JPH0222945A - Data transmission control equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce a load on each individual control means by preparing a microprocessor to control an operating panel separately from a microprocessor to perform a decision processing by accepting mode data. CONSTITUTION:The mode data corresponding to either case where the setting of modes for the mode data sent from subcontrollers (SS-1 to SS-3) as the individual control means are permitted or not permitted are transmitted to the subcontrollers (SSC-1 to SSC-3), and the result of decision at a master controller MSC side is informed. Therefore, it is possible to perform control for the operating panel separately from that for the interface of a system by using another processors. In such a way, the load on each individual control means can be reduced.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[Industrial Application Field 1] The present invention relates to a data transmission control device, and particularly to a data transmission control device suitable for use in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functional units each configured to realize a specific function. It is something that is involved.

[Prior Art] Examples of image forming apparatuses having a plurality of functional units include copying machines and printers including digital copiers. Among these image forming devices, for example, a copying machine has a plurality of functional units such as an operation panel, a copy paper ejecting device, etc. in addition to a copying machine main body as an image forming functional unit directly involved in image formation. . In a copying machine having a plurality of functional units, each of the plurality of functional units is provided with an individual control means dedicated to the functional unit, and these individual control means are under the control of a single main control means. Each functional unit can be controlled individually. In that case, the individual control means associated with the individual functional units are each connected to said main control means via a dedicated data transmission line,
There is a system in which each individual control means independently communicates data with the main control means. The above-mentioned individual dedicated line data transmission method is used to specifically add a dedicated line for the individual control means of the functional unit when adding a new functional unit as a user option in addition to the currently installed functional units. The problem is that it has to be connected. In order to avoid such problems, the individual individual control means in charge of the plurality of functional units are connected to the main control means by a common path line, and unique addresses are assigned to each of the individual control means on the side. A method has been proposed in which the addresses of the control means are sequentially specified, thereby periodically communicating with each individual control means via the common path line. Such a common bus data transmission system is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-127133. Problem to be Solved by the Invention J When a control device consisting of a full-duplex communication system using a common bus data transmission method as described above is applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, conventionally A single microprocessor is used to control the operation panel and the system interface. However, in order to control the recent complicated copying machine systems, the program capacity tends to increase and the debugging efficiency tends to decrease.The present invention was made to solve these problems. be. [Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for selectively equipping at least two functional units each configured to realize a predetermined function. a plurality of control means each independently managing their functional units, and a master control means communicating with each of these control means, coupled to each other for full-duplex data communication; In the data transmission system, when the individual control means in charge of any one of the plurality of functional units 7) transmits mode data, the main control means, if this mode data is permitted, transmits the permitted mode. To provide a data transmission control device characterized in that, if permission is not granted, data indicating a previous mode in which the mode data was transmitted is transmitted to all individual control means. [Operation J] As described above, the data transmission control device according to the present invention is a device that can be selectively equipped with a plurality of functional units, and includes a plurality of control means for managing each of the functional units individually; In a data transmission system coupled to perform full-duplex data communication between each of these control means and a main control means that communicates with each other, an individual control means that controls one of a plurality of functional units. When the main control means transmits mode data, if this mode data is permitted, the main control means transmits the permitted mode,
If permission is not granted, data indicating the previous mode in which the mode data was transmitted is transmitted to all individual control means, and data generated by key input from the operation panel, processing and operation panel The microprocessor that processes drive signal control data for the display section and the microprocessor that receives mode data and performs judgment processing can be placed on the peripheral side, respectively.As a result, each individual The burden placed on the control means is reduced, and even when the use of a certain functional unit is added, for example, the burden does not particularly increase, and each individual control means follows the mode transmitted from the main control means. You can get the effect that you only need to use it. Example 1 The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to one drawing. Data ゛ (Fig. 1) The data transmission control device according to the present invention can be applied to various copying or printing devices such as copying machines and printers including digital copiers. This is an embodiment in which the data transmission system according to the invention is particularly applied to a copying machine. FIG. 1 shows the schematic structure of this copying machine. The copying machine shown in FIG. 1 includes an operation panel 1 having various keys and a display section, and a copying machine main body 2 serving as an image forming functional unit directly involved in forming visible or printed images.
and an automatic document feeder 3. The automatic document transport bag M3 is a device configured to transport a document set in a predetermined position of the apparatus to a predetermined exposure position. The mechanical configurations and operating modes of the automatic document feeder 3 and the copying machine main body 2 are well known per se, and are not particularly important in view of the gist of the present invention, so the details will not be discussed here. The explanation will be omitted. Note that the reference numeral 4 indicates a paper discharge tray. In the data transmission control device according to the present invention, in the copying machine having the above-mentioned general configuration, the operation panel l
a first subsystem controller 5sc-t that processes input/output signals of the copying machine main body 2; a second subsystem controller 5SC-2 that manages various copying operations performed by the copying machine main body 2; It has a third subsystem controller SSC-3 that is in charge of operations. These first. The second and third subsystem controllers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3 (C communicate with a single master system controller MSC, respectively, and are in principle under the control of the mask system controller MSC. , control the operations of the respective functional units, that is, the operation panel 1, the copying machine main body 2, and the automatic document feeder 3. Note that the controllers MSC, 5SC-1, and 33C-2 described in E.
, 5SC-3 are all constructed by a microprocessor. In the following description, the master system controller MSC will be referred to as the master controller MSC, and the first, second and third subsystem controllers 5sc-i, 5SC-2 and 5SC-3 will be referred to as sub-controllers, respectively. s sc-t, sub-controller 5SC-2, sub-controller 5SC-
3. Abbreviation of Controller (Fig. 2) In the present invention, the control system consists of the master controller MSC and sub-controllers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3. These are interconnected by a common path line as shown in FIG. 2 to realize a full-duplex data communication system. For this purpose, each of the master controller MSC and subcontrollers 5SC-1, 55C-2, and 5SC-3 has a data input port RD and a data output port TD, and the subcontrollers 5SC-1,
The input ports RD of 5SC-2 and 5SC-3 are connected to the output port (TD) of the master controller MSC via a common data transmission line 5, and the output port TD is connected to the master controller MSC via a common data transmission line 6. It is connected to the input port RD of the controller MSC. In such a connection configuration, it is not possible for two or more subcontrollers to simultaneously send data to the input port RD of the master controller MSC, and therefore data is transferred from the individual subcontrollers to the master controller MSC. In the data transmission control device according to the present invention that requires timing control, subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC-2゜5SC
-3 to the master controller MSC will be carried out using a polling data transmission method. According to the polling data transmission method, subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, and 5 as slave stations
Master controller MSC as main station from SC-3
The master controller MSC first checks whether there is data to be sent to the subcontroller 5SC-1.
, 5SC-2, and 5SG-3 periodically. This adjustment is performed by sequentially distributing transmission permission data from the master controller MSC to each subcontroller 5sc-i, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3.
c-2, 5SC-3 is the master controller MSC as appropriate.
Such a polling data transmission method for transmitting data to and from each other is known per se. In the data transmission control device according to the present invention, furthermore, in the polling data transmission method as described above, the master controller MSC is connected to each sub-controller 5sc.
-t, 5SG-2, and SSC-3 are actually connected to the master controller MSC.
3 is actually installed in the copying machine. For this purpose, each subcontroller 5SC-1,
When 5SC-2 and 5SC-3 receive transmission permission data for themselves from the master controller MSC, they must always send answer data to the master controller MSC informing them that the data was received. do. In this way, if the master controller MSC receives answer data back from the sub-controller to which it sent the transmission permission data, it confirms that the sub-controller is actually connected, and if no answer data is sent back. , the subcontroller is determined not to be connected.゛ --Mazo (Figures 3 and 4) Then the third
As shown in the figure, the master controller MSC has a single transmission data map MTM and a plurality of reception data maps MRM-1, MRM-2 and MRM-3. Reception data map MRM-1, MRM-2% MRM-3
are prepared in association with the sub-controllers 5SC-1%, 5SC-2 and 3SC-3 via the reception data buffer 7, respectively. This reception data buffer 7 is for temporarily storing reception data from the subcontrollers 5SC-1% 5SC-2 and 5Sc-3. The master controller MSC is prepared with reception data maps equal to the number of functional units that can be installed in the copying machine, and the copying machine has the operation panel 1, which is the functional unit of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1, and the copying machine main body. If it is possible to additionally equip a functional unit other than 2 and the automatic document feeder 13, the received data map MRM-1, M
RM-2 and MRM-3 are the master controller MS
This constitutes a part of the received data map possessed by C. On the other hand, 5SC-1, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3 each have a single transmission data map STM-1, STM-2, and
TM-3, and each single receive data map SR
They are equipped with M-1, SRM-2, and SRM-3. All receive data maps are prepared in common with the transmit data map MTM of the master controller MSC, and the transmit data maps STM-1, STM
-2, STM-3 receives the master controller MSC's data map MR via the above-mentioned receive data buffer.
