Interface change-over device, printer and multi-function image processing device using same

Abstract

An image forming system includes a first image forming apparatus which can be connected to a host computer as an image data supplying source and also connected to a second image forming apparatus so that the host computer can be selectively and reliably connected to one of the first and second image forming apparatuses. The first image forming apparatus is connected to the host computer so as to print the image data provided from the host computer. The second image forming apparatus is operatively connectable to the host computer via the first image forming apparatus so as to print the image data sent from the host computer. A switching device is provided in the first image forming apparatus. The switching device switches a connection of the host computer so that one of the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus is operatively connected to the host computer.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to an interface switching device for a printer, a printer using the same and a multifunctional image processing device, in particular to a printer used as a peripheral device of a computer, especially a personal computer, and further to a computer, especially a personal computer A multi-function image processing device represented by MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral, that is, a multi-function image processing peripheral device with fax, scan, print functions, etc.) used for connection. Background technique [0002] Generally, printers are often connected as peripheral devices of personal computers, but in recent years, as peripheral devices of personal computers, there are more and more examples of using devices such as MFPs that combine functions such as printing and scanning instead of dedicated machines. . Therefore, just connect the MFP to the personal computer, you can perform various image processing: use the fax function of ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This is because if there is only an ink-and-white laser printer in the MFP, the color printing requirements cannot be met. When users want color printing, a color inkjet printer is required; Occasionally, although color and black and white printing can be performed, when black and white printing is performed by a color inkjet printer, the printing speed is quite slow and the printing quality is far worse than that of a black and white laser printer. If you consider that black and white printing accounts for more than half, then Preferably with a black and white laser printer

[0008] However, if you look at the usage situation when the MFP and another dedicated machine such as a printer or scanner coexist with a personal computer, the current situation is that the user handles the state of connecting the MFP to the personal computer and connecting the printer or printer to the computer by replacing the connector. The status of the scanner connected to the personal computer, the replacement process is troublesome and very inconvenient

Since the simultaneous connection between the MFP and the printer or scanner cannot be ensured, effective use between the personal computer, the MFP, and the printer or scanner cannot be performed.

[0009] like Figure 13 As shown, it represents a commercially available switcher 54, which is provided with three connectors C1, C2 and C3, and a personal computer 51 and two printers 52, 53 can be combined together through the connectors respectively. Using this switcher 54, although not The connector needs to be replaced, however, the reality is that the selection of the desired printer 52 or 53 under the control of the personal computer 51 often lacks reliability

This is because although the interfaces of personal computers and printers are originally set in accordance with the Center Yonex specifications, the reality is that there are various partial specifications in the Center Yonex standard specifications, and there are compatibility problems. The problem of poor compatibility between the printer and the personal computer occurs

In this situation, if considering the use of the above-mentioned switch 54, it is not clear what kind of printer is connected to the switch 54 from the perspective of the personal computer 51, and the two are not specific. Two specific printers, the scope of application is specified so that they can be used, so it is difficult to make them universal and lack the reliability of switching functions

That is, a poor connection occurs because it is not usually expected to connect two printer drivers

In addition, even if the above-mentioned switch 54 can perform the switching function, all the devices (personal computer 51, two printers 52, 53) are connected to the switch 54 through the connectors C1, C2, C3, and the cable wiring becomes longer and stable. resistance to interference

Furthermore, although the above-mentioned commercially available switch 54 is not clear in detail, it may require electrical switching processing, and a power supply must be connected when it is not in operation, that is, the switch itself also needs a power supply.

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