System for controlling multiple optional units detachably connected to an image forming system
US6169567A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2202/105
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A video controller generates a video signal from image data on the basis of a print instruction, and an engine controller controls a laser scanner in accordance with the generated video signal to record an image on recording paper by an image forming section. A master controller of an optional master unit performs overall control of a variety of optional units, such as a paper-deck optional unit and a sorter optional unit, in dependence upon a control instruction sent from the video controller. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus to which a wide variety of optional units can be connected freely without raising the cost of the main body of the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.