Programmable Controller for Controlling Reproduction Machines

This invention relates to reproducing machines in general and, in particular, to a computer controlled reproducing machine and an improved apparatus for and method of controlling and operating reproducing machines.

As the public has become accustomed to the convenience and economy of xerographic machines designed to make copies on ordinary plain paper, they are increasingly demanding more economical, high speed, reliable and inexpensive reproducing machines of flexible and versatile nature with diverse optional and add-on features. In response, many breakthroughs and significant enhancements have been made to machine of this type to the point where in the span of about a dozen years or so, the machine speeds have increased dramatically.

One of the areas where major efforts have been directed for improvement has been control aspect of the machine and significant advances have been made in this area in recent years in the form of hardwired control logic that gives the machine added versatility and reliability. While the hardwired logic has provided significant advances to the overall enhancement of the machine, it has been shown to have its inherent limitations. Thus, for example, the functions provided by the hardwired logic are generally wired into the logic circuitry and frozen. Consequently, when a new function has to be added or existing functions have to be modified, the logic must be redesigned and rewired. But the time, efforts and cost involved in modifying existing logic, or designing a new hardwired logic control for machines of new configuration, or of old configuration with new add-on or optical features, have been found rather significant and burdensome.

Additionally, the increased complexity of the modern high speed copier/duplicator has resulted in a tremendous increase in control circuitry, which today is normally carried on circuit boards and through individual wiring. This increase in control circuitry has at this same time created a tremendous space problem, namely where to put the circuitry and still retain a reasonable machine size. In addition, subsequent changes, alterations, additions, and the like often bring with them increased amounts of circuit boards and wires which may tax to the limit the available space.

While developments in the art of circuit controller fabrication offer promise in alleviating the problems alluded to above, such developments have not heretofore appeared useful for the electrostatic copier/reproduction machines as we know them today. Recent advances in circuit fabrication techniques, i. e. L. S. I. chips, are of some help in reducing wiring bulk but do not themselves alleviate the necessity of rewiring in the event of design changes. As for controllers one may consider the control of an asynchronous printer operated through a data processing system. However, typically, electrostatic type copiers and reproduction machines are synchronous by nature and not asynchronous, or readily converted to asynchronous operation. This in part is due to the fact that most copiers employ a continuous photosensitive member or support therefor, and are hence alien to the use of individual photosensitive plates which appear to be required for asynchronous type operation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned difficulties found in the presently available copier/duplicator machines.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reproduction machine.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved programmable controller for a reproduction machine.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a programmable controller for a high speed copier/duplicator machine which provides timed control signals to the process control devices of the machine for actuating the operating components of the machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for controlling and operating an electrostatic reproduction machine.

The foregoing and other objects of the present invention are attained in accordance with the present invention using a programmable controller (computer) having a program storage means to store a set of program instructions for enabling the computer to generate control signals to actuate process control devices of the machine in a timed manner in making copies as directed by the operator.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a set of programs to be stored in the computer and designed to enable the computer to respond to the operator's instructions, such as a selection of the copy length, copy numbers, etc. and calculate the requisite timing information to control the machine operating components to produce the copies desired.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a method of controlling a reproduction machine to produce copies from originals, comprising the steps of programming a computer so that it enables the computer to respond to the machine status in terms of machine operativeness and to the operating instructions provided by the operator that pertain to the reproduction run such as document numbers, number of copies for the respective documents, and length of the copy images, and generate control signals to operate the machine to make copies according to the operator's instructions.

It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide a program designed to provide noise immunity.

It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the control signals for the machine are derived, under the control of software, in successive cycles, each cycle starting with a pitch or start signal, followed by a series of timed signals referenced back to the pitch signal, and then applied to the machine control devices to implement the machine process steps.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a roll fed, single pass electrostatographic reproducing machine.

It is still another feature of the present invention to provide, as document originals, a film cassette or roll having a plurality of documents in sets, each set having one or more pre-collated pages positioned in series in successive frames and the sets and the pages being coded for identification.

It is yet a further feature of the invention to provide an electrostatographic machine that has photoreceptive means in duplicate and so disposed that either one or both can be operated to make image impressions on either one or the other or both sides of the web material fed therepast.

The foregoing and other objects and features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a schematic front view of an exemplary reproduction machine with a programmable controller of the present invention; FIG. 1B shows a schematic front view of an exemplary operator control console of the controller;

Fig. 2 is an isometric view showing details of the paper path for the reproduction machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the document input module for the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view showing the document originals in the form of a plurality of film frames in series, each frame being code marked for identification;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of the optical paths for the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view showing details of the developing apparatus for the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view partially in section showing details of the guillotine assembly for the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the programmable controller of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the input/output interface circuitry between the computer, reproduction machine, and the operator console;

FIG. 10 is a schematic outline showing the paper path divided into imaginary pitch zones;

FIG. 11 is a schematic outline showing the input film module divided into imaginary pitch zones;

FIG. 12 is a schematic outline showing the electrostatic path divided into imaginary pitch zones;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing the timing relationship of the timed process events and the pitch zones for the paths illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 during processing;

FIG. 15 is a schematic chart of the program routines of the software for use for the computer to operate the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a general sequence of the operation of the system shown in FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 17-28 show in detail the various major component parts and the general sequence of operation shown in FIG. 16.

Referring to the drawings in general, and in particular, to FIGS. 1A, 2 and 8, the drawings show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in the form of a reproduction system having copier/reproduction machine, designated generally by the numeral 5 and a programmable controller 200 for operating the machine 5. Hereinafter, the invention will be described in terms of a specific copier/duplicator machine run by a specific programmable computer, but it is to be understood clearly from the outset that the specific configuration of the machine and computer is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention. The exemplary machine 5 is preferably a xerographic processor and may be a simplex/duplexing machine, that is, one that produces image impressions on either or on both sides of copy material. The reproduction machine 5 includes duplicate processing units 7, 7' as will be described more fully herein.

To simplify the ensuing description of the reproduction machine 5, the xerographic processing unit 7 is described in detail, with identical areas of processing unit 7' being identified on the drawings by the same numeral followed by a prime mark.

In the exemplary reproduction machine 5, the original document or documents being reