Printing systems and signal processing equipment

Abstract

To implement an improved mechanism for determining the connection order of multiple optional devices connected in series in a printing system. [Solution] A printing system including a printing device and a plurality of optional devices connected in series to the printing device, wherein the plurality of optional devices include a set of identical optional devices whose connection order can be changed. Each optional device belonging to the set includes a plurality of input terminals for connection to an upstream device, a plurality of output terminals for connection to a downstream device, a calculation circuit that performs a count calculation on a counter signal value input via the plurality of input terminals and outputs the counter signal value after the count calculation to the downstream device via the plurality of output terminals, and a notification unit that notifies a control unit that controls the operation of the plurality of optional devices of the counter signal value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a printing system and a signal processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of commercial printing, a method is known in which the functional elements involved in printing are provided as separate devices, and a single printing system is constructed by connecting the necessary devices in multiple stages, in order to achieve high productivity, maintainability, and expandability. Such a printing system typically includes a printing device (also called an image forming device) that forms an image on a sheet, as well as several optional devices connected in series with the printing device. For example, the more paper feeders connected as optional devices, the greater the variety and number of sheets that can be supplied for printing.

[0003] If there are no restrictions on the connection order of similar optional devices and they can be swapped, the flexibility of the system configuration increases. On the other hand, in that case, the system needs to be able to recognize which optional devices are connected and in what order.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which multiple similar optional devices respond to a query signal represented by a specific bit sequence, and the bit sequence of the query signal output by the printing device to the downstream optional devices is rearranged by each optional device and relayed further downstream. Due to this rearrangement, the bit sequence of the query signal received by the series-connected optional devices will differ depending on their respective connection positions. Therefore, the printing device can detect the connection position of each optional device based on which optional device responds to the query signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-321067 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is inefficient because it requires K bits of signal value carried by K signal lines to determine the connection order of K (where K is a natural number) optional devices.

[0007] In view of the above, the present invention aims to realize an improved mechanism for determining the connection order of multiple optional devices connected in series in a printing system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] From one perspective, a printing system is provided, comprising a printing apparatus and a plurality of optional devices connected in series with the printing apparatus, wherein the plurality of optional devices includes a set of identical optional devices whose connection order can be changed, and each optional device belonging to the set includes a plurality of input terminals for connection to an upstream device, a plurality of output terminals for connection to a downstream device, a calculation circuit that performs a count calculation on a counter signal value input via the plurality of input terminals and outputs the counter signal value after the count calculation to the downstream device via the plurality of output terminals, and a notification unit that notifies a control unit that controls the operation of the plurality of optional devices of the counter signal value. A corresponding signal processing device is also provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an improved mechanism can be realized for determining the connection order of multiple optional devices connected in series in a printing system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrating the overview of the printing system. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a circuit related to the signal processing function of the option device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Circuit diagram showing an example of a more specific configuration of the arithmetic circuit for count arithmetic. [Figure 5A] Wiring diagram showing an example of the configuration related to the wiring between devices to which the reconnect configuration is applied. [Figure 5B] Wiring diagram showing another example of the configuration related to the wiring between devices to which the reconnect configuration is applied. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing an example of the signal processing flow executed by the option device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a circuit related to the signal processing function of the option device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Wiring diagram showing an example of the configuration related to the wiring between devices to which the reconnect configuration is applied. [Figure 10] Flowchart showing an example of the signal processing flow executed by the option device according to the first embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] <1. Outline of the System> This section describes an overview of a printing system to which the technology described herein may be applied. Figure 1 shows examples of a printing apparatus and various types of optional devices that can be connected to the printing apparatus. In embodiments described later, a so-called "multiple-unit configuration" is adopted in which multiple identical optional devices are connected in series in a single system, but in Figure 1, the multiple-unit configuration is omitted, meaning that only one of each type of optional device is shown.

[0013] In the embodiments described later, the printing system 1 is an inkjet image forming system that forms an image by ejecting ink and reaction solution onto a sheet being transported along a transport path. In other embodiments, other image forming methods such as electrophotography or sublimation transfer may be employed. The sheet may be any type of recording material, such as plain paper, cardboard, plastic film, envelope, index paper, or cloth. Referring to Figure 1, the printing system 1 includes a printing device 200, as well as optional devices such as a paper feeder 100, a drying device 300, a fixing device 400, a cooling device 500, a reversing device 600, and a loading device 700.

[0014] The paper feeder 100 is an optional device that has the function of feeding sheets toward the printing device. In the example in Figure 1, the paper feeder 100 includes a transport path 101 and storage units 110a, 110b, and 110c. Each of the storage units 110a, 110b, and 110c contains a bundle of sheets on which an image is to be formed by the printing device 200. The feeding mechanism of the paper feeder 100 picks up sheets one by one from the storage units 110a, 110b, or 110c specified in the print job and feeds them toward the transport path 101. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the storage units 110a, 110b, or 110c, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral is omitted, and they are collectively referred to as storage unit 110. The same applies to other components. The number of storage units 110 included in the paper feeder 100 is not limited to the example in Figure 1.

[0015] The printing device 200 includes a transport path 201, a belt unit 210, and a recording unit 220. The transport mechanism of the printing device 200 transports sheets received from the paper feed device 100 along the transport path 201 and feeds them to the belt unit 210. The recording unit 220 includes five recording heads that eject four inks, such as Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black), as well as a reaction solution. These recording heads eject their respective inks and reaction solutions onto the sheets transported by the belt unit 210 according to the input image data. As a result, a full-color image is formed on the first surface of the sheet. The type and number of recording heads provided in the recording unit 220 are not limited to this example. In other embodiments, the printing device 200 may be a monochrome printer instead of a color printer.

