JPH0774864A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and an image forming operation in accordance with the image signals output from the image output means, the number being smaller than these image output means. In a system consisting of a plurality of image forming means, without impairing the productivity of the image forming means,
Aim to save power. A system having a real-time clock and a control means for intermittently activating at least one of the image forming means according to a preset activation time,
Time management is performed by the system, and at least the image forming unit is not activated during the time period when the image forming operation is not frequently performed by controlling the activation by the control unit according to the activation time set for each image forming unit. As a result, while saving power, all the image forming units are activated to be in an operable state during a time period when there are many image forming operations.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image system-configured by using, for example, a plurality of image output means such as small scanners and a plurality of image forming means such as printers which are smaller than these image output means. Forming system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an image forming apparatus is constructed as a copying machine or a facsimile machine in which a scanner and a printer are combined. That is, the scanner is always installed in the vicinity of the printer in a one-to-one correspondence with the printer, which is inconvenient when considering various requests such as wanting to perform document reading processing near the user's seat. There are also many. Further, since the printer side generally requires a large occupied area and is very expensive, it is not a good idea to provide a printer for each scanner.

For this reason, a system configuration is provided in which several printers are arranged in appropriate places, and a larger number of scanners than these printers (usually small scanners) are arranged everywhere to share printers. By doing so, there are things that I tried to deal with.

[0004]

However, in the case of such a printer sharing system, problems such as JOB (job) overlapping and JOB waiting are inevitable. Also,
Since productivity depends on the number of printers installed,
To increase productivity, the number of printers should be increased so that they can be driven at all times. However, if the number of printers is increased, power consumption increases due to a large load such as a fixing heater of the printer. In other words, the current situation is that the system is one-handed under the contradictory issues of productivity improvement and power saving.

Incidentally, according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-104566, there is proposed a printer sharing system in which a discharge tray of a printer is assigned and fixed for each scanner. However, this is a system that assumes that all of the devices that make up the system are in the power-on state, which causes waste of power consumption and
No reference is made to the inconvenience when a plurality of JOBs are concentrated on one printer (such that the drive parts of a particular printer are likely to be prematurely worn or broken).

Therefore, in the printer sharing system,
There is a demand for a system that can save power without lowering the productivity of image formation. There is also a demand for a system capable of avoiding premature wear and failure of each drive component by providing a start-up method in which JOBs are not concentrated on a specific printer.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal and an image output from the image output means in a smaller number than these image output means are output. A plurality of image forming means for performing an image forming operation according to a signal, a real-time clock,
The system is configured by a control unit that intermittently activates at least one of the image forming units according to a preset activation time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, and the real-time clock as described above, the time counting means, and at least one of the image forming means according to a preset start time are provided. The system is constituted by the control means for activating the above and at the same time activating the time counting means to control the power supply to the remaining image forming means.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the image output means, the image forming means, and the real-time clock as described above are activated, and a part of the image forming means in the image forming means is activated in accordance with a preset activation time. In addition, when the number of required image forming operations is equal to or more than a predetermined number within a predetermined time, the system is constituted by a control means for activating the remaining image forming means in the image forming means irrespective of a preset time. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image output means, the image forming means and the real-time clock as described above, a storage means for storing operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past, The system is configured by a control unit that controls the activation time by changing the activation time preset for each image forming unit according to the operation information stored in the storage unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means, and the real-time clock as described above are used together with each image according to a power-off time preset for each image forming means. And a control means for shutting off the power source of the forming means and shutting off at least one or more of the image forming means before the power shutoff time when a predetermined number or more of image forming operations are not present within a predetermined time during startup. System configured.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means, and the real-time clock as described above are used together with the start time preset for each image forming means or the start time in the system. The system configuration is constituted by control means for changing and controlling the number of booted machines according to the operation information stored in the storage means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, together with the image output means and the image forming means as described above, a reservation input means for specifying a reservation for the image forming operation, and an image formation in the system according to the reservation input by the reservation input means. The system is composed of a control means for changing the number of operable image forming means at any time.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means for storing the operation information for each image forming means, and the real time clock are set in advance for each image forming means. The system is constituted by the control means for selectively controlling the image forming means to be activated according to the activated time and the operation information stored in the storage means.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, together with the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means for storing each image forming means, and the real time clock as described above, the time counting for controlling the energization time of the image forming means is performed. And a control means for selectively controlling the image forming means for controlling the energizing time by the time counting means based on the operation information stored in the storage means to be cut off.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means for storing each image forming means, the real time clock, and the image forming means corresponding to a preset start time are provided. And a control means for intermittently operating at least one of the remaining image forming means based on the operation information stored in the storage means.

In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, and the real-time clock as described above are used, and the priority order is arbitrarily set for each image output means with respect to the image forming means for performing the image forming operation. A system configuration including a priority order setting means and a control means for controlling startup based on the priority order set by the priority order setting means when starting at least one image forming means according to a preset start time. did.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means for storing each image forming means, the priority order setting means, and the real time clock are set at a preset start time. Accordingly, when the number of images that can be formed in the image forming unit is changed stepwise, the image forming unit to be activated based on the operation information stored in the storage unit and the priority set by the priority setting unit. And a control means for selectively controlling the system.

[0019]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the system is used for time management by providing a real-time clock, and the control means controls the activation according to the activation time set for each image forming means. In the time period when the operator does not frequently perform the image forming operation such as at night, at least one image forming unit that does not start up is provided to save power, while the image forming operation such as during working hours is performed. By activating all of the image forming means and making them operable in a large number of hours, the overlap of jobs is reduced and the productivity is high.

Also in the invention described in claim 2, similarly,
By providing a real time clock in the system for time management and controlling the activation by the control means according to the activation time set for each image forming means, at least during the time period when the operator does not frequently perform the image forming operation. Power saving is achieved by having at least one image forming unit that cannot be activated, while jobs are overlapped by activating all the image forming units in an operable state during a time period when there are many image forming operations. Less and more productive. In particular, since the time counting means for controlling the energization time is provided, the ON / OFF control can be performed without inputting the power-off time of the image forming means by setting only the starting time.

In the invention according to claim 3, similarly,
Under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, a part of the image forming means is activated during the time when the operator does not frequently perform the image forming operation to ensure the minimum productivity. Even if the required amount of image forming operations is managed and grasped, and if the number of image forming operations required suddenly increases beyond a predetermined number, the remaining image forming means are activated without waiting for the activation time. Since it is controlled, the overlap of jobs is reduced and productivity is not reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention as well, under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, at least a part of the image forming means is operated according to its start time even during a time period when the operator does not frequently perform the image forming operation. Although it is started, the number of copies or the number of jobs in a unit time is calculated from the past history stored and managed in the storage means,
By changing the start time based on the result, it is possible to avoid the energization of the image forming unit in a state where the probability of non-use is high as much as possible. It is possible to avoid the overlap of as much as possible. That is, power saving and productivity are improved according to past usage patterns.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, the power of the image forming means being started is cut off in accordance with each power cut-off time. Also, if there is actually no more than a predetermined number of image forming operations, it is possible to avoid unnecessary energization as much as possible by shutting off the power of at least one image forming unit before the power shutdown time. Power saving is improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, control is performed so that a predetermined number of the image forming means are activated at a preset activation time. By sequentially storing in the storage means, the time zone in which the image forming operation is not frequently performed or the time zone in which the image forming operation is frequently performed is properly determined, and the start time and the number of units to be started at the time of start are appropriately changed and controlled. The power saving and the productivity are improved in accordance with the usage pattern.

In the invention according to claim 7, in general,
When the image forming operation is not frequently performed and the image forming operation is frequently performed, and when the number of image forming operations for which reservation is designated is large, the frequently performed time period may continue thereafter. Focusing on the high point, under the control of the control means,
Since the number of image forming units to be operated is changed at any time to start the image forming units that have not been activated yet, the productivity is improved and the operator is not required to wait unnecessarily. On the other hand, when it is determined that the image forming operation is not frequently performed depending on the reservation status, the number of image forming units to be activated is reduced as much as possible, thereby improving the power saving.

On the other hand, in the invention described in claim 8, under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, any image forming means is activated according to the activation time even in the time zone in which the image forming operation is not frequently performed. However, the image forming operation is performed between the image forming units by grasping the operating status of each image forming unit based on the past history stored in the storage unit of each image forming unit and selectively controlling the image forming unit to be activated. It is possible to control the number of times without bias. Therefore, early wear of the drive part caused by uneven job
Failures and sudden wear of supply parts are prevented. Furthermore, the image forming means can be activated at a time that is more optimal than the preset activation time.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, under the control of the real-time clock, the time counting means and the control means, it is assumed that the image forming means is powered off during the time period when the image forming operation is not frequently performed. Overlapping of jobs can be prevented in advance by saving power and leaving all or more image forming units in the operating state during a time period when many image forming operations are performed. In particular, since the power cutoff time is managed by using the time counting means, the on / off control can be performed only by setting the start time. At the same time, the image forming means to be shut off is selectively controlled based on the operating condition of each image forming means, so that the image forming operations are not biased among the image forming means.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, during the time when many image forming operations are performed, all or a larger number of image forming means are activated to prevent the overlapping of jobs. While preventing this in advance, the image forming means is intermittently operated while the number of image forming operations is managed by the storage means during a time period when the image forming operation is small so that the image forming operations are not biased among the image forming means. By doing so, rapid consumption of supply parts can be prevented and power saving can be secured. In other words, based on the start time and the past operating status,
Productivity improvement and power saving are selectively executed.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, basically, the activation of the image forming means is controlled at a preset activation time under the control of the real-time clock and the control means. By controlling the image forming means to be activated based on the determined priority, the system can effectively use the image forming means closest to the operator in layout.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, similarly, the activation of the image forming means is controlled at a preset activation time under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, but the priority setting means sets the activation. By controlling the image forming means to be activated based on the priority, the system can effectively use the image forming means closest to the operator in layout. In addition, it is possible to selectively control the image forming means, i.e., the number of operating machines, whose power is to be shut off, based on the operating status stored in the storage means, so that the system can be operated according to the past execution status of the job.

[0031]

EXAMPLES An example of the present invention will be described in the following A. Mechanical overview of system configuration B. Scanner C. Printer D. System controller E. System operation F. Control processing corresponding to the invention described in each claim will be divided into respective sections, and will be sequentially described based on the drawings.

A. Mechanical Overview of System Configuration A-1 Overall Overview The image forming system of the present embodiment basically includes a plurality of small scanners (image output means) and a plurality of printers (a number of printers smaller than these small scanners). Image forming means)
And a control unit that collectively controls the entire system. FIG. 22 shows, as an example of such a system configuration, four small scanners 100 as shown by SC1 to SCn (= SC4), two printers 200 and 300 as PR1 and PR2, and a system that constitutes a control unit. 1 shows a system including a controller 400 and other peripheral devices appropriately mounted on them. In the following description, the small scanner is shown as SCn or 100, and the printer is shown as PR1, PR2 or 200, 300 as appropriate.

A-2 Overview of Scanner Each small scanner 100 is composed of a scanner section 101 and an operating section 102 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, and the operating section 102 is detachable from the scanner section 101. Has been done. The operation unit 102 is an LCD, as will be described later.
Consists of a display unit such as an LED, various keys including a numeric keypad, a buzzer for receiving warnings or key inputs, an interface for remote transmission / reception with the scanner unit 101, and the power source is rechargeable and is charged when mounted on the scanner unit 101. It is said that. Further, the scanner unit 101 is capable of reading a maximum A4 size, and as shown in FIG.
A reading section by a contact sensor 104 or the like for reading an image of the original 103 at a density of dpi (= 8 lines / mm), an original table 105 on which the original 103 to be read is freely set up and down, and from the original table 105 to the reading section. The document transport unit 106 is configured to transport the document 103, and includes an image data compression processing unit, an interface for the operation unit 102, and the like. Further, the structure is such that the connection terminal of a normal telephone line and the handset 107 can be connected.

A-3 Outline of Printer On the other hand, the plurality of printers 200 and 300 are both shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 27, a laser printer structure in which the same electrophotographic process member and paper feed / paper discharge system member are sequentially arranged around the photoconductors 201 and 301 is used as a base. As shown in the figure, different peripheral devices are added. For example, the printer 200 side is configured as a system controller 400 built-in type, and the limitless sorter taper 5
01, a large scanner 502 for enabling use as a digital copying machine, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 503, and the like are added. The large scanner 502 is, for example, 400
It is said that it is possible to read up to A3 size at a read density of dpi. The limitless sorter stapler 501 is supposed to have a function as a mail bin corresponding to a facsimile in addition to a normal sort / stack function.

On the printer 300 side, a sorter (for example, 15 bins) 505 is provided, but since the large scanner 502 and the like are not mounted, the sorter 50 is provided.
As shown in FIG. 27, 5 is arranged on the upper part of the main body, and the space is greatly saved. The lower part of the sorter 505 is a plurality of paper banks 302, and transfer papers of various sizes are prepared. It should be noted that the printer 300 side may have a simple structure of only a printer having no peripheral device, as shown in FIG.

In any case, these printers 200,
The specific configuration (including peripheral devices) of the 300 is
Installation space, system cost, copy speed,
It is appropriately set depending on whether or not the auxiliary function is required (presence or absence of double-sided copying / presence / absence of post-processing / presence / absence of compositing / editing function). In addition, a plurality of printers 200, 30
It is also effective to prioritize the use of the printer by making the copy speed different between zero.

Although the printers 200 and 300 are configured to execute the copy operation in accordance with the command from the system controller 400, they can be received from the operation panel side connected to the printer 200 side.
In this case, the interrupt mode is executed.

A-4 System Controller Overview On the other hand, the system controller 400 receives the compressed image data from each small scanner 100, and transmits and receives the control code indicating the apparatus state and the command. Further, the system controller 400 appropriately sends these image data to the printers 200 and 300, and transmits / receives control codes similarly to the small scanner 100. The system controller 400 holds RAM data such as setting modes of all the scanners 100 and printers 200 and 300. This system controller 400 is used for any one printer, here the printer 2 as described above.
00 built in. That is, the system controller 400 can detect the states of all the small scanners 100 and the printers 200 and 300, and similarly, all the small scanners 100 and the printers 200 and 30 can be detected.
Command control to 0 becomes possible.

B. Scanner B-1 Outline of Electrical Configuration of Scanner The electrical configuration of each small scanner 100 is shown in the block diagram of FIG. Each small scanner 100 includes an image reading unit 110.
An image processing unit 111, a main controller 112, an image compression unit 113, an interface 114, and a document conveying unit 10.
6, the operation unit 102, and the receiver 107.

Here, the image reading section 110 is for reading an image of a maximum A4 width size (= 210 mm) by the contact image sensor 104 at a density of 8 lines / mm. The image processing unit 111 performs necessary processing such as shading correction, scaling processing, and binarization processing on the read image data. The main controller 112 controls the document conveying unit 106 according to the compression speed of the image data, and also the mode designated by the operation unit 102 (number of copies, copy paper size, selected printer, paper discharge mode, various setting modes, etc.). Is transmitted to the system controller 400 via the interface 114. Further, the status of the printers 200, 300 received from the system controller 400 (paper size, status of error / copying / standby, etc.) is sent to the operation unit 102 for display. Besides this,
Data transmission / reception through the handset 107 and the image processing unit 1
Specify the command to 11. The image compression unit 113 compresses the image data according to the image data and the command from the main controller 112. The image data compression method is the MH method or the HR method, and the average compression rate is about 10%. Further, the operation unit 102 includes an operation panel 115, a remote interface (I / F) 116 on the panel 115 side, and a main controller 112.
The remote I / F 117 is configured separately. The operation unit 102 uses the remote I / F as described above.
It is detachably attached to the scanner unit 101 via 116 and 117.

B-2 Description of Each Part Each part will be described in more detail. First, the main controller 112, as shown in FIG.
OM122, RAM123, latch 124, input port 125, output port 126, serial transmission / reception element 12
7, 128, 129, etc.

As a result, the operation control shown in the control flow chart of FIG. 31 is performed. That is, after the power is turned on, the initial, wait, scan, and error processes are appropriately performed, data transmission is performed in parallel with these, and a data reception interrupt and a timer interrupt are performed. In the figure,
After initializing the main controller 112, each unit (here, the handset 107, the remote I / F 1
17, the start of serial transmission with the system controller 400) is shown. As a result, the operation panel 11
The state of the printers 200 and 300 is displayed at 5.
Shows the status check processing of each unit. For example, when the status of the printers 200 and 300 changes, the status is transmitted through the system controller 400 and displayed on the operation panel 115. Insert the original 103 and press the start key,
Indicates that the document scanning is actually started. At this time,
Commands are set in the image processing unit 111 and the image compression unit 113, and data is transmitted to the system controller 400. Indicates the interrupt processing of the data received from each unit, and because of the interrupt processing, the real-time property is guaranteed.
Indicates timer interrupt processing, which is for operation timing reference.

The electrical configuration of the operation panel 115 is, as shown in FIG. 32, the light receiving unit 1 of the remote I / F 117 for the input from the key input section 131 via the remote control communication IC 132 and the light emitting unit 133.
Key input system for sending to ROM 34, ROM 135, R
The display system is composed of an LCD (liquid crystal display) 139 and a buzzer LED 140 connected to a CPU 137 having an AM 136 via an LCD controller 138. The CPU 137 controls the light emitting unit 141 of the remote I / F 117 to perform remote I / F. It is connected through the light receiving unit 142 of F116. 143 is a battery.

On the other hand, as the external configuration of the operation panel 115, as shown in FIG.
1, a start key 152, a printer selection key 153, and other various keys are provided.
It is configured to be taken in from the key input unit 131. In the LCD 139 area, various information is displayed in a predetermined pattern or the like.
Here, in particular, the status display unit 155 that displays the status (READY / BUSY / WAIT / ERROR, transfer paper size, additional functions, etc.) related to the printer 200 of PR1.
And a status display unit 156 that displays the status of the printer 300, which is PR2, are secured separately.

Further, in order to properly display these information and the like on the LCD 139 or the like, the data transmitted from the system controller 400 to the small scanner 100 is assigned as illustrated in FIG. The subscript H (hexa) indicates that it is a hexadecimal number.

B-3 Basic Operation Control Next, the basic operation control of such a small scanner 100 will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. FIG. 35 shows a schematic flow chart as its basis. Each small scanner 100 performs initial setting, first and second priority modes, and other modes after power-on, job key input, job start, original document. The scan and display processes are sequentially repeated.

Here, the initial setting is, as shown in FIG. 36, the initial setting of the ICs of the respective parts, the time adjustment of the clock, etc., and is always performed when the power is turned on.

The mode setting is carried out as necessary when the system is installed or when the use environment changes. Here, the first and second priority mode setting processing is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in the operation panel 115 of the present embodiment, various modes can be set by pressing the numeric keypad 151 in addition to the shift key. When the shift key is pressed, the system controller 4 is pressed.
A message "Please specify the first priority printer" is displayed on the LCD 139 area from the 00 side to the small scanner 100. Then, when the TEL / copy / FAX key is pressed, the printer 200 (PR
It is displayed that the printer has been switched from 1) to the printer 300 (PR2). If the TEL / copy / FAX key is not pressed, the printer 200 (PR1) is set as the priority printer. Then, when the start key 152 is pressed, the PR1 or PR2 is set as the priority printer, stored and held, and the result is displayed according to the above key operation. The priority printer is not set unless the start key 152 is operated. After that, when the stop key is pressed, the character display regarding the priority printer disappears.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 38, the second priority mode can be set. That is, when there are only two printers 200 and 300 as in the present embodiment, there is no merit to set the second priority mode, but it is effective when the system configuration uses three or more printers. In this case as well, the setting is basically made based on the same key operation, but when it is desired to switch the priority printer designation (TEL
Each time the key is pressed, the designated printers are rotated and displayed in order for selection. That is, when the printer has three printers such as PR1, PR2 and PR3, PR1 →
It is displayed as PR2 → PR3 → PR1.

In any case, these priority mode setting processing functions as shown in FIG. 37 or FIG. 38 constitute the priority order setting means necessary for the invention of claims 11 and 12.

As another setting mode, for example, as shown in FIG.
There is a recovery time setting mode as shown in FIG. When the shift key and a predetermined ten key 151 are pressed, the LCD 139
In the area, a message saying "Please set the recovery time" is displayed. Then, by pressing the TEL / copy / FAX key, setting a predetermined value with the ten keys 151, and pressing the start key 152, the desired recovery time data is stored and held, and then displayed. Press the stop key to exit the recovery time setting mode.

Further, an arbitrary ** time setting mode as shown in FIG. 40 is also prepared. When the shift key and the predetermined ten-key 151 are pressed, the LCD 139 area shows "*".
* Please set the time ”is displayed. Then, press the TEL / copy / FAX key, set a predetermined value with the ten keys 151, and press the start key 15
By pressing 2, the desired ** time data is stored and held and displayed, and then the stop key is pressed to exit the ** time setting mode.

