JP3535600B2 - Image processing system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system in which at least two image processing devices capable of outputting image data to a recording medium are connected to each other and the image data can be mutually transferred.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, since a reader section and a printer section constituting a digital copying machine can be independently used as an image reading device and an image output device, for example, a general external interface is used. By connecting to a computer system, the copier can be used as an image output device, a plurality of digital copiers (plural sets of readers and printers) can be connected, or a plurality of digital copiers can be used as a reader. A system in which a printer unit is divided and connected to each other, a central control unit for controlling them is provided to form one system, and a plurality of printer units are simultaneously driven to ensure high-performance printing capability. Have been proposed.

[0003]

However, in the system control by the central control unit as described above, the reader / printer unit or the number of sets of digital copying machines which can be connected by the central control unit used is determined in advance. However, there was a problem from the standpoint of the flexible expandability of the system because it had to be done or the number of sets was limited.

Further, when the functions such as the double-sided copying function and the sorting function are used in one apparatus, it is general that there is a limit to the number of sheets that can be set at one time. Even if the printer section is driven at the same time, when performing output using a special function such as double-sided copying or sorting, only the device instructing the output was used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus having a high system expandability.

[0006]

The present invention has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, and has the following structure in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

Namely, connecting at least two image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data on a recording medium together, in mutually capable of transferring image data image processing system, where
Set the number of settings using the double-sided copying function in a fixed image processing device.
Equipped with a double-sided unit when the number of sheets exceeds the limit
The other image processing devices that have
It is characterized by performing an injury .

Further, when the distribution is performed, the operator is notified of that fact.

For example, in response to a status request command
Issued from another image processing device, or
Others at regular time intervals without using the command
Status transfer command issued from the image processing device
The status of other image processing devices is
It is characterized by being displayed on the operation unit used for setting the surface printing function .

For example, when the setting using the sorting function for a predetermined image processing apparatus is performed exceeding the limit of the number of registered sheets, another image processing apparatus equipped with a sorter is automatically assigned the number of registered sheets. It is characterized by performing.

[0011]

With the above configuration, when a function exceeding the limit is set when executing a function such as a double-sided copying function or a sorting function that causes a limit on the number of copies in a single device, the system is connected to the system. If the setting is possible in another device, there is a peculiar effect that the number of copies can be automatically distributed through the system.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> [General Description of System (FIGS. X to X)] FIG. 1 shows a copying system (tandem system or tandem system) constituted by a digital copying machine as a typical embodiment of the present invention. system.
Hereinafter, it will be referred to as a "double connection system". ) Is a block showing a connection form. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1001 to 1004 denote a set of digital copying machines (hereinafter, this set of digital copying machines is referred to as a “station”), and a system address (hereinafter simply referred to as “address”) is assigned to each set. Has been. The address value is “0” for the stations 1001 to 1004,
The values are "1", "2", and "3", and these values are unique values in the duplicate system. Also, be sure to write "0"
It is necessary that there be a station with an address value of.

The stations 1001 to 1004 are connected by connection cables 1005 to 1007, and the stations 1001 to 1004 are connected to a computer (hereinafter referred to as "host") 1009 by an interface device (hereinafter referred to as "IPU") 1008. ing. The detailed configuration of the connection cables 1005 to 1007 is shown in FIG.
8 for each color of RGB as shown in 1010 of FIG.
A total of 24 video signal lines, 3 video control lines, and 4 communication lines are included.

Further, in this embodiment, stations 1001 to 1007 are connected by connecting cables 1005 to 1007 in order to switch the video signals used in the multiplex system.
The connection order of 1004 is determined according to the address value. That is, the station with the address 0 is placed at the end of the system, and the stations are sequentially connected so that the address values are in ascending order.

The present embodiment is characterized in that a print request can be issued from each of the above-mentioned stations to another station, and the print processing in this other station is hereinafter referred to as "multiple copy".

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection form of video signals in the multiplex system. In FIG. 2, 1101-1
Reference numerals 104 respectively show only interface portions (I / F portions) of the stations 1001 to 1004. Reference numeral 1108 is an I / F unit of the IPU 1008. 11
05 to 1107 are connection cables 1005 to 100, respectively.
7 shows 24 RGB video signals and 7 video control lines. Further, A and B in each of the I / F units 1101 to 1104 indicate connection points between each station and another station, and the connection point A is a connection with a station having an address value smaller than its own address value. On the other hand, the connection point B is used for connection with a station having an address value larger than the address value of itself.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connection form of serial communication lines for communication between system constituent elements in the multiplex system. In FIG. 3, 1201 to 1203 are I / F units 1101 to 1101 of the stations 1001 to 1003, respectively.
Of the 1103, only the interface portion for serial communication is extracted. Also, 1204 to 120
7 are each 4 communication lines, OFFER *, DACK *, SiD *, ATN *
Is represented.

ATN * is a synchronizing signal indicating that data is being transferred from the master station (station with address 0) in the multiplex system, and data transfer is performed when the signal value of ATN * is "L". At stations other than the master station (hereinafter called slave stations)
The ATN * line is always in input mode.

In OFFER *, the signal value of OFFER * becomes "L" when the slave station transmits data to the master station. OFFER * at master station
Line is always in input mode. The plurality of slave stations are connected by a wired OR.

DACK * is a signal indicating that the data receiving side has completed data reception, and the stations are connected by a wired OR. Therefore, when there are multiple stations on the receiving side, the DACK * on the line becomes inactive when the station that has completed the latest data reception makes the DACK * inactive. This synchronizes the data transfer between stations.

SiD * is bidirectional serial data,
Data is exchanged in synchronization with ATN * (master → slave) and OFFER * (slave → master). The data transfer method is a half-duplex start-stop synchronization method, and the transmission speed and data format are preset at system startup.

Eight signal lines are output from the I / F units 1201 to 1203 to a controller (not shown) of each station, and TxD / RxD is an I / O port (not shown) for serial communication. For each transmitter / receiver,
ATNo, DACKo, OFFERo are at the input of I / O port (not shown), ATNi, DACKi, OFFERi are at I / O port (not shown)
Are connected to the respective output sections of.

FIG. 4 shows a timing chart of each signal during data transmission. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal
Synchronously when ATN * or signal OFFER * is “L” (ie, when data is sent from the master station,
Alternatively, when the data is sent from the slave station), the signal SiD * is sent and received between the master and slave stations. And the signal ATN * is "L"
For example, when data is transmitted from the master station to a plurality of slave stations, the DACK * signal of the slave station that starts receiving data earliest becomes “L” (DACK0 in FIG. 4), and the DACK * signal line changes. It becomes "L". Further, when the DACK * signal of the slave station which has received the latest data becomes "L" (DACKn in FIG. 4), the DACK * signal line becomes "H".

FIG. 5 shows communication lines 1204-1207 when a multi-link system is constructed using the interface having the above configuration.
It is a figure which shows the main commands used for the communication performed via.

The interface clear command (code "10") is for resetting the parameters related to the multi-spindle system, and the master station whose system address is defined as 0 is set after the master station completes initialization of itself. It is issued to the station and each slave station, and OFFER * is fixed to the input mode in the master station. On the other hand, each slave station receives this command, fixes the ATN * in input mode, and initializes internal parameters.

Status request command (code "0
3 ”) is a polling command for collecting information such as the status of the slave stations connected to the multiplex system, and is issued to each slave station after a certain time has elapsed after the master station issued the interface clear command. This command contains the requested address to specify the slave station as a parameter.

Status transfer command (code "0
5 ") is a command for the slave station specified by the status request command to report its own status to each station in the multiplex system. If specified by the master station, it will be sent within a fixed time. You must issue this command, which includes your system address, error
It includes various flags indicating that the paper is being weighted or being copied, and parameters such as the type of paper and the presence / absence of paper. If the slave station specified by the status request command from the master station does not issue the status transfer command even after a certain period of time, the master station determines that the specified slave station is not connected in the cascade system. To do.

Print start command (code "0"
1 ") designates which station the image transfer station uses, how to distribute the number of sheets to each station used, etc., and prepares the station to be used for image reception. The command includes image transfer source address, request destination address, paper size, number of sheets, etc. as parameters.

Image transfer end command (code "06")
Is for the image transfer source station to report the end of image transfer to another station.

[Detailed Configuration of Digital Copier (FIGS. X to X)] FIG. 6 shows stations 1001 to 1001 in this embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of a digital copying machine used as 1004. This digital copying machine has a color reader unit 351 that reads a color original document and further performs digital editing processing, and a different photosensitive drum, and produces a color image according to a digital image signal of each color sent from the color reader unit 351. The printer unit 352 reproduces.

In FIG. 6, 101 is a CCD and 3 is
Reference numeral 53 is a digital image processing unit, 354 is an operation panel, and 35
5 is a platen glass, 356 is a mirror pressure plate, and 3 is a platen.
57 is a halogen lamp, 358 to 360 are mirrors, 36
Reference numeral 1 is a lens for collecting the reflected light of the halogen lamp 357 on the CCD 101, 362 is a carriage for housing the halogen lamp 357 and the mirror 358, and 363 is a mirror 359.
Carriage for accommodating ~ 360, 364 is an interface (I / F) with another station or IPU 1008
It is a department. Carriage 362 has velocity v, carriage 36
Reference numeral 3 denotes a speed v / 2, which mechanically moves the CCD 101 in a direction perpendicular to the electrical scanning (main scanning) direction to scan (sub-scan) the entire surface of the image original.

<Structure of Color Reader Unit 351> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed structure of the digital image processing unit 353 of the color reader unit 351. The color document on the platen glass 355 is exposed by the halogen lamp 357, the reflected image thereof is picked up by the CCD 101, converted into an electric signal, and the electric signal is input to the digital image processing unit 353.

In FIG. 7, the electric signal input from the CCD 101 is an A / D converter and a sample hold (S).
/ H) is sampled and held in the circuit 102 to obtain A /
D-converted to generate RGB component digital signals.
The RGB data is subjected to shading correction and black correction in the shading circuit 103, and is corrected to an NTSC signal in the input masking circuit 104. A selector 124 (controlled by a signal 126 from a CPU (not shown)) generates an image signal (A1 ...
A3 side) or an image signal (B1 to B3 side) from an external device is selected, and the selected signal is applied to the scaling circuit 105.
To enter. The scaling circuit 105 performs enlargement or reduction in the main scanning direction, and inputs the result to the LOG circuit 123 and the selector 125 (controlled by a signal 127 from a CPU (not shown)).

The output of the LOG circuit 123 is the memory unit 1
06, and video data is stored. Color data is stored as YMC component data in the memory unit 106, and the color data is read at each timing of latent image formation on four photosensitive drums, which will be described later.

The masking UCR circuit 107 masks and outputs UC for four colors with respect to the output signal of the selector 125.
R processing is performed and the color data represented by the YMCBk component is output. Then, in the γ correction circuit 109, YMCB
The γ correction is performed on the k component, and the edge enhancement circuit 110 performs edge enhancement. Then, the add-on unit 129 subjects the color data subjected to the γ correction and the edge enhancement to known image processing for preventing forgery, and outputs it to the printer unit 352.

In FIG. 7, DTOP is the output of an image sensor (not shown), HSNC1 is the internal horizontal synchronizing signal, HSNC2 is the externally generated horizontal synchronizing signal, and ITOP1 is the paper edge sensor 329. An output, 122 is 1 bit each for a write enable signal and a read enable signal for the main scanning direction of the memory 106, which are generated based on a sub scan write enable signal 536 from the outside.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sub-scanning direction write enable signal (1 bit) and four sub-scanning read enable signals (4 bits) for each color component (YMCBk). Signals 121-12
2, the ITOP signal 531 and the sub-scanning video enable signal 531 are the ITOP1 signal, the HSNC1 signal, the sub-scanning write enable signal 536 from the outside, and DTOP, respectively.
It is generated in the area generation unit 105 based on a signal or the like.

Reference numeral 130 is a video bus selector which outputs a video signal to the outside and inputs a video signal from the outside.

<Description of Configuration of Bus Selector 130> FIG. 8
Is a video bus selector 130 and its peripheral circuit 131.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. In FIG. 8, 504
And 505, 514 and 515, 519 and 520, 526 and 527, 524 and 525 are each a bidirectional buffer configured as one set, 530 is an output buffer, 50
Reference numerals 6, 513, 521, 528, and 529 are signal lines supplied from a CPU (not shown) for controlling the bidirectional buffer, and 523 is a frequency conversion circuit including a FIFO.

Reference numerals 501 to 503 respectively denote B terminals corresponding to B1 to B3 of the video bus selector 130 shown in FIG. 7, C terminals corresponding to C1 to C3, and A corresponding to A1 to A3.
It is a terminal. Further, 508 is a selector for selecting A terminal input or C terminal input, 507 is a flip-flop (DF / F) for outputting the output of the selector 508 to the output buffer 505 to the B terminal 501 at the timing of the signal VCK, 5
10 is a selector for selecting A terminal input or B terminal input, 5
12 is a flip-flop (DF / F) that outputs the output of the selector 511 to the output buffer 514 to the C terminal 502 at the timing of the signal VCK, 516 is a selector that selects B terminal input or C terminal input, and 518 is the selector 516 A flip-flop (DF / DF /) that outputs the output to the output buffer 521 to the A terminal 503 at the timing of the signal VCK
F).

Furthermore, 531 is a sub-scanning synchronizing signal (ITOP2) of the IPU 1008, and 532 is an IPU 1008.
Main scanning synchronization signal (HSNCX), 533 is a sub scanning write enable signal (VVE1) to another station,
Reference numeral 534 is a main scan enable signal (HVE *) to another station, 535 is a video clock (VCK) to its own device and another station, 536 is a sub scan write enable signal from another station (master station), CPUs 509, 511, 517, and 537
A signal set by (not shown), 538 is an enable signal (IENX) for the frequency converter 523, and 539 is a binary value which is written in the bitmap memory when the device has a bitmap memory and is transmitted to the outside. Signal, 5
Reference numeral 40 is a video clock from another station which is used as a write clock of the frequency converter 523, and 541 is a signal which is inverted by a write enable signal of the frequency converter 523 and is used as a write reset signal by an inverter. 542 is an OR gate. Also, HSNC
X532 is inverted and used as a read reset signal of the frequency converter 523. Reference numeral 522 is a binarized signal transmitted from the bitmap memory when the bitmap memory is in another station.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 7, the flow of video signals in various modes described below will be described. Station 1 which is the digital copying machine of this embodiment
001 to 1004 are connected to each other, and in addition to copying the image original read from each station at the station (this is called "normal copy" mode), the image original read to another station is used as a video signal. There are a transmission mode (this is called "external interface output" mode) and a mode in which an image original read by another station is received as a video signal and printed out (this is called "external interface input" mode).

(Normal copy mode) Video signal flow It is as follows.

Image original → CCD 101 → A / D and S /
H circuit 102 → shading circuit 103 → input masking circuit 104 → selector 124 (select A input) → magnifying circuit 105 → LOG circuit 123 → memory section 106 → selector 125 (select A input) → masking UCR circuit 107 → γ Circuit 109 → edge enhancement circuit 110 → add-on unit 129 → printer unit 352 Signal settings of video bus selector 130 and its peripheral circuit 131 are as follows.

Signal 506, signal 513, signal 528, signal 529, → high "1" signal 537 → high "1" signals 509, 511, 517 → X signal 521 → X signal 537 → high "1" (external interface output Mode) Video flow is as follows.

Image original → CCD 101 → A / D and S /
H circuit 102 → shading circuit 103 → input masking circuit 104 → selector 124 (select A input) → magnifying circuit 105 → selector 125 (select B input) → masking UCR circuit 107 → γ correction circuit 109 → edge enhancement circuit 110 → Video Bus Selector 130 → Video Bus Selector Interface Peripheral Circuit 131 → Video Interface 205 → External Signal Settings of Video Bus Selector 130 and its Peripheral Circuit 131 are as follows.

Signal 506, signal 513 → high “1” signal 509, signal 511 → X signal 517, signal 521, signal 528, signal 529 → low “0” signal 537 → high “1” (external interface input mode) video The flow is as follows.

From the outside → video interface 205 →
Video bus selector 130 → selector 124 (select B input) → magnifying circuit 105 → LOG circuit 123 → memory section 106 → selector 125 (select A input) → masking UCR circuit 107 → γ correction circuit 109 → edge enhancement circuit 110 → Add-on unit 129 → Printer unit 352 Here, as the sub-scanning write enable of the memory 106, 536 input to the area generation unit is used.

