JP3518025B2 - Parallel printing system - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a parallel operation system for a printing apparatus.
System, especially for high speed cut paper printers.
And improvement of system operation efficiency. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as the amount of information processing data has increased,
The printing output is also increasing, especially as a document immediately after printing.
For cut paper printers that can be distributed,
User needs are high. But cut paper printers
Fix paper with sprocket and print like continuous paper printer
Paper running stability, toner
It is very important to ensure high quality in transfer and fixing
A complicated mechanism is required. For this reason, high-speed
Are large and expensive, and prices, floor space,
Printing speed is not necessarily proportional. In addition, in a multi-color printer such as a full-color printer,
To prevent toner color mixing and obtain beautiful print results.
It is difficult to increase the printing speed as much as a monochrome printer.
It is difficult. Currently, multi-color printers that are commercialized every minute
Many are about 10 pages, company emblem, seal, Kei line, group
I want to print rough forms in multiple colors and distribute colorful forms
Large volume of printed output, despite potential user needs
If you try to do, there is a problem that it is not suitable. [0004] As a technique for solving these problems, FIG.
0, a plurality of low-speed and inexpensive print control devices 21 to 2
n and the printing mechanism units 41 to 4n in parallel with the host 10.
Connected and divided large amount of print data on host 10
Thereafter, the data is transmitted to these print control devices 21 to 2n and printed.
There is something. A related known technique is disclosed in
No. 324227. [0006] However, the aforementioned problems
The prior art has the following problems. First, on the host side, a batch job
As a result, a large amount of print data generated on the magnetic disk 11
Data into multiple datasets and connected to the host
Processing to send to multiple print control devices must be performed.
However, the load on the host increases. On the other hand, on the printing mechanism side,
For any one or more of the printing mechanisms 41 to 4n
If a paper break occurs, the operator is physically separated
For each paper feed hopper 415 to 4n5 of the installed printing device
Paper must be set in the printer, requiring very complicated operations
It becomes. [0009] Any one of the printing systems constituting the system
The controller 21 to 2n or the printing mechanism 41 to 4n
Out of consumables such as harm, jam, toner, etc.
If an operator intervention request occurs due to
Throughput will be reduced until the intervention request is resolved
You. At this time, the backup parts are out of stock, etc.
If these intervention requests are unlikely to be resolved for a long time,
The operator can operate the host console from the host console.
Terminate the printout on the affected device, and mark
A host console that changes the print output to another printing device
Operation must be performed. Therefore, the operator
Check the output result of the printing device where printing was interrupted, and did not output
The complicated work of allocating pages and subsequent pages to another printing device
Work is required. Furthermore, even if the printing is completed,
If you need to sort the results by page number,
The unprinted pages of the printer for which output was interrupted
The output from the device is grasped and the stacker 4
Take out the printing paper discharged in 18-4n8, rearrange it
Operations must be performed, and the operator load is extremely high.
Will be higher. And the negative of such operators
Increase the load by increasing the number of printing devices and increasing the degree of parallelism
The higher it gets. For example, printing after switching
Switching of print output when a further failure occurs in the device
Well, reprinting after printing is very complicated
Was. [0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for operating an operator.
Reduces load and increases throughput in the event of failure of the printing mechanism
It is intended to prevent a decrease in the value. [0011] In order to achieve the above object,
According to the present invention, a host for transferring print data and the host
The print data sent from the
Print control device and print at least
A plurality of printing presses connected to the printing control device, possible
The print control unit divides the print unit into pages.
The print data sent is sent to the plurality of printing mechanisms in parallel.
Is attached and printed by each printing mechanism.
In addition, the plurality of printing mechanism units have
The print control apparatus, comprising: a state monitoring unit that monitors a state;
Is a printing mechanism in which an abnormality is detected by the state monitoring means.
Stop sending print data for each page to the set
Then, the print data for each page is transmitted to the abnormal printing mechanism section.
Redistribution means for sending to the plurality of printing mechanism units removed
Before the abnormal printing mechanism unit is repaired by the operator,
When the status monitoring unit determines that the status is normal,
With respect to the plurality of printing mechanisms including the printing mechanism,
Recovery method for sending print data divided into pages
Achieved by steps. Further, in addition to the above means, the plurality of
Printed paper printed by each printing mechanism in the printing mechanism
For storing multiple printed papers for each printing mechanism
Means and arrangement order for checking the arrangement order of the printed paper
Foreword confirmation means and stored in the printed paper storage means
Batch storage of printed paper for storing printed paper
Means, according to the sorting order confirmation means,
One sheet of printed paper stored in the printed paper storage means
Take it out one by one and rearrange it in the printed paper batch storage means
And transport means for transport and storage.
No. [0013] Further, printing is performed by the plurality of printing mechanisms.
Printing paper storage means for collectively storing printing paper,
The printing paper stored in the printing paper storage means is stored in the status monitor.
In the printing mechanism that is considered to be in a normal state by visual means
Only the printing paper stored in the printing paper storage means
And a printing paper supply means for supplying
No. The print data of the host is transmitted to the page by the print control device.
And send it to each printing mechanism unit.
Prints each page in parallel at some printing mechanism
If an error such as paper jam or running out of toner occurs in
The page to be printed by that printing mechanism is sent to another printing mechanism.
Print instead. Also, the failure of the printing mechanism has been recovered.
When the print job has been restored, multiple
Printing is performed by sharing print data in the printing mechanism. [0015] Thus, when a failure or recovery from the failure occurs,
Printing process can be continued even if
Minimize decrease in print processing throughput due to failure
Can be obtained. In addition, if the print data
The operator's overload in the data distribution process is reduced. [0016] In addition, printed by each printing mechanism section
Store paper temporarily in each printed paper storage
And sort them in page order and store them all at once.
To the page order performed by the operator.
Eliminates the task of replacing. In addition, printing paper
Supply at once to recover from running out of paper.
Work can be concentrated and operators can be troublesome
Work can be prevented. An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
It will be described in detail. FIG. 1 shows a printing mechanism 3 having the same printing speed.
This is an example of a printing system that performs parallel printing using a table.
You. FIG. 8 and FIG.
Basic Configuration in Normal Printing System Using FIG.
An example and its operation will be described. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 10 denotes creation and printing of print data.
20 is a host that issues print and print instructions from the host 10.
Control device that receives received print data and controls printing
And 41, the print data under the control of the print control device 20.
4 shows a printing mechanism unit that performs output. Further, the print control device 20 transmits the print data from the host.
A page buffer 201 for storing the obtained print data;
The print data stored in the page buffer 201
A sub-processor 2021 for performing a process of developing,
The main control program that issues printing instructions to the control and printing mechanism
It consists of the Sessa 203. The printing mechanism 41 includes the sub-processor
An electric latent image based on the dot data created in 2021
Drive control circuit 411 for creating the
1, a printing mechanism control unit 412 that controls each unit,
A pick roller 414 for transporting and a paper feed
Of the laser drive control circuit 411
A photoconductor 4161 on which a latent image is drawn, and a photoconductor 4161 on the photoconductor 4161
A developing device 4162 for developing an electric latent image, and
There is a stacker 418 in which paper is stored. 4171
Paper feed path, transfer path of 4172, fixing path of 4173,
The reverse path 4174 is used for each printing process in the printing mechanism 41.
3 shows the path of the sheet in the first embodiment. Next, the operation of each of these units will be described.
You. In FIG. 8, print data is transmitted from the host 10.
Sent to the print controller 20 and sent to the page buffer 201.
Is stored. The main control processor 203 has a page buffer
Print data stored in the sub-processor 20
The dot is expanded to 21. Sub processor 2021 is 1
When dot development on the page (front side) is completed, the main control
The processor 203 instructs the printing mechanism unit 41 to start printing.
You. The printing mechanism controller 412 includes the pick roller 4
14 to feed the paper from the paper feed hopper 415 to the paper feed path 4.
171 and the main control processor 203
To send dot data. Sub processor 20
21 is based on an instruction from the main control processor 203,
The dot data is sent to the laser drive control circuit 411.
The laser drive control circuit 411 is based on this dot data.
Modulates the laser beam to produce an electric latent
Create an image. The electric latent image is developed by the developing device 416.
2 and transferred to paper in transfer path 4172
Then, the toner is thermally fixed by the fixing path 4173.
You. Next, the printing mechanism control unit 412 determines
Prepare the printing of the second page (back side) using 174,
Dot data is sent to the main control processor 203 of the print control device 20.
Request to send data. This allows the main control processor
The sub-processor 2021
Indicates that the second page (back side) is
Send the data. And the first page (front)
Similarly, the latent image, development, transfer, and fixing are performed by the printing mechanism 41.
After performing, the sheet is discharged to the stacker 418. The subsequent printing is performed in the same manner as described above. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the printing process in FIG.
It is a Kens chart. In this figure, the horizontal direction at the upper end in the figure
The scale indicates the interval at which paper is discharged to the stacker 418.
That is, the printing speed of the book printing mechanism 41 (for example, 20 pages)
3 seconds for each minute device) is one time unit (1 slot)
And in each of these time units
Printing paper (indicated by solid lines in the figure) or its printing
Print data for each page printed on paper (circled in the figure
) Are listed in the vertical direction at the left end in the figure.
Each part shown in Fig. 8 is transported or transferred and processed.
It is shown whether it is. Based on the above, the printing system of the present invention
One embodiment of the system will be described with reference to FIG. The printing system shown in FIG. 1 has three printing machines.
The structural parts 41, 42, 43 are connected in parallel, and
Sub-processors 2021 and 202 corresponding to the printing mechanism
2,2023, and each print control unit
Paper hopper that supplies printing paper and printed paper
Supply paper to each printing mechanism instead of the stacker to be stored.
The parallel paper feeder 30 to be fed and the printing mechanism
Eject paper that collects printed sheets and sorts them
An integration device 50 is provided. In addition, each printing mechanism
41, 42, and 43 include a print control unit 4 that controls each unit.
12,422,423, paper jam, running out of toner, etc.
The intervention request detection units 413, 423, and 433 that detect harm
Provide. Note that other components within the printing mechanism are required.
The elements are the same as those of the normal printing mechanism shown in FIG.
Therefore, the details are to be avoided. The parallel paper feeder 30 controls each part in the same paper feeder.
Paper feed mechanism control unit 301 that controls the
Intervention request detector that detects failures that require data operation intervention
302 and a paper feed hopper 3031 for storing print paper
And take out and transport the paper of the paper feed hopper 3031 one by one.
Feeding pick roller 3041 and feeding hopper 3031
At the time of paper out or paper jam, etc.
Instead, a paper feed hopper 3032 that performs paper feed processing and
There is a feed pick roller 3042. Note that 305 is
Shows a parallel paper feed path for transporting paper to the printing mechanism.
You. Each of the integrated paper discharge devices 50 has
A paper discharge mechanism control unit 501 for controlling the units,
An intervention request detection unit 502 that detects a failure such as a paper jam,
Path selection claws 5031, 5032, 50 for selecting the discharge destination
33 and a paper stack for temporarily storing printed paper.
Papers 5041, 5042, 5043 and the paper stacker 50
41, 5042, 5043
A stacker that takes out one sheet at a time from the first stored paper
Marks of picka rollers 5051, 5052, 5053
Eject to determine if printed paper is ejected normally
Output monitoring sensors 5061 and 5062 and the printed paper
Stacker baskets 508 that are sorted and stored in page order
1 and its stacker basket 5081 is full
Sometimes a replacement stacker basket 5082
is there. Also, 5071, 5072 and 5073 are marked with priority.
Express path to transport printed paper, 506 for printed
Sort paper in page order and stacker basket 5081
Or, it shows the paper discharge integrated path stored in 5082
You. Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
explain. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the printing process in FIG.
It is a figure showing a Kens chart. In this figure, the horizontal direction at the upper end in the figure
The scale is one third of the printing speed in each printing mechanism.
Time (for example, 1 second for a device with 20 pages per minute)
Time (1 slot).
The printing paper (solid line in the figure)
) Or the page printed on the printing paper
Unit print data (indicated by circled numbers in the figure)
Where each part shown in FIG. 1 listed in the vertical direction at the left end of the figure
To indicate whether they will be transported or transferred to
is there. First, the print data created by the host 10
Is sent from the host 10 to the print control device 20, and the page
The data is stored in the buffer 201. This page buffer 20
1 is connected to the discharge confirmation sensors 5061 and 5062 described later.
Print data until it is confirmed
It has enough storage capacity to be used. In the main control processor 203, this page
Print data stored in the buffer 201 in page units
And the sub processors 2021, 2022 and 20
23 and send them to each sub-processor.
Is instructed to print out the print data of. The book
In the embodiment, all print data is output by double-sided printing.
Therefore, the main control processor 203
The print data for every two pages is stored in the processor, for example, the sub-processor.
The print data of the first and second pages are stored in the
Page 3 and page 4 in the sub-processor 2022.
The print data of the eye is sent to the sub-processor 2023 by 5 pages.
The print data of the page and the sixth page is passed. In the sub processor 2021, the first page
And dot development of the print data of the second page. As well
In the sub processor 2022, the third page and the fourth page
The eyes of page 5 and page 6 in sub-processor 2023
Each dot is developed by dots. Each sub-processor
When dot development of print data for two pages is completed,
The control processor 203 is notified of the end of dot development.
In this way, dot development is completed from all sub processors.
Upon receiving the notification, the main control processor 203 executes the parallel supply.
The paper feed mechanism control unit 301 of the paper device 30 includes the print mechanism unit 4
Instructs to supply printing paper in the order of 1, 42, 43
You. In the parallel paper feeder 30, the main control processor
The paper feed mechanism control unit 301 receiving the paper feed instruction from the
Drive the feed roller 3041 so that the feed hopper 3031
Take out the sheets one by one,
In the order specified by the main control processor 203,
Instruction control is performed to supply paper to the printing mechanism. Mark for receiving paper from parallel paper feeder 30
In the printing mechanism units 41, 42, and 43, the printing mechanism control unit 41
2, 422 and 432 to the main control processor 203.
Request to send the packet data. In response to this sending request,
The main control processor 203 includes a sub processor 2021,
2022 and 2023, the printing mechanism units 41 and 4
2 and 43 to transfer the dot data.
As shown, each sub processor is connected to each connected printing mechanism.
Transfer dot data. And the main control processor 2
03 starts print processing in the print control unit of each print mechanism unit
Instruct Each printing mechanism section has been described with reference to FIG.
As with the printing process, the latent image, development, transfer,
A series of (double-sided) markings consisting of fixing and reversing the printing paper
Perform the printing process. After printing, each print control unit
Notifying the processor 203 of the end of the printing process
Eject the printed paper and wait for the next print process.
You. The main control processor 203 executes the above-described printing operations.
Upon receiving a print processing end notification from the control unit,
In the same way as for the
And a paper discharge mechanism control of the paper discharge integration device 50.
Each printed part ejected from each printing mechanism in the control unit 501
An instruction is issued to perform paper storage and rearrangement processing. In the paper discharge integration device 50, the main control process is performed.
Of the paper discharge mechanism control unit 501 receiving an instruction from the
Both sides discharged from each printing mechanism based on control
The print result (printed paper) is stored in each corresponding paper stacker.
5041, 5042, 5043. Then, in response to an instruction from the main control processor 203,
From the paper stocker 5041 to the paper stacker 504
2. Take out the printed paper in the order of paper stacker 5043
Instruct them to do so. Note that this instruction is issued for all
Printed paper discharged from all printing mechanisms
When stored in the stacker or the time required for this
Is instructed when elapses. In response to this instruction, the paper discharge mechanism control 501
Stacker pick rollers 5051, 505 of paper stacker
2, 5053 to be controlled, and
From the printed paper on which the print data for the page is printed
In order, 3rd and 4th pages of printed paper, 5 pages
Remove the printed paper of the 6th page and 6th page
The paper is sent to the paper integration path 506. In the paper discharge integration path 506
Is provided with paper ejection monitoring sensors 5061 and 5062.
A discharge monitoring sensor based on the control of the discharge mechanism 501.
Printed sheets are printed in the correct order at 5061 and 5062.
Is normal or normal without paper jam
While monitoring whether paper is being conveyed to
The order in which they were removed from the stacker and sent out,
The stacker basket 508 is sorted in the order
It is stored one after another. Then, the paper discharge mechanism control unit 50
1 indicates discharge by the discharge confirmation sensors 5061 and 5062
Notifying the main control processor 203 of the printed paper
However, the main control processor 203 responds to the printed paper.
Clear corresponding print data from print buffer 201
You. Thus, the main control processor 203
Until the print data sent from the host 10 runs out.
To separate print data and send data to each sub processor.
Transfer and dot development instruction, paper supply to parallel paper feeder 30
Print data transfer and print processing to each printing mechanism
Start instruction, and storage / removal / normal
Instructions such as replacement. As described above, each printed sheet has
Order guarantee operation (rearrangement process)
Is applied at the time of discharging operation on the completed paper,
The previous printed paper is correctly in the stacker basket 5081
When the next printed paper is ejected
Is performed. In the printing mechanism sections 41, 42, 43,
Feed, latent image, development, transfer, fixing, reversal processes
Are the same as those described in FIGS. 8 and 9.
Therefore, details of the internal process are omitted. Next, a printing machine in the printing system of FIG.
When the structure unit 41 prints the seventh and eighth pages,
Due to an obstacle such as a paper jam occurring in the printing mechanism 41,
When the printer becomes unusable, other printers except the printing mechanism 41 are removed.
Redistribution in which print processing is continuously performed by the print mechanism units 42 and 43
The processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is similar to FIG.
One horizontal scale indicates the printing speed of each printing mechanism.
One-third of the time (for example, a device with 20 pages per minute)
1 second) as one unit time (1 slot)
Yes, and the printing paper (Fig.
Is indicated by a solid line) or printed on the printing paper.
Print data for each page (in the figure,
Are shown in the vertical direction at the left end in the figure.
Indicates where in the department it will be transported or transferred and processed
It is a thing. The main control processor 203 includes a printing mechanism 4
1 is detected by the intervention request detection unit 413.