Further, the original scanning operation of the small scanner 100 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, when a request for scan data output is made from the system controller 400 side to the corresponding small scanner 100, the small scanner 100 outputs the count value of the image data or the number of originals to the system controller 4.
Output to 00, the system controller 400 receives the processing and end check, and ends the scanning operation.

C. Printer C-1 Outline of Printer The electrical configuration of the printer 200 that is the PR1 including the system controller 400 is shown in FIG. 42, and the electrical configuration of the printer 300 that is the PR2 is shown in FIG. First, with respect to the printer 200, the main controller 210, the image processing unit 211, the sequence controller 212, and the interface 213 are basically configured, and after the large-scale scanner 502, the ADF 503, the limitless sorter stapler 501, and the like are added for the added peripheral devices. A processing device, an operation panel 506, a FAX interface 507, and the like are optionally connected.

The printer 300 basically comprises a main controller 310, an image processing section 311, a sequence controller 312 and an interface 313. That is, the basic configuration of these is the printer 200,
It is common to 300. In addition, in the printer 300, a post-processing device such as a sorter 505 is optionally connected.

C-2 Outline of Common Items Here, the outline of common items will be described in order. First, the image processing units 211 and 311 use the interfaces 212 and 312.
Transmission and reception of image data to and from the frame memories 214 and 314 therein (since the memories 212 and 312 are binary data and the image processing units 211 and 311 are multivalued data, mutual data conversion processing is also included). It is also possible to input multi-valued data, and performs shading correction, scaling processing, halftone processing, etc. for image input from the small scanner 100 and image input from the frame memories 214 and 314.

Further, the main controllers 210 and 310
Performs serial transmission / reception with various processing units (sequence controllers 212 and 312, operation panel 506, large-scale scanner 502, ADF 503, etc.) inside the printers 200 and 300, and sets commands to the image processing units 211 and 311. Further, the system controller 400 can determine the states of the printers 200 and 300 of their own (peripheral device connection state, transfer paper size presence / absence and size, toner presence / absence, door open, copy operation availability, failure mode, etc.). Sent by the command code. Furthermore, a copy job (paper feed port, paper ejection port,
A command code indicating a paper discharge mode, the number of copies, copy density, various setting modes, etc.) is received. Further, when the operation panel 506 is connected as in the printer 200, the main controller 210 uses the operation panel 506.
Key input is accepted, and the copy job by this is processed and executed in the interrupt mode.

Sequence controllers 212 and 312
Under the copy job received by the main controllers 210 and 310 from the system controller 400 and the operation panel 506, sequential processing (timing processing of transfer paper feeding / conveying, turning on of the image forming system around the photoconductors 201 and 301) is performed. OFF processing, etc.) is performed. In addition, the post-processing devices 501 and 5 are synchronized with the timing of feeding and conveying the transfer paper.
Communication processing with 05 etc. is also performed.

The interfaces 213 and 313 receive the image data transmitted from the small scanner 100 via the system controller 400 and then receive the accumulated memory (SAF).
Memory) 215, 315, and image data compression / expansion unit 21
6, 316 and frame memories 214, 314. However, since the printer 300 side does not have the system controller 400, the SAF memory 315
A buffer 317 is provided in the preceding stage. The image data from the small scanner 100 is already compressed in a predetermined format in order to shorten the data transfer time.
316 processing is required.

In any case, due to these basic common matters, the respective main controllers 210 and 310 of the printers 200 and 300 control the state, and the main controllers 210 and 310 are controlled by the system controller 40.
It is configured to be controlled by 0.

C-3 Outline of Optional Part Next, the optional part will be described in order. First,
The FAX interface 507 is the main controller 21.
The system controller 400 actually controls via 0. The main controller 210 controls the large scanner 502 and the operation panel 506. Post-processing device 501,5
Regarding 05, the operation mode-related items are the main controllers 210 and 310 or the system controller 40.
0 is controlled, and the operation timing relationship is controlled by the sequence controllers 212 and 312, and various modes can be selected.

First, the large-scale scanner 502 mounted on the printer 200 is compatible with the maximum A3 size as described above, and includes a scanner motor control unit, an image reading unit equipped with a CCD, and an amplification processing for amplifying the read image data. The status is determined by serial communication (mode, state) with the main control 210.

The operation section 507 is composed of an LED, an LCD and a display section using those drivers, a key input section, and a serial communication section with the main controller 210. The key input is transmitted to the main controller 210 with a corresponding code. On the other hand, the corresponding code is received from the main controller 210 to determine the display on / off.

The FAX interface 507 is a line modem and interface 217, and a data compression / expansion unit 2.
18 and its operation mode is controlled by the system controller 400 via the main controller 210. Further, the SAF memory 219 which is the same as the SAF memory 401 for the image data transferred from the system controller 400 is also provided. This is the FAX format of the image data from the system controller 400.
This is to match

The ADF 503 corresponds to the maximum size A3 corresponding to the large-scale scanner 502, and determines whether or not the operation can be performed by serial communication with the main controller 210 and the state thereof to feed, discharge, and reverse the original. . Descriptions of the post-processing devices 501 and 505 are omitted.

C-4 Detailed Description of Main Controller For example, the main controller 210 on the printer 200 side.
44 is shown in the block diagram of FIG. Basically, as in the case of the main controller 112 on the small scanner 100 side, the CPU 231, the ROM 232, the non-volatile RAM 233, the latch 234, and the serial interface for each unit, specifically, the serial transmission / reception element 23.
5 to 239.

As a result, the process as schematically shown in FIG. 45 is repeated. That is, after the power is turned on, various processes such as initial, wait, copy, and EM (error message) display are appropriately performed, data transmission is performed in parallel with them, and a data reception interrupt and a timer interrupt are performed. here,
Sequence controller 212, large scanner 50
2. Other peripherals change their state (fixer reload,
Transfer paper size data, door open, scan ready,
ADF jam, staple jam, etc.) and the presence / absence of abnormality are transmitted to the main controller 210 according to the set serial code. The main controller 210 that grasps the status of the printer 210 is the system controller 40.
A serial code indicating various states of the printer 200 is transmitted to 0 (same for the main controller 310 side). Further, the nonvolatile RAM 233 is the printer 200.
It is used to store the timing related data (main / sub-scanning resist, set values around the photoconductor 201, scanner resist, etc.). When the operation panel 506 is connected like the printer 200, the key input is also input to the main controller 210 in the same manner. Main controller 210
Determines whether the key input is valid or invalid based on all the data thus received, and determines the display on the operation panel 506. The start signal of the actual copy operation including FAX transmission / reception is output from the system controller 400 or the operation panel 506, but if it is from the system controller 400, various data such as the number of copies, the paper feed / eject port, and the mode are also included. It is transmitted to the main controller 210. After that, the main controller 210 operates the image processing unit 2
11, a copy command is transmitted to the sequence controller 212 and others to start the copy operation.

In FIG. 45, after initializing the main controller 210, serial transmission with each unit (here, the system controller 400, the sequence controller 212, the large scanner 502, the ADF 503, the operation panel 506, etc.) is started. Show. Along with this, various data (default data, etc.) is transmitted to each unit such as the sequence controller 212. Indicates a check process of whether the printer 200 can accept a copy operation. That is, in the printer 200, items such as whether the fixing heater is activated, whether transfer paper is present, and whether there is any abnormality are checked, and the check result is always transmitted to the system controller 400. FIG. 46 shows an example of allocation of various status data transmitted from the main controller 210 to the system controller 400 in this way. Indicates a process of executing a copy operation by receiving a copy command from the system controller 400 or the operation panel 506. That is, when the copy command is received, the sequence controller 2 of the printer 200
After transmitting the copy condition and the start command to each unit such as 12, the main controller 210 also starts the execution of the copy job process. Indicates interruption processing of received data from each unit, and the main controller 210 takes in the interruption processing, so that the transmission time is shortened. Is
Shows timer interrupt processing, which is for operation timing reference.

Main controller 3 for printer 300
The same applies to the case of 10.

The command control system of the entire system is schematically shown in FIG.

C-5 Image Data Flow In the case of the system configuration of this embodiment, the printer 200 or 3
As the flow of image data for 00, there are three patterns from each small scanner 100, by FAX reception, or from the large scanner 502. However, FDD (floppy disk drive) and ODD
It is also possible to capture image data by an additional connection such as (optical disk drive).

These image data are stored in each printer 2
SAF memories 215 and 315 in 00 and 300 and SAF memory 401 in the system controller 400.
Done by.

Image data from each small scanner 100 is sent to the SAF memory 401 of the system controller 400 or the SA of the printer 200 via the selector buffer 402.
It is sent to one of the F memories 215. The SAF memory on the system controller 400 side is for storing the image data of the next job when the printer 200 or 300 of the image data output destination is executing another job. That is, in such a case, another job is SA
This is because it is executed based on the data output from the F memory 215 or 315.

The image data stored in the SAF memory 401 of the system controller 400 is either the SAF memory 401 of the system controller 400 or the SAF memory 215 of the printer 200 via the selector buffer 402 as in the above case. Sent to. Printer 2
When the FAX function is added as in 00, the received data is stored in the SAF memory 401 on the system controller 400 side. As a result, the received data can be transferred to any of the SAF memories 215 and 315 of the printers 200 and 300 via the selector buffer 402, so that any of the printers 200 and 300 can arbitrarily output the received data. Further, the job is not interrupted even in the FAX reception when the printers 200 and 300 are executing the job. Further, since the printer 200 has the SAF memory 219 dedicated to the FAX reception as in the present embodiment, the job reservation is not affected by the FAX reception.

As an example of the flow of the image data, small scanner 100 → printer 200 (PR1) small scanner 100 → selector buffer 402 → syscon I / F403 → SAF memory 215 → output small scanner 100 → printer 300 (PR2) small Scanner 100 → Selector buffer 402 → Syscon I / F 403 → SAF memory 315 → Output FAX reception → Printer 200 (PR1) (modem) SAF memory 219 → SAF memory 401 →
Syscon I / F 403 → SAF memory 215 → output Small scanner 100 (reservation job) → printer 30
0 (PR2) Small scanner 100 → Selector buffer 402 → SAF
Memory 215 → selector buffer 402 → syscon I /
F403 → SAF memory 315 → output Small scanner 100 → FAX transmission Small scanner 100 → Selector buffer 402 → SAF
An example is memory 401 → SAF memory 219 → output.

Therefore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the input of the job is received by the three SAF memories 215, 315, 401 and output from either of the two printers 200, 300. Further, even when receiving a FAX, the output destination can be set to a plurality of printers 200 and 300.

C-6 Scanner with Printer When the printer 200 is viewed, since the large scanner 502 is installed, the printer 200 alone can be used as a stand-alone type image forming apparatus (copier). Has been done.