[0016] The drying apparatus 300 is an optional device that has the function of drying the sheet and the printed image on the sheet. In the example in Figure 1, the drying apparatus 300 includes a decoupling unit 310, a hot air blowing unit 320, and a belt unit 330. The decoupling unit 310 transports the sheet received from the printing apparatus 200 and sends it to the belt unit 330. The hot air blowing unit 320 blows hot air onto the sheet that is being transported by the belt unit 330, thereby evaporating the ink and the liquid components of the reaction solution in the printed image on the sheet.

[0017] The fixing device 400 is an optional device that has the function of fixing the printed image to the sheet. In the example in Figure 1, the fixing device 400 includes a fixing belt unit 410 and a reversing unit 420. The fixing belt unit 410 consists of an upper belt unit and a lower belt unit. The upper belt unit and the lower belt unit are heated by an internal heater (not shown) and pressurize and convey the sheet received from the drying device 300. As a result, the printed image on the sheet is fixed to the sheet.

[0018] The cooling device 500 is an optional device that has the function of cooling the sheet heated by the fixing device 400. In the example in Figure 1, the cooling device 500 includes cooling units 510 and 520, and a path switching unit 530. The cooling unit 510 has multiple fans and cools the sheet by blowing air taken in from the outside onto the sheet received from the fixing device 400. The transport path within the cooling device 500 branches into a path leading to the subsequent reversing device 600 and a path returning to the preceding device for double-sided printing (double-sided transport path). The path switching unit 530 switches the destination of the sheet between these two paths according to the print job settings. Sheets transported to the double-sided transport path are further cooled by the cooling unit 520.

[0019] The inversion device 600 is an optional device that has the function of inverting the front and back sides of the sheet. In the example shown in Figure 1, the inversion device 600 includes an inversion unit 610. The inversion unit 610 inverts the front and back sides of the sheet received from the cooling device 500 and discharges the sheet to the loading device 700.

[0020] The loading device 700 is an optional device that has the function of storing sheets on which images have been printed. In the example shown in Figure 1, the loading device 700 includes a top tray 710 and a loading section 720. Sheets received by the loading device 700 from the inversion device 600 are discharged to the top tray 710 or the loading section 720 according to the print job settings and stacked on top of other discharged sheets.

[0021] In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet that has passed through the double-sided transport path of the cooling device 500 is flipped over in the reversing unit 420 of the fixing device 400, and then passes through the drying device 300, the printing device 200 and the paper feed device 100 before returning to the transport path 201 of the printing device 200. Then, the recording unit 220 of the printing device 200 forms an image on the second side of the sheet, and the sheet passes through the drying device 300, the fixing device 400, the cooling device 500 and the reversing device 600 before being discharged to the loading device 700.

[0022] Of the optional devices described using Figure 1, the paper feeder 100, the reversing device 600, and the stacking device 700 can be configured in a multiple-unit configuration, for example, to improve productivity. In a multiple-unit configuration, multiple optional devices of the same type are connected in series, but the order in which these optional devices are connected can be changed. Figure 2 shows an example in which a multiple-unit configuration is applied to the paper feeder 100 and the stacking device 700 in the printing system 1.

[0023] <2. First Embodiment> <2-1. Double-headed configuration> Next, a system configuration including a double-headed configuration will be described. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, in which a double-headed configuration is adopted for the paper feeder 100 and the stacking device 700.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, the printing system 1 includes a paper feeder assembly G1, a printing device 200, a drying device 300, a fixing device 400, a cooling device 500, a reversing device 600, and a stacking device assembly G2. The paper feeder assembly G1 includes three paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c. The paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c are connected in series to the printing device 200. The stacking device assembly G2 includes three stacking devices 700a, 700b, and 700c. The stacking devices 700a, 700b, and 700c are connected in series to the printing device 200 (indirectly through other devices). Note that here, examples are shown where each of the same type of optional device assemblies G1 and G2 includes three optional devices, but the number of optional devices included in each assembly is not limited to this example.

[0025] The printing device 200 includes a control unit 240 that comprehensively controls the operations of the printing system 1 described above. Each optional device includes a control circuit that controls the operation of its own device. In the example in Figure 2, the paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c each include their respective control circuits (e.g., CPUs) 160. The loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c each include their respective control circuits 760. In this embodiment, the control unit 240 is connected to the control circuits of each optional device via a relay device 800. The relay device 800 may be, for example, a repeater hub, a switching hub, or a Layer 3 switch, and relays control communication between the control circuits of each optional device and the control unit 240. The network via the relay device 800 may be configured as an intranet using a known communication protocol such as Ethernet.

[0026] Focusing on paper feeding control, the control unit 240 needs to recognize which paper feeding devices 100 are connected and in what order in order to supply the specified sheets to the printing device 200 at the appropriate timing in the print job. Similarly, focusing on paper discharge control, the control unit 240 needs to recognize which loading devices 700 are connected and in what order in order to properly sort the sheets with images formed on them and discharge them to the target loading section in the print job. In this embodiment, each optional device has a processing circuit that receives a counter signal value from an upstream device, performs a predetermined calculation, and outputs the calculated counter signal value to a downstream device, enabling the recognition of this connection order. The predetermined calculation will be explained in detail later.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 2, the paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c each include a processing circuit 150. The control circuit 160 of each paper feeder 100 notifies the control unit 240 via the relay device 800 of the counter signal value processed in the processing circuit 150. This counter signal value changes each time a predetermined calculation is performed by the processing circuit 150. Therefore, the control unit 240 can determine the connection position of each paper feeder 100 within the set G1 (i.e., its position within the set) based on the notified counter signal value.

