Distributed microprocessor control system for a copier/duplicator
First Claim
1. A distributed processing system for reproduction machine, said machine producing copies of original documents and having a plurality of operating stations and a plurality of devices for controlling operational tasks within said operating stations, comprising:
- a. a master programmable controller having program storage means for storing an operational program for controlling said machine,b. at least one programmable area controller said programmable area controller being distinct from said master controller, said programmable area controller having program storage means for storing an operational program for controlling at least one of said devices,c. at least one non-programmable area controller for controlling at least one of said devices; and
d. bus means coupling said programmable area controller and said non-programmable area controller with said master controller for transmitting and receiving data between said master controller and said programmable and non-programmable area controllers to control said operating tasks of said operating stations whereby to enable said machine to produce copies.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrophotographic reproduction machine for use as a copier/duplicator having a master microprogrammed controller and a plurality of area controllers cooperatively operative to carry out a plurality of machine operation tasks. At least one of the area controllers contains a separate microprogrammed controller for controlling selected tasks and devices in the reproduction machine in synchronism with the operation of other tasks as controlled by the master controller. An optical communication link couples the master and area controllers and serves to isolate the master controller from transients and a direct I/O connection.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A distributed processing system for reproduction machine, said machine producing copies of original documents and having a plurality of operating stations and a plurality of devices for controlling operational tasks within said operating stations, comprising:
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a. a master programmable controller having program storage means for storing an operational program for controlling said machine, b. at least one programmable area controller said programmable area controller being distinct from said master controller, said programmable area controller having program storage means for storing an operational program for controlling at least one of said devices, c. at least one non-programmable area controller for controlling at least one of said devices; and d. bus means coupling said programmable area controller and said non-programmable area controller with said master controller for transmitting and receiving data between said master controller and said programmable and non-programmable area controllers to control said operating tasks of said operating stations whereby to enable said machine to produce copies. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A control system for a copier/duplicator having a plurality of operating components comprising:
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a. a master microprocessor controller having program storage means for storing an operational program controlling said copier/duplicator, b. at least one active area controller, said active area controller being distinct from said master controller, said active area controller having a microprocessor and a stored operational program controlling at least one of said copier/duplicator operating components, and c. at least one passive area controller for controlling at least one of said copier/duplicator components in response to control data from said master controller, d. said active and passive area controllers each having ports for transmitting and receiving copier/duplicator data to and from said master controller upon command of said master controller, said active and passive area controllers having means for sensing the condition of said copier/duplicator operating components whereby to provide data for transmitting to said master controller. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A reproduction machine having a plurality of operating stations and a plurality of devices for controlling operational tasks within said operating stations, said machine comprising:
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a. a master controller including; 1. master program memory storage means for storing program words defining an operating program for controlling some of said devices, 2. means for addressing said program words of said master program memory storage means, 3. an arithmetic and logic unit for processing said program words of said master program memory storage means, 4. means for generating data words for controlling said some devices, said data generating means operatively connected to said arithmetic and logic unit of said master controller, b. an area controller including; 1. area program memory storage means for storing program words defining an operating program for controlling other of said devices, 2. means for addressing said program words of said area program memory storage means, 3. an arithmetic and logic unit for processing said program words of said area program memory storage means, 4. means for generating data words for controlling said other devices, said data generating means operatively connected to said arithmetic and logic unit of said area controller, c. means connected to said master controller and area controller for sensing operational parameters associated with said plurality of devices, d. said some devices and said other devices receiving said data words from said master controller and said area controller respectively and responsive thereto for controlling operational tasks within said operating stations, and e. said master controller and said area controller cooperatively operative in response to said sensing means to control said devices.
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Specification