Image forming apparatus, and control method of image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to an image forming apparatus that makes control of an add-on cartridge high speed, and a control method of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is provided with: a main body control device provided with a main body memory; a main body cartridge; an add-on cartridge that is different from the main body cartridge and is communicatively connected to the main body control device, the main body memory having, for each add-on cartridge communicatively connected to the main body control device, a transmission queue that temporarily stores an instruction transmitted to the add-on cartridge, the main body control device implementing, for each transmission queue, a process of, in a case where a plurality of instructions are stored in the transmission queue, generating a first combined instruction obtained by combining the plurality of instructions stored in the transmission queue, and transmitting the first combined instruction to the add-on cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method for the image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] An image forming apparatus having a box capable of holding media such as paper has been known for a long time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having multiple additional boxes connected by a bus relative to the apparatus body. The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 specifies an additional box and instructs the execution of a predetermined process from the apparatus body for the specified additional box.

[0003] In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, there is a device that has a structure in which data is transmitted one by one from the control device to the cartridge during cartridge control. However, in such an image forming apparatus, if the amount of data to be transmitted is large, the larger the amount of data, the more likely it is to cause delays in the transmission of other data. Therefore, in such an image forming apparatus, there is room for improvement in terms of increasing the speed of cartridge control.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-008935 Summary of the Invention

[0005] One solution to the above-mentioned problem is an image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit having a storage unit; a first box; and a second box, which is different from the first box and is communicatively connected to the control unit. The storage unit has a transmission queue for temporarily storing data to be transmitted to the second box. The control unit performs the following processing for each transmission queue: when multiple data are stored in the transmission queue, it generates first combined data by combining the multiple data stored in the transmission queue and transmits the first combined data to the second box.

[0006] Another approach to solving the aforementioned problem is a control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a control device, a first box, and a second box. The control device includes a storage unit, and the second box is different from the first box and is communicatively connected to the control device. In the control method for the image forming apparatus, the storage unit has a transmission queue for temporarily storing data to be transmitted to each second box that is communicatively connected to the control device. The control device performs the following processing for each transmission queue: when multiple data are stored in the transmission queue, it generates first combined data by combining the multiple data stored in the transmission queue and transmits the first combined data to the second box. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a front view of the image forming apparatus.

[0008] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of an image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the control system of the image forming apparatus.

[0010] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the second main body communication control unit.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of an image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the second main body communication control unit.

[0013] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the second main body communication control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] exist Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the X, Y, and Z axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis represents the vertical and up-down directions of the image forming apparatus 1 in its set state. The X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal direction. The Y-axis represents the front-back direction of the image forming apparatus 1. The X-axis represents the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus 1. The positive direction of the Z-axis represents the upward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis represents the forward direction. The positive direction of the X-axis represents the left direction. Furthermore, the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 is its front side.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment is called an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), which is a multifunction machine with various functions such as image forming, faxing and scanning.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 1 has a reading unit 11 at the upper part of the apparatus body 10. The reading unit 11 includes a cover 12 that is openable and closable and disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus body 10, a document tray 13 mounted on the cover 12, and an automatic document feeder 14. The reading unit 11 reads original documents D that are fed one by one from the document tray 13 by the automatic document feeder 14, or original documents D placed on a glass stage exposed by opening the cover 12. The original documents D read by the reading unit 11 are discharged onto the discharge tray 15.

[0019] An operation panel 16 is provided on the upper front of the main body 10 of the device. The operation panel 16 includes multiple operation switches, a display, and a touch panel.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body box 17. The main body box 17 is disposed within a recess 18 formed below the operation panel 16 in the apparatus main body 10. The main body box 17 includes a main tray 171 capable of storing media S such as paper in a stacked state. The main tray 171 can hold one or more media S. On the front of the main tray 171, a gripping part 172 is formed for use when the user pulls out the main tray 171.

[0021] The main box 17 is an example of the "first box".

[0022] The image forming apparatus 1 has an ink storage section 19 located below the main body housing 17. The ink storage section 19 stores ink packets 20, which serve as the ink supply source. Multiple ink packets 20, each with a different ink color, are stored in the ink storage section 19.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 1 has a first attachment box 21A, a second attachment box 21B, and a third attachment box 21C located below the apparatus body 10. In the following description, without distinguishing between the first attachment box 21A, the second attachment box 21B, and the third attachment box 21C, they will be referred to as "attachment boxes" and marked with the symbol "21".

[0024] Add box 21 as an example of "second box".

[0025] The first addition box 21A, the second addition box 21B, and the third addition box 21C each have a substantially identical structure. Therefore, in reference to Figure 1 In the description of the structure of the additional box 21, the structure of the first additional box 21A is used as an example, while the description of the structures of the second additional box 21B and the third additional box 21C is omitted.

[0026] The first add-on box 21A includes a frame 22 and an add-on tray 23 installed in the frame 22. The add-on tray 23 can hold one or more media S. Furthermore, the number of media S that the add-on tray 23 can hold can be more or less than, or the same as, the main box 17. A gripping part 24 is formed on the front of the add-on tray 23 for use when the user pulls out the add-on tray 23.

[0027] When the image forming apparatus 1 receives image forming data from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer), it designates a cartridge corresponding to the information of the medium S represented by the received image forming data, and transports the medium S from the designated cartridge. The image forming data includes information about the medium S on which image forming is to be performed, image data to be formed on the medium S, and various control commands of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the instruction set. The image forming apparatus 1 ejects ink supplied from the ink collection unit 19 onto the medium S being transported along the transport path HK formed within the apparatus body 10, as described later, to perform image forming.

[0028] The medium S on which image formation has been performed is discharged from the device body 10 through the discharge port 25, which opens between the operation panel 16 and the main body box 17. At the lower part of the discharge port 25, a sliding discharge tray 26 is provided, which is configured in multiple stages to extend and retract in the front-rear direction. The medium S discharged from the discharge port 25 is loaded onto the discharge tray 26 in its extended state.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic view of a side cross-section of the image forming apparatus 1. Additionally, in Figure 2 The illustration of the ink storage section 19 has been omitted.