They are prepared in association with M-1, MRM-2, and MRM-3, respectively. Thus, the master controller MSC selects the subcontrollers S 5C-1, 5SC-2 from its transmission data map.
, 5SC-3, each subcontroller transmits its received data map SRM-1, SRM-2, SRM-1, SRM-2,
The received data is stored in RM-3. In addition, the master controller MSC displays the current status of the entire system in the received data map S of each subcontroller.
Send to RM-1, SRM-2, SRM-3 0,! −
Grinning, all subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC
-2 and 3 SC-3 can operate based on common information. Sub controller 5SC-1, 5SC-2, 5SC-3
When receiving the transmission permission data sequentially from the master controller MSC, the transmission data map STM-1,
STM-2, 3 Sends the data written in TM-3 to the master controller MSC. The master controller MSC controls these sub-controllers 5sc-t,
When data transmitted from 5sC-2 and 5SC-3 is received, the received data is latched into the reception data buffer 7, and then stored in the associated reception data maps MRM-1, MRM-2, and MRM-3, respectively. Store delivery. Transmission/reception data maps MTM, MRM-1, MRM-2, M of the master controller MSC arranged as described above
RM-3 and subcontroller 5SC-1, 5SC-
2,5SG-3 transmit data mark, STM-1,ST
M-2, STM-3 and received data map SRM-1
, SRM-2, and SRM-3 each consist of two types of map areas, namely a map data area 8 and a string data area 9, as shown in FIG. This string data area 9 stores data that has a certain meaning and requires a large amount of data area, that is, string data, and other data is stored in the map data area 8. When transferring data, the address information of the data is also transmitted at the same time, and based on this address information, the receiving side determines whether the received data is map data or string data. For string data, in both the transmission data map and the reception data map, a string address area 10 corresponding to the defined address is secured in a separate area within the map. Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be explained, focusing on the control operations performed by each of the master controller MSC and the sub-controllers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3. MSC Main Routine (FIG. 5) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the program executed by the master controller MSC in the control system described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The main routine program of the master controller MSC starts to be executed when the copying machine is powered on. When the copier is powered on, the master controller MSC first performs step A01.
Initialize the master controller MSC itself,
Various operating conditions and operating modes are set according to predefined default rules. The master controller MSC then starts its own internal timer in step AO2. This internal timer is
This defines the length of time required for one repetition cycle when the main routine program repeatedly executes the procedures other than the initialization step AO1. When the internal timer starts in this way, the master controller MSC executes the transmission data processing subroutine program in step AO3, and the subcontroller 5sc-t
, 5SC-2, 5SC-3 is stored in the transmission data map MTM, and the sub-controller 5
Prepare to send data to SC-1, 5SC-2, 5SC-3, then master controller MSC
Sub controller 5SC-1, 5S with step AO4
Check the received data from C-2 and 5SC-3,
The received data map MRM-1, MRM-2, MRM
-3 respectively. The master controller MSC further performs various processes specific to the microprocessor in step AO5, and after confirming that the internal timer has finished counting in step AO6, returns to step AO2 and performs steps A02 to A02 described above. Step AO6 is repeated again. In the data transmission control device according to the present invention, when transferring data between the master controller MSC and the sub-controller 5SC-1, sub-controller 5SC-2, or sub-controller 5SC-3,
First, the data to be transferred is stored in the transmission data map of the sending controller, and then an interrupt is issued to the destination controller to read the data from the sending data map and transfer it to the destination controller. The destination controller that receives the received data stores the received data in its received data map. Sub controller 5SC-1, 5SC-2, 5SC-3
When an interrupt request is made to the master controller MSC from any of the above, the master controller interrupts the process currently being executed and executes a predetermined interrupt processing routine program. Details of the interrupt processing routine program in this case will be described later with reference to FIG. SSC menu (Figure 6) Figure 6 shows each of the subcontrollers 5sc-i, 5sc-2, and 5SC-3 (hereinafter referred to as subcontrollers SSC) in the control system shown in Figures 2 and 3. 12 is a flowchart showing a main routine program of (a representative example). The execution of the main routine program of the sub-controller SSC is started at the same time as the copying machine is powered on and execution of the main routine of the program of the master controller MSC described above is started. Thus, the sub-controller SSC first initializes itself in step 801, and according to the predefined default rule, the sub-controller SSC
Establish conditions and parameters specific to the functional unit under its control. This sub-controller SSC then starts its own internal timer in step BO2. This internal timer defines the length of time required for one repetition cycle when the main routine program repeatedly executes procedures other than the above initialization step BOI. It is set as a value specific to the controller SSC. When the internal timer of the sub-controller SSC starts in this way, the transmission data processing subroutine program is executed in step BO3, the data to be transmitted to the master controller MSC is stored in the transmission data map STM, and the data is transmitted to the master controller MSC. After making preparations, the sub-controller SSC checks the received data from the master controller MSC and stores it in the received data map in step B04. Next, the sub-controller SSC executes the input data processing subroutine program in step B05 to process data input from the functional unit (y) that the sub-controller SSC is in charge of, for example, data input from the keys of the operation panel 1. Sub-controller S
The SC further executes the output data processing subroutine program in step BO6, and the subcontroller SS
It processes data to be output to the functional unit controlled by C, for example, a drive signal for a light-emitting display section (not shown) provided on the operation panel I. The subcontroller SSC further executes a subroutine program that performs data processing specific to the subcontroller SSC in step B07. After that, after confirming that the internal timer has finished counting in step BO8, the subcontroller SSC returns to step BO8.
Return to step 2 and perform steps BO2 to 808 described above.
Execute it again. From master controller MSC to sub controller 5S
If there is an interrupt request to any of C-1, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3, the subcontroller in question interrupts the process currently being executed. Each predetermined interrupt processing routine program is executed. Details of the interrupt processing routine program in this case will be described later with reference to FIG. Ru. Data Subroutine (FIG. 7) Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the detailed procedure of the transmission data processing subroutine program AO3 included in the main routine program of FIG. 5 will be described. In this transmission data processing subroutine program AO3, the master controller MSC first performs step C.
Flag F1 is checked at O1, and if it is set to a logic 1 state, the process proceeds to step CO2 to determine whether a copying operation is currently in progress. If it is determined that the copying operation is not currently in progress, a reset command is generated in step CO3, this is temporarily stored in the transmission data map MTM, and the subcodon controller S
Prepare to send to SC. After storing the reset command in the transmission data map MTM, the master controller MSC resets the flag F1 to a logic zero state in step CO4, while if it is determined in step CO2 that a copying operation is currently in progress, Step CO5
Proceeding to determine whether flag F2 is set to a logic one state. This flag F2 is logical! If it is determined that it is in the state, in the first step CO6, among the functional units, for example, the self! 2I document conveyance device 3
Check if it is equipped. If it is determined that this automatic document feeder 3 is installed,
Proceeding to step CO7, for example, if "double-sided original - single-sided copy mode" is set, and it is determined that the automatic document feeder 3 is not installed, proceeding to step CO8,
For example, "single-sided original-single-sided copy mode" is set. Following either step CO7 or CO8 above,
At step CO9, the flag F2 is reset to a logic 0 state. After that, or in step CO5, flag F is set.
If it is determined that 2 is not set to the logic Jll state, it resets to the mass logic 0 state. Thereafter, or if it is determined in step CO5 that the flag F2 is not set to the logic 1 state, the master controller MSC proceeds to step CIO to perform other transmission data processing, in this case other transmission data processing. The transmission data processing includes, for example, transmission data processing for supplying a drive signal to the display section on the operation panel l. If it is confirmed that the 7-lag F2 is not set to the logic 1 state as described above, the processing in steps C07 and CO8 is not performed, and the other transmission data processing described above is performed in step CIO. After that, the master controller MSC returns to the main routine program shown in FIG. ^ Day Subroutine (FIG. 8) Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the detailed procedure of the received data processing subroutine program AO4, which is also included in the main routine program of FIG. 5, will be explained. In this received data processing subroutine program AO4, the master controller MSC first performs step 0.
At step 01, it is checked whether among the functional units, for example, the automatic document feeder 3 is newly installed. If it is determined that this automatic document feeder W3 is newly installed, the process proceeds to step 002, and the flag F
Set l to logic l state. Subsequently, or when it is determined in step Dot that the automatic document feeder 3 is not newly installed, it is determined whether or not a signal for setting, for example, "double-sided original-single-sided copy mode" has risen. If it is determined in step DO3 that the signal for setting the "double-sided original-single-sided copy mode" has risen, the process proceeds to step 004, where the flag F2 is set to the logic 1 state. After that, or if it is confirmed in step 003 that the signal for setting "double-sided original-single-sided copy mode" has not risen, the master controller MSC proceeds to step D05 and performs other received data processing. Other received data processing in this case includes, for example, processing of received data generated by signals input by operating keys on the operation panel l. After performing the other received data processing described above in step 005, the master controller MSC returns to the main routine program shown in FIG. MSC Routine (FIG. 9) Next, the interrupt processing routine program of the master controller MSC will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This interrupt processing is an interrupt issued from the sub-controller SSC to the master controller MSC, and when this interrupt request is issued, the master controller MSC on the receiving side interrupts the process currently being executed and programs the interrupt processing routine. Execute. In the interrupt processing routine program shown in FIG. 9, first, in step EOI, it is determined whether the interrupt is a reception interrupt or a transmission interrupt. If the interrupt sought is a receive interrupt, step EO
In step EO3, reception interrupt processing is executed, and if it is a transmission interrupt, transmission interrupt processing is executed in step EO3. Since these reception interrupt processing and transmission interrupt processing themselves are well known, detailed procedures thereof will not be mentioned here. After executing the reception interrupt processing or the transmission interrupt processing in step EO2 or step EO3, respectively, the master controller MSC proceeds to step EO4 or step EO5, respectively, to permit new transmission and reception interrupts. After that, the master controller MSC
returns to the main routine program shown in FIG. 5, and resumes and executes the subroutine program as necessary. SSC rune (Figure 10) Next, regarding the interrupt processing routine and program of the sub-controller SSC, the first Or! This will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This interrupt routine program is executed to process an interrupt issued by the master controller MSC to the sub-controller SSC. When this interrupt request is received, the sub-controller SSC on the receiving side interrupts the process currently being executed and executes the corresponding side interrupt processing routine program. In the interrupt processing routine program shown in FIG. 1θ, first, in step FOI, it is determined whether the interrupt in question is a reception interrupt or a transmission interrupt. If the requested interrupt is a reception interrupt, reception interrupt processing is executed in step FO2. Further, if the requested interrupt is a transmission interrupt, step FO3
Executes transmission interrupt processing. Since the reception interrupt processing and transmission interrupt processing in this SSC interrupt processing routine program are well known, detailed procedures thereof will not be described here. The master controller MSC or subcontroller SSC then returns to its respective main routine program and resumes and executes the subroutine program as necessary. --11A to IID) Regarding the embodiment of the data transmission control device according to the present invention having the above-mentioned schematic configuration, one time (
The mask controller MS
C and subcontroller 5SC-1, 5SC-2, 5SC
- The status of data exchange between each of 3.
This will be explained with reference to FIGS. A to 11D. In addition, Pi, P2, and P3 in the figure are each sub-controller 5SC.
-1, 5SC-2, 5SC-3 shows a status notification request command sent from the master controller MSC at a predetermined period, and this status notification request command is included in the transmission permission data. In the following description, this command will be referred to as a polling command. Sub-controller 5sc-t, 5
Each of SC-2 and 5SC-3 returns a status answer SA to the master controller MSC in response to this polling command. This status answer SA is for each subcontroller 5SC-2, 5SC-1, 5SC.
This not only notifies the master controller MSC of the current state (status) of t17-3, but also indicates that the sub-controller is indeed connected to the master controller t17-ra MSC, and the master controller MSC receives this status. From the answer SA, it can be confirmed that the functional unit under the control of the sub-controller is actually installed in the copying machine. Figure 11A shows subcontrollers 5SC-1 and 5SC-2.
, 5SC-3, the status of connection confirmation and initial setting is shown. First, when the 'wts plug of the device is inserted into an outlet and power is turned on to all controllers, the master controller MSC first performs its initial internal processing, clears its stored data, and sets various initial values. do. After that, the master controller MSG controls the individual sub-controllers 5SC-1, 5Sc-2, 5SC.
−3, polling commands PI, P2, and P3, respectively.
is transmitted periodically at a predetermined period T. When the status answer SA is returned from the subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3 in response to the polling commands P1, P2, and P3, the master controller MSC confirms that the subcontrollers are indeed connected. When the connection is confirmed, the subcontrollers 5sc-t and 5sc-
In response to this reset command RC, each of the subcontrollers 5SC-1 and 5SC-3 is prompted to perform an initialization operation by software.
