Abstract: An electronic image processing apparatus having a marking machine, a source of copy sheets, a controller, and a plurality of resources wherein each of the resources includes an associated processor for storing data related to the operational timing of the associated resource. A bus interconnects the processors to the controller for directing the operation of the image processing apparatus to provide images on the copy sheets and the controller includes circuitry for interrogating each of the processors for the operational timing data and logic for responding to the operational timing data of each of the processors for dynamically configuring the controller to operate in accordance with the operational timing of the processors.

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 method of controlling an image processing apparatus having an image processing means for forming an image, a controller including a first memory, and a removable memory medium having a boot sector, a directory, and identifiable files with header sectors, selected files of the removable memory medium capable of being booted into said first memory for controlling the image processing means, including the steps of loading the removable memory medium into a memory drive integral with said image processing apparatus, reading the directory of the removable memory medium for determining bootable attributes, determining the validity of the header sector and the validity of files for booting into the controller, transferring all valid files of the removable memory into the first memory, and determining that the files loaded into the first memory are capable of controlling the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: System for saving and restoring critical files on the rigid disk of an electrostatographic reproduction machine in the event the disk becomes corrupted wherein the critical files have an identifying header sector transparent to the disk directory, with a floppy disk having a bootable locate and read utility to identify critical files and read them to blank floppy disks so as to enable the rigid disk to be rebuilt or replaced without fear of loss or destruction of the critical files, a disk rebuilding utility to rebuild the rigid disk, and a file restoration utility to restore the critical files to the rigid disk when rebuilding or replacing of the rigid disk is completed.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring machine status conditions and initiating communicating with a remote computer relative to the status conditions of the machine comprising the steps of monitoring with a calculator the predetermined status conditions relative to the operation of the machine, recognizing the deviation of the machine operation from said predetermined status conditions, responding to the deviation of the machine operation from the predetermined status conditions, automatically initiating the communication of a message to the remote computer regarding said deviation of the machine from the predetermined status conditions, and remotely altering the pretermined status conditions by which to monitor the machine.

Abstract: System for recording and remotely accessing certain operating data in an electrostatographic reproduction machine for use in analyzing machine faults and software crashes, with transfer of the data to a remote service site either by floppy disk or telecommunications line.

Abstract: The method of permitting the execution of a disk loaded into the disk drive, the disk having a plurality of tracks, comprising the steps of writing data in non-standard format and length to a normally unaccessible track of the disk, the data including an encrypted password, the password being located at an arbitary location within the data, reading the data resulting in an error signal, locating an indexing position and applying an offset to identify the password, and unencrypting and authenticating the password in order to execute the disk.

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.

Abstract: A multiprocessor control for a machine including a first executing portion communicating with a first processor and a second executing portion communicating with a second processor. The processors execute a plurality of tasks with each of said tasks residing in one or the other of the processors. Each of the tasks is executed in one or the other of the processors and each of the tasks comprises a block of instructions. A plurality of tasks are operated on by providing a start instruction for the execution of tasks, identifying a first task to be started by said start instruction, initiating the execution of the first task by the start instruction, identifying a second task to be started by the start instruction, and initiating the execution of the second task by the start instruction before the execution of the first task is complete.

Abstract: The present invention is a chain of interchangeable control boards controlling the operation of a sequence of sorters. A first control board responds to a sort command. If a first sorter under the control of the first control board is unable to complete the sort operation, a second control board receives a related command. If the second sorter under control of the second control board is unable to complete the sort operation, a third control board receives another related command. Finally, one of the sorters in the chain completes the sort operation and a notification of the completion is carried back up the chain of control boards.