Here, the printer 200 and the small scanner 1
00 and the large scanner 502 will be described. Even if the small scanner 100 is outputting image data to the printer 200, the large scanner 50 will be described.
If there is a request from the second side, JOB is interrupted and the image forming operation by the combination of the large scanner 502 and the printer 200 is enabled. That is, the large scanner 50
2 interrupts are enabled. That is, in this system configuration, since each small scanner 100 is basically owned by each individual, this large scanner 502 is usually used.
It is not necessary for the operator to go to the place where the printer is installed (the place where the printer 200 is installed), but when a large amount of time is required for other JOBs, there is an abnormality in the small scanner 100, Considering the case of operation, the large scanner 5
02. Prioritizing use and enabling interrupt processing help improve workability. From a different point of view, such a case is more urgent and important as the operator needs to go to the place where the large-scale scanner 502 is installed, and can be said to be an appropriate response.

D. System Controller D-1 Overview of System Controller The system controller 400 of this embodiment is composed of a serial interface, an image data interface, and an overall control unit, although not particularly shown. The serial interface performs serial transmission / reception with the main controllers 210 and 310 of the printers 200 and 300, respectively.

Here, the main side transmission data is transmitted / received in the printers 200 and 300 from the main controller → sequence controller, main controller →
Small scanners, main controller-> operation panel and other status data are mainly, and system controller side transmission data are mainly command data (job commands).
Further, serial transmission / reception is performed with each small scanner 100, the scanner side transmission data is mainly code data indicating the key input from the operator and the state of the small scanner 100, and the system control side transmission data is operated correspondingly. Panel data of the unit 102, guidance,
Submit the job code.

The image data interface has a role of collectively fetching the image data read by each small scanner 100 via the buffer and transferring the image data to the corresponding printer 200 or 300 according to each mode.

The overall control unit controls the printers 200 and 300.
Serial data with the main controllers 210 and 310 and the small scanner 100 and non-volatile RAM data (data indicating the priority order of each job mode preset for each small scanner 100, and the operation panel of each small scanner 100). The operation mode is determined according to the data for changing the mode priority order desired by the operator by inputting 102. In addition, the printers 200 and 300, peripherals, various supply conditions, input jobs,
The transfer destination printer and the job reception order are determined based on all the states of the reserved jobs. Further, although not shown in the drawing, a real-time clock required by the invention described in each claim is provided in the overall control unit, which is composed of a calendar IC and a backup battery. That is, in performing the processing corresponding to the invention described in each claim described later, it is used for time management for each setting and mode.

D-2 Example of Transmission / Reception Format An example of the transmission / reception format in the above-described serial interface will be described. First, the system controller 400 side sends a reset code (10 _H ) to the printers 200 and 300 and the small scanner 100 side. In response to this, the printers 200 and 300 and the small scanner 100 are respectively soft reset (initialized) and then transmit various initial codes. The transmission / reception code is composed of the first code (1 byte) + data code (** _H ) + data code (** _H ).

For example, an example of data transmission / reception between the system controller and the printer is as follows: power supply on the system controller side: printer side 10 _H → (reset code) ← 20 _H + 0F _H + 1E _H (sorter, scanner, ADF, double-sided connection, 30 CPM (1E _H = 30)) ← 21 _H +01 _H (printer weight) 13 _H +04 _H → (data request) ← 22 _H +21 _H (first paper feed: A3, no paper) ← 23 _H +01 _H (second feed) Paper: A3, with paper) ← 24 _H +24 _H (3rd paper feed: A4, without paper) ← 28 _H +00 _H (without door open) ← 29 _H +00 _H (without jam data) ← 2 A _H +00 _H (supply state OK) ← 2B _H +00 _H (no scanner _{data) ← 2C H +00 H +00 H} +00 H ( no sorter bins residual paper web) ← 21 _H 02 _H (printer ready) 11 _H +02 _H → (second feeding port selection) 12 _H +12 _H → (top receiving bin 1 bin, the staple _{mode) 14 H + 0F H +00 H} → ( registered number: 15 sheets) 15 _H +64 _H +00 _H → (magnification: 100%) 13 _H +01 _H → (JOB start) ← 21 _H +04 _H (printer busy). Thereafter, the code is exchanged according to the command of the system controller and the change of the printer status.

D-3 JOB Management of System Controller On the system controller 400 side, the following processing is performed for JOB input from each small scanner 100. First, when the JOB can be started and executed for the input JOB (the result of checking the status of each of the printers 200 and 300 and others), the printers 200 and 30 are immediately
JOB is assigned to 0 (actually, temporarily stored in RAM). When the printer 200, 300 receives the JOB (starts execution), the system controller 400 further attaches the JOB-CODE for management.

On the other hand, the JOB for the input JOB
When B cannot be executed (for example, each printer 200,
If 300 is already executing another JOB, or if there is a JOB reserved by time designation, etc.,
On the system controller 400 side, SAVE-CODE is attached to each JOB in the input order. This is so that all unexecuted jobs can be treated as reservation-specified jobs.

For example, if * indicates a natural number of 0 to 9, SAVE-CODE is SV-***, JO.
B-CODE is expressed as JOB-***, and SV
-**** adds a numerical value in the input order to the reserved JOB input, and subtracts a numerical value in the input order to the reserved JOB execution, and JOB-***** indicates JOB, 0001, 0
Numbering is performed in ascending order such as 002 to 9999. The JOB with SAVE-CODE is the previous J
OB end or failure that JOB cannot execute (for example,
(Paper end, paper jam, time when specifying time)
When the printer is removed, the JO
It is configured to distribute B.

By the way, the RAM area in the system controller 400 for JOB management is constructed as shown in FIG. That is, SAVE-CODE is added together with the operation mode state corresponding to a plurality of jobs and stored in a predetermined RAM area 410 (see the left side in FIG. 48). After JOB ends, SV-
After clearing the RAM area corresponding to ***, the other SV-*** and its data are shifted by that area (see the right side in the figure). That is, the diagonal broken line in FIG. 44 shows this shift processing, and for example, the previous SV-0.
The data stored as 002 is now SV-000.
It will be shifted and stored as 1.

Explaining with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 49 schematically showing from JOB input to execution, when the JOB is input from the small scanner 100, the JOB to be immediately executed or the time is designated on the system controller 400 side. SAVE-CO regardless of the reservation job
It is attached with DE and temporarily stored in RAM together with various conditions. In addition, the JOB execution timing (time) is also RAM
Stored in. This execution timing is monitored by a real-time clock, and if it is a predetermined timing and the printer is in a JOB acceptable state, a JOB start flag for prompting execution of the JOB is set. That is, in the case of a JOB for which immediate execution is requested, it is checked whether or not it can be immediately executed, and if it is executable, it is executed.
-Retain CODE with various conditions stored in RAM. Saved JOB, that is, reserved JOB
Is checked only when the JOB start flag = 0, and if there is an executable JOB, the JOB start flag = 1 is newly set and the printer 200 or 300 is selected. This reserved JOB is checked in the oldest order of the JOB set (that is, in the ascending order of the SV-*** value), so that the order of the executed JOB is not accidentally changed. Note that the reserved JOB corresponding to the printer is canceled after a predetermined time in consideration of the case where the printer is down due to a jam or the like during execution of each JOB.

D-4 System Controller Memory As described above, the input JOB is its mode data, S
The AVE-CODE is stored in a predetermined RAM area 410 and managed, but the nonvolatile RAM (storage means) in the system controller 400 is set for each small scanner 100. Management of operation status) Items such as data in the system other than the small scanner 100 are managed.

First, will be described. Due to its configuration, the small scanner 100 is likely to be used by a relatively small number of people. As a result, certain modes (eg, double-sided,
), The probability that a particular printer will be used will increase. Therefore, in the system configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to specify a desired mode and a priority discharge destination printer for each small scanner 100. These data are collectively stored in this nonvolatile RAM on the system controller 400 side for each small scanner 100. In the case of mode data, the panel display status at the time of auto clear, the previous JO
After clearing each flag used during B operation, etc.,
The nonvolatile RAM information is checked, and the display / setting related to the desired mode is performed. The priority discharge destination printer is designated by setting the "first priority printer" for each small scanner 100, as described above. Therefore, J
Even if the discharge destination printer is not specified for each OB, the JOB is controlled to be executed preferentially on the "first priority printer" side. However, since the entire system manages all JOBs, it is not always specified as the first priority printer depending on the specified status of other JOBs, and the specified status of the discharge destination is appropriately different.

Will be described. The system controller 400 collectively manages the usage status of the entire system as follows. Each counter on the non-volatile RAM is counted up according to the number of copies and JOB-related data (small input scanner, output printer, etc.) according to each JOB execution.

FIG. 50 shows a configuration example of each counter on the nonvolatile RAM 411. FIG. 1A shows each small scanner 100.
(SC1 to SC4), printers 200, 300 (PR
1 and 2) shows an example of a counter for the number of copies (unit: sheets) corresponding to each of the small scanners 100 (SC1 to S1).
C4) shows an example of a counter for the number of JOB executions (unit: times) corresponding to the printers 200, 300 (PR1, 2). In the figure,
A indicates the number of copies or the number of JOBs obtained by combining a small scanner SC1 and a printer PR2, for example, B
Indicates the total number of copies or the total number of JOBs processed based on a small scanner such as SC3, and C indicates P, for example.
R1 indicates the total number of copies or the total number of JOBs processed by the printer, and D indicates the total number of copies or JOBs in the entire system. In addition, "OTH
"ER" is a large scanner 50 installed in the printer 200.
2 is shown. These data are used at the time of system maintenance, and are also used for fuzzy reasoning described later.

Further, regarding the paper feed size data, the jam data, and other data, the data is held by the counter structure similar to these.

The actual count-up operation is performed by receiving serial code data from each small scanner 100 and printers 200 and 300.

The following is a description. Examples of other data referred to here include the following. First, the main controllers 210, 3 of the printers 200, 300
Reference numeral 10 has a non-volatile RAM 233 and the like, and holds data such as PWM data of the conditions around the photoconductor and each default data. This is because the printer can be used also as a stand-alone image forming apparatus, and data is held redundantly with the system controller 400 side. By the way, the non-volatile RAM on the printer side
Therefore, it is possible to operate without holding these data, but when the printer side does not have a non-volatile RAM, the system controller 400 side always sends all default data to the printer side. JO
Sending B-related data is slow. Also,
The data held only on the printer side includes optional operation panel 506, default data for large scanner 502, mode data, and the like. Further, as the FAX-related data, there are respective default data, destination data, and the like. Furthermore, as the entire system, there are code mode (password code) data for permitting the use of the system by inputting a predetermined code, data related to JOB management, and the like.