The jam has occurred and print processing is not performed due to the jam.
Received the report of the page
Start. In the following, the main control processor 203
The distribution process will be described. First, the printing mechanism unit 4 is supplied to the parallel sheet feeding device 30.
1 and supply of printing paper to the sub processor 20
21 so as to stop dot development of print data in
Instruct the department. Then, the current sub-processor 2022
The mark for 15 pages and 16 pages during dot development processing
After the print data, printing was not completed due to a jam
Print data for pages 7 and 8
When the sub-processor 2021 is
Of the 13th and 14th pages of print data
Instructs dot expansion. These interrupt print data are stored in each development
Print data of page buffer 201 at the timing of processing
From the main control processor 203 again,
It is passed to the processor 2022. In accordance with this, the sub processor
17th and 18th pages currently being processed in 2023
After the dot development process for the page is completed,
19th to 22nd pages at Sass 2023
To perform dot expansion processing for print data up to
You. Thereafter, the print data of the page buffer 201 is
The data is cut into pages by the main control processor 203.
Sub-command corresponding to the print mechanism unit 41
Sub-processors 2022 except for the processor 2021
2023, and are
Is developed and printed by the printing mechanisms 42 and 43.
Processing is performed. The print data redistribution processing described above
Paper feed and print processing is not possible
In a normal device other than the mechanism unit 41, the operation is performed in the same
The main control processor 203 communicates with the
Always give instructions and control to each processing unit
I have. Next, integration of paper discharge when this jam occurs
Instruction control for the device 50 and its operation will be described.
You. When a jam occurs, the printing mechanism 42,
At 43, 9 pages, 10 pages, and 11 pages
-Double-sided printing processing for 12 pages has been performed. This result
9 pages and 10 pages of printed paper obtained, and
Printed paper for 11 and 12 pages is normal
Is temporarily stored in the sheet stacker 5042 in the same manner as described above. However, the intervention request of the printing mechanism unit 41
The detection unit 413 detects a failure (paper jam),
7 and 8 pages printed by paper ejection monitoring sensor
Since the paper ejection has not been confirmed,
The main control unit 203 receiving these reports through the
Stop each stacker pick roller in the combination device 50
To the paper discharge mechanism control unit 501 as follows. This allows
Printed paper printed by the printing mechanism is printed on each paper
It is held by the tacker. The main control processor 203 described above
In processing, print data for 7 pages and 8 pages is supported.
Dot development by the processor 2022 and the printing mechanism
A notification that the printing has been completed at 42 is sent to the printing mechanism controller 422.
The main control processor 203 received from page 7
・ The printed paper for 8 pages is
From the pass via the tacker 5041 to the express pass 5072
Select the path so that
An instruction to drive the claw 5032 is issued by the paper discharge mechanism control unit 501.
To do. In response to this, the paper discharge mechanism control unit 501 selects a path.
The claw 5032 is driven so that the processing is performed.
Control. This processing is performed for the printed 7 pages and 8 pages.
The printed paper for the two sheets is transferred to the paper stackers 5042, 504.
9 to 12 pages stored and held in 3
Minutes of each printed paper, 15 to 18 pages of each mark
The paper is fed to the integrated paper discharge path 506 before the printed
Must be discharged to tacker basket 5081
That's why. In this way, the printed pages of 7 pages and 8 pages have been printed.
If the paper is confirmed to pass by the discharge monitoring sensor,
The main control processor sends the notification via the paper discharge mechanism 501
To the main control processor 203
Is 9 pages already stored in the print stacker 5042.
10 pages of printed paper are in the unification path 5
To the sheet discharge mechanism control unit 501 so that the sheet is fed to
You. As a result, the paper discharge mechanism control section 501
By driving the stacker pick roller 5042, the print stacker
First among the printed papers stored in
Take out one sheet of the stored printed paper and integrate the paper
506 and stored in stacker basket 5081
I do. This printed paper is confirmed by the discharge confirmation sensor.
The main control processor 203, having received the acknowledged notification,
11 paper stored in the paper stacker 5043
Take out 12 pages of printed paper and send it out
Instruct Then, the control of the paper discharge mechanism control unit 501
Removes the printed paper from the
Stored in the tacker basket 5081. The discharge of the sheet is confirmed by the discharge confirmation sensor.
Then, the next page is the printed paper for 7 pages and 8 pages.
In the same manner as in the case of (13), 13
Express Pass 50 for 14 pages of printed paper
Instruct to send through 72. And paper ejection mechanism
When the passage is confirmed by the control of the control unit 501,
Printed in paper stackers 5042 and 5043
Paper in accordance with the instruction from the main control processor 203.
Control each part with the mechanism control unit, and do not sort in page order.
It is stored in the stacker basket 5081. It should be noted that the above-described paper discharge integration device 50
Page for sorting the printed paper
The processing time per unit is 1 in the printing process of the printing mechanism.
Printed much less than the processing time per page
Should be ejected through express pass while sorting paper
Printed paper catches up with printed paper
It will not be lost, but due to some obstacle
If the sorting process does not go smoothly,
To provide an express stacker instead of
Is also good. Note that the path selection claw is always
Printed paper is sent to the tacker,
Only when instructed by the control processor 203,
Printed paper is ejected through a sudden pass
Has become. Next, the printing mechanism unit 41 in which the failure has occurred is
If the printer is restored by operator repair work,
The structure unit 41 is combined with the currently operating printing mechanism units 42 and 43.
In the original configuration state of this system,
The three printing mechanisms 41, 42, 43
To recover and restore (restore) a configuration that shares the printing process
Will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2 and FIG.
The horizontal scale at the top is the marking on each printing mechanism.
One third of the printing speed (for example, 20 pages per minute)
1 second) is shown as 1 unit time (1 slot)
And for printing at each of these unit times
Paper (shown by solid lines in the figure) or its printing paper
Print data for each page to be printed (in the figure,
1) listed vertically in the left end of the figure.
Where in each part shown is transported or transferred and processed
It is shown. A failure that has occurred in the printing mechanism 41 (for example,
When the paper jam has been repaired by the operator,
The intervention request detection unit 413 in the printing device 41
Check if the term has been cleared. And nothing different
If not, the printing mechanism control unit 412 returns to a normal state.
The printing mechanism control unit 412 notifies the main control program.
A report of cancellation of the intervention request is sent to the processor 203. Receiving this
In addition, the main control processor 203 executes a printing pass described below.
Recovery (recovery, restoration) process. First, the main control processor 203
The dot development process is currently being performed by the processors 2022 and 2023.
Examine the page sequence and determine which pages
Determine whether to perform the dot development process on the
You. For example, in the sequence chart of FIG.
There was an intervention request release report (failure repair completion report)
Sub processor 2022, sub processor 2023
Performs dot expansion for pages 35 to 38
You. Therefore, page 39
Instructs dot development on the eyes and the 40th page. Then, for the subsequent pages,
Print data of 41 pages and 42 pages in Sessa 2022
Page 43 to the sub processor 2023.
Of print data for a page. At the same time, the parallel sheet feeding device 30
Then, a command to restart paper feeding to the printing mechanism unit 41 is issued. this
As a result, the paper feed mechanism control unit 301
42 and 43, one after another from the parallel paper feed path 305
Control each unit to supply paper. The printing process for each subsequent page, and
Discharge movement of printed paper to stacker basket 5081
The operation is as described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.
The recovery process is performed for the printing of the 45th and subsequent pages.
Similarly, using the printing paths of the three printing mechanisms
Do. The parallel printing system of the present invention described above
Before starting the printing process for the first page, the printing mechanism
When one of the departments requests an intervention (failure report),
The reduced operation described with reference to FIG.
When the vehicle is restored, the recovery operation described in FIG.
Needless to say, this can also be applied. The parallel printing system shown in FIG.
In the parallel paper feeder 30, each mark printing mechanism
An intervention request detection unit 302 is provided similarly to the unit.
This is because there is no paper stored in the paper feed hopper 3031.
Or the pick roller 3041 has failed.
The paper feed mechanism control unit 3
01 has caused an error in the main control processor 203
Report to the effect. Thereby, the main control processor 203
Indicates that the paper feed hopper 3031
Instead of pick roller 3041, feed hopper 3032
An instruction is given to use the paper feed pick roller 3042.
As a result, one of the paper feed mechanisms is
Continuing parallel printing even if a failure such as an error occurs
It becomes possible. Similarly, an intervention request is detected in the paper discharge integration device 50.
A stacker basket 508 is provided.
An abnormality report, such as when the printer 1 is full, is sent to the paper discharge mechanism controller 501.
To the main control processor 203 through this
In response, the main control processor 203 controls the paper discharge mechanism control unit 5
01 stacker instead of stacker basket 5081
Instruction to store printed paper in basket 5082
Then, in the paper discharge mechanism control unit 501, the printed paper is 508
2 are controlled so as to be accommodated in the second section. With this,
Continue even if one stacker basket is full
Driving can be performed. The intervention request detecting section of each device described above.
