U.S. patent application number 11/079261 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for digital copying machine, image formation system, and digital copying machine as slave machine.
Invention is credited to Ishiguro, Hisashi, Koike, Moriyuki, Mori, Hiroshi.
Application Number | 20050157338 11/079261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26553894 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050157338 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koike, Moriyuki ; et
al. |
July 21, 2005 |
Digital copying machine, image formation system, and digital
copying machine as slave machine
Abstract
A digital copying machine is connected to at least another one
of digital copying machines with which data communications can be
performed. The digital copying machine has a link copy function
that a document is set in the machine itself or another digital
copying machine and at least two units of the digital copying
machines share the job of executing copy operation on the document,
and a printer function of printing according to a print request
from the outside. When receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the digital copying machine puts the print request
on hold.
Inventors: |
Koike, Moriyuki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Mori, Hiroshi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Ishiguro,
Hisashi; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
26553894 |
Appl. No.: |
11/079261 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11079261 |
Mar 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
09672852 |
Sep 29, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 ;
358/448 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00811 20130101;
H04N 1/00411 20130101; H04N 1/32502 20130101; H04N 2201/0081
20130101; H04N 2201/0039 20130101; H04N 2201/0041 20130101; H04N
1/32507 20130101; H04N 1/00915 20130101; H04N 1/32545 20130101;
H04N 1/32523 20130101; H04N 2201/0082 20130101; H04N 1/32598
20130101; H04N 1/00204 20130101; H04N 1/32512 20130101; H04N
1/00912 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.15 ;
358/448 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 1999 |
JP |
11-280716 |
Sep 6, 2000 |
JP |
2000-270836 |
Claims
1-52. (canceled)
53. An image formation system formed with at least two units of
digital copying machines connected to each other, each of which has
a link copy function that a digital copying machine determined as a
master machine scans an image of a document as an object to be
copied and transfers the image of the scanned document to at least
another one of the digital copying machines as a slave machine, and
that said master machine and said slave machine share the job of
printing the scanned document image, wherein said master machine
has a printer function of printing according to a print request
from the outside, and when receiving the print request from said
outside during the copy operation based on the link copy function
from its start to finish, the master machine puts the print request
on hold, on the other hand, said slave machine has a printer
function of printing according to a print request from the outside,
and when receiving the print request from said outside during the
copy operation based on the link copy function from its start to
finish, the slave machine preferentially executes the printer
operation according to the print request, wherein each of the
digital copying machines comprises a memory unit connected to a
system controller via a system bus and configured to store a data
of the image locally in the digital copying machine, said unit
comprising: a compression unit, configured to compress said data; a
storage unit, configured to store said compressed data received
from said compression unit via a local bus in said memory unit and
not via said system bus.
54. The image formation system according to claim 53, wherein each
of said digital copying machines outputs images printed by printer
operation and images printed by copy operation based on the link
copy function to different paper output sections.
55. The image formation system according to claim 53, wherein at
least two units of said digital copying machines are directly
connected to each other.
56. The image formation system according to claim 53, wherein at
least two units of said digital copying machines are connected to
each other through a network.
57. A digital copying machine as a slave machine connected to a
digital copying machine as a master machine and which has a link
copy function that the slave machine receives an image of a
document scanned and transferred by said master machine and shares
the job of printing the scanned document image with said master
machine, said slave machine having: a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, wherein, when
receiving the print request from said outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the slave machine preferentially executes the printer operation
according to the print request, wherein each of the digital copying
machines comprises a memory unit connected to a system controller
via a system bus and configured to store a data of the image
locally in the digital copying machine, said unit comprising: a
compression unit, configured to compress said data; a storage unit,
configured to store said compressed data received from said
compression unit via a local bus in said memory unit and not via
said system bus.
58. The digital copying machine as a slave machine according to
claim 57, said slave machine outputting images printed by printer
operation and images printed by copy operation based on the link
copy function to different paper output sections.
59. The digital copying machine as a slave machine according to
claim 57, said slave machine directly connected to said master
machine.
60. The digital copying machine as a slave machine according to
claim 57, said slave machine connected to said master machine
through a network.
61. An image formation system formed with at least two units of
digital copying machines connected to each other, each of which has
a link copy function that a digital copying machine determined as a
master machine scans an image of a document as an object to be
copied and transfers the image of the scanned document to at least
another one of the digital copying machines as a slave machine, and
that said master machine and said slave machine share the job of
printing the scanned document image, wherein said master machine
has a printer function of printing according to a print request
from the outside, and when receiving the print request from said
outside during the copy operation based on the link copy function
from its start to finish, the master machine puts the print request
on hold, on the other hand, said slave machine has a printer
function of printing according to a print request from the outside,
and when receiving the print request from said outside during the
copy operation based on the link copy function from its start to
finish, the slave machine stops the copy operation and executes the
printer operation according to the print request, wherein each of
the digital copying machines comprises a memory unit connected to a
system controller via a system bus and configured to store a data
of the image locally in the digital copying machine, said unit
comprising: a compression unit, configured to compress said data; a
storage unit, configured to store said compressed data received
from said compression unit via a local bus in said memory unit and
not via said system bus.
62. The image formation system according to claim 61, wherein each
of said digital copying machines outputs images printed by printer
operation and images printed by copy operation based on the link
copy function to different paper output sections.
63. The image formation system according to claim 61, wherein at
least two units of said digital copying machines are directly
connected to each other.
64. The image formation system according to claim 61, wherein at
least two units of said digital copying machines are connected to
each other through a network.
65. A digital copying machine as a slave machine connected to a
digital copying machine as a master machine and which has a link
copy function that the slave machine receives an image of a
document scanned and transferred by said master machine and shares
the job of printing the scanned document image with said master
machine, said slave machine having: a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, wherein, when
receiving the print request from said outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the slave machine stops the copy operation and executes the printer
operation according to the print request, wherein each of the
digital copying machines comprises a memory unit connected to a
system controller via a system bus and configured to store a data
of the image locally in the digital copying machine, said unit
comprising: a compression unit, configured to compress said data, a
storage unit, configured to store said compressed data received
from said compression unit via a local bus in said memory unit and
not via said system bus.
66. The digital copying machine as a slave machine according to
claim 65, said slave machine outputting images printed by printer
operation and images printed by copy operation based on the link
copy function to different paper output sections.
67. The digital copying machine as a slave machine according to
claim 65, said slave machine directly connected to said master
machine.
68. The digital copying machine as a slave machine according to
claim 65, said slave machine connected to said master machine
through a network.
69-76. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a digital copying machine,
an image formation system, and a slave machine in the image system.
More particularly, this invention relates to a digital copying
machine, an image formation system, and a slave machine in the
image system, in which a plurality of digital copying machines can
share and execute one job.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, digital copying machines have been in
common use, and transfer of image data between the digital copying
machines is becoming possible. Further, there has been proposed a
technology that a plurality of digital copying machines share one
job of copying for the purpose of improving productivity. For
example, "A plurality of copying devices linked through electric
signal means" disclosed in JP, H08-163292A is known as a technology
of using linked digital copying devices.
[0003] In this "A plurality of copying devices linked through
electric signal means", the technology of performing data
communications between digital copying devices connected to each
other with a simple configuration is disclosed. This technology is
realized based on a plurality of linked copying devices. Each of
the copying devices comprises a scanner unit for scanning an image
and a printer unit for recording connected to the scanner unit
through an electric signal means, and a digital image control unit.
The plurality of the digital copying machines are connected to each
other using the respective digital image control units through
electric signal means. Further, each of the plurality of the linked
copying devices comprises a receiving unit that receives an image
data signal generated by the scanner unit, a switching unit used to
exchange the image data signal, and a transfer unit that transfers
the image data signal.
[0004] In the "A plurality of copying devices linked through
electric signal means" disclosed in JP, H08-163292A, although the
technology of performing data communications between copying
devices connected with a simple configuration has been proposed,
when the connected copying machines are to be used, there is
disadvantage that each operational environment in consideration of
the machine usage status and operation priorities of each user can
not be provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of this invention to provide a digital
copying machine, an image formation system, and a digital copying
machine as a slave machine, that can improve productivity in
consideration of the machine usage status and operation priorities
of each user.
[0006] In order to solve the problems, the present invention
provides an image formation system formed with at least two units
of digital copying machines connected to each other and in which a
plurality of the connected digital copying machines can share and
execute one job. Each of the digital copying machines has a link
copy function that a document is set in one of digital copying
machines and at least two units of the digital copying machines
share the job of executing copy operation on the document, and a
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside. When receiving the print request from the outside during
the copy operation based on the link copy function from its start
to finish, the digital copying machine puts the print request on
hold.
[0007] According to this invention, each of the digital copying
machines has the link copy function that a document is set in one
of digital copying machines and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and the printer function of printing according to the
print request from the outside. When receiving the print request
from the outside during the copy operation based on the link copy
function from its start to finish, the digital copying machine puts
the print request on hold.
[0008] In the present invention, each of the digital copying
machines permits printer operation for a print request from the
outside during the interruption when the copy operation based on
the link copy function is interrupted after the operation is
started and before being finished. According to this invention,
when the copy operation based on the link copy function is
interrupted after the operation is started and before being
finished, each of the digital copying machines permits printer
operation for a print request from the outside during the
interruption.
[0009] In the present invention, each of the digital copying
machines does not permit printer operation for a print request from
the outside during the interruption when the copy operation based
on the link copy function is interrupted after the operation is
started and before being finished. According to this invention,
when the copy operation based on the link copy function is
interrupted after the operation is started and before being
finished, each of the digital copying machines does not permit
printer operation for a print request from the outside during the
interruption.
[0010] In the present invention, each of the digital copying
machines can set permission or non-permission to execute printer
operation for a print request from the outside during the
interruption when the copy operation based on the link copy
function is interrupted after the operation is started and before
being finished. According to this invention, when the copy
operation based on the link copy function is interrupted after the
operation is started and before being finished, each of the digital
copying machines can set permission or non-permission to execute
printer operation for a print request from the outside during the
interruption.
[0011] In the present invention, the digital copying machine
executes the printer operation according to the print request put
on hold after the copy operation based on the link copy function is
finished. According to this invention, the digital copying machine
executes the printer operation according to the print request put
on hold after the copy operation based on the link copy function is
finished.
[0012] The present invention provides a digital copying machine
connected to at least another one of digital copying machines with
which data communications can be performed. The digital copying
machine has a link copy function that a document is set in the
machine itself or another digital copying machine and at least two
units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing
copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside. When receiving the
print request from the outside during the copy operation based on
the link copy function from its start to finish, the digital
copying machine puts the print request on hold.
[0013] According to this invention, the digital copying machine has
the link copy function that a document is set in the machine itself
or another digital copying machine and at least two units of the
digital copying machines share the job of executing copy operation
on the document, and the printer function of printing according to
a print request from the outside. When receiving the print request
from the outside during the copy operation based on the link copy
function from its start to finish, the digital copying machine puts
the print request on hold.
[0014] The present invention permits printer operation for a print
request from the outside during the interruption when the copy
operation based on the link copy function is interrupted after the
operation is started and before being finished. According to this
invention, when copy operation based on the link copy function is
interrupted after the operation is started and before being
finished, the digital copying machine permits printer operation for
a print request from the outside during the interruption.
[0015] The present invention does not permit printer operation for
a print request from the outside during the interruption when the
copy operation based on the link copy function is interrupted after
the operation is started and before being finished. According to
this invention, when the copy operation based on the link copy
function is interrupted after the operation is started and before
being finished, the digital copying machine does not permit printer
operation for a print request from the outside during the
interruption.
[0016] The present invention can set permission or non-permission
to execute printer operation for a print request from the outside
during the interruption when the copy operation based on the link
copy function is interrupted after the operation is started and
before being finished. According to this invention, when the copy
operation based on the link copy function is interrupted after the
operation is started and before being finished, the digital copying
machine can set permission or non-permission to execute printer
operation for a print request from the outside during the
interruption.
[0017] In the present invention, the digital copying machine
executes the printer operation according to the print request put
on hold after the copy operation based on the link copy function is
finished. According to this invention, the digital copying machine
executes the printer operation according to the print request put
on hold after the copy operation based on the link copy function is
finished.
[0018] The present invention provides an image formation system
formed with at least two units of digital copying machines
connected to each other and in which a plurality of the connected
digital copying machines can share and execute one job. Each of the
digital copying machines has a link copy function that a document
is set in one of digital copying machines and at least two units of
the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy
operation on the document, and a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside. When the start of
copy operation based on the link copy function is instructed during
the printer operation according to the print request from the
outside, the digital copying machine interrupts the printer
operation to start the copy operation based on the link copy
function.
[0019] According to this invention, each of the digital copying
machines has the link copy function that a document is set in one
of digital copying machines and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and the printer function of printing according to a print
request from the outside. When the start of copy operation based on
the link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the digital
copying machine interrupts the printer operation to start the copy
operation based on the link copy function.
[0020] The present invention provides an image formation system
formed with at least two units of digital copying machines
connected to each other and in which a plurality of the connected
digital copying machines can share and execute one job. Each of the
digital copying machines has a link copy function that a document
is set in one of digital copying machines and at least two units of
the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy
operation on the document, and a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside. When the start of
copy operation based on the link copy function is instructed during
the printer operation according to the print request from the
outside, the digital copying machine waits until the printer
operation is finished and starts the copy operation based on the
link copy function after the printer operation is finished.
[0021] According to this invention, each of the digital copying
machines has the link copy function that a document is set in one
of digital copying machines and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and the printer function of printing according to a print
request from the outside. When the start of copy operation based on
the link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the digital
copying machine waits until the printer operation is finished and
starts the copy operation based on the link copy function after the
printer operation is finished.
[0022] The present invention provides an image formation system
formed with at least two units of digital copying machines
connected to each other and in which a plurality of the connected
digital copying machines can share and execute one job. Each of the
digital copying machines has a link copy function that a document
is set in one of digital copying machines and at least two units of
the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy
operation on the document, and a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside. When the start of
copy operation based on the link copy function is instructed during
the printer operation according to the print request from the
outside, the digital copying machine displays a message to the
effect that the printer is operating and also a menu screen used to
instruct a following operation to be executed. When Interrupt is
selected in the menu screen, the digital copying machine interrupts
the printer operation to start the copy operation based on the link
copy function. When Wait is selected, the digital copying machine
waits until the printer operation is finished and starts the copy
operation based on the link copy function after the printer
operation is finished. Further, when Cancel is selected, the
digital copying machine cancels the copy operation based on the
link copy function.
[0023] According to this invention, each of the digital copying
machines has the link copy function that a document is set in one
of digital copying machines and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and the printer function of printing according to a print
request from the outside. When the start of copy operation based on
the link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the digital
copying machine displays a message to the effect that the printer
is operating and also a menu screen used to instruct a following
operation to be executed. When Interrupt is selected in the menu
screen, the digital copying machine interrupts the printer
operation to start the copy operation based on the link copy
function. When Wait is selected, the digital copying machine waits
until the printer operation is finished and starts the copy
operation based on the link copy function after the printer
operation is finished. Further, when Cancel is selected, the
digital copying machine cancels the copy operation based on the
link copy function.
[0024] In the present invention when the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside has ended during
displaying of the menu screen, the digital copying machine
dismisses the menu screen to start the copy operation based on the
link copy function. According to this invention, when the printer
operation according to the print request from the outside has ended
during displaying of the menu screen, the digital copying machine
dismisses the menu screen to start the copy operation based on the
link copy function.
[0025] The present invention provides a digital copying machine
connected to at least another one of digital copying machines with
which data communications can be performed. The digital copying
machine has a link copy function that a document is set in the
machine itself or another digital copying machine and at least two
units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing
copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside. When the start of
copy operation based on the link copy function is instructed during
the printer operation according to the print request from the
outside, the digital copying machine interrupts the printer
operation to start the copy operation based on the link copy
function.
[0026] According to this invention, the digital copying machine has
the link copy function that a document is set in the machine itself
or another digital copying machine and at least two units of the
digital copying machines share the job of executing copy operation
on the document, and the printer function of printing according to
a print request from the outside. When the start of copy operation
based on the link copy function is instructed during the printer
operation according to the print request from the outside, the
digital copying machine interrupts the printer operation to start
the copy operation based on the link copy function.
[0027] The present invention provides a digital copying machine
connected to at least another one of digital copying machines with
which data communications can be performed. The digital copying
machine has a link copy function that a document is set in the
machine itself or another digital copying machine and at least two
units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing
copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside. When the start of
copy operation based on the link copy function is instructed during
the printer operation according to the print request from the
outside, the digital copying machine waits until the printer
operation is finished and starts the copy operation based on the
link copy function after the printer operation is finished.
[0028] According to this invention, the digital copying machine has
the link copy function that a document is set in the machine itself
or another digital copying machine and at least two units of the
digital copying machines share the job of executing copy operation
on the document, and the printer function of printing according to
a print request from the outside. When the start of copy operation
based on the link copy function is instructed during the printer
operation according to the print request from the outside, the
digital copying machine waits until the printer operation is
finished and starts the copy operation based on the link copy
function after the printer operation is finished.
[0029] The present invention provides a digital copying machine
connected to at least another one of digital copying machines with
which data communications can be performed. The digital copying
machine has a link copy function that a document is set in the
machine itself or another digital copying machine and at least two
units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing
copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside. When the start of
copy operation based on the link copy function is instructed during
the printer operation according to the print request from the
outside, the digital copying machine displays a message to the
effect that the printer is operating and also a menu screen used to
instruct a following operation to be executed. When Interrupt is
selected in the menu screen, the digital copying machine interrupts
the printer operation to start the copy operation based on the link
copy function. When Wait is selected, the digital copying machine
waits until the printer operation is finished and starts the copy
operation based on the link copy function after the printer
operation is finished. Further, when Cancel is selected, the
digital copying machine cancels the copy operation based on the
link copy function.
[0030] According to this invention, the digital copying machine has
the link copy function that a document is set in the machine itself
or another digital copying machine and at least two units of the
digital copying machines share the job of executing copy operation
on the document, and the printer function of printing according to
a print request from the outside. When the start of copy operation
based on the link copy function is instructed during the printer
operation according to the print request from the outside, the
digital copying machine displays the message to the effect that the
printer is operating and also the menu screen used to instruct a
following operation to be executed. When Interrupt is selected in
the menu screen, the digital copying machine interrupts the printer
operation to start the copy operation based on the link copy
function. When Wait is selected, the digital copying machine waits
until the printer operation is finished and starts the copy
operation based on the link copy function after the printer
operation is finished. Further, when Cancel is selected, the
digital copying machine cancels the copy operation based on the
link copy function.
[0031] In the present invention when the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside has ended during
displaying of the menu screen, the digital copying machine
dismisses the menu screen to start the copy operation based on the
link copy function. According to this invention, when the printer
operation according to the print request from the outside has ended
during displaying of the menu screen, the digital copying machine
dismisses the menu screen to start the copy operation based on the
link copy function.
[0032] The present invention provides an image formation system
formed with at least two units of digital copying machines
connected to each other, each of which has a link copy function
that a digital copying machine determined as a master machine scans
an image of a document as an object to be copied and transfers the
image of the scanned document to at least another one of the
digital copying machines as a slave machine, and that the master
machine and the slave machine share the job of printing the scanned
document image. The master machine has a printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
the start of copy operation based on the link copy function is
instructed during the printer operation according to the print
request from the outside, the master machine interrupts the printer
operation and preferentially executes the copy operation. On the
other hand, the slave machine has a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, and even when the
start of copy operation based on the link copy function is
instructed during the printer operation according to the print
request from the outside, the slave machine continues to execute
the printer operation.
[0033] According to this invention, the master machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when the start of copy operation based on the link
copy function is instructed during the printer operation according
to the print request from the outside, the master machine
interrupts the printer operation and preferentially executes the
copy operation. On the other hand, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and even when the start of copy operation based on the
link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the slave machine
continues to execute the printer operation.
[0034] The present invention provides a digital copying machine as
a slave machine connected to a digital copying machine as a master
machine. The slave machine has a link copy function that the slave
machine receives an image of a document scanned and transferred by
the master machine and shares the job of printing the scanned
document image with the master machine. The slave machine also has
a printer function of printing according to a print request from
the outside, and even when the start of copy operation based on the
link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the slave machine
continues to execute the printer operation.
[0035] According to this invention, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and even when the start of copy operation based on the
link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the slave machine
continues to execute the printer operation.
[0036] The present invention provides an image formation system
formed with at least two units of digital copying machines
connected to each other, each of which has a link copy function
that a digital copying machine determined as a master machine scans
an image of a document as an object to be copied and transfers the
image of the scanned document to at least another one of the
digital copying machines as a slave machine, and that the master
machine and the slave machine share the job of printing the scanned
document image. The master machine has a printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the master machine puts the print request on hold. On the other
hand, the slave machine has a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, and when receiving
the print request from the outside during the copy operation based
on the link copy function from its start to finish, the slave
machine preferentially executes the printer operation according to
the print request.
[0037] According to this invention, the master machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the master machine puts the print request on hold.
On the other hand, the slave machine has the printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the slave machine preferentially executes the printer operation
according to the print request.
[0038] The present invention provides a digital copying machine as
a slave machine connected to a digital copying machine as a master
machine. The slave machine has a link copy function that the slave
machine receives an image of a document scanned and transferred by
the master machine and shares the job of printing the scanned
document image with the master machine. The slave machine also has
a printer function of printing according to a print request from
the outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine preferentially executes the
printer operation according to the print request.
[0039] According to this invention, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine preferentially executes the
printer operation according to the print request.
[0040] The present invention provides an image formation system
formed with at least two units of digital copying machines
connected to each other, each of which has a link copy function
that a digital copying machine determined as a master machine scans
an image of a document as an object to be copied and transfers the
image of the scanned document to at least another one of the
digital copying machines as a slave machine, and that the master
machine and the slave machine share the job of printing the scanned
document image. The master machine has a printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the master machine puts the print request on hold. On the other
hand, the slave machine has a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, and when receiving
the print request from the outside during the copy operation based
on the link copy function from its start to finish, the slave
machine stops the copy operation and executes the printer operation
according to the print request.
[0041] According to this invention, the master machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the master machine puts the print request on hold.
On the other hand, the slave machine has the printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the slave machine stops the copy operation and executes the printer
operation according to the print request.
[0042] The present invention provides a digital copying machine as
a slave machine connected to a digital copying machine as a master
machine. The slave machine has a link copy function that the slave
machine receives an image of a document scanned and transferred by
the master machine and shares the job of printing the scanned
document image with the master machine. The slave machine also has
a printer function of printing according to a print request from
the outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine stops the copy operation and
executes the printer operation according to the print request.
[0043] According to this invention, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine stops the copy operation and
executes the printer operation according to the print request.
[0044] The present invention provides an image formation system
formed with at least two units of digital copying machines
connected to each other, each of which has a link copy function
that a digital copying machine determined as a master machine scans
an image of a document as an object to be copied and transfers the
image of the scanned document to at least another one of the
digital copying machines as a slave machine, and that the master
machine and the slave machine share the job of printing the scanned
document image. The master machine has a printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the master machine puts the print request on hold. On the other
hand, the slave machine has a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, and when receiving
the print request from the outside during the copy operation based
on the link copy function from its start to finish, the slave
machine interrupts the copy operation and executes the printer
operation according to the print request.
[0045] According to this invention, the master machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the master machine puts the print request on hold.
On the other hand, the slave machine has the printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the slave machine interrupts the copy operation and executes the
printer operation according to the print request.
[0046] The present invention provides a digital copying machine as
a slave machine connected to a digital copying machine as a master
machine. The slave machine has a link copy function that the slave
machine receives an image of a document scanned and transferred by
the master machine and shares the job of printing the scanned
document image with the master machine. The slave machine also has
a printer function of printing according to a print request from
the outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine interrupts the copy operation
and executes the printer operation according to the print
request.
[0047] According to this invention, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine interrupts the copy operation
and executes the printer operation according to the print
request.
[0048] In the present invention each of the digital copying
machines outputs images printed by printer operation and images
printed by copy operation based on the link copy function to
different paper output sections. According to this invention, each
of the digital copying machines outputs images printed by printer
operation and images printed by copy operation based on the link
copy function to different paper output sections.
[0049] In the present invention, at least two units of the digital
copying machines are directly connected to each other. According to
this invention, at least two units of digital copying machines are
directly connected to each other.
[0050] In the present invention, at least two units of the digital
copying machine are connected to each other through a network.
According to this invention, at least two units of digital copying
machines are connected to each other through a network.
[0051] In the present invention, the digital copying machine
outputs images printed by printer operation and images printed by
copy operation based on the link copy function to different paper
output sections. According to this invention, the digital copying
machine outputs images printed by printer operation and images
printed by copy operation based on the link copy function to
different paper output sections.