Video selector and its peripheral circuit 131
I / O settings are as follows.

Signal 506 → low “0” signal 509 → low “0” signal 511 → X signal 513 → high “1” signal 517 → low “0” signal 521, signal 528 → high “1” signal 529 → low “ 0 "signal 537 → low" 0 "<Structure of printer unit 352> In FIG. 6, reference numeral 301 is a polygon scanner for scanning a laser beam on a photosensitive drum, and 302 is a first stage magenta (M) image forming unit. , 303 to 305 are image forming units for cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (B), which have the same configuration.

As shown in FIG. 9, the polygon scanner 30
The laser beam from the laser elements 401 to 404 independently driven by MCYBk by a laser control unit (not shown) scans the photosensitive drum based on the data of each color component. Reference numerals 405 to 408 are BD detection units that detect a scanned laser beam and generate a main scanning synchronization signal. As in this embodiment, two polygon mirrors are arranged on the same axis,
When rotating with a single motor, for example, the scanning directions of the main scanning are opposite to each other for the laser beams based on the M, C and Y, Bk components. Therefore, normally, for M and C images, Y and Bk image data are mirror images in the main scanning direction.

In the magenta (M) image forming unit 302, 318 is a photosensitive drum that forms a latent image by exposure to laser light, 303 is a developing machine that develops toner on the latent image on the photosensitive drum 318, and 304 is a developing machine 313. It is a sleeve that is installed and applies developing bias to develop toner.
Reference numeral 315 is for charging the photosensitive drum 318 to a desired potential 1
A secondary charger 317 is a cleaner for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 318 after transfer. A secondary charger 316 removes the charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 318 cleaned by the cleaner 317 so that good charging can be obtained in the primary charger 315. Auxiliary charger, 3
Reference numeral 30 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that erases residual electrification on the photosensitive drum 318, and 319 a transfer charger that discharges from the back surface of the transfer belt 306 to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 318 to a transfer member (recording paper or the like). Is.

Reference numerals 309 and 310 are cassettes for accommodating transfer members, 308 is a paper feeding unit for supplying the transfer members from the cassettes 309, 310, and 311 is a transfer member for the transfer members fed by the paper feeding unit 308. A transfer belt roller 312 is used to rotate the transfer belt 306, and at the same time, is a transfer belt roller that is paired with the transfer charger 311 and charges the transfer member to the transfer belt 306 by suction.

Numeral 324 is an electrostatic charger for facilitating separation of the transfer member from the transfer belt 306, and numeral 325 is an electrostatic charger for preventing image distortion due to separation discharge when the transfer member is separated from the transfer belt 306. Numerals 327 to 327 are pre-fixing chargers that supplement the attracting force of the toner on the transfer member after separation to prevent image disturbance. 322 to 323 are transfer belts 30
6, a transfer belt neutralizing charger for statically initializing the transfer belt 306 to electrostatically initialize the transfer belt 306, a belt cleaner 328 for removing dirt on the transfer belt 306, and 307 a transfer belt 3
A fixing device 340 for thermally fixing the toner image on the transfer member, which is separated from 06 and recharged by the pre-fixing charging devices 326 to 327, on the transfer member, and 340 is a sheet discharge detecting the transfer member on the conveyance path passing through the fixing device. It is a sensor.

Numeral 329 denotes the transfer belt 3 by the paper feeding unit 308.
06 is a paper leading edge sensor that detects the leading edge of the transfer member fed onto the paper 06, and a detection signal (IT
OP1) is from the printer unit 352 to the color reader unit 351.
Is sent to the printer unit 352 from the color reader unit 351.
It is used to generate a sub-scanning synchronization signal when sending a video signal to the.

<Structure of Interface Unit 364> FIG.
I of each of the stations 1001 to 1004 shown in FIG.
It is a circuit diagram which shows the detailed structure of / F parts 1101-1104. Since the interface section of one station is referred to here, the drawing reference number relating to the interface section is "364" in accordance with that shown in FIG.

The I / F unit 364 communicates with the interface 201 (IPU interface) with the IPU 1008, the interface 202 (R interface A) and the interface 203 (R interface B) with other stations, the IPU 1108 and other stations. 5 of CPU interface 204 for controlling and interface (video interface) 205 with the device itself
Composed of two. Here, the interface 202 is used for connection with a station whose address value is smaller than the address value of the own device, and the interface 203 is used for connection with a station whose address value is larger than the address value of the own device. Therefore, as can be seen from the connection configuration of FIG. 2, when this I / F unit is for the master station, the interface 201 and the interface 20
3 is used, and if this I / F unit belongs to the slave station, the interface 202 and the interface 203 are used. Where interface 2
02 is the I / F unit 1101 of each station shown in FIG.
To the connection point A at 1104 to the interface 203
Corresponds to the connection point B.

In FIG. 10, 206, 211, 21
2, 214 and 216 are tristate buffers, 20
Reference numerals 7, 209 and 210 are bidirectional buffers, 208 is a special bidirectional buffer described later, and 213 and 215 are D-type flip-flops having a tristate function.

