JPH06276347A - Multifunctional copying system device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Objective] If there is a multifunctional copying machine having at least one printer controller, the printer function can be used even in a multifunctional copying machine having no other printer controller. [Structure] A second multi-function copying machine 2 having no printer controller section uses the communication function of its own FAX controller section 21, and the first multi-function copying machine 1 through the telephone line 5.
It is possible to use the printer controller function of the printer controller unit 13 provided in the.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-function copying system apparatus for connecting a plurality of multi-function copying machines via communication lines and transmitting / receiving data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, as a multi-function copying machine, in addition to a copying function, one of them can exchange information through a telephone line.
There is known an AX function or a printer function for outputting a text created by a computer via a wired, wireless, or medium such as a floppy disk.

[0003]

The currently known multi-function copying machine with a printer function has a printer controller in each digital copying machine engine.

However, since the printer controller is compatible with the resolution improvement and speeding up of the digital copying machine engine, a large frame memory for holding images for creating image data and a CPU for generating images at high speed. It becomes expensive because of the necessity of the device and its peripheral devices, which is a factor of increasing the price of the multi-function copying machine.

An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function copying system which can use the printer function even in a multi-function copying machine having no other printer controller section as long as the multi-function copying machine has at least one printer controller section. To provide a device.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a multifunctional copying system apparatus of the present invention generates image data from a FAX controller section that sends and receives data from a communication line and computer generated data. First multifunction copying machine having a printer controller section for controlling the generated data, an image compression section for compressing the generated data, a FAX controller section for transmitting and receiving data from a communication line, and a compression transmitted from the communication line. A multi-function copying system apparatus having a second multi-function copying machine having a function of reading data generated by a computer. Using a printer controller function of the printer controller unit of the first multifunction copying machine via a communication line Characterized in that the capacity.

In addition to the first and second multi-function copying machines, a multi-function copying machine is further connected, and a multi-function copying machine for printing a final image is arbitrarily designated, and the multi-function copying machine is selected. It is characterized in that the image data is generated.

In addition to the first multi-function copying machine, when a multi-function copying machine having a printer controller section is provided and the printer controller section to which the data is sent is executing a job based on other data. Is characterized in that the data is sent to another printer controller section.

Further, when a multifunctional copying machine having a printer controller section executes a job based on data, the data is discriminated for each page which is an output unit, and the discriminated data is sent to another printer controller in an idle state. It is characterized in that it is adapted to be processed by a multi-function copying machine having a section.

[0010]

According to the multi-function copying system device having the above-mentioned structure,
If there is one multi-function copying machine having a printer controller section, the printer function can be used even in other multi-function copying machines having no printer controller section at hand.

Further, even if a multi-function copying machine which can obtain a desired print is used by another user or a distance is long, the copying machine is sent by sending data from a copying machine which is not used at hand. Printed on.

Further, since unused printer controller units are sequentially searched and used, the processing time for image generation is short, and the time for the user to receive the desired printed matter is short.

Further, since one job including a large number of sheets of output is distributed and processed for each page by using the unused printer controller unit, the processing time for image generation is short and the job is not used. The time for the person to receive the intended printed matter is shortened.

[0014]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-function copying system apparatus according to the first embodiment. A first multi-function copying machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as copying machine 1) 1 and a second multi-function copying machine ( Hereinafter, it is composed of a copying machine 2) 2 and a telephone line (communication line) 5 connecting the two.

As a peripheral device of the copy engine unit 10 of the copying machine 1, an F for transmitting and receiving a signal from the telephone line 5 is used.
An AX controller unit 11, a buffer 12 for temporarily storing the signal data thereof, a printer controller unit 13 for generating an image from various page description languages (PDL), an image memory (frame memory) 14 therefor, and a printer controller unit 13 On the other hand, it has a floppy drive 15 which is means for inputting PDL, a drive control unit 16 for controlling the same, and an image compression unit 17 for compressing generated data, and these are combined to provide a FAX function. , A printer function, a copy function, and the like.

Further, the copying machine 2 does not have a printer controller section and a frame memory, and the copy engine section 20, F
AX controller 21, buffer 22, floppy drive
25, a drive control unit 26, and an image decompression unit 27.

When the printer function is used from the copying machine 2 in such a configuration, the copy engine section 20 checks whether or not a printer controller section exists as its peripheral device. If it does not exist, if there is an instruction to use another multifunctional copying machine having a printer controller as the setting of this copying machine 2 (here, copying machine 1 is set), then FA
Access is made via the telephone line 5 by using the communication function of the X controller unit 21. The accessed copying machine 1 checks whether its own printer controller unit 13 is in an operable state or whether the copying machine 2 that has requested access to the copying machine 2 that has requested access, and the like. If the controller unit 13 may be used, PDL
A signal for permitting the start of data transfer is sent back (if it is not permitted, it is sent back to that effect, and the copying machine 2 reports to the user that printing cannot be performed).

In this case, regarding the access-permitted ones, the respective engine characteristics, such as information on resolution, black and white, multi-valued, color, etc., are registered as initial settings. When the signal for permitting the start of data transfer is sent back, the copying machine 2 causes the floppy drive 25 connected to the drive controller 26 to read the PDL data recorded on the floppy disk and start the transfer. The FAX controller section 21 of the copying machine 2 disconnects the line when the PDL data has been transferred and there is no other connection reason (for sending image data on the frame memory 14 described later). The copying machine 1 sequentially processes the sent PDL data in the buffer 12 according to the engine characteristics and draws it on the frame memory 14. When there is a print command in the PDL data, the copying machine 1 accesses the copying machine 2 to send the created image data on the frame memory 14. If this signal is sent, when the copying machine 2 confirms that the copy engine unit 10 is currently in the idle state, it sends back an image data acceptance signal, and if the user is using it to make a copy, , After a certain time, it sends back a signal instructing to access again.

Upon receiving the image data acceptance signal, the copying machine 1 converts the image data in the frame memory 14 into an image compression unit.
The data compressed in 17 is transferred to the copying machine 2. The copying machine 2 receives the data through the buffer 22 and transfers the image to the copy engine while decompressing the data to perform printing.
This processing is continued until the processing of PDL data is completed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multifunctional copying system apparatus according to the second embodiment. In addition to the copying machines 1 and 2, a third multifunctional copying machine having the same structure as the copying machine 2 (hereinafter ,
A copying machine 3 is provided.

In such a configuration, the PDL data from the copying machine 2 is processed by the copying machine 1, expanded as image data in the frame memory, and the result is output using the printer engine of the copying machine 3. Is. This description will be given below.

When the printer function is used from the copying machine 2, the copy engine section 20 checks whether or not a printer controller section is present as its peripheral device.
If it does not exist, if there is an instruction to use another multifunctional copying machine having a printer controller as the setting of this copying machine 2 (here, copying machine 1 is set), then Then, the communication function of the FAX controller unit 21 is used to access via the telephone line 5.
The accessed copying machine 1 is in a state in which its own printer controller section 13 is in an operable state, or the copying machine 2 which is the access request source.
Is this copy machine 2 permitted to access?
It is checked whether the copy machine to which the created image is output is registered, and if the printer controller unit 13 can be used, a signal for permitting the start of PDL data transfer is sent back (if not permitted. In that case, it is returned to that effect and the user is notified that the copier 2 cannot print).

When the data transfer start permission signal is sent back, the copying machine 2 causes the floppy drive 25 connected to the drive control unit 26 to read the PDL data recorded on the floppy disk and start the transfer. To do. The copier 1 buffers the sent PDL data in the buffer 12
While accumulating, the sequential processing is performed and drawing is performed in the frame memory 14. When there is a print command in the PDL data, it is checked whether all the PDL data has been transferred. When the transfer is completed, the copying machine 2 has already disconnected the line. As a result, if all the transfer is not completed, the copying machine 1 sends a signal to the copying machine 2 to stop accepting the data, and disconnects the temporary telephone line.

The copying machine 1 accesses the copying machine 3 through the telephone line 5 to send the created image data on the frame memory 14. If this signal is sent, when the copying machine 3 confirms that the copy engine unit 20 is currently in the idle state, the copying machine 3 sends back a signal for accepting image data and the user is using it for making a copy. Then, it sends back a signal instructing to access again after a certain time.