E. System operation E-1 System abnormality System controller 400, each small scanner SC1
When the system configuration is shown in FIG. 51 by extracting the SC4 and the printers PR1 and PR2, there are abnormalities in the system as shown in (1) to (3).

Indicates an abnormality in a certain small scanner 100. This is a hardware abnormality of the small scanner 100 due to self-diagnosis, and the system controller 400 side recognizes this abnormality by serial reception. When such an abnormality occurs, it is considered that the corresponding small scanner 100 does not exist on the system controller 400 side, and the system is controlled by the remaining ones. Further, the abnormality guidance is displayed on the corresponding small scanner 100 having an abnormality.

Indicates a communication error between the system controller 400 and the small scanner 100. If there is a sudden communication (protocol) error, recovery is performed by the protocol. However, in the case of a hardware abnormality such as a communication cable failure, recovery cannot be performed as it is.
On the assumption that the system configuration does not exist, the system controller 400 controls the system and causes the corresponding small scanner 100 to display an abnormality guidance indicating that communication is abnormal.

[0100] indicates an abnormality in the system controller 400. System controller 40 by self-diagnosis
When there is a hardware abnormality in 0, the system controller 400 gives up (stops) control of the system.
However, the small scanner 100 and the printers 200 and 300 are in the following operating states. First, the small scanner side displays the abnormality guidance on all the small scanners 100. On the other hand, on the printer side, each printer 200, 30
Detects the connection status of peripheral machines (panel, post-processing, scanner, etc.) for each 0 to judge whether or not it can operate as a stand-alone device, and if it can operate, a single copying machine It is possible to operate as.

Reference numeral indicates an abnormal communication between the system controller 400 and the printers 200 and 300. If there is a sudden communication (protocol) error, recovery is performed by the protocol. However, in the case of a hardware abnormality such as a communication cable failure, recovery cannot be performed as it is. Therefore, the system controller 400 regards the system configuration as having no corresponding printer 200 or 300 and controls the system.

Reference numeral indicates an abnormality in the printer 200 or 300. This is a hardware abnormality of the printer 200 or 300 due to self-diagnosis, and the system controller 400 side recognizes the abnormality by serial reception. When such an abnormality occurs, as in the case of,
The system controller 400 controls the system assuming that the system configuration does not include 0 or 300.

E-2 Printer Selection Control When Abnormality Occurs Each input and reserved JOB is sent to the printer 200 or 300.
The selected mode exists only in one of the printers, the other printer is inoperable due to paper end, toner end, jam, etc. One of the printers is inoperable due to component failure There may be restrictions such as That is,
If the printer 200 or 300 is not selected in consideration of each of the above states at the time of executing the JOB, the JOB that cannot be executed or the printer that is in the inoperable state will be selected, and the workability will be greatly reduced. By this, unexecuted J
OB will occur.

In addition, the present system uses the small scanner 100,
There is a high possibility that the printers 200 and 300 will be dispersed and arranged on the floor, and the printers 200 and 300 are the closest to each small scanner 100 (easy to pick up by the operator)
First or second printer so that the printer 200 or 300 can be selected
The desired settings are possible.

Further, when the processing speeds CPM of the printers 200 and 300 are different, the remaining time is calculated even when another JOB is being executed, and which printer can finish the JOB earliest is calculated. It is better to select the printer to run.

Therefore, the printer to be executed is selected for each JOB by comprehensively judging these three items.

A printer selection process example in consideration of these will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 52 to 60. Note that the flags and labels shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 52 and subsequent figures are as shown in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively.

[0108]

[Table 1]

[0109]

[Table 2]

First, FIG. 52 is a flow chart showing an example of manual selection. That is, this is the case where the operator selects and specifies a printer by the operation unit 102 of the small scanner 100. When an abnormality (failure) occurs in the printer thus selected and designated, another printer is displayed based on the abnormality guidance display. When the selection designation is urged and the printers according to the selection designation are activated, when all the printers become abnormal (failure), all the small scanners 100
The abnormal guidance is displayed (warning) on the operation unit 102 and the process returns (waits for recovery). If the selected printer PR1 or PR2 is busy, the job
Waiting for B to become ready as reserved JOB.

FIG. 53 and FIG. 54 are flow charts showing a processing example in the case where the mode selection and the printer state are both OK with respect to the above three items. That is, after the basic check, the state of the first desired printer is checked, and if the printer is executable, the printer is selected as it is and the job is executed. However, if the printer is already executing another job, the job
B Calculate the remaining time required for processing (expected remaining time),
If this time is less than or equal to the predetermined time (delayed delay time) Ta, the printer is directly selected and waits. By such a printer selection process, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for other JOBs without retaining the unexecuted JOBs.

53 and 54, the predetermined time Ta is different for each printer when the processing times of the printers PR1 and PR2 are different. Also, PR
1TC indicates the estimated remaining time in the printer PR1,
PR2TC represents the estimated remaining time in the printer PR2, and is calculated by subtracting the elapsed time after execution of JOB by the real-time clock from each estimated copy time S * TC.

FIG. 55 is a flow chart showing an example of processing in the case where the mode selection and the printer state are not OK with respect to the above three items. For example, a JO selecting a mode that does not exist in any of a plurality of printers.
B, and at least one or more printers are in an inoperable state (however, paper end, toner end, jam, etc. are recoverable, or they cannot be recovered due to component failure), Regarding the mode, the JOB start flag is reset to 0 and a display prompting the mode change is displayed to wait for the mode change. It is judged whether the JOB can be executed by a printer other than the inoperable printer for the changed mode, Determines whether to execute the JOB.

56 to 60 are flowcharts showing a processing example in the case where the mode selection is OK but the printer state is not OK for the above three items. That is, in the case of JOB designation with mode selection that is common to all printers that make up the system, and
This is a case where at least one or more printers are in an inoperable state (however, a paper end, a toner end, a jam, or the like can be restored, or a part cannot be restored due to a component failure). In such a case, it is determined whether the JOB can be executed by a printer other than the inoperable printer, and the printer that can finish the JOB earliest is selected.

59 or 60 shows the processing in the case where the printer PR1 is normal and the printer PR2 is in the inoperable state in which the printer PR2 can return, and conversely, the printer PR2 is normal and the printer PR1 is in the inoperable state in which the printer PR1 can return. Shows the processing in the case of, and shows the processing in the case of the inoperable state in which both printers PR1 and PR2 can recover. Further, the predetermined value ER shown during these processes indicates the expected return time on the system controller 400 side, and its default value is normally the POWER flag →
2 minutes, jam flag → 2 minutes, supply flag → 30 seconds, but the average value with the actual measurement value may be set as a new predetermined value ER when the event occurs. For example, when a jam occurs n times, an average value of default values (2 minutes) required for returning after actual measurement n times is newly set. Further, similarly to the setting of the first priority printer, the operator may set an arbitrary value and always return to that value. In any case, by changing the value of the predetermined value ER according to the conditions, more appropriate printer selection processing becomes possible.

In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 55 to 60, the inoperable state of the printer is divided into a recoverable state and a non-recoverable state. According to the prediction that the job will be completed, the printer is selected so that the JOB finishes first (that is, the minimum waiting time). As a result, the loss due to downtime on the printer side can be reduced as much as possible.

Each flag processing for setting / resetting each flag in the flow charts shown in FIGS. 52 to 60 is shown in FIGS. 61 to 66. Although details are omitted, FIGS. 61 and 62 show the mode disable flag process, FIG. 63 shows the SC (Service Man Call) printer flag process, FIG. 64 shows the jam paper flag process, and FIG. 65 shows the supply flag and 66 shows toner flag processing, and FIG. 66 shows paper flag and POWER flag processing.

The judgments of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 61 to 66 can be compared as follows. That is, when an operator makes a copy, it is usually a document or F
Take the original such as D (floppy disk) to the place where the image forming device is installed. At this time, possible situations include: a. The device is in the JOB ready state and in the idle state. B. The device is in JOB ready state and in use c. The device is in the JOB executable state, but there is no desired paper, etc. d. If the equipment is out of supply and the power is off, JO
B Unexecutable state e. Depending on the failure state of the device, there may be a JOB unexecutable state.

As a judgment of the operator for these situations a to e, in the case of a, naturally, that device is used to execute the JOB. In the case of b, if it is in use and its waiting time is short, it waits until the device becomes idle (state of a), and if the waiting time is long, move to the place where another image forming device is installed. To do. In the case of c, the desired sheet or the like is set in the apparatus and then JOB is executed, or the sheet is moved to a place where another image forming apparatus is installed, whichever is earlier. In the case of d, supply is performed or power is turned on and then JOB is executed, or the job is moved to a place where another image forming apparatus is installed, whichever is earlier. In the case of e, it immediately moves to a place where another image forming apparatus is installed. Such a correspondence is general. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 52 to 60 described above correspond to the processing in the cases a to e.

E-3 Regarding Printer Selection Control when Processing Speed CPM of Each Printer is Different In E-1, it was explained that the processing speed of each printer = copy speed CPM is almost the same, but here, in each printer Printer selection when processing speeds are different will be described. On the system controller 400 side, the processing speed CPM can be known together with the connection state of the peripheral device of the printer by the serial format when the power of each printer is turned on. The required copying time is calculated based on this value (CPM), the original number counter check result of the small scanner 100, and various mode setting states. That is, the same JO
Even with B, since the processing time varies depending on the printer to be executed, it is necessary to select the JOB execution printer in consideration of it.

Such a case will be briefly described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 67 to 70, 55, 71 to 76. First, FIGS. 67 to 70
6 is a flowchart showing printer selection processing when both mode selection and printer status are OK. The state of the first desired printer is checked, and if it is feasible, the printer is selected. However, if the printer is already executing another JOB, the remaining time of the JOB is calculated, and if this time is less than or equal to a predetermined value, this printer (first desired printer) is selected as it is For a longer time, select another printer. The predetermined value includes the difference between the priority delay time and the JOB processing time in each printer. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of other JOBs without the unexecuted JOBs remaining.

If neither the mode selection nor the printer status is OK, it is not necessary to consider the difference in the processing speed of the printers, and the selection processing shown in FIG. 55 is performed.

71 to 76, the mode selection is OK.
9 is a flowchart showing a printer selection process when the printer status is not OK. That is, in the case of JOB designation accompanied by mode selection that is common to all printers configuring the system, and at least one or more printers are in an inoperable state (however, paper end, toner end, jam, etc. Something that can be recovered, or
It is a case that cannot be restored due to part failure).
In such a case, it is judged whether the JOB can be executed by a printer other than the inoperable printer, and the JOB
Select a printer that can terminate B. Although it is determined whether or not the specified job can be executed in a printer other than the inoperable printer, whether or not the job can be executed is determined. Even after waiting, if the job processing time of this inoperable printer is faster than that of the other printer, the inoperable printer is selected and waits. In any case, one JOB is not processed by a plurality of printers.

E-4 Management of Operating Status of Printer In this system, management of operating status of each printer is important as well as productivity improvement of a plurality of JOBs. Generally, in a system that is used distributedly on the floor, if JOBs from each small scanner are concentrated in only one of the printers, this printer is not a consumable item such as a supply. However, since there are various drive parts, there is a problem that wear and failure occur at an early stage. Specifically, it appears as a large number of jams due to the abrasion of the paper feed and conveyance rollers. Also, JOB
Inconveniences such as shortening of the service life or use beyond the service life may occur due to overloading due to concentration of water. Specifically, it is around the photoconductor and appears as deterioration of image quality.

In order to avoid such an inconvenience, the present system prevents the inconvenience from occurring by the following two methods.

According to the first method, the JOB input from the small scanner without the setting of the first priority printer which can be set for each small scanner 100 is the first priority printer data already set in the all-small scanner 100. Check
The printer 200 or 300 having the smaller number (selected) as the first priority printer is preferentially selected. Non-volatile data such as the first priority printer data is stored on the system controller 400 side.
Such processing can be easily performed because the data is collectively stored in the nonvolatile RAM.

The second method is the system controller 40.
The non-volatile RAM on the 0 side allows the number of copies and other operation information to be stored for each of the scanner 100 and the printers 200, 300, so that the printer 200,
If the first priority printer is executing another JOB along with data such as the number of copies for each 300, the JOB
The predetermined time (counting timer) for obtaining the remaining time required for processing, and selecting the first priority printer as it is if the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined time, and selecting another printer if the remaining time is longer than the predetermined time ) Value should be changed using fuzzy rules. By varying the value of the predetermined time as described above, deviation of JOB in the printer is prevented.

In this way, the plurality of printers 200,
By preventing JOBs from the small scanners 100 from concentrating on only one of the drive units 300, it is possible to prevent wear and failure of various drive components. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the service life from being shortened due to overload or to be used after the service life has passed, and it is possible to provide stable image quality. Further, the system controller 40
Since the JOB is distributed to the printers 200 and 300 on the 0 side, it is not necessary for the operator to specify the printer for each JOB, and the processing capacity of each printer 200 and 300 is not wasted, and efficient JOB processing is possible. Becomes

Four small scanners SC as in this embodiment
In a system configuration using 1 to SC4 and two printers PR1 and PR2, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the small scanner SC1, the printer PR1 is designated as the first priority printer and JOB01, 05, 09 is given, and in the small scanner SC2 the first priority printer is not designated and JOB02, 06, 10 is given. In the scanner SC3, the printer PR1 is designated as the first priority printer, and JOB03,0
7 and 11, the printer PR2 is designated as the first priority printer in the scanner SC4, and J
FIG. 76 shows the actual flow of JOB when OB04, 08, and 12 are given. This is 12 JOB0 with timer gain TMGAIN set to about 30 seconds.
It shows allocation of JOB when 1 to JOB 12 exist. Here, it is assumed that the contents of each JOB are as shown in Table 3. In addition, the C.I. ** indicates a check process at the end of each JOB, which is a process for determining the next JOB. The content of each check process is the process and judgment as shown in Table 4.

[0130]

[Table 3]

[0131]

[Table 4]

F. Control processing corresponding to the invention described in each claim Under the system configuration and operation as described above, the invention described in each claim forming an essential part of the present invention, by executing the control processing as shown below, Controls the power on / off of the printer. Each flag shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 to 21 is as shown in Table 5.

[0133]

[Table 5]

F-1 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 1 FIG. 1 shows the control processing. In this system, time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 using a real-time clock,
The printers PR1 and PR2 are set in accordance with preset start times and power cutoff times of the printers PR1 and PR2.
Will be intermittently started and shut down.

[0135] In a concrete consideration, at the time when the operator does not frequently perform the copying operation (for example, early morning, lunch break, night, holiday, etc.), at least a printer that is not activated is provided to save the minimum power consumption. While trying to
During times when there are many copy operations (for example, during working hours),
By activating all the printers so that they can operate, overlapping of jobs is reduced, and a system with high productivity can be achieved.

F-2 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 2 FIG. 2 shows the control processing. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 by using the real-time clock, and the start time and power-off time preset for a specific printer (here, the printer PR1) are set. This specific printer (printer PR1) is started and the power is cut off, and a timer (time counting means) is started by the startup of this specific printer (printer PR1), and another printer (here, printer PR2) is started. With regard to the above, by comparing the waiting time up to the start time and the waiting time up to the power cutoff time set in advance, the other printers (printer PR2) can be intermittently started up and cut off the power supply. is there.

In a concrete consideration, in this case as well, in a time period when the operator does not frequently perform the copying operation, at least a printer that is not activated is provided so as to save power to a minimum, but many copying operations are performed. In the time zone,
By activating all the printers so that they can operate, overlapping of jobs is reduced, and a system with high productivity can be achieved. In particular, since the time is managed by using the timer, it is possible to actually turn on / off the power without setting the power-off time of the printer only by setting the startup time.

F-3 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 3 FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the control processing. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 by using the real-time clock, and the printer PR1, PR2 is set according to the preset start time and power cutoff time for each printer PR1, PR2. P
R2 is started and the power is cut off intermittently. At this time, a preset predetermined time is separated by a timer,
The number of copy JOBs (image forming operations) executed within this predetermined time is counted. This count value is a predetermined number (here,
If it is 5) or more, the change processing is performed so that the start time of the printer which has not been started is earlier than the set start time. For this reason, when the count value of the number of copy JOBs exceeds a predetermined number, the request ON flag is set to 1 and a change process for accelerating the start time of the printer that has not been started is performed.

In a concrete consideration, in this case as well, in the time period when the operator does not frequently perform the copying operation, at least a printer that is not activated is provided to save the minimum power consumption, but the copying operation is often performed. In the time zone,
By activating all the printers so that they can operate, overlapping of jobs is reduced, and a system with high productivity can be achieved. In particular, if the number of copy operations suddenly increases during times when the copy operation is not performed frequently, the start time of the printer that has not been started is advanced and the printer starts up. It is a system that concentrates on operation and suppresses overlap, and does not reduce productivity.

F-4 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 4 FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the control processing. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 by using the real-time clock, and the printer PR1, PR2 is set according to the preset start time and power cutoff time for each printer PR1, PR2. P
R2 is started and the power is cut off intermittently. At this time, a preset predetermined time is separated by a timer,
Copy JOB executed in the past during this predetermined time period
Number (for example, the number of copy JOBs in this predetermined time zone yesterday)
However, if it exceeds a certain value (here, 5), the preset start time is changed in the same manner as in the above case, and the start time of the printer which has not been started is made earlier. It is a thing.

Considering it concretely, even in this case, any of the printers is started in accordance with the start time even in the time zone in which the copy operation is not frequently performed. However, according to the past history stored through the RAM, JOB during the specified time
By calculating the operating information such as the number of sheets or the number of copies, and changing the startup time according to the density of the input JOB, the printer will not be unnecessarily energized in the unused state, and maximum saving can be achieved. Electrification is achieved.
At the same time, in a high JOB density situation, the printer is activated earlier than the preset activation time.
It is possible to prevent overlapping of jobs. That is, power saving and productivity improvement can be achieved according to the usage pattern based on the past history.

F-5 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 5 The control processing is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 by using the real-time clock, and the printer PR1, PR2 is set according to the preset start time and power cutoff time for each printer PR1, PR2. P
R2 is started and the power is cut off intermittently. At this time, a preset predetermined time is separated by a timer,
Copy JOB executed in the past during this predetermined time period
Number (for example, the number of copy JOBs in this predetermined time zone yesterday)
However, if it is less than a certain value (here, 3), the preset power-off time is changed so as to be advanced, and the power-off time of the corresponding printer is advanced.

In a concrete consideration, even if the preset power-off time has not been reached, if a history that the number of JOBs in a predetermined time zone is small is obtained, it is unnecessary and unnecessary. Since the printer is not energized, maximum power saving can be achieved. That is, the power consumption can be further reduced by the usage pattern based on the past history.

F-6 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 6 The control processing is shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 by using a real-time clock, and the start and power-off of each printer is set according to the preset start-up time and power-off time Will be performed intermittently. At this time, the preset predetermined time is divided by a timer, and the copy JOBs executed in the predetermined time zone in the past (for example, the number of copy JOBs in the predetermined time zone yesterday) are divided in stages, and accordingly, Determine the number of startup printers (here, the number of JOB is 15
In the above case, three printers are activated, in the case where the number of JOBs is less than 15 and 5 or more, two printers are provided, and in the other cases, one printer is activated.

In the case of a concrete consideration, the storage means such as RAM is used: -a time zone in which the copy operation is not frequently performed-a time zone in which the copy operation is frequently performed is held and checked to match the operating status. By early or early correction of the start time or changing the number of printers to be started at the time of start, it is possible to save power and improve productivity according to the usage pattern based on past history.

F-7 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 7 The control processing is shown in FIG. This is also the system controller 400 for time management using a real-time clock.
Under the control of the printers PR1, PR2, the printers PR1, PR2 are set in accordance with preset start times and power-off times of the printers PR1, PR2.
Will be intermittently started and shut down. At this time, if the number of JOBs of the current reserved copy reserved by the reservation input means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (here, 5), a printer that has not been activated is activated and a printer that is operable is activated. The number is increased.

That is, the time zone in which the copy operation is not frequently performed and the time zone in which the copy operation is frequently performed are generally divided, but when there are a predetermined number or more of reserved JOB input processes (predetermined pattern). Since there is a high possibility that the copy operation will be frequently performed thereafter, in such a case, productivity is improved by starting a printer that has not been started, and the reserved JOB It does not give unnecessary waiting time to the operator including processing. Further, in the situation where the above-described predetermined pattern does not exist, the number of printers being activated is reduced as much as possible to save power.

F-8 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 8 The control processing is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 using the real-time clock, and each printer PR is set according to the preset start time and power-off time for each printer PR1, PR2.
1, PR2 is started and power is interrupted intermittently. At this time, the predetermined time set in advance is divided by a timer, and the copy jobs executed in the predetermined time zone of the printers PR1 and PR2 in the past (for example, the number of copy jobs in the predetermined time zone yesterday) are compared. If the difference in the number of JOBs between the printers is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (here, 10), the start time of the printer with the smaller number of JOBs is advanced to make more JOBs executable.
This is to shorten the power-off time of the printer with the larger number of Bs so that the number of JOBs to bear is reduced. Therefore,
It also involves the process of exchanging printers for JOB.

