JP2001298565A - Copying network system and image forming device used for the system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the burden on a user in the case of performing a copying operation and to satisfactorily secure the operability of a copying machine in a copying network system in which a plurality of image forming devices are connected through a communication medium. SOLUTION: A plurality of copying modes obtained by selecting and setting one, two or more copying machines for performing a copying operation among the plurality of copying machines connected by a communication cable are led out and proposed onto an operation panel of a copying machine operated by the user. The setting of a copying operation is completed in such a manner that the user simply selects one copying mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying network system in which image forming apparatuses such as a digital copying machine and a printer are connected via a communication medium, and an image forming apparatus used in the system. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements for providing good operability to a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, for example, the number of sheets required for a copying operation is reduced.
When the number of sheets stored in the sheet cassette is insufficient, a situation such as a so-called "out of paper" condition occurs in which the copying operation stops during the copying operation. For example, when copying 10 sets of 9 originals, 90 sheets of paper are required. At this time, if only 80 sheets remain in the sheet cassette, the number of sheets necessary for copying is insufficient.

For example, in a copying machine having an internal memory capable of accumulating image data of nine originals (original pages 1 to 9), image data of each page of the original is stored in the internal memory in advance. The data is stored, and each set is copied sequentially from the first page. Therefore, during the copying operation of the ninth set (the eighth
At the time when the copying of the page is completed), the paper runs out and the subsequent copying operation cannot be performed. Further, in a copying machine having an internal memory capable of storing only image data of one document, each page of the document is copied such that ten pages of the first document are copied and then ten pages of the second page are copied. Are sequentially copied by the required number of copies. Therefore, when the copying of the eighth page is completed, the paper runs out, and the subsequent copying operation cannot be performed.

When such a paper shortage occurs, it is necessary for the user to perform an operation of replenishing the paper into the paper feed cassette. In such a situation, the time required to complete all copying operations becomes long. Particularly, in the case of an urgent copy, the user is dissatisfied.

In order to avoid such a situation, conventionally,
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-88652, there has been proposed a copying network system in which a plurality of copying machines are connected to each other via a communication cable so as to be able to transmit and receive image data. In other words, only the copying machine operated by the user (the copying machine that reads the original) transmits image data to another copying machine when there is a risk of running out of paper during the copying operation. In this case, the copying operation is also performed so that all copying operations of the required number of copies are completed.

[0006]

However, in the copying network system disclosed in the above publication,
It was necessary for the user to manually set which copying machine and how many copies should be made. For this reason, the user considers the performance and the like of each copying machine, and considers which copying machine is most efficient to perform which copying in order to complete the copying operation in a short time. , Setting work was required. As described above, the copying network system disclosed in the above publication has forced the user to perform complicated operations. In this case, the burden on the user increases, and it cannot be said that the operability of the copying machine is sufficiently secured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a copy operation to a copy network system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a communication medium. It is an object of the present invention to reduce the burden on the user when performing the copying, and to ensure good operability of the copying machine.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting and receiving information between image forming apparatuses constituting a copy network system. A copying mode for performing a copying operation using more than one image forming apparatus is proposed to a user. This allows the user to set a desired copy operation only by selecting a copy mode.

-Solution Means- Specifically, according to the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses which read an image of an original to create image data and output the image data are connected to each other via a communication medium so as to be communicable with each other. It assumes a copy network system consisting of In this copy network system, one or two or more image forming apparatuses performing a copying operation among a plurality of image forming apparatuses are selected to derive a plurality of copy modes to be set, and the user is caused to select the copy mode. A mode proposing means for proposing these copying modes is provided.

According to this specific matter, at the start of the copying operation, the user merely selects a desired one of the plurality of copying modes proposed by the mode suggesting means, and the setting of the copying operation is completed. In other words, there is no need to perform the setting operation after considering which copy machine is the most efficient to perform which copy in consideration of the performance and the like of each copy machine. Therefore, according to the copy network system, the user does not have to perform complicated setting work.

The following are examples of copy mode proposals by the mode proposal means. As one of them,
The mode suggesting means receives information on the remaining amount of recording paper in each image forming apparatus obtained by communication between the image forming apparatuses, and proposes to the user a copy mode in which the copying operation of the required number of copies is completed. .

As another one, the mode proposing means receives copy processing speed information in each image forming apparatus obtained by communication between the image forming apparatuses, and performs a copy operation of a required number of copies in the shortest time. Proposal of the copy mode to be completed to the user.

Further, as another one, the mode proposing means provides a user with a copy mode in which an image forming apparatus on which a document is placed is used as an image reading-only apparatus and another image forming apparatus is used as a copying-only apparatus. Proposals can be mentioned.

