Interoperable device and information storage control program

Abstract

To provide a cooperation device where a plurality of processing parts are connected, the cooperation device which can simply re-set predetermined data such as setting data without causing setting error and data failure, and to provide an information storage control program.SOLUTION: A printing system connects a first printer 20 and a second printing part 40 through a first reversing device 30. The first printer 20, the second printing part 40 and the first reversing device 30 store their own information, have storage parts 35, 45 and 37 for storing information on other devices other than their own devices, and include control parts 28 and 44 for re-storing predetermined data stored in the storage parts 35, 45 and 37 according to the state of variance between the information on the other devices other than their own devices stored in the storage parts 35, 45 and 37, and the information on their own devices stored in the storage parts 35, 45 and 37 of the other devices which are currently connected, using data stored in the storage parts of the other devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooperation device that connects a first processing unit and a second processing unit via a relay unit, and an information storage control program executed in the cooperation device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing system including a plurality of printing devices connected in series in the conveyance direction of a printing medium has been proposed.

[0003] According to such a printing system, when performing double-sided printing on a printing medium, compared with a conventional printing device using a switchback method, high-speed printing processing is possible, and productivity can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, the printing system as described above is configured by connecting a plurality of printing devices. For example, any one of the plurality of printing devices may malfunction and need to be replaced with another printing device, or any one of the plurality of printing devices may be replaced with a different type of printing device.

[0006] In such a case, it is necessary to inherit setting data and the like between the printing device before replacement and the printing device after replacement, or to re-set setting data and the like in the printing device after replacement.

[0007] Traditionally, configuration data was transferred by, for example, storing it on a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory connected to the old printer, and then connecting that USB memory to the new printer. Alternatively, the configuration data set on the old printer was printed out as a list, and the new printer's settings were reconfigured while referring to that printout.

[0008] However, methods such as transferring configuration data using a USB memory stick or reconfiguring using printed copies of the configuration data are manual processes, which leads to problems such as configuration errors, data corruption, and increased configuration work.

[0009] While Patent Document 1 proposes a method for detecting data tampering and resetting the original data, it does not propose any method for appropriately resetting the original data in a linked device with multiple processing units, such as the printing system described above.

[0010] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a linked device and an information storage control program that can easily reset predetermined data, such as setting data, in a linked device in which multiple processing units, such as the printing system described above, are connected, without causing setting errors or data corruption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention relates to a linkage device that connects a first processing unit and a second processing unit via a relay unit, wherein the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit each have a storage unit that stores its own information and also stores information of other units other than itself, and the device includes a control unit that, in accordance with the state of discrepancy between the information of other units other than itself stored in the storage units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit, and the information of itself stored in the storage unit of the other unit currently connected, re-stores predetermined data stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, or the relay unit using the data stored in the storage unit of the other unit.

[0012] The information storage control program of the present invention is an information storage control program executed in the control unit of a cooperative device that connects a first processing unit and a second processing unit via a relay unit, and causes the control unit to execute the following steps: storing its own information and information of other units other than itself in the storage units provided in the first processing unit, the second processing unit and the relay unit, respectively; and, according to the state of discrepancy between the information of other units other than itself stored in the storage units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit and the relay unit and the information of itself stored in the storage units of the other units currently connected, relearning predetermined data stored in the storage units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit or the relay unit using the data of the other units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the linked device and information storage control program of the present invention, the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit each store their own information in their respective storage units, as well as information from other units. Depending on the discrepancy between the information from other units stored in the storage units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit, and the information from the other units currently connected to the device, the device re-stores predetermined data stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, or the relay unit using the data from the other units. This allows for easy resetting of data such as setting information without causing setting errors or data corruption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a printing system using one embodiment of the collaborative device of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the control system for the printing system. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the process of checking the consistency of configuration data between upstream and downstream devices, and the process of relearning the configuration data. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of the process of relearning configuration data based on the states of Flag 1 and Flag 2. [Figure 5] Figure showing an example of the setting data re - memory selection screen [Figure 6] Figure showing an example of the re - memory data selection screen [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the flow of the counter tampering check process [Figure 8] Figure showing an example of the counter value re - memory process based on the states of counter flag 1 and counter flag 2 [Figure 9] Figure showing an example of the counter re - memory selection screen

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system using an embodiment of the cooperation device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printing system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control system of the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1. The printing system 1 of this embodiment is characterized by a method of re - setting setting data. First, the overall configuration of the printing system 1 will be described.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 of this embodiment includes a paper feeding device 10, a first printing device 20, a first reversing device 30, a second printing device 40, and a paper discharging device 60. In the printing system 1 of this embodiment, the paper feeding device 10 and the first printing device 20 correspond to the first processing unit of the present invention, the first reversing device 30 corresponds to the relay unit of the present invention, and the second printing device 40 and the paper discharging device 60 correspond to the second processing unit of the present invention. In the following description, the paper feeding device 10 and the first printing device 20 corresponding to the first processing unit of the present invention are collectively referred to as the upstream machine, and the second printing device 40 and the paper discharging device 60 (including the second reversing device 50) corresponding to the second processing unit of the present invention are collectively referred to as the downstream machine.