BTCN0 to BTCN10 are CPUs.
Control signal set by (not shown), 218 is IP
A communication line (4 bits) between U1008 and its own device, 219 and 221 are 2-bit signals including a main scanning synchronizing signal (HSNC) and a sub scanning synchronizing signal (ITOP), and 220 and 222 are 8
A total of 27-bit signal of three-bit video signal system (24 bits) + binary signal (Bi) + image clock (CLK) + main scanning enable signal (HVE), 223 is a 4-bit communication line with another station, 224 is an 8-bit communication line with another station, 225 is a video signal 3
System + Bi + HVE + sub-scan video enable signal (V
VE) + CLK, 28-bit signal, 226 is CLK
And VVE for a total of 2 bits signal, 228 and 233 for video signal 3 systems + Bi + HVE for a total of 26 bits signal, 23
2 and 235 are CLK, 234 is a 2 bit signal of CLK and VVE, 236 is VVE, 237 is a video signal 3 system + Bi + HVE + VVE + CLK, a total of 28 bit signal, 238 is 3 video signal system + Bi + CLK + HVE.
This is a 30-bit signal of + HSNC + VVE + ITOP.

Next, I / O port control and signal flow in each mode will be described.

Here, the tri-state buffer 20
6, 211, 212, 214, 216 are control signals (BTCN2, BTCN10, BTCN) applied to the respective control signals.
9, BTCN7, BTCN8) are low "0" to enable, and high "1" to be high impedance state. The bidirectional buffers 207, 209, and 210 are realized by elements such as the LS245, and each of the G
And a control signal (BTCN0 and BTC applied to the D terminal)
N1, BTCN3 and BTCN4, BTCN5 and BTCN
According to 6), the state of the G terminal is low “0” and the state of the D terminal is low “0”, the data flow is B → A, the state of the G terminal is low “0” and the state of the D terminal is high “0”. When it is 1 ", the data flow is from A to B, and when the state of the G terminal is high" 1 ", the data does not flow in either direction (isolation). D-type flip-flops 213 and 215
Is enabled when the state of the enable signals (BTCN7, BTCN8) is low "0", and is high impedance when the state is high "1".

In the cascade system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, IPU 1008 and stations 1001 to 1004 are used.
Are connected to each other, but stations 1001-1
Since each 004 has the same configuration, each station can transmit or receive image video data to or from each other regardless of whether it is assigned as a master station or a slave station. Has a transfer mode.

In the following description of the mode, one station is mainly considered, and when referring to that station, it is referred to as "own device", and the data is not taken into the "own device" but simply relayed the data to another station. When transferring to a station and / or IPU, it is called "relay of own device". A station having an address value smaller than that of its own device is called a "lower address device", and a station having a larger address value is called an "upper address device".

Mode 1: IPU → relay of own device → lower address device mode 2: IPU → relay of own device → upper address device mode 3: IPU → own device mode 4: lower address device → relay of own device → higher address device mode 5 : Lower address device → own device mode 6: Upper address device → Own device relay → Lower address device mode 7: Upper address device → Own device mode 8: Own device → IPU mode 9: Own device → Lower address device mode 10: Own Device-> upper address device mode 11: IPU-> own device relay-> upper address device and lower address device mode 12: IPU-> own device and own device relay-> lower address device mode 13: IPU-> own device and own device relay-> upper address Device mode 14: IPU → own device and own device relay → upper address device and lower address device mode 15: lower Dress equipment → its own device and the self-device relay →
Upper address device mode 16: Upper address device → Own device and own device relay →
Lower address device mode 17: Own device → IPU and lower address device mode 18: Own device → IPU and upper address device mode 19: Own device → Upper address device and lower address device mode 20: Own device → IPU and upper address device Lower address device Interface 201 is used for data transmission / reception and relay with IPU 1008. Interface 202 is used for data transmission / reception and relay with lower address device. Interface 203 is used for data transmission / reception and relay with upper address device.
Is used.

Next, the states of the control signals BTCN0 to BTCN10 from the CPU and the flows of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal in each mode are as follows.

<Mode 1> BTCN0 → high “1” BTCN1 → low “0” BTCN2 → low “0” BTCN3 → low “0” BTCN4 → low “0” BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7 → high “1” BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → High “1” BTCN10 → Low “0” However, X represents a signal unrelated to the processing of the corresponding mode.

The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is shown in FIG.
Based on the signal line reference number indicated by 0, it is as follows.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 <Mode 2> BTCN0 → high “1” BTCN1 → low “0” BTCN2 → low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → high "1" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0". Based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 3> BTCN0 → High “1” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → X BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7 → X BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → High “1” BTCN10 → Low “0” If the flow of image video signal and sync signal is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. become that way.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 238 <Mode 4> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → X BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → High “1” BTCN4 → Low “0” BTCN5 → Low “0” BTCN6 → Low “0” BTCN7 → high “1” BTCN8 → low “0” BTCN9 → X BTCN10 → high “1” The flow of the video signal and the sync signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

225 → 228 → 233 → 237 225 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 5> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → High “1” BTCN4 → Low “0” BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → High "1" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → low "0" BTCN10 → high "1" If the flow of image video signals and sync signals is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. become that way.

225 → 228 → 233 + 234 → 220
→ 238 225 → 226 → 234 → 236 → 238 <Mode 6> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → X BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → low “0” BTCN4 → low “0” BTCN5 → high “1” BTCN6 → low “0” BTCN7 → Low "0" BTCN8 → high "1" BTCN9 → X BTCN10 → high "1" The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

237 → 233 → 228 → 225 237 → 234 → 226 → 225 <Mode 7> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → X BTCN5 → High “1” BTCN6 → Low “0” “BTCN7 → X BTCN8 → High“ 1 ”BTCN9 → Low“ 0 ”BTCN10 → X The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

237 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 238 237 → 234 → 236 → 238 <Mode 8> BTCN0 → Low “0” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → X BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7➝X BTCN8➝X BTCN9➝high "1" BTCN10➝X The flow of image video signals and sync signals is as follows, based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 220 → 222 238 → 219 → 221 <Mode 9> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → Low “0” BTCN4 → Low “0” BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7 → Low “0” BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → High “1” BTCN10 → Low “0” The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 220 → 228 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 <Mode 10> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → High “1” BTCN5 → Low “0” BTCN6 → Low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" The flow of image video signals and sync signals is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. become that way.