Each of SC-2 and 5SC-3 performs an initialization operation for its built-in memory, mode data, etc. When a predetermined period of time has elapsed after transmitting the reset command RC as described above, transmission of data ID such as initial mode data and system configuration is started. here,
Each subcontroller 5SC-1, 5SC-2, 5SC-
If the initial data ID is received from the master controller MSC while the sub-controller 3 is performing the initialization operation, the sub-controller may clear the received data during the initialization process. Therefore, the value of Mt at the above-mentioned predetermined time is determined to be a sufficient time for each sub-controller to complete its initialization operation after the master controller MSC has finished sending the reset command, that is, usually from several ms to several tens of milliseconds. It is best to set it to a value of ms. Each subcontroller 5SC-1 that has completed its initialization operation,
5SC-2, 5SC-3 are master controller MS
When returning the status answer SA in response to the polling command from C, the master controller MSC is informed of the initial data, its system configuration, 41 functions, etc. in the subcontroller concerned (step E in Figure 9).
2 and step FO3 in Figure 10). Figures 11B to 11D show the master controller MSC and sub-controllers 5SC-1 and 5SC-2.
, 5SC-3 completes the above processing and the main switch of the apparatus is turned on until the copy mode is set. First, in FIG. 11B, when the main switch is turned on, the power supply (for example, a DC24
V, AClooV) (7) Copying machine body 2 in charge of control
Report data (indicated by di) notifying that the main switch has been turned on is sent from the subcontroller 5SC-2 to the master controller MSC (communication B
1) Upon receiving this report data d1, the mask-controller MSC determines the mode and conditions of the copy operation to be executed, i.e. 1, for example, "The copy mode is the standard mode."
, "The copy magnification is 1x,""Auto exposure mode,""The number of copies is 1,""The copy paper used is A4 size," etc. (d2 in the figure). ~
d6) for all subcontrollers 5SC-1
, 5SC-2, 5SC-3. After that, use the operation panel 1 to set the copy magnification to Xo,
707 is selected, the data (indicated by d7) is sent to the subcontroller 5SC in charge of the operation panel l.
-1 to the master controller MSC, and when it is accepted, data d7 representing the magnification is sent to all subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, 5SC-3.
It will be forwarded to (Tsuku@82). At this point, it is assumed that, for example, the double-sided original/single-sided copy mode is selected. In that case, the data representing this double-sided original-single-sided copy mode (indicated by d8) is stored in the subcontroller 5S.
C-1 to the master controller MSC. However, if the copying machine concerned is not equipped with the automatic document feeder 3, then the double-sided document mode cannot be accepted, and therefore the master controller MS
C is one-sided original - data representing one-sided copy mode (indicated by d9) is sent to all subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC-
2,5 SC-3 (communication B3). On the other hand, even though the number representing the number of copies is set to 1, for example, according to the data representing the initial state set when the main switch is turned on, the clear key on the operation panel 1 (not shown) When the data indicating the number of copies is 1 (indicated by dlO) is sent from the sub-controller 5SC-1, which has the operation panel l, as a result of the operation of the master controller MSC-1,
is the data (indicated by dll) representing the number 1 of the number of copies to be sent to each subcontroller 5SC-1, 5SC-2, 5SC-
3 (communication B4). As described above, each subcontroller 5SC-1
, 5SC-2, 5SC-3. In either case, the corresponding mode data is sent to each sub-controller 5SC-1. ,5SC-2
, 5SC-3, the result of the determination on the master controller MSC side is notified to each sub-controller. Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the operator of the copier replaces the lower paper feed cassette among the upper and lower paper feed cassettes, the copy machine main body 2
The sub-controller 5SC-2, which is in charge of
A series of data including string data (d1
2) to the master controller MSC. The master controller MSC that received this string data d12 sends all sub-controllers 5sc-t
, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3. Further, when the upper paper feed slot is selected on the operation panel 1, the subcontroller 5SC in charge of this operation panel 1
-1 is its own data transmission timing, that is, from the master controller MSC to the subcontroller 5S.
When a polling command is sent to C-1 and a status answer SA is returned in response, data (indicated by d13) regarding the selected paper feed port is sent to the master controller MSC. Thus, the master controller MS
When the C side allows selection of the paper feed port. The master controller MSC transmits data d13 to all subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3. By communicating in the manner described above, information transmission and reception, copy mode settings, etc. are executed in sequence in the individual subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3.
The actual copying operation begins after the operation of a copying operation start key (not shown). FIG. 11D shows the situation after the copy operation start key is operated in this manner until one copy operation is completed. First, when the copy operation start key (print key) on the operation panel 1 is operated, the print report data (
d14) is sent to notify that the copy operation start key has been operated (communication Di).The master controller MSC determines that the copy operation can be started based on this print report data d14. Then, the master controller MSC transmits a document exchange command (indicated by d15) to set a document to the subcontroller 5SG-3 that is in charge of the automatic document feeder 3 (communication D2). -3 responds to this document exchange command d15 and starts an operation to feed one document from a document tray (not shown) and set it at a predetermined position on the document table. As soon as the document setting is completed, document setting report data (indicated by d16) for notifying the completion of document setting is transmitted to the master controller MSC (communication D3). The master controller MSC, which has received this document set report data dlB, sends a print command (indicated by d17) to the subcontroller 5SC-2 in order to start the copying operation (communication D4). If the device 3 is not installed, issue a document exchange command d15 to the subcontroller 5SC-3.
The above communication D4 is performed immediately without transmitting. Upon receiving the print command d17, the sub-controller 5SC-2 instructs its CPU to start the image forming operation, and upon receiving a paper feed start signal from the CPU, sends the paper feed report data (
d18) (communication D5).Similarly, upon receiving a signal from the subcontroller 5SC-2 indicating the end of exposure or the end of paper ejection related to the copying operation sequence, the subcontrollers t2 and 5SC-2 each end the exposure. Report data (indicated by d19) and paper ejection completion report data (d20)
) is transmitted to the master controller MSC (communications D6 and D7). In the above description, the number of copies is set to 1, which is the standard number of copies, but in the case of multiple copy mode, the master controller MSC that receives paper feed report data from the sub flat roller 5SC-2, The next print command is sent and this operation is repeated for the set number of sheets. In this way, the master controller MSC determines that one copying operation is completed when it receives exposure completion report data (indicated by d19) for the number of times it has sent the print command (indicated by d17), and performs the copying operation described above. A document exchange command (indicated by d21) is sent to the automatic document feeder, and its control operation is ended for the time being. In addition, in the above-mentioned data transmission control device, the master controller MSC is connected to each sub-controller 5sc-t,
The polling performed on 5SC-2 and 5SC-3 is basically determined at the predetermined time t as shown in FIG.
When transmitting or receiving a series of string data as shown in Figure 1c), the polling operation is not executed even after the predetermined time t has elapsed, and the execution of the polling operation is postponed until the transmission or reception of the string data is completed. Thus, the polling operation is performed only after the transmission or reception of the data is completed. (FIGS. 12A and 12B) Next, in the embodiment of the data transmission control device according to the present invention, specific units among the above-mentioned functional units, that is, the operation panel 1, the copying machine main body 2, and the automatic document feeder 3 12A and 12B, a description will be given of the communication processing that is executed when the system is initially equipped and other functional units are additionally installed. In the following explanation, the operation panel l and the copying machine main body 2 are assumed to be the functional units that have been installed from the beginning, and the automatic document feeder 3 is assumed to be the newly installed functional units.
Assume that The situation shown in FIG. 12A shows the data transmission situation when no copying operation is being performed at the time when the automatic document feeder 3 is newly installed. Further, the situation shown in FIG. 12B shows the situation of data transmission when the automatic document feeder 3 is newly installed while a copying operation is being performed. First, as shown in FIG. 12A, when a new automatic document feeder 3 is additionally installed in a state where only the operation panel l and the copying machine main body 2 are installed, this newly installed automatic document feeder Sub-controller 5SC controlling device 3
After the power is connected to -3, subcontroller 5SC-
A polling command is sent to the subcontroller at timing P3 (communication El), and in response to this polling command, the subcontroller sends its status, SA
is transferred to the master controller MSC (communication E2
), from this status answer SA, the star controller MSC confirms that the automatic document feeder 3 controlled by the sub-controller C-3 has been newly added to this copying machine, and then sends the sub-controller 5SC- All subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5SC-2 including 3
, 5SC-3, sends a reset command RC,
Subcontroller 5SC-1 whose connection is currently confirmed
, 5SC-2, and 5SG-3 to perform an initialization operation by software.
Each of 5SC-2 and 5SC-3 initializes its built-in memory, mode data, etc. After sending the reset command RC as described above,
When a predetermined time t has elapsed, transmission of data ID such as initial mode data and system configuration is started. After that, each subcontroller 5SC- which has completed the initialization operation
When the 1,5SC-2 and 5SC-3 return the status answer SA in response to the polling command from the master controller MSC, they inform the master controller MSC of the initial data in the sub-controller and its system configuration, functions, etc. Next, a description will be given of the situation shown in FIG. 12B, that is, the data transmission situation when the automatic document feeder 3 is newly installed while a copying operation is being performed. While a copying operation is in progress, e.g.
Paper feeding report data d18 and exposure end report data d
19 is being transmitted, the arrow N in FIG.
Assume that an automatic document feeder f13 is newly installed as shown in FIG. In this case, an automatic document feeder 13 is newly installed, and a subcontroller 5S controlling the device 3 is installed.
As usual, the master controller MSC confirms that the power supply is connected to C-, 3 by the status answer SA from the sub-controller in response to the polling command (communication Fl), L. However, during the period when a copying operation is being performed, the master controller MSC uses the sub-controller 5SC-1.
, 5SC-2, 5SC-3 reset command R
The master controller MSC waits until the copying operation is completed without transmitting C. Thus, the master controller MSC sends the subcontrollers 5SC-1, 5 when the currently ongoing copying operation is completed.
A reset command RC is sent to each of SC-2 and 3Sc-3 (communication F2) to prompt them to perform an initialization operation by software, and then, as in the case above, they respond to this reset command RC. Then, each of the subcontrollers 5sc-t, 5SC-2, and 5SC-3 initializes its built-in memory, mode data, etc., and after transmitting the reset command RC, it waits for a predetermined time t.
At the point in time, transmission of data ID such as initial mode data and system configuration is started. The master controller MSC and sub-controllers 5SC-1, 5SC-2, 5SC-3 in FIGS. 11A to 11D and 12A to 12D
The arrows between and conceptually indicate the flow of data sent and received between the master controller and each sub-controller, and data transmission from the master controller to each sub-controller is performed using the interrupt explained in Figure 9. Data transmission from each subcontroller to the master controller is performed by the interrupt routine described in FIG. 10. [Effect 1] As described above, the data transmission control device according to the present invention is a device that can be selectively equipped with a plurality of functional units, and includes a plurality of control means that individually manage the functional units. A 'main' M that communicates with each of these control means.
In a data transmission system coupled to perform full-duplex data communication with 11 means, when an individual control means in charge of one of the plurality of functional units transmits mode data, the main control means If this mode data is permitted, the permitted mode is transmitted to all individual control means, and if not permitted, data indicating the previous mode in which the mode data was transmitted is transmitted to all individual control means. A microprocessor that processes data generated by key input from the panel and drive signal control data for the display section of the operation panel, and a microprocessor that receives mode data and performs determination processing are separate. As a result, the burden placed on each individual control means is reduced, and even when the use of a certain functional unit is added, for example, there is no particular increase in the burden, and each individual The advantage is that the control means only needs to follow the mode transmitted from the main control means.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic connection configuration of various controllers forming a data transmission control device included in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. , FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a conceptual schematic configuration of transmitting and receiving data maps prepared in various controllers in the data transmission control device shown in FIG. 2,
4 is a block diagram showing the conceptual schematic configuration of each of the transmission/reception data maps shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main routine executed by the master controller in the data transmission control device shown in FIG. 2; 6 is a flowchart showing the main routine executed by the subcontroller in the data transmission control device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the received data processing subroutine included in the main routine shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the receiving data processing subroutine included in the main routine shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an interrupt processing routine for the main routine shown in FIG.
A1gJ to Figure 11D and Figure 12A and Figure 1
FIG. 28 is a time chart showing the status of data exchange performed in the embodiment of the data transmission control device according to the present invention. 1. 2. 3. M.S.C. 5sc-i. 5SC-2. 5SC-3゜

Claims (1)

[Claims] It is possible to selectively equip at least two functional units, each of which is configured to achieve a predetermined function. In a data transmission system that is coupled to perform full-duplex data communication between each of the plurality of functional units and a main control means that communicates with each other, the individual control means that is in charge of one of the plurality of functional units is in a mode. When transmitting data, the main control means transmits data indicating the permitted mode if this mode data is permitted, or the previous mode in which the mode data was transmitted if not permitted, to all individual control means. 1. A data transmission control device, characterized in that the data transmission control device transmits a message to a person.