[0052] In the present invention, the digital copying machine is
directly connected to at least another one of the digital copying
machines. According to this invention, the digital copying machine
is directly connected to at least another one of digital copying
machines.
[0053] In the present invention, the digital copying machine is
connected to at least another one of the digital copying machines
through a network. According to this invention, the digital copying
machine is connected to at least another one of digital copying
machines through a network.
[0054] In the present invention, the slave machine outputs images
printed by printer operation and images printed by copy operation
based on the link copy function to different paper output sections.
According to this invention, the slave machine outputs images
printed by printer operation and images printed by copy operation
based on the link copy function to different paper output
sections.
[0055] In the present invention, the slave machine is directly
connected to the master machine. According to this invention, the
slave machine is directly connected to the master machine.
[0056] In the present invention, the slave machine is connected to
the master machine through a network. According to this invention,
the slave machine is connected to the master machine through a
network.
[0057] Preferred embodiments of the digital copying machine, the
image formation system, and the digital copying machine as a slave
machine according to the present invention are explained in detail
below in order of (First Embodiment), (Second Embodiment), and
(Third Embodiment) with reference to the attached drawings.
[0058] Other objects and features of this invention will become
understood from the following description with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the image
formation system according to the first embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the digital copying machine
according to this invention.
[0061] FIG. 3 shows a control system (First example of the
configuration) of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a control system (Second example of the
configuration) of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an image processing unit
(image reading section and image writing section).
[0064] FIG. 6 is a timing chart of an image signal for one
page.
[0065] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the detailed configuration
of the memory controller and the image memory.
[0066] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the configuration of the
control section.
[0067] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen on
the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0068] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen
on the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0069] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen
on the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0070] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen
on the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0071] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen
on the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0072] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen
on the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0073] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen
on the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0074] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen
on the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0075] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of an example of the screen
on the liquid crystal touch panel of the control section.
[0076] FIG. 18 shows the configuration of hardware (example of
connection) of the digital copying machine.
[0077] FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram of the software of the
digital copying machine.
[0078] FIG. 20 shows a configuration of the digital copying machine
management system.
[0079] FIG. 21 is a flow chart for explanation of the example of
operation (Part 1) when an instruction to start link copying is
received during printer operation.
[0080] FIG. 22 is a flow chart for explanation of the example of
operation (Part 1) when a print request is received during link
copy operation.
[0081] FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explanation of the example of
operation (Part 2) when an instruction to start link copying is
received during printer operation.
[0082] FIG. 24 is a flow chart for explanation of the example of
operation (Part 2) when a print request is received during link
copy operation.
[0083] FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explanation of the example of
operation (Part 3) when a print request is received during link
copy operation.
[0084] FIG. 26 shows an example of the configuration of the image
formation system according to the second embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 27 shows the configuration of hardware of the digital
copying machine in FIG. 26.
[0086] FIG. 28 shows an example of the configuration of the image
formation system according to the third embodiment.
[0087] FIG. 29 shows the configuration of hardware of the digital
copying machine in FIG. 28.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0088] The image formation system and the digital copying machine
according to a first embodiment will be explained below in order of
[Schematic configuration of the image formation system in the first
embodiment], [Configuration of the digital copying machine],
[Control system of the digital copying machine (First example of
the configuration) and (Second example of the configuration)],
[Image processing unit of the digital copying machine], [Control
section of the digital copying machine], [Example of connection
between digital copying machines (Hardware configuration)],
[Explanation and definition of terms], [First example of
operations: (link copy operation) and (Printer operation)], and
[Second example of operations: (link copy operation) and (Print
operation)].
[0089] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the image
formation system according to the first embodiment. The image
formation system shown in FIG. 1 comprises a digital copying
machine PPC-1, a digital copying machine PPC-2, and a digital
copying machine PPC-3. These digital copying machines PPC-1, PPC-2,
and PPC-3 are connected to one another through respective SCSIs.
Each of the digital copying machines PPC-1, PPC-2, and PPC-3 has
the same configuration as one another. This example of the
configuration of the image formation system assumes a system in
which a plurality of digital copying machines are installed at
locations close to one another.
[0090] Personal computers or the like not shown, each of which
issues a print request, are connected to the digital copying
machines PPC-1, PPC-2, and PPC-3. Each of the digital copying
machines PPC-1, PPC-2, and PPC-3 has a link copy function (link
copy mode) that a document is set in any of the digital copying
machines and at least two units of the digital copying machines
share the job of executing copy operation on the document, and a
printer function (print mode) of printing according to a print
request from the outside (e.g., personal computer).
[0091] Each of the digital copying machines PPC-1, PPC-2, and PPC-3
has a link copy key to allow mode to shift to the link copy mode.
When the link copy key is pressed, each of the digital copying
machines sets the link copy mode based on setting of the machine
itself as a master machine, and transmits a link request to a
specified digital copying machine. The digital copying machine,
that has received the link request, sets the link copy mode based
on setting of the machine itself as a slave machine. That is, the
machine whose link copy key is pressed is determined as a master
machine, and the machine that receives a link request is determined
as a slave machine. A document is set in the master machine, and
the master machine and the slave machine share the job of copying
the image of the scanned document. Each of the digital copying
machines PPC-1, PPC-2, and PPC-3 can function as a master machine
and a slave machine for any of the other machines.
[0092] For example, when the digital copying machine PPC-2 is
specified as a target to be linked by the digital copying machine
PPC-1 and the link copy key is pressed, the digital copying machine
PPC-1 sets the link copy mode based on the machine itself as a
master machine and transmits a link request to the digital copying
machine PPC-2. The digital copying machine PPC-2 receives the link
request and sets the link copy mode based on the machine itself as
a slave machine. A document is set in the digital copying machine
PPC-1, and the digital copying machine PPC-1 and the digital
copying machine PPC-2 share the job of copying the image of the
scanned document. Although the case where the digital copying
machine PPC-2 is set as a slave machine is explained here, it is
needless to say that the digital copying machine PPC-2 and the
digital copying machine PPC-3 may be set as slave machines and the
three digital copying machines may share and execute the copy job.
Further, although the case where three digital copying machines are
connected is explained in FIG. 1, this invention is not limited by
this case. Therefore, any number of units to be connected may be
allowable, and also any number of digital copying machines may
share and execute the link copy job.
[0093] The operation in the case where the link copy job conflicts
with the printer job in each of the digital copying machines, which
is the characteristics of this invention, will be explained
later.
[0094] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the digital copying
machines PPC-1, PPC-2, and PPC-3 in the image formation system of
FIG. 1. The digital copying machines PPC-1, PPC-2, and PPC-3 have
the same configuration as explained above. In FIG. 2, when a print
key 205 on a control section 201 explained later is pressed, a
batch of documents (not shown) placed with its image face up on a
document handler 102 of an ADF (automatic document feeder) 101 is
fed from the bottom one of the documents to a predetermined
document scanned position on a contact glass 105 by feed rollers
103 and a feed belt 104.
[0095] The image of the document fed onto the contact glass 105 is
scanned by a scanning unit 106, and then ejected by the feed belt
104 and output rollers 107. Further, when a document set detecting
sensor 108 detects that the next document is set on the document
handler 102, the operation in the same manner as that on the
previous document is repeated on the next document. The feed
rollers 103, the feed belt 104, and the output rollers 107 are
driven by a transfer motor which is not shown.
[0096] Transfer paper loaded on a first tray 109, a second tray
110, and a third tray 111 is fed by a first paper feed section 112,
a second paper feed section 113, and a third paper feed section
114, respectively, and is transferred to the position contacting a
photoconductive body 116 by a vertical transfer unit 115. The
document image scanned by the scanning unit 106 is written on the
photoconductive body 116 with laser (not shown) from the writing
unit 117, and is visualized as a toner image by a development unit
118.
[0097] The toner image on the photoconductive body 116 is
transferred on the transfer paper while the paper is transferred at
the speed equivalent to that of rotation of the photoconductive
body 116 by a transfer belt 119. The toner image transferred on the
transfer paper is fixed as an image by a fixture unit 120. The
transfer paper with the image fixed (hereafter referred to as
formed image) is ejected to a finisher 122, that is a
post-processing unit, by a paper output unit 121.
[0098] The finisher 122 as a post-processing unit can lead the
transfer paper transferred by the paper output unit 121 in the main
body of the machine to the direction of a paper output tray 126 and
the direction of a staple processing section (in the lower
left-hand side of the figure). The way to lead the paper at this
time is performed by using a switching plate 124. By switching the
switching plate 124 to the upward direction, the transfer paper can
be ejected to the paper output tray 126, which is an ordinary
operation, through paper output rollers 123 and a transfer roller
unit 132. By switching the switching plate 124 to the downward
direction, the paper can be transferred to a staple handler 128
through transfer rollers 125 and 127.
[0099] The edges of transfer paper stacked on the staple handler
128 are squared up by a jogger 129 for jogging paper each time a
sheet of paper is ejected, and a batch of sheets is stapled by a
stapler 130 when it is completed to be copied. A group of transfer
paper sheets stapled by the stapler 130 is accommodated in a
staple-completed paper output tray 131 under its own weight.
[0100] On the other hand, the ordinary paper output tray 126 is
movable to and fro. The paper output tray 126, that is movable to
and fro, moves frontward or backward for each document or each
copied paper sheet sorted by an image memory 501 explained later,
and sorts the copied paper sheets simply ejected.
[0101] When an image is to be formed on both sides of the transfer
paper, the transfer paper, that is fed from any of the first tray
109, the second tray 110, and the third tray 111 and on which an
image is formed, is not lead to the paper output tray 126, but is
temporarily stocked in a paper feed unit 134 for two-sided copy by
setting a branching claw 133 to switch a path to the upward
direction.
[0102] The transfer paper stocked in the paper feed unit 134 for
two-sided copy is then fed out again from the paper feed unit 134
for two-sided copy, and the toner image formed on the
photoconductive body 116 is transferred onto the transfer paper,
and the transfer paper with the image is then lead to the paper
output tray 126 by setting the branching claw 133 to switch a path
to the downward direction. As explained above, the two-sided copy
paper feed unit 134 is used for the case where an image is also
formed on the other side of the transfer paper.
[0103] The photoconductive body 116, the transfer belt 119, the
fixture unit 120, the paper output unit 121, and the development
unit 118 are driven by a main motor (not shown). The first paper
feed section 112, the second paper feed section 113, and the third
paper feed section 114 are driven by the driving force of the main
motor transferred through a first paper feed clutch (not shown), a
second paper feed clutch (not shown), and a third paper feed clutch
(not shown), respectively. The vertical transfer unit 115 is driven
by the driving force of the main motor transferred through an
intermediate clutch (not shown).
[0104] The digital copying machine has a link copy function that a
document is set in one of digital copying machines and at least two
units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing
copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside.
[0105] The scanning operation of an image in the scanning unit 106,
and the writing operation of the image in the writing unit 117,
that is, the operation until a latent image of the image is formed
on a recording surface are explained below. The latent image
mentioned here is potential distribution generated by converting
the image to optical information and irradiating the optical
information on the surface of the photoconductive body.
[0106] The scanning unit 106 comprises the contact glass 105 where
a document is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical
scanning system comprises exposure lamps 135, a first mirror 136, a
lens 137, a CCD image sensor 138, a second mirror 139, and a third
mirror 140. The exposure lamps 135 and the first mirror 136 are
fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 139
and the third mirror 140 are fixed on a second carriage (not
shown). An image is mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2
to 1 between the first carriage and the second carriage so that the
length of an optical path does not vary when the image is scanned
from a document. This optical scanning system is driven by a
scanner drive motor (not shown).
[0107] The document image is scanned by the CCD image sensor 138 to
be converted to electric signals, and the signals are processed. A
scaling factor of an image is changed by moving the lens 137 and
the CCD image sensor 138 in the lateral direction (in FIG. 1). That
is, the locations of the lens 137 and the CCD image sensor 138 are
set in their lateral direction corresponding to the specified
scaling factor.
[0108] The writing unit 117 comprises a laser output unit 141, an
imaging lens 142, and a mirror 143. A laser diode (not shown) as a
laser light source and a rotating polygon mirror (hereafter
referred to as polygon mirror, not shown) that rotates at a high
and constant speed by a motor (not shown) are internally provided
in the laser output unit 141.
[0109] The laser beam irradiated by the laser output unit 141 is
polarized by the polygon mirror rotating at a constant speed,
passes through the imaging lens 142 to be reflected by the mirror
143, and is focused to form an image on the surface of the
photoconductive body 116.