[0028] Furthermore, each loading device 700a, 700b, and 700c includes its own processing circuit 750. The control circuit 760 of each loading device 700 notifies the control unit 240 via the relay device 800 of the counter signal value processed in the processing circuit 750. This counter signal value also changes each time a predetermined calculation is performed by the processing circuit 750. Therefore, the control unit 240 can determine the connection position of each loading device 700 within the assembly G2 based on the notified counter signal value.

[0029] The printing device 200 includes a processing circuit 250 that generates power supply control signals to control the power supply from the power source to each optional device. When the power to the printing system 1 is turned on, the processing circuit 250 generates power supply control signals that instruct the start of power supply to each optional device. The power supply control signals are sequentially transferred from the processing circuit 250 to the paper feed devices 100a, 100b, and 100c. Similarly, the power supply control signals are sequentially transferred from the processing circuit 250 to the drying device 300, the fixing device 400, the cooling device 500, the reversing device 600, and the loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c. Each optional device starts up when it is instructed to start power supply by the power supply control signal. In this embodiment, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the direction of this power supply control signal flow.

[0030] The next section will provide a detailed explanation of the specific configuration of the optional device related to determining the coupling order based on the counter signal values ​​described above.

[0031] <2-2. Example of Optional Device Configuration> Each optional device in the printing system 1 functions as a signal processing device that processes a counter signal representing a counter signal value. The signal processing function of each optional device may be common across multiple optional devices. Therefore, although this explanation focuses on the paper feed device 100 (paper feed devices 100a, 100b, and 100c), the explanation also applies to the other optional devices.

[0032] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a circuit related to the signal processing function of the paper feeder 100 as an optional device. In addition to the processing circuit 150 and control circuit 160 described above, Figure 3 also shows a power supply circuit 170. The processing circuit 150 includes a group of input terminals that can be connected to an upstream device, a group of output terminals that can be connected to a downstream device, a delay circuit 151, and an arithmetic circuit 152. The control circuit 160 includes a notification unit 161.

[0033] The group of input terminals that can be connected to the upstream device are the power supply control signal S P It includes a control input terminal 14 that accepts input of a power supply control signal S, and N input terminals 16a, 16b that accept input of a counter signal. The output terminals that can be connected to downstream devices are power supply control signals S P It includes a control output terminal 15 to which a signal is output, and N output terminals 17a, 17b to which counter signals are output. Generally, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the counter signal value is represented by the signal flowing through N signal lines between the N input terminals and the N output terminals. In the example in Figure 3, N=2. In this case, the counter signal value is represented by two bits (b0, b1), and each set of similar optional devices of the printing system 1 is at most 2 N It may include individual devices.

[0034] The power supply circuit 170 receives a power supply control signal S via the control input terminal 14. PAccording to this, power supply from the power supply (not shown) of the printing system 1 to each part of the paper feeding device 100 is started. Note that the power supply of the printing system 1 may be an external power supply such as a commercial power supply, or may be an internal power supply such as a battery. The delay circuit 151 delays the power supply control signal S P for a predetermined delay time and then outputs the power supply control signal S P to the downstream device via the control output terminal 15. The predetermined delay time here may be, for example, 100 to 300 milliseconds (ms). By each option device delaying the power supply control signal S P and then transferring it downstream, the start timing of the option device is dispersed, so it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an excessive inrush current in the power supply line of the system. Of course, the length of the delay time is not limited to the above example.

[0035] The arithmetic circuit 152 performs a count operation on the counter signal values (b0, b1) input via the input terminals 16a and 16b, and outputs the counter signal values (b0´, b1´) after the count operation to the downstream device via the output terminals 17a and 17b. The count operation here may be any type of operation as long as the same value does not appear in the counter signal value in the 2 N -1 operation. A simple count operation is an addition or subtraction of 1 or a constant K to a numerical value represented by N bits (where 2 N and K are relatively prime). Alternatively, a more advanced operation such as Gray code counting may be performed. In the following description, the count operation is assumed to be an addition of 1 (i.e., increment). In this embodiment, the arithmetic circuit 152 of each option device does not actually perform 2 N -1 count operations. Instead, as a whole of the printing system 1, count operations are performed the number of times corresponding to the number of connected option devices.

[0036] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing a more specific example of the configuration of the arithmetic circuit 152 for counting. Referring to Figure 4, the arithmetic circuit 152 includes a NOT circuit 153, an exclusive OR (XOR) circuit 154, and pull-down resistors 155 and 156. The NOT circuit 153 inverts bit b0 input from input terminal 16a and outputs bit b0' to output terminal 17a. The XOR circuit 154 outputs bit b1', which represents the exclusive OR of bits b0 and b1 input from input terminals 16a and 16b, to output terminal 17b. In the example of N=2, bits b0 and b0' are the least significant bits (LSB), and bits b1 and b1' are the most significant bits (MSB). Consequently, the truth table for the counting operation in the arithmetic circuit 152 is as shown in Table 1 below:

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] As can be seen from Table 1, the arithmetic circuit 152 shown in Figure 4 increments (adds 1) the counter signal value input from the upstream device and outputs the incremented counter signal value to the downstream device.

[0039] The pull-down resistors 155 and 156 are circuit elements for setting the counter signal value input to the arithmetic circuit 152 to an initial value when no upstream device is connected to the input terminals 16a and 16b. Pull-down resistor 155 pulls down the signal level of bit b0 to a low level. Pull-down resistor 156 pulls down the signal level of bit b1 to a low level. In this case, the initial value of the counter signal is zero. If the signal level at the initial value is high, pull-up resistors may be used instead of pull-down resistors.