Upon receiving the image data acceptance signal, the copying machine 1 transfers the image data on the frame memory 14 compressed by the image compression section 17 to the copying machine 3. Copier 3
Receives data through the buffer 42, transfers the image to the copy engine unit 40 while expanding, and prints. After this printing is completed, the copying machine 1 disconnects the line and processes the remaining PDL data. At this time, if all the PDL data has not been sent, the copying machine 1 accesses the copying machine 2 through the telephone line 5 to restart the transfer of the PDL data. This processing is continued until the processing of PDL data is completed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a multifunctional copying system apparatus according to the third embodiment. In addition to the copying machine 1 and the copying machine 4, a fourth multifunctional copying machine having the same structure as the copying machine 1 (hereinafter ,
A copying machine 4) 4 is provided.

In such a configuration, the PDL data from the copying machine 2 is processed by one of the copying machines having the printer controller section, expanded as image data in the frame memory, and the result is output to the designated copying machine. To do. This description will be given below. A list of copying machines having a printer controller that can be used inside the copying machine 2 is registered in advance. According to this list, when the printer function is selected in the copying machine 2, the copying machines are sequentially accessed. If copier 1 is now at the top of this list, F
The AX controller unit 21 accesses the copying machine 1 via the telephone line 5. The accessed copying machine 1 has its own printer controller section 13 in an operable state, whether this copying machine is permitted to access the copying machine that requested access, or the copying destination where the created image is output. If it is acceptable to use the printer controller unit 13 for checking whether or not the printer is registered, a signal for permitting the start of PDL data transfer is sent back to start the step of processing the PDL to create image data. . However, if it is not permitted, or if another job is being processed and the processing from the copying machine cannot be accepted, a message to that effect is returned. In this case, the copying machine 4 registered in the next list is accessed. In this way, the PDL data is sent to the first copying machine that is permitted access.
Get a print.

When there is a copying machine having a plurality of printer controllers, when the PDL data sent or input from the floppy drive is executed, the PDL data input by the printer controller is analyzed. If it is determined that the output is made of a plurality of pages, the copying machine having the other printer controller section registered in the third embodiment is accessed, and the printer controller section may be in the idle state. For example, the PDL data of a part of a plurality of page outputs divided by analysis is transferred for processing by the printer controller unit. In this way, one job having a large number of outputs is dispersed and converted into image data.

[0030]

As described above, according to the multi-function copying system apparatus of the present invention, if there is one multi-function copying machine having a printer controller,
The printer function can be used even in other multifunctional copying machines that do not have a printer controller unit at hand.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the multi-functional copying machine that can obtain the desired printing is used by another user or the distance is long, the copying machine that is not in use at hand can be used. It is possible to print on the copying machine by sending the PDL data.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since unused printer controller units are sequentially searched for and used, the processing time for image generation is short, and the time required for the user to receive the intended printed matter is reduced. Can be shortened.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since one job including a large number of output sheets is distributed and processed for each page using the unused printer controller unit, the image generation Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the user to receive the intended printed matter.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-function copying system device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multi-function copying system device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a multi-function copying system device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... 1st multifunction copying machine, 2 ... 2nd multifunction copying machine,
3 ... Third multifunction copying machine, 4 ... Fourth multifunction copying machine, 5 ... Telephone line (communication line).

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A FAX controller unit for transmitting and receiving data from a communication line, and a printer controller unit for generating image data from computer-generated data.
An image compression unit for compressing the generated data,
, A multifunctional copying machine, and a FAX controller section for transmitting and receiving data from a communication line, and an image decompression section for decompressing the compressed data sent from the communication line. A multifunctional copying system apparatus having a second multifunctional copying machine having a readable function, wherein the second multifunctional copying machine is connected to the printer of the first multifunctional copying machine via a communication line. A multi-function copying system device characterized by enabling the printer controller function of the controller section. 2. A multi-function copying machine is further connected in addition to the first and second multi-function copying machines, a multi-function copying machine for printing a final image is arbitrarily designated, and the multi-function copying machine is selected. The image data is generated.
Multifunctional copying system device described. 3. A multi-function copying machine having a printer controller is provided in addition to the first multi-function copying machine, and a printer controller to which data is sent is executing a job based on other data. The multi-function copying system apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is sent to another printer controller section. 4. When a multi-function copying machine having a printer controller section executes a job based on data, the data is discriminated for each page which is an output unit, and the discriminated data is placed in another idle printer controller. 4. A multi-function copying system apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the multi-function copying machine is provided with a multi-function copying machine.