[0110] The polarized laser beam is exposed and scanned in the
direction (lateral scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction
to which the photoconductive body 116 rotates, and image signals
output from a selector 502 (See FIG. 6) of an image processing unit
explained later are recorded line by line. An image (electrostatic
latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductive body
116 by repeating lateral scanning at a predetermined cycle
corresponding to the rotating speed of the photoconductive body 116
and the recording density.
[0111] As explained above, the laser beam output from the writing
unit 117 is irradiated to the photoconductive body 116. A beam
sensor (not shown) that generates a lateral scanning
synchronization signal is disposed at a position, to which a laser
beam is irradiated, near one edge of the photoconductive body 116.
The writing unit 117 provides controls for a timing of starting to
record an image in the lateral scanning direction based on this
lateral scanning synchronization signal and generates a control
signal to perform input or output of an image signal, which will be
explained later.
[0112] The control system of the digital copying machine is
explained in detail below with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0113] FIG. 3 shows the control system of the digital copying
machine, in which sections are arranged around a system controller
401 that controls the overall digital copying machine. This system
controller 401 controls operations of the sections in the digital
copying machine, and controls execution of the link copy mode in
which a scanned image is transferred to another connected digital
copying machine, and then the machine itself and the relevant
digital copying machine share the job of printing the scanned
image. An image reading section 402, an image writing section 403,
a memory unit 404, a CSS 407, and a clock 408 are connected to the
system controller 401 through a system bus. Further, a user
restriction device 405, a human body detecting sensor 406, and the
control section 201 are directly connected to the system controller
401. The image reading section 402, the image writing section 403,
and the memory unit 404 are connected to one another through an
image data bus.
[0114] The memory unit 404 comprises a compression block, a DRAM
block, a DMA block, and a SCSI controller. The DRAM block in the
memory unit 404 stores image signals read-in from the image reading
section 402, and can transfer the image data stored in the image
writing section 403 based on the request from the system controller
401. The compression block has a compression function in a method
such as such as MH, MR, and MMR methods, and can compress the image
read-in once, so that efficiency of utilizing memory (DRAM) can be
improved. Further, an image can be rotated by changing an address
to be read out from the image writing section 403 and the
orientation of the image. This memory unit 404 is not needed under
the situation where only an ordinary copying function is
performed.
[0115] The clock 408 is required only when a weekly timer function
of booting or shutting down the machine on a specified time is
performed. The human body detecting sensor 406 is necessary only in
a case where a function of automatically releasing preheating mode
is performed when a user approaches the machine in the preheating
mode. The CSS 407 has a function of carrying out remote diagnosis,
that is, automatically alerting a service center of any error in
the machine, or monitoring the operational status/usage status of
the machine from a remote location. These devices may be mounted
only when the functions are required.
[0116] FIG. 4 shows another example of the configuration of the
control system in the digital copying machine. In the first example
of the configuration (FIG. 3), there is employed a centralized
control system in which the CPU of the system controller 401
provides controls for the image reading section 402, the image
writing section 403, the memory unit 404, and the CSS 407, but the
present invention is not limited by this system. For example, a
decentralized control system may be employed. In this decentralized
control system, the image reading section 402, the image writing
section 403, and the memory unit 404 include respective CPUs, and a
command from the system controller 401 to each of the CPUs is
transferred over a control signal line as shown in FIG. 4. The
configuration of the control system of the digital copying machine
is not limited by the first and second examples of the
configuration, but another configuration may be allowable.
[0117] FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the image processing unit
(the image reading section 402 and the image writing section 403)
according to this invention. The configuration of the image
processing unit is explained below with reference to FIG. 5. At
first, the irradiation light from the exposure lamp 135 is
irradiated to the surface of a document, and the light is focused
on the CCD image sensor of the scanning unit 106 by the imaging
lens (not shown). The CCD image sensor 138 of the scanning unit 106
subjects a received image of the document to photoelectric
conversion to generate image data (analog electric signals). This
image data is converted to digital signals by an A/D converter 503,
the signals are subjected to shading correction in a shading
correction circuit 504, and then to MTF
correction/.gamma.-correction or the like in an
MTF/.gamma.-correction circuit 505.
[0118] A selector 502 feeds the image data input from the
MTF/.gamma.-correction circuit 505 via a first print synthesis
section 506 to a scaling circuit 508 via a second print synthesis
section 507, or to a memory controller 510 through switching. The
image data having passed through the scaling circuit 508 is
enlarged or reduced according to a scaling factor, and the data is
transferred to the writing unit 117.
[0119] On the other hand, the memory controller 510 and the
selector 502 are so configured as to enable bidirectional
input/output of image data therebetween. The image processing unit
(IPU) has a function of selecting input/output of a plurality
pieces of data so that the image processing unit can also process
image data (e.g., image data input from a data processing unit such
as a personal computer) supplied from the outside via an external
image input/output section 516, other than the image data input
from the scanning unit 106. A SCSI driver 515 performs data
communications with another digital copying machine. When sharing
the job with another digital copying machine, the memory controller
510 transmits or receives commands and image data with this digital
copying machine via the SCSI driver 515. The memory controller 510
and the SCSI driver 515 form a SCSI interface.
[0120] The image processing unit comprises a CPU 511 that sets
various information (instructions) in the memory controller 510 or
the like and provides controls for the scanning unit 106 and the
writing unit 117, ROM 512 that stores the program of the CPU 511
and data, and RAM 513. Further, the CPU 511 can write or read data
in or from the image memory 501 via the memory controller 510.
[0121] Image data for one page in the selector 502 is explained
below with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a timing chart of the
image data for one page. A frame gate signal (hereafter referred to
as /FGATE) represents an effective period of the one-page image
data in a longitudinal scanning direction. A lateral scanning
synchronization signal (hereafter referred to as /LSYNC) is
generated line by line, and the image data takes effective after
predetermined clocks are counted since /LSYNC rises.
[0122] The signal indicating the image data in the lateral scanning
direction being effective is a line gate signal (hereafter referred
to as /LGATE). These signals of /FGATE, /LSYNC, and /LGATE
synchronize to a pixel synchronization signal (hereafter referred
to as VCLK), and one-pixel data is received at one cycle of
VCLK.
[0123] The image processing unit has discrete generation mechanisms
of /FGATE, /LSYNC, /LGATE, and VCLK for image input and image
output. These mechanisms are configured so that various
combinations of image input/output can be realized by performing
phase adjustment required when a scanned document image (image
data) is directly output, or the like although the detailed
explanation of the mechanisms is omitted.
[0124] A printer controller (a part of the functions of the system
controller 401 is referred to as a print controller) analyzes an
image from the outside and a command to instruct printing, bitmaps
the data so as to enable printing of the image as image data,
analyzes a command for print mode, and then determines the
operation. A LAN controller section and a parallel I/F section
perform functions in order to receive the image and the command
through a LAN and a parallel I/F to operate.
[0125] The memory controller 510 and the image memory 501 are
explained in detail below with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7. FIG.
7 shows a detailed configuration of the memory controller 510 and
the image memory 501. The memory controller 510 comprises an input
data selector 701, an image synthesis section 702, a primary
compression/decompression section 703, an output data selector 704,
and a secondary compression/decompression section 705. Settings of
control data in the sections are performed by the CPU 511. The
address and the data shown in FIG. 5 represent the address and the
data for image data, so that the data and the address for the
control data connected to the CPU 511 are omitted.
[0126] The image memory 501 comprises a primary storage device 706
and a secondary storage device 707. Any device, that can access at
a high speed such as DRAM, is used for the primary storage device
706, so that writing data in the image memory 501 in substantial
synchronization with a transfer speed of input image data or
reading data from the image memory 501 at the time of image output
can be performed at a high speed. Further, the primary storage
device 706 employs a configuration (an interface section with the
memory controller 510, not shown) in which the storage device is
divided into a plurality of areas according to the amount of the
image data to be processed so that input and output of the image
data can simultaneously be executed.
[0127] In order to enable simultaneous execution of input and
output of image data in and from the divided areas, respectively,
two pairs of address/data line for read and write are connected to
the interface with the memory controller 510. Accordingly, the
operation of outputting (reading) an image from an area 2 during
inputting (writing) of an image in an area 1 becomes possible.
[0128] The secondary storage device 707 is memory with large
capacity where data for synthesis or sorting of input image is
stored. If a high-speed accessible element is used for both the
primary storage device 706 and the secondary storage device 707,
data can be processed in both of the primary storage device 706 and
the secondary storage device 707, and also the controls for these
devices by the memory controller 510 can comparatively be simpler.
However, the element such as DRAM is expensive, therefore, the
processing of input/output data is executed based on the primary
storage device 706 whose access speed is high. It is needless to
say that the high-speed element such as DRAM may be used for the
secondary storage device 707 in the same manner as the primary
storage device 706.
[0129] As explained above, by forming the image memory 501 with the
primary storage device 706 and the secondary storage device 707, it
is possible to realize a digital copying machine that can perform
processing such as input/output, storage, and process of a large
amount of image data with low cost and comparatively simpler
configuration.
[0130] The operation of the memory controller 510 is schematically
explained below. First of all, image input (storage of data in the
image memory 501) is explained.
[0131] The input data selector 701 selects image data to be written
in image memory (the primary storage device 706) out of a plurality
pieces of data. The image data selected by the input data selector
701 is provided to the image synthesis section 702, in which the
image data and the data already stored in the image memory 501 are
synthesized. The image data processed by the image synthesis
section 702 is subjected to data compression by the primary
compression/decompression section 703, and the compressed data is
then written in the primary storage device 706. The data written in
the primary storage device 706 is further compressed in the
secondary compression/decompression section 705 as required, and
the compressed data is stored in the secondary storage device
707.
[0132] Image output (reading of image data from the image memory
501) is explained below. At first, when an image is to be output,
the image data stored in the primary storage device 706 is read
out. When the image as an object to be output is stored in the
primary storage device 706, the primary compression/decompression
section 703 also decompresses the image data of the primary storage
device 706, and the output data selector 704 selects the
decompressed data or the data obtained through image synthesis of
the decompressed data and the input data, and outputs the selected
data.
[0133] The image synthesis section 702 performs the processing for
synthesis of the data in the primary storage device 706 and the
input data (which has a function of phase adjustment to image
data), and selection of a target output of the synthesized data
(image output, write-back of data in the primary storage device
706, and further simultaneous output of data to both of the target
outputs are possible).
[0134] When the image as an object to be output is not stored in
the primary storage device 706, the image data as an object to be
output stored in the secondary storage device 707 is decompressed
in the secondary compression/decompression section 705, the
decompressed data is written in the primary storage device 706, and
the image synthesis section performs the operation of image output
from then on.
[0135] FIG. 8 shows a configuration of the control section 201 of
the digital copying machine. The control section 201 includes a
liquid crystal touch panel 202, a ten-digit keypad 203, a
clear/cancel key 204, a print key 205, a mode clear key 206, and a
reset key 207, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0136] Function keys, copy quantity, and a message indicating the
status of the digital copying machine or the like are displayed on
the liquid crystal touch panel 202. Further, as shown in FIG. 8,
the instant when an operator touches any of the keys displayed on
the liquid crystal touch panel 202, the key indicating the selected
function is inverted to black (the inverted part is shown by sloped
lines in the figure). When the detail of a function is to be
specified (e.g., a value to be scaled if the function is scaling),
by touching a relevant function key, the setting screen for the
detailed function appears. As explained above, the liquid crystal
touch panel 202 uses a dot display, which allows the most adequate
display for each case to be performed in a graphical form.
[0137] FIG. 9 shows an example of display on the liquid crystal
touch panel 202. The liquid crystal touch panel 202 has a message
area that displays a message such as "Ready to copy" and "Wait",
and a copy-quantity display section that displays a set number of
copies. The liquid crystal touch panel 202 further has an automatic
contrast control key used to automatically control image contrast,
an automatic paper select key used to automatically select transfer
paper, an original size key used to set a scaling factor to an
original size, a sort key used to arrange copied paper sheets copy
by copy in ascending order of pages, a stack key used to specify
the processing for sorting copied paper sheets page by page, a
staple key used to specify the processing for stapling sorted
copied paper sheets copy by copy, a scaling key used to set a
scaling factor of enlarge/reduce, a two-sided copy key used to set
a two-sided copy mode, a delete/shift key, and the link copy key
210 used when a plurality of digital copying machines share the job
of printing out a set document. By pressing this link copy key 210,
the link copy mode is set.
[0138] In FIG. 9, respective states of paper feed trays
corresponding to the number of paper feed trays are displayed, and
keys used to manually set any of paper feed stages are also
displayed by the number of paper feed stages. Information for size
(also including information for portrait or landscape orientation),
an amount of paper remaining in a tray, and a type of paper is
displayed in each tray. In the keys indicating the paper remaining
in each tray, the downward arrow represents a paper end state, a
laterally described line represents a paper near-end state. The
selected mode is displayed with sloped lines.
[0139] Examples of display on the liquid crystal touch panel 202
when the link mode is selected are explained below with reference
to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12. FIG. 10 shows a screen used to set, in the
link mode, which copying machine is used to execute the link mode.
By pressing any of keys for copying machines, the copying machine
to be used in the link copy mode is selected. As shown in FIG. 10,
the copying machine 1, the control machine, the copying machine 4,
and the copying machine 7 are selected. When the setting is
finished, a setting end key is pressed, so that the screen of FIG.
11 appears.
[0140] In this screen of FIG. 11, the link mode is set. This link
mode is released by pressing the link copy key 210, and by pressing
the key again, the screen of FIG. 10 appears. FIG. 12 shows a
screen in which paper for manual operation is selected. FIG. 13
shows a screen in which a non-selectable paper feed stage is
displayed at lower intensity. If this key displayed at lower
intensity is tried to select by pressing it, a message to the
effect that the stage can not be used is displayed. FIG. 15 shows a
display at the time of interrupting the operation and displaying a
message for adding paper if there is any machine, other than the
control machine, which needs to add paper at the time of starting
the operation.
[0141] FIG. 16 shows a screen used to set the printer operation
during interruption of link copying. This screen shown in FIG. 16
appears when the reset key is pressed. On this screen, "Permit the
operation 220" or "Prohibit the operation 221" is set by the user.
The printer operation is performed according to this setting during
interruption of link copying. More specifically, as explained later
(See FIG. 22), when "Permit the operation 220" is selected, the
printer operation is executed during interruption of link copying.
When "Prohibit the operation 221" is selected, on the other hand,
the printer operation is not executed during interruption of link
copying, but is executed after the link copying is finished.
[0142] FIG. 17 shows a screen displayed when the start of link
copying is instructed during the printer operation. FIG. 17 shows a
message of "Printer is operating. Select one of operations.", and a
selection menu of "Finish the printer operation and Execute 230",
"Interrupt the printer operation and Execute 231", and "Cancel
232". The user selects any of "Finish the printer operation and
Execute 230", "Interrupt the printer operation and Execute 231",
and "Cancel 232". The link copy operation is performed according to
this selection. As specifically explained later (See FIG. 21), when
"Finish the printer operation and Execute 230" is selected, the
link copy operation is executed at the time when the printer
operation is finished. When "Interrupt the printer operation and
Execute 231" is selected, the printer operation is interrupted and
the link copy operation is executed. When "Cancel 232" is selected,
the link copy operation is cancelled.
[0143] FIG. 18 shows an example of connection between the digital
copying machine PPC-1 and the digital copying machine PPC-2 in FIG.
1. The configurations of the hardware of the digital copying
machines PPC-1 and PPC-2 as shown in FIG. 18 are the same (the same
as that of FIG. 3). Control data such as control commands and
setting commands and image data are transferred between the digital
copying machines PPC-1 and PPC-2 via respective SCSI controllers,
and the received image data is temporarily stored in each DRAM
block. The SCSI is used in this case, but by separately providing
serial interfaces for image data and control data, the image data
and the control data may discretely be transferred and
received.
[0144] When the link copy mode is executed between these digital
copying machines PPC-1 and PPC-2, one of the machines, of which the
link copy key 210 is pressed to set the link copy mode prior to the
other machines, is determined as a master machine (control
machine). The master machine then issues a link request to another
digital copying machine (slave machine) as a target to be linked,
establishes a link between the two machines, and executes the link
copy mode. In this link copy mode, the image data for a document
scanned by the master machine is transferred to the slave machine,
and the master machine and the slave machine share the job of
printing. That is, the two machines share and execute one copy job.
As explained above, both of the digital copying machines PPC-1 and
PPC-2 can function as a master machine and a slave machine, and
vice versa.
[0145] The case, where the digital copying machine PPC-1 is set as
a master machine and the digital copying machine PPC-2 is set as a
slave machine, is explained below.
[0146] Conflicts between link copying (link copy job) and printing
by a printer (print job) are explained below. At first, any
machine, in which the link copy key 210 of the control section 201
is pressed, is set as a master machine (the digital copying machine
PPC-1 in the example shown in FIG. 18), and transmits a link
request to a machine as a target to be linked. The machine
receiving the link request is set as a slave machine (the digital
copying machine PPC-2 in the example shown in FIG. 18). From then
on, all the operation is performed by the master machine, so that
using the control section 201 of the slave machine is
prohibited.
[0147] In the master machine, when scanning a document image is
started in the image reading section 402, the image data is
transferred from the image reading section 402 to the memory unit
404 via the image data bus. The memory unit 404 accumulates the
image data and also transfers the image to the slave machine.
Accordingly, in the master machine, the image reading section 402
and the memory unit 404 are occupied. On the other hand, in the
slave machine, the image data transmitted from the master machine
is accumulated in the memory unit 404. In the master machine and
the slave machine, the image data is transferred from the memory
unit 404 to the image writing section 403 to perform printing.
[0148] When a print request is made from the outside (e.g.,
personal computer), an image to be printed is transferred in a
printer language, and the image is bitmapped in the memory unit
404. This bitmapped image to be printed is transferred from the
memory unit 404 to the image writing section 403, where printing is
executed. Accordingly, the image to be printed is in a wait state
for bitmapping until the memory unit 404 becomes available.
Conversely, during bitmapping of the image to be printed in the
memory unit 404, there occurs a state of wait for reading of the
document image or wait for printing of the document image.
[0149] Difference from switching of applications (copy, printer,
FAX, or so) in the conventional machine as a discrete unit is that
the master machine in the link copy mode keeps the control right
over the slave machine. Therefore, when the print request is
received during reading of a document in the master machine and if
the reading operation is in a standby status, the slave machine has
to wait, by which the operations are more largely affected as
compared to switching of applications in the single unit. The
present invention allows productivity of the digital copying
machine to be improved as explained below when conflict between the
link copy job and the printer job occurs.
[0150] The operation (hereafter referred to as "remote output") of
transferring the image scanned by the digital copying machine PPC-1
to the image reading section 402 of the digital copying machine
PPC-1I is explained below with reference to FIG. 19.
[0151] FIG. 19 shows a conceptual view of software of the digital
copying machine PPC-1 and the digital copying machine PPC-1I. In
FIG. 19, "Copy Appli." represents an application to perform a copy
sequence for execution of duplication, "Printer Appli." represents
an application to perform a sequence for execution of printing,
"Input/output control" represents a layer (device driver) to
perform logical/physical conversion on data. A control-panel
controller represents a layer (in which LCD display, LED ON/OFF, or
scanning through key entry is executed in the logical level) used
to perform MMI (Man Machine Interface), and "Peripheral device
controller" represents a layer used to control peripheral devices,
such as a unit for automatic two-sided copy, a sorter, or an ADF,
mounted on a PPC in the logical level. "Image formation section
controller", "Image reading unit controller", and "Memory unit" are
as explained above.
[0152] Further, "Demon process" exists as an application to read
image data stored in the memory unit and transfer the image data to
"Image formation section" when a print request is received from
some other machine on a network. As a matter of course, image
transfer from the machine on the network has to be finished before
"Demon process" reads the image from the memory unit and performs
printing.
[0153] The control panel, the peripheral devices, the image
formation section, the image reading unit, the memory unit are
handled as resources that respective PPCs obtain. When the "Digital
copying machine PPC-1" in FIG. 19 is to execute duplication using
its own resources (when the print start key is pressed), respective
resources of the "Image formation unit", "Image reading unit", or,
if necessary, "Peripheral devices" and "Memory unit" are requested
to the "System control" section.
[0154] The "System control" section makes adjustment of the access
right to the resource for the request from the "Copy Appli.", and
notifies the "Copy Appli." of the result of adjustment
(not-accessible). When "Digital copying machine PPC-1" is used on a
standalone basis (the machine is not connected to the network), all
the resources obtained by the system can be used only by "Copy
Appli.", therefore, the duplication is instantly executed. On the
other hand, like in this embodiment, when printing is performed
using resources of some other machine (hereafter referred to as
remote digital PPC (digital copying machine PPC-2 in the example
shown in FIG. 19)) existing on the image formation system, the
access right to the resources is requested to the "system
controller" of the remote digital PPC (digital copying machine
PPC-2).
[0155] The system controller of the remote digital PPC (digital
copying machine PPC-2) makes adjustment of the resources according
to the request, and notifies the application of the machine as the
originator of the result on adjustment. When the access right is
permitted, the application executes reading of an image, stores the
image in its memory unit, and transfers the image to the memory
unit of the machine as a remote target output via the interface
when the processing of storage is finished. When the image transfer
is finished, the application transmits conditions (such as a paper
feed port, a paper output port, and print quantity) for printing to
"Demon process" of the machine as a remote target output, and the
transmits a command of "Start printing". When "Demon process" of
the remote target output receives the command "Start printing", the
"Demon process" requests to start printing to the "System
controller" of its own machine (the machine that executes remote
output), and the system controller executes remote output.
[0156] When the memory unit of "Digital copying machine PPC-2" is
used by "Digital copying machine PPC-1", the memory unit of
"Digital copying machine PPC-2" can not be accessed by the
application of "Digital copying machine PPC-2" (or any digital
copying machine PPC except "Digital copying machine PPC-1" when a
plurality of digital copying machines PPC are connected over the
network).
[0157] The terms used in this specification are explained below.
[Image reading unit (Image reading section)]: As "Image reading
unit" used in the digital PPC, a unit, that has a function of
irradiating a light source to a document, converting the reflection
light to electric signals by "Charge-Coupled Device=CCD", and
performing "required image processing", is used. "Required image
processing" mentioned here includes processing such as quantization
(conversion of analog data converted to electric signals by CCD to
binary-valued or multi-valued data), and shading correction
(correction to unevenness of irradiation of a light source that
irradiates a document, and variations in sensitivity of CCD)/MTF
correction (correction to a blur due to the optical system)/scaling
(which represents processing of changing the density of reading an
image and performing data interpolation using the read-in image
data, or the like).
[0158] [Image formation section (Image writing section)]: "Image
formation section" used in the digital PPC is a unit that forms an
image transferred based on electric signals on a piece of ordinary
paper or thermal paper by means of electronic photographing,
thermal printing, thermal transfer printing, or ink-jet
printing.
[0159] [Video signal], [Image data]: The electric signal of an
image converted in the "Image reading unit", an electric signal of
an image to be input to "Image formation section", and a signal for
synchronization with the electric signal of the image are referred
to as "Video signal" or "Image data" as a whole.
[0160] [Control signal], [Command]: In order to exchange "Video
signal" between "Image reading unit", "Image formation section",
and "Application", information needs to be transferred between the
units. This means is referred to as issuing of "Control signal" or
"Command".
[0161] [Extensions], [Application (referred to as Appli.)] [Memory
function], [Memory unit]: A significant characteristic of a digital
PPC is to convert an image to electric signals, read the electric
signals, and restore the electric signals in the digital copying
machine. The digital PPC becomes applicable to fields other than
the conventional analog PPC by obtaining the means of changing the
electric signals read-in at this time into various formats and
transmitting the signals. Accordingly, functions such as a FAX, a
page printer, a scanner, and a filing system can be realized.
Further, in recent years, a function (hereafter referred to as
memory function) of printing a plurality of sheets by one scan at
the time of copying a plurality of sheets, or printing a plurality
of documents onto a sheet of transfer paper has been realized. More
specifically, this function is performed even during performance of
a PPC function by temporarily storing the read-in image data in a
storage device such as DRAM and reading the image data as required.
The functions specific to the digital PPC system are referred to as
"Extensions" or "Appli.". In this invention, the memory unit is
used as a buffer unit when image data is transferred between
machines on the network.
[0162] [System controller], [System]: Controllers for executing
copy mode are generically called "System controller". The
controllers include one that performs intra-machine monitoring of
paper transfer processing, electronic photographing process, an
abnormal state, and a state of a paper feed cassette (e.g.,
presence or absence of paper) in order to form an image in the
image writing section, and one that controls scanning operation and
ON/OFF of a light source in order to scan the image in the image
reading section. Further, the latest type of digital PPC obtains
not only one unit of extensions but also obtains simultaneously a
plurality of applications. As explained above, digital PPCs sharing
one resource are called "system", and the controller that controls
this system is sometimes called "system controller".
[0163] [Resources], [Resource]: A function unit shared with a
plurality of applications is called "Resources" or "Resource". The
"system controller" provides controls for the system on this
resource basis. The resources managed in the digital PPC of this
invention includes "Image reading unit", "Image formation section",
"Control section", "Memory", and "Peripheral devices (=an ADF, a
sorter, a unit for automatic two-sided copy)", or the like.
[0164] [User restriction] There are some cases where the PPC that
uses especially the electronic photographing process does not
desire to issue unlimited permission of access to the PPC because
of the large amount of consumption required for the process. In
this case, "User restriction device" such as a "coin rack", a "key
counter", a "key card", or a "prepaid card", and "Lock code" are
used in order to identify, restrict, and manage a "user".
[0165] [User setting]: When the system becomes complicated,
discrete adaptability is required for each user. However, it is
impossible to satisfy the adaptability to all these users at the
time of shipment from a factory, therefore, a support in a market
is essential. Accordingly, nonvolatile RAM is generally mounted in
the system to allow system setting according to the request of a
client. This function is referred to as "User setting".
[0166] [Idle state]: The case of a state in which the operation is
not executed by a user is continued for a predetermined period is
referred to as "Idle state", and any state other than the state is
referred to as "Busy state". The time required for shifting from
"busy state" to "idle state" can be set by the user. For example,
it is needless to say about during duplication, even when the
duplication is finished, the state does not shift to the "idle
state" unless non-operation state by the user is continued for a
predetermined period.
[0167] [Weekly timer]: A function to turn the power ON/OFF in sync
with the ON/OFF times set on each day of the week. For this
function, the operation to set a time module on the time and the
operation to set the ON/OFF times on each day of the week are
required.
[0168] [Preheating]: A mode that saves power consumption by
controlling under the reduced fixing temperature by a predetermined
temperature (e.g., 10.degree. C.) and switching off a display of
the control section. The setting of this mode is automatically
performed after a predetermined period of time elapses since no key
entry is performed in the control section or operation and
manipulation are not executed, which depends on machine settings.
This mode is released when a person standing in front of the
machine is detected by the human body detecting sensor based on the
cases of key entry in the control section or machine setting.
[0169] [Reload]: The state, where the fixing temperature reaches a
temperature at which fixture is possible and copying is ready, is
called reload.
[0170] [Interrupt mode]: A mode when a copy job temporarily
interrupts during execution of copy operation or during manual
operation to perform copy operation. By setting this mode, the
previous copy mode and progress information if copying is in
operation are stored in the nonvolatile RAM, the current mode
shifts to the interrupt mode, and the mode is initialized. When the
interrupt mode is released after the copy operation is executed,
the mode and the information stored in the nonvolatile RAM are
restored to return the mode to the state before the interrupt mode
is set, and the mode before the interruption can be continued with
Restart. The setting/releasing of this mode can be carried out by
keys in the control section 201.
[0171] [Reservation of operation]: A function of automatically
starting copy operation at the point in time when copying is ready
after heating for fixture becomes sufficient by finishing mode
setting and setting of a document and reserving the job, although
the copying operation can not be started while the copying machine
is being heated for fixture. In this embodiment, the time during
heating for fixture is included as a target for enabling
reservation of the operation, but any period of time other than the
time above, on condition that a job becomes operable as the time
passes, can be the target. The time required for raising the LCT
tray, the time required for stabilizing the rotation of a polygon
motor, and the time during addition of toner are targeted.
[0172] [CSS] (or [Remote diagnosis system], [Digital copying
machine management system]): FIG. 20 shows a configuration of a
digital copying machine management system. A management unit 1003
installed at a service location and equipment such as PPC 1000
installed at a side of each user are connected over a public
network 1002. A communication control unit 1001 to control
communications with the management unit 1003 is installed at the
side of user, and the user PPC 1000 is connected to this
communication control unit 1001. A telephone set or a facsimile
unit is connectable to the communication control unit 1001, that
is, the communication control unit 1001 can be installed by being
inserted into the existing line of the user. Although a plurality
of PPCs are connectable to the communication control unit 1001,
there is naturally a case of a single unit.
[0173] These PPCs do not require the same type, therefore,
different types of PPCs may be allowable, and further, any
equipment other than the PPC may be allowable. It is assumed here,
for convenience in explanation, that five units of PPCs at the
maximum are connectable to one unit of communication control unit.
The communication control unit and the plurality of PPCs have
multi-drop connection therebetween based on RS-485 standard.
Communication control between the communication control unit and
each of the PPCs is performed based on a basic type of data
transfer control sequence. A data link is established in a
polling/selecting system that provides centralized control with the
communication control unit set as a control station, therefore,
communications with any of the PPCs can be performed. Each PPC is
allowed to set a specific value with an address setting switch.
Accordingly, a polling address and a selecting address of each PPC
can be determined.
[0174] A first example of operation of the digital copying machine
configured as explained above when a link copy job conflicts with a
printer job is explained below with reference to FIG. 21 to FIG.
22. The operations of a master machine and a slave machine when the
link copy job conflicts with the printer job are basically the same
as each other.
[0175] First of all, the operation of a digital copying machine
when an instruction to execute link copying (link copy job) is
received during execution of printer operation (print job) is
explained below with reference to FIG. 21.
[0176] In FIG. 21, when an instruction to start printing for link
copy operation is received (step S100), it is determined whether
the printer is operating (step S101). As a result of this
determination, when the printer is not operating, the link copy
operation is started (step S108). On the other hand, when the
printer is operating, a screen, that is used to select an operation
so as to avoid butting of operations against each other, is
displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 202 of the control
section 201. FIG. 17 explained above shows the example of display
of the menu screen for selection. Menu items of "Finish the printer
operation and Execute 230", "Interrupt the printer operation and
Execute 231", and "Cancel 232" appear in the menu screen as shown
in FIG. 17, so that any operation according to the operational
status of the machine can be selected.
[0177] It is determined which operation has been selected by the
user (step S103). When "Cancel" 232 has been selected, the link
copy operation is cancelled (step S104). At step S103, when
"Interrupt the printer operation and Execute 231" has been
selected, the processing for interrupting the printer operation is
executed (step S105), and the request to interrupt the printing is
issued to the side of printer processing. The interruption of the
printer operation is checked (step S106), and the link copy
operation is executed at the point in time when the interruption is
checked (step S108). At step S103, when "Finish the printer
operation and Execute 230" has been selected, the finish of the
printer operation is monitored (step S107), and the link copy
operation is executed at the point in time when the printer
operation is finished (step S108). When the link copying has been
finished, the request is released in case where the request to
interrupt the printer operation may have been issued.
[0178] When the printer operation has been finished, the operation
shifts to the link copy operation even during displaying of the
menu screen although this status is not shown in the figure. By the
way, images printed in the link copy mode and images printed in the
printer-operation mode are output to different paper output trays,
so that both of the printed images will not be mixed up.
[0179] As explained above, according to the example of the
operation, when the instruction to start link copying is received
during printer operation, the printer operation is interrupted
according to the instruction by the user, and the link copy
operation is started. Therefore, based on such assumption that the
case where copying is executed in a plurality of machines indicates
a particular case where the copying is urgently required,
restriction is provided to another operation after the copy
operation is started to prioritize productivity of the copy
operation, which makes it possible to meet the user's needs.
[0180] According to the example of the operation, when the
instruction to start link copying is received during printer
operation, a relevant machine waits for finishing the printer
operation according to the instruction by the user, and the link
copy operation is started after the printer operation is finished.
Therefore, when the link copy operation and the other print
operation have the same level of priorities, the link copy
operation is started after the previous operation is finished. By
allowing the operations to be equally performed, it is possible to
meet the user's operational needs. It is also possible to improve
operability by automatically starting the operation.
[0181] According to the example of the operation, at the time of
starting the link copy operation, the message indicating that the
machine is in operation is displayed, and the user can select any
of "Interrupt/Execute", "Finish/Execute", and "Cancel the
operation". Thus, it is possible to meet a variety of user's
needs.
[0182] According to the example of the operation, when the printing
based on the print request from the outside is finished during
displaying of the menu screen, the menu screen is dismissed, and
the link copy operation is started. Therefore, by supporting
variations in the operational status of the machine with adequate
screen display, it is possible to improve operability and total
productivity of the machine.
[0183] An example of the operation of the digital copying machine
when an instruction to execute printer operation (printer job) is
received during execution of link copying (link copy job) is
explained below with reference to FIG. 22.
[0184] In FIG. 22, when an instruction (print request) to start
printing by the printer is received from the outside (step S200),
the setting (See FIG. 16) of the printer operation during
interruption of link copying is checked (step S201). When "Prohibit
the printer operation" during interruption of link copying has been
set, the process waits until the link copy operation is finished
(step S202), and the printer operation is executed (step S203).
When the request to interrupt the printer operation is received
from the side of link copy operation after the printer starts
printing, the operation is interrupted. When the request is
released, the printer operation is restarted. It is then determined
whether the printer operation has been finished (step S204), and
when the printer operation has been finished, the process returns
to a main routine not shown in the figure.
[0185] At step S201, when "Permit the printer operation" during
interruption of link copying has been set, it is determined whether
the link copying is operating (step S205). When the link copying is
not operating, that is, when the link copying is interrupted, or
the link copying is not started, the printer operation is executed
(step S206). When the request to interrupt the operation is
received from the side of the link copy operation after the printer
starts printing, the operation is interrupted. When the request has
been released, the printer operation is restarted. It is then
determined whether the printer operation has been finished (step
S207). When the printer operation has been finished, the process
returns to the main routine not shown in the figure. By the way,
images printed in the link copy mode and images printed in the
printer-operation mode are output to different paper output trays,
so that both of the printed images will not be mixed up.
[0186] As explained above, according to the example of the
operation, even when the instruction to start printer operation is
received during link copy operation, the link copy operation is
continued to be executed, and the print request is put on hold (the
steps S202, S205). Therefore, based on such assumption that the
case where copying is executed in a plurality of machines indicates
a particular case where the copying is urgently required,
restriction is provided to another operation after the copy
operation is started, which allows productivity of the copy
operation not to be reduced.
[0187] According to the example of the operation, when the link
copy operation is interrupted, it is permitted to perform printer
operation during its interruption according to the setting.
Therefore, another operation can be executed during its
interruption, that is, while the link copying is not executed.
Thus, it is possible to improve total productivity of the
machine.
[0188] According to the example of the operation, when the link
copy operation is interrupted, it is not permitted to perform
printer operation during its interruption according to the setting.
Therefore, if the same tray is used as a paper output tray, it is
possible to prevent output printed paper sheets from their being
mixed up, and also suppress losses due to switching between the
operations.
[0189] According to the example of the operation, when the link
copy operation is interrupted, whether the printer operation is
permitted or not permitted for the print request from the outside
can be set. Accordingly, it is possible to make settings that meet
the machine usage status and the needs of the user, which allows
operability to be improved.
[0190] A second example of operation of the digital copying machine
configured as explained above when a link copy job conflicts with a
printer job is explained below with reference to FIG. 23 to FIG.
25. In the second example of operation, the case, where a master
machine and a slave machine execute different operations when the
link copy job conflicts with the printer job, is explained.
[0191] First of all, the operations of the master machine and the
slave machine when an instruction to execute link copying (link
copy job) is received during execution of printer operation (print
job) is explained with reference to FIG. 23.
[0192] In FIG. 23, the master machine determines, when receiving an
instruction to execute link copying (step S300), whether the
printer is operating (step S301). As a result of this
determination, when the printer is not operating, the master
machine transmits a link request to a machine (slave machine) as a
target to be linked (step S303). On the other hand, at step S301,
when the printer is operating, the master machine interrupts the
printer operation (step S302), and transmits the link request to a
machine (slave machine) as a target to be linked (step S303).
[0193] The slave machine determines, when receiving the link
request (step T300), whether the printer is operating (step T301).
When the printer is during operation, the slave machine transmits
Link Rejected to the master machine (step T303), and continues the
printer operation (step T307). When the printer operation has been
finished, the process returns. On the other hand, at step T301,
when the slave machine determines that the printer is not
operating, the slave machine transmits Link Accepted to the master
machine (step T302). When receiving the response from the slave
machine (step S304), the master machine determines the contents of
the response (step S305). When the response is Link Accepted, the
master machine and the slave machine execute the link copy
operation (copy job) (step S308, step T304). When the link copy
operation is finished in the slave machine (step T305), the process
returns.