In the copy mode set by the remaining amount information of the recording paper, the copy operation of the required number of copies can be completed without causing "paper out" during the copy operation. In the copy mode set by the copy processing speed information, the shortest time is required by setting, for example, the image forming apparatus having the highest copy processing speed among the plurality of image forming apparatuses so that the copy operation is performed. The copying operation for the number of copies can be completed. In a copy mode in which an image reading-only device and a copying-only device are individually set, an operation suitable for the performance of each image forming apparatus can be performed. For example, an image forming apparatus having high image reading speed and image reading performance is designated as a dedicated image reading apparatus, and an image forming apparatus having high copying speed and copying performance (printing resolution) is designated as a dedicated copying apparatus. A copying operation can be performed.

The following are examples of copying operations according to the capacity of the memory provided in the image forming apparatus.
First, in the case where a memory capable of storing image data of only one document is provided, the image reading data is transmitted to another image forming apparatus every time the image forming apparatus reads an image of the document. The number of copies is made parallel by a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

In the case where a memory capable of storing all image data of the placed document is provided, the image reading data is transmitted to another image forming apparatus after the image forming apparatus performs an image reading operation of all the documents. In this way, the required number of copies is made parallel by a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Further, in the case where a memory capable of storing image data of some originals among the placed originals is provided, after an image reading operation of some originals by the image forming apparatus, another image forming apparatus While sending the image reading data to
The image data of the document that could not be stored in the memory is transmitted to another image forming apparatus every time an image is read, so that a required number of copies are made in parallel by a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

By these operations, a copying operation according to the memory capacity can be performed, and a copying operation using a plurality of image forming apparatuses can be reliably performed.

Further, when a unique name is given to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the mode proposing means proposes a copy mode to the user using the unique name, the user performs a copying operation. The image forming apparatus to be performed can be easily recognized. That is, the user can know in advance which of the other image forming apparatuses will perform the copying operation while staying in front of the operating image forming apparatus. After the copying operation is completed, the copied paper is collected from the image forming apparatus recognized in advance, so that the collecting operation is facilitated.

Further, when the printing resolution of each image forming apparatus is different, when the same image processing means for absorbing the difference and forming the same image in each image forming apparatus is provided, a plurality of Even when a copying operation is performed by the image forming apparatus, the printed state of each sheet after copying can be made the same, and a copy similar to that obtained when copying is performed by only one image forming apparatus can be obtained. it can.

When a copying operation is performed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the following operations are performed by the image forming apparatus that receives image data and performs the copying operation. That is, each image forming apparatus is provided with a display panel, and when receiving image data from another image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the image data and the remaining time required for the image forming operation based on this image data are reduced. It is configured to display on the display panel.

According to this specific matter, when a copying operation is performed using image data received from another image forming apparatus, the occupation time of the own apparatus (the image forming apparatus receiving the image data) by the copying operation is displayed on the display panel. This allows the third party to easily know the opening time of the own device.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus provided in each of the above-described copying network systems and communicably connected to another image forming apparatus via a communication medium and provided with the mode suggesting means, Thus, even if a good copying operation cannot be performed, the copying operation can be completed by effectively using another machine by selecting the copying mode proposed by the mode suggesting means.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a copy network system is constructed by a plurality of digital copying machines as image forming apparatuses. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding, a case where a copy network system is configured by two digital copying machines will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this copying network system, a first copying machine 1 and a second copying machine 2 are connected by a communication cable C as a communication medium so that image data and other information signals can be transmitted and received. It has a configuration.

Each of the copying machines 1 and 2 has the same configuration.
Therefore, here, the first copying machine 1 will be described as a representative.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first copying machine 1
Scanner unit 31 as document reading device, recording paper P
Recording unit 32 for forming an image on the paper, and a multi-stage paper feed unit 33 for conveying the recording paper P to the laser recording unit
It has. Hereinafter, each unit will be described.

<Description of Scanner Unit 31> Scanner Unit 31
Includes a document table 35 made of transparent glass or the like, and a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) 36 for feeding a document onto the document table 35.
5 is a part for reading the image of the original on 5 and creating image data.

The RADF 36 is provided with an automatic paper feed tray 36a for automatically feeding a plurality of set documents one by one onto the document table 35. Also, this RA
The DF 36 can read one side or both sides of a document by a scanner unit 40 described later according to a user's selection. More specifically, it has a transport path for transporting the document on the automatic paper feed tray 36a onto the document table 35, and a reversing path for reversing the document so that the scanner unit 40 reads both sides of the document. When only one side of the document is read, only the transport path is used. On the other hand, when both sides of the document are read, the document transported onto the document table 35 via the transport path is reversed in the reverse path. The document is conveyed onto the document table 35 again. Since the configuration of each path is well known in the related art, a detailed description is omitted.

The scanner section 31 includes a scanner unit 40 for reading an image of a document conveyed on the document table 35. This scanner unit 4
Reference numeral 0 includes a lamp reflector assembly 41, a plurality of reflection mirrors 42a, 42b, 42c, an optical lens body 43, and a photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 44.

The lamp reflector assembly 41 includes:
The light source irradiates the original placed on the original placing table 35 with light. Each reflection mirror 42a, 42b, 42c
As shown in FIG. 1, the reflected light from the original is reflected once to the left in the figure, then reflected downward, and then toward the optical lens body 43 as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. It reflects in the direction.

As a document image reading operation, when a document is placed on the document table 35, the first scanning unit 40a including the lamp reflector assembly 41 and the reflection mirror 42a is moved in the horizontal direction along the document table 35. To irradiate the entire original with light. At this time, the reflection mirror 4
The second scanning unit 40b composed of 2b and 42c
The scanning unit 40a moves in the same direction at a speed of a predetermined ratio with respect to the scanning unit 40a. Each of the reflection mirrors 42a, 42b,
The light reflected by 42c and passing through the optical lens body 43 is guided to a photoelectric conversion element 44, where the reflected light is converted into an electric signal (original image data).

<Description of Laser Recording Unit 32> The laser recording unit 32 includes a laser writing unit 46 and a photosensitive drum 48. The laser writing unit 46 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 with a laser beam based on the document image data converted by the photoelectric conversion element 44. Specifically, the laser writing unit 46 includes a semiconductor laser that irradiates a laser beam corresponding to original image data stored in a memory (not shown), a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular speed, and a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular speed. It has an f-θ lens or the like that corrects the laser light so that it is deflected on the photosensitive drum 48 at a constant angular velocity.

The photosensitive drum 48 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, and the laser light from the laser writing unit 46 is reflected by the reflection mirror 42d and irradiated, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. Is formed.

An electrophotographic processing section 47 is provided around the photosensitive drum 48. The electrophotographic process unit 47 includes a charging device 47a, a developing device 47b, a transfer device 47c, a peeling device, a cleaning device 47d, a static eliminator, and a fixing device 47e. The charger 47a charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 to a predetermined potential before an electrostatic latent image is formed. Developing unit 47b
Develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 into a visible image with toner. Transfer device 47c
Is for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 to the recording paper P. The fixing device 47e fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper P on the recording paper P by heating. Stripper and cleaning device 4
7d removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 after the toner transfer. The static eliminator removes residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48.

Thus, when an image is formed on the recording paper P, the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 47a, and the laser writing unit 46 is charged.
Emits a laser beam based on the original image data to the photosensitive drum 4
Irradiate the surface of No. 8 to form an electrostatic latent image. Thereafter, the developing device 47b develops a visible image with toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48, and the transfer device 47c transfers the toner image to the recording paper P fed from the multi-stage feeding unit 33. Thereafter, the recording paper P is heated by the fixing device 47e, and the toner image is fixed. On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 is removed by the peeling device and the cleaning device 47d, and the photosensitive drum 4 is removed.
Residual charges on the surface of 8 are removed by the static eliminator. Thereby, one of the image forming operations (printing operations) on the recording paper P is performed.
The cycle ends. By repeating this cycle, it is possible to continuously form an image on a plurality of recording sheets P, P,.

<Description of Multi-Sheet Paper Feed Unit 33> The multi-stage paper feed unit 33 includes first and second paper cassettes 51 and 5.
2, the recording paper P stored in the multi-purpose tray 54,
P,... Are conveyed one by one to cause the laser recording unit 32 to form an image, and the recording paper P on which the image has been formed.
Is discharged to the first and second discharge trays 341 and 342. The multi-stage paper feed unit 33 includes a double-sided copy unit 53 for once collecting the recording paper P on which an image is formed on one side and then performing image formation by the laser recording unit 32 on the other side.

Each of the paper cassettes 51 and 52 contains recording paper P of a different size, and the recording paper P is stored in the paper cassette containing the recording paper P of a size desired by the user. The sheets are sequentially taken out one by one, and sequentially conveyed to the laser recording unit 32 via the conveyance path 50.

The transport path 50 of the multi-stage paper feed unit 33
There are a main transport path 56 and a reverse transport path 57.

The main transport path 56 is branched at one end (upstream end in the recording paper transport direction) so as to face the paper cassettes 51 and 52 and the discharge side of the manual feed tray 54, respectively. The transfer device 4 is located at the downstream end in the transport direction.
7c and the paper output trays 341 and 342 via the fixing device 47e.
And a post-processing device 34 provided with

One end (upper end in the figure) of the reversing conveyance path 57 is connected to the main conveyance path 56 on the downstream side (left side in the figure) from the position where the fixing device 47e is provided, and at the middle part (upper and lower sides in the figure). (The central portion in the direction) is the first and second branch paths 57A, 57A.
Branched to B. The first branch path 57A extends vertically downward. On the other hand, one end of the second branch path 57B faces the carry-in side of the duplex copying unit 53.

First and second branch claws 57a and 57b are provided at a connection portion between the main transport path 56 and the reverse transport path 57 and at a branch portion of the reverse transport path 57, respectively.

The first branch claw 57a closes the first position at which the reverse transport path 57 is closed and the discharge side of the main transport path 56,
A second connecting the main transport path 56 and the reverse transport path 57
It is rotatable around a horizontal axis between the positions. When the first branch claw 57a is at the first position, the recording paper P that has passed through the laser recording section 32 is directly discharged from the discharge tray 341 and
342. On the other hand, when the first branch claw 57a is at the second position, the recording paper P that has passed through the laser recording section 32 is supplied to the reverse conveyance path 57.

