JP3448396B2 - Time-sharing output control method for multifunction copier - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copy function for printing image data read by a scanner with a printer, a facsimile communication function for printing image data received by facsimile with a printer, and image data input online or offline with a printer. The present invention relates to a time-division output control method for a compound copying machine capable of simultaneously executing various application functions such as a printer function for printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional composite copying machine, a copying function of printing image data read by a scanner by a printer,
2. Description of the Related Art There is provided a compound copying machine capable of simultaneously executing various application functions such as a facsimile communication function of printing image data received by a facsimile with a printer and a printer function of printing image data input online or offline with the printer.

As such a composite copying machine, for example,
Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-56059 discloses a "communication terminal device". This device prints by outputting the image data received by facsimile and the output of the local copy by interrupting the output of the local copy each time the image data being received by the facsimile is received by the amount corresponding to one sheet of printing paper. By doing so, the image data received by facsimile and the local copy are printed in parallel and in a time-sharing manner.

As a conventional composite copying machine, Japanese Patent Application No.
No. 130932, “Data processing device”, various data stored in a floppy disk (abbreviation: FD) or an optical file optical disk (abbreviation: OD) is read, and the read data is directly read. An apparatus having a function capable of facsimile (FD printing or optical filing) is also provided. This device calls the facsimile communication function from the FD printing function or the optical filing function, and can transmit various data stored in the FD printing function or the optical filing function by facsimile, and various data can be copied out or transmitted by facsimile. It can be shared with others. Therefore, after calling the facsimile communication function from the FD printing function or the optical filing function, it is not necessary to specifically specify the destination for the facsimile communication function.

[0005]

However, according to Japanese Patent Publication No. 56059/1993, when a facsimile is received, the output of the local copy is interrupted, and the image data received by the facsimile and the local data are received. Although copy printing can be performed in parallel and in a time-sharing manner, it is necessary for the copy function side to check whether or not there is a facsimile reception interrupt for each page output. However, when the received image data reaches one page, it is necessary to confirm whether the local copy operation is in progress and to check whether the interrupt request is output or the normal output is performed. There was a point. In other words, the application function side that wants to print checks whether or not another application function is in operation, and if it is in operation, an interrupt request is issued and printing is performed. There was a problem that it was necessary to be aware of the operating state of.

According to Japanese Patent Application No. 6-130932, the image data input by the FD printing function or the optical filing function is transmitted by facsimile by calling the facsimile communication function from the FD printing function or the optical filing function. However, when transmitting by facsimile, the image data stored in the FD printing function or optical filing function must be transferred by the interface determined by the basic software in the facsimile communication function, so Dedicated software for transferring image data is required between them, and there are problems that software development is troublesome and development costs are high.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when printing is performed, time-divisional parallel printing is performed without being aware of whether other application functions are operating. The purpose is to be able to.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and makes it possible to transfer image data from each application function to the facsimile communication function without requiring dedicated software for transfer. With the goal.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a time-division output control method for a compound copying machine according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a copy function for printing image data read by a scanner by a printer and a facsimile reception. Time-division output control of a compound copying machine having a facsimile communication function for printing the image data that has been input to the printer and a printer function for printing the image data input online or offline by the printer
In the method, the copy function, the facsimile communication
Function, of the printer functions, the function desired by the user
When selecting via the operation panel and printing with the copy function, the copy function controls the printer function.
Control the scanner to the printer control unit
Storage address of control data and operation of the operation panel
Based paper feed tray number, and outputs a paper discharge tray number and the discharge processing attributes as output request information, if printing is performed by the facsimile function or printer function,
After the image data received by the facsimile or input image data is stored in the frame buffer, the file
The communication function or printer function is the printer
Of the image data on the frame buffer to the control unit
The storage address and the paper feed tray number, the paper discharge tray number and the paper discharge processing attribute based on the operation of the operation panel are output as output request information, and when the printer control unit inputs the output request information, the input output It is characterized in that the printer is controlled to execute printing in the order of the request information and based on the content of the output request information .

Further, in the time-division output control method of the compound copying machine according to a second aspect of the present invention, the sheet ejection processing attribute in the first aspect is at least the designation of sort ejection, and the bin increase at the time of sorting.
Forward movement designation, reverse paper ejection designation, scan when the finisher is installed
It is characterized by including designation of a table .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a time-division output control method for a composite copying machine, wherein when the image data input online or offline in the first aspect is transmitted by facsimile, the image data input by the printer function is transmitted. To
After storing in the frame buffer , the frame buffer
The storage address of the image data on the file is output to the facsimile communication function as output request information, and the facsimile communication function, when the output request information is input, is specified in the order of the input output request information and by the output request information. Was done
It is characterized by inputting image data from the frame buffer and executing facsimile transmission .

[0012]

In the time-division output control method of the compound copying machine of the present invention (claim 1), the copy function controls the printer function.
Control unit that controls the scanner to the printer control unit
Paper feed based on storage address of data and operation of operation panel
Outputs the tray number, output tray number, and output processing attributes.
Output as request information, and use the facsimile communication function or
When printing with the printer function, fax reception
Received image data or input image data is a frame
After being stored in the buffer, the facsimile communication function or
The printer function is the frame controller for the printer controller.
The storage address of the image data on the file and the operation of the operation panel.
Paper tray number, paper output tray number and paper output based on work
When the output attribute is output and the printer control unit inputs the output request information , the printer control unit controls the printer to execute printing in the order of the input output request information and based on the content of the output request information. To do. Thus, each function without being conscious of whether other functions are in operation, and notifies the output request information to the printer controller, printer control unit, the order of the notified output request information Printing is performed in parallel in a time-sharing manner based on the output request information.

Further, when the divided output control method of a composite copying machine of the present invention (claim 2), each function is, in the discharge process attributes, at least, specify the sort sheet discharge, when sorting bins temperature
Forward movement designation, reverse paper ejection designation, scan when the finisher is installed
Doing specified tables, the printer control unit, since the sheet discharge on the basis of the discharge process attributes specified by each feature, an appropriate paper discharge is performed for each function.

Further, when the divided output control method (claim 3) of the multifunction copying machine of the present invention, when facsimile transmission of the image data input online or offline, before
Serial printer function, the frame image data input
After storing in the buffer , the storage address of the image data on the frame buffer is output to the facsimile communication function as output request information, and the facsimile communication function is
When the output request information is input, the frame buffer specified in the output request information will be displayed in the order of the input output request information.
Image data is input from the file and facsimile transmission is executed.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A time-division output control method for a compound copying machine according to the present invention will be described in detail in the order of [Embodiment 1] and [Second Embodiment] with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a compound copying machine of Embodiment 1 to which the present invention is applied. The composite copying machine 101 according to the first embodiment includes a scanner 102.
, The operation panel 103, and a facsimile controller unit (F
CU) 104, printer 105, operation panel 103
And a controller 106 that controls the scanner 102, the FCU 104, and the printer 105 based on the above operation. The controller 106 includes a scanner 1
02 and a frame buffer 107 for temporarily storing image data input via the FCU 104.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the controller 10
The software configuration of No. 6 will be described. FIG. 2 shows a software configuration diagram of the controller 106. The software on the controller 106 is roughly divided into the controller 1 in order from the lower layer.
A hardware interface software layer that is an interface between a hardware layer (hardware 201) that is a control object of 06 and software, an OS layer that is the basis of software, and an application software layer that is various applications. .

Further, each layer on the controller 106 will be described in detail.
And the hardware interface software layer is BIOS (hardware interface software).
It is composed of 202. The OS layer includes a basic kernel 203 and a drawer (Drawe) for creating an image.
r) 205 and page construction software (P
age Builder) 204 and printing (printing)
A print control 206 for controlling the above and a management program 207 for managing the apparatus.

Further, the application software layer prints (copies) the image data read by the scanner 102, a copy application 208 for printing various data other than copying, and a print of data received by facsimile. And a facsimile application 210 for execution.

The operation of the present invention having the above structure will be described in detail. When the user designates a desired application via the operation panel 103, the copy application 208, the printer application 209, or the facsimile application 210 forming the application software layer on the controller 106 prints based on the operation of the operation panel 103. The control 206 is notified of print operation request data described later.

Next, the print control 206, based on the print operation request data notified from the copy application 208, the printer application 209 or the facsimile application 210, the BIOS 202 and the hardware 201.
The printer 105 is controlled via the. Further, when the print operation request data is notified from each application forming the application software layer, the print control 206 immediately controls the printer 105 regardless of which application is the notified application.

By the operation of the print control 206, each application can make a print request without being aware of which application the printer 105 is currently printing. Therefore, it becomes possible for a plurality of applications to perform printing operations in parallel in a time-sharing manner.

Further, the method by which the print control 206 executes the printing function will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The print function is executed by notifying the print operation request data. Each application requests a print operation by notifying the print control 206 of a PCB (printer control block) 301 which is data in the format shown in Table 1. That is,
The PCB 301 is the print operation request data.

[0024]

[Table 1]

Further, in the PCB 301, as the sheet discharge processing attributes, there are designation of sort sheet discharge, designation of ascending order of bins at the time of sorting, designation of bin deletion state at the time of sorting, and second sheet discharge position at the time of doggyback. Designation, designation of reverse ejection,
Since the staples are specified when the finisher is installed,
Appropriate paper ejection can be performed according to the request of each application.

Next, in the above operation, first, a case of printing based on the printer application 209 or the facsimile application 210, that is, a case where the data to be printed is not the image data read by the scanner 102 will be described. For example, when printing based on the facsimile application 210, the facsimile application 210 stores the image data received by facsimile in the frame buffer 107, saves the address of the frame buffer 107 at this time in the PCB 301, and the address of the PCB 301. To the print control 206. As a result, the address of the frame buffer 107 is notified to the print control 206. This relationship is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the PCB 301 and the frame buffer 107.

On the other hand, the data to be printed is the scanner 10
The case of the image data read in 2, that is, the case of the copy application 208 will be described. Copy application 208
Need not print the image data on the frame buffer 107, but read the document with the scanner 102 and print the read image data at the same time. Therefore, when notifying the PCB 301 to the print control 206, the address of the control data for controlling the scanner 102 is stored in the PCB 301 instead of the address of the frame buffer 107. The control data for controlling the scanner 102 is set in advance in a CCB (copy control block) 401. The format of CCB 401 is described in Table 2.

[0028]

[Table 2]

The relationship between the PCB 301 and CCB 401 is shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the PCB 301 and the CCB 401. The print control 20
6 can manage 16 PCBs 301.

Next, the operation of the print control 206 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print control 206. First,
The print control 206 is a PC for which printing has been requested.
It is determined whether or not B301 is present (S501), and when it is determined that it is not present, the process returns to step S501 again. On the other hand, in step S501, the PCB 301 for which printing has been requested
If it is determined that the transfer sheet is present, the printer 105 is controlled to start feeding the transfer sheet (S502).

Next, the print control 206 judges whether or not the transfer of the image data to the printer 105 is OK (S503), and when it is judged that the transfer of the image data is not OK, the process returns to step S503 again. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S503 that the image data transfer is OK, based on the data of the PCB 301,
Image data for one print is transferred to the printer 105 (S504).

Next, the print control 206 determines whether or not the printer 105 is ready to feed the transfer paper (S505). If it is determined that the preparation is not OK, the process returns to step S505. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S505 that the preparation for paper feeding is OK, the print control 206 determines whether or not the power of the composite copying machine 101 is turned off by operating the operation panel 103. (S50
6) If it is determined that the power of the composite copying machine 101 is not turned off, the process returns to step S501 again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that the multifunction copying machine 101 is powered off, the operation of the print control 206 ends.

Next, the relationship between the timing of the print operation request data requested from each application to the print control 206 and the actual operation of the printer 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an example of a time chart when print operation request data is notified from each of the copy application 208, the printer application 209, and the facsimile application 210.

When the print application request data is notified from the copy application 208 to the print control 206, for example, in a continuous operation, the contents of the number such as the density may be changed after the first copy. The changed contents of the second copy must be reflected. Therefore, the copy application 208, when the printing of the first copy is completed, ends the print control 20.
The print operation request data is notified to 6.

On the other hand, when the printer application 209 and the facsimile application 210 notify the print control 206 of the print operation request data, the various data on the previous page are expanded into image data, and the print operation request data is notified. When the process is finished, the various data on the next page is expanded into image data, and the print control 2
The print operation request data is notified in 06. In addition, the expansion from various data to image data is performed by Dra which creates an image.
wer205 and PageBuild that builds a page
with er204.

Therefore, the copy application 208 described above is used.
The print control 206 notified by the CCB
Since the print operation request data is notified to the printer 105 based on the preset contents such as the copy density in 401, the copy application 208 notifies the print operation request data as shown in the example of the time chart of FIG. Even when the printing operation is performed in accordance with the print operation request data thus generated, the printing can be performed by the notification of the print operation request data from the printer application 209 or the facsimile application 210.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the print control 206 determines the printer 1 based on the order in which the print operation request data is notified by the PCB 301.
In order to notify the print operation request data to 05, each application does not need to consider which application is currently printing the print control 206 based on the print operation request data. Can be notified. Therefore, as a result, it becomes possible for a plurality of applications to perform printing in a time-sharing manner in parallel.

In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, various drives (floppy disk drive, optical file drive) are equipped so that printing can be performed offline, and the PCB 301 can be created by the corresponding application. good.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, an FD printing function and an optical filing function are added to the configuration of the first embodiment. Since the second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the compound copying machine of the second embodiment. The compound copying machine 701 according to the second embodiment includes a scanner 102, an operation panel 103, and an FCU 104.
FD drive (FDD) 702 for inputting various data such as character data and image data held in a floppy disk (FD)
And an OD drive (ODD) 703 for inputting various data such as character data and image data held on an optical disk (OD), and a scanner 102, FCU 104, printer 10 based on an operation of an operation panel 103.
5, a controller 704 that controls the FDD 702 and the ODD 703.

The operation of the controller 704 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the points different from the first embodiment will be described. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the controller 70
The operation of No. 4 is mainly shown in the printing function (printing function), and the control target is the printer 105.

FIG. 8 shows a software configuration diagram of the controller 704 of the second embodiment. Since the controller 704 is basically the same as the controller 106 shown in FIG. 2, only different points will be described here. The facsimile manager 801 and other management programs 802 are separated from the management program 207 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). In addition, Example 2
In order to explain mainly the facsimile application 210,
Although the printer application 209 of the first embodiment is omitted, it goes without saying that the printer application 209 may be included in the configuration.

As shown in FIG. 8, an FD print application 803 for printing various data held in the FDD 702 and an OD print application 8 for printing various data held in the ODD 703 are provided on the application software layer.
04 and 04 have been added.

Here, the facsimile manager 801 plays a central role in facsimile transmission using the printing operation request data created by the application.
The facsimile manager 801 is the FD print application 80.
3 or according to the print operation request data notified by the OD print application 804, the print operation request data is used by passing the image data to the FCU 104 via the BIOS 202 and the hardware 201 and requesting the facsimile transmission operation. Facsimile transmission is realized.

Further, the facsimile manager 801
A detailed description will be given of a method of facsimile transmission using print operation request data. The FD print application 803 or the OD print application 804 transfers image data by notifying the PCB 301 to the facsimile manager 801 of print operation request data.

Further, the FD print application 803 or the OD print application 804 stores image data to be transmitted by facsimile in the frame buffer 107, as in the first embodiment. The address of the frame buffer 107 is the PC
It is stored in the B301 and the address of the frame buffer 107 is stored in the facsimile manager 80 via the PCB301.
By notifying 1, the address of the frame buffer 107 is also notified to the facsimile manager 801. Since the relationship between the PCB 301 and the frame buffer 107 is the same as that described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), the description in the second embodiment will be omitted.

As described above, by using the PCB 301 and the frame buffer 107, the facsimile manager 80
Image data can be delivered to and received from the device 1 to realize facsimile transmission.

Next, based on the above configuration and operation, F
A procedure of facsimile transmission from the D print application 803 or the OD print application 804 will be described. FIG. 9 shows a procedure of facsimile transmission from the FD print application 803 or the OD print application 804.

As described above, the frame buffer 107
The image data stored in is transferred to the facsimile manager 801 via the PCB 301. An image storage command is used for delivery of the facsimile manager 801. When the PCB 301 uses the image accumulation command, that is, before the PCB 301 is notified to the facsimile manager 801, the facsimile accumulation O
A PEN command is issued to the facsimile manager 801. This purpose is two notifications such as exclusive control and destination information.

While the exclusive control facsimile manager 801 is receiving an operation request for facsimile transmission from an application,
Since it cannot receive the processing from other applications,
Perform exclusive control. That is, facsimile storage CLOS
Until the E command is issued, an error is sent to the facsimile accumulation OPEN command.

In order to perform notification facsimile transmission of address information, etc., in addition to image data,
Facsimile control information such as destination information that is a destination facsimile number is required. This facsimile control information is notified using the facsimile accumulation OPEN command.
In addition, the facsimile control information is the facsimile application 2
It is preferable that the input is made by calling a part of the functions of 10, but it goes without saying that another input method may be used.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the facsimile manager 801 performs a facsimile transmission operation based on the print operation request data notified from the PCB 301, and therefore performs a special operation for facsimile transmission. You don't have to.

Since the image data stored in the frame buffer 107 is transferred to the facsimile manager 801 via the PCB 301, it is not necessary to newly create or expand the image data for facsimile transmission. The operation time of transmission is shortened.

[0055]

As described above, the time-division output control method (Claim 1) of the composite copying machine uses the copy function.
When printing, the copy function controls the printer function.
The control data for controlling the scanner to the linter control unit
Paper tray based on storage address and operation of operation panel
Output request for the number, paper ejection tray number, and paper ejection processing attributes
Output as information and use facsimile communication function or printing
When printing with the printer function, a fax was received.
Image data or input image data is a frame buffer
Stored in the computer, the facsimile communication function or printing
The printer function uses the frame buffer for the printer controller.
Image data storage address and the operation panel operation
Paper feed tray number, paper output tray number and paper output processing category
When the output request information is input, the printer control unit controls the printer to execute printing in the order of the input output request information and based on the content of the output request information. Therefore, when printing, other
Without application of the features aware whether in operation, can be performed concurrently printed in time division.

Further, according to the time-division output control method of the compound copying machine (claim 2), at least the so-called output processing attribute is
Paper output, bin ascending order during sorting, reverse ejection
Includes paper specification and staple specification when the finisher is installed.
Mutame, it is possible to perform appropriate sheet discharge for each application function.

Further, according to the time-division output control method of the compound copying machine (Claim 3), when the image data input online or offline is transmitted by facsimile, the printer function stores the input image data in the frame buffer . After that, the storage address of the image data on the frame buffer is output to the facsimile communication function as output request information. When the output request information is input, the facsimile communication function outputs the output request information in the order of the input output request information. inputs the image data from the designated frame on the buffer, for performing facsimile transmission, without requiring special software for delivery, transfer of image data to the application or <br/> et facsimile communication functions of the functional Can be done. Therefore, software development becomes easy and development cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a compound copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of a controller.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a PCB and a frame buffer.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between PCB and CCB.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of print control.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a time chart example when print operation request data is notified from each of a copy application, a printer application, and a facsimile application.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a compound copying machine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a software configuration diagram of a controller according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure of facsimile transmission from an FD print application or an OD print application.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 701 compound copying machine 102 scanner 103 operation panel 104 FCU 105 printer 106, 704
Controller 107 Frame buffer 201 Hardware 202 BIOS 203 Kernel 204 Page Builder 205 Dra
wer 206 print control 207 management program 208 copy application 209 printer application 210 facsimile application 702 FDD 703 ODD 801 facsimile manager 802 other management programs 803 FD print application 804 OD print application

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Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A copy function for printing image data read by a scanner by a printer, a facsimile communication function for printing image data received by facsimile by a printer, and a printer function for printing image data input online or offline by the printer. Time of compound copier
In the split output control method, the copy function, the facsimile communication function, the pre- print function
Of the input functions, the user can select the desired function via the operation panel.
Select and print with the copy function ,
Printer in which the copy function controls the printer function
The control data case for controlling the scanner to the control unit
And paid address, the paper feed tray number based on operation of the operation panel, Outputs to a paper discharge tray number and the discharge process attributes and output request information, the printing by the facsimile function or <br/> printer function When performing , the image data received by the facsimile or input image data is
The facsimile communication device after being stored in the room buffer
Function or printer function to the printer control unit
Storage address of image data on the frame buffer
And output the paper feed tray number, the paper discharge tray number, and the paper discharge processing attribute based on the operation of the operation panel as the output request information. When the printer control unit inputs the output request information, the input output request information A method for controlling time-division output of a multi-function copying machine, characterized in that the printer is controlled to perform printing based on the contents of output request information in the order of. 2. The paper discharge processing attribute is at least a so-called
Paper output, bin ascending order during sorting, reverse ejection
Includes paper specification and staple specification when the finisher is installed.
Time division output control method of a composite copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the free it. 3. When the image data input online or offline is transmitted by facsimile, the printer function stores the input image data in the frame buffer and then stores the image data in the frame buffer. The storage address is output to the facsimile communication function as output request information. When the output request information is input, the facsimile communication function inputs the output request information in the order of
2. The time-division output control method for a compound copying machine according to claim 1, further comprising inputting image data from a frame buffer designated by the output request information and executing facsimile transmission.