[0194] In the master machine, when the link copy operation is
finished (step S309), the process proceeds to step S310. On the
other hand, at step S305, when the response from the slave machine
is Link Rejected, the master machine singly executes the copy
operation for the link copy job. When the copy operation is
finished (step S307), the process proceeds to step S310.
[0195] At step S310, the master machine determines whether there is
any interrupted printer job left. When there is no such printer job
left, the process returns. On the other hand, when there is some
interrupted printer job left, the master machine restarts the
interrupted printer operation (printer job) (step S311). When the
printer operation is finished, the process returns. By the way,
images printed in the link copy mode and images printed in the
printer-operation mode are output to different paper output trays,
so that both of the printed images will not be mixed up.
[0196] As explained above, according to the example of the
operation, the master machine preferentially executes copy
operation when receiving the instruction to start the link copying
during printer operation. On the other hand, the slave machine
continues to execute the printer operation even when receiving the
instruction to start link copying during the printer operation.
Therefore, the print job in the slave machine can be prioritized
without loss in productivity of the copy operation, which makes it
possible to meet the user's needs. In addition, it is possible to
prevent the slave machine from its being occupied by the master
machine due to link copying.
[0197] An example of operations of the master machine and the slave
machine when a print request is received during execution of link
copying (link copy job) is explained below with reference to FIG.
24.
[0198] In FIG. 24, the link copy operation is executed in the
master machine and the slave machine (step S400, step T400). The
slave machine determines whether the link copy operation has been
finished (step T401). When the link copy operation has been
finished, the process returns. On the other hand, when the link
copy operation has not been finished, the process proceeds to step
T402, where it is determined whether an instruction (print request)
to start print operation by the printer has been received from the
outside. As a result of this determination, when it is determined
that the instruction (print request) to start print operation by
the printer has not been received from the outside, the process
returns to step T400. On the other hand, when it is determined that
the instruction (print request) to start print operation by the
printer has been received from the outside, the slave machine
transmits a request to stop the link copying (step T403), and stops
the link copy operation (step T404). The slave machine then
executes the printer operation based on the print request (step
T405), and when the printer operation has been finished, the
process returns.
[0199] On the other hand, the master machine determines whether the
link copy operation has been finished (step S401). When the link
copy operation has been finished, the process proceeds to step
S410. When the link copy operation has not been finished, on the
other hand, the process proceeds to step S402, where it is
determined whether an instruction (print request) to start print
operation by the printer has been received from the outside. As a
result of this determination, when it is determined that the
instruction (print request) to start print operation by the printer
has not been received from the outside, the process proceeds to
step S404. On the other hand, when it is determined that the
instruction (print request) to start print operation by the printer
has been received from the outside, the master machine puts the
print request on hold, continues the link copy operation (step
S403), and proceeds to step S404.
[0200] At step S404, the master machine determines whether the
request to stop the link copying has been received from the slave
machine. When the request to stop the link copying has not been
received from the slave machine, the process returns to step S400.
On the other hand, when the request to stop the link copying has
been received from the slave machine, the master machine singly
executes the remaining link copy job (step S405), and when the copy
operation has been finished (step S406), the process proceeds to
step S407.
[0201] At step S407, the master machine determines whether there is
any printer job (print request) put on hold left. When there is no
such printer job left, the process returns. When there is some
printer job put on hold left, the master machine executes the
printer operation (printer job) according to the print request put
on hold (step S408). When the printer operation has been finished
(step S409), the process returns. By the way, images printed in the
link copy mode and images printed in the printer-operation mode are
output to different paper output trays, so that both of the printed
images will not be mixed up.
[0202] As explained above, according to the example of the
operation, the master machine continues to execute the link copying
even when receiving the print request from the outside during the
link copy operation. On the other hand, the slave machine stops,
when receiving the print request from the outside during link copy
operation, the link copying and preferentially executes the printer
operation. Therefore, the print job in the slave machine can be
prioritized without loss in productivity of the copy operation,
which makes it possible to meet the user's needs. In addition, it
is possible to prevent the operation of the slave machine from its
being occupied by the master machine due to link copying.
[0203] Another example of operations of the master machine and the
slave machine when the print request is received during execution
of link copying (link copy job) is explained below with reference
to FIG. 25.
[0204] In FIG. 25, the link copy operation is executed in the
master machine and the slave machine (step S500, step T500) The
slave machine determines whether the link copy operation has been
finished (step T501). When the link copy operation has been
finished, the process returns. On the other hand, when the link
copy operation has not been finished, the process proceeds to step
T502, where it is determined whether an instruction (print request)
to start print operation by the printer has been received from the
outside. As a result of this determination, when it is determined
that the instruction (print request) to start print operation by
the printer has not been received from the outside, the process
returns to step T500. On the other hand, when it is determined that
the instruction (print request) to start print operation by the
printer has been received from the outside, the slave machine
transmits a request to interrupt the link copying (step T503) to
the master machine, and interrupts the link copy operation (step
T504) The slave machine then executes the printer operation based
on the print request (step T505), and when the printer operation
has been finished (step T506), the process proceeds to step T507,
where the slave machine transmits a request to restart the link
copying to the master machine (step T507).
[0205] On the other hand, the master machine determines whether the
link copy operation has been finished (step S501). When the link
copy operation has been finished, the process proceeds to step
S510. When the link copy operation has not been finished, on the
other hand, the process proceeds to step S502, where it is
determined whether an instruction (print request) to start print
operation by the printer has been received from the outside. As a
result of this determination, when it is determined that the
instruction (print request) to start print operation by the printer
has not been received from the outside, the process proceeds to
step S504. On the other hand, when it is determined that the
instruction (print request) to start print operation by the printer
has been received from the outside, the master machine puts the
print request on hold and continues the link copy operation (step
S503), and proceeds to step S504.
[0206] At step S504, the master machine determines whether the
request to interrupt the link copying has been received from the
slave machine. When the request to interrupt the link copying has
not been received from the slave machine, the process returns to
step S500. On the other hand, when the request to interrupt the
link copying has been received from the slave machine, the master
machine singly executes the remaining link copy job (step S505).
When the copy operation has been finished (step S506), the process
proceeds to step S510. When the copy operation has not been
finished, on the other hand, the process proceeds to step S507,
where it is determined whether a request to restart the link
copying has been received from the slave machine. When the request
to restart the link copying has not been received from the slave
machine, the process returns to step S505. When the request to
restart the link copying has been received from the slave machine,
on the other hand, the master machine restarts the link copying,
and the master machine and the slave machine execute the remaining
link copy job (step S508, T508) In the master machine, when the
link copying has been finished (step S509), the process proceeds to
step S510. In the slave machine, when the link copying has been
finished (step T509), the process returns.
[0207] At step S510, the master machine determines whether there is
any printer job (print request) put on hold left. When there is no
such printer job left, the process returns. When there is such a
printer job left, the master machine executes the printer operation
(printer job) according to the print request put on hold (step
S511). When the printer operation has been finished (step S512),
the process returns. By the way, images printed in the link copy
mode and images printed in the printer-operation mode are output to
different paper output trays, so that both of the printed images
will not be mixed up.
[0208] As explained above, according to the example of the
operation, the master machine continues to execute the link copying
even when receiving the print request from the outside during the
link copy operation. On the other hand, the slave machine
interrupts, when receiving the print request from the outside
during link copy operation, the link copying and preferentially
executes the printer operation. Therefore, the print job in the
slave machine can be prioritized without loss in productivity of
the copy operation, which makes it possible to meet the user's
needs. In addition, it is possible to prevent the operation of the
slave machine from its being occupied by the master machine due to
link copying.
[0209] FIG. 26 shows an example of the configuration of an image
formation system according to a second embodiment. In the image
formation system of the first embodiment, the system in which
digital copying machines are directly connected to one another is
shown. However, the image formation system of the second embodiment
is constructed by connecting digital copying machines to one
another through a network as shown in FIG. 26. The image formation
system shown in the figure is formed with a digital copying machine
PPC-1 to a digital copying machine PPC-8 connected to one another
through a network (LAN). Each personal computer or the like, not
shown, that issues a print request is connected to each of the
digital copying machine PPC-1 to the digital copying machine PPC-8
directly or through the network (LAN). Each of the digital copying
machines PPC-1 to PPC-8 has the same configuration. This example of
the configuration of the image formation system assumes a system in
which a plurality of digital copying machines are installed at
locations comparatively far from each other.
[0210] FIG. 27 shows a configuration of hardware of the digital
copying machines PPC-1 to PPC-8 in FIG. 16. The digital copying
machine shown in FIG. 27 comprises a LAN/IF 411 used to perform
data communications via the network (LAN) and work memory 410 that
temporarily stores image data or the like received via the network
(LAN), which is a different configuration from that of the first
embodiment. The remaining parts of the configuration are the same
as those of the digital copying machine (FIG. 3) in the first
embodiment. Therefore, explanation of the parts is omitted.
[0211] In the same manner as the digital copying machine of the
first embodiment, each of the digital copying machines PPC-1 to
PPC-8 has a link copy function (link copy mode) that a document is
set in any of the digital copying machines and at least two units
of the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy
operation on the document, and a printer function (print mode) of
printing according to a print request from the outside (e.g.,
personal computer). The operation in the case of conflict between
the link copy job and the printer job is the same as that of the
first embodiment, thus, explanation of the operation is omitted.
The example of the configuration shown in FIG. 26 shows the system
with eight digital copying machines connected to the network.
However, this invention is not limited by this number, therefore,
any number of units may be allowable. Further, in the example of
the configuration shown in FIG. 26, the case where a LAN is used as
a network is explained, but any other network may be used.
[0212] FIG. 28 shows an example of the configuration of an image
formation system according to a third embodiment. In the image
formation system of the first embodiment, the system in which
digital copying machines are directly connected to one another is
shown. In the image formation system of the second embodiment, the
system in which digital copying machines are connected to one
another through a network is shown. However, the image formation
system of the third embodiment is constructed by connecting digital
copying machines to one another directly or through a network (LAN)
as shown in FIG. 28.
[0213] In the image formation system shown in FIG. 28, digital
copying machines PPC-1, PPC-3, PPC-5, PPC-6, PPC-7, and PPC-8 are
connected to one another through a network (LAN). Further, each
pair of PPC-1 and PPC-2, PPC-3 and PPC-4, PPC-5 and PPC-6, and
PPC-7 and PPC-8 is connected through a SCSI. A personal computer or
the like, not shown, that issues a print request is connected to
each of the digital copying machines PPC-1 to PPC-8 directly or
through a network (LAN). The digital copying machines PPC-1, PPC-3,
PPC-5, PPC-6, PPC-7, and PPC-8 have the same configuration, and
also the digital copying machines PPC-2 and PPC-3 have the same
configuration. This example of the configuration of the image
formation system assumes the system in which some of digital
copying machines are installed at locations close to each other and
some of them are installed at locations comparatively far from one
another.
[0214] FIG. 29 shows a hardware configuration of the digital
copying machines PPC-1, PPC-3, PPC-5, PPC-6, PPC-7, and PPC-8. The
digital copying machine shown in FIG. 29 comprises the SCSI
controller, the LAN/IF 410 used to perform data communications via
a network (LAN), and the work memory 411 that temporarily stores
image data or the like input via the network (LAN). The remaining
parts of the configuration are the same as those of the digital
copying machine (FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment.
Therefore, explanation of the parts is omitted. Further, each of
the digital copying machines PPC-2 and PPC-3 has the same
configuration as that of the digital copying machine (FIG. 3)
according to the first embodiment.
[0215] In the same manner as the digital copying machine of the
first embodiment, each of the digital copying machines PPC-1 to
PPC-8 has a link copy function (link copy mode) that a document is
set in any of the digital copying machines and at least two units
of the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy
operation on the document, and a printer function (print mode) of
printing according to a print request from the outside (e.g.,
personal computer). The operation in the case of conflicts between
the link copy job and the printer job is the same as that of the
first embodiment, thus, explanation of the operation is
omitted.
[0216] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited
by the embodiments and may be embodied in modified forms without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0217] As explained above, according to the image formation system
as defined in the present invention, each of the digital copying
machines has the link copy function that a document is set in one
of digital copying machines and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and the printer function of printing according to the
print request from the outside. When receiving the print request
from the outside during the copy operation based on the link copy
function from its start to finish, the digital copying machine puts
the print request on hold. Therefore, by preferentially executing
the link copying, the printer operation after the link copying is
started can be restricted, which allows the productivity of copy
operation to be improved in consideration of the machine usage
status and operation priorities of each user.
[0218] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention when the copy operation based on the link copy
function is interrupted after the operation is started and before
being finished, each digital copying machine permits the printer
operation for the print request from the outside during the
interruption. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the
invention, when the link copying is not operating during
interruption, the printer operation can be executed, which allows
total productivity to be improved.
[0219] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention when the copy operation based on the link copy
function is interrupted after the operation is started and before
being finished, each digital copying machine does not permit the
printer operation for the print request from the outside during the
interruption. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the
invention, it is possible to prevent printed paper sheets from
their being mixed up if the same tray is used for paper output
trays, and also suppress losses due to switching between
operations.
[0220] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention when the copy operation based on the link copy
function is interrupted after the operation is started and before
being finished, each digital copying machine can set permission or
non-permission to execute the printer operation for the print
request from the outside during the interruption. Therefore, in
addition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible to make
settings that meet a machine usage pattern and needs of each user,
which allows operability to be improved.
[0221] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention each digital copying machine executes the printer
operation according to the print request put on hold after the copy
operation based on the link copy function is finished. Therefore,
in addition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible to
execute printing according to the print request put on hold.
[0222] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, the digital copying machine has the link copy
function that a document is set in the machine itself or another
digital copying machine and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and the printer function of printing according to a print
request from the outside. When receiving the print request from the
outside during the copy operation based on the link copy function
from its start to finish, the digital copying machine puts the
print request on hold. Therefore, by preferentially executing the
link copying, the printer operation after the link copying is
started can be restricted, which allows the productivity of copy
operation to be improved in consideration of the machine usage
status and operation priorities of each user.
[0223] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention when the copy operation based on the link copy
function is interrupted after the operation is started and before
being finished, the digital copying machine permits printer
operation for the print request from the outside during the
interruption. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the
invention, when the link copying is not operating during
interruption, the printer operation can be executed, which allows
total productivity to be improved.
[0224] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, when the copy operation based on the link copy
function is interrupted after the operation is started and before
being finished, the digital copying machine does not permit printer
operation for the print request from the outside during the
interruption. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the
invention, it is possible to prevent printed paper sheets from
their being mixed up if the same tray is used for paper output
trays, and also suppress losses due to switching between
operations.
[0225] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, when the copy operation based on the link copy
function is interrupted after the operation is started and before
being finished, the digital copying machine can set permission or
non-permission to execute the printer operation for the print
request from the outside during the interruption. Therefore, in
addition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible to make
settings that meet a machine usage pattern and needs of each user,
which allows operability to be improved.
[0226] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, the digital copying machine executes the printer
operation according to the print request put on hold after the copy
operation based on the link copy function is finished. Therefore,
in addition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible to
execute printing according to the print request put on hold.
[0227] According to the image formation system according to the
present invention, each digital copying machine has the link copy
function that a document is set in one of digital copying machines
and at least two units of the digital copying machines share the
job of executing copy operation on the document, and the printer
function of printing according to a print request from the outside.
When the start of copy operation based on the link copy function is
instructed during the printer operation according to the print
request from the outside, the digital copying machine interrupts
the printer operation to start the copy operation based on the link
copy function. Therefore, the link copy operation can
preferentially be executed even during the printer operation, which
allows the productivity of copy operation to be improved in
consideration of the machine usage status and operation priorities
of each user.
[0228] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, each digital copying machine has the link copy
function that a document is set in one of digital copying machines
and at least two units of the digital copying machines share the
job of executing copy operation on the document, and the printer
function of printing according to a print request from the outside.
When the start of copy operation based on the link copy function is
instructed during the printer operation according to the print
request from the outside, the digital copying machine waits until
the printer operation is finished and starts the copy operation
based on the link copy function after the printer operation is
finished. Accordingly, it is possible to perform adequate screen
display and operation according to variations in the operational
status of the machine, which allows the productivity of copy
operation to be improved in consideration of the machine usage
status and operation priorities of each user.
[0229] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, each digital copying machine has the link copy
function that a document is set in one of digital copying machines
and at least two units of the digital copying machines share the
job of executing copy operation on the document, and the printer
function of printing according to a print request from the outside.
When the start of copy operation based on the link copy function is
instructed during the printer operation according to the print
request from the outside, the digital copying machine displays the
message to the effect that the printer is operating and also the
menu screen used to instruct a following operation to be executed.
When Interrupt is selected in the menu screen, the digital copying
machine interrupts the printer operation to start the copy
operation based on the link copy function. When Wait is selected,
the digital copying machine waits until the printer operation is
finished and starts the copy operation based on the link copy
function after the printer operation is finished. Further, when
Cancel is selected, the digital copying machine cancels the copy
operation based on the link copy function. Accordingly, it is
possible to set a priority between the link copying function and
the printer function according to the selection by a user, which
allows productivity to be improved in consideration of the machine
usage status and operation priorities of each user.
[0230] According to the invention as defined in the present
invention, when the printer operation according to the print
request from the outside has ended during displaying of the menu
screen, the digital copying machine dismisses the menu screen to
start the copy operation based on the link copy function.
Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it is
possible to perform adequate screen display and operation according
to variations in the operational status of the machine, which
allows the productivity of copy operation to be improved in
consideration of the machine usage status and operation priorities
of each user.
[0231] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, the digital copying machine has the link copy
function that a document is set in the machine itself or another
digital copying machine and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and the printer function of printing according to a print
request from the outside. When the start of copy operation based on
the link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the digital
copying machine interrupts the printer operation to start the copy
operation based on the link copy function. Accordingly, it is
possible to preferentially execute the link copy operation even
during the printer operation, which allows the productivity of copy
operation to be improved in consideration of the machine usage
status and operation priorities of each user.
[0232] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, the digital copying machine has a link copy
function that a document is set in the machine itself or another
digital copying machine and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and a printer function of printing according to a print
request from the outside. When the start of copy operation based on
the link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the digital
copying machine waits until the printer operation is finished and
starts the copy operation based on the link copy function after the
printer operation is finished. Therefore, if the priority rank
between the link copy operation and the printing operation is the
same as each other, it is possible to equally perform both of the
operations by starting the link copy operation after the printer
operation is finished, which allows the productivity of copy
operation to be improved in consideration of the machine usage
status and operation priorities of each user.
[0233] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, the digital copying machine has the link copy
function that a document is set in the machine itself or another
digital copying machine and at least two units of the digital
copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the
document, and the printer function of printing according to a print
request from the outside. When the start of copy operation based on
the link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the digital
copying machine displays the message to the effect that the printer
is operating and also the menu screen used to instruct a following
operation to be executed. When Interrupt is selected in the menu
screen, the digital copying machine interrupts the printer
operation to start the copy operation based on the link copy
function. When Wait is selected, the digital copying machine waits
until the printer operation is finished and starts the copy
operation based on the link copy function after the printer
operation is finished. Further, when Cancel is selected, the
digital copying machine cancels the copy operation based on the
link copy function. Accordingly, it is possible to preferentially
execute the link copy operation even during the printer operation,
which allows the productivity of copy operation to be improved in
consideration of the machine usage status and operation priorities
of each user.
[0234] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, when the printer operation according to the
print request from the outside has ended during displaying of the
menu screen, the digital copying machine dismisses the menu screen
to start the copy operation based on the link copy function.
Accordingly, it is possible to perform adequate screen display and
operation according to variations in the operational status of the
machine, which allows productivity to be improved in consideration
of the machine usage status and operation priorities of each
user.
[0235] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, the master machine has the printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
the start of copy operation based on the link copy function is
instructed during the printer operation according to the print
request from the outside, the master machine interrupts the printer
operation and preferentially executes the copy operation. On the
other hand, the slave machine has the printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, and even when the
start of copy operation based on the link copy function is
instructed during the printer operation according to the print
request from the outside, the slave machine continues to execute
the printer operation. Accordingly, the print job in the slave
machine can be prioritized without loss in the productivity of copy
operation, which makes it possible to meet the user's needs.
[0236] According to the digital copying machine as a slave machine
as defined in the present invention, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and even when the start of copy operation based on the
link copy function is instructed during the printer operation
according to the print request from the outside, the slave machine
continues to execute the printer operation. Accordingly, the print
job in the slave machine can be prioritized, which makes it
possible to meet the user's need.
[0237] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, the master machine has the printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the master machine puts the print request on hold. On the other
hand, the slave machine has the printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, and when receiving
the print request from the outside during the copy operation based
on the link copy function from its start to finish, the slave
machine preferentially executes the printer operation according to
the print request. Accordingly, the print job in the slave machine
can be prioritized without loss in the productivity of copy
operation, which makes it possible to meet the user's needs.
[0238] According to the digital copying machine as a slave machine
as defined in the present invention, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine preferentially executes the
printer operation according to the print request. Accordingly, the
print job in the slave machine can be prioritized, which makes it
possible to meet the user's need.
[0239] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, the master machine has the printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the master machine puts the print request on hold. On the other
hand, the slave machine has the printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, and when receiving
the print request from the outside during the copy operation based
on the link copy function from its start to finish, the slave
machine stops the copy operation and executes printer operation
according to the print request. Accordingly, the print job in the
slave machine can be prioritized without loss in the productivity
of copy operation, which makes it possible to meet the user's
needs.
[0240] According to the digital copying machine as a slave machine
as defined in the present invention, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine stops the copy operation and
executes the printer operation according to the print request.
Accordingly, the print job in the slave machine can be prioritized,
which makes it possible to meet the user's needs.
[0241] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, the master machine has the printer function of
printing according to a print request from the outside, and when
receiving the print request from the outside during the copy
operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish,
the master machine puts the print request on hold. On the other
hand, the slave machine has the printer function of printing
according to a print request from the outside, and when receiving
the print request from the outside during the copy operation based
on the link copy function from its start to finish, the slave
machine interrupts the copy operation and executes the printer
operation according to the print request. Accordingly, the print
job in the slave machine can be prioritized without loss in the
productivity of copy operation, which makes it possible to meet the
user's needs.
[0242] According to the digital copying machine as a slave machine
as defined in the present invention, the slave machine has the
printer function of printing according to a print request from the
outside, and when receiving the print request from the outside
during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its
start to finish, the slave machine interrupts the copy operation
and executes the printer operation according to the print request.
Accordingly, the print job in the slave machine can be prioritized,
which makes it possible to meet the user's needs.
[0243] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, each digital copying machine outputs images
printed by printer operation and images printed by copy operation
based on the link copy function to different paper output sections.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent images printed by link
copying and images printed by the print request from their being
mixed up.
[0244] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, at least two units of digital copying machine
are directly connected to each other. Accordingly, this invention
is adequate for the case where a comparatively small scaled system
is constructed.
[0245] According to the image formation system as defined in the
present invention, at least two units of digital copying machine
are connected to each other through a network. Accordingly, this
invention is adequate for the case where a comparatively large
scaled system is constructed.
[0246] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, the digital copying machine outputs images
printed by printer operation and images printed by copy operation
based on the link copy function to different paper output sections.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent images printed by link
copying and images printed by the print request from their being
mixed up.
[0247] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, the digital copying machine is directly
connected to at least another one of digital copying machines.
Accordingly, this invention is adequate for the case where a
comparatively small scaled system is constructed.
[0248] According to the digital copying machine as defined in the
present invention, the digital copying machine is connected to at
least another one of digital copying machines through a network.
Accordingly, this invention is adequate for the case where a
comparatively large scaled system is constructed.
[0249] According to the digital copying machine as a slave machine
as defined in the present invention, the slave machine outputs
images printed by printer operation and images printed by copy
operation based on the link copy function to different paper output
sections. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent images printed by
link copying and images printed by the print request from their
being mixed up.
[0250] According to the digital copying machine as a slave machine
as defined in the present invention, the slave machine is directly
connected to the master machine. Accordingly, this invention is
adequate for the case where a comparatively small scaled system is
constructed.
[0251] According to the digital copying machine as a slave machine
as defined in the present invention, the slave machine is connected
to the master machine through a network. Accordingly, this
invention is adequate for the case where a comparatively large
scaled system is constructed.
[0252] The present document incorporates by reference the entire
contents of Japanese priority documents, 11-280716 filed in Japan
on Sep. 30, 1999 and 2000-270836 filed in Japan on Sep. 6,
2000.
[0253] Although the invention has been described with respect to a
specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the
appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed
as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that
may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the
basic teaching herein set forth.
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