238 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 11> BTCN0 → high “1” BTCN1 → low “0” BTCN2 → low “0” BTCN3 → low “0” BTCN4 → Low "0" BTCN5 → Low "0" BTCN6 → Low "0" BTCN7 → High "1" BTCN8 → Low "0" BTCN9 → High "1" BTCN10 → Low "0" The flow of image video signal and sync signal is The following is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 12> BTCN0 → High “1” BTCN1 → low "0" BTCN2 → low "0" BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → high "1" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → The flow of the low "0" image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 238 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 <Mode 13> BTCN0 → High “1” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → high "1" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" image video signal and sync signal Based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. 10, the flow is as follows.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 238 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 14> BTCN0 → High “1” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low "0" BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 238 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 15> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → X BTCN2 → high "1" BTCN3 → high "1" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → low "0" BTCN10 → high "1" The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

225 → 228 → 233 → 237 225 → 226 → 234 → 237 225 → 228 → 234 + 233 → 220 → 238 225 → 226 → 234 → 236 → 238 <Mode 16> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High "1" BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → high "1" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → low "0" BTCN8 → high "1" BTCN9 → X BTCN10 → high "1" image video signal and The flow of the synchronizing signal is as follows if it is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

237 → 233 → 228 → 225 237 → 234 → 226 → 225 237 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 238 237 → 234 → 236 → 238 <Mode 17> BTCN0 → Low “0” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low "0" BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" flow of image video signal and synchronization signal Is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 238 → 220 → 222 238 → 228 → 225 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225 <Mode 18> BTCN0 → Low “0” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → High “1” BTCN5 → Low “0” BTCN6 → Low “0” BTCN7 → High “1” BTCN8 → Low “0” BTCN9 → High “1” BTCN10 → Low “0” Flow of image video signal and synchronization signal Is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 238 → 220 → 222 238 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 227 <Mode 19> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → Low “0” "BTCN4 → low" 0 "BTCN5 → low" 0 "BTCN6 → low" 0 "BTCN7 → high" 1 "BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → high" 1 "BTCN10 → low" 0 "The flow of image video signal and sync signal is: The following is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 228 → 225 238 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 237 <mode 20> BTCN0 → low “0” BTCN1 → low “0” BTCN2 → low "0" BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 238 → 220 → 222 238 → 228 → 225 238 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 237 [Description of IPU Configuration] FIG. Image memory unit (I
(PU) 1008 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration. I
The PU 1008 has a function of storing a color image signal of an external device (image data from the color reader unit 351 of each station or image data from the host 1009) in the image memory 604, and an external device (here, the color reader unit of each station). 351) and has a function of outputting the data stored in the image memory to an external device in synchronization with 351).

Next, each function will be described. (1) RGB image signals 616 to 618 (8 bits each) input from the external interface 609 set to the write input mode of the color image signal to the image memory
Is a tri-state buffer 610 and signal lines 620-6
It is sent via 22 to the frequency conversion unit 613 (FIFO is used). At this time, the CPU 603 controls the tri-state buffers 610 and 612 to be enabled and the other tri-state buffer 611 to be disabled.

Next, in the frequency conversion unit 613, an external clock (1 bit of the 3-bit signal 618) is used as a write clock signal, and an external main scanning synchronization signal (1 bit of the 3-bit signal 618) is used as a write reset signal. ,
An external main scanning synchronization signal (3
One bit of the bit signal 618 is used, while the internal clock (VCKIP) is used as a read clock signal.
U), an internal main scanning synchronization signal as a read reset signal (an internal S by the external main scanning synchronization signal and VCKIPU).
HSYNCIPU generated by YNC generator 614),
Read enable signal (internal main scan sync signal and VC
The external image clock and the image clock in the memory unit are synchronized by using the ENPU2 generated by an area enable generator (not shown) by the KIPU as a control signal (the main scanning synchronization signal is the color reader unit). 351 is used), and output signals 623 to 625 therefrom are written in the image memory 604 via the data controller 607.

The image memory 604 has a capacity of 24 bits for each 8 bits of RGB for one pixel, and the control of the memory control signal at this time is controlled by the external sub-scan enable signal (1 of 2 bits of the signal 619). Bit) and HSYNC
This is performed by the address controller 606 via the selector 608 based on the IPU or the like.

Next, from the host 1009 to the image memory 604
Writing to will be described.

From the host 1009 to the CPU 603, for example, image data sent by GPIB or the like is accumulated in a memory (not shown) of the CPU 603 via the external interface 609 and the signal line 601. And the CPU 603
Is the address controller 605 and the data controller 6
07 and the selector 608 are controlled to write the image data from the host 1009 into the image memory 604. Here, this image transfer may use DMA. (2) Color image data output to external device The data stored in the image memory 604 passes through the data controller 607 and the tri-state buffer 611,
The color reader unit 3 via the external interface 609.
51 to be output to the external interface,
External interface 609, tri-state buffer 6
The image is read from the image memory 604 by the address generated by the address controller 606 based on the main-scanning synchronization signal and the sub-scanning synchronization signal input from the 12. At this time, the CPU 603 controls the ENIPU 2 to be disabled, the tristate buffers 611 to 612 to be enabled, and the tristate buffer 610 to be disabled.

