plurality of paper feed optional devices are connected upstream, each device performs sheet conveyance control and monitoring of the paper feed optional device one upstream, so that image forming processing is performed on all sheets. And a transfer process can be performed.

(Sheet Conveying (Discharging) Processing) FIGS.
7C and FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate the image forming apparatus 10.
0 is a flowchart showing sheet conveyance processing in optional devices 133 and 134. 6 (a) and 7
6A illustrates the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, FIGS. 6B and 7B illustrate the operation of the optional device 133, and FIG.
7C and FIG. 7C show the operation of the optional device 134, respectively.

Hereinafter, the sheets 1 and 2 are transferred to the image forming apparatus 100.
From the optional device 1 via the optional device 133
The process of transporting and discharging sheets will be described by taking as an example the case of transporting, discharging, and stacking the sheet at 34. First, step S700
Then, the sheet conveying information is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to the optional devices 133 and 134. The sheet conveyance information
In addition to specifying an optional device to be stacked and instructing discharge and stacking of sheets, the upstream optional device is instructed to convey a sheet. The sheet conveyance information is received by the optional devices 133 and 134 in steps S800 and S900.

In step S701, the image forming apparatus 10
Data for inquiring whether or not the sheet 1 can be ejected is transmitted to the optional device 133 connected immediately downstream of “0”. The optional device 133 receives the inquiry data in step S801, and determines in step S802 whether the sheet 1 can be conveyed. If the sheet 1 cannot be conveyed, the optional device 133 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the fact in step S803, and if it is determined that the sheet 1 can be conveyed,
In step S804, this is notified to the image forming apparatus 100. In either case, these notifications are received by the image forming apparatus 100 during communication monitoring (step S702).

The image forming apparatus 100 sets the sheet 1 based on the notification received in step S702.
It is determined in step S703 whether or not it is possible to pass through the discharge port 125, and if it is possible, the process proceeds to step S704. on the other hand,
If the sheet cannot be passed, step S70 is performed until the option device 133 notifies that the sheet can be conveyed.
In step 2, a communication monitoring process is performed.

In step S704, the image forming apparatus 10
Notice that the sheet 1 is discharged from 0
3 and then in step S705, sheet 1
Start discharging. The optional device 133 performs step S
After receiving the advance notice of the discharge of the sheet 1 in 805, the conveyance of the sheet 1 is started in step S806.

Next, in step S807, the optional device 133 inquires the optional device 134 located downstream whether the sheet 1 conveyed in the optional device 133 can be discharged.

This inquiry data is stored in step S90.
In step S902, the option device 134 receives
To determine whether the sheet 1 can be conveyed. If the sheet 1 cannot be conveyed, the option device 133 is notified in step S903. If the sheet 1 can be conveyed, it is notified in step S904 that the sheet 1 can be conveyed.

In the optional device 133, step S8
At 08, the communication is monitored, and based on the notification received from the option device 134, it is determined at step S809 whether the sheet 1 can be discharged. If the sheet 1 can be discharged, the process proceeds to the next step S810, and the image forming apparatus 1
At 00, the discharge of the sheet 1 is started and a notification is made. In the following step S811, before the sheet 1 is discharged from the optional device 133, a notice of discharge is notified to the optional device 134.

The optional device 134 determines in step S90
Upon receiving a notice of ejection from the optional device 133 in step 5, the conveyance of the sheet 1 conveyed to the optional device 134 is started (step S906).

For example, when the discharge of the sheet 1 is completed, the image forming apparatus 100 inquires of the optional device 133 whether or not the discharge of the sheet 2 is possible (step S707).

The optional device 133 receives this inquiry in step S812, and determines in step S813 whether the optional device 133 can convey the sheet 2. If it is impossible to convey the sheet 2 because the sheet 1 is being processed or the like, the fact is notified to the image forming apparatus 100 in step S814. If the transfer is possible, the image forming apparatus 100 is notified that the transfer is possible in step S815. The determination result of the optional device 133 is received by the image forming apparatus 100 in step S708, and the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the sheet 2 can pass through the discharge port 125 based on the received determination result (step S709). If it is determined that passage is not possible, the process waits until it is determined that passage is possible. On the other hand, if the option device 133 has notified that the sheet can pass, the sheet discharge notice is notified to the option device 133 in step S710. This notification is received by the optional device 133 in step S816, and the optional device 133
Recognizes the advance notice of sheet 2 discharge.

The image forming apparatus 100 starts discharging the sheet 2 in step S711 following the notice of the discharge of the sheet 2,
The optional device 133 also starts conveying the sheet 2 in step S817.

In step S818, the optional device 1
The completion of discharge of the sheet 1 in the image forming apparatus 100
And the image forming apparatus 100 receives and recognizes it in step S712. Next, the optional device 133 inquires of the optional device 134 whether or not the sheet 2 can be discharged in step S819.

This inquiry is received by the optional device 134 in step S907, and in step S908, it is determined whether or not the optional device 134 can convey the sheet 2. If the transfer is not possible, step S90
9, when it is determined that the transfer is possible, in step S910, the determination result is sent to the optional device 133.
Notify to

The optional device 133 is the optional device 1
In step S820, the result of whether or not to convey the sheet 2 at step S34 is received. Then, in step S821, it is determined whether or not the option device 134 has notified that the sheet 2 can be discharged, and waits until there is a notification to that effect.

In the optional device 134, when the preceding sheet 1 is ejected from the optional device 134, the fact is notified to the optional device 133 (step S9).
11). Upon receiving the completion of conveyance of the sheet 1 in the optional device 134 in step S822, the optional device 133 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 that the sheet 1 has been discharged from the optional device 134 in step S823. 2 is notified to the optional device 134.

The optional device 134 receives and recognizes the sheet 2 advance notice from the optional device 133 in step S912. Then, in step S913, conveyance of the sheet 2 is started based on the discharge notice received in step S912.

On the other hand, the option device 133 continues the step S8 following the discharge notice output in the step S824.
At 25, the discharge of the sheet 2 is started. When the conveyance of the sheet 2 in the optional device 133 is completed, step S
At 826, this is notified to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 receives and recognizes this notification in step S714.

When the ejection of the sheet 2 is completed, the option device 134 notifies the option device 133 of the fact in step S914, and ends the processing. The optional device 133 determines in step S827 that the optional device
Receiving the completion of discharge of sheet 2 in step S828
Notifies the image forming apparatus 100 that the sheet 2 has been discharged from the optional device 134. Then, in step S715, the image forming apparatus 100 receives and recognizes that the sheet 2 has been discharged by the optional device 134, and the series of discharge processing ends.

According to the sheet conveyance control and monitoring processing shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 6 and 7, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to all the connected optional devices 133,
134, the sheet conveying information is transmitted first, and the optional apparatus 1 one downstream downstream from the start of the sheet conveying processing.
The optional device 133 performs the image forming process and the transport process on all the sheets by performing the transport control and monitoring of only the sheet 33 and the optional device 133 controlling and monitoring the sheet transport of only the optional device 134 that is one downstream. be able to. Further, even in a configuration in which a plurality of discharge option devices are connected downstream in addition to the discharge option devices 133 and 134, each device performs sheet conveyance control and monitoring of the one downstream discharge option device, The conveyance processing can be performed on all the sheets on which images are formed.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the sheet conveyance processing operation of an image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIGS. 8A to 8C and FIGS. 9A to 9C are flowcharts illustrating sheet conveyance processing in the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional devices 133 and 134. 8 (a) and 9 (a)
FIG. 8B shows the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.
8B illustrates the operation of the optional device 133, and FIGS. 8C and 9C illustrate the operation of the optional device 134.

In the present embodiment, the configuration itself of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and a description thereof will be omitted. In the sheet conveyance processing described below, it is assumed that the sheet 1 and the sheet 2 are discharged from the optional device 134 via the optional device 133, as in the first embodiment.

First, in step S716, the conveyance information of the sheets 1 and 2 is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to the optional device 133. This transport information is stored in the optional device 1 in steps S829 and S915, respectively.
33 and 134. Upon receiving the transport information, the optional devices 133 and 134 perform step S83.
In step S916, the time until the sheet 1 and 2 can be conveyed by the own apparatus is transmitted to the apparatus connected upstream.

In the optional device 133, step S8
At 31, sheet 1 and 2 transport waiting time data is received from the optional device 134, and is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 together with the waiting time of the optional device 133 at step S 832.

In the image forming apparatus 100, step S71
In step S718, the sheet waiting time for the sheets 1 and 2 of the optional device 133 is received, and in step S718, the waiting time for the optional device 134 is received.

In step S719, it is determined whether the sheet 1 can pass through the discharge port 125. This determination is made based on the transport waiting time of the sheets 1 and 2 received in step S717, and after counting by the timer 200c in the image forming apparatus 100 corresponding to the transport waiting time, 215
Assume that it can pass through the outlet.

Here, a method of calculating the transport waiting time will be described. The time from when a certain sheet (referred to as a preceding sheet) is conveyed and carried into the optional device 133 or 134 to when the optional device 133 or 134 can accept the next sheet (referred to as a succeeding sheet) (the preceding sheet). The time during which the subsequent sheet does not catch up with the preceding sheet without affecting the conveyance or post-processing, that is, the conveyance wait time is the conveyance distance to the sheet discharge port in the optional device, the length of the conveyed sheet, the conveyance speed, It can be determined by the post-processing operation time.

Therefore, the transport wait time determined by these combinations is stored in advance in a non-volatile storage medium such as a ROM in the optional device, and is referred to or calculated in real time using these values. It is possible to obtain a transfer waiting time.

In this embodiment, the optional device 1
The description will be made on the assumption that the sheets 33 and 134 calculate their own sheet conveyance waiting time upon receiving the sheet conveyance information.
When two optional devices 133 and 134 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100 as in the present embodiment, the discharge waiting time in the image forming apparatus 100 can be obtained as follows.

That is, assuming that the transport waiting time calculated by the optional device 133 is T1 [S] and the transport waiting time calculated by the optional device 134 is T2 [S], the optional device 134 transfers its own transport via the optional device 133. When the waiting time T2 [S] is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100, the optional device 133 sets the transport waiting time of the image forming apparatus 100 when T1> = T2, and the transport waiting time of the image forming apparatus 100 when T1 T1 <T2. The transport time is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 as time T2.

As a matter of course, unlike FIG. 8, each of the optional devices 133 and 134 individually and directly transmits T1 [S] and T2 [S] to the image forming apparatus 100, and performs the above-described determination (calculation). It may be configured to be performed by the device 100. When three or more optional devices are connected, the transport waiting time of the image forming apparatus 100 may be determined in accordance with the optional device having the longest transport waiting time.

It is assumed that the time required for communication between the devices is sufficiently shorter than the normal transfer waiting time, and even if the transfer waiting time is calculated stepwise by the upstream device, the number of optional devices is equal to the transfer waiting time. It does not affect the time required to calculate the waiting time. However, in a case where optional devices with extremely low computing capacity are mixed, a configuration may be adopted in which the conveyance waiting time is directly transmitted to the image forming device 100 when the image forming device 100 recognizes the optional device. It is possible.

When the transport waiting time has elapsed, the image forming apparatus 100 starts discharging the sheet 1 in step S720, and transmits a transport notice to the optional device 133. In step S <b> 833, when the optional device 133 receives the transport notice transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100 in step S <b> 720, the optional device 133 starts transporting the sheet 1. In step S834, whether or not the sheet 1 has reached a predetermined position near the discharge port is detected by detecting the leading end position of the sheet by a sensor (not shown). If it is detected that the sheet 1 has reached the predetermined position, the sheet 1 is detected. Is started (step S835). At the same time as the discharge of the sheet 1 is started, a notice of discharge is transmitted to the optional device 134.

The optional device 134 determines in step S91
In step 7, the optional device 133 determines in step S835
When the discharge notice transmitted in (1) is received, the conveyance of the sheet 1 is started.

When the ejection of the sheet 1 is completed, the optional device 133 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the completion in step S836, and the image forming apparatus 100 receives this notification in step S721, and 133 recognizes that the paper is discharged. Then, it is determined whether or not the succeeding sheet 2 can pass through the discharge port 125 in step S722. This determination is made based on the sheet 2 conveyance waiting time received in step S718.
After counting by the timer 200c in 00, it is possible to pass through the 215 outlet. When the sheet can be passed, the discharge of the sheet 2 is started in step S723, and a notice of conveyance is transmitted to the optional device 133.

The optional device 133 proceeds to step S837.
In, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives the conveyance notice transmitted in step S723, the conveyance of the sheet 2 is started. Next, in step S838, it is detected by a sensor (not shown) whether the sheet 2 has reached a predetermined position near the discharge port, and when it is detected that the sheet 2 has reached the predetermined position, discharging of the sheet 2 is started (step S838). S839).
At the same time as the discharge of the sheet 2 is started, a discharge notice is transmitted to the optional device 134.

On the other hand, also in the optional device 134, in step S918, when the optional device 133 receives the discharge notice transmitted in step S839, the conveyance of the sheet 2 is started. In step S919, when the sheet 1 is ejected from the optional device 134, a notification is sent to the optional device 133 that is the upstream device.

The optional device 133 proceeds to step S840
Receives the discharge of the sheet 1 in the optional device 134, and in step S841, the optional device 13 of the sheet 1 is received.
4 is notified to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 determines in step S724 that the optional device 1
From 34, it is recognized that the sheet 1 has been discharged.

The optional device 133 then proceeds to step S8
At 42, the image forming apparatus 100 is notified that the sheet 2 has been discharged from the optional apparatus 133, and the image forming apparatus 10
0 recognizes it in step S725.

The optional device 134 notifies the optional device 133 in step S920 when the sheet 2 is finally discharged. This notification is received by the optional device 133 in step S843, and then transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 in step S844. Then, in step S726, the image forming apparatus 100 recognizes that the discharge of the sheet 2 from the optional device 134 has been completed.

As described in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus receives the time until the sheet can be discharged sequentially from the plurality of optional devices connected downstream, and
The processing load can be reduced by performing sheet conveyance control and monitoring processing in each of the optional devices connected downstream of the image forming apparatus. In addition, the paper discharge option device 13
In a configuration in which a plurality of paper discharge option devices are connected downstream in addition to 3, 134, the processing load can be similarly reduced.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a sheet conveying operation of an image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in the processing of step S104 and step S106 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, as device information from the optional devices 101 and 102, information of other optional devices connected upstream is used. Whether or not the sheet conveyance control and the monitoring process can be performed is acquired as communication data, and step S105 and step S107 are performed.
The image forming apparatus 100 includes optional devices 101, 10
2 without the intervention of the optional device 101, which cannot control and monitor the optional device 102,
The sheet conveyance control and the monitoring process of the optional device 102 immediately upstream are performed.

Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 10
0, optional devices 133, 13 connected downstream
Similarly, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 directly performs the sheet conveyance control and the monitoring processing on the sheet No. 4.

The processing at that time will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a modification of the sheet conveying (supply) process described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
0 indicates the option device 101 and the upstream option device 1
02 shows a process after it is determined that the sheet conveyance control and the monitoring process cannot be performed. In FIG. 10, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S409, processing corresponding to step S505 in FIG.
The sheet conveyance state of the optional device 102 is directly grasped by the image forming apparatus 100. Similarly, the process of step S509 in FIG. 4 is performed by the image forming apparatus 100 in step S411, and the optional device 102
Is instructed to restart conveyance of the sheet 2 while monitoring the state of the sheet 1.

Further, in step S413, the processing corresponding to step S512 in FIG. 4, that is, the recognition that the sheet 2 has been discharged from the optional apparatus 102 is performed by the image forming apparatus 100, and the transport of the sheet 2 is performed by the optional apparatus 101. Recognize that we will continue.

After that, the image forming apparatus 100 controls and monitors the conveyance of the sheet 2 in the optional apparatus 101.

In the present embodiment, only the processing of the sheet supply optional apparatus has been described.
The same processing can be performed by the image forming apparatus 100 directly controlling the sheet discharge optional device connected downstream of the printer 0 without using an optional device having a low processing capability.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
The image forming apparatus acquires the processing capacity of each of the optional devices connected by the communication unit after the power is turned on, and determines that the optional device connected upstream or downstream cannot control and monitor another optional device. In this case, it is possible to directly control the optional device connected to one upstream (or downstream) of the optional device.

[0131]

[Other Embodiments] In the first to third embodiments described above,
Two optional devices are installed upstream of the image forming apparatus 100, and two optional devices are connected downstream.
Although the number of tables and the number of conveyed sheets are two, it is not necessary to adopt this configuration, and the number of connected options, the number of conveyed sheets, and the timing of image forming processing and discharge completion processing are all arbitrary. .

The communication method performed between the image forming apparatus and the optional apparatus is not particularly limited.
Any protocol can be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, only the optional device related to the sheet conveyance has been described. With the device, the effects of the present invention can be realized.

In FIG. 3, the case where the timer is started when the power is turned on and the power of the downstream optional device is turned on when the timer times out has been described. The power supply of the downstream optional device may be turned on when the predetermined process is completed.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile, etc.) Device).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing some or all of the actual processing, and the processing performs the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts (shown in one or more of FIGS. 3 to 10). become.

[0139]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the optional apparatus of the present invention, each apparatus is directly below and / or
Or, by monitoring and controlling the operation of the optional device immediately above, it becomes possible to perform the management of the entire device in a distributed manner, thereby reducing the processing load on the image processing device or the optional controller and connecting the optional device to be connected. Since the processing load on the image processing apparatus does not suddenly increase even if the number of printers changes, the image processing apparatus can be configured without using expensive circuit components capable of high-speed processing. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of an image forming apparatus and a controller in an optional device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a power-on and connection state setting processing procedure of the image forming apparatus and the optional apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a sheet conveyance process of the image forming apparatus and the optional device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a sheet conveying process of the image forming apparatus and the optional device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a sheet conveying process of the image forming apparatus and the optional apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet conveying process performed by the image forming apparatus and the optional apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of sheet conveyance processing of an image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a sheet conveyance process of an image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a sheet conveyance process of an image forming apparatus and an optional apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image forming apparatus 101 optional apparatus (sheet supply) 102 optional apparatus (sheet supply) 103 electrophotographic processing unit 104, 105, 106, 107 sheet 127 controller in image forming apparatus 100 128 controller in optional apparatus 101 129 optional apparatus 102 In the controller 133 Optional equipment (sheet discharge) 134 Optional equipment (sheet discharge)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 398 B41J 29/00 B

Claims (13)

[Claims] An optional device of an image forming apparatus that can be connected to an image forming apparatus directly or via another optional apparatus, and that can connect another optional apparatus in the connected state. A communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus or the other optional device directly connected to the image forming apparatus, and receives the image forming apparatus or another optional device directly connected to the image forming apparatus through the communication unit Optional device control means for controlling its own operation based on the instruction given, the optional device control means controls the operation of the other optional device directly connected in a direction far from the image forming apparatus and And / or monitoring and using the communication means the status of the other optional device to be controlled and / or monitored by the screen. An optional apparatus of the image forming apparatus, wherein the image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus or another optional apparatus directly connected to the image forming apparatus. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a power control unit configured to control a power supply of the other optional device directly connected in a direction far from the image forming apparatus. 2. The optional device of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a power source of the other optional device directly connected in a direction far from the image forming apparatus is turned on after a predetermined time or after a predetermined process is completed. 3. The option device control means determines whether or not it is possible to control and / or monitor the operation of the other optional device directly connected in a direction far from the image forming apparatus, and determines the result. And transmits the determination result using the communication unit in response to a request from the image forming apparatus or another optional apparatus directly connected to the image forming apparatus, or in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. 3. The optional device of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optional device is an image forming apparatus. 4. The optional device of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optional device is configured to convey a recording medium to the image forming device and / or to discharge the recording medium from the image forming device. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optional device is a single-stage and / or multi-stage connectable image forming device, wherein the optional device is used. Image forming control means for controlling image forming processing, wherein the image forming control means monitors and / or controls the operation of the directly connected optional device, and is connected to the directly connected optional device and thereafter. An image forming apparatus for monitoring the status of the connected optional device by communicating with the directly connected optional device. 6. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus; and an optional apparatus which can be connected to the image forming apparatus directly or via another optional apparatus, and which can be connected to another optional apparatus in the connected state. An image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said optional device is connected directly to said image forming device or said other optional device, and communication means for communicating with said optional device, and said image forming device directly connected to said image forming device side Or, from another optional device, while controlling its own operation based on an instruction received via the communication unit, and controlling the operation of the other optional device directly connected in a direction far from the image forming apparatus and And / or monitoring, and using the communication means, the status of the other optional device to be controlled and / or monitored by the image format. The image forming apparatus directly connected to the image forming apparatus or another optional apparatus. The image forming apparatus controls an image forming process using the optional apparatus, and directly controls the image forming process using the optional apparatus. An image forming control unit that monitors and / or controls the operation of the connected optional device by communicating with the optional device control unit of the optional device, wherein the image forming control unit includes the directly connected optional device. Monitor the status of the optional devices connected thereafter.
An image forming system, wherein communication is performed with the optional device control means of the directly connected optional device. 7. The image forming apparatus further includes a main body power supply control unit for performing power control on the directly connected optional device, wherein the optional device is directly connected in a direction far from the image forming device. Further comprising an optional device power control unit for performing power control on the other optional device, wherein the main unit power control unit turns on the power of the directly connected optional device, and the optional device power control unit includes 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the power of the other optional device directly connected in a direction far from the image forming apparatus is turned on after a predetermined time after the power is turned on or after a predetermined process is completed. . 8. The option device control means determines whether or not it is possible to control and / or monitor the operation of the other optional device directly connected in a direction far from the image forming apparatus, and determines the result. And transmits the determination result using the communication unit in response to a request from the image forming apparatus or another optional apparatus directly connected to the image forming apparatus, or in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein 9. The image forming control means collects the determination results of all the optional devices in the system, and when there is the optional device for which the determination result cannot be controlled and / or monitored, 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein, of the other optional devices connected to the optional device, the optional device connected far from the image forming device is directly controlled. 10. An optional device of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a program executable by the computer device. A storage medium characterized by functioning as a storage medium. 11. A storage medium storing a program that can be executed by a computer device, wherein the device executing the program functions as the image forming apparatus according to claim 5. 12. A storage medium storing a program that can be executed by a computer device, wherein the device that executes the program is an image forming apparatus according to claim 6. A storage medium characterized by functioning as a device. 13. An optional device in the image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the storage medium stores a program that can be executed by a computer device, wherein the device that executes the program is a storage medium. A storage medium characterized by functioning as a storage medium.