[0030] The first addition box 21A, the second addition box 21B, and the third addition box 21C each have a substantially identical structure. Therefore, in reference to Figure 2 In the description of the structure of the additional box 21, the structure of the first additional box 21A is used as an example, while the description of the structures of the second additional box 21B and the third additional box 21C is appropriately omitted.

[0031] The main body 10 of the device includes a first main body conveying section 27. The first main body conveying section 27 conveys the medium S conveyed from the main body box 17 or the additional box 21 in the conveying direction H. The first main body conveying section 27 includes a first main body conveying roller pair 271, a second main body conveying roller pair 272, and a third main body conveying roller pair 273. The first main body conveying roller pair 271, the second main body conveying roller pair 272, and the third main body conveying roller pair 273 each include a rotating roller that rotates under the power of a motor, and a driven roller that follows the rotation of the rotating roller. The second main body conveying roller pair 272 is positioned downstream of the first main body conveying roller pair 271 in the conveying direction H of the medium S. The third main body conveying roller pair 273 is positioned downstream of the second main body conveying roller pair 272 in the conveying direction H of the medium S.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 28. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the image forming unit 28 is positioned between the second main body transport roller pair 272 and the third main body transport roller pair 273 in the transport direction H. The image forming unit 28 includes a carriage 281 and an inkjet head 282 mounted on the carriage 281.

[0033] The carriage 281 is supported by a carriage shaft 283 extending in an orthogonal direction to the transport direction H, so that the inkjet head 282 scans along the carriage shaft 283 in the orthogonal direction.

[0034] The inkjet head 282, for example, has a nozzle array of four colors, CYMK. The inkjet head 282 receives ink from the ink collection unit 19 and ejects ink from the nozzles provided on each nozzle array to form an image on the medium S.

[0035] In the transport path HK of the medium S, an impression plate 29 is provided at a position opposite to the inkjet head 282. The impression plate 29 extends across the area where the inkjet head 282 can form an image, and supports the medium S in a planar manner such that the surface of the medium S located at the impression plate 29 is perpendicular to the ejection direction of the ink ejected from the inkjet head 282.

[0036] The main body 10 of the device includes a second main body conveying section 30. The second main body conveying section 30 conveys the media S stored in the main body box 17 one sheet at a time to the first main body conveying section 27. The second main body conveying section 30 includes a main body pickup roller 301 and a main body separating roller pair 302. The main body pickup roller 301 is a roller that feeds the media S located at the top of the media S loaded in the main body tray 171 out of the main body tray 171. The main body separating roller pair 302 conveys the media S one sheet at a time toward the first main body conveying section 27, even when multiple sheets of media S are overlapped by the main body pickup roller 301. The main body separating roller pair 302 includes a rotating roller and a driven roller that follows the rotation of the rotating roller. The main body box 17 includes a hopper plate 173 for loading the media S into the main body tray 171. By tilting the hopper plate 173, the main body box 17 presses the media S stored in the main body tray 171 against the main body pickup roller 301. In this embodiment, the main body box 17 tilts the hopper plate 173 by means of the mechanical drive of the force when the main body box 17 is inserted into the recess 18.

[0037] The first additional box 21A includes an additional conveying unit 31. The additional conveying unit 31 conveys the media S stored in the additional tray 23 one by one to the main body 10 of the device. The additional conveying unit 31 includes an additional pickup roller 311, an additional separation roller pair 312, and an additional conveying roller pair 313.

[0038] The additional pickup roller 311 is a roller that feeds the uppermost medium S of the medium S placed on the additional tray 23 out of the additional tray 23.

[0039] Even when multiple sheets of medium S are overlapped and fed out by the additional pick-up roller 311, the additional separation roller pair 312 will convey the medium S one sheet at a time to the additional conveying roller pair 313. The additional separation roller pair 312 includes a rotating roller and a driven roller that follows the rotation of the rotating roller.

[0040] The additional conveyor roller pair 313 includes a rotating roller and a driven roller. The additional conveyor roller pair 313 conveys the medium S conveyed from the additional separation roller pair 312 to the device body 10, which is disposed adjacent to the top of the first additional box 21A. In addition, the additional conveyor roller pair 313 conveys the medium S conveyed from the additional box 21, which is disposed below the first additional box 21A, to the device body 10, which is disposed adjacent to the top of the first additional box 21A.

[0041] Additionally, the additional conveyor roller pair 313 of the second additional box 21B conveys the medium S contained in the second additional box 21B, or the medium S conveyed from the third additional box 21C, to the first additional box 21A. The additional conveyor roller pair 313 of the third additional box 21C conveys the medium S contained in the third additional box 21C to the second additional box 21B.

[0042] The first addition box 21A tilts the hopper plate 32 to press the medium S onto the addition pickup roller 311. The first addition box 21A tilts the hopper plate 32 by electric drive to press the medium S onto the addition pickup roller 311.

[0043] Next, the structure of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main control device 100.

[0046] The main control unit 100 includes a main processor 110 for executing programs, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory 120, and a communication line I / F 130. I / F is an abbreviation for interface. The main control unit 100 controls various parts of the image forming apparatus 1 by reading and executing the control program 121 stored in the main memory 120 through the main processor 110. The main processor 110 functions as a first main communication control unit 111, a second main communication control unit 112, an image forming control unit 113, and a second instruction generation unit 114 by executing the control program 121 stored in the main memory 120.

[0047] The main control device 100 is an example of a "control device". The main memory 120 is an example of a "storage unit".

[0048] The main memory 120 is a memory that stores the control program 121, other programs executed by the main processor 110, and data processed by the main processor 110. The main memory 120 has non-volatile storage areas. Alternatively, the main memory 120 may also have volatile storage areas to constitute the working area of ​​the main processor 110.

[0049] The communication line I / F130 includes communication hardware such as connectors and communication circuits. A bus-type communication line TL, which allows the expansion box 21 to connect, is connected to the communication line I / F130. In other words, the expansion box 21 is connected to the communication line I / F130 in a bus-like manner. The main control device 100 communicates with the expansion box 21 via the communication line TL.

[0050] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 16, a communication device 101, a reading unit 11, an image forming unit 28, a first main motor 102, a second main motor 103, a third main motor 104, a fourth main motor 105, and a fifth main motor 106. The operation panel 16, the communication device 101, the reading unit 11, the image forming unit 28, the first main motor 102, the second main motor 103, the third main motor 104, the fourth main motor 105, and the fifth main motor 106 are connected to the main control device 100.

[0051] The operation panel 16 displays various information on the display screen under the control of the main control device 100. Furthermore, the operation panel 16 outputs signals corresponding to the operation of the operation switches to the main control device 100.

[0052] The communication device 101 has communication hardware such as a communication circuit according to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with external devices independent of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the predetermined communication standard.

[0053] The reading unit 11 reads the original document D under the control of the main control device 100.

[0054] The image forming unit 28 drives the inkjet head 282 and the carriage 281 under the control of the main control device 100, thereby forming an image on the medium S.

[0055] The first main motor 102 is connected to the first main conveyor roller pair 271 via a power transmission mechanism. The main control device 100 drives the first main motor 102, thereby causing the rotating rollers of the first main conveyor roller pair 271 to rotate.

[0056] The second main motor 103 is connected to the second main conveyor roller pair 272 via a power transmission mechanism. The main control device 100 drives the second main motor 103, thereby rotating the rotating rollers of the second main conveyor roller pair 272.

[0057] The third main motor 104 is connected to the third main conveyor roller pair 273 via a power transmission mechanism. The main control device 100 drives the third main motor 104, thereby causing the rotating rollers of the third main conveyor roller pair 273 to rotate.

[0058] The fourth main motor 105 is connected to the main pickup roller 301 via a power transmission mechanism. The main control device 100 drives the fourth main motor 105, thereby causing the main pickup roller 301 to rotate.

[0059] The fifth main motor 106 is connected to the main separating roller pair 302 via a power transmission mechanism. The main control device 100 drives the fifth main motor 106, thereby rotating the rotating rollers of the main separating roller pair 302.

[0060] As described above, the main processor 110 functions as a first main communication control unit 111, a second main communication control unit 112, an image forming control unit 113, and a second instruction generation unit 114. The image forming control unit 113 functions as a first instruction generation unit 1131.

[0061] The first main body communication control unit 111 communicates with an external device via the communication device 101. For example, the first main body communication control unit 111 receives image forming data from the external device.

[0062] Before describing the second main body communication control unit 112, the image forming control unit 113 and the second instruction generation unit 114 will be described first.

[0063] The image forming control unit 113 performs image forming processing based on the image forming data received by the first main body communication control unit 111. The image forming processing includes the transport of the medium S and the processing of image forming on the medium S.

[0064] The image forming control unit 113 controls the image forming unit 28, the first main motor 102, the second main motor 103, and the third main motor 104 to perform image forming processing.

[0065] When performing image forming processing on the medium S stored in the main body box 17, the image forming control unit 113 further controls the fourth main body motor 105 and the fifth main body motor 106 to transport the medium S stored in the main body box 17 and form an image on the medium S.

[0066] When image forming processing is performed on the medium S housed in the expansion box 21, the image forming control unit 113 outputs an instruction as an example of "data" to the expansion box 21 to cause the expansion box 21 to transport the medium S. Furthermore, the image forming control unit 113 performs image forming on the medium S transported from the expansion box 21.

[0067] The first instruction generation unit 1131 generates instructions to be output to the expansion box 21. The first instruction generation unit 1131 causes the main memory 120 to store the generated instructions. In the storage area of ​​the main memory 120, a transmission queue Q is formed for each expansion box 21 added relative to the device main body 10. The transmission queue Q is a storage area for temporarily storing instructions output to the expansion box 21. In the main memory 120 of this embodiment, a first transmission queue Q1 corresponding to the first expansion box 21A, a second transmission queue Q2 corresponding to the second expansion box 21B, and a third transmission queue Q3 corresponding to the third expansion box 21C are formed. When the first instruction generation unit 1131 generates an instruction to be output to the first expansion box 21A, it causes the first transmission queue Q1 to store the generated instruction. When the first instruction generation unit 1131 generates an instruction to be output to the second expansion box 21B, it causes the second transmission queue Q2 to store the generated instruction. When the first instruction generation unit 1131 generates an instruction to be output to the third extension box 21C, it causes the third transmission queue Q3 to store the generated instruction.

[0068] In this embodiment, the instructions generated by the first instruction generation unit 1131 are hardware system instructions.

[0069] The hardware system instructions are those related to the hardware of the add-on box 21. In this embodiment, the hardware system instructions include a first mechanical drive instruction, a second mechanical drive instruction, a third mechanical drive instruction, a fourth mechanical drive instruction, a first sensor instruction, a second sensor instruction, a third sensor instruction, and a fourth sensor instruction.

[0070] The first mechanical drive instruction, the second mechanical drive instruction, the third mechanical drive instruction, and the fourth mechanical drive instruction are examples of "drive instructions".

[0071] The first mechanical drive command is an instruction to instruct the drive of adding the pickup roller 311. The first mechanical drive command describes the rotation amount of the added pickup roller 311, etc.

[0072] The second mechanical drive command is an instruction to direct the drive of the added separation roller pair 312. The second mechanical drive command specifies the rotation amount of the rotating roller of the added separation roller pair 312, etc.

[0073] The third mechanical drive command is an instruction to direct the drive of the additional conveyor roller pair 313. The third mechanical drive command specifies the rotation amount of the rotating roller of the additional conveyor roller pair 313, etc.

[0074] The fourth mechanical drive command is a command that instructs the hopper plate 32 to drive.

[0075] The first sensor command is a command requesting the detection value of the first sensor 206A.

[0076] The first sensor 206A is a sensor that detects whether the added tray 23 contains the medium S.

[0077] The second sensor command is a command requesting the detection value of the second sensor 206B.

[0078] The second sensor 206B is a sensor for detecting the position of the medium S in the additional tray 23.

[0079] The third sensor command is a command requesting the detection value of the third sensor 206C.

[0080] The third sensor 206C is a sensor that detects the dimensions of the medium S stored in the additional tray 23.

[0081] The fourth sensor command is a command requesting the detection value of the fourth sensor 206D.

[0082] The fourth sensor 206D is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the added tray 23.

[0083] In the following description, without distinguishing between the first mechanical drive command, the second mechanical drive command, the third mechanical drive command, the fourth mechanical drive command, the first sensor command, and the second sensor command, they will be referred to as "image forming operation commands". Image forming operation commands are commands related to the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0084] When generating instructions, the first instruction generation unit 1131 establishes a correspondence between a flag indicating the need for ACK and the instruction to be generated. The first instruction generation unit 1131 establishes a correspondence between a flag indicating the need for ACK and all hardware system instructions.

[0085] The second instruction generation unit 114 generates instructions to be output to the expansion box 21. An example of an instruction output to the expansion box 21 is "data". When the second instruction generation unit 114 generates an instruction to be output to the first expansion box 21A, it causes the first transmission queue Q1 to store the generated instruction. When the second instruction generation unit 114 generates an instruction to be output to the second expansion box 21B, it causes the second transmission queue Q2 to store the generated instruction. When the second instruction generation unit 114 generates an instruction to be output to the third expansion box 21C, it causes the third transmission queue Q3 to store the generated instruction.

[0086] In this embodiment, the instructions generated by the second instruction generation unit 114 are software system instructions. These software system instructions are related to the software of the add-on box 21. In this embodiment, the software system instructions include a first firmware instruction, a second firmware instruction, and a timing setting instruction.

[0087] The first firmware instruction is an instruction to request the addition of a firmware version for box 21.

[0088] The second firmware instruction is an instruction to instruct the firmware update of the additional box 21.

[0089] The time setting command is a command that instructs the addition box 21 to set the time.

[0090] When generating instructions, the second instruction generation unit 114 establishes a correspondence between a flag indicating whether ACK is required and the instruction to be generated.

[0091] The second main body communication control unit 112 will be described.

[0092] The second main communication control unit 112 communicates with the expansion box 21 connected to the communication line TL via communication line I / F130 and communication line TL. The second main communication control unit 112 transmits the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q to the expansion box 21. The second main communication control unit 112 monitors each transmission queue Q and transmits the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q to the expansion box 21 corresponding to the transmission queue Q. Details of the transmission operation of the second main communication control unit 112 will be described later. When the expansion box 21 sends an ACK (Acknowledgement) as a positive response, the second main communication control unit 112 receives the ACK from the expansion box 21.

[0093] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the control system with added box 21 will be explained.

[0094] The first addition box 21A, the second addition box 21B, and the third addition box 21C each have a substantially identical structure. Therefore, in reference to Figure 3 In the description of the structure of the additional box 21, the structure of the first additional box 21A is used as an example, while the description of the structures of the second additional box 21B and the third additional box 21C is omitted.

[0095] The first addition box 21A includes an addition control device 200. The addition control device 200 includes an addition processor 210 for executing programs (such as a CPU) and an addition memory 220. The addition control device 200 controls various parts of the first addition box 21A by reading and executing the control program 221 stored in the addition memory 220 via the addition processor 210. The addition processor 210 functions as an addition communication control unit 211 and an instruction execution unit 212 by executing the control program 221 stored in the addition memory 220.

[0096] The additional memory 220 is a memory for storing the control program 221, other programs executed by the additional processor 210, and data processed by the additional processor 210. The additional memory 220 has non-volatile storage areas. Alternatively, the additional memory 220 may also have volatile storage areas to constitute the working area of ​​the additional processor 210.

[0097] The first addition box 21A includes an addition I / F 201. The addition I / F 201 includes communication hardware such as a connector. The addition I / F 201 is connected to a bus-type communication line TL, thereby communicating with the main control device 100 via the communication line TL.

[0098] The first addition box 21A includes a first addition motor 202, a second addition motor 203, a third addition motor 204, and a fourth addition motor 205. These motors are connected to the addition control device 200.

[0099] The first additional motor 202 is connected to the additional pickup roller 311 via a power transmission mechanism. The additional control device 200 drives the first additional motor 202, thereby causing the additional pickup roller 311 to rotate.

[0100] The second additional motor 203 is connected to the additional separating roller pair 312 via a power transmission mechanism. The additional control device 200 drives the second additional motor 203, thereby rotating the rotating rollers of the additional separating roller pair 312.

[0101] The third additional motor 204 is connected to the additional conveyor roller pair 313 via a power transmission mechanism. The additional control device 200 drives the third additional motor 204, thereby rotating the rotating rollers of the additional conveyor roller pair 313.

[0102] The fourth additional motor 205 tilts the hopper plate 32 via a power transmission mechanism. The additional control device 200 tilts the hopper plate 32 by driving the fourth additional motor 205.

[0103] The first addition box 21A includes a sensor group 206. The sensor group 206 includes a first sensor 206A, a second sensor 206B, a third sensor 206C, and a fourth sensor 206D, and outputs the detection values ​​of these sensors to the addition control device 200.

[0104] As described above, the processor 210 is added to function as an additional communication control unit 211 and instruction execution unit 212.

[0105] The added communication control unit 211 communicates with the main control device 100 via the added I / F 201. The added communication control unit 211 receives instructions from the main control device 100. When a correspondence is established between an instruction received from the main control device 100 and a flag indicating that an ACK is required, the added communication control unit 211 sends an ACK to the main control device 100.

[0106] The instruction execution unit 212 executes the instructions received by the additional communication control unit 211. Furthermore, if an instruction received by the additional communication control unit 211 is corrupted, the instruction execution unit 212 reads and discards the instruction. Additionally, instruction corruption detection is implemented using existing methods such as hash functions or checksums.

[0107] When the instruction received by the communication control unit 211 is a first mechanical drive instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 drives the first additional motor 202 to rotate the additional pickup roller 311 by the amount of rotation described in the first mechanical drive instruction.

[0108] When the instruction received by the additional communication control unit 211 is a second mechanical drive instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 drives the second additional motor 203 to rotate the rotating roller of the additional separation roller pair 312 by the amount of rotation described in the second mechanical drive instruction.

[0109] When the instruction received by the communication control unit 211 is a third mechanical drive instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 drives the third additional motor 204 to rotate the rotating roller of the additional conveyor roller pair 313 by the amount of rotation described in the third mechanical drive instruction.

[0110] When the instruction received by the additional communication control unit 211 is a fourth mechanical drive instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 drives the fourth additional motor 205 to tilt the hopper plate 32.

[0111] If the instruction received by the additional communication control unit 211 is a first sensor instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 outputs the detection value of the first sensor 206A to the additional communication control unit 211. The additional communication control unit 211 then outputs the output detection value of the first sensor 206A to the main control device 100.

[0112] If the instruction received by the additional communication control unit 211 is a second sensor instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 outputs the detection value of the second sensor 206B to the additional communication control unit 211. The additional communication control unit 211 then outputs the output detection value of the second sensor 206B to the main control device 100.

[0113] If the instruction received by the additional communication control unit 211 is a third sensor instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 outputs the detection value of the third sensor 206C to the additional communication control unit 211. The additional communication control unit 211 then outputs the output detection value of the third sensor 206C to the main control device 100.

[0114] If the instruction received by the additional communication control unit 211 is a fourth sensor instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 outputs the detection value of the fourth sensor 206D to the additional communication control unit 211. The additional communication control unit 211 then outputs the output detection value of the fourth sensor 206D to the main control device 100.

[0115] If the instruction received by the added communication control unit 211 is a first firmware instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 causes the added communication control unit 211 to send information indicating the firmware version of the added box 21 to the main control device 100.

[0116] If the instruction received by the communication control unit 211 is a second firmware instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 updates the firmware of the added box 21.

[0117] If the instruction received by the communication control unit 211 is a time setting instruction, the instruction execution unit 212 sets the time elapsed by the addition box 21.

[0118] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained.

[0119] First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the exclusive control of the add-on box 21 will be explained. In the image forming apparatus 1, when the main control unit 100 communicates with one add-on box 21, the main control unit 100 implements exclusive control for that one add-on box 21. This is to avoid data conflicts in the communication line TL when multiple add-on boxes 21 are connected to the communication line TL.

[0120] The second main body communication control unit 112 sends a communication right granting instruction to the add-on box 21, which is the object of exclusive control. The communication right granting instruction grants the right to conduct exclusive communication control, i.e., exclusive control. By sending the communication right granting instruction, the main control device 100 begins exclusive control of the add-on box 21 to which the communication right granting instruction was sent. Furthermore, the communication right granting instruction establishes a correspondence between flags indicating the need for ACK.

[0121] The addition communication control unit 211 of the add-on box 21, which is under exclusive control, sends a communication right return command to the main control device 100 at a predetermined time. The communication right return command is a command to return the communication right used to implement exclusive control. By sending the communication right return command, the exclusive control of the add-on box 21, to which the communication right return command was sent, is terminated in the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the communication right return command establishes a correspondence with the flag indicating that ACK is required.

[0122] Next, the operation of the second main body communication control unit 112 related to the transmission of instructions stored in the transmission queue Q will be described.

[0123] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the second main body communication control unit 112.

[0124] exist Figure 4 In its work, it is to treat the sending queue Q corresponding to the additional box 21 in the exclusive control as the processing object.

[0125] The second main communication control unit 112 determines whether there is an instruction stored in the sending queue Q of the processing object (step SA1).

[0126] If no instruction is stored in the transmission queue Q that is determined to be the object to be processed (step SA1: No), the second main body communication control unit 112 performs the determination of step SA1 again.

[0127] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are instructions stored in the transmission queue Q of the processing object (step SA1: YES), the second main body communication control unit 112 determines whether there are multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q of the processing object (step SA2).

[0128] If it is determined that there are not multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q that are to be processed (step SA2: no), the second main body communication control unit 112 sends the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q to the addition box 21 (step SA3).

[0129] Returning to the explanation of step SA2, if it is determined that there are multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q that are to be processed (step SA2: Yes), the second main body communication control unit 112 determines whether the total amount of data of the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q of the processing object is above a predetermined threshold (step SA4). This predetermined threshold is appropriately determined by means of prior testing or simulation, based on the viewpoint of preventing transmission delay of instructions stored in the transmission queue Q.

[0130] If the total amount of data of the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q, which is the target of processing, is less than a predetermined threshold (step SA4: No), the second main body communication control unit 112 sends the instruction at the head of the queue of instructions stored in the transmission queue Q to the expansion box 21 (step SA5). The instruction at the head of the queue refers to the first instruction stored in the transmission queue Q.

[0131] On the other hand, if the total amount of data of the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q that is determined to be the object of processing is above a predetermined threshold (step SA4: Yes), the second main body communication control unit 112 generates a first combination instruction (step SA6).

[0132] The first combination instruction is an instruction obtained by combining multiple instructions stored in the send queue Q of the processing object. The multiple instructions contained in the first combination instruction are described in the first combination instruction in a manner that they are processed in the same order as they were stored in the send queue Q.

[0133] The first binding instruction is an example of "first binding data".

[0134] When generating the first binding instruction, the second main body communication control unit 112 establishes a correspondence between a flag indicating that ACK is required and the first binding instruction to be generated. At this time, the second main body communication control unit 112 de-establishes the correspondence between the flag indicating that ACK is required for the multiple instructions included in the first binding instruction.

[0135] When the second main body communication control unit 112 generates the first combination command, it sends the generated first combination command to the addition box 21 (step SA7).

[0136] If used Figure 4 As explained, the second main body communication control unit 112 sends a first connection command to the add-on box 21. This allows multiple commands stored in the transmission queue Q to be transmitted in a way that reduces the cost of sending commands from the main control device 100 to the add-on box 21. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can speed up the control of the add-on box 21.

[0137] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when performing image forming processing on the medium S stored in the multiple additional boxes 21 will be described.

[0138] Figure 5 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0139] Figure 5 The sequence diagram illustrates the operation of communicating with each expansion box 21 in the order of first expansion box 21A, second expansion box 21B, and third expansion box 21C. Figure 5 In the example case, along with the switching of the exclusive control object, the second main body communication control unit 112... Figure 4 The processing object's sending queue Q is switched in the order of the first sending queue Q1, the second sending queue Q2, and the third sending queue Q3.

[0140] The second main body communication control unit 112 of the main body control device 100 sends a communication right granting instruction to the first add-on box 21A (step SB1). As a result, exclusive control of the first add-on box 21A begins in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0141] The addition communication control unit 211 of the first addition box 21A receives the communication right grant instruction and sends an ACK (step SB2) to the main control device 100 in response to the communication right grant instruction.

[0142] exist Figure 5 In the example, the case where an instruction is stored in the first transmission queue Q1 during the transmission of step SB3 is illustrated. Therefore, the second main body communication control unit 112 of the main body control device 100 sends an instruction stored in the first transmission queue Q1 (step SB3) to the first expansion box 21A.

[0143] The addition communication control unit 211 of the first addition box 21A sends an ACK (step SB4) to the main control device 100 for the instruction sent in step SB3.

[0144] exist Figure 5 In the example, a case is illustrated where, during the transmission of step SB5, the first transmission queue Q1 contains multiple instructions, and the amount of data of the multiple instructions stored in the first transmission queue Q1 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Therefore, the second main body communication control unit 112 sends a first combination instruction (step SB5) to the first addition box 21A.

[0145] The addition communication control unit 211 of the first addition box 21A sends an ACK to the main control device 100 in response to the first combination command sent in step SB5 (step SB6).

[0146] After step SB6, the second main body communication control unit 112 proceeds according to... Figure 4 The operation shown is to send a command that has not been combined or a first combination command to the first addition box 21A.

[0147] The addition communication control unit 211 of the first addition box 21A sends a communication right return instruction to the main control device 100 (step SB7). As a result, the exclusive control of the first addition box 21A in the image forming apparatus 1 ends.

[0148] The second main body communication control unit 112 of the main control device 100 sends an ACK to the first addition box 21A for the communication right return instruction (step SB8).

[0149] Next, the second main body communication control unit 112 sends a communication right granting instruction to the second add-on box 21B (step SB9). As a result, exclusive control of the second add-on box 21B begins in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0150] The addition communication control unit 211 of the first addition box 21A receives the communication right grant instruction and sends an ACK for the communication right grant instruction to the main control device 100 (step SB10).

[0151] After step SB10, the second main body communication control unit 112 proceeds according to... Figure 4 The operation shown is to send a command that has not been combined or a first combination command to the second addition box 21B.

[0152] The addition communication control unit 211 of the second addition box 21B sends a communication right return instruction to the main control device 100 (step SB11). As a result, the exclusive control of the second addition box 21B in the image forming apparatus 1 ends.

[0153] The second main body communication control unit 112 of the main control device 100 sends an ACK (step SB12) to the second additional box 21B in response to the communication right return instruction.

[0154] Next, the second main body communication control unit 112 sends a communication right granting instruction to the third add-on box 21C (step SB13). As a result, exclusive control of the third add-on box 21C begins in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0155] The third additional box 21C's additional communication control unit 211 receives the communication right grant instruction and sends an ACK (step SB14) to the main control device 100 in response to the communication right grant instruction.

[0156] After step SB14, the second main body communication control unit 112 proceeds according to... Figure 4 The operation shown is to send a command that has not been coupled or a first coupling command to the third addition box 21C.

[0157] The addition communication control unit 211 of the third addition box 21C sends a communication right return instruction to the main control device 100 (step SB15). As a result, the exclusive control of the third addition box 21C in the image forming apparatus 1 ends.

[0158] The second main body communication control unit 112 of the main control device 100 sends an ACK to the third additional box 21 in response to the communication right return instruction (step SB16).

[0159] If used Figure 5 As explained, during image forming processing, the second main body communication control unit 112 can send a first connection command to the add-on box 21. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can speed up the control of the add-on box 21 during image forming processing. Thus, the image forming apparatus 1 can speed up the image forming process.

[0160] Other implementation methods will be described.

[0161] Second Implementation Method

[0162] The second main communication control unit 112 in the first embodiment determines whether to generate a first combination instruction based on the total amount of data of multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q. The second main communication control unit 112 in the second embodiment determines whether to generate a first combination instruction based on the types of instructions stored in the transmission queue Q.

[0163] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second main body communication control unit 112 in the second embodiment. Figure 6 In China, targeting and Figure 4 The same steps in the process are labeled with the same step number, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0164] If multiple instructions are stored in the transmission queue Q that is determined to be the processing target (step SA2: Yes), the second main body communication control unit 112 determines whether the multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q of the processing target include an image forming operation instruction (step SC1).

[0165] If the multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q of the processing target do not contain an image forming operation instruction (step SC1: No), the second main body communication control unit 112 sends the instruction at the head of the queue of instructions stored in the transmission queue Q of the processing target to the addition box 21 (step SA5).

[0166] On the other hand, if the multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q that is determined to be the object of processing include an image forming operation instruction (step SC1: Yes), the second main body communication control unit 112 generates a first combination instruction (step SA6).

[0167] Third Implementation Method

[0168] The second main body communication control unit 112 of the third embodiment operates differently after the instruction is sent compared to the second main body communication control unit 112 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0169] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second main body communication control unit 112 in the third embodiment. Figure 7 In China, targeting and Figure 4 The same steps in the illustrated process are labeled with the same step numbers, and their detailed descriptions are omitted appropriately. Figure 7 In their work, they and Figure 4 The operation is similarly to processing the transmission queue Q corresponding to the additional box 21 in the exclusive control. Alternatively, the second main body communication control unit 112 in the third embodiment can also implement step SD1 as described in the second embodiment instead. Figure 7 Step SA4 is shown.

[0170] When an instruction is sent in any of steps SA3, SA5, or SA7, the second main body communication control unit 112 determines whether an error occurred during the transmission of any of steps SA3, SA5, or SA7 (step SD1).

[0171] If it is determined that no error has occurred (step SD1: no), the second main body communication control unit 112 returns the processing to step SA1 and performs the processing after step SA1 again.

[0172] On the other hand, if an error is determined to have occurred (step SD1: Yes), the second main body communication control unit 112 determines whether a new instruction has been stored in the sending queue Q of the processing object within a predetermined period (step SD2).

[0173] If it is determined that no new instruction has been stored within the predetermined period (step SD2: No), the second main body communication control unit 112 sends an instruction that has become a transmission error state again (step SD3).

[0174] If it is determined that a new instruction has been stored within a predetermined period (step SD2: Yes), the second main body communication control unit 112 generates a second combination instruction (step SD4).

[0175] The second combination instruction is obtained by combining the instruction that has become a transmission error state with the instruction newly stored in the transmission queue Q of the processing object. The multiple instructions contained in the second combination instruction are described in the second combination instruction in the same order as the order in which they were stored in the transmission queue Q.

[0176] The second binding instruction is an example of "second binding data".

[0177] When generating the second combination instruction, the second main body communication control unit 112 establishes a correspondence between a flag indicating that ACK is required and the second combination instruction to be generated. At this time, the second main body communication control unit 112 de-establishes the correspondence between the flag indicating that ACK is required for the multiple instructions included in the second combination instruction.

[0178] When the second main body communication control unit 112 generates a second combination command, it sends the generated second combination command to the addition box 21 (step SD5).

[0179] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes: a main control unit 100, which includes a main memory 120; a main housing 17; and an extension housing 21, which is a different housing from the main housing 17 and is communicatively connected to the main control unit 100. The main memory 120 has a transmission queue Q for each extension housing 21 communicatively connected to the main control unit 100, which temporarily stores instructions sent to the extension housing 21. The main control unit 100 performs the following processing for each transmission queue Q: when multiple instructions are stored in the transmission queue Q, it generates a first combination instruction that combines the multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q, and sends the first combination instruction to the extension housing 21.

[0180] Therefore, by sending multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q as a single instruction, the overhead of sending multiple instructions can be reduced. Consequently, since the time required to send instructions to the extension box 21 can be shortened, the image forming apparatus 1 can speed up the control of the extension box 21.

[0181] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a plurality of add-on boxes 21. The plurality of add-on boxes 21 are connected to a bus-type communication line TL to the main control unit 100. When the main control unit 100 communicates with the plurality of add-on boxes 21, the main control unit 100 sequentially performs the following processing for each transmission queue Q: if multiple instructions are stored in the transmission queue Q, it generates a first combination instruction that combines the multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q, and sends the first combination instruction to the add-on box 21.

[0182] Therefore, even when multiple add-on boxes 21 are connected to the bus-type communication line TL, it is possible to prevent data conflicts in the communication line TL while speeding up the control of the add-on box 21.

[0183] The main control device 100 determines whether to generate a first combination instruction based on the total amount of data of multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q. If it determines that a first combination instruction should be generated, it generates the first combination instruction and sends the first combination instruction to the addition box 21.

[0184] Therefore, by determining whether to generate the first combination instruction based on the total amount of data of multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q, it is possible to appropriately speed up the control of the addition box 21 while suppressing unnecessary instruction combination processing.

[0185] The main control device 100 determines whether to generate a first combination instruction based on the type of instruction stored in the transmission queue Q. If it determines that a first combination instruction should be generated, it generates the first combination instruction and sends the first combination instruction to the addition box 21.

[0186] Therefore, by determining whether to generate the first combination instruction based on the type of data stored in the transmission queue Q, it is possible to appropriately speed up the control of the additional box 21 while suppressing unnecessary instruction combination processing.

[0187] If the multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q include an image forming instruction, the main control device 100 determines that a first combination instruction is to be generated.

[0188] Therefore, since the time required for sending and controlling the image forming operation command can be shortened, errors such as paper jams caused by delays in sending the image forming operation command can be suppressed. Thus, the image forming apparatus 1 can both speed up the control of the auxiliary box 21 and suppress errors such as paper jams caused by delays in sending the image forming operation command.

[0189] In the event of an error in the transmission of the instruction to the addition box 21, the main control device 100 generates a second combination instruction by combining the new instruction to be stored in the transmission queue Q with the instruction that has become a transmission error state, and sends the second combination instruction to the addition box 21.

[0190] Therefore, the instruction that caused the transmission error can be retransmitted as a single instruction, including the new instruction stored in the transmission queue Q. This allows for faster control of the expansion box 21 in the event of a transmission error.

[0191] In the first combination instruction, a correspondence is established with a marker indicating that an affirmative answer is required.

[0192] Therefore, it is possible to set an ACK for the first combination instruction to be only one. Since the ACK is not sent and received for each of the multiple instructions included in the first combination instruction, the control of the addition box 21 can be made faster, and the reliability of communication can be ensured by the ACK.

[0193] A control method for an image forming apparatus 1, wherein the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main control device 100, a main housing 17, and an auxiliary housing 21. The main control device 100 includes a main memory 120. The auxiliary housing 21 is a housing different from the main housing 17 and is communicatively connected to the main control device 100. In the control method of the image forming apparatus 1, the main memory 120 has a transmission queue Q for each auxiliary housing 21 communicatively connected to the main control device 100, which temporarily stores instructions sent to the auxiliary housing 21. The main control device 100 performs the following processing for each transmission queue Q: when multiple instructions are stored in the transmission queue Q, it generates a first combination instruction that combines the multiple instructions stored in the transmission queue Q, and sends the first combination instruction to the auxiliary housing 21.

[0194] Thus, the same effect as the image forming apparatus 1 described above can be achieved.

[0195] The above-described embodiments are merely one specific example illustrating the application of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0196] In the above embodiment, an example was given of sending instructions as data from the main control device 100 to the add-on box 21. However, the data sent by the main control device 100 to the add-on box 21 is not limited to instructions; for example, it may be firmware update data or setting data set for the add-on box 21.

[0197] The second embodiment described above is a structure that generates a first combining instruction when the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q include an image forming operation instruction. However, the type of instruction used as a condition for generating the first combining instruction is not limited to an image forming operation instruction, and may also be other types of instructions.

[0198] In the above embodiment, a structure is used to generate the first combination instruction and the second combination instruction based on the instructions sent from the main control device 100 to the expansion box 21. However, the data sent from the expansion box 21 to the main control device 100 can also be combined in the same way as in the above embodiment. In this case, if the expansion communication control unit 211 of the expansion box 21 stores multiple data to be sent to the main control device 100 in the expansion memory 220, it combines the multiple data and sends the combined data as a single data to the main control device 100.

[0199] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is illustrated with three attachment boxes 21. However, the image forming apparatus 1 only needs to have one or more attachment boxes 21, and the number of attachment boxes 21 provided by the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to three.

[0200] For example, the above-described embodiment illustrates a multifunction printer as an image forming apparatus 1. However, the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to a multifunction printer; it need only be an apparatus that has at least an image forming function.

[0201] Although a serial inkjet head 282 has been exemplified in the above embodiment, the head that ejects ink to the medium S can also be a row-type head or a side-shifting head. Furthermore, the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to inkjet. The inkjet head 282 is not limited to a head that ejects ink of the four CMYK colors; for example, it can be a head that uses ink of multiple colors created by adding special color inks to the four CMYK colors, or it can be a head capable of ejecting single-color or two-color inks.

[0202] Although the above embodiment exemplifies an inkjet head 282 that supplies ink from an ink cartridge 20, the inkjet head 282 of the image forming apparatus 1 may also be a structure that supplies ink from an ink cartridge or ink container.

[0203] The main processor 110 and the additional processor 210 can be configured using a single processor or multiple processors. The main processor 110 and the additional processor 210 can also be programmed hardware to implement corresponding functional units. That is, the main processor 110 and the additional processor 210 can be configured, for example, using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0204] Figure 3The image forming apparatus 1 shown is an example, and its specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily required to install hardware that corresponds independently to each part; of course, it can also be configured such that the functions of each part are implemented by a processor executing a program. Furthermore, a part of the function implemented by software in the above embodiment can be implemented by hardware, or a part of the function implemented by hardware can be implemented by software. In addition, the specific details of the structure of other parts of the image forming apparatus 1 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0205] In order to make the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1 easy to understand, thereby... Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The steps shown are divided according to the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited by the method and name of the division of processing units. It can also be further divided into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, it can be divided in a way that allows a single step unit to include more processes. Moreover, the order of the steps can be appropriately replaced without hindering the spirit of the invention.

[0206] Symbol Explanation

[0207] 1…Image forming apparatus; 17…Main body box (first box); 21…Addition box (second box); 21A…First addition box (second box); 21B…Second addition box (second box); 21C…Third addition box (second box); 100…Main body control device (control device); 101…Communication device; 102…First main body motor; 103…Second main body motor; 104…Third main body motor; 105…Fourth main body motor; 106…Fifth main body motor; 110…Main body processor; 111…First main body communication control unit; 112…Second main body communication control unit; 113…Image forming control unit; 114…Second instruction generation unit; 120…Main body memory (storage unit); 121…Control program; 130…Communication line I / F; 200…Addition control device; 201…Addition I / F; 202…First addition motor; 2 03…Second additional motor; 204…Third additional motor; 205…Fourth additional motor; 206…Sensor group; 206A…First sensor; 206B…Second sensor; 206C…Third sensor; 206D…Fourth sensor; 210…Added processor; 211…Added communication control unit; 212…Instruction execution unit; 220…Added memory; 221…Control program; 271…First main conveyor roller pair; 272…Second main conveyor roller pair; 273…Third main conveyor roller pair; 301…Main pickup roller; 302…Main separation roller pair; 311…Added pickup roller; 312…Added separation roller pair; 313…Added conveyor roller pair; 1131…First instruction generation unit; Q…Transmission queue; Q1…First transmission queue; Q2…Second transmission queue; Q3…Third transmission queue; S…Medium; TL…Communication line.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: A control device, which includes a storage unit; First box; The second box is different from the first box, and it has an additional control device and is communicatively connected to the control device. The storage unit has a transmission queue for temporarily storing data sent to the second box. The control device performs the following processing for each of the sending queues: when multiple data are stored in the sending queue, it generates first combined data by combining the multiple data stored in the sending queue, and sends the first combined data to the addition control device of the second box. The second box is controlled by the added control device based on the first combined data. When generating the first combined data, the control device de-establishes the correspondence between the markers indicating the need for a positive answer and the multiple instructions contained in the first combined data, so that a correspondence is established between the first combined data sent to the additional control device and a marker indicating the need for a positive answer.

2. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It has multiple second boxes, The storage unit has the transmission queue for each of the plurality of second boxes that are communicatively connected to the control device. Multiple second boxes are connected to a bus-type communication line connected to the control device. The control device, in communication with a plurality of second boxes, sequentially performs the processing for each of the sending queues.

3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control device performs the following processing, namely, The determination of whether to generate the first combined data is based on the total amount of data stored in the sending queue. If it is determined that the first combination data is to be generated, the first combination data is generated and sent to the second box.

4. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control device performs the following processing, namely, The determination of whether to generate the first combined data is based on the type of data stored in the sending queue. If it is determined that the first combination data is to be generated, the first combination data is generated and sent to the second box.

5. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The control device performs the following processing, namely, If the data stored in the sending queue includes data related to the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, it is determined that the first combined data is to be generated.

6. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control device performs the following processing, namely, In the event of an error during the transmission of data to the second box, a second combined data is generated by combining the new data already stored in the transmission queue with the data that has become a transmission error state, and the second combined data is transmitted to the second box.

7. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein, The image forming apparatus includes a control device, a first box, and a second box. The control device includes a storage unit. The second box differs from the first box, and the second box is equipped with an additional control device and is communicatively connected to the control device. In the control method of the image forming apparatus, The storage unit has a transmission queue for temporarily storing data sent to each of the second boxes that are communicatively connected to the control device. The control device performs the following processing for each of the sending queues: when multiple data are stored in the sending queue, it generates first combined data by combining the multiple data stored in the sending queue, and sends the first combined data to the addition control device of the second box. The second box is controlled by the added control device based on the first combined data. When generating the first combined data, the control device de-establishes the correspondence between the markers indicating the need for a positive answer and the multiple instructions contained in the first combined data, so that a correspondence is established between the first combined data sent to the additional control device and a marker indicating the need for a positive answer.

Images