[0017] The printing system 1 receives the first print data for the first printing device 20 and the second print data for the second printing device 40 transmitted from a printing control device 100 such as a personal computer that functions as a RIP controller (see FIG. 2). The first print data and the second print data are print jobs including image data to be printed and printing conditions.

[0018] The first print data is stored in a storage unit 35 (to be described later) of the first printing device 20, and the second print data is stored in a storage unit 45 (to be described later) of the second printing device 40. The first print data and the second print data are stored together with the job name of the print job, the user name (owner name of the print job) who transmitted the print job, etc., and are individually managed by the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 and the control unit 44 of the second printing device 40.

[0019] The paper feeding device 10, the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, the second printing device 40, and the paper discharging device 60 are arranged in series on the conveyance path of the print medium S (for example, paper).

[0020] In FIG. 1, the straight conveyance paths R1, R4-1, R5, R6-1 of the print medium S and the discharge path R7 are shown by solid lines, the circulation conveyance path R2 is shown by a one-dot chain line, and the reversing conveyance paths R3, R4-2, R6-2 are shown by broken lines.

[0021] The paper feeding device 10 has a paper feed table 11 on which the print medium S before printing is loaded. Although not shown, the paper feeding device 10 is provided with a paper feed roller that feeds out and conveys the print medium S located at the uppermost position among the plurality of print media S loaded on the paper feed table 11, a supply drive unit that drives the paper feed roller, and a paper feed table lifting unit that raises and lowers the paper feed table 11. The supply drive unit and the paper feed table lifting unit are composed of known actuators.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the first printing apparatus 20 includes a plurality of transport roller pairs 21, a first printing processing unit 22, a suction transport unit 23, a first transport path switching unit 24, a second transport path switching unit 25, a switchback roller pair 26, a paper output tray 27, a first display unit 33, and a first scanner unit 34. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the first printing apparatus 20 includes a control unit 28, a storage unit 35, and an interface unit 36.

[0023] Multiple pairs of transport rollers 21 are arranged within the first printing apparatus 20 to transport the printing medium S while nipping it.

[0024] The first printing processing unit 22 performs single-sided or double-sided printing on the printing medium S based on the first printing data received from the printing control device 100. The first printing processing unit 22 performs the printing process on the printing medium S using basic color inks such as CMYK and gray. The first printing processing unit 22 has, for example, a line head type inkjet head that ejects ink of each color. In this embodiment, the first printing processing unit 22 uses an inkjet method as its printing method, but it is not limited to this, and a laser method or a stencil printing method may also be used.

[0025] The suction transport unit 23 is positioned opposite the first printing processing unit 22. The suction transport unit 23 transports the printing medium S by a belt while adsorbing the printing medium S.

[0026] The first transport path switching unit 24 switches the transport path of the printing medium S, which has been printed on one side by the first printing processing unit 22, between a straight transport path R1 leading to the first reversing device 30 and a circulating transport path R2 leading to the paper output tray 27 or the reversing transport path R3. When the first printing device 20 performs double-sided printing, the first transport path switching unit 24 switches the transport path of the printing medium S to the circulating transport path R2 after the single-sided printing of the printing medium S is completed, and after the double-sided printing of the printing medium S is completed, it switches the transport path of the printing medium S back to the straight transport path R1 or switches back to the circulating transport path R2 to discharge it to the paper output tray 27.

[0027] The second transport path switching unit 25 switches the circulating transport path R2 of the printing medium S between a transport path leading to the paper output tray 27 and a transport path leading to a reversal transport path R3 in which the front and back sides of the printing medium S are reversed by the switchback roller pair 26. When the first printing processing unit 22 performs double-sided printing, the second transport path switching unit 25 switches the circulating transport path R2 of the printing medium S to a transport path leading to a reversal transport path R3. The printing medium S, whose front and back sides have been reversed in the reversal transport path R3, is then transported back to the first printing processing unit 22.

[0028] Printing media S that are not discharged to the paper output device 60 are loaded onto the paper output tray 27.

[0029] The first display unit 33 is located on the upper part of the first printing device 20, as shown in Figure 1, and consists of, for example, a touch panel having a liquid crystal display.

[0030] The first display unit 33, under the control of the control unit 28, displays a setting input screen that accepts various setting inputs from the user.

[0031] The first scanner unit 34 receives the original document and photoelectrically reads it to generate image data. The image data generated by the first scanner unit 34 is acquired by the control unit 28, which generates first print data (print job) based on the acquired image data and stores and manages it in the storage unit 35.

[0032] The control unit 28 has a processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit, and controls the operation of each part of the paper feed device 10, the first printing device 20, and the first reversing device 30.

[0033] The storage unit 35 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a predetermined control program is pre-stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a working memory area, and a hard disk for storing the first print data (print job).

[0034] The memory unit 35 stores the serial number of the first printing device 20, the serial number of the first reversing device 30, and the serial number of the second printing device 40. In this embodiment, the serial number corresponds to the identification information of the present invention and is a unique number assigned to each device.

[0035] Furthermore, the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the memory unit 35 is pre-stored at the time of manufacture or shipment of the first printing device 20. However, the serial numbers of the first inverting device 30 and the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 35 are determined when the power to the entire printing system 1 is turned ON. Specifically, the serial number of the first inverting device 30 stored in the memory unit 37 of the first inverting device 30 connected to the first printing device 20 and the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 45 of the second printing device 40 are stored in the memory unit 35 of the first inverting device 30.

[0036] Furthermore, the memory unit 35 stores setting data for the upstream machine, as well as setting data for the first inversion device 30 and the downstream machine. The setting data for the first inversion device 30 and the downstream machine is stored in the memory unit 37 of the first inversion device 30 connected to the first printing device 20, as well as the setting data for the downstream machine stored in the memory units 45, 53, and 65 of the downstream machine, when the power to the entire printing system 1 is turned ON.

[0037] Upstream machine setting data refers to data used to control predetermined operations in the paper feed device 10 and the first printing device 20. In this embodiment, this is test mode data used in the test mode operation performed when the printing system 1 is started up.

[0038] Specifically, the upstream machine configuration data includes settings that indicate whether the first printing device 20 is being used independently, as an upstream machine, or as a downstream machine, as well as settings that indicate whether a dedicated printer driver is connected or a PS controller is connected.

[0039] Furthermore, the setting data for the first printing device 20 includes setting data for the number of prints in the cleaning cycle of the first printing processing unit 22, setting data related to paper transport in the first printing device 20, and setting data related to paper jams.

[0040] Furthermore, the setting data for the paper feed device 10 includes setting data related to paper width detection in the paper feed device 10, setting data related to paper jams, setting data related to errors in the paper feed device 10, setting data related to the lifting and lowering control of the paper feed tray 11, setting data related to the spacing between sheets of paper during feeding, setting data related to the transport speed of the paper feed device 10, and setting data related to the paper feeding timing of the paper feed device 10.

[0041] The setting data for the first reversing device 30 includes setting data related to the transport speed in the first reversing device 30, and setting data related to switching the transport path.

[0042] The downstream machine setting data is the setting data used to control predetermined operations in the second printing device 40 and the paper output device 60 (including the second reversing device 50). In this embodiment, it is the test mode data used in the test mode operation performed when the printing system 1 is started up.

[0043] Specifically, this includes setting data indicating whether the second printing device 40 is being used independently, as an upstream device, or as a downstream device, as well as setting data indicating whether a dedicated printer driver or PS controller is connected.

[0044] Furthermore, the setting data for the second printing device 40 includes setting data indicating the number of prints in the cleaning cycle of the second printing processing unit 42, setting data related to paper transport in the second printing device 40, and setting data related to paper jams.

[0045] Furthermore, the setting data for the second inversion device 50 includes setting data indicating whether to output paper face up or face down, and setting data related to the transport speed of the second inversion device 50.

[0046] Furthermore, the setting data for the paper output device 60 includes setting data related to the position of the side fences and end fences, setting data related to the raising and lowering control of the paper output tray 61, setting data related to the limit on the stacking height of the printing media S on the paper output tray 61, setting data related to paper jams, and setting data related to errors in the paper output device 60.

[0047] Furthermore, the storage unit 35 stores the count value of the number of printed pages in the first printing device 20, as well as the count values ​​of the first reversing device 30 and the second printing device 40. The count values ​​of the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, and the second printing device 40 are basically the same, but if, for example, the count values ​​are tampered with, they will become different values.

[0048] The interface unit 36 ​​exchanges various types of information with the print control device 100 and other parts of the print system 1.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the first reversing device 30 is positioned downstream of the first printing device 20 in the direction of transporting the printing medium S. The first reversing device 30 has a plurality of transport roller pairs 31 and a first reversing unit 32. The transport roller pairs 31 transport the printing medium S discharged from the first printing device 20 while nipping it.

[0050] The first reversing device 30 includes a transport path switching mechanism (not shown), which switches the transport path between a straight transport path R4-1 that transports the printing medium S discharged from the first printing device 20 directly to the second printing device 40, and a reverse transport path R4-2 that reverses the front and back sides of the printing medium S. The reverse transport path R4-2 is provided with a first reversing unit 32. The first reversing unit 32 has a pair of switchback rollers and a reversing drive unit that drives this pair of switchback rollers. The reversing drive unit is composed of a known actuator.

[0051] The first reversing device 30 is controlled by the control unit 28 and switches between the straight transport path R4-1 and the reverse transport path R4-2 as appropriate, depending on whether or not printing is performed on the front and back surfaces of the printing medium S.

[0052] Furthermore, the first inversion device 30 has a storage unit 37. The storage unit 37 stores the serial number of the first inversion device 30, the serial number of the first printing device 20, and the serial number of the second printing device 40.

[0053] Furthermore, the serial number of the first inversion device 30 stored in the memory unit 37 is pre-stored at the time of manufacture or shipment of the first inversion device 30. However, the serial numbers of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 37 are determined when the power to the entire printing system 1 is turned ON. Specifically, the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20, which is connected to the first inversion device 30, and the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 45 of the second printing device 40 are stored in the memory unit 45 of the second printing device 40.

[0054] Furthermore, the memory unit 37 stores the setting data for the first inversion device 30 described above.

[0055] Furthermore, the storage unit 37 stores the count value of the number of printed pages in the first inversion device 30, as well as the count values ​​of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40. The count values ​​of the first printing device 20, the first inversion device 30, and the second printing device 40 are basically the same, but if, for example, the count values ​​are tampered with, they will become different values.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the second printing device 40 is positioned downstream of the first reversing unit 32 in the transport direction of the printing medium S. The second printing device 40 includes a plurality of transport roller pairs 41, a second printing processing unit 42, a suction transport unit 43, a second display unit 47, and a second scanner unit 48. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the second printing device 40 includes a control unit 44, a storage unit 45, and an interface unit 46.

[0057] Multiple pairs of transport rollers 41 are arranged within the second printing apparatus 40 to transport the printing medium S while nipping it.

[0058] The second printing processing unit 42 performs single-sided printing on the back side of the printing medium S, which has been transported from the first printing device 20, based on the second printing data received from the printing control device 100. The second printing processing unit 42 performs the printing process on the printing medium S using basic colored inks such as CMYK and gray.

[0059] The second printing processing unit 42 may also print on the printing medium S using magnetic ink such as MICR ink. Furthermore, the second printing processing unit 42 may also print on the printing medium S using spot inks of colors other than basic colors, such as transparent ink, or UV ink.

[0060] The second printing processing unit 42 has a line-head type inkjet head. In this embodiment, the second printing processing unit 42 uses an inkjet method as its printing method, but it is not limited to this, and a laser method or a stencil printing method may also be used.

[0061] The suction transport unit 43 is positioned opposite the second printing processing unit 42. The suction transport unit 43 transports the printing medium S by a belt while adsorbing the printing medium S.

[0062] Furthermore, the second printing device 40 may also have a first transport path switching unit 24, a second transport path switching unit 25, a switchback roller pair 26, a paper output tray 27, etc., similar to the first printing device 20, and may be capable of double-sided printing on the printing medium S.

[0063] The second display unit 47 is located on the upper part of the second printing device 40, as shown in Figure 1, and consists of, for example, a touch panel having a liquid crystal display.

[0064] The second display unit 47, under the control of the control unit 44, displays a settings input screen that accepts various settings inputs from the user.

[0065] The second scanner unit 48 receives the original document and photoelectrically reads it to generate image data. The image data generated by the second scanner unit 48 is acquired by the control unit 44, which generates second print data (print job) based on the acquired image data and stores and manages it in the storage unit 45.

[0066] The control unit 44 has a processor (e.g., a CPU) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit and controls the operation of each part of the second printing apparatus 40.

[0067] The storage unit 45 includes a ROM in which a predetermined control program is pre-recorded, a RAM used as a working memory area, and a hard disk that stores the second print data (print job) received by the second printing device 40.

[0068] Furthermore, the memory unit 45 stores the serial number of the second printing device 40, the serial number of the first printing device 20, and the serial number of the first reversing device 30.

[0069] Furthermore, the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 45 is pre-stored at the time of manufacture or shipment of the second printing device 40. However, the serial numbers of the first printing device 20 and the first inverting device 30 stored in the memory unit 45 are determined when the power to the entire printing system 1 is turned ON. The serial numbers of the first printing device 20 stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20 connected to the second printing device 40 and the serial numbers of the first inverting device 30 stored in the memory unit 37 of the first inverting device 30 are stored in the memory unit 37 of the first inverting device 30.

[0070] Furthermore, the memory unit 45 stores the setting data of the downstream machine described above, as well as the setting data of the upstream machine and the first inversion device 30. The setting data of the upstream machine and the first inversion device 30 is stored in the memory unit 35 of the upstream machine connected to the second printing device 40 and in the memory unit 37 of the first inversion device 30 when the power to the entire printing system 1 is turned ON.

[0071] Furthermore, the storage unit 45 stores the count value of the number of printed pages in the second printing device 40, as well as the count values ​​of the first printing device 20 and the first inverting device 30. The count values ​​of the first printing device 20, the first inverting device 30, and the second printing device 40 are basically the same, but if, for example, the count values ​​are tampered with, they will become different values.

[0072] The interface unit 46 exchanges various types of information with the print control device 100 and other parts of the print system 1.

[0073] Next, the paper output device 60 includes a second reversing device 50, a paper output tray 61, an upper surface detection sensor 62, and a paper output tray lifting drive unit 63 (see Figure 2).

[0074] The second reversing device 50 is located downstream of the second printing device 40 in the transport direction of the printing medium S. As shown in Figure 1, the second reversing device 50 has a plurality of transport roller pairs 51 and a second reversing unit 52. The transport roller pairs 51 transport the printing medium S discharged from the second printing device 40 while nipping it.

[0075] The second reversing device 50 includes a transport path switching mechanism (not shown), which switches the transport path between a straight transport path R6-1 that transports the printing medium S discharged from the second printing device 40 directly to the paper discharge device 60, and a reverse transport path R6-2 that reverses the front and back sides of the printing medium S. The reverse transport path R6-2 is provided with a second reversing unit 52. The second reversing unit 52 has a pair of switchback rollers and a reversing drive unit that drives this pair of switchback rollers. The reversing drive unit is composed of a known actuator.

[0076] The second reversing device 50 is controlled by the control unit 44 and switches between the straight transport path R6-1 and the reverse transport path R6-2 as appropriate, depending on whether the printed medium S is to be ejected face up or face down.

[0077] Furthermore, the second inversion device 50 has a storage unit 53. The storage unit 53 stores the setting data of the second inversion device 50 described above.

[0078] Printing media S, i.e., printed media S, discharged from the second reversing device 50, are sequentially loaded onto the paper discharge tray 61. The paper discharge tray 61 is raised and lowered by the drive of the paper discharge tray lifting drive unit 63. The paper discharge tray 61 may also be a paper discharge tray having a transport section such as a belt conveyor or roller conveyor on which the printed media S are loaded.

[0079] The top surface detection sensor 62 is a sensor for detecting the height of the stacking surface on the paper output tray 61, that is, the height of the topmost printing medium S (or the height of the top surface of the paper output tray 61 when no printing medium S is stacked). The top surface detection sensor 62 has, for example, a light-emitting unit that emits light (shown as a dotted line in Figure 1) horizontally to the desired height of the stacking surface, and a light-receiving unit that receives this light. The control unit 64, which will be described later, controls the paper output tray lifting drive unit 63 to lower the paper output tray 61 by, for example, the height of several sheets of printing medium S, if the light emitted by the light-emitting unit of the top surface detection sensor 62 is blocked by the printing medium S and the light-receiving unit of the top surface detection sensor 62 does not receive the light.

[0080] The paper output tray lifting drive unit 63 raises and lowers the paper output tray 61. The paper output tray lifting drive unit 63 is, for example, an actuator such as a motor.

[0081] The control unit 64 has a processor (e.g., a CPU) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit and controls the operation of each part of the paper output device 60 (including the second reversing device 50).

[0082] The storage unit 65 includes a ROM in which a predetermined control program is pre-recorded, RAM used as a working memory area, and the like. The storage unit 65 also stores the setting data for the paper output device 60 described above.

[0083] The interface unit 66 exchanges various types of information with the print control device 100 and other parts of the print system 1.

[0084] Next, the processing flow of the printing system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Here, the processing of checking the consistency of the setting data between the upstream and downstream machines and the processing of relearning the setting data will be mainly described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of checking the consistency of the setting data between the upstream and downstream machines and the processing of relearning the setting data.

[0085] First, the power to the entire printing system 1 is turned ON (S10). Then, the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 performs a serial number check 1 when the power is turned ON (S12). Specifically, the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 reads and obtains the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40, and also reads the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20, and compares the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40 with the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20. The serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is the serial number of the second printing device 40, a downstream machine connected to the upstream machine including the first printing device 20, at the time of the previous power-on.

[0086] Then, the control unit 28 turns flag 1 ON if the serial numbers of these second printing devices 40 are different (S14). On the other hand, if the serial numbers of these second printing devices 40 are the same, flag 1 remains OFF.

[0087] Next, the control unit 28 performs serial number check 2 (S16). Specifically, the control unit 28 reads and obtains the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 37 of the first inversion device 30, and also reads the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20, and compares the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first inversion device 30 with the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20. The serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is, as described above, the serial number of the second printing device 40, a downstream device connected to the upstream device including the first printing device 20, at the time of the previous power-on.

[0088] Then, the control unit 28 turns flag 2 ON if the serial numbers of these second printing devices 40 are different (S18). On the other hand, if the serial numbers of these second printing devices 40 are the same, flag 2 remains OFF.

[0089] The control unit 28 then checks the status of flag 1 and flag 2 and modifies the startup operation based on these statuses. Specifically, the control unit 28 determines which of patterns 1 to 5 shown in Figure 4 it belongs to based on the status of flag 1 and flag 2, and modifies the startup operation based on the pattern 1 to 5 it determines it belongs to.

[0090] If both flag 1 and flag 2 are OFF, the control unit 28 determines that there are no changes to the downstream device and executes pattern 1. Specifically, without performing the process of relearning the setting data, it proceeds to the counter tampering check process described later (S22).

[0091] Furthermore, if flag 1=OFF and flag 2=ON, that is, if the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is the same as the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40, but the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is different from the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first inversion device 30, the control unit 28 executes pattern 2 (S24). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the first inversion device 30 has been replaced and starts both the upstream and downstream machines as usual. After that, the setting data of the upstream and downstream machines stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is stored in the storage unit 37 of the first inversion device 30.

[0092] Furthermore, if flag 1=ON and flag 2=OFF, that is, if the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is different from the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40, but the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is the same as the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first reversing device 30, then the control unit 28 executes pattern 3 (S26). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the upstream machine starts up as usual, but the downstream machine has been replaced. Then, the control unit 28 reads the setting data of the downstream machine stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 and re-stores it in the storage unit 45 of the newly installed second printing device 40, the storage unit 53 of the second reversing device 50, and the storage unit 65 of the paper output device 60.

[0093] Furthermore, if both flag 1 and flag 2 are ON, that is, if either the upstream or downstream machine may have been changed, the control unit 28 performs a serial number check 3 (S28). Specifically, the control unit 28 compares the serial number of the first printing machine 20 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first inversion device 30 with the serial number of the first printing machine 20 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing machine 40. If these serial numbers of the first printing machine 20 are the same, the control unit 28 performs pattern 4 (S32). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the downstream machine starts up as usual, but the upstream machine has been replaced. The control unit 28 then reads the setting data of the upstream machine stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing machine 40 and stores it again in the storage unit 35 of the newly installed first printing machine 20.

[0094] Furthermore, in the serial number check 3, if the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first inversion device 30 is different from the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40, the control unit 28 executes pattern 5 (S30). Specifically, the control unit 28 determines that all of the upstream devices, the first inversion device 30, and the downstream devices may have been changed. The control unit 28 then displays a setting data re-storage selection screen on the first display unit 33, as shown in Figure 5. The setting data re-storage selection screen displays a "Restore" button and a "Do not restore" button, as shown in Figure 5.

[0095] If the user selects the "Restore" button, the control unit 28 reads the downstream machine setting data stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printer 20 and stores it again in the storage unit 45 of the second printer 40, the storage unit 53 of the second reversing device 50, and the storage unit 65 of the paper output device 60. On the other hand, if the user selects the "Do not restore" button, the control unit 28 displays a message on the first display unit 33 prompting the user to manually reset the downstream machine setting data.

[0096] Furthermore, if the "Restore" button is selected on the setting data retrieval selection screen shown in Figure 5, a retrieval data selection screen, such as the one shown in Figure 6, may be displayed, allowing the user to select the type of data to retrieve. For example, to retrieve the test mode data used in test mode operation as described above, the setting data described above is retrieved by selecting the "TM Data" button on the retrieval data selection screen shown in Figure 6 and then selecting the "Execute" button. In addition, on the retrieval data selection screen shown in Figure 6, "Option Data" and "Detailed Counter" buttons are displayed in addition to the "TM Data" button, and if these are selected, the corresponding data is retrieved. For example, if the "Option Data" button is selected, data for options such as HCF (High Capacity Feeder) and inspection device mounting units is stored. If the "Detailed Counter" button is selected, data for the number of printed pages by paper size is stored.

[0097] According to the printing system 1 of this embodiment, based on the discrepancy between the serial number of the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, and the first inverting device 30, respectively, and the serial numbers of other devices, the setting data stored in the storage units 35, 45, 37 of the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, and the first inverting device 30 is re-stored using the setting data stored in the other devices. This allows for easy resetting of the setting data without causing setting errors or data corruption.

[0098] Furthermore, by determining the device replacement status and relearning the setting data based on the states of flag 1 and flag 2, the device replacement status can be determined with simpler calculations.

[0099] Next, we will explain the counter tampering check process that occurs when both Flag 1 and Flag 2 are OFF at S20 in the flowchart shown in Figure 3, i.e., when there is no replacement of the upstream machine, the first inverting device 30, and the downstream machine. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counter tampering check process.

[0100] First, the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 performs counter check 1 (S34). Specifically, the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 obtains the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40, reads the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20, and compares the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40 with the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20. The counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is the counter value of the second printing device 40, a downstream machine connected to an upstream machine including the first printing device 20, at the time of the last power-on.

[0101] Then, the control unit 28 turns on the counter flag 1 if the counter values ​​of these second printing devices 40 are different (S36). On the other hand, if the counter values ​​of these second printing devices 40 are the same, the counter flag 1 remains OFF.

[0102] Next, the control unit 28 performs counter check 2 (S38). Specifically, the control unit 28 obtains the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first inversion device 30, and reads the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20, and compares the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first inversion device 30 with the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20. The counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is, as described above, the counter value of the second printing device 40, a downstream device connected to an upstream device including the first printing device 20, at the time of the previous power-on.

[0103] Then, the control unit 28 turns on the counter flag 2 if the counter values ​​of these second printing devices 40 are different (S40). On the other hand, if the counter values ​​of these second printing devices 40 are the same, the counter flag 2 remains OFF.

[0104] The control unit 28 then checks counter flag 1 and counter flag 2 and determines the possibility of counter tampering based on their states. Specifically, the control unit 28 determines which of patterns 1 to 5 shown in Figure 8 it belongs to based on the states of counter flag 1 and counter flag 2, determines the possibility of counter tampering based on the determined pattern 1 to 5, and re-stores the counter value.

[0105] Specifically, if both counter flag 1 and counter flag 2 are OFF, the control unit 28 determines that there has been no tampering with the counter value and executes pattern 1 (S44). Specifically, it starts up as usual without performing the process of relearning the counter value.

[0106] Furthermore, if counter flag 1 is OFF and counter flag 2 is ON, that is, if the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is the same as the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40, but the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is different from the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first inversion device 30, the control unit 28 executes pattern 2 (S46). Specifically, the control unit 28 determines that the first inversion device 30 may have been tampered with, and the downstream machine starts up as usual, but the upstream machine assumes that the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is correct and re-stores this counter value in the storage unit 37 of the first inversion device 30.

[0107] Furthermore, if counter flag 1 is ON and counter flag 2 is OFF, that is, if the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is different from the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40, but the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is the same as the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first inversion device 30, then the control unit 28 executes pattern 3 (S4846). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the upstream machine starts up as usual, but the counter value of the second printing device 40 has been tampered with. Then, the control unit 28 reads the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 and stores it again in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40.

[0108] Furthermore, if both counter flag 1 and counter flag 2 are ON, the control unit 28 executes counter check 3 (S50). Specifically, the control unit 28 compares the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first inversion device 30 with the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40. If these counter values ​​of the first printing device 20 are the same, the control unit 28 executes pattern 4 (S54). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the downstream machine starts up as usual, but the counter of the first printing device 20 has been tampered with. The control unit 28 then reads the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40 and stores it again in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20.

[0109] Furthermore, in the serial number check 3, if the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first inversion device 30 differs from the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40, the control unit 28 executes pattern 5 (S52). Specifically, the control unit 28 determines that there is corruption in the counter value data of the first printing device 20, the first inversion device 30, and the second printing device 40. The control unit 28 then displays a counter re-storage selection screen on the first display unit 33, as shown in Figure 9. The counter re-storage selection screen displays a "Restore" button and a "Do not restore" button, as shown in Figure 9.

[0110] If the user selects the "Restore" button, the control unit 28 reads the counter value of the second printer 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printer 20 and stores it again in the storage unit 45 of the second printer 40. On the other hand, if the user selects the "Do not restore" button, the control unit 28 displays a message on the first display unit 33 prompting the user to manually reset the counter value of the second printer 40.

[0111] According to the printing system 1 of this embodiment, based on the discrepancy between the counter values ​​of the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, and the first inverting device 30, respectively, stored in the storage units 35, 45, 37, and the counter values ​​of other devices, the counter values ​​stored in the storage units 35, 45, 37 of the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, and the first inverting device 30 are re-stored using the counter values ​​stored in the other devices. This allows for easy resetting of the counter values ​​without causing setting errors or data corruption.

[0112] Furthermore, by determining if the counter value has been tampered with based on the states of counter flag 1 and counter flag 2, and then relearning the counter value, it is possible to determine if the counter value has been tampered with using simpler calculations.

[0113] It should be noted that the process of checking the consistency of the setting data between the upstream and downstream devices and the process of relearning the setting data according to the flowchart in Figure 3 in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this process. In short, the consistency check can be performed by any method that involves storing the serial number of another device (the first printing device 20, the first inverting device 30, or the second printing device 40) in the respective storage units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, the first inverting device 30, and the second printing device 40, and checking the consistency based on the discrepancy between that serial number and the serial number of the first printing device 20, the first inverting device 30, and the second printing device 40, which are currently connected, stored in their respective storage units 35, 37, and 45. Furthermore, any method is acceptable for relearning the setting data, as long as it involves relearning the setting data stored in the storage units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, and the second printing device 40, respectively, using the setting data stored in the other devices.

[0114] Furthermore, the counter tampering check process according to the flowchart shown in Figure 7 in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this process. In short, the counter tampering check can be performed in any way that involves storing the counter values ​​of other devices (first printing device 20, first inverting device 30, or second printing device 40) in the respective storage units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, first inverting device 30, and second printing device 40, and checking for discrepancies between those counter values ​​and the counter values ​​of the first printing device 20, first inverting device 30, and second printing device 40, which are currently connected, in their respective storage units 35, 37, and 45. Furthermore, any method is acceptable for relearning the counter values, as long as it involves relearning the counter values ​​stored in the storage units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, the first inversion device 30, and the second printing device 40, respectively, using counter values ​​stored in other devices.

[0115] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components can be modified and implemented in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also, various inventions can be formed by appropriate combinations of the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0116] The following further notes are disclosed regarding the present invention. (Note)

[0117] In the interconnected device of the present invention, the device's own information and the information of other parts can be unique identification information for the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit.

[0118] In the linked device of the present invention, the control unit can re-store predetermined data based on the comparison result between the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the currently connected second processing unit, and the comparison result between the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the relay unit.

[0119] In the linked device of the present invention, the first processing unit and the second processing unit can perform printing on multiple printing media that are fed sequentially, and their own information, information from other units, and predetermined data can be the values ​​of the print count counters of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit.

[0120] In the linked device of the present invention, the control unit can re-store the counter value based on the comparison result between the value of the counter of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the value of the counter of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the currently connected second processing unit, and the comparison result between the value of the counter of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the value of the counter of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the relay unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1. Printing System 10 Paper feeder 11 Paper feed stand 20 1st printing device 21 Conveyor roller pair 23. Suction and transport section 24. First transport route switching unit 25 Second transport route switching section 26 Switchback Roller vs 27 Paper output tray 28 Control Unit 31 Conveyor roller pair 35 Storage section 36 Interface section 37 Memory section 40 2nd printing device 41 Conveyor roller pair 43 Adsorption and transport section 44 Control Unit 45 Storage section 46 Interface section 51 Conveyor roller pair 53 Memory section 60 Paper ejection device 61 Paper output tray 62 Top-mounted detection sensor 63 Paper output tray lifting drive unit 64 Control Unit 65 Storage section 66 Interface section 100 Printing control device R1, R4-1, R5, R6-1 Straight transport route R2 Circular transport route R3, R4-2, R6-2 Reversal transport path R7 Emissions Route S Print media

Claims

1. A linking device that connects a first processing unit and a second processing unit via a relay unit, The first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit each have a storage unit that stores its own information and also stores information of other units. A linkage device comprising a control unit that, in accordance with the state of discrepancies between the information of other units other than itself stored in the storage units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit, and the information of itself stored in the storage units of the other units to which it is currently connected, re-stores predetermined data stored in the storage units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, or the relay unit using data stored in the storage units of the other units.

2. The linkage device according to claim 1, wherein the information of itself and the information of other parts other than itself are unique identification information of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit.

3. The linkage device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs the predetermined data re-storage based on the comparison result between the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the currently linked second processing unit, and the comparison result between the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the relay unit.

4. The first processing unit and the second processing unit perform printing on multiple printing media that are fed sequentially. The linkage device according to claim 1, wherein the information of itself, the information of other parts other than itself, and the predetermined data are the values ​​of the print count counters of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit.

5. The linkage device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit re-stores the counter value based on the comparison result between the value of the counter of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the value of the counter of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the currently linked second processing unit, and the comparison result between the value of the counter of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the value of the counter of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the relay unit.

6. An information storage control program executed in the control unit of a cooperating device that connects a first processing unit and a second processing unit via a relay unit, The first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit are each provided with a storage unit that stores its own information and also stores information of other units. An information storage control program that causes the control unit to perform the steps of: relearning predetermined data stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, or the relay unit using data from other units, in accordance with the state of discrepancy between the information of other units other than itself stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit, and the information of itself stored in the storage unit of the other unit to which it is currently connected.

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