Abstract: A printing system includes first and second communicatively linked printers, each including a print engine and a processor which controls the operation of the respective print engine. A scanner, associated with the first printer, scans a hardcopy document and generates image data therefrom. The scanner is for communicating the image data to the first printer. A graphical user interface is provided through which user selections are communicated to at least one of the scanner and the first printer. The first processor has a first mode of operation in which a print job derived from the image data is printed on the first print engine and a second mode of operation in which a print job is exported to the second printer for printing. At least one of the first and second modes of operation is invoked at least in part by user interaction with the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A printing system includes first and second communicatively linked printers, each including a print engine and a processor which controls the operation of the respective print engine. A scanner, associated with the first printer, scans a hardcopy document and generates image data therefrom. The scanner is for communicating the image data to the first printer. A graphical user interface is provided through which user selections are communicated to at least one of the scanner and the first printer. The first processor has a first mode of operation in which a print job derived from the image data is printed on the first print engine and a second mode of operation in which a print job is exported to the second printer for printing. At least one of the first and second modes of operation is invoked at least in part by user interaction with the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system simulator including a plurality of nodes or processor boards for controlling the operation of the interactive sub-systems. The simulator includes a user interface having a screen providing a display of node selections for pre-selecting a given subset of the plurality of nodes, a memory for retaining the node selections for use in operating the machine, a control for simulating operation of the given subset of plurality of nodes, and for operating the remaining nodes to control at least a portion of the interactive sub-systems. The simulator can be integral with the reproduction machine or a stand alone device.

Abstract: A method is provided for printing a job in a printing system including a printer communicating with a memory section, wherein images, in the form of image data, are transmitted to the memory section, from an input source, for use in printing the job and the printing of the job is facilitated by a print processor. The method includes the steps of building a scheduling list, indicating an order in which images of the job are to be printed, and storing the scheduling list in a location that is accessible to the print processor. The method further includes the steps of retrieving an image from the input source, with the print processor, by referring to information in the stored scheduling list and providing an indication, in the scheduling list, when the image is resident in the memory section. Upon determining that the indication has been provided, a print is produced with a copy of the image.

Abstract: An image data transfer architecture in which control data and image data are isolated is provided. Bidirectional buffers isolate data buses from the control bus, thereby allowing control to be maintained by an 8-bit programmed microprocessor. The controller microprocessor does not handle image data thereby reducing complex software and support components required of prior multiple 16- and 32-bit microprocessor controller systems. Isolation is achieved by having multiple data buses handling image data at various stages of processing, such as, for example, input image data, compressed image data and output image data. Additional efficiencies are realized by eliminating the inherent delays caused when high speed image output terminals are forced to share data buses with much lower speed image input terminals.

Abstract: A technique for pre-programming a reproduction machine for a plurality of complex jobs involving a variety of machine features and requirements at a computer console remote from the reproduction machine operator console and touch sensitive screen display. In particular, a remote computer console compatible with the reproduction machine control, manifests a simulation of a plurality of pre-programming slots and machine features for each slot that simulate a plurality of features and subfeatures of job requirements for the machine. The plurality of selected features for each pre-programmed job slot are automatically stored in the selected pre-programming slots on a removable media such as a floppy disk. The floppy disk can be inserted into the reproduction machine to automatically pre-program the machine for a plurality of discrete job runs without any additional operator initiative.

Abstract: A technique for pre-programming a reproduction machine at a console screen for a plurality of complex jobs by simulating a plurality of pre-programming slots in memory and machine features for each slot corresponding to required job runs and automatically storing the selected features in the pre-programming slots, including the means to transfer the stored features from one memory slot to another memory slot and the means to transfer the stored features to a removable media such as a floppy disk. The floppy disk can be inserted into another reproduction machine to automatically pre-program that machine for a plurality of job runs.

Abstract: A method of resetting an arbitrary node or input/output board in response to a control communications fault in said arbitrary node or input/output board during a real time job in an image processing apparatus having image processing means for forming an image, a controller including a plurality of nodes connected to a plurality of input/output boards and software including an application portion and a communication portion, comprising the steps of the arbitrary node or input/output board initiating a self reset independent of any other node or input/output board reset, the remaining nodes or input/output boards refraining from initiating a reset of the node or input/output board, resetting said arbitrary node or input/output board independent of said remaining nodes or input/output boards, and continuing operation of said arbitrary node or input/output board to complete the real time job run.