From a specific point of view, even if the operator does not frequently perform the copying operation, any one of the plurality of printers is started according to the set start time, but it is not possible to use the predetermined history during the predetermined time. The number of JOBs and the number of copies are calculated for each printer PR1 and PR2, and are distributed by the control of the activation state so that the difference becomes smaller than a predetermined value. Therefore, there is a bias in the number of copy operations between the printers PR1 and PR2. It will not occur, and it is possible to prevent premature wear / failure of the drive part and sudden wear of the supply parts due to uneven JOB. It is also possible to start the printer at a more optimal time according to the current situation than the start time set by the operator.

F-9 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 9 The control processing is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 using a real-time clock, and a specific printer (here, the printer PR is used).
1) The specific printer (printer PR1) is started and powered off according to the startup time and the power shutdown time preset in 1), and a timer (time counting means) is started by the startup of this specific printer (printer PR1). By activating and comparing the waiting time up to the starting time and the waiting time up to the power-off time preset for other printers (here, printer PR2), the other printers (printer PR2) Start up and power off intermittently. Further, a predetermined time set in advance is divided by a timer so that the past printers PR1, PR
Copy JOBs executed in this predetermined time zone for each two (for example, the number of copy JOBs in this predetermined time zone yesterday) are compared, and the difference in the number of JOBs between the printers is a predetermined value (here, 1).
0) or more, the start time of the printer with the smaller number of JOBs is advanced so that more jobs can be executed, while the power-off time of the printer with the larger number of JOBs is advanced. The number is reduced. Therefore, the process of replacing the printer to be executed for JOB is also involved.

In a concrete consideration, in this case as well, in a time period when the operator does not frequently perform the copying operation, at least a printer that is not activated is provided to save the minimum power consumption, but many copying operations are performed. In the time zone,
By activating all the printers so that they can operate, overlapping of jobs is reduced, and a system with high productivity can be achieved. In particular, since the time is managed by using the timer, it is possible to actually turn on / off the power without setting the power-off time of the printer only by setting the startup time. Further, according to the operating status of each printer based on the past history, each printer PR1, PR
Since the difference in the number of JOBs for each two is distributed by the control of the activation state so that the difference becomes smaller than the predetermined value, the number of copying operations between the printers PR1 and PR2 is not biased, and is caused by the bias of JOBs. It is possible to prevent premature wear and failure of the drive part and rapid consumption of supply parts. It is also possible to start the printer at a more optimal time according to the current situation than the start time set by the operator.

F-10 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 10 The control processing is shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 using the real-time clock, and each printer PR is set according to the preset start time and power-off time for each printer PR1, PR2.
1, PR2 is started and power is interrupted intermittently. At this time, a preset predetermined time is separated by a timer, and the copy JO executed in this time zone in the past is separated.
B (for example, the number of JOBs in this time zone yesterday) is divided in stages, and start-up, power-off, and continuous operation of the printers PR1 and PR2 are controlled according to the number of times. Here, when the number of JOBs is 5 or more, the printer PR2 is also activated, but when the number of JOBs is 3 or less, the power of the printer PR2 is cut off.

That is, during the time when there are many copy operations, all the printers are activated so that JOBs can be executed to prevent the JOBs from overlapping and prevent the number of copy operations from becoming uneven among the printers. By intermittently controlling the start-up while managing the number of copy operations during a time period when the number of JOBs is small, it is possible to prevent sudden consumption of supply parts and to save power. In other words, by the time and the operation status data that accompany the past history,
It is possible to appropriately and selectively execute two contradictory modes of improving copy productivity and power saving.

F-11 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 11 FIG. 19 shows the control processing. This is also the system controller 400 for time management using a real-time clock.
Under the control of the printers PR1, PR2, the printers PR1, PR2 are set in accordance with preset start times and power-off times of the printers PR1, PR2.
Will be intermittently started and shut down. At this time, when multiple printers that have not started are started,
The more small scanner 100 activates the printer selected and designated as the first priority printer.

That is, basically, during the time period when the operator does not frequently perform the copy operation, power saving is achieved by not activating any one of the plurality of printers, and during the time period when the copy operation is frequently performed, The overlapping of JOBs is prevented in advance by activating the printers, but when the printers are activated, the efficiency is high because they are performed in the order of printers with high priority that can be set by each small scanner 100. That is, the priority of this printer that can be set arbitrarily is
Since it is considered that the printer closest to the operator is often set, the printer closest to the layout in the system configuration can be effectively used.

F-12 Control Processing Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 12 The control processing is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. This is also based on the fact that the time management is performed by the system under the control of the system controller 400 by using a real-time clock, and the start and power-off of each printer is set according to the preset start-up time and power-off time Will be performed intermittently. At this time, the preset predetermined time is divided by a timer, and the copy JOBs executed in the predetermined time zone in the past (for example, the number of copy JOBs in the predetermined time zone yesterday) are divided in stages, and accordingly, Controls printer startup, power shutdown, and continuous operation. Here, when the number of JOBs is 5 or more, the number of units is controlled to be 2 units, and when the number of JOBs is 3 or more, the number is 1 unit. Further, as in the case (F-11), the printer to be activated is controlled so that the printer that is selected and designated as the first priority printer by the small scanner 100 more frequently takes priority.

In other words, by having a printer that is not activated by the operator during times when the copying operation is not performed frequently, a minimum amount of power is saved, and by operating all printers during times when the copying operation is frequent, JOB is performed. However, the start-up is performed in the order of printers having higher priorities that can be set by the small scanners 100, so that the efficiency is improved.
In other words, the printer priority that can be arbitrarily set is considered to be set to the printer closest to the operator in many cases, so that the printer closest to the layout in the system configuration can be effectively used. In addition, the printer whose power is cut off is selectively changed according to the history of the operating status such as the number of copies for each printer in the past, so that the system can be operated according to the past execution status of JOB.

[0158]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal and a smaller number of image output means than the image output means are used for the image signals output from the image output means. A plurality of image forming means for performing an image forming operation in response to the real time clock, and at least one of the image forming means according to a preset start time.
Since the system is configured with a control unit that intermittently activates more than one unit, time management is performed by the system, and the activation is controlled by the control unit according to the activation time set for each image forming unit. During lunch breaks, at night, when the operator does not frequently perform image forming operations, at least one image forming unit that does not activate is provided to save power, while image forming operations such as during working hours are performed. In a time zone with a lot of traffic, by starting all the image forming units and keeping them in an operable state, it is possible to reduce the overlap of jobs and increase the productivity, and to save power according to the time zone. The improvement of productivity can be secured.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the image output means, the image forming means and the real-time clock similar to those of the first aspect of the invention, the time counting means, and the image according to the preset start time are set. Since at least one of the forming means is activated and the time counting means is activated to control the energization of the remaining image forming means for a period of time, the system is configured. In particular, since the time counting means for controlling the energization time is provided while ensuring the power saving at the time and the improvement of the productivity with less overlapping of jobs during the time when the image forming operation is frequently performed, only the start time is provided. With this setting, it is possible to control the on / off of the image forming means without inputting the power-off time of the image forming means.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the image output means, the image forming means and the real-time clock similar to those of the first aspect of the invention are provided, and one of the image forming means is set in accordance with a preset start time. When the number of required image forming operations is equal to or more than a predetermined number within a predetermined time, the remaining image forming means in the image forming means is activated regardless of a preset time. Since the system is configured by the control means, under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, a part of the image forming means is activated in a time zone when the image forming operation is not frequently performed, and minimum productivity is secured. Even in such a time zone, the amount of required image forming operations is managed and grasped, and when the number of suddenly required image forming operations exceeds a predetermined number, the remaining It is possible to start control without waiting until the activation time with respect to the image forming means reduces the overlap of the job, the productivity can be controlled so as not to decrease, the efficient system.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the image output means, the image forming means, and the real-time clock as described above, a storage means for storing operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past. And the control means for controlling the start time by changing the start time preset for each image forming means according to the operation information stored in the storage means, so that the real time clock and the control means Under the control by the operator, at least a part of the image forming means is activated according to its activation time even during a time period when the operator does not frequently perform the image forming operation, but the unit is based on the past history stored and managed in the storage means. By calculating the number of copies or the number of jobs during the time and changing the start time based on the result,
It is possible to avoid energization of the image forming means in a state of high non-use probability as much as possible, and to avoid overlapping of jobs by accelerating the start time when the probability of use is high. It is possible to improve the power saving and the productivity according to the usage pattern of.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means, and the real-time clock as described above are provided, respectively, according to the power-off time preset for each image forming means. Control means for shutting off the power of the image forming means and shutting off at least one of the image forming means before the power shutoff time when there is no predetermined number of image forming operations within a predetermined time during startup. Since the system is configured by, the power of the image forming means being activated is shut off according to each power shutoff time under the control of the real-time clock and the control means. If the above image forming operation does not exist, the power of at least one image forming unit is shut off before the power shutdown time. More can be avoided as much as possible unnecessary energization, it is possible to further improve the power saving.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, together with the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means and the real time clock as described above, the start time preset for each image forming means or the start time in the system is set. Since the system is constituted by the control means for changing and controlling the number of booted devices in accordance with the operation information stored in the storage means, the start-up preset for each image forming means under the control of the real-time clock and the control means. The control is performed so that a predetermined number of devices are activated at the time, but by sequentially storing the operation information in the storage means, it is possible to properly determine the time period in which the image forming operation is not frequently performed or the time period in which the image forming operation is frequently performed. ,
Since the activation time and the number of vehicles to be activated at the time of activation are appropriately controlled, it is possible to improve power saving and productivity in a state according to the usage pattern.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, generally, when the time zone in which the image forming operation is not frequently performed and the time zone in which the image forming operation is frequently performed are separated, and the amount of the image forming operation designated for reservation is large, Paying attention to the possibility that the time period to be frequently executed will continue thereafter, and together with the image output means and the image forming means as described above, a reservation input means for making a reservation designation regarding the image forming operation, and this reservation input means. Since the system is constituted by the control means for varying the number of image forming means capable of image forming operation in the system according to the reservation input by the control means, the number of image forming means to be operated is varied under control of the control means at any time. In the case where it is assumed that the operation is performed frequently, the image forming means that has not been activated is activated, so that the productivity is improved and the operator It is possible to prevent unnecessary waiting time, and conversely, in the case where it is determined that the image forming operation is not frequently performed depending on the reservation situation, the number of image forming means to be activated is reduced as much as possible. Therefore, efficient power saving can be achieved.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means for storing the operation information for each image forming means and the real time clock as described above are provided to each image forming means. Since the system is constituted by the control means for selectively controlling the image forming means to be activated according to the preset activation time and the operation information stored in the storage means, the image formation is performed under the control of the real time clock and the control means. Even when the operation is not frequently performed, any image forming unit is started according to the start time, but the operating status of each image forming unit is grasped by the past history stored in the storage unit of each image forming unit. Since the image forming means to be activated is selectively controlled, it is possible to perform control in which the number of image forming operations is not biased among the image forming means. As a result, it is possible to prevent premature wear / failure of the drive part caused by the deviation of the job and rapid consumption of the supply parts. Furthermore, the image forming means is activated at a time that is more optimal than the preset activation time. You can also

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the energizing time of the image forming means is controlled together with the image output means, the image forming means, the storing means for storing each image forming means and the real time clock as described above. Since the system is constituted by the time counting means and the control means for selectively controlling the image forming means for controlling the energization time by the time counting means based on the operation information stored in the storage means, the real time clock, the time counting Under the control of the image forming unit and the control unit, power saving is achieved by having an image forming unit whose power supply is cut off during a time period when the image forming operation is not frequently performed, and all or during the time period when the image forming operation is frequent. It is possible to prevent overlapping of jobs by keeping more image forming means in operation, and especially by using the time counting means. Because it is managing the source cut-off time,
It is possible to control on / off by setting only the start time,
At the same time, the image forming means to be powered off is also selectively controlled based on the operating status of each image forming means, so that the image forming operation can be made uniform among the image forming means.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means for storing each image forming means, and the real time clock as well as the image corresponding to the start time set in advance are set. Since the system is constituted by the control means for activating the forming means and intermittently operating at least one or more of the remaining image forming means based on the operation information stored in the storage means,
Under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, during the time when the image forming operation is frequently performed, all or more image forming means are started to prevent the overlapping of jobs, while the image forming means are connected to each other. In order to prevent unevenness in image forming operation, the image forming means is operated intermittently while the number of image forming operations is controlled by the storage means during a time period when the image forming operation is small. In addition, the power saving can be ensured, and ultimately, the productivity improvement and the power saving can be selectively executed based on the start time and the past operation status.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the image output means, the image forming means, and the real-time clock as described above are used, and the priority is arbitrarily set for each image output means with respect to the image forming means for performing the image forming operation. The priority setting means for setting and the control means for controlling the start-up based on the priority set by the priority setting means when starting at least one image forming means according to a preset start time Since the system is configured, basically, the activation of the image forming means is controlled at a preset activation time under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, but it is activated based on the priority order set by the priority order setting means. Since the image forming means to be controlled is controlled, it is possible to effectively use the image forming means closest to the operator in layout. It can be a system.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, together with the image output means, the image forming means, the storage means for storing each image forming means, the priority setting means, and the real time clock as described above, the preset activation is performed. An image to be activated based on the operation information stored in the storage unit and the priority order set by the priority order setting unit when the number of images that can be formed in the image forming unit is changed stepwise according to the time. Since the system is constituted by the control means for selectively controlling the forming means, similarly, under the control of the real-time clock and the control means, the activation of the image forming means is controlled at a preset activation time, but the priority setting means. By controlling the image forming means to be activated based on the priority set by, the layout is closest to the operator. In addition to providing a system in which the image forming means can be effectively used, the image forming means for which the power is to be shut off, that is, the number of operating machines is selectively controlled based on the operating status stored in the storage means. It is possible to operate the system according to the execution status in.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to the invention according to claim 1.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to the invention described in claim 2.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 3;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another part of the control processing corresponding to the invention according to claim 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another part of the control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 5;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another part of the control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 5;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 6;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control process that follows the process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another part of the control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 6;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to the invention of claim 7.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to the invention of claim 8;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 8;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to the invention of claim 9;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 9;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to the invention of claim 10;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 10;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to the invention of claim 11;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control process corresponding to the invention of claim 12;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the control processing corresponding to the invention of claim 12;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the system.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a small scanner.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a small scanner from which an operation unit and the like have been removed.

FIG. 25 is a schematic side view showing the structure of a small scanner.

FIG. 26 is a schematic front view showing the cross-sectional structure of the printer PR1.

FIG. 27 is a schematic front view showing the cross-sectional structure of the printer PR2.

FIG. 28 is a schematic front view showing the cross-sectional structure of the modified example.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the electrical system structure of a small scanner.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main controller.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a control flow in the main controller.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel.

FIG. 33 is a plan view showing the configuration of an operation panel.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of transmission data allocation from the system controller to the small scanner.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an outline of control in a small scanner.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the initial setting processing routine.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the first and second priority mode setting routines.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the second priority mode setting routine.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the return time setting mode routine.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the various time setting mode routines.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the document scanning routine.

FIG. 42 is a printer PR1 including a system controller.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electric component system configuration of FIG.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing an electrical system configuration of the printer PR2.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing the main controller configuration of the printer PR1.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a control flow in the main controller.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data allocation transmitted from the printer to the system controller.

FIG. 47 is a block diagram schematically showing a command control system.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing a RAM area in the system controller.

FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the flow from JOB input to execution.

FIG. 50: Non-volatile RA in system controller
It is an explanatory view showing an example of M composition.

FIG. 51 is a block diagram illustrating a location where a system abnormality occurs.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an example of manual selection regarding printer selection processing.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating an example of printer selection processing.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the continuation thereof.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart illustrating an example of printer selection processing.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating an example of printer selection processing.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the continuation thereof.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the continuation thereof.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the continuation thereof.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the continuation thereof.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing an example of setting / resetting processing of a mode disable flag.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the continuation thereof.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing an example of SC printer flag setting / resetting processing.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing an example of jam paper flag setting / resetting processing.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for setting / resetting a supply flag, a toner flag, and a paper flag.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing an example of POWER flag setting / resetting processing.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing an example of printer selection processing when printer processing speeds are different.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing an example of the subsequent printer selection process.

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing an example of the printer selection process that follows.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing an example of the subsequent printer selection process.

FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing an example of printer selection processing when printer processing speeds are different.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing an example of the subsequent printer selection process.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing an example of the subsequent printer selection processing.

FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing an example of the subsequent printer selection process.

FIG. 75 is a flowchart showing an example of a printer selection process that follows.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing an example of printer selection processing when the printer processing speeds are different.

77 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an actual JOB flow. FIG.

FIG. 78 is a schematic diagram for explaining an actual JOB flow.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 image output means 102 reservation input means, priority setting means 200, 300 image forming means 400 control means 233 storage means

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for reducing the number of these image output means and performing an image forming operation according to the image signal output from the image output means. An image forming system comprising: an image forming unit, a real-time clock, and a control unit for intermittently starting at least one of the image forming units according to a preset starting time. 2. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for reducing the number of these image output means and performing an image forming operation according to the image signal output from the image output means. An image forming unit, a real-time clock, a time counting unit, and at least one of the image forming units is activated according to a preset activation time, and at the same time, the time counting unit is activated and the remaining image forming units are activated. An image forming system, comprising: a control unit for timely controlling energization of the image forming apparatus. 3. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for reducing the number of these image output means and performing an image forming operation according to the image signal output from the image output means. The image forming means, the real-time clock, and a part of the image forming means in the image forming means are activated in accordance with a preset start time, and the number of required image forming operations is equal to or more than a predetermined number within a predetermined time. An image forming system comprising: a control unit which, when present, activates the remaining image forming units in the image forming unit regardless of a preset time. 4. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for reducing the number of these image output means and performing an image forming operation according to the image signal output from the image output means. An image forming unit, a storage unit for storing operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past, a real-time clock, and a start time preset for each image forming unit in the storage unit. An image forming system, comprising: a control unit that controls the start time by changing the stored operation information. 5. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for performing an image forming operation according to the image signals output from the image output means, the number of which is smaller than those of the image output means. An image forming unit, a storage unit that stores operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past, a real-time clock, and a power-off time preset for each image forming unit. Control means for shutting off the power of the image forming means and shutting off at least one of the image forming means before the power shutoff time when there is no predetermined number of image forming operations within a predetermined time during startup. An image forming system comprising: 6. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for reducing the number of these image output means and performing an image forming operation according to the image signal output from the image output means. Image forming means, storage means for storing operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past, a real-time clock, a start time preset for each image forming means or a start time in the system An image forming system comprising: a control unit configured to change and control the number of booted devices in accordance with the operation information stored in the storage unit. 7. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for performing an image forming operation in accordance with the image signals output from the image output means, the number being smaller than these image output means. An image forming unit, a reservation input unit for making a reservation designation regarding the image forming operation, and a control unit for changing the number of image forming units in the system capable of performing the image forming operation according to the reservation input by the reservation input unit. Characteristic image forming system. 8. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for performing an image forming operation according to the image signal output from the image output means Image forming means, storage means for storing operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past, a real-time clock, and a preset start-up for each image forming means An image forming system comprising: a control unit that selectively controls an image forming unit to be activated according to time and operation information stored in the storage unit. 9. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for performing an image forming operation in accordance with the image signals output from the image output means, the number being smaller than these image output means. Image forming means, storage means for storing operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past, a real-time clock, and a time count for controlling the energization time of the image forming means. An image forming system comprising: an image forming unit and a control unit that selectively controls an image forming unit that controls the energization time by the time counting unit based on the operation information stored in the storage unit to shut it off. 10. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for performing an image forming operation in accordance with the image signals output from the image output means, the number being smaller than these image output means. An image forming unit, a storage unit for storing operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past, a real-time clock, and an image forming unit corresponding to a preset start time. An image forming system comprising: a control means for activating the control means and for intermittently operating at least one or more of the remaining image forming means based on the operation information stored in the storage means. 11. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for performing an image forming operation according to the image signals output from the image output means, the number of which is smaller than those of the image output means. At least one image forming unit, a priority setting unit that arbitrarily sets a priority for each image output unit with respect to the image forming unit that should perform the image forming operation, a real-time clock, and a preset start time. An image forming system comprising: a control unit that controls activation based on the priority set by the priority setting unit when the image forming unit is activated. 12. A plurality of image output means for outputting an image signal, and a plurality of image output means for performing an image forming operation according to the image signals output from the image output means, the number being smaller than these image output means. An image forming unit, a storage unit that stores operation information such as the number of copies and the number of copy jobs for each predetermined time in the past, and an image forming unit that should perform an image forming operation. A priority order setting means for arbitrarily setting the priority order, a real-time clock, and a storage in the storage means when stepwise changing the number of image-forming devices in the image forming means according to a preset start time. And a control unit that selectively controls the image forming unit to be activated based on the selected operation information and the priority set by the priority setting unit. Image forming system.