The second branching pawl 57b opens the first branching path 57A of the reverse conveying path 57 and closes the second branching path 57B, and opens the second branching path 57B and opens the first branching path 57B. It is rotatable about a horizontal axis between the second position where 57A is closed. When the second branch claw 57b is at the first position, the recording sheet P conveyed to the reverse conveyance path 57 is guided to the first branch path 57A and conveyed to the lower end position. Thereafter, when the second branch claw 57b is moved to the second position and the transport direction of the recording paper P is reversed, the recording paper P is transported to the second branch path 57B via the branch portion and supplied to the duplex copying unit 53. It is supposed to be. That is, the recording paper P is supplied to the double-sided copying unit 53 via the first branch path 57A and the second branch path 57B, so that when the recording paper P is supplied to the laser recording unit 32, the recording paper P is turned upside down. An image can be formed on the back surface of the recording paper P.

Thus, when one-sided copying is performed by the copying machine 1, the first branch pawl 57a is in the first position, and the paper cassettes 51 and 52 or the manual feed tray 54 are set.
After the recording paper P taken out from the printer is image-formed by the laser recording unit 32, the recording paper P is directly discharged to the paper discharge trays 341 and 34.
2 is discharged.

On the other hand, when double-sided copying is performed, first, the first branch claw 57a is set to the second position, and the second claw 57b is set.
Is the first position. Thereby, each paper cassette 51,
The recording paper P taken out from the manual feed tray 52 or the manual feed tray 54 and having an image formed on one side by the laser recording unit 32 is guided to a first branch path 57 </ b> A of the reverse conveyance path 57. afterwards,
The transporting direction of the recording paper P is reversed by the second branch claw 57b being in the second position, and the recording paper P is supplied to the duplex copying unit 53 from the second branch path 57B via the branching portion. When forming an image on the other surface of the recording paper P, the first branch claw 5
7a is the first position, and the recording paper P taken out of the duplex copying unit 53 is image-formed by the laser recording unit 32 and is discharged to the discharge trays 341 and 342.

The upstream end of the main transport path 56 (paper cassette 5
1, 52, a manual feed tray 54 and a duplex copying unit 53
Pick-up roller 58
Are arranged. Further, immediately downstream of each pickup roller 58, the taken out recording paper P
A plurality of paper feed rollers 59 for feeding the paper are provided. The rotation of the pickup roller 58 and the paper feed roller 59 causes the paper cassettes 51 and 52 and the manual tray 5 to rotate.
4 and the recording paper P stored in the duplex copying unit 53 can be selectively fed to the main transport path 56 one by one.

<Description of Configuration of Control System> FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of FIG. As shown in this figure, the copying machine includes a document number detecting section 61 and a copy number setting section 6 in addition to the scanner section 31 and the laser recording section 32.
2, a paper remaining amount detection unit 63, a purpose achievement determination unit 64, a distributed processing determination unit 65 constituting a mode suggestion unit, and a network unit 66.

The document number detector 61 detects the number of documents placed on the automatic paper feed tray 36a. The detection of the number of originals can be performed by detecting the thickness of the bundle of originals placed on the automatic paper feed tray 36a or by detecting the thickness of the automatic paper feed tray 3a.
This is performed by the operation of counting the number of originals on 6a.

The number-of-copies setting section 62 is a section for receiving setting information when a desired number of copies is set by a user operating an operation panel (not shown) provided in the copying machine 1. That is, the number of sheets required for the copying operation can be calculated from the product of the number of originals detected by the above-described original number detecting section 61 and the set number of copies.

The paper remaining amount detection unit 63 detects the remaining amount (number of sheets) of the recording paper P contained in the cassette that feeds the paper during the image forming operation among the paper cassettes 51 and 52 described above. . The remaining amount of the recording paper P is detected by detecting the thickness of the bundle of the recording paper P in the paper cassette.

The objective attainment judging section 64 receives the outputs of the number of originals detecting section 61, the number-of-copies setting section 62 and the remaining-amount-of-paper detecting section 63, and sets the number of originals placed on the automatic paper feed tray 36a. It is determined whether the number of recording sheets P, P,... Necessary for copying the specified number of copies is larger than the number of sheets currently remaining in the sheet cassette. That is, it is determined whether or not the copying operation can be completed only by the first copying machine (own machine) 1. That is, when the required number of sheets is larger than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet cassette, if the copying operation is performed only by the first copying machine (own machine) 1, it is determined that the paper runs out during the copying operation. Non-achievement judgment "is performed. Conversely, if the number of sheets remaining in the paper cassette is larger than the required number of sheets, the paper may run out during copying even if only the first copying machine (own machine) 1 performs the copying operation. Without this, it is determined that the copying operation is completed, and the "purpose achievement determination" is performed.