Next, a procedure for outputting a document image placed on a document table of a reader of a certain station from a plurality of stations using the multiplex system having the above configuration will be described.

The four stations 1 shown in FIG. 1 described above.
It is assumed that 001 to 1004 are connected to the multiplex system and that an original image is placed on the platen 555 of the color reader unit 351 of the station 1001.

Here, the operation panel of the reader section of the station 1001 is shown in FIG. By operating the operation panel shown in FIG. 12, the operator can confirm the desired state of the station and then connect it as a multiplex system. After operating the reader unit operation panel of the station 1001 and confirming that the stations 1002 to 1004 can be used without any abnormality, the operator sets so that all the stations 1001 to 1004 can output. Set the number of copies. In the screen shown in FIG. 12, the selectable stations are displayed at a glance based on the contents of the status transfer command from each station, but the stations displayed as unavailable are It also includes those that are set to not accept the designation as the destination of the image, those that perform local copy, and the station that caused the error.

When the copy start key of the station 1001 is pressed, the station 100 is triggered by this.
1 distributes the set number of copies to each station,
Issue a print start command to all stations. Upon receiving the print start command, each of the stations 1002 to 1004 switches the input source of the video signal based on the system address of the station 1001 that issued this command and the system address of its own device, and further The control for writing to the image memory of the device is controlled by the VIDEO control line (V
CLK, HSYNC, VE) so that the device settings are switched and the image signal waiting state is entered.

On the other hand, the station 1001 makes settings for reading the original image, and switches so that the control signal for writing to the image memory of the device itself is also output to the VIDEO control line, and the image reading operation is performed. To start. The stations 1002 to 1004 use the control signals output from the station 1001 to write to the respective image memories. When the image reading operation of the station 1001 is completed, the station 1001
An image transfer end command is issued from each station, and each of the stations 1001 to 1004 starts a printout operation.

By performing the same procedure, no matter which one of the stations 1001 to 1004 has a document image on the platen of the color reader section, an operation using the operation panel of the station allows output using a plurality of stations. It is possible to obtain.

Next, a procedure for outputting the output from the host 1009 connected via the IPU 1008 to the station 1001 connected to the multiplex system using a plurality of stations will be described.

The status of all the stations connected to the multi-link system is stored in the host 1009 via the IPU 1008.
It is tabulated in. After setting the station, the number of copies, the paper, etc. to be used according to the state of the multiplex system by the operation from the host 1009, the output image data is output to the IPU 10.
08. The IPU 1008 communicates these settings to the connected station 1001. Upon receiving this notification, the station 1001 issues a print start command to the other stations used. Upon receiving the print start command, the station enters the image signal waiting state by following the same procedure as in the case of outputting the original image on the platen.

The station 1001 to which the IPU 1008 is connected has an image data transmission / reception transfer mode indicating a video signal input source and an output destination as a mode of "input from IPU" and "output to another station" (for example, mode After switching to 13), a command is issued to the IPU 1008 to send an image. All VIDEO control signals used for image reading from the IPU 1008 and image writing in the remaining stations are IPU1.
What is generated by the station 1001 to which 008 is connected is used.

Therefore, the image data read from the IPU 1008 is written in the image memory of the station 1001 and simultaneously written in the image memories of other stations. After writing the image,
An image transfer end command is issued from the station 1001 and the printout operation is started in each station.

In any of the above cases, the print start command is issued to the stations that are not selected during the operation of selecting the used station.
In this case, a means such as "determine that the print start command including the number of copies 0 is not selected" is effective. By comparing the start request source address included in the print start command with the address of the own device, the I / F unit can be switched if necessary and the image signal can be relayed so as to reach the target station. .

Further, when copying is performed locally at one station connected in the cascading system, that is, when other stations are not used together, an interrupt by serial communication in the cascading system occurs. Masking is performed, and when the station is a master station, the status transfer command of the device itself and the status request command for each slave station are set to be issued at predetermined time intervals. On the other hand, when the station is a slave station, it is set so that only the status transfer command of its own device is issued every predetermined time. By doing so, it is possible to prevent unnecessary interruption processing from occurring during copying, and to notify other stations of their own status. Then, when the local copy is completed, the interrupt processing by serial communication in the serial system is permitted again, and the processing is returned to the processing of issuing the status transfer command in response to the status request command issued by the master station.

The status transfer command issued during local copying contains information indicating that copying is in progress.

When the functions such as the double-sided copying function and the sorting function are used in one device, it is general that the number of units that can be set at a time is limited. When constructing, when this limit is exceeded, it is automatically set to output using the multiplex system and the number of copies is distributed. For example, when the double-sided copying function is used in the station 1003 connected to the multiplex system, the setting exceeding the limit of the number of copies due to the limit of the image memory capacity for double-sided copying in the station is performed. , The screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the operation unit. In FIG. 13, the station 10
The output is distributed to 01, 1002, and 1004. As a result, the operator can recognize that the number of copies has been distributed.

The same applies when the sorting function is used. For example, FIG. 14 shows a screen of the operation unit when the number of sheets is set to exceed the number of sheets which is limited by the number of sorter bins.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a function such as a double-sided copying function or a sorting function that causes a limit on the number of sheets to be set in a single device is set, a setting exceeding the limit is set. In this case, if the setting is possible in another device connected to the system, the number of copies can be automatically distributed through the system.

In the present embodiment, an example of notifying the operator that the number of copies has been distributed has been described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 described above. To detect the function of the device,
It may be possible to notify in advance of the possibility of allocation of the number of copies when using a function that limits the number of copies.