[0040] Returning to Figure 3, the signal lines between input terminals 16a and 16b and the arithmetic circuit 152 branch off and are also connected to the control circuit 160. Therefore, the counter signal values ​​(b0, b1) are input not only to the arithmetic circuit 152 but also to the control circuit 160. The notification unit 161 of the control circuit 160 notifies the control unit 240 of the printing device 200 of these counter signal values ​​along with device identification information that identifies its own device. For example, the notification unit 161 may notify the control unit 240 of the counter signal values ​​through control communication relayed by the relay device 800. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 240 can determine the connection position of the device identified by the device identification information based on the corresponding counter signal value. The device identification information may include, for example, one or more of the following: type information that identifies the type of device, individual information that identifies the individual device, and an address for communication. As described above, the timing of the startup of similar optional devices is distributed so that devices located upstream start up earlier. Therefore, the control unit 240 typically receives notifications of counter signal values ​​in order from the upstream optional devices. In the example of set G1 in Figure 2, the control unit 240 may receive notifications in the following order: 1) Counter signal value '0b00' - Paper feeder 100a 2) Counter signal value '0b01' - Paper feeder 100b 3) Counter signal value '0b10' - Paper feeder 100c The prefix '0b' indicates a binary number.

[0041] Figure 5A shows an example of a configuration related to the wiring between the printing device 200 and the paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c. The printing device 200 has a connector 21 for connection to the paper feeder 100 and a connector 22 for connection to the drying device 300.

[0042] Each paper feeder 100 has a connector 11 for connecting to an upstream device and a connector 12 for connecting to a downstream device. In the example in Figure 5A, the connector 21 of the printing device 200 is connected to the connector 11 of the paper feeder 100a, the connector 12 of the paper feeder 100a is connected to the connector 11 of the paper feeder 100b, and the connector 12 of the paper feeder 100b is connected to the connector 11 of the paper feeder 100c. This creates a multi-unit configuration with the paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c connected in that order. Furthermore, the physical structures of the connectors 11, 12, 21, and 22 are common, and the connection order of the paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c can be arbitrarily changed. In this specification, the expression "arbitrarily changeable" should be understood to include not only the ability to change the connection position of each device, but also the ability to add and remove connected devices.

[0043] A power supply control signal S is transmitted between the processing circuit 250 of the printing device 200 and connectors 21 and 22. P Only a signal line exists for this purpose. On the other hand, the connector 11 of each paper feeder 100 is connected not only to the control input terminal 14 but also to the input terminals 16a and 16b for the counter signal value. Also, the connector 12 is connected not only to the control output terminal 15 but also to the output terminals 17a and 17b for the counter signal value. Therefore, the power supply control signal S generated by the processing circuit 250 of the printing device 200 P This is transferred (with a delay) from the printing device 200 to the paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c. Meanwhile, the counter signal S C This value is generated in the paper feeder 100a in an initial state due to the action of the pull-down resistor described above, and is output from the paper feeder 100a to the paper feeder 100b, and from the paper feeder 100b to the paper feeder 100c, while the value is changed by count calculation.

[0044] Figure 5B shows an example configuration relating to the wiring between the reversing device 600 and the loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c. The reversing device 600 has a connector 61 for connection to the upstream device and a connector 62 for connection to the downstream device. Typically, the upstream device is the cooling device 500, and the downstream device is one of the loading devices 700.

[0045] Each loading device 700 has a connector 71 for connecting to an upstream device and a connector 72 for connecting to a downstream device. In the example in Figure 5B, the connector 62 of the reversing device 600 is connected to the connector 71 of loading device 700a, the connector 72 of loading device 700a is connected to the connector 71 of loading device 700b, and the connector 72 of loading device 700b is connected to the connector 71 of loading device 700c. This creates a multiple-unit configuration with loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c in that order. Furthermore, the physical structure of connectors 61, 62, 71, and 72 is common to all connectors, similar to connectors 11, 12, 21, and 22 described above, and the order in which loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c are connected can be arbitrarily changed.

[0046] A power supply control signal S is transmitted between the processing circuit 650 of the inverting device 600 and connectors 61 and 62. P Only signal lines exist for this purpose. On the other hand, the connector 71 of each loading device 700 is connected not only to the control input terminal 14 of the processing circuit 750, but also to the input terminals 16a and 16b for the counter signal value. In addition, the connector 72 is connected not only to the control output terminal 15 of the processing circuit 750, but also to the output terminals 17a and 17b for the counter signal value. The processing circuit 750 of the loading device 700 provides the same signal processing function as the processing circuit 150 of the paper feed device 100 described above. Therefore, the power supply control signal S generated by the processing circuit 250 of the printing device 200 P The signal is transferred (with delays) from the printing device 200, through several intermediate devices, to the reversing device 600, and the loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c. Meanwhile, the counter signal S CThis value is generated in the loading device 700a in an initial state due to the action of the pull-down resistor described above, and is output from the loading device 700a to the loading device 700b, and from the loading device 700b to the loading device 700c, while the value is changed by count calculation.

[0047] <2-3. Signal Processing Flow> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the signal processing flow performed by the optional device according to this embodiment. Here, we will focus on the paper feed device 100, which is one of the optional devices, and explain the signal processing performed by the paper feed device 100, but the following explanation also applies to other optional devices that make up the printing system 1. In the following explanation, processing steps will be abbreviated as 'S'.

[0048] First, in S11, the processing circuit 150 receives a power supply control signal from the upstream device via the control input terminal 14, instructing it to start up. Next, in S12, the power supply circuit 170 starts supplying power from the power source to each part of the paper feed device 100 in response to the power supply control signal. For example, the CPU, acting as the control circuit 160, starts up by receiving power from the power source and executes a program read from memory.

[0049] Next, in S13, the notification unit 161 of the control circuit 160 notifies the control unit 240 of the printing device 200 of the counter signal value input from the upstream device via input terminals 16a and 16b, along with device identification information. Before notifying the control unit 240 of the counter signal value, the notification unit 161 may wait for a predetermined waiting time until the logic of the counter signal is reliably determined. Next, in S14, the delay circuit 151 issues a power supply control signal S P After delaying for a predetermined delay time, the power supply control signal S P This is output to the downstream device via the control output terminal 15. The delay time here may be equal to or different from the waiting time in S13.

[0050] Furthermore, in S15, the arithmetic circuit 152 performs a count calculation on the counter signal value input from the upstream device. Then, in S16, the arithmetic circuit 152 outputs the counter signal value after the count calculation to the downstream device via output terminals 17a and 17b.

[0051] Next, in S17, the control circuit 160 controls operations specific to its own device in accordance with the control by the control unit 240 of the printing device 200. For example, the control circuit 160 transmits status information to the control unit 240 indicating the status of its own device (e.g., the remaining amount of sheets stored in each storage compartment). In a print job, the control circuit 160 of a paper feeder 100 having a storage compartment designated as the paper source controls the feeding mechanism to feed sheets from that storage compartment to the transport path. The control circuit 160 of other paper feeders 100 controls the transport mechanism to transport sheets received from the upstream device to the downstream device. The control circuit 160 of paper feeders 100 that are not involved in sheet transport may stop the transport mechanism or may continue to operate the transport mechanism. For example, in the double-headed configuration shown in Figure 5A, if the storage section 110c of the paper feeder 100c is designated as the paper source, the sheets fed from the storage section 110c of the paper feeder 100c to the transport path are transported to the printing device 200 by passing through the paper feeders 100b and 100a in order. The control unit 240 of the printing device 200 controls the operation of these paper feeders 100a to 100c in a print job based on the coupling position of the paper feeders 100a, 100b, and 100c, which is determined based on the counter signal value.

[0052] The control performed in S17 may differ depending on the type of optional device. When the control circuit 760 of the loading device 700 performs the signal processing shown in Figure 6, the control circuit 760 of the loading device 700 having a loading section designated as the paper discharge destination controls the discharge mechanism to discharge the sheets to that loading section. The control circuit 760 of the loading device 700 that is not involved in the transport and discharge of sheets may stop the transport mechanism or keep the transport mechanism running. For example, in the double-unit configuration shown in Figure 5B, if the loading section 720 of the loading device 700c is designated as the paper discharge destination, the sheets transported to the loading device 700c after passing through loading devices 700a and 700b in order are discharged to the loading section 720 of the loading device 700c. The control unit 240 of the printing device 200 controls the operation of the stacking devices 700a, 700b, and 700c in a printing job based on the coupling positions of the stacking devices 700a, 700b, and 700c, which are determined based on the counter signal value.

[0053] <3. Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described in the previous section, an example was described in which multiple optional devices of the same type are connected in series adjacent to each other. However, the technology relating to this disclosure is not limited to such an example. In the second embodiment described below, a multiple-unit configuration is formed in which other types of optional devices are interposed between optional devices of the same type.

[0054] <3-1. Double-headed configuration> Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 2 according to the second embodiment. The printing system 2, like the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, includes a printing device 200, and optional devices such as a paper feed device 100, a drying device 300, a fixing device 400, a cooling device 500, a reversing device 600, and a loading device 700. However, in Figure 7, the drying device 300, the fixing device 400, and the cooling device 500 are omitted. In this embodiment, a double-unit configuration is adopted for the reversing device 600 and the loading device 700. Specifically, the printing system 2 includes, in order from upstream to downstream, a reversing device 600a, a loading device 700a, a reversing device 600b, a loading device 700b, and a loading device 700c.

[0055] Furthermore, an auxiliary device 910 is connected to the loading device 700a to provide auxiliary functions. The auxiliary device 910 may be, for example, a Sheet Finishing Device (SFD) that coats one side of a sheet. The auxiliary device 910 operates according to pre-registered settings while communicating with the control circuit 760 of the loading device 700a. Also, an auxiliary device 920 is connected to the loading device 700c. The auxiliary device 920 may be, for example, a Document Finishing Device (DFD) that applies post-processing such as binding or stapling to a document consisting of multiple sheets. The auxiliary device 920 operates according to pre-registered settings while communicating with the control circuit 760 of the loading device 700c.

[0056] The auxiliary device 910 is, for example, an SFD that can only coat one side of a sheet. Therefore, if it is necessary to coat both sides of a sheet, the inversion device 600b inverts the sheet with the first side coated and sends it back to the loading device 700a. Then, the auxiliary device 910 coats the second side of the same sheet. The inversion device 600b is connected between the loading device 700a and the loading device 700b for this operation.

[0057] The inverting devices 600a and 600b each include a processing circuit 650 and a control circuit (e.g., a CPU) 660. The loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c each include a processing circuit 750 and a control circuit 760. In this embodiment as well, the control unit 240 of the printing device 200 is connected to the control circuits of each optional device via the relay device 800.

[0058] In this embodiment as well, the processing circuit 750 of each loading device 700 performs a count calculation on the counter signal value received from the upstream device in order to recognize the connection order within the set of loading devices 700, and outputs the calculated counter signal value to the downstream device. The control circuit 760 of each loading device 700 notifies the control unit 240 of the counter signal value processed by the processing circuit 750 via the relay device 800. Since this counter signal value changes each time a counter calculation is performed, the control unit 240 can determine the connection position of each loading device 700 based on the notified counter signal value.

[0059] On the other hand, the inverting device 600b, which is connected between the loading device 700a and the loading device 700b, is not an optional device of the same type as the loading device 700. Therefore, when the inverting device 600b counts up the counter signal value received from the loading device 700a and outputs it to the loading device 700b, gaps occur in the counter signal values ​​representing the connection position of each loading device 700. Thus, in this embodiment, each optional device has a signal path that counts up the counter signal value, as well as a signal path that outputs the input counter signal value as is. In the following description, the former signal path will be referred to as the count-up path, and the latter signal path as the pass-through path.

[0060] The next section will provide a detailed explanation of the specific configuration of the optional device having a count-up path and a pass-through path.

[0061] <3-2. Example of Optional Device Configuration> Each optional device in the printing system 2 functions as a signal processing device that processes a counter signal representing a counter signal value. The configuration of the signal processing circuit of each optional device may be common across multiple optional devices. Therefore, although this explanation focuses on the loading device 700 (loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c), the explanation also applies to the other optional devices.

[0062] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a circuit related to the signal processing function of the loading device 700 as an optional device. Figure 8 shows a processing circuit 750, a control circuit 760, and a power supply circuit 770. The processing circuit 750 includes a group of input terminals that can be connected to an upstream device, a group of output terminals that can be connected to a downstream device, a delay circuit 151, and an arithmetic circuit 152. The control circuit 160 includes a notification unit 161.

[0063] The input terminals that can be connected to upstream devices include a control input terminal 14 and N input terminals 16a and 16b, similar to the configuration of the processing circuit 150 described with reference to Figure 3. The output terminals that can be connected to downstream devices include a control output terminal 15, N first output terminals 17a and 17b, and N second output terminals 18a and 18b. Output terminals 17a and 17b are output terminals of the count-up path described above, and the counter signal value after the count calculation by the arithmetic circuit 152 is output to the downstream device via output terminals 17a and 17b. An example of the configuration of the arithmetic circuit 152 and an example of the count calculation performed by the arithmetic circuit 152 are as described in the first embodiment. Output terminals 18a and 18b are output terminals of the pass-through path described above, and the counter signal value input via input terminals 16a and 16b is output directly to the downstream device via output terminals 18a and 18.

[0064] The power supply circuit 770 receives a power supply control signal S via the control input terminal 14. P Accordingly, power is supplied from the power supply (not shown) of the printing system 2 to each part of the loading device 700. In this embodiment as well, the delay circuit 151 controls the power supply signal S P By delaying the output for a predetermined delay period before sending it to the downstream device, the startup timings of multiple optional devices are distributed.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, the signal lines between input terminals 16a and 16b and the arithmetic circuit 152 branch off and are also connected to the control circuit 760. Therefore, the counter signal values ​​(b0, b1) are input not only to the arithmetic circuit 152 but also to the control circuit 760. The notification unit 161 of the control circuit 760 notifies the control unit 240 of the printing device 200 of these counter signal values ​​along with device identification information that identifies the device itself. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 240 can determine the connection position of the device identified by the device identification information based on the corresponding counter signal value. Here, the device identification information may also include, for example, type information that identifies the type of device and individual information that identifies the individual device. The signal lines between input terminals 16a and 16b and the notification unit 161 branch off further and are connected to output terminals 18a and 18b, respectively.

[0066] Figure 9 shows an example of a configuration related to the wiring between the reversing devices 600a and 600b, and the loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c.

[0067] Each reversing device 600 has a connector 61 for connection to an upstream device and a connector 62 for connection to a downstream device. Each loading device 700 has a connector 71 for connection to an upstream device and a connector 72 for connection to a downstream device. In the example in Figure 9, the connector 62 of reversing device 600a is connected to the connector 71 of loading device 700a, the connector 72 of loading device 700a is connected to the connector 61 of reversing device 600b, the connector 62 of reversing device 600b is connected to the connector 71 of loading device 700b, and the connector 72 of loading device 700b is connected to the connector 71 of loading device 700c. Thus, focusing on the loading devices 700, a multiple-unit configuration is formed with loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c in that connection order. Similarly, focusing on the reversing devices 600, a multiple-unit configuration is formed with reversing devices 600a and 600b in that connection order. Furthermore, the physical structure of connectors 61, 62, 71, and 72 is standardized, and the connection order of these optional devices can be arbitrarily changed.

[0068] The connector 71 of each loading device 700 is connected to the control input terminal 14 of the processing circuit 750, as well as to input terminals 16a and 16b for counter signal values. The connector 72 is connected to the control output terminal 15 of the processing circuit 750, as well as to output terminals 17a and 17b of the count-up path. On the other hand, the connector 61 of each inverting device 600 is connected to the control input terminal 14 of the processing circuit 650, as well as to input terminals 16a and 16b for counter signal values. The connector 62 is connected to the control output terminal 15 of the processing circuit 650, as well as to output terminals 18a and 18b of the pass-through path.

[0069] Therefore, power supply control signal S P The signal is transferred (with delays) from the printing device 200, through several intermediate devices, to the reversing device 600a, the loading device 700a, the reversing device 600b, the loading device 700b, and the loading device 700c. Meanwhile, the counter signal S C The counter signal S is counted up only in the loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c, and its value is maintained in the inversion devices 600a and 600b. Although not shown in Figure 9, a pass-through path may also be selected for optional devices upstream of the inversion device 600a, and the initial value of the counter signal S is indicated in the printing device 200 or any of the optional devices. C This can be generated.

[0070] As described above, the timing of the optional devices starting up is distributed so that the devices located upstream start up earlier. Therefore, the control unit 240 typically receives notifications of counter signal values ​​in order from the upstream optional devices. In the example in Figure 9, the control unit 240 may receive notifications in the following order: 1) Counter signal value '0b00' - Inverter 600a 2) Counter signal value '0b00' - Loading device 700a 3) Counter signal value '0b01' - Inverter 600b 4) Counter signal value '0b01' - Loading device 700b 5) Counter signal value '0b10' - Loading device 700c

[0071] <3-3. Signal Processing Flow> Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the signal processing flow performed by the optional device according to this embodiment. Here, we will focus on the loading device 700, one of the optional devices, and explain the signal processing performed by the loading device 700, but the following explanation also applies to other optional devices that make up the printing system 2.

[0072] First, in S20, the processing circuit 750 receives a power supply control signal from the upstream device via the control input terminal 14, instructing it to start up. Next, in S21, the power supply circuit 770 starts supplying power from the power supply to each part of the loading device 700 in response to the power supply control signal. For example, the CPU, acting as the control circuit 760, starts up by receiving power from the power supply and executes a program read from memory.

[0073] Next, in S22, the notification unit 161 of the control circuit 760 notifies the control unit 240 of the printing device 200 of the counter signal value input from the upstream device via input terminals 16a and 16b, along with device identification information. Before notifying the control unit 240 of the counter signal value, the notification unit 161 may wait for a predetermined waiting time until the logic of the counter signal is reliably determined. Next, in S23, the delay circuit 151 issues a power supply control signal S P After delaying for a predetermined delay time, the power supply control signal S P This is output to the downstream device via the control output terminal 15.

[0074] The subsequent signal processing branches off at S24. For example, if connector 72 is connected to output terminals 17a and 17b of the count-up path, as in the loading devices 700a, 700b, and 700c in Figure 9, then at S25, the calculation circuit 152 performs a count calculation on the counter signal value input from the upstream device. Next, at S26, the calculation circuit 152 outputs the counter signal value after the count calculation to the downstream device via output terminals 17a and 17b. On the other hand, if connector 72 is connected to output terminals 18a and 18b of the pass-through path, at S27, the counter signal value input from the upstream device is output directly to the downstream device via output terminals 18a and 18b.

[0075] In this embodiment, the decision of which of the two branches the processing proceeds to in S24 is determined by the physical connection between the connector and each output terminal. In one modification, output terminals 18a and 18b are shared with output terminals 17a and 17b, and a switch may be added to the processing circuit 750 for switching the signal path between the pass-through path and the count-up path. In that case, the control circuit 760 may control the switch to switch the signal path according to user settings. Alternatively, the switch may be a hardware switch that can be physically switched by an operator.

[0076] Furthermore, in S28, the signal processing branches depending on whether or not an auxiliary device is connected to the loading device 700. If an auxiliary device is connected, in S29, the control circuit 760 of the loading device 700 starts communication with the connected auxiliary device. If no auxiliary device is connected, S29 is skipped.

[0077] Next, in S30, the control circuit 760 controls operations specific to its own device in accordance with the control by the control unit 240 of the printing device 200. For example, the control circuit 760 transmits status information indicating the status of its own device (e.g., whether auxiliary devices are connected or not) to the control unit 240. In a print job, the control circuit 760 of a loading device 700 having a loading section designated as the paper output destination controls the discharge mechanism to discharge the sheets from the transport path to the loading section. If additional processing by an auxiliary device is instructed, the control circuit 760 may output the sheets to the auxiliary device and control the auxiliary device to perform the specified processing on the sheets.

[0078] <4. Summary> Up to this point, various embodiments of the technology relating to this disclosure and related modifications have been described using Figures 1 to 10. In the embodiments described above, counter signal values ​​that are sequentially updated by identical optional devices connected in series in a printing system are notified to a control unit that controls the operation of the system in order to determine the connection order of these optional devices. By updating these counter signal values ​​by count calculation, the states that signals flowing through multiple signal lines can take are utilized efficiently and without waste, thereby increasing the upper limit of the number of optional devices that can be connected. Alternatively, the number of signal lines required to determine the connection order of a certain number of optional devices can be reduced. For example, if the counter signal value is represented by counter signals on N signal lines between optional devices, then at most 2 N It is possible to connect several (four if N=2, eight if N=3) identical optional devices. A signal processing device having a signal processing function that performs the above-mentioned count calculation and notifies the control unit of the counter signal value may be mounted on each of the optional devices.

[0079] In the embodiment described above, the control unit determines the connection position of each option device in the set based on the counter signal value notified from each option device, and controls the operation of each option device in the print job based on the determined connection position. This dynamic determination of the connection order ensures the accurate execution of the print job while increasing the degree of freedom in changing the configuration of the printing system, as long as the upper limit on the number of option devices of the same type is not exceeded.

[0080] In the embodiment described above, each optional device is connected to at least one relay device connected to the control unit via a communication line separate from the N signal lines that carry the counter signal. The notification unit then notifies the control unit of the counter signal value via the at least one relay device. The control unit also communicates with each optional device via the at least one relay device to control the operation of each optional device in a print job. By physically separating the communication line for control communication involving the control unit from the N signal lines that carry the counter signal, it is possible to avoid increasing the complexity of the processing circuit and signal line implementation that handles the counter signal value, and to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost of the device.

[0081] In the embodiment described above, the notification unit notifies the control unit of the counter signal value along with the device identification information of the device, and the control unit determines the connection position of each optional device based on this device identification information. Therefore, the control unit can recognize the connection position determined based on the counter signal value in association with the type and individual unit of the corresponding optional device.

[0082] In the embodiment described above, the calculation circuit that performs the count calculation includes a circuit element that sets the counter signal value input to the calculation circuit to an initial value when no upstream devices are connected to the multiple input terminals. In this case, the initial value of the counter signal can be input to the calculation circuit of the option device without requiring any special control, simply by not electrically connecting any further upstream devices to the multiple input terminals of the option device that is connected to the furthest upstream of the same type of option device.

[0083] In the second embodiment, each optional device includes a second set of output terminals that output the input counter signal value as is, in addition to a first set of output terminals that output the counter signal value after the count calculation. By providing each optional device with a signal path that outputs the counter signal value as is, the circuit configuration can be standardized between optional devices that require count calculation and other optional devices. As a result, the desired behavior of the counter signal value can be achieved simply by changing the connection relationship between terminals (whether the downstream device is connected to the first set of output terminals or to the second set of output terminals).

[0084] In the embodiments described above, the notification unit of each optional device mainly described an example in which the counter signal value before the count calculation in its own device is notified to the control unit of the printing device. However, the notification unit of each optional device may also notify the control unit of the printing device of the counter signal value after the count calculation in its own device. Furthermore, the control communication via the relay device 800 may be conducted via a wired connection or wireless connection.

[0085] <5. Other Embodiments> The above embodiment can also be implemented in the form of a process in which a program that implements one or more functions is supplied to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0086] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1,2: Printing system, 11,12,21,22,61,62,71,72: Connectors, 14: Control input terminal, 15: Control output terminal, 16a,16b: Input terminal, 17a,17b: Output terminals (first set of multiple output terminals), 18a,18b: Output terminals (second set of multiple output terminals), 100a,100b,100c: Paper feed device (optional device), 150: Processing circuit, 151: Delay circuit, 152: Calculation Circuit, 160: Control circuit, 161: Notification unit, 170: Power supply circuit, 200: Printing device, 300: Drying device, 400: Fixing device, 500: Cooling device, 600a, 600b: Inversion device (optional device), 650: Processing circuit, 700a, 700b, 700c: Loading device (optional device), 750: Processing circuit, 760: Control circuit, 770: Power supply circuit, 800: Hub (relay device), G1, G2: Assembly, S P : Power supply control signal, S C : counter signal

Claims

1. A printing system including a printing device and a plurality of optional devices connected in series with the printing device, The aforementioned plurality of optional devices include a set of identical optional devices whose connection order can be changed. Each optional device belonging to the aforementioned set is Multiple input terminals for connecting to upstream devices, Multiple output terminals for connection to downstream devices, A calculation circuit that performs a count calculation on the counter signal value input via the plurality of input terminals, and outputs the counter signal value after the count calculation to the downstream device via the plurality of output terminals, A notification unit that notifies the control unit that controls the operation of the plurality of optional devices of the counter signal value, A printing system, including a printing system.

2. The counter signal value is represented by the signal flowing through N signal lines (where N is an integer of 2 or more) between the plurality of input terminals and the plurality of output terminals. The aforementioned set is at most 2 Ｎ Including this individual identical optional device, The printing system according to claim 1.

3. The printing apparatus includes the control unit, The control unit determines the connection position of each option device within the set based on the counter signal value notified from each option device. The printing system according to claim 1.

4. The notification unit notifies the control unit of the counter signal value along with the device identification information of the optional device on which the calculation circuit is installed. The control unit further determines the connection position of each optional device within the set based on the device identification information. The printing system according to claim 3.

5. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the operation of each optional device in a print job based on the determined connection position of each optional device.

6. Each optional device is connected to at least one relay device connected to the control unit by a communication line separate from the N signal lines. The notification unit notifies the control unit of the counter signal value via the at least one relay device. The printing system according to claim 2.

7. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the operation of each optional device in a print job by communicating with each optional device via the at least one relay device.

8. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the count calculation includes adding or subtracting a constant to the counter signal value.

9. The set of the aforementioned similar optional devices is A paper feeder that feeds sheets toward the printing device, A reversing device for flipping the front and back sides of a sheet, and A loading device on which sheets with images printed by the aforementioned printing device are loaded, The printing system according to claim 1, comprising at least one set of the following.

10. A signal processing device mounted on one of several optional devices of the same type, which are connected in series with a printing device and constitute a printing system, and whose connection order can be changed, Multiple input terminals for connecting to upstream devices, Multiple output terminals for connection to downstream devices, A calculation circuit that performs a count calculation on the counter signal value input via the plurality of input terminals, and outputs the counter signal value after the count calculation to the downstream device via the plurality of output terminals, A notification unit that notifies the control unit that controls the operation of the plurality of optional devices of the counter signal value, A signal processing device, including a signal processing device.

11. The signal processing device according to claim 10, wherein the calculation circuit includes a circuit element that sets the counter signal value input to the calculation circuit to an initial value when no upstream device is connected to the plurality of input terminals.

12. The signal processing device is A plurality of first output terminals on which the counter signal value after the count calculation by the calculation circuit is output, A second set of output terminals through which the counter signal values ​​input via the aforementioned set of input terminals are output as is. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 10, including the following:

13. The signal processing device is A control input terminal for connecting to the upstream device, A control output terminal for connecting to the downstream device, A power supply circuit that starts supplying power from the power supply to the signal processing device in response to a power supply control signal input via the control input terminal, A delay circuit that delays the power supply control signal and then outputs the power supply control signal to the downstream device via the control output terminal, The signal processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising:

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