The distributed processing determining unit 65 receives the output of the purpose achievement determining unit 64 and performs the copying operation on the first copying machine (own machine) 1.
(Mode 1 below), when the second copier (other machine) 2 is also driven (mode 2 below), and further when only the second copier 2 is used (see below). In each of the modes 3), the number of copies and the required time in each of the copying machines 1 and 2 are calculated and displayed on the operation panel. The display of each of these modes is performed for the user to select. When the user selects one mode, the distributed processing determining unit 65
Will output accordingly. That is, the copying operation is
When the copying operation is performed only by the copying machine (own machine) 1, an image processing command is transmitted to the laser recording unit 32 of the own machine 1, while the copying operation is performed by the second copying machine (other machine) 2 (first operation). When the copying operation is performed by the copying machine 1 and when the copying operation is not performed, the image processing command is transmitted to the network unit 66.

The network section 66 transmits image data to the second copying machine 2, receives image data from the second copying machine 2, and performs other information on the performance of the first copying machine 1 (the number of originals detecting section 61, Transmission of the copy number setting unit 62, the remaining paper amount detection unit 63, and the like, and further information on the performance of the second copying machine 2 (the number of original document detection unit, the number of copy setting unit, the remaining paper amount in the second copying machine 2). This is configured as a so-called interface for receiving information such as an amount detection unit. The transmission and reception of information between the copying machines 1 and 2 using the network unit 66 uses physical means such as an intranet or the Internet.

The communication information between the copying machines 1 and 2 includes the following, and these information are stored in each of the copying machines 1 and 2.
Are sent and received between

Paper size in paper cassettes 51 and 52 and the remaining amount thereof. Presence / absence and number of bins (number of discharge trays). Presence / absence and capacity of image memory. Image forming resolution and image forming speed. Name-Usage status (user name, remaining usage time estimate, etc.)-Color or monochrome image formation information-Image formation start signal, image formation end signal-Image information for each page-Reading resolution and its size-Enlargement Ratio, reduction rate, number of copies, presence or absence of error <Description of copy operation> Next, the operation when the copy operation is performed while transmitting and receiving information between the copying machines 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. I do. The following description is based on the first
FIG. 4 shows a control procedure when a document is placed on the copying machine 1.
3 shows a control procedure in the first copying machine 1. The same operation is performed when a document is placed on the second copying machine 2.

First, in step ST1, a plurality of originals are placed on the automatic paper feed tray 36a.
Various copy conditions such as the number of copies, enlargement ratio and reduction ratio, image density, and paper size (when a recording paper P having a size different from the size of the original is selected) are set by operating the operation panel. At this time, the document number detector 61 detects the number of documents placed on the automatic paper feed tray 36a. The copy number setting unit 62 receives the copy number information set by the user's operation panel. Further, a paper remaining amount detecting unit 6
Reference numeral 3 detects the remaining amount of the recording paper P stored in the cassette for feeding paper during the image forming operation. Further, these detection signals are received by the purpose achievement determination unit 64, and the purpose achievement determination unit 64 determines whether the above-mentioned “purpose non-achievement determination” or “purpose achievement determination” is performed.
And outputs the result to the distributed processing determination unit 65.

Based on this setting, in step ST2, the first copying machine 1 communicates with the second copying machine 2 to transmit and receive the above various information. Thereby, the first copying machine 1
Indicates whether or not the second copying machine 2 is in use;
, Various information such as the remaining amount of recording paper, the resolution of image formation, the size of the recording paper held, and the speed of image forming processing.

Thereafter, in step ST3, the distributed processing determining section 65 derives a plurality of copy modes and displays the results on the operation panel. That is, when the copying operation is performed only by the first copying machine (own machine) 1 (mode 1), the second
When the copying machine 2 is also driven (mode 2), and when the copying is performed only by the second copying machine (other machine) 2 (mode 3), the copying in each of the copying machines 1 and 2 is performed. The number of copies and the required time are calculated and displayed on the operation panel. For example, in the mode 2, the number of copies in each of the copying machines 1 and 2 is set so that the copying operation is completed in the shortest time in consideration of the performance (processing speed and the like) of each copying machine. That is, when the copying machines 1 and 2 have the same performance, the distribution of the number of copies is equalized, and when the processing speed of the second copying machine 2 is faster, the distribution amount of the number of copies is reduced by the second. 2 The number of copying machines 2 is set to be larger.

In step ST4, the user selects a mode and presses a copy start button.

If mode 1 is selected, step S
Moving to T5, the copying operation is performed only by the first copying machine (own machine) 1. That is, the distributed processing determination unit 65 transmits an image processing command to the laser recording unit 32 of the own device 1. Step ST6
, When it is determined that this copying operation has been completed, the first
The copying machine 1 is stopped.