The example in which the plurality of stations used in this embodiment have a master-slave relationship of a master and a slave has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a duplex system, the master station is not defined, that is, the interface clear command and status request command used only by the master station are not prepared in the command system, and each station does not A configuration may be adopted in which after the initialization of itself is completed, a status transfer command is issued at fixed time intervals (between other stations, of course, while no command is being sent). In this case, we are not defining a master station to control the entire system,
Although it is difficult to control the status transfer timing of the stations to each other and confirm the exchange of the information, it is unavoidable that the throughput of the entire system is lowered to some extent, but the communication control between the stations and the command system can be simplified.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, the communication for controlling the input / output of the digital image signal with the external device and / or the relay control is performed in the device. When configuring a system using multiple such devices,
Since the entire system is controlled, no special device is required, and it is possible to construct a system that does not depend on the performance of the special device, so that an effect that a system with flexible expandability can be configured can be obtained.

An apparatus that is used locally by the image forming apparatus alone notifies the system that the image forming apparatus is being used locally, and an apparatus that intends to transfer an image in the system is the apparatus that is being used. In consideration of the above, it is possible to arbitrarily select a device for transferring an image and transfer / output the image to another device.

Therefore, it is possible to determine the number of image processing devices constituting the system according to the required number of copies of the entire system, and more flexible expandability can be provided.

[0115]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a multiplex system configured by combining a plurality of color copying machines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an interface unit of a color copying machine and a connection form of the color copying machines, which form the multiplex system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication line included in a connection cable for connecting color copiers and a detailed configuration of an interface section for connecting to the communication line in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing a mutual relationship of control signals used in a communication line in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing main commands used in the cascade system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a color copying machine that constitutes the multiplex system of this embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital image processing unit of a color reader unit of the color copying machine of this embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a video bus selector and a video bus selector peripheral circuit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a polygon mirror scanner of a printer unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of an interface unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image memory unit (IPU) of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for making a setting using a plurality of stations with an operation unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for making settings using the plurality of stations on the operation unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for making settings using the plurality of stations on the operation unit in the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

130 video bus selector 131 Video bus selector peripheral circuit 351 color reader unit 352 printer section 353 Digital Image Processing Unit 354 Operation panel 355 Platen 1001 to 1004 stations 1005-1007 connection cable 1008 IPU 1009 Host computer 1101 to 1104 Interface (I / F) unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI // B65H 39/11 B65H 39/11 S (56) References JP-A-4-257878 (JP, A) JP-A-6- 83915 (JP, A) JP-A-7-123224 (JP, A) JP-A-7-321974 (JP, A) JP-A-7-321976 (JP, A) JP-A-8-83023 (JP, A) JP-A-61-198965 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 B41J 29/00-29/70 G03G 15/00 303 G03G 15/36 G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 21/02-21/04 G03G 21/14 G06F 3/09-3/12

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image processing system in which at least two image processing apparatuses capable of outputting image data to a recording medium are connected to each other and image data can be mutually transferred, and a double-sided copying function is used for a predetermined image processing apparatus. Set the settings
If the number of sheets exceeds the limit, install the duplex unit.
The other image processing devices provided will automatically
Image processing system characterized by dividing . 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising notifying an operator of the fact when the distribution is performed. 3. In response to a status request command, another
Issued from the image processing device, or the status
Other images at regular time intervals without using request commands
Of status transfer commands issued from the processing unit
The status of other image processing devices based on
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image is displayed on an operation unit used for setting a function . 4. When the setting using the sorting function for a predetermined image processing apparatus is performed beyond the limit of the number of registered sheets,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the number of copies is automatically distributed to another image processing apparatus equipped with a sorter. 5. A copying machine provided with a communication means for communicating with another image forming apparatus, wherein a designated number of copies is in a designated double-sided copying function.
Determination means for determining whether exceeds the limit of numeric number that, when said determination means is positive determination, a portion of the registered number and copying by the own device, the communication means and the remaining number of copies A copying machine, comprising: a copying control means for copying to another image forming apparatus via the copying machine. 6. In response to a status request command, another
Issued from the image forming device, or the status
Other images at regular time intervals without using request commands
Of the status transfer commands issued from the forming device
The other side of the image forming apparatus according to the condition.
Display means to be displayed on the operation unit used for setting functions.
Copying apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises the al. 7. When the specified number of copies exceeds the limit of the number of copies in the specified sorting function ,
A part of the above-mentioned number is copied by the own device, and the remaining number is copied to the above-mentioned copy.
The copying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the copying apparatus causes another image forming apparatus to make a copy through the receiving means . 8. A communication process for communicating with another image forming apparatus, and a specified number of copies in a specified duplex copying function.
A determination step of determining whether or not the limit of the number of copy numbers to be exceeded is exceeded, and if the determination step is affirmative, a part of the copy number is copied by the device itself, and the remaining copy number is set by the communication step. And a copying control step of causing another image forming apparatus to perform copying. 9. In response to a status request command, another
Issued from the image forming device, or the status
From other image forming apparatuses without using a request command
Of status transfer commands issued at regular time intervals
Based on the content, the other side of the image forming state can be changed to the double-sided printing function.
The display process to be displayed on the operation unit used for setting
The method of copying according to claim 8, wherein the having the. 10. The specified number of copies exceeds the limit of the number of copies in the specified sorting function .
In addition, copy a part of the above-mentioned number with the device itself, and
The copying method according to claim 8 , wherein copying is performed by another image forming apparatus in the communication step .