Option apparatuses adapted to be connected to remote apparatus and image formation apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image formation apparatus connectable with a plurality of option apparatuses and the option apparatuses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of option apparatuses connectable to an image formation apparatus are conventionally provided to expand the function of the image formation apparatus according to the user's desire and operating environment. Such option apparatuses include a paper feed option apparatus to allow volume feeding of paper, sorter, duplex printing unit, etc. each having a structure allowing communication with the image formation apparatus.

For example, when a plurality of paper feed option apparatuses is placed and connected downstream from the image formation apparatus, the image formation apparatus and the plurality of paper feed option apparatuses transport recording media (hereinafter referred to as “sheets”) such as paper from a desired paper feed option apparatus to another image formation apparatus located downstream on the transport path while communicating with each other.

Conventionally, when an image formation apparatus is connected to a paper feed option apparatus that supplies recording media to perform media transport control, a controller in the image formation apparatus monitors transport control of sheets in all the paper feed option apparatuses and sends control data to the option apparatuses if necessary, thus carrying out all sheet transport control and monitoring processing. And also for a paper ejection option apparatus that performs a post-processing on sheets ejected from the image formation apparatus, a controller in the image formation apparatus performs the sheet transport control and monitoring processings for all the paper ejection option apparatuses.

Furthermore, as another example, it is provided that the sheet transport control and monitoring processings of the paper feed and paper ejection option apparatuses are separated from the controller in the image formation apparatus, and an option controller performs the sheet transport control and monitoring processings of all the option apparatuses.

However, such a conventional image formation apparatus has such problems as shown below:

If the number of paper feed option apparatuses is one or the sheet transport speed is not high, when the controller in the image formation apparatus or the option controller performs sheet transport control and monitoring processing of the paper feed option apparatus, an increase in the processing load of the controller would not be significant. However, when a plurality of option apparatuses is connected or the sheet transport speed is high, processing of the controller becomes more complicated, higher processing is required, the load of control and monitoring processing increases, which will require a high-speed and expensive processing unit such as a CPU to be used as the controller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image formation apparatus, option apparatuses of the image formation apparatus and an image formation system made up of these image formation apparatus and option apparatuses capable of suppressing the increase of processing load on the controller of the image formation apparatus or the option controller when a plurality of option apparatuses is connected.

That is, a subject of the present invention is to provide an option apparatus for an image formation apparatus connectable directly or via another option apparatus to the image formation apparatus, capable of connecting a further option apparatus while being connected to the image formation apparatus, comprising directly connected communication means for communicating with the image formation apparatus or other option apparatuses and option apparatus controlling means for controlling the own operation based on an instruction received from an image formation apparatus directly connected on the image formation apparatus side or other option apparatuses via the communication means, characterized in that the option apparatus controlling means controls and/or monitors the operation of the other option apparatus directly connected away from the image formation apparatus and sends the state of the other option apparatuses to be controlled and/or monitored to the image formation apparatus directly connected on the image formation apparatus side or a further option apparatus using the communication means.

It is another subject of the present invention to provide an image formation apparatus that allows connection of a single and/or multiple option apparatuses of the image formation apparatus of the present invention, comprising image formation controlling means for controlling image formation processing using an option apparatus, characterized in that the image formation controlling means monitors and/or controls the operation of the option apparatus directly connected and monitors the states of the option apparatuses connected after the directly connected option apparatus through a communication with the directly connected option apparatus.

Furthermore, it is another subject of the present invention to provide an image formation system comprising an image formation apparatus and an option apparatus connectable directly or via another option apparatus to the image formation apparatus, capable of connecting a further option apparatus while being connected to the image formation apparatus, characterized in that the option apparatus comprises directly connected communication means for communicating with the image formation apparatus or another option apparatus and option apparatus controlling means for controlling the own operation based on an instruction received from an image formation apparatus directly connected on the image formation apparatus side or another option apparatus via the communication means, controls and/or monitors the operation of the other option apparatus directly connected away from the image formation apparatus and sends the state of the other option apparatus to be controlled and/or monitored to an image formation apparatus directly connected on the image formation apparatus side or a further option apparatus using the communication means, and the image formation apparatus comprises image formation controlling means for controlling image formation processing using an option apparatus and monitoring and/or controlling the operation of the option apparatus directly connected through a communication with the option apparatus controlling means of the option apparatus, characterized in that the image formation controlling means monitors the states of the option apparatuses connected after the directly connected option apparatus through a communication with the option apparatus controlling means owned by the directly connected option apparatus.

Furthermore, it is another subject of the present invention to provide a recording medium that stores a program that can be executed by a computer apparatus, characterized in that the apparatus that executes the program is allowed to function as an option apparatus of the image formation apparatus of the present invention.

Furthermore, it is another subject of the present invention to provide a recording medium that stores a program that can be executed by a computer apparatus, characterized in that the apparatus that executes the program is allowed to function as the image formation apparatus of the present invention.

Furthermore, it is another subject of the present invention to provide a recording medium that stores a program that can be executed by a computer apparatus, characterized in that the apparatus that executes the program is allowed to function as the image formation apparatus or option apparatus in the image formation system of the present invention.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1

illustrates a configuration of an image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2

is a block diagram showing an outlined configuration of the image formation apparatus and controllers in the option apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A

to

3

C are flow charts showing a powering-on and connection state setting procedure of the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A

to

4

D are flow charts showing a sheet transport processing procedure of an image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A

to

5

C are flow charts showing a sheet transport processing procedure of the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A

to

6

C are flow charts showing sheet transport processing procedure of the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A

to

7

C are flow charts showing sheet transport processing procedure of the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A

to

8

C are flow charts showing a sheet transport processing procedure of an image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A

to

9

C are flow charts showing sheet transport processing procedure of the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 10A

to

10

C is a flow chart showing a sheet transport processing procedure of an image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

(Configuration of Image Formation Apparatus)

FIG. 1

illustrates a configuration example of an image formation system made up of an image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the image formation apparatus forms toner images on a sheet through electrophotographic process.

In the figure, reference numeral

100

denotes an image formation apparatus, reference numerals

101

and

102

denote paper feed option apparatuses and reference numerals

133

and

134

denote paper ejection option apparatuses. The image formation apparatus

100

is placed above the option apparatus

101

and the option apparatus

101

is placed above the option apparatus

102

.

Reference numerals

104

to

107

denote sheets to which images are transferred by the image formation apparatus and a plurality of sheets is loaded. Sheets

104

and

105

are placed in a paper feed apparatus built in the image formation apparatus. Reference numerals

108

to

111

denote pickup rollers that send sheets and groups of rollers

112

to

120

transport sheets to an electrophotographic process section

103

.

A roller pair

117

is placed downstream on the transport path from the position where a sheet transported in the image formation apparatus

100

joins a sheet transported from the option apparatus

101

. When the image formation apparatus

100

is already transporting a sheet, a sheet from the option apparatus

101

is temporarily stopped at the position just before the roller pair

117

.

A roller pair

119

is placed downstream from the position where a sheet transported in the option apparatus

101

joins a sheet transported by the option apparatus

102

. When the option apparatus

101

is already transporting a sheet, a sheet from the option apparatus

102

is temporarily stopped at the position just before the roller pair

119

.

Reference numeral

121

denotes a connector that connects the image formation apparatus

100

and option apparatus

101

enabling communication with each other and relays a communication line

130

a

used to communicate a controller

127

in the image formation apparatus

100

, a controller

128

in the option apparatus

101

and a controller

129

in the option apparatus

102

, and a power supply control signal line

130

b

. As in the case of reference numeral

121

, reference numeral

122

denotes a connector that connects the option apparatus

101

and the option apparatus

102

and relays the communication line

130

c

and the power supply control signal line

130

d.

Reference numeral

123

denotes a tray to hold sheets with images formed by the electrophotographic process section

103

in the image formation apparatus and sheets are transported by a roller pair

124

with the side on which images are formed face down.

Reference numeral

125

denotes an ejection port for sheets with images formed by the electrophotographic process section

103

in the image formation apparatus and sheets are transported by a roller pair

126

with the side on which images are formed face up.

The plurality of sheets

104

to

107

is transported by the roller groups along the transport path indicated by dotted lines and arrows in FIG.

1

and ejected onto the tray

123

or through the ejection port

125

with images formed on their surfaces.

Reference numeral

131

denotes a confluence (1) of sheet transport paths in the image formation apparatus

100

and is located just before (upstream) the roller pair

117

. The confluence (1)

131

indicates the position at which a sheet

105

transported in the image formation apparatus

100

joins a sheet

106

transported from the option apparatus

101

.

Reference numeral

132

denotes a confluence (2) of sheet transport paths in the option apparatus

101

and is located just before the roller pair

119

. The confluence (2)

132

indicates the position at which a sheet

106

transported in the option apparatus

101

joins a sheet

107

transported from the option apparatus

102

.

Reference numeral

133

denotes an option apparatus connected downstream from the image formation apparatus

100

and ejects a sheet ejected from the image formation apparatus onto a tray provided for the option apparatus

133

or to an option apparatus

134

downstream.

Reference numeral

134

denotes an option apparatus installed below the option apparatus

133

and transports and ejects sheets transported from the option apparatus

133

.

Reference numerals

135

and

136

denote trays to hold sheets transported by the option apparatuses

133

and

134

and reference numerals

137

to

142

denote roller pairs to transport sheets ejected from the image formation apparatus

100

. For simplicity of explanations,

FIG. 1

shows only roller pairs

138

and

142

to transport sheets out to the trays

135

and

136

, but roller pairs to transport sheets out to other trays are also provided in the actual system.

Reference numerals

143

and

144

denote controllers of the option apparatuses

133

and

134

and are connected via a signal line

145

c

and power supply control line

145

d

. A signal line

145

a

and power supply control line

145

b

connect the controller

127

in the image formation apparatus

100

and the controller

143

. Reference numerals

149

and

150

denote connectors between the image formation apparatus

100

and the option apparatus

133

and between the option apparatuses

133

and

134

, respectively and relay the signal lines

145

a

and

145

c

and power supply control signal lines

145

b

and

145

d.

However, the connectors

121

,

122

,

149

and

150

can also be replaced by cables or other communication means connectable in the order of transport paths.

(Controller Configuration)

FIG. 2

is a block diagram showing configurations and connection relationships of the controller

127

in the image formation apparatus

100

, the controller

128

in the option apparatus

101

and the controller

129

in the option apparatus

102

. However, the controllers

143

and

144

in the option apparatuses

133

and

134

have the same configurations as those of the controllers

128

and

129

, and therefore these are not shown.

Reference numeral

200

denotes a CPU that is located inside the controller

127

and controls the image formation apparatus to control image formation and sheet transport. The CPU

200

incorporates a ROM

200

a

, a RAM

200

b

and a timer

200

c

. However, the ROM

200

a

, RAM

200

b

and timer

200

c

can also be installed outside the CPU

200

.

The ROM

200

a

stores the processing content to be executed by the CPU

200

all the time and software regarding the image formation processing, sheet transport processing and communication processing is written therein.

The RAM

200

b

stores data temporarily required to execute image formation processing, sheet transport processing and communication processing by the CPU

200

.

The timer

200

c

generates various timings to execute image formation processing, sheet transport processing and communication processing.

Reference numeral

201

denotes an image formation circuit and is a circuit to carry out electrophotographic process when an image is formed on a sheet by the image formation apparatus.

Reference numeral

202

denotes a circuit to control various actuators (not shown) driven when sheet transport and image formation processing are carried out by the image formation apparatus.

Reference numeral

203

denotes a circuit to input output signals from various sensors (not shown) to the CPU

200

when sheet transport and image formation processing are carried out by the image formation apparatus.

Reference numeral

204

denotes a circuit to carry out processing of turning ON/OFF power from the image formation apparatus to the option apparatuses and controls the power supply circuit of the option apparatus

101

via a power supply control signal line

205

.

Reference numeral

206

denotes a circuit to carry out communication processing between the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses and is bus-connected to the option apparatus via a communication line

130

d

. However, the connection mode is not limited to a particular mode.

Reference numerals

207

and

214

denote CPUs that are located in the controller

128

and

129

and control the option apparatuses

101

and

102

, respectively to control sheet transport to the image formation apparatus

100

. The CPUs

207

and

214

contain ROMs

207

a

and

214

a

, RAMs

207

b

and

214

b

and timers

207

c

and

214

c

. However, the ROMs

207

a

and

214

a

, RAMs

207

b

and

214

b

and timers

207

c

and

214

c

can also be installed outside the CPUs

207

and

214

.

The ROMs

207

a

and

214

a

store the processing content to be executed by the CPUs

207

and

214

all the time and software regarding the sheet transport processing and communication processing is written therein.

The RAMs

207

b

and

214

b

store data temporarily required to execute sheet transport processing and communication processing by the CPUs

207

and

214

.

The timers

207

c

and

214

c

generate various timings to execute sheet transport processing and communication processing.

Reference numerals

212

and

218

denote circuits to control various actuators (not shown) driven when sheet transport is carried out by the option apparatuses

101

and

102

.

Reference numerals

213

and

219

denote circuits to input output signals from various sensors (not shown) to the CPUs

207

and

214

when sheet transport is carried out by the option apparatuses

101

and

102

.

Reference numerals

209

and

216

denote circuits to carry out processing of turning ON/OFF power from one option apparatus to the other option apparatus and the circuit

209

controls the power supply circuit of the option apparatus via a power supply control signal line

130

d.

Reference numerals

211

and

217

denote circuits to carry out communication processing between the image formation apparatus

100

and option apparatuses

101

and

102

and are connected to the option apparatuses via a communication line

130

c

. However, the connection mode is not particularly limited.

(Operation When Power is Turned On)

FIGS. 3A

to

3

C are flow charts showing the processing procedure after the power to the image formation apparatus

100

, option apparatuses

101

,

102

,

133

and

134

is turned on.

FIG. 3A

, FIG.

3

B and

FIG. 3C

show the operations of the image formation apparatus

100

, option apparatuses

101

and

133

, and option apparatuses

102

and

134

, respectively.

In step S

100

, immediately after the power to the image formation apparatus

100

is turned on, the CPU

200

is initialized. In the next step S

101

, the timer

200

c

is started to measure the time until the power to the option apparatus

101

connected is turned on. This is intended to prevent a voltage fluctuation in a surrounding AC line (not shown) caused by turning on power to all apparatuses simultaneously by providing starting time differences and to recognize option apparatuses connected upstream or downstream one by one starting with the option apparatus closest to the image formation apparatus

100

.

In step S

102

, i t is checked with the timer

200

c

start ed in step S

101

whether a predetermined time has elapsed or not and if the predetermined time has elapsed, a signal to turn on the power to the option apparatus

101

is output in the next step S

103

.

On the other hand, in step S

200

(FIG.

3

B), the option apparatus

101

turns on power by a signal output to the option apparatus

101

and initializes the CPU

207

in the option apparatus

101

in step S

201

.

In step S

202

, the timer

207

c

is started to turn on the power to the option apparatus

102

connected upstream from the option apparatus

101

.

In step S

203

, it is checked through the timer

207

c

started in step S

200

whether a predetermined time has elapsed or not and if it is confirmed that the predetermined time has elapsed, a signal for turning on the power to the option apparatus

102

located further upstream is output in step S

204

.

In step S

205

, the information of the option apparatus

101

is sent to the image formation apparatus

100

through communication processing a predetermined time after the power to the option apparatus

101

is turned on. This transmission content is the information concerning the function and state of the option apparatus

101

.

The data sent in step S

205

is received by the image formation apparatus

100

(step S

104

) and the image formation apparatus

100

recognizes in step S

105

that the option apparatus

100

is connected one step upstream on the sheet transport path and sets the state of connection with the option apparatus

101

on the RAM

207

b.

On the other hand, in step S

300

(FIG.

3

C), the option apparatus

102

receives the power-on signal output by option apparatus

101

in step S

204

and turns on the power to the option apparatus

102

and then initializes the CPU

214

in the option apparatus

102

in step S

301

.

In step S

303

, the option apparatus performs processing of turning on the power to the option apparatus connected further upstream. Although in this embodiment, no option apparatus is connected further upstream from the option apparatus

102

, signals for turning on the power are output also in the configuration having three or more option apparatuses in which further paper feed option apparatuses are connected upstream from the option apparatus

102

.

Then, in step S

305

, the information of the option apparatus

102

is sent to the downstream option apparatus

101

. The option apparatus

101

that has received the information of the option apparatus

102

in step S

206

(

FIG. 3B

) recognizes in step S

207

that the option apparatus

102

is connected one step upstream from the option apparatus

101

, sets the state of connection with the option apparatus

102

in the RAM

200

b

and transfers the apparatus information of the option apparatus

102

to image formation apparatus

100

.

In step S

305

, it is also possible to configure the option apparatus

102

to directly send the own information to the image formation apparatus

100

.

In step S

107

, the image formation apparatus

100

recognizes that the option apparatus

102

is connected two steps upstream on the sheet transport path and sets the state of connection with the option apparatus

102

in the RAM

200

b.

Also in the configuration having three or more option apparatuses in which a plurality of paper feed option apparatuses are further connected upstream from the option apparatus

102

, the apparatus information is sequentially transmitted to a downstream option apparatus, and the receiving downstream option apparatus retains the apparatus information of the option apparatus connected upstream from it. And, the image formation apparatus

100

sets the apparatus information and the connection states of all the option apparatuses connected upstream from it in the RAM

200

b.

However, as the processing for setting the state of connection between the option apparatuses

101

and

102

, it is also possible to configure the option apparatus

102

to send the information of the own apparatus only to the image formation apparatus

100

without sending it to the option apparatus

101

and configure the image formation apparatus

100

to send the information of the option apparatus

102

to the option apparatus

101

.

According to the flow charts shown in

FIGS. 3A

to

3

C, the image formation apparatus

100

can turn on the power to the option apparatus

101

installed one step upstream and the option apparatus

101

can turn on the power to the option apparatus

102

installed one step upstream. Furthermore, the image formation apparatus

100

can recognize the information and connection state of the upstream option apparatuses

101

and

102

and the option apparatus

101

can recognize the information and connection state of the option apparatus

102

one step upstream.

In this embodiment, the option apparatuses

133

and

134

connected downstream from the image formation apparatus

100

operate in the same way as the option apparatuses

101

and

102

except that the powering-on sequence changes from upstream to downstream. That is, by replacing the processing of sequentially turning on power from the image formation apparatus

100

in an upstream direction and sequentially receiving option apparatus information by the processing of sequentially turning on power in a downstream direction and sequentially receiving option apparatus information, it is possible to turn on power to all option apparatuses and recognize the information and connection states.

Furthermore, in the configuration in which a plurality of option apparatuses other than the paper feed option apparatuses

101

,

102

and the paper ejection option apparatuses

133

,

134

are connected upstream or downstream, the operation is the same.

In this case, it is optional to decide whether to recognize all option apparatuses connected upstream from the image formation apparatus

100

and then recognize option apparatuses connected downstream or vice versa. Furthermore, if the image formation apparatus

100

can receive apparatus information from an upstream option apparatus and apparatus information from a downstream option apparatus independently, it is also possible to turn on power to both apparatuses simultaneously.

(Sheet Transport (Supply) Processing)

FIGS. 4A

to

4

D and

FIGS. 5A

to

5

C are flow charts that show sheet transport processing of the image formation apparatus

100

, option apparatuses

101

and

102

, and option apparatus upstream from the option apparatus

102

(not shown in FIG.

1

).

FIG.

4

A and

FIG. 5A

show the operation of the image formation apparatus

100

, FIG.

4

B and

FIG. 5B

show the operation of the option apparatus

101

, FIG.

4

C and

FIG. 5C

show the operation of the option apparatus

102

, and

FIG. 4D

shows the operation of the option apparatus upstream from the option apparatus

102

.

Followings are the description of operations in the case when sheet

1

(sheet

106

in

FIG. 1

) is fed from the option apparatus

101

, sheet

2

(sheet

107

in the same figure) is fed by the option apparatus

102

via the option apparatus

101

to the image formation apparatus

100

, and sheet

3

(not shown) is fed by the option apparatus upstream from the option apparatus

102

via the option apparatus

102

and option apparatus

101

to the image formation apparatus

100

.

First, in step S

400

, the image formation apparatus

100

sends sheet transport information to the option apparatuses

101

and

102

and the option apparatus upstream from the option apparatus

102

.

Sheet transport information specifies any one of the option apparatuses

101

and

102

and option apparatus upstream from the option apparatus

102

and instructs the specified apparatus to feed sheets, and also instructs the downstream apparatus to transport the sheets. If the option apparatus is instructed to feed a plurality of sheets, each of the option apparatuses is controlled so that the each sheet will be fed to the image formation apparatus

100

in the instructed order.

The option apparatus

101

receives and recognizes the transport information of sheets

1

,

2

, and

3

from the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

500

. The option apparatus

101

also stores the received transport information of sheets

1

,

2

, and

3

in the RAM

207

b

. Since the option apparatus

101

transports sheet

2

from the option apparatus

102

, it receives the transport information of sheet

2

. In addition, since the option apparatus

101

transports sheet

3

from the option apparatus upstream from the option apparatus

102

, it receives the transport information of sheet

3

. The option apparatus

101

then starts to transport sheet

1

(step S

501

). In addition, the option apparatus

101

starts the timer

207

c

. In the following, the timers in the respective apparatuses are set for determining the timing of transport of sheets in transporting the respective sheets, and are used for transport control.

On the other hand, the option apparatus

102

receives and recognizes the transport information of sheet

2

from the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

600

, and since the option apparatus

102

transports sheet

3

from the option apparatus upstream from it, it receives the transport information of sheet

3

. The option apparatus

102

also stores the received transport information of sheets

2

and

3

in the RAM

214

b

. The option apparatus

102

then starts to transport sheet

2

(step S

601

). In addition, the option apparatus

102

starts the timer

214

c.

When the option apparatus

101

starts to transport sheet

1

in step S

501

, the image formation apparatus

100

checks the transport of sheet

1

according to the sensor information input from the sensor input circuit

203

when sheet

1

is transported to the image formation apparatus

100

and starts transport control (step S

401

). Alternatively, the image formation apparatus

100

may have been driven the roller pair

118

so as to transport sheet

1

without detection of the sensor signal.

In step S

502

, the option apparatus

101

determines with the timer

207

c

whether sheet

1

has reached the confluence (1)

131

just before the roller pair

117

or not and if sheet

1

has reached the confluence, the option apparatus

101

stops the transport of sheet

1

in step S

503

. However, if no other sheet exists at the confluence (1)

131

, it is possible to continue to transport sheet

1

without stopping.

Then, in step S

504

, the option apparatus

101

sends data to notify the image formation apparatus

100

of the stoppage of transport of sheet

1

and in step S

402

, the image formation apparatus

100

receives and recognizes the data indicating that the transport of sheet

1

has been stopped. The image formation apparatus

100

also stops the transport of sheet

1

in the image formation apparatus

100

.

The option apparatus

102

that started the transport of sheet

2

in step S

601

determines with the timer

214

c

in step S

602

whether sheet

2

has reached the confluence (2)

132

just before the roller pair

119

or not and if sheet

2

has reached the confluence, the option apparatus

102

stops the transport of sheet

2

in step S

603

. However, if no other sheet exists at the confluence (2)

132

, it is possible to continue to transport sheet

2

without stopping.

Then, the option apparatus

102

sends the data to notify the stoppage of transport of sheet

2

to the option apparatus

101

in step S

604

. This data is received by the option apparatus

101

(step S

505

) and the option apparatus

101

recognizes that the transport of sheet

2

has been stopped.

In step S

403

, the image formation apparatus

100

determines whether sheet

1

can pass through the confluence (1)

131

in the image formation apparatus

100

or not and if sheet

1

can pass through the confluence, the image formation apparatus

100

moves on to step S

404

and sends to the option apparatus

101

the data to indicate that it is possible to transport sheet

1

.

In step S

506

and step S

507

, the option apparatus

101

monitors communication data, and when it is determined that the data output by the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

404

shows that sheet

1

can pass through the confluence (1)

131

, the option apparatus

101

moves on to step S

508

.

In step S

508

, the processing of transporting sheet

1

in the option apparatus

101

restarts, and in step S

405

, the processing of transporting sheet

1

in the image formation apparatus

100

restarts.

When sheet

2

is allowed to pass through the confluence (2)

132

just before the roller pair

119

, the option apparatus

101

sends the data indicating that sheet

2

can pass through the confluence to the option apparatus

102

(step S

509

). The option apparatus

102

monitors the communication in order to detect whether sheet

2

whose transport has been stopped in step S

604

is allowed to pass through the confluence (2)

132

or not (steps S

606

, S

607

), and after confirming the reception of the data indicating that sheet

2

is allowed to pass through the confluence (2)

132

from the option apparatus

101

, the option apparatus

102

restarts to transport sheet

2

in step S

608

.

When sheet

1

is ejected from the option apparatus

101

, data indicating the completion of ejection of sheet

1

is sent to the image formation apparatus

100

(step S

510

) and the image formation apparatus

100

receives and recognizes sheet

1

ejection completion data in step S

406

.

Then, the image formation apparatus

100

performs image formation processing on sheet

1

transported into the image formation processing

100

in step S

407

.

On the other hand, the option apparatus

101

that has completed the ejection of sheet

1

starts to transport sheet

2

transported from the option apparatus

102

to the option apparatus

101

(step S

511

).

When the ejection of sheet

2

is completed, the option apparatus

102

sends the data indicating the completion of ejection of sheet

2

to the option apparatus

101

in step S

610

and the option apparatus

101

receives the data indicating the completion of ejection of sheet

2

in step S

512

.

In step S

408

, when the image formation apparatus

100

detects through a signal from the sensor input circuit

203

that sheet

2

has been transported to the image formation apparatus

100

, the image formation apparatus

100

starts to transport sheet

2

. Alternatively, the image formation apparatus

100

may have been driven the roller pair

118

so as to transport sheet

2

without detection of the sensor signal.

In step S

513

, the option apparatus

101

determines whether sheet

2

has reached the confluence (1)

131

just before the roller pair

117

and if sheet

2

has reached the confluence, the option apparatus

101

stops the transport of sheet

2

in step S

514

(FIG.

5

B). However, if there is no other sheet at the confluence (1)

131

, the option apparatus

101

can also continue to transport sheet

2

without stopping.

In step S

515

, the option apparatus

101

sends data to notify the image formation apparatus

100

of the stoppage of transport of sheet

2

and the image formation apparatus

100

receives and recognizes this data indicating the stoppage of transport of sheet

2

. Then, the image formation apparatus

100

stops transporting sheet

2

in the image formation apparatus

100

(step S

409

).

In step S

410

, the image formation apparatus

100

determines whether sheet

2

can pass through the confluence (1)

131

in the image formation apparatus

100

or not and if sheet

2

can pass through the confluence, the image formation apparatus

100

moves on to step S

411

and sends to the option apparatus

101

data indicating that it is possible to transport sheet

2

.

In step S

517

, the option apparatus

101

monitors communication data, and when it is determined in step S

518

that sheet

2

can pass through the confluence (1)

131

, the option apparatus

101

moves on to step S

519

.

In step S

519

, the option apparatus

101

restarts the processing of transporting sheet

2

in the option apparatus

101

, and in step S

412

, the image formation apparatus

100

also restarts the processing of transporting sheet

2

.

In step S

521

, when the option apparatus

101

ejects sheet

2

, the data indicating the completion of ejection of sheet

2

is sent to the image formation apparatus

100

through communication processing.

The image formation apparatus

100

that has received this data in step S

413

performs image formation processing on sheet

2

in step S

414

.

The transport control for sheets

1

and

2

has been explained in the above description. As with sheet

2

, sheet

3

is sequentially transported from the option apparatus located upstream from the option apparatus

102

to the option apparatus

102

one step downstream from the option apparatus, to the option apparatus

101

further downstream, and then to the image formation apparatus

100

, as shown in steps S

620

to S

628

. Eventually, in steps up to steps S

419

, S

529

, and S

619

, sheet

1

,

2

, and

3

are transported to the image formation apparatus

100

in this order, and image formation is conducted.

According to sheet transport and monitoring processing shown in the flow charts in

FIGS. 4A

to

4

D and

FIGS. 5A

to

5

C, the image formation apparatus

100

first sends sheet transport information to all of the connected option apparatuses

101

and

102

and option apparatus upstream from the option apparatus

102

, and performs sheet transport control and monitoring of only the option apparatus

101

one step upstream after sheet transport processing is started, the option apparatus

101

performs sheet transport control and monitoring of only the option apparatus

102

one step upstream, and the option apparatus

102

performs sheet transport control and monitoring of only the option apparatus one step upstream, and in this way it is possible to carry out image formation processing and transport processing on all sheets.

Furthermore, also in the configuration in which a plurality of paper feed option apparatuses are further connected upstream, each apparatus performs sheet transport control and monitoring of the option apparatus one step upstream from itself, thus making it possible to carry out image formation processing and transport processing on all sheets.

(Sheet Transport (Ejection) Processing)

FIGS. 6A

to

6

C and

FIGS. 7A

to

7

C are flow charts to show sheet transport processing of the image formation apparatus

100

, option apparatuses

133

and

134

.

FIG.

6

A and

FIG. 7A

show the operation of the image formation apparatus

100

, FIG.

6

B and

FIG. 7B

show the operation of the option apparatus

133

and FIG.

6

C and

FIG. 7C

show the operation of the option apparatus

134

.

Followings are the description of the operation in case when the sheets

1

and

2

are transported from the image formation apparatus

100

through the option apparatus

133

to the option apparatus

134

at which the sheets

1

and

2

are ejected and loaded.

First, in step S

700

, the image formation apparatus

100

sends sheet transport information to the option apparatuses

133

and

134

. Sheet transport information instructs sheet ejection and load by specifying the option apparatus to which the sheet(s) is(are) to be loaded, and also instructs the downstream apparatus to transport the sheets.

The sheet transport information is received by the option apparatuses

133

and

134

in step S

800

and step S

900

, respectively.

In step S

701

, data is sent to inquire whether it is possible to eject sheet

1

to the option apparatus

133

connected right downstream from the image formation apparatus

100

. The option apparatus

133

receives this inquiry data in step S

801

and determines whether it is possible to transport sheet

1

in step S

802

. If it is impossible to transport the sheet, the option apparatus

133

notifies this to the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

803

and if it is determined that it is possible to transport the sheet, the option apparatus

133

notifies this to the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

804

. These notifications are both received by the image formation apparatus

100

, which is monitoring the communication (step S

702

).

Based on the notification received in step S

702

, the image formation apparatus

100

determines in step S

703

whether sheet

1

can pass through the ejection port

125

of the image formation apparatus

100

or not and if sheet

1

can pass through the ejection port

125

, the image formation apparatus

100

moves on to step S

704

. On the other hand, if sheet

1

cannot pass through the ejection port

125

, the image formation apparatus

100

continues communication monitoring processing in step S

702

until the option apparatus

133

notifies that it is possible to transport the sheet.

In step S

704

, the image formation apparatus

100

sends an advance notice that sheet

1

will be ejected to the option apparatus

133

, and then in step S

705

, the image formation apparatus

100

starts to eject sheet

1

. The option apparatus

133

receives the advance notice of ejection of sheet

1

in step S

805

and then starts to transport sheet

1

in step S

806

.

Then, in step S

807

, the option apparatus

133

inquires the option apparatus

134

located downstream about whether sheet

1

being transported in the option apparatus

133

can be ejected or not.

This inquiry data is received by the option apparatus

134

in step S

901

, and it is determined in step S

902

whether sheet

1

can be transported or not. If sheet

1

cannot be transported, the option apparatus

134

notifies this to the option apparatus

133

in step S

903

. If sheet

1

can be transported, the option apparatus

134

notifies that sheet

1

can be transported in step S

904

.

The option apparatus

133

monitors the communication in step S

808

and determines in step S

809

whether sheet

1

can be ejected or not based on the notification received from the option apparatus

134

. If sheet

1

can be ejected, the option apparatus

133

moves on to the next step S

810

, notifies the image formation apparatus

100

of the start of the ejection of sheet

1

. Then, in the following step S

811

, the option apparatus

133

sends the option apparatus

134

an advance notice of ejection before sheet

1

is ejected from the option apparatus

133

.

Upon reception of the advance notice of ejection from the option apparatus

133

in step S

905

, the option apparatus

134

starts to transport sheet

1

transported to the option apparatus

134

(step S

906

).

When the ejection of sheet

1

is completed, for example, the image formation apparatus

100

inquires the option apparatus

133

whether it is possible to eject sheet

2

or not (step S

707

).

The option apparatus

133

receives this inquiry in step S

812

and determines in step S

813

whether the option apparatus

133

can transport sheet

2

or not. If sheet

2

cannot be transported for such a reason that the processing of sheet

1

is in progress, the option apparatus

133

notifies this to the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

814

. If sheet

2

can be transported, the option apparatus

133

notifies that sheet

2

can be transported to the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

815

. This determination result of the option apparatus

133

is received by the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

708

and the image formation apparatus

100

determines whether sheet

2

can pass through the ejection port

125

or not based on the received determination result (step S

709

). If it is determined that sheet

2

cannot pass through the ejection port

125

, the image formation apparatus

100

waits until it is determined that sheet

2

is allowed to pass through the ejection port

125

. On the other band, if the image formation apparatus

100

is notified from the option apparatus

133

that sheet

2

can pass through the ejection port

125

, the image formation apparatus

100

sends an advance notice of sheet ejection to the option apparatus

133

in step S

710

. This notice is received by the option apparatus

133

in step S

816

and the option apparatus

133

recognizes the advance notice of the ejection of sheet

2

.

Following the advance notice of the ejection of sheet

2

, the image formation apparatus

100

starts to eject sheet

2

in step S

711

and the option apparatus

133

also starts to transport sheet

2

in step S

817

.

In step S

818

, the completion of ejection of sheet

1

in the option apparatus

133

is notified to the image formation apparatus

100

and received and recognized by the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

712

. Then, the option apparatus

133

inquires the option apparatus

134

in step S

819

about whether sheet

2

can be ejected or not.

This inquiry is received by the option apparatus

134

in step S

907

and the option apparatus

134

determines in step S

908

whether sheet

2

can be transported or not. The determination result is notified to the option apparatus

133

in step S

909

if sheet

2

cannot be transported or in step S

910

if sheet

2

can be transported.

In step S

820

, the option apparatus

133

receives from the option apparatus

134

the determination result of whether it is possible to transport sheet

2

or not. Then, in step S

821

, the option apparatus

133

determines whether the option apparatus

134

has notified as to whether sheet

2

can be ejected or not and waits until the notification is received.

When the preceding sheet

1

is ejected from the option apparatus

134

, the option apparatus

134

notifies this to the option apparatus

133

(step S

911

). In step S

822

, upon reception of a notice that the option apparatus

134

has completed the transport of sheet

1

, the option apparatus

133

notifies the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

823

that sheet

1

has been ejected from the option apparatus

134

and sends an advance notice of ejection of sheet

2

to the option apparatus

134

in step S

824

.

The option apparatus

134

receives and recognizes the advance notice of ejection of sheet

2

from the option apparatus

133

in step S

912

. Then, in step S

913

, the option apparatus

134

starts to transport sheet

2

based on the advance notice of ejection received in step S

912

.

On the other hand, in step S

825

, the option apparatus

133

starts to eject sheet

2

following the advance notice of the ejection output in step S

824

. When the transport of sheet

2

in the option apparatus

133

is completed, the option apparatus

133

notifies this to the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

826

. The image formation apparatus

100

receives and recognizes this notice in step S

714

.

When the ejection of sheet

2

is completed, the option apparatus

134

notifies this to the option apparatus

133

and completes the processing in step S

914

. Upon reception of the notice of the completion of ejection of sheet

2

by the option apparatus

134

in step S

827

, the option apparatus

133

notifies the image formation apparatus

100

that the option apparatus

134

has ejected sheet

2

in step S

828

. Then, the image formation apparatus

100

receives and recognizes the completion of ejection of sheet

2

by the option apparatus

134

in step S

715

and a series of ejection processing is completed.

According to sheet transport control and monitoring processing shown in the flow charts in

FIGS. 6A

to

6

C and

FIGS. 7A

to

7

C, the image formation apparatus

100

first sends sheet transport information to all the connected option apparatuses

133

and

134

, performs sheet transport control and monitoring of only the option apparatus

133

one step downstream after sheet transport processing is started and the option apparatus

133

performs sheet transport control and monitoring of only the option apparatus

134

one step downstream, thus making it possible to carry out image formation processing and transport processing on all sheets.

Furthermore, also in the configuration in which a plurality of paper ejection option apparatuses other than the paper ejection apparatuses

133

,

134

are connected downstream, each apparatus performs sheet transport control and monitoring of the option apparatus one step downstream from itself, thus making it possible to carry out transport processing on all sheets, on which images are formed.

Second Embodiment

Then, the sheet transport processing operation of the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained using the flow charts shown in

FIGS. 8A

to

8

C and

FIGS. 9A

to

9

C.

FIGS. 8A

to

8

C and

FIGS. 9A

to

9

C are the flow charts that show sheet transport processing in the image formation apparatus

100

and the option apparatuses

133

and

134

. FIG.

8

A and

FIG. 9A

show the operation of the image formation apparatus

100

, FIG.

8

B and

FIG. 9B

show the operation of the option apparatus

133

and FIG.

8

C and

FIG. 9C

show the operation of the option apparatus

134

.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the image formation apparatus itself is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore explanations thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in sheet transport processing, which will be explained below, suppose sheet

1

and sheet

2

are ejected from the option apparatus

134

via the option apparatus

133

as in the case of the first embodiment.

First, in step S

716

, the transport information of sheet

1

and sheet

2

is sent from the image formation apparatus

100

to the option apparatuses

133

and

134

. This transport information is received by the option apparatuses

133

and

134

in step S

829

and step S

915

, respectively. Upon reception of the transport information, the option apparatuses

133

and

134

send information on the time required until the own apparatus is allowed to transport sheet

1

and sheet

2

to the corresponding apparatus connected upstream in steps S

830

and S

916

, respectively.

The option apparatus

133

receives the sheet

1

,

2

transport wait time data from the option apparatus

134

in step S

831

and sends this data together with the wait time of the option apparatus

133

to the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

832

.

The image formation apparatus

100

receives the sheet

1

,

2

transport wait time of the option apparatus

133

in step S

717

and receives the wait time of the option apparatus

134

in step S

718

.

In step S

719

, it is determined whether sheet

1

can pass through the ejection port

125

or not. Based on the transport wait time for sheet

1

and sheet

2

received in step S

717

, it is determined that sheet

1

can pass through the ejection port

125

after the timer

200

c

in the image formation apparatus

100

counts the time corresponding to the transport wait time.

Here, the method of calculating the transport wait time will be explained. The time after a certain sheet (called a “preceding sheet”) is transported and carried into the option apparatus

133

or the option apparatus

134

until the option apparatus

133

or

134

can accept the next sheet (called the “following sheet”) (the time during which the transport or post-processing of the preceding sheet is not affected and the following sheet does not catch up the preceding sheet), that is, the transport wait time can be determined according to the transport distance up to the sheet ejection port in the option apparatus, length of the sheet transported, transport speed and post-processing operation time.

Therefore, it is possible to calculate the transport wait time by storing the transport wait time determined by a combination of these elements in a non-volatile storage medium such as ROM in the option apparatus beforehand or referencing or calculating this stored transport wait time in real time using these values.

This embodiment will be explained assuming that upon reception of the sheet transport information, the option apparatuses

133

and

134

will calculate the sheet transport wait time of their own sheets. When two option apparatuses

133

and

134

are connected to the image formation apparatus

100

as in the case of this embodiment, the ejection wait time at the image formation apparatus

100

can be calculated as follows.

That is, suppose the transport wait time calculated by the option apparatus

133

is T

1

[S], the transport wait time calculated by the option apparatus

134

is T

2

[S], then when the option apparatus

134

sends the own transport wait time T

2

[S] to the image formation apparatus

100

via the option apparatus

133

, the option apparatus

133

sends the transport wait time to the image formation apparatus

100

assuming that:

When T

1

≧T

2

, the transport wait time of the image formation apparatus

100

is T

1

When T

1

<T

2

, the transport wait time of the image formation apparatus

100

is T

2

Of course, it is also possible to configure the system unlike that shown in

FIGS. 8A

to

8

C, so that each option apparatus

133

,

134

directly sends T

1

[S] or T

2

[S] to the image formation apparatus

100

individually and the image formation apparatus

100

makes the above decision (calculation).

Furthermore, when three or more option apparatuses are connected, it is possible to determine the transport wait time of the image formation apparatus

100

in the like manner based on the option apparatus with the longest transport wait time.

The time required for a communication between the apparatuses should be normally short enough compared to the transport wait time, so even if an upstream apparatus calculates the transport wait time step by step, the number of option apparatuses does not affect the time required to calculate this transport wait time. However, in the case where an option apparatus with extremely low calculation performance is mixed in, it is also possible to configure the system so that when the image formation apparatus

100

recognizes that option apparatus, the transport wait time is directly sent to the image formation apparatus

100

.

When the transport wait time has elapsed, the image formation apparatus

100

starts to eject sheet

1

in step S

720

and at the same time sends an advance notice of transport to the option apparatus

133

.

In step S

833

, when the option apparatus

133

receives the advance notice of transport that the image formation apparatus

100

sent in step S

720

, the option apparatus

133

starts to transport sheet

1

. In step S

834

, a sensor, which is not shown in the figure, detects whether sheet

1

has reached a predetermined position near the ejection port or not by detecting the position of the end of the sheet, and when the sensor detects that sheet

1

has reached the predetermined position, the option apparatus

133

starts to eject sheet

1

(step S

835

). Furthermore, simultaneously with the start of ejection of sheet

1

, the option apparatus

133

sends an advance notice of ejection to the option apparatus

134

.

Upon reception of the advance notice of ejection that the option apparatus

133

sends in step S

835

, the option apparatus

134

starts to transport sheet

1

in step S

917

.

When the ejection of sheet

1

is completed, the option apparatus

133

sends this information to the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

836

and the image formation apparatus

100

receives this notice in step S

721

and recognizes that sheet

1

has been ejected from the option apparatus

133

. Then, in step S

722

, the image formation apparatus

100

determines whether following sheet

2

can pass through the ejection port

125

or not. Based on the transport wait time of sheet

2

received in step S

718

, after the timer

200

c

in the image formation apparatus

100

counts, it is determined that following sheet

2

can pass through the ejection port

125

. Once it is determined that following sheet

2

can pass through the ejection port

125

, the image formation apparatus

100

starts to eject sheet

2

in step S

723

and at the same time sends an advance notice of transport to the option apparatus

133

.

In step S

837

, upon reception of the advance notice of transport that the image formation apparatus

100

sent in step S

723

, the option apparatus

133

starts to transport sheet

2

. Then, in step S

838

, a sensor, which is not shown in the figure, detects whether sheet

2

has reached a predetermined position near the ejection port and when the sensor detects that sheet

2

has reached the predetermined position, the option apparatus

133

starts to eject sheet

2

(step S

839

). Furthermore, simultaneously with the start of ejection of sheet

2

, the option apparatus

133

sends an advance notice of ejection to the option apparatus

134

.

On the other hand in step S

918

, upon reception of the advance notice of ejection that the option apparatus

133

sent in step S

839

, the option apparatus

134

starts to transport sheet

2

. Furthermore, in step S

919

, when sheet

1

is ejected from the option apparatus

134

, the option apparatus

134

notifies this to the option apparatus

133

, the upstream apparatus.

The option apparatus

133

receives the notice of the ejection of sheet

1

at the option apparatus

134

in step S

840

and notifies the image formation apparatus

100

of the ejection of sheet

1

from the option apparatus

134

in step S

841

. The image formation apparatus

100

recognizes in step S

724

that sheet

1

has been ejected from the option apparatus

134

.

Then, in step S

842

, the option apparatus

133

notifies the image formation apparatus

100

that sheet

2

has been ejected from the option apparatus

133

and the image formation apparatus

100

recognizes this in step S

725

.

When sheet

2

has been ejected last, the option apparatus

134

notifies this to the option apparatus

133

in step S

920

. This notification is received by the option apparatus

133

in step S

843

and then transmitted to the image formation apparatus

100

in step S

844

. Then, the image formation apparatus

100

recognizes in step S

726

that the ejection of sheet

2

from the option apparatus

134

has been completed.

As described in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the processing load by the image formation apparatus receiving the information of the time required until it is possible to sequentially eject sheets from a plurality of option apparatuses connected downstream and by the option apparatuses connected downstream from the image formation apparatus performing sheet transport control and monitoring processing.

Similarly, it is possible to reduce the processing load also in the configuration in which in addition to the paper ejection apparatuses

133

,

134

, a plurality of paper ejection option apparatuses are connected downstream.

Third Embodiment

Next, the sheet transport operations of the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In this embodiment, with regard to the processing in step S

104

and step S

106

explained using the flow charts in

FIG. 3A

to

3

C, the image formation apparatus

100

acquires the apparatus information from the option apparatuses

101

and

102

as to whether it is possible to perform sheet transport control and monitoring processing of other option apparatuses connected upstream as communication data, and in step S

105

and step S

107

, the image formation apparatus

100

determines the processing capacities of the option apparatuses

101

and

102

and directly performs sheet transport control and monitoring processing of the option apparatus

102

upstream from the option apparatus

101

without the intermediary of the option apparatus

101

, which cannot control or monitor the option apparatus

102

.

Furthermore, with regard to the option apparatuses

133

and

134

connected downstream from the image formation apparatus

100

, though not shown in the figure, the image formation apparatus

100

also directly perform sheet transport control and monitoring processing.

The processing in that case will be explained using the flow charts shown in

FIGS. 10A

to

10

C.

FIGS. 10A

to

10

C are modifications of the sheet transport (feeding) processing explained using the flow charts shown in

FIGS. 4A

to

4

D in the first embodiment and shows the processing after the image formation apparatus

100

determines that the option apparatus

101

cannot perform sheet transport control and monitoring processing of the upstream option apparatus

102

. In

FIGS. 10A

to

10

C, the same processes as those in

FIGS. 4A

to

4

D will be assigned the same step numbers and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

In step S

409

, the image formation apparatus

100

performs processing equivalent to step S

505

in FIG.

4

B and directly controls the sheet transport state of the option apparatus

102

. Likewise, in step S

411

, the image formation apparatus

100

performs the processing in step S

509

in FIG.

4

B and instructs the option apparatus

102

to restart to transport sheet

2

while monitoring sheet

1

.

Furthermore, in step S

413

, the image formation apparatus

100

performs processing equivalent to that in step S

512

in

FIG. 4B

, that is, the image formation apparatus

100

recognizes that sheet

2

has been ejected from the option apparatus

102

and recognizes that the option apparatus

101

will continue to transport sheet

2

.

Hereafter, the image formation apparatus

100

performs transport control and monitoring processing of sheet

2

in the option apparatus

101

.

This embodiment only describes the processing of the sheet supply option apparatuses, but with regard to the sheet ejection option apparatuses connected downstream from the image formation apparatus

100

, the image formation apparatus

100

can also perform similar processing by directly controlling without the intermediary of an option apparatus with low processing performance.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the image formation apparatus acquires the processing performance of each option apparatus connected by the communication means after power is turned on and when it is determined that an option apparatus connected upstream or downstream cannot perform control or monitoring of other option apparatuses, the image formation apparatus can directly control the option apparatus connected one step upstream (or downstream) from the option apparatus.

Other Embodiment

The first to third embodiments above describe the cases where two option apparatuses are installed upstream from the image formation apparatus

100

, two option apparatuses are installed downstream and two sheets are transported, but the configuration is not limited to this and the number of option apparatuses connected, the number of sheets transported and timings of image formation processing or ejection completion processing, etc. can all be set arbitrarily.

Moreover, the method of communications between the image formation apparatus and the option apparatuses is not limited to a particular method, but any protocol can be used.

Furthermore, the above embodiments only describe option apparatuses involved in sheet transport, but the effects of the present invention can be implemented with any option apparatuses serially connected from the image formation apparatus even if they are not sheet transport option apparatuses.

Furthermore,

FIGS. 3A

to

3

C illustrate the case where a timer is started when power is turned on and power to the downstream option apparatuses is turned on when the timer times out, but it is also possible to configure the system so that power to the downstream option apparatuses is turned on upon completion of predetermined processing such as initialization processing carried out after powering-on is completed, for example.

The present invention can also be applied to a system configured by a plurality of devices (for example, host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.) or to a standalone apparatus (for example, copier, facsimile apparatus, etc.).

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can be attained by supplying a storage medium (or recording medium) that records program codes of software implementing the functions of the aforementioned embodiments to a system or apparatus and allowing a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program codes stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program codes read from the storage medium themselves implement the functions of the aforementioned embodiments and the storage medium that stores the program codes make up the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention includes not only the case where the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are implemented by executing the program codes read by the computer but also the case where the operating system (OS), etc. operating on the computer performs part or the whole of actual processing and the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are implemented through this processing.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention also includes the case where after the program codes read from the storage medium are written in memory provided on a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion card or the CPU, etc. provided on the function expansion unit performs part or the whole of actual processing and the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are implemented through this processing.

When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the program codes corresponding to the flow charts explained above (shown in at least one of

FIG. 3A

to

FIG. 10

) are stored in the storage medium.

As explained above, according to the image formation apparatus and option apparatuses of the present invention, it is possible to distribute control of the entire apparatus by allowing each apparatus to perform monitoring or control of the operation of an option apparatus immediately upstream and/or immediately downstream, thus reducing the processing load of the image processing apparatus or option controller, preventing the processing load of the image processing apparatus from drastically increasing even if the number of option apparatuses connected changes, and thereby having the effect of making it possible to configure the image processing apparatus without using expensive circuit parts with high-speed processing capability.

The present invention has been described above based on the preferred embodiments. However, these embodiments are intended to contribute to a better understanding of the present invention and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the scope disclosed in the above described embodiments. The present invention is intended to include any variations made possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention specified in the following claims.

Number	Name	Date	Kind
5317366	Koshi et al.	May 1994	A
5420667	Kaneko et al.	May 1995	A
6028675	Fields et al.	Feb 2000	A
6078400	Mizutani	Jun 2000	A

Option apparatuses adapted to be connected to remote apparatus and image formation apparatus

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

US Classifications

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US

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)

US Referenced Citations (4)