If mode 2 is selected, step S
In T7, the copying operation is performed using the first copying machine (own machine) 1 and the second copying machine (other machine) 2 together. That is, the distributed processing determination unit 65 transmits an image processing command to the laser recording unit 32 and the network unit 66 of the own device 1. Then, the image data is transmitted from the network unit 66 to the second copying machine 2, and based on the image data, the second copying machine 2 also performs a predetermined number of copying operations. During this copying operation, step S
At T8, the progress of the copying operation is displayed on the operation panel of the first copying machine 1, and the occupation status of the second copying machine 2 is displayed on the operation panel of the second copying machine 2. Specifically, on the operation panel of the first copying machine 1, the “remaining number of copies” for each of the copying machines 1 and 2, the time required for copying the “remaining number of copies”, and the like are displayed. on the other hand,
On the operation panel of the second copying machine 2, the time required for copying the “remaining number of copies” in the second copying machine 2 and the like are displayed. Then, until all copying operations are completed in step ST9, steps ST7 and ST
8 are continued, and when all copying operations are completed, the operations of the copying machines 1 and 2 are stopped.

If mode 3 is selected, step S
Moving to T10, a copying operation is performed only by the second copying machine (other machine) 2. That is, the distributed processing determination unit 65 transmits an image processing command to the network unit 66. Then, the image data is transmitted from the network unit 66 to the second copying machine 2, and based on the image data, all the copying operations are performed by the second copying machine 2. During this copying operation, step ST1
In 1, the progress of the copying operation is displayed on the operation panel of the first copying machine 1, and the occupation status of the second copying machine 2 is displayed on the operation panel of the second copying machine 2.
Then, the operations in steps ST10 and ST11 are continuously performed until all the copying operations are completed in step ST12, and when all the copying operations are completed,
The operation of each of the copying machines 1 and 2 is stopped.

With the above operation, the copying operation in which all necessary copies have been copied is completed.

<Description of display state on operation panel>
The display state on the operation panel in the above operation will be specifically described. Here, a case where 10 sets of a set of 9 originals are copied, in which 90 or more sheets are stored in the sheet feeding cassette of the first copying machine 1, An example in which the cassette has only 80 remaining sheets will be described.

The above step ST when 90 or more sheets are stored in the sheet cassette of the first copying machine 1
FIG. 5 shows the display state on the operation panel in No. 3. The number of copies and the required time in each of the copying machines 1 and 2 are displayed for each mode. In this example, the copying speed of each of the copying machines 1 and 2 is slightly higher in the second copying machine 2 than in the first copying machine 1 (5 minutes in mode 1 and 4 minutes in mode 3). Required). In mode 2, the distribution of the number of copies is set to be equal (every five copies), and this mode 2 indicates that all copying operations can be completed in the shortest time (3 minutes).

FIG. 6 shows a display state on the operation panel in step ST3 when only 80 sheets are left in the sheet cassette of the first copying machine 1. Also in this case, the number of copies and the required time in each of the copying machines 1 and 2 are displayed for each mode. However, in this case, with the first copying machine 1 alone, "out of paper" occurs during the copying operation, and all copying operations cannot be completed. For this reason, in the mode 1, the number of copies that can be made and the required time when only the first copying machine 1 is used are displayed, and a warning that "paper out" occurs is displayed.

Next, the display state on the operation panel during the copying operation will be specifically described. Here, a copy machine having an internal memory capable of storing only image data of one document is used, and an internal memory capable of storing image data of nine documents (documents from page 1 to page 9) is used. The case where a copying machine having a memory is used will be described.

In the former case, the copying machine 1 reads the image information of the first page of the document and copies it ten times, then reads the image information of the second page and copies it ten times. By transmitting image reading data to another copying machine 2 each time an image reading operation of an original is performed, copying of a required number of copies is performed in parallel by a plurality of copying machines 1 and 2.

On the other hand, in the latter case, the image data of each page of the original is stored in the internal memory in advance, and all the originals are copied by the copying machine 1 in such a manner that the copies are sequentially made from the first page for each set. After the image reading operation, the image reading data is transmitted to the other copying machines 2 so that the required number of copies are made in parallel by the plurality of copying machines 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a display state on the operation panel during a copying operation in mode 2 in the former case. In this display state, the first copy machine 1 has eight copies,
In a case where two copies are copied by the copying machine 2, reading and copying of seven originals have already been completed, and reading and copying operations of the remaining two originals (pages 8 and 9) have been completed. Is displayed.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a display state on the operation panel during the copying operation in mode 2 in the latter case. In this display state, the first copy machine 1 has eight copies,
In the case where two copies are copied by the copying machine 2, the copying of two copies by the second copying machine 2 and the copying of four copies by the first copying machine 1 have already been completed. Indicates a state in which the remaining four copies are left.

-Effects of Embodiment- As described above, in the present embodiment, the distributed processing determination unit 65
Derives a plurality of copy modes and displays the results on an operation panel. Then, the user only selects a desired mode from the plurality of proposed copy modes,
The setting of the copying operation can be completed. In the conventional copying network system, the user sets the number of copies by considering which copy machine is most efficient in consideration of the performance and the like of each copying machine. Such complicated work was required. According to this copy network system, such complicated setting work is not required,
The burden on the user when performing the copying operation can be reduced, and the operability of the copying machine can be favorably secured.

