JP2001080169A - Image-recording apparatus and control method and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent shifting to an offline in a network environment by setting an automatic delivery select mode for automatically selecting and determining a delivery destination, and selecting a delivery opening from function information of each delivery opening of a plurality of optional apparatuses based on job control information. SOLUTION: Various kinds of optional apparatuses, e.g. a paper feed optional apparatus 107 and a delivery optional apparatus 108 can be connected to a laser beam printer 102. The laser beam printer is connected also to an external device 101 such as a host computer or the like and records images based on printing information transferred from the external device 101. A control unit 109 has an optional controller part 106, controlling various kinds of optional apparatuses together based on a paper feed/delivery designation from a video controller 103, a paper feed/delivery indication from an engine controller 105, etc. At this time, an optimum delivery opening is selected and outputted from function information of various kinds of optional apparatuses and control information from the external device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium to which a plurality of optional devices can be connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printer as an example of a conventional image recording apparatus, a discharge port is designated, and an attempt is made to discharge printing paper to the designated discharge port. If it cannot be ejected because it exceeds the limit, the printer is taken off-line, and the specified illegal error that occurs at that time is displayed on the LCD of the printer at a predetermined timing after detection, or notified to the host computer,
The operation was restarted by user operation. That is, an attempt is made to operate so as to always satisfy the specified contents of the specified discharge port, and an error is displayed if the operation cannot be realized.

[0003] Conventionally, an error occurrence situation that is often seen is as follows, for example. That is, the OHP sheet is turned upside down by the optional device, and the face-down sheet is to be discharged (that is, the sheet which cannot be turned over is to be turned over).

A paper discharge option without a staple function,
Alternatively, a staple designation job is transmitted to the paper exit in the paper ejection option (that is, a staple is designated and transmitted when an option without the staple function is installed).

[0005] By specifying a sheet that cannot be job offset,
A job with the specified job offset has been sent.

[0006] The paper is discharged exceeding the stacking capacity of the designated paper discharge device.

[0007] Sort designation is performed for more than the number of retained bins.

And so on.

[0009]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. That is, in general,
When printing, it is troublesome for the user to change the specification of the paper discharge port, the specification of the paper discharge mode, and many other settings, and these settings use the already set values as they are, and perform printing. Often do. For example, printing is designated with default settings.

[0010] The user sets the paper size, paper type,
There is no problem in changing the settings of the paper discharge port and the finishing method at the time of paper discharge, and then specifying the print after making the correct settings. However, the user does not know or forgets the setting method. If the printer is specified in a way that does not match the status of the printer, an error message is displayed on the LCD of the printer, and the printer goes offline even when used in a network environment, and the error is cleared. Unless otherwise, the printer could not be used.

That is, if the specification for the paper discharge port is a fixed specification and does not match the specification, an error is displayed and the user must wait for a correct operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and has an automatic paper ejection selection mode in which a printer automatically selects and determines a paper ejection destination. It is possible for the printer to select a discharge port with optimal conditions from multiple or one optional device from the function information of each discharge port of the device, and the printer goes offline even in a network environment. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium that enable easy printing by setting an automatic paper ejection selection mode without requiring a user to make complicated designations one by one. I do.

[0013]

The present invention can solve the above-mentioned problems by providing the following constitution.

(1) A plurality of optional devices for performing predetermined expansion processing can be connected to the image recording apparatus main body, and a user operation from a user interface based on a print designation from an external device such as a host computer or the like. Information acquiring means for acquiring function information of various optional devices from various optional devices, and analyzing means for analyzing control information transmitted from an external device such as a host computer. When printing and discharging based on the input data,
An image recording apparatus comprising: a selection unit that enables selection of an optimal optional device, an optimal discharge port of the optional device, and an optimal discharge method based on the function information and the control information.

(2) The various optional devices connected to the main body of the image recording device and performing a predetermined extension process perform serial communication via an overall control means for integrally controlling the various optional devices and perform the image recording. Item (1): a storage unit that stores option information to be transferred to the apparatus main body, and an option control unit that controls a sheet feeding process and a communication process with the image recording device main body.
The image recording apparatus as described in the above.

(3) Among the various optional devices which are connected to the main body of the image recording apparatus and perform predetermined expansion processing, a paper discharge option having a paper discharge function includes a paper discharge means having a plurality of paper discharge ports, The reversing means for changing the direction of the face of the paper sent to the paper option, the shifting means for shifting the discharged paper and discharging the paper, and the paper discharging means having the plurality of paper discharge ports are provided with a stacking amount of the discharged paper. (1) The image recording apparatus according to the above (1), further comprising at least one operation unit related to a paper discharging operation (finishing) such as a detection unit for detecting the image.

(4) The function information obtaining means is provided when the power is turned on or when the state of the optional device changes.
The image recording apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the content of the state change is detected and the detection result is stored in a memory.

(5) The analysis means as described in (1), wherein the analysis means analyzes control information such as designation of discharge of print data transmitted from an external device, and stores the analysis result in a memory. Image recording device.

(6) The selection means can be specified separately from other discharge control specifications such as sort, stack, discharge port name group, etc., and can be used for all available optional devices. And the function information obtained in advance,
The preceding paragraph (1) is characterized by comparing with control information on a job stored in a memory in advance and determining an optimal discharge port and an optimal discharge method satisfying the control designation contents.
The image recording apparatus as described in the above.

(7) The image recording apparatus according to the above item (1), wherein the function information includes various kinds of configuration information and status information of a paper discharge port provided in the optional device.

(8) The image recording apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the control information includes various types of paper discharge designation information including a paper discharge mode.

(9) A plurality of optional devices for performing predetermined extension processing can be connected to the image recording apparatus main body, and user operations from a user interface based on print designation from an external device such as a host computer or the like. A method for controlling an image recording apparatus that operates based on the following: a step of acquiring function information of various optional devices from various optional devices; and a step of acquiring the function information. When the state change occurs, detecting the contents of the state change and storing the detection result in a memory; analyzing control information transmitted from an external device such as a host computer; and And control information such as the print data discharge designation sent from the external device. Analyzing and storing the analysis result in a memory; and when printing and discharging based on the input data, an optimal optional device based on the function information and the control information, an optimal discharging port of the optional device, A step of selecting an optimal paper discharging method, and in this selecting step, function information acquired in advance for all optional devices in a usable state;
Comparing the control information with respect to the job stored in the memory in advance, and determining an optimum discharge port and an optimum discharge method satisfying the control specification contents. Performing serial communication via controlling means, storing option information to be transferred to the image recording apparatus main body, and performing optional control for controlling a sheet feeding process and a communication process with the image recording apparatus main body. A step of changing the face direction of a sheet sent to a sheet ejection option having a sheet ejection function and having a plurality of sheet ejection outlets and inverting the sheet, and a step of shifting and ejecting the sheet ejection sheet. A step of detecting a stacking amount of the discharged sheets and a step of performing a sheet discharging operation (finishing).

(10) A storage medium storing a program for realizing the control method described in (9) above.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view of an example of an image recording system in which the image recording apparatus and an optional unit (optional apparatus) are connected. 3, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a connection example of interfaces of respective controllers in the image recording system of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the video controller shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in the RAM provided in the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing an example of a method for acquiring option information via the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG.
(B) in the first embodiment, based on the basic status,
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for issuing a command status and acquiring detailed information of each input / output option, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a data flow in the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a map related to the page table of FIG.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a map relating to an engine state table in the AM 407, and FIG.
7 is a diagram illustrating a map relating to the job control table in FIG. 7, FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram in the case of performing paper discharge using a plurality of optional devices connected to one printing device in the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of the case where the paper discharge is performed using the paper discharge option device of a plurality of printing apparatuses connected on the network in the second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing operation from the determination of an optimal discharge specification to the execution of printing. FIG. 15 illustrates a process of determining an optimal discharge specification based on the function information and the control information of a plurality of discharge options in the first embodiment. Flowchart showing the operation, FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of acquiring function information of a paper discharge option in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a system configuration including a printer of this embodiment, and shows a case of a laser beam printer as an example of an image recording apparatus. The image recording apparatus to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, but may be a printer of another printing method such as an ink jet printer.
In the following description and drawings, an example in which two optional devices (optional units) are connected will be described. However, more optional devices can be connected, and the functions of the optional devices are shared by the main body. No problem.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 102 denotes a laser beam printer (printer) to which various optional devices can be connected, and a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C) with an external device 101 such as a host computer.
) And print information (control information such as code data based on a predetermined printer language, such as P
ostScript, LIPS III, LIPS IV, image data, etc.). 10
Reference numeral 3 denotes a video controller which is connected to the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface, and which receives code data (E) transmitted from the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface.
SC code, various PDL data, etc.), generates page information including dot data based on the code data, and sends the image data (2) to an engine controller 105 described later via the video interface 80.
Value or multi-value), and an option controller 10 to be described later via the general interface 90.
6, a command for specifying a paper feed and a specification for discharging the paper is transmitted. The engine controller 105 forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum by a well-known electrophotographic process based on the image data transferred from the video controller 103, transfers the latent image to a supplied sheet, and performs printing. At this time, an instruction is given to the option controller unit 106 regarding the timing of paper supply and discharge.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a panel unit, which is an interface with a user including various switches (buttons) for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like. A predetermined operation can be instructed to the printer (printer) 102. Various data and the like set by the user are stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown), for example, NVRAM or EEP.
It is stored and managed in a ROM or the like.

The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). The option controller unit 106 receives a sheet supply / discharge instruction from the video controller 103, and receives a sheet supply / discharge instruction from the engine controller 105. This is a general controller that controls one or more optional devices (units) in an integrated manner, communicates with an optional controller unit included in various optional devices via the optional unit interface 70, and comprehensively controls the various optional devices. To control.

In the RAM of the option controller unit 106, there is a shared memory (shown in FIG. 5 which will be described later) accessible by the video controller 103. The shared memory has a transport status management area of about 40 pages, The video controller 103 includes a status area, a command status management area, a start-up processing area, and the like.
Specifies each optional device via each area of the shared memory.

Note that the above-described transport status management area is set by the video controller 103 in a printing method (sheet feeding port, sheet discharging port,
An area (area) for notifying each optional device of the color, stapling, shifting, etc.) and an area (area) of notifying the video controller 103 of each optional state (how far the printing has been performed, the discharge completed, etc.). You.

The basic status area is an area (area) for notifying the video controller 103 of an abnormality (JAM, no paper, no staples, etc.) of each optional device, and the command and status management area are the video controller 103. The start-up processing area is an area in which the video controller 103 specifies start-up processing of each optional device.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a paper feed option device (unit)
For example, a paper deck option unit has a paper deck controller (large-capacity paper feed cassette controller) 107 a therein, and performs paper feed control based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. The paper deck controller 107a
Includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown), and the CPU controls the paper feed option device 107 based on a program stored in the ROM. Further, the ROM stores extended information of the paper feed option device 107, for example, information on paper sizes that can be stored in the paper deck.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a paper discharge option device (unit)
A sorter option unit having a sort function, for example, has a sorter controller (large-capacity discharge stacker controller) 108a inside, and performs a sort operation and a discharge operation based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Do. The sorter controller 108a includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown), and operates based on a program stored in the ROM.
Controls the paper discharge option device 108. Also, ROM
Include extended information of the paper discharge option device 108, for example, the number of paper discharge bins, the presence or absence of a sort function, the presence or absence of a staple function,
Information on the presence / absence of a shift function for shifting the discharged paper in a predetermined direction, the presence / absence of a reversing function for reversing the face direction of the discharged paper, and the like are stored.

The paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option device 108 are provided with operation units 107b and 108b having a display unit and various keys, respectively. It can be displayed and embodied.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a control unit, which is an engine controller 105 for controlling a printing process of the printer 102, a video controller 103 for controlling the entire printer 102, analyzing data from an external device 101 such as a host computer, and converting the data into image data. , And an optional controller unit 106 for controlling various optional units.

The option controller 106
Manages each option unit by a common option unit interface 70, and communicates with the general interface 90. In the present embodiment, the video controller 103 is
It is characterized in that each of the paper supply / discharge option units is controlled via the.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the structure of the laser beam printer (printer) 102 shown in FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette which holds the recording paper S and has a mechanism for electrically detecting the size of the recording paper S by a partition plate (not shown). Reference numeral 231 denotes a cassette paper feed roller that separates only the uppermost sheet of the recording paper S placed on the paper cassette 230 and transports the separated recording paper S to the paper feed roller 204 by a driving unit (not shown). A cam is formed, rotates intermittently each time paper is fed, and feeds one sheet of recording paper corresponding to one rotation. A recording paper detection sensor 230s detects the amount of the recording paper S held in the paper cassette 230.

Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter which presses a sheet to stop sheet feeding. The paper feed roller 204 is a recording paper S
Is transported to the resist shutter 227. 20
Reference numeral 2 denotes a manual tray on which recording paper S is placed. A manual feed roller 203 conveys the recording paper S placed on the manual tray 202 to the registration shutter 227. 2
33 is an optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay roller)
The recording paper S fed from the paper feed option device 107
Is supplied into the main body of the printer 102.

Further, downstream of the manual paper feed roller 203, the cassette paper feed roller 231, and the optional paper feed roller 233, a registration roller 20 for synchronously transporting the recording paper S is provided.
5 is provided downstream of the registration roller 205 by using a laser beam emitted from the laser scanner unit 206 to form a toner image on the recording paper S based on a known electrophotographic process.
An image recording unit 207 for forming an image is provided.

In the laser scanner unit 206, 215
Is a laser unit that emits laser light based on an image signal (VDO signal) sent from the video controller 103. The laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is scanned by the polygon mirror 216 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 220 via the imaging lens group 218 and the folding mirror 219. 217 is a beam detector,
A laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 is detected, and a main scanning synchronization signal is output. 270 is a light amount sensor,
The amount of laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is detected.

In the image recording unit 207, 222
Is a primary charger, which charges the photosensitive drum 220 uniformly. A developing unit 223 is charged by the primary charger 222, and is used for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 by laser exposure by the laser scanner unit 206.
A transfer charger 224 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 220 developed by the developing device 223 to the registration roller 2.
The image is transferred onto the recording paper S fed by the step S05. A cleaner 225 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. Reference numeral 221 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that removes electricity from the photosensitive drum 220 by light.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a fixing unit which thermally fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper S by the image recording unit 207 to the recording paper S. Reference numeral 210 denotes a conveyance roller for discharging and conveying the recording paper S. A paper discharge sensor 209 detects a paper discharge state of the recording paper S. Reference numeral 211 denotes a flapper, which switches the conveyance direction of the recording paper S on which recording has been completed to the discharge stacking tray 213 side or the discharge option 108 side. Reference numerals 214 and 212 denote discharge rollers which discharge the recording paper S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 to a discharge stacking tray 213. Reference numeral 213s denotes a discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor which detects a stacked amount of recording paper stacked on the discharged paper stacking tray 213.

The engine controller 105 in the control unit 109 controls an electrophotographic process of the laser scanner unit 206, the image recording unit 207, the fixing unit 208, and the like, and controls recording paper conveyance in the laser beam printer 102 main body. I do.

Further, the video controller 103 is connected to an external device 101 such as a personal computer by a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), and develops image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data. The bit data is
It is sent to the engine controller 105 via the video interface 80 as a DO signal.

Next, a laser beam printer (printer)
Various optional units detachably connected to the main body 102 will be described.

The option controller 1 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 06 is provided in the main unit shown in FIG. 2, and is configured to be able to communicate various option units with the same protocol via the option unit interface 70 serving as a common bus. Also, the option controller unit 106
Is connected to the video controller 103 via the general interface 90.

In the paper feeding optional device 107 such as a paper deck optional unit, a paper deck 241 loads a large amount of recording paper S on an ascending / descending deck.
Reference numeral 244 denotes a transport roller, which is a paper deck feed roller 242.
The paper S fed from the printer is supplied by an optional paper feed roller 233.
Transport in the direction. Reference numeral 243 denotes a paper feed relay roller, and a paper feed optional device (paper deck optional unit) 1
07, which is detachably provided below, and relays and conveys recording paper fed from another paper feeding optional unit (recording paper of different size or the same size can be fed) which can be connected to a plurality of units. A recording paper storage amount detection sensor 241s detects the amount of the recording paper S placed on the paper deck 241.

The paper feed option device (paper deck option unit) 107 is controlled by a paper deck controller 107a.

In the discharge option device 108 such as a sorter option unit, reference numerals 251 to 257 denote first to seventh discharge bins for performing face-down discharge, and sort and stack the recorded recording paper S. Things. Also, 2
Reference numeral 58 denotes an eighth paper discharge bin for directly passing the paper conveyed to the paper discharge option device (sorter option unit) 108 as it is and performing face-up discharge. 2
Reference numeral 80 denotes a flapper, which is a flapper 21 of the printer 102 main body.
The transport switching is performed such that the face of the recording paper S that has been sorted by the printer 1 and sent to the paper discharge option device (sorter option unit) 108 is switched based on an instruction from the video controller 103.

Reference numerals 261 s to 268 s denote empty sheet discharge detection sensors, which are the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 2.
The presence / absence of a stack of recording papers discharged to 58 is detected.

Further, the discharged paper stacking amount detecting sensors 271s to 271s-2
Reference numeral 78s denotes a full load detection sensor, which is the first discharge bin 251.
-The height of the recording paper stacked in the eighth discharge bin 258 is
For example, when the size reaches 18 mm (corresponding to about 120 sheets) (detects), the sorter controller 108a notifies the option controller 10 that the bin is full.
6 to the video controller 103.

The first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 are capable of stacking about 120 sheets in each bin, that is, about 960 sheets in 8 bins.
The first to seventh discharge bins 257 can perform sorted discharge.

When the face-up is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned on to perform sorting, and the sorted recording paper S is sent to the discharge port as it is by the rollers 290. When the video controller 103 designates the face down through the general interface 90, the face up flapper 2
The turning off of the recording paper S is carried out until the trailing edge of the recording paper S exceeds the face-up flapper 280. The paper is fed into the vertical path from the rear end, and the bin flapper 28
The sheets 1 to 286 are driven at a predetermined timing to perform distribution to each face-down discharge port, and the discharge is completed in the face-down state. When the output bin is the seventh output bin 257,
The face-down discharge is completed by discharging the paper without driving the bin flapper.

Further, in a stapler (not shown), the video controller 103 controls the overall interface 90.
When the stapling is designated through the stapler, the recording paper S is stored in a staple tray (not shown), the recording paper S is aligned, the stapler executes stapling, and
The paper is discharged to any one of the 51st to the eighth discharge bins 258. Also,
When the shift is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the sheets are stored in a staple tray (not shown), the recording paper S is aligned, and the recording The recording paper S to be discharged is shifted, that is, the mounting area (tray) of the discharged recording paper S is shifted, and then the recording paper S is discharged to any one of the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258. The staple also has a staple remaining amount detection sensor (not shown), and detects a staple remaining amount stored in the staple.

Note that the paper discharge optional device (sorter optional unit) 108 includes a sorter controller 108a.
Is controlled by

The option controller 106,
The paper deck controller 107a and the sorter controller 108a are connected by connectors, respectively, and perform serial communication by the optional unit interface 70. They are connected in series by the same connector,
The sheet feeding option device (paper deck option unit) 107 and the sheet discharging option device (sorter option unit) 108 can be connected in a different order.

The manual paper feed roller 203, the cassette paper feed roller 231, the paper deck paper feed roller 242
Downstream of the registration rollers 20 for transporting the recording paper S
5, a paper feed roller 204 and a transport roller 244 are provided, respectively, and a recording paper S is provided downstream of the registration roller 205 by a laser beam emitted from a laser scanner unit 206.
An image recording unit 207 for forming a toner image is provided thereon. Further, the fixing unit 208 for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording sheet S is provided downstream of the image recording unit 207, and the discharge state of the discharge unit is detected downstream of the fixing unit 208. And a flapper 211 for switching the conveyance direction of the recording paper S on which recording has been completed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes a serial communication interface. Commands such as designation of paper feeding to the paper deck option unit 107 and designation of a paper discharge bin to the sorter option unit 108 are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the option controller unit 106. The status information such as the paper presence / absence state of the paper deck option unit 107, the stacking state of each paper discharge bin of the sorter option unit 108, and the staple presence / absence state is transmitted to the option controller unit 106. Note that the option controller unit 106 and the video controller 103 can be directly connected by a CPU bus.

Reference numeral 92 denotes an OPTRDY signal, which functions as a signal indicating whether an option designated by the video controller 103, for example, whether or not staples can be used, is transmitted from the option controller 106 to the video controller 103. Reference numeral 93 denotes a POUTT signal, which functions as a timing signal for the printer 102 to discharge recording paper. A PFEDT signal 94 functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the printer 102 receives recording paper from the optional unit. 95 is S
With the PCNG signal, the speed of the recording paper S conveyed at high speed in the option unit is reduced, and the printer 102
It functions as a signal for matching the transport speed of the main body.

Reference numeral 81 denotes a communication interface,
02, a command to specify paper feeding to the paper cassette 230 of the main body of the printer 102, a command to specify a paper discharge to the discharge stacking tray 213 of the main body of the printer 102, and printing are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the engine controller 105. The status of the paper 230 such as the paper presence state and paper jam is transmitted from the engine controller 105 to the video controller 103. A VDO signal 82 indicates bit data transmitted from the video controller 103.

In addition, although not shown, control of each process by the engine controller 105 is executed based on signals exchanged with the video controller 103, and the signals include / CPRDY and / PPRD.
Y, / RDY, / PRNT, / VSREQ, / VSYN
C, / BD, / SCLK, / CMD, / CBSY, / S
TS, / SBSY, / CCRT (Condition Change Rep
ort), the details of which are as shown in Table 1.

[0065]

[Table 1]

When the method of using the / CCRT signal among the above signals is shown, the processing is as shown in Procedure 1 and Procedure 2 below.

<Procedure 1> The video controller 103
Normally, the / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal are checked, and when there is a change in these signals, the status information is read. At this time, the / CCRT signal becomes "FALS
If "E" and the / RDY signal becomes "FALSE", first, the status of the contents such as misprint, wait, sleep, operator call, etc. is checked. Refer to the lower-level status for details.

<Procedure 2> On the other hand, when the / CCRT signal is "TR
If "UE", the status of contents such as paper size change, paper presence / absence change, paper feed function change, and warning content change is read, and the type of the changed status is recognized. , Sequentially read the status of the group and recognize the details.

Regarding the reset procedure of the / CCRT signal, the engine controller 105 changes the status at the end, that is, changes the paper size, changes the presence or absence of paper,
Always check for changes in the paper feed function and changes in the warning status.
If there is a change, the status change status corresponding to the higher order is set to "1", and the / CCRT signal, which is a hard signal, is set to "TRUE". Thereafter, upon receiving a status request command from the video controller 103, the status change status is
3, the / CCRT signal is set to "FA
LSE ”.

The general interface 90 includes a serial communication interface 91, an OPTRDY signal 92,
An OUTT signal 93, a PFEDT signal 94, and an SPCNG signal 95 are configured by five hard signals.

The three signals of the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 95 are output from the engine controller 105 and output from the video interface 8
The signal is input to the option controller unit 106 through the video controller 103 via “0”.

The details of each signal are as shown in Table 2.

[0073]

[Table 2]

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a panel interface (I / F), which receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the panel 104 by data communication with the panel 104. 402 is a host interface (I / F)
And an input / output unit for signals with the external device 101 such as a host computer. Reference numeral 406 denotes an engine interface (I / F), which is an input / output unit for signals with the engine controller 105, which sends out data signals from an output buffer register (not shown),
5 is controlled.

Reference numeral 403 denotes an image data generator, which is an external device 1
Bit map data for actual printing is generated on the basis of the control code data sent from 01. An image memory 405 stores image data. 409 is a CPU
Controls the entire video controller 103. 40
Reference numeral 4 denotes a ROM which stores a control code of the CPU 409.
A RAM 407 functions as a temporary storage unit used by the CPU 409. Reference numeral 410 denotes an EEPROM constituted by a nonvolatile storage medium.

Reference numeral 408 denotes a DMA control unit which converts bitmap data in the image memory in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409.
The data is transferred to the engine interface (I / F) unit 406. An option interface (I / F) unit 412 communicates with the option controller unit 106 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409. Further, the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 95 are sent from the engine interface (I / F) unit 406 to the overall interface 90 through.

A system bus 411 has an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface unit 401,
Host interface unit 402, image data generation unit 40
3, ROM 404, image memory 405, engine interface unit 406, RAM 407, DMA control unit 40
8, a CPU 409, an EEPROM 410, and an option interface unit 412 are connected to a system bus 411, and can access all functional units on the system bus 411.

The control code for controlling the CPU 409 includes an OS for performing time-division control in units of load modules called tasks by a system clock (not shown), and a plurality of load units shown in FIG. It shall be composed of modules (tasks).

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the contents of a shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in the RAM provided in the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 in this embodiment, and FIG. Based on
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure for issuing a command status and acquiring detailed information of each input / output option.

First, a control method in which the video controller 103 controls the optional devices through the option controller 106 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The shared memory shown in FIG. 5 designates a page, and a transport status management area for knowing the transport status of the sheet.
It comprises a basic status section for knowing the abnormal state of each option, a command status section for exchanging command statuses, and a start-up processing section for specifying start-up processing of the option device.

The start-up processing section includes the video controller 1
It is composed of a start-up designation part for designation from 03 and a completion notification part for notifying that each option has completed processing as a result of designation. The video controller 103
The start-up processing of each option is performed by designating the start-up processing section. When the power is turned on, the video controller 103 specifies initialization of the shared memory,
The option controller unit 106 informs the start-up designated part of the configuration information acquisition designation and information acquisition completion of each required option, and monitors the completion notification part whether or not each processing has been completed. The processing ends.

The conveyance status management area includes a paper feed port, a paper discharge port,
A part that specifies the printing method such as color / monochrome, staple position and execution, and a part that tells you the optional status such as how far the paper has been fed, whether a print signal can be output, and whether the paper has been discharged Consists of The video controller 103 specifies the above-described printing method, and executes printing while grasping the status of each option.

In the above specification, a maximum of 40 pages can be specified. The specification is performed in order for each page, and the area where the discharge is completed is regarded as an empty area, and the area is initialized so that re-designation can be performed. Used as a ring buffer.

The basic status section is an area for notifying an abnormal state of each device, and there is no paper, a paper jam, a door open,
The state such as full load is acquired from this area. More detailed information is acquired from the contents of the basic status by the command status.

The command status section is an area for acquiring detailed information of each option and controlling the operation of the option device. In this area, a command is designated as necessary and information is acquired. For example, the information that can be acquired includes the device name, paper feed mounting paper size, paper feed remaining amount, position and type of paper jam, access point, stacking amount of discharged paper,
These are failure details and the like, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, which issue commands according to the respective situations and receive statuses. Control of options such as shifting to the power saving mode, emergency stop at the time of paper jam, movement of the paper discharge bin, and execution of reset are also performed using the command status unit.

As described above, the video controller 103
Obtains the information described above, executes printing in a state where there is no abnormality, issues a command status specifying the location of the abnormality when the abnormality is detected from the basic status, and further describes the abnormality to the device. Identify and collect and control detailed information according to the abnormalities.

FIG. 6 shows the option controller section 106.
Is a flowchart showing a mechanism for accessing a shared memory in the system, exchanging command status with each option, and exchanging information.

When acquiring the option information, the command status management area (area) in the memory of the option controller unit 106 is designated, and the information is received. An ID for identifying the type of necessary information is specified in the command specification area (S601), and the number of command data is specified to the option controller unit 106 by an execution command (S601).
602), designates data representing the designated contents to a predetermined address (S603), and notifies that the command has been transmitted;
The option controller unit 106 exchanges with each of the optional devices, and applies a trigger for acquiring information (S604). Based on the trigger in step S604 and the specified content, the option controller unit 106 performs serial communication with a required optional device to obtain the specified information.

On the other hand, the timer is started until the option controller unit 106 reliably obtains the information, and it is monitored whether or not the video controller 103 can obtain the status information (S605, S606). If the status does not shift to the status information obtainable state after a certain period of time, status information cannot be obtained, and a command retry notification is issued to execute the command again (S6).
11), end the process. In step S606, when the status shifts to the status information obtainable state, the status ID
Is obtained, and it is confirmed whether or not the status information is for the specified command (S607). Next, the number of status data is acquired (S608), status data corresponding to the number of data is acquired (S609), and completion of status acquisition is notified to the option controller unit 106 (S610).

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a data flow from the external device to the option controller and the engine controller in this embodiment.

A control code for controlling the CPU 409 is called a task by a system clock (not shown).
It is assumed that the OS comprises time-sharing control for each load module and a plurality of load modules (tasks) that operate for each function. The translator processing system (analysis development task), scheduling system (page operation task), engine I / F system (engine I / F task), and option I / F system (option I / F task) in FIG. Street CPU40
9 is a task, which operates logically in parallel.

FIG. 9 shows the structure of a page table for storing page information in FIG.

The page table is a table for logically recognizing each page in the CPU 409. The page table exists in the control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 407 as a continuous area. Management such as acquisition and release is performed by the functional unit. “Raster pointer” in FIG. 9 indicates “1” in the image memory 405 described above.
This is a head pointer of an area for a page, and the CPU 409 divides a corresponding area (not shown) in the image memory 405 for each page and initializes the link at the time of power-on initialization. For example, the “status flag” is an area for storing a flag indicating the status of the page. As shown in FIG. 9, “development end flag”, “page designation end flag”, “print start flag”, “discharge end flag” There is a “release flag” and the like, and it is possible to determine what state the page information created is based on this state flag.

For example, the "paper feed mode" indicates a method of determining the paper feed means, and includes "automatic paper feed", "cassette 1 (cassette 230) paper feed", and "paper deck (cassette 107) feed (not shown)". Paper, MP tray paper, etc. “Automatic paper feeding” is a mode in which the paper size is matched and the paper is searched and determined according to a predetermined priority order from the paper feeding means on which the paper is placed.

The "requested paper size" in FIG. 9 stores a numerical representation of a paper size for which the engine controller requests paper feeding.

FIG. 10 shows the structure of the engine status table in the RAM 407.

The engine state table is the state of the engine controller 105 ascertained by the video controller 103, and is not the same as the actual state of the engine controller. The state of the engine controller 105 is determined at an arbitrary timing by a predetermined communication. It is reflected and updated.

For example, "/ RDY state" is a flag reflecting the state of the / RDY signal, and is set to "TRUE" while the engine I / F task detects "FALSE" of the / RDY signal.

The "/ CCRT state" is set to "/ CCRT".
This flag reflects the state of the signal, and the actual state of the / CCRT signal is reflected by the engine I / F task. The engine I / F task uses the "TRU"
E "is detected, and the state of the engine controller 105 is acquired by a predetermined serial communication, so that the / CCRT signal becomes" FALSE "as described above.

The "number of paper feed stages" is a selectable number of paper feed stages reflecting the attachment of the optional cassette unit and the like.

The “presence / absence of one sheet of cassette” indicates that the cassette 230
Paper presence or absence. “Cassette 1 paper size” is a paper size set by a dial (not shown) of the cassette 230, and is recognized as a paper size of the cassette 230 by assuming that the operator has loaded the same paper as the dial value. Is done.

“Presence or absence of paper on paper deck” is the presence or absence of paper on the paper deck option unit 107. “Paper deck paper size” is a paper size set by a partition plate (not shown) of the paper deck option unit 107, and the operator assumes that the same paper as the value of the partition plate is placed on the paper. Deck option unit 10
7 is recognized as the paper size.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, both tables are analyzed and expanded, a page operation task, an engine I / O
Referenced / updated from F task and option I / F task.

The data flow of FIG. 8 will be described below.

Print data (control code, PDL, etc.) input from the external device 101 is stored in the host I / F unit 402 in a predetermined block unit.

The analysis / expansion task is executed by the host I / F 402
When data is detected, a page table is obtained. The data is analyzed in units of one block, and the image formation information (PDL drawing command, character code, etc.)
Image data generator 403 (not shown in FIG. 8, see FIG. 4)
Or the CPU 409 itself develops the image and stores it in the area indicated by the “raster pointer” in the page table. The control information (the number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) for the printer is stored in the page table. After the analysis and development of one page of data is completed, the “development end” is set to TRUE and an enqueue operation is performed on the page queue having the FIFO structure.

The page operation task simultaneously monitors the “status flags” of all pages in the page queue, changes the transport procedure according to the status, and implements printing. At this time, printing is specified by the option I / F unit 412 such as a paper feeding unit, a paper discharging unit, and a print mode, and the engine I / F unit 406 actually sets the paper feeding unit and the like to the engine controller 105. To do. The page table for which the “discharge end flag” is set to TRUE is subjected to a dequeue operation, and is returned to the above-described page management function unit.

Engine I / F Task and Option I
The / F task is performed by the engine controller 10 via the engine I / F unit 406 and the option I / F unit 412, respectively.
5 and the option controller unit 106 at a predetermined cycle, and when a factor that changes the state of the page occurs, the “status flag” is updated. In addition, the change of the / RDY signal is monitored, and for a change from TRUE to FALSE, the state of the printer 102 is set to an error occurring and the cancellation of the error is monitored. Also, it monitors the change of the status such as the / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal, executes the above-mentioned <procedure 1> and <procedure 2>, and updates the “engine status table”.

The operation mode designation (number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) from the panel unit 104 is temporarily stored in the panel I / F unit 401. A printer control task (not shown) patrols the panel I / F unit 401 at appropriate intervals, and stores data in the EEPROM 410 when data exists, and at the same time stores the control information in a control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 407. By storing the data in the EEPROM 410, it is possible to operate the printer 102 in a mode desired by the user even after the power of the printer 102 is once turned off.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram in the case where paper is discharged using a plurality of optional devices connected to one printing apparatus.

With reference to FIG. 12, some examples of the embodiment will be described below.

In FIG. 12, when a sort designation of 10 copies is made to the printer 1201,
Cannot be used in which only one of the paper discharge options A and B connected to the printer is used. If both of the discharge options A and B are used, a total of 10 bins can be used. Therefore, sorting is performed using all the bins of the discharge options A and B.

If the paper discharge option A has a staple function and the paper discharge option B does not have the staple function, and receives a staple designation job, the paper discharge option A of the paper discharge option A having the staple function is received. The discharge port is selected, and the discharge with stapling is performed.

Further, both the paper discharge options A and B have a staple function, but the staple capability of each paper discharge option device is different. For example, the paper discharge option A can staple 30 sheets of paper and has three places. When the staple position can be selected and the discharge option B can staple 20 sheets and the staple position can be selected at two places, when the staple designation is received only with the discharge option A, the discharge of the discharge option A is performed. The mouth is selected, and the paper is discharged with stapling.

If the paper discharge option B has a job offset function and the paper discharge option A does not have a staple function, and a job is received in which the paper is discharged in the stack mode while the job is offset. The stack & job offset discharge is performed using the discharge port of the discharge option B.

The paper discharge option A is a state in which a large number of sheets are stacked, and the paper discharge option B is a state in which a large number of print jobs are received with no paper stacked. Discharge option A if possible
If both the discharge options A and B are used, then the paper can be discharged if the discharge option A alone is not used, but if the discharge option B is available, the paper can be discharged. In this case, the user selects both of the discharge ports to discharge the paper.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and a discharge is performed according to a schedule so that the functions of the discharge option device can be used to the maximum.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing operation from inputting print data to deciding an optimal paper discharge designation and executing printing, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing control information based on function information of a plurality of paper discharge options. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for deciding an optimal paper ejection designation based on the above. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a method for acquiring function information of the optional device. A method for determining an optimal paper discharge port will be described.

In FIG. 14, in step S1401,
The print data sent from the external device 101 such as a host computer is analyzed, and in step S1402, the control information and the drawing information are expanded and stored in the memory. Step S14
In step 03, it is determined from the control information whether or not the mode is the automatic discharge selection mode. If the mode is not the automatic discharge selection mode, a normal scheduling process based on the control information is performed (step S1).
410), and print is executed (step S1411). In the case of the automatic paper ejection selection mode, the highest priority optional device is set to current (step S1404), and a search is performed to determine whether there is an optimal paper ejection port from the optional device. If the optimum sheet ejection port and sheet ejection method have not been determined, it is determined in step S1405 whether or not there is an unsearched optional device, and the process is repeated until the option is determined. In the first search start cycle, since the optimum paper ejection designation has not been determined, YES is determined in the step S1405, and the next step S14 is performed.
The process proceeds to a search process 06. In step S1406, based on the control information specified by the input data, the paper discharge specification such as a paper discharge port and a paper discharge method satisfying the specification is determined by referring to the function information of the paper discharge option acquired in advance. To go. As a result, when all of the optimal discharge specifications for the input job are determined (step S1407), engine control processing is executed and printing is performed (step S1411).

In step S1407, if the specification cannot be satisfied only with the paper discharge port of the paper discharge optional device, the next priority optional device is changed to the current, and the steps S1406 to S140 are performed for the optional device.
Step 8 is repeated until all of the optimal sheet ejection designations are determined.
If all of the optimum sheet ejection designations have not been determined even after the above processing is repeated, the determination in step S1405 is NO, and an error message is displayed for items that do not satisfy the designation (S1409). Further, step S1409
In, the process waits for the user's operation on the error message display, continues the process by, for example, error skipping, designation change, etc., executes the engine control process, and performs printing (S1411).

Next, referring to FIG. 15, the processing in step S1406 shown in FIG. 14 will be described in detail. Each step performs processing only when its function is specified in the control information.

The control information of the print data is compared with the function information of the designated discharge option device to check which discharge port and function are valid. In step S1501, for example,
It is checked whether all the print jobs can be loaded in one bin. In step S1502, it is checked whether sort discharge is possible. In step S1503, a designation is made based on the number of discharge bins and the number of available bins of the discharge option. It is checked whether or not the total number of items that can be sorted is possible.
In step 1504, it is checked whether or not the printer has a stack discharge function. In step S1505, it is checked whether or not the stapling function is present, whether or not the number of stapled sheets is exceeded, whether or not stapling is possible at the designated staple position, and the like. It is checked whether or not the job offset function is provided. In step S1507, it is checked whether or not the specified paper size and paper type can pass through the paper discharge port. It is checked whether or not all the functions specified in the paper discharge specification can be satisfied, and the selected paper discharge port is selected and determined (S1509).
If the designation is not satisfied in step S1508, an instruction is issued to search for another paper ejection option (S1510), and the process ends.

Next, a method for acquiring the function information of the optional device will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power is turned on, configuration information is acquired for the connected optional device so that the state does not change after startup, and status information that changes state at regular intervals later is acquired. Will be updated.

In step S1601, the maximum stacking amount of each paper discharge port is obtained. In step S1602, information on paper such as the paper-passable paper size and paper-passable paper type is obtained. In step S1603, the staple function Information on the staple function, such as the presence / absence, the number of staples that can be stapled, and the staple position, is acquired. In step S1604, the presence / absence of the job offset function is acquired. And the like, and acquire the configuration information necessary at the time of startup. Next, status information that causes a state change is acquired. In step S1606, if a state change occurs, the stacking state of each bin is updated for the changed item (S1606).
1607), the staple remaining amount is updated (S1608). After the status is updated, the process waits for a certain period of time (standby) (S1609). In step S1606, it is checked whether or not the status has changed.

In the above-described manner, an optimal discharge port is determined from the function information and the control information, and the printing process is performed.

(Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, FIG.
As described above, the description has been given for a plurality of optional devices connected to one printer, such as a case where paper is discharged to a paper discharge device A and a paper discharge device B connected to a printer 1201. In FIG. 13, as in the second embodiment, an optional device and a paper outlet of another printer connected to the network, such as a paper discharge device C and a paper discharge device D, connected to the printers 1301 and 1302 are used. The paper may be discharged.

In this case, as described in the first embodiment, the selection processing operation function performed in the printer is provided in the host computer. For example, in the case of sorting and discharging 10 copies, the print data performed by the host computer is At the stage of creation, a sort designation job of 5 copies is transmitted to each printer, and 5 copies are assigned to the paper output device C and the remaining 5 copies are assigned to the paper output device D to perform sorting. good.

(Third Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the function of selecting a paper discharge option device of a plurality of printers on the network is provided on the host computer. If the same data as in the first embodiment is transmitted to the printer 1301 and it is determined that the paper cannot be discharged only by the paper discharge device C connected to the printer 1301, the printer 1301 transmits the data to another printer (for example, a printer) on the network. 1302), and a part of the control information may be corrected (for example, the number of sorts may be corrected to the remaining number of unprintable copies), and the data may be transmitted to the printer.

In this case, the received data must be temporarily stored in a printer, for example, on a hard disk or the like.

(Embodiment 4) In Embodiment 1, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, when all the items specified in the control information of the print data match, the optimal discharge port is selected and determined. A discharge port and a discharge method that partially, but not all, satisfy the specification may be selected based on the priority order.

The above embodiment (Examples 1 to 4)
A storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the function of the present invention is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus is provided.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program codes, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program codes. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

In the embodiment, the example in which the electrophotographic system using the laser beam is adopted for the printing mechanism has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any printing system (for example, LED printer,
Of course, a thermal transfer printer, an ink jet printer, etc.) may be adopted.

[0140]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An automatic paper ejection selection mode is provided in which the printer automatically selects and determines the paper ejection destination. Based on the job control information, the function information of each paper ejection port of multiple optional devices is used to select one or more optional devices. Allows the printer to select a paper output port with optimal conditions, prevents the printer from going offline in a network environment, and allows the user to select automatic paper output without having to specify complicated settings. By setting the mode, it is possible to easily print.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view of an example of an image recording system in which an image recording device and an optional unit (optional device) are connected.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a connection example of an interface of each controller in the image recording system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the video controller shown in FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of contents of a shared memory with a video controller 103 secured in a RAM provided in an option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for acquiring option information via the option controller unit illustrated in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing a procedure for issuing a command status based on a basic status and acquiring detailed information of each input / output option in the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data flow in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a map relating to a page table in a RAM 407 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a map relating to an engine state table in a RAM 407 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a map relating to a job control table in a RAM 407 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a case where a plurality of optional devices connected to one printing apparatus are used to discharge a sheet according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a case where a sheet is discharged using a discharge option device of a plurality of printing apparatuses connected on a network in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation from input of print data to determination of an optimal discharge specification and execution of printing in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of determining an optimal discharge specification based on function information and control information of a plurality of discharge options in the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of acquiring function information of a discharge option in the first embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

70 Optional Unit Interface 80 Video Interface 90 Overall Interface 101 External Equipment 102 Laser Beam Printer (Printer) 103 Video Controller 104 Panel 105 Engine Controller 106 Option Controller 107 107 Paper Feed Optional Device (Paper Deck Optional Unit) 108 Paper Delivery Optional Device ( Sorter option unit) 109 Control unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of optional devices for performing a predetermined extension process are connectable to a main body of the image recording apparatus, and based on a print designation from an external device such as a host computer.
Alternatively, the image recording apparatus operates based on a user operation from a user interface, and is transmitted from an external device such as a host computer or the like, and function information acquiring means for acquiring function information of the various optional devices from various optional devices. Analyzing means for analyzing control information to be output, and when printing and discharging based on the input data, an optimal optional device, an optimal discharge port and an optimal discharge of the optional device based on the function information and the control information. An image recording apparatus, comprising: selecting means for selecting a method. 2. The various optional devices connected to the main body of the image recording device and performing a predetermined extension process perform serial communication via a general control unit that comprehensively controls these various optional devices, and 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing option information to be transferred to the main body, and option control means for controlling a paper feed process and a communication process with the image recording device main body. 3. A paper discharge option having a paper discharge function among the various optional devices connected to the image recording apparatus main body and performing a predetermined extension process is a paper discharge means having a plurality of paper discharge ports, and a paper discharge means. Inverting means for changing the direction of the face of the sheet sent to the option, shift means for shifting and ejecting the ejection sheet, and ejection means having the plurality of ejection ports,
2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one operation unit related to a sheet discharging operation (finishing), such as a detecting unit that detects a stacked amount of the discharged sheets. 4. The function information acquiring means detects the contents of the state change at the time of power-on and when the state of the optional device changes, and stores the detection result in a memory. Item 2. The image recording apparatus according to Item 1. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said analyzing means analyzes control information such as designation of discharge of print data transmitted from an external device, and stores the analysis result in a memory. apparatus. 6. The selection means can be specified separately from other paper discharge control specifications such as sort, stack, paper discharge port name group and the like, and can be used for all available optional devices. Comparing the function information obtained in advance with the control information on the job stored in the memory in advance, and determining the optimum discharge port and the optimum discharge method satisfying the control specification contents. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1. 7. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function information includes various kinds of configuration information and status information of a paper discharge port included in the optional device. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes various types of paper discharge designation information including a paper discharge mode.
The image recording apparatus as described in the above. 9. A plurality of optional devices for performing predetermined extension processing can be connected to the image recording apparatus main body, and based on a print designation from an external device such as a host computer,
Alternatively, a method for controlling an image recording apparatus that operates based on a user operation from a user interface, wherein a step of acquiring function information of the various optional devices from the various optional devices, and a step of acquiring the function information, When the power is turned on and when the status of the optional device changes, the content of the status change is detected and the detection result is stored in a memory, and control information transmitted from an external device such as a host computer is analyzed. In the step and in the analyzing step, control information such as designation of discharge of print data transmitted from the external device is further analyzed, and the analysis result is stored in a memory. Printing and discharging are performed based on the input data. When paper is used, the optimal optional devices and options are determined from the function information and the control information. Selecting the optimal paper discharge port and the optimal paper discharge method that the device has, and in this selecting step, the function information obtained in advance for all available optional devices, Comparing the control information about the job stored in the memory with the control information, and determining an optimum discharge port and an optimum discharge method satisfying the control specification contents. Performing serial communication via the means for performing the operation, storing option information to be transferred to the image recording apparatus main body, and performing optional control for controlling a sheet feeding process and a communication process with the image recording apparatus main body. Reversing the face of a sheet sent to a sheet ejection option having a sheet ejection function and having a plurality of sheet ejection outlets by changing the direction of the face A step of shifting shifts the output paper discharge paper, comprising the steps of: detecting a load of the discharged sheets, the control method characterized by comprising the step of performing a paper discharge operation (finishing). 10. A storage medium storing a program for realizing the control method according to claim 9.