Can detect and report abnormalities of other parts other than the above
In the main control processor 203, each
Control and instruct the unit. In the above embodiment, the main control processor
At 203, the processing status of each page in the print data,
It manages the output status and processes
Keep the status table in internal storage and refer to it
While giving control instructions to each part.
No. The processing start and end of each processing section
Timing and notification are not necessarily the same as in the above embodiment.
It is not necessary that each processing operation of each unit in the present invention be performed.
Change freely as long as you are satisfied and do not deviate from it
It is possible. In the present embodiment, the printing mechanism units 41 and 4
2 and 43 have the same print processing capability,
Parallel paper feed path 305 of paper feed device 30 and discharge integration device 5
0 is the print processing capacity of the printing mechanism unit.
Conveys printing paper or printed paper at three times the speed of
Possible configuration, which reduces waiting time
However, it is necessary to use the same configuration conditions
However, the print processing functions of each printing mechanism are different.
Even if the paper supply capacity is low,
Absorption of the difference in processing capacity only by changing the timing
It can be used. Further, in the above embodiment, the number of the printing mechanism is three.
Has been described, but n printing mechanism units and n
Printing control device 20 corresponding to printing mechanism, parallel paper feeder
30, in a printing system including the integrated paper ejection device 50
Needless to say, it is also possible to carry out. Next, another embodiment of the present invention, the host
10, a print control device 20, printing mechanism units 41, 42,
43 and a print system including the paper discharge integration device 50.
Will be explained. As can be seen from FIG. 5, this is compared with FIG.
In this configuration, the parallel paper feeder 30 is omitted.
Indicates from the respective paper feed hoppers 415, 425, and 435.
This is a configuration for supplying printing paper. The configuration in the figure is parallel
Since the sheet feeding device 30 and the sheet feeding hopper are the same except for
The description of the units will be omitted, and only the differences between the operations will be described. In the figure, main control processor 203
Of the sub-processors 2021, 2022 and 2031
After the printing is completed, each of the printing mechanism control units 412 and 42
2, 432 is instructed to print. Printing machine that received this
The structure control units 412, 422, and 432 are each a printing mechanism unit.
From paper feed hoppers 415, 425, 435
Paper is fed and printing is performed. Subsequent discharge integration device 50
Sorting of printed paper, printing in case of failure
Path redistribution s processing, recovery during failure recovery (recovery
B) The processing is performed in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. According to this configuration, regarding the supply of paper,
Although it must be managed for each printing mechanism,
Rearrangement of the page order of the printed paper by the integration device 50
Can be performed automatically. Next, the parallel paper feeder 30 and the paper discharge integration device 5
0 is not used, and is set in each of the printing mechanisms 41, 42, 43.
Paper from the fed paper hoppers 415, 425, 435
And a stacker 41 also provided for each printing mechanism.
8,428,438 mark for discharging printed paper
The printing system will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration and operation of the present embodiment will be described.
Only the differences from FIGS. 1 to 5 described above will be described.
It shall be. The print mechanisms 41, 42, 43
The printing result is stored in each of the stackers 418, 428, and 438.
Is discharged. Print path reorganization due to intervention request
Also, recovery printing is performed in the same manner as in FIGS. this
In the embodiment, since the paper discharge integration device 50 is not used, the page
It is not possible to get the print results arranged in numerical order,
Do not be aware of page numbers so that the same printed matter is output in large quantities
This is effective for speeding up printing. The print data received from the host 10
Must be arranged in the order of page numbers of jobs etc.
And print in parallel in multiple printing mechanisms.
It may be printed. For example, as shown in FIG.
If you receive print data sorted by distribution destination from
Alternatively, the print controller performs sorting for each distribution destination.
, The resulting page buffer 201 in Tokyo
Fig. 6 shows the print data for each branch office up to Kyoto.
One embodiment of printing by a printing system will be described below.
I do. First, printing for three branches in Tokyo, Sapporo and Morioka
Dot development of data by sub processor 2021 and printing
Printing is performed by the mechanism unit 41. In parallel with this, Sendai, Shizuoka, name
Sub-processor 2022 for three branches up to Furuya
Unfold and use the printing unit 42 for two branches, Osaka and Kyoto.
The dot is developed by the sub processor 2023, and the printing mechanism unit 4
Print with 3. In the printing mechanism section 41, the Tokyo branch office and the Sapporo branch office
After printing the company, an error occurred while printing data from Morioka branch.
If it occurs, redistribute the print path and perform Morioka branch
The print data output destination of the company is switched to the printing mechanism unit 42
You. Specifically, an intervention from the printing mechanism 41 is required.
The main control processor 203 receiving the request report
After dot development processing of Shizuoka branch office for
Perform dot development processing of Morioka branch office and use printing mechanism section 42
And print it. At this time, the printing mechanism
Print data excluding the printed paper discharged to the unit 41
The output may be made by the print mechanism unit 42,
In order to simplify the subsequent processing work, it is output to the printing mechanism 41.
Ignore the output and renew all the data at Morioka branch.
May be printed out from the printing mechanism section 42.
No. Note that the data sorted by distribution destination is marked.
When printing, the print result for each distribution destination is the page number
Since it is sufficient that the sheets are discharged in order, it is described in this embodiment.
Uses both parallel paper feeder 30 and integrated paper discharge unit 50
Even simple systems that do not
Wear. According to the present invention, data received from a host can be obtained.
Data is divided by the print control unit and printed by multiple print
Since printing is performed, increase in the load on the host side is prevented, and printing speed is reduced.
Can be improved. In addition, multiple printing mechanisms can be
Paper, and print the print results of multiple
Paper can be ejected in the order of the page number.
The load on the operator for dispensing can be reduced.
You. In addition, print paths that have become operator interventions are automatically
To continue printing with only normal print paths.
Change the print data destination from the operator's host
Prevent cumbersome work such as work and reduce throughput
It can be kept to a minimum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a parallel printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sequence chart of a printing process in a normal operation in the printing system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sequence chart of a printing process when a print path is reorganized when a failure occurs in the printing system of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a printing process sequence during a recovery operation at the time of failure recovery in the printing system of FIG. FIG. 5 is a chart showing a chart. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a parallel printing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a parallel printing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the parallel printing system shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration in one embodiment of the present invention; Sequence chart showing a printing process. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a parallel printing system according to the prior art. [Description of References] 10: Host 11: Magnetic Disk
20: print control device 201: page buffer 2021, 2022, 20
23: Sub-processor 203: Main control processor 30: Parallel paper feeder 301: Paper feed mechanism controller 302: Intervention request detector 3031, 3032: Paper hopper 3041, 3042: Pick roller 305: Parallel paper feed path 41, 42 , 43: printing mechanism sections 411, 421, 431: laser drive control circuits 412, 422, 432: printing mechanism control sections 413, 423, 433: intervention request detection section 414: pick rollers 415, 425, 43.
5: Paper feed hopper 4161: Photoconductor 4162: Developing device 4171: Paper feed path 4172: Transfer path 4173: Fixing path 4174: Reversing paths 418, 428, 438: Stacker 50: Paper discharge integration device 501: Discharge mechanism control unit 502 : Intervention request detection units 5031, 5032, 5033: path selection claws 5041, 5042, 5043: paper stackers 5051, 5052, 5053: stacker pick roller 506: integrated paper discharge path 5061, 5062: discharge monitoring sensors 5071, 5072, 5073: Limited Express Pass 5081, 5082: Stacker Basket

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-22648 (JP, A) JP-A-58-220777 (JP, A) JP-A-59-230759 (JP, A) JP-A-63-1988 136132 (JP, A) JP-A-2-16628 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/12 B41J 29/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] A host for transferring print data, a print control device for dividing print data sent from the host into pages and sending the data, and at least printing in page units. A plurality of printing mechanism units connected to the printing control device, wherein the printing data divided by the printing control unit into pages corresponding to the respective printing mechanism units corresponds to the plurality of printing mechanism units. A plurality of printing mechanisms, wherein the plurality of printing mechanisms have status monitoring means for monitoring the status in each printing mechanism, wherein the printing is performed by the printing mechanisms. The control device stops sending the print data in page units to the printing mechanism unit in which the abnormality is detected by the status monitoring unit, and performs the abnormal printing on the print data after the page in which the abnormality is detected. A redistribution unit that re-divides the print data, performs dot development, excluding the copy unit, and sends the page-based print data to the plurality of print mechanism units excluding the abnormal print mechanism unit; When the mechanism is repaired by the operator and the status monitoring unit determines that the status is normal, the print data is divided into dots, including the printing mechanism determined to be normal, and dot development is performed. A recovery unit that sends the print data divided in page units to the plurality of printing mechanism units including a copy unit, and a printed sheet printed by each printing mechanism unit of the plurality of printing mechanism units. A plurality of printed paper storage means to be stored for each printing mechanism unit; an arrangement order confirmation means for confirming the arrangement order of the printed paper; and a printed paper storage means stored in the printed paper storage means. Means for collectively storing printed paper, and according to the sorting order confirmation means, takes out the printed paper stored in the plurality of printed paper storage means one by one, and collects the printed paper collectively. And a conveying means for rearranging and conveying the sheets in a parallel printing system.