-Modification- A modification of the above-described embodiment will be described below.

First, as the copy mode provided to the user, the following can be considered in addition to the above-described ones. In other words, the copying machine on which the original is placed (for example, the first copying machine 1) is used as an image reading-only device, and another copying machine (for example, the second copying machine 1)
This is a copy mode in which the copying machine 2) is a device dedicated to copying.
In other words, the image data read by the first copying machine 1 is transmitted to the second copying machine 2 as it is, and the copying operation is not performed by the first copying machine 1, but the copying operation is performed only by the second copying machine 2. It is. This is effective, for example, when the image reading speed and the image reading performance of the first copying machine 1 are high and the copying speed and the copying performance (print resolution) of the second copying machine 2 are high. That is, a copying operation suitable for the characteristics of each copying machine can be performed, and a highly efficient copying operation can be performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a copying machine having an internal memory capable of storing only image data for one document is used, and the case where a copying machine having an internal memory capable of storing image data of all documents is used. The case where it is used has been described. A description will be given of a copying operation in a case where a memory capable of storing only image data of some documents is provided as the memory capacity. In this case, after one of the copying machines 1 performs an image reading operation on a part of the document, the image reading data is transmitted to the other copying machine 2 while the image data of the document that could not be stored in the memory is read every time the image is read. By transmitting the copy to another image forming apparatus 2, the required number of copies are made in parallel by the plurality of copying machines 1 and 2.

Next, a countermeasure when the printing resolution of each of the copying machines 1 and 2 is different will be described. In this case, if the image data is printed as it is, the printing state differs for each copying machine, and the same copy as the original cannot be obtained. For this reason, the copier is provided with the same image processing means for changing the printing resolution. By setting the same printing resolution by the same image processing means of each copying machine, the printing state of each sheet after copying in each of the copying machines 1 and 2 can be made the same, and the copying can be performed by one copying machine. The same copy can be obtained.

-Other Embodiments- In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a copy network system is configured by two digital copying machines 1 and 2 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a copy network system including three or more copy machines. In this case, the copying operation can be performed in parallel by three or more copying machines, and the efficiency of the copying operation can be further improved. Further, the present invention is not limited to the case where the copying network system is constituted only by the copying machine, but may be applied to a system to which other image forming apparatuses such as a printer and a facsimile are connected.

Further, the information of each of the copying machines 1 and 2 is transmitted and received between the copying machines. However, this system is provided with a server, and the information of each of the copying machines 1 and 2 is stored in this server. Alternatively, each of the copying machines 1 and 2 may fetch the information of the other copying machines 2 and 1 from the server. In this case, the server can be provided with the distributed processing determining unit 65, and there is no need to provide the distributed processing determining unit 65 in each of the copying machines 1 and 2.

In addition, the above embodiment has described the case where a plurality of copying machines 1 and 2 are used to copy the required number of copies requested by the user. The image data is distributed from one copying machine 1 to another copying machine 2 without being limited to such a use form, and printing (copying) is performed by the copying machine 2 having received the distribution, and the copying machine 2 It is also possible to adopt a usage form of distributing a manuscript to a nearby third party.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention, information is transmitted and received between the respective image forming apparatuses constituting the copy network system, and the copying operation is performed using one or more image forming apparatuses. A copy mode to be performed is proposed to the user. Thus, a desired copy operation can be set only by the user selecting the copy mode. In the conventional copy network system, the user sets the number of copies on which image forming apparatus is most efficient by considering the performance of each image forming apparatus and the like. Complicated work such as performing According to the copy network system of the present invention, such complicated setting work is not required, the burden on the user when performing the copy operation is reduced, and the operability of the copying machine can be ensured satisfactorily.

When the copy mode set by the information on the remaining amount of the recording paper is selected as the copy mode proposed by the mode proposing means, the "paper out" is required without causing the "paper out" during the copying operation. The copying operation of the number of copies can be completed, and a copying operation that can respond to a user's request when an urgent copy is performed can be realized.

When the copy mode set by the copy processing speed information of each image forming apparatus is selected, the image forming apparatus having the highest copy processing speed among the plurality of image forming apparatuses is prioritized for the copy operation. By performing such settings, it is possible to complete the copying operation for the required number of copies in the shortest time, and in this case also, it is possible to respond to the user's request when performing an urgent copy.

Further, when a copy mode in which the image forming apparatus on which a document is placed is an image reading-only apparatus and another image forming apparatus is an apparatus exclusively for copying is selected, the performance of each image forming apparatus is reduced. An appropriate operation can be performed. For example, an image forming apparatus having a high image reading speed or image reading performance is designated as a dedicated image reading apparatus, and an image forming apparatus having a high copying speed or copying performance (printing resolution) is designated as a dedicated copying apparatus. A highly efficient copying operation can be performed in consideration of the characteristics of the apparatus.

When a unique name is given to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the mode proposing unit proposes a copy mode to the user using the unique name, the user is required to perform an image to be copied. The forming device can be easily recognized. That is, the user can know in advance which of the other image forming apparatuses will perform the copying operation while staying in front of the operating image forming apparatus. After the copying operation is completed, the copied paper is collected from the image forming apparatus recognized in advance, so that the collecting operation is facilitated. For this reason, a user-friendly copy network system can be provided.

Further, when the printing resolution of each image forming apparatus is different, if the same image processing means for absorbing the difference and forming the same image in each image forming apparatus is provided, a plurality of Even when the copying operation is performed by the image forming apparatus, the printed state of each sheet after copying can be made the same, and the same copy as that obtained by copying by one image forming apparatus is required for copying. It can be obtained while shortening the time.

Each image forming apparatus is provided with a display panel,
When receiving image data from another image forming apparatus, if the image forming apparatus that is the source of the image data and the remaining time required for the image forming operation based on this image data are displayed on the display panel, The occupation time of the own device by the copying operation can be displayed on the display panel. For this reason, the third party can easily know the opening time of this machine, and complains of the third party when performing a copying operation with a plurality of image forming apparatuses using the copying network system. Can be eliminated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a copy network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing an internal structure of the copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a copying operation.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a mode display state when there is no shortage in the number of sheets in a sheet cassette.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a mode display state when the number of sheets in a sheet cassette is insufficient.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel display state during a copying operation in mode 2 when a copying machine having an internal memory capable of storing only image data for one document is used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel display state during a copying operation in mode 2 when a copying machine having an internal memory capable of storing image data of all originals is used.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 First copying machine (image forming apparatus) 2 Second copying machine (image forming apparatus) 65 Distributed processing determination unit (mode providing means) P Recording paper C Communication cable (communication medium)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 386 G03G 21/00 396 396 B41J 29/00 TF term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 AQ06 CQ05 CQ34 HH03 HH05 HJ07 HK16 HK19 HN04 HN16 HN20 HQ02 HQ03 2H027 DC18 EJ13 EJ15 FD08 GB17 ZA07 5C062 AA05 AA29 AB32 AB38 AB40 AB42 AC10 AC11 AC22 AC38 AE14 AE15 BC01

Claims (11)

[Claims] A plurality of image forming apparatuses that read an image of a document to create image data and output the image data;
In a copy network system communicably connected to each other via a communication medium, a copy mode in which one or more image forming apparatuses performing a copying operation among the plurality of image forming apparatuses is selected and set. A copy network system comprising a mode proposing means for deriving a plurality of copy modes so as to prompt a user to select a copy mode. 2. The copying network system according to claim 1, wherein the mode proposing means receives information on the remaining amount of recording paper in each image forming apparatus obtained by communication between the image forming apparatuses, and copies the required number of copies. A copy network system for suggesting to a user a copy mode in which operation is completed. 3. The copy network system according to claim 1, wherein the mode proposing means receives copy processing speed information of each image forming apparatus obtained by communication between the image forming apparatuses, and sets a required number of copies in the shortest time. A copying mode in which a copying mode in which a copying operation is completed is proposed to a user. 4. The copying network system according to claim 1, wherein the mode suggestion unit sets the image forming apparatus on which the original is placed as an image reading-only apparatus as one of the copying modes,
A copy network system, which proposes to a user a copy mode in which another image forming apparatus is used exclusively for copying. 5. The copy network system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a memory capable of storing image data of only one document. The image reading data is transmitted to another image forming apparatus each time the apparatus reads an image of a document, so that a required number of copies are made in parallel by a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Copy network system. 6. The copying network system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a memory capable of storing all image data of the placed document. After the image reading operation of all the originals by the image forming apparatus,
A copying network system, wherein a required number of copies are transmitted in parallel by a plurality of image forming apparatuses by transmitting image reading data to another image forming apparatus. 7. The copying network system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a memory capable of storing image data of a part of the placed documents. After the image reading operation of a part of the original by the image forming apparatus, the image reading data is transmitted to another image forming apparatus, while the image data of the original that could not be stored in the memory is read.
A copying network system, wherein a required number of copies are transmitted in parallel by a plurality of image forming apparatuses by transmitting to another image forming apparatus each time an image is read. 8. The copy network system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is given a unique name, and the mode suggestion unit sets the copy mode to: A copying network system characterized by being configured to propose to a user using the unique name. 9. The copying network system according to claim 1, wherein when the printing resolutions of the respective image forming apparatuses are different, the difference is absorbed and the same image forming is performed by the respective image forming apparatuses. A copy network system comprising the same image processing means for performing 10. The copying network system according to claim 1, wherein each of the image forming apparatuses has a display panel, and receives image data from another image forming apparatus. A copying network system, wherein an image forming apparatus that transmits image data and a remaining time required for an image forming operation based on the image data are displayed on a display panel. 11. A copy network system according to claim 1, wherein said copy network system is communicably connected to another image forming apparatus via a communication medium, and said mode suggestion means is provided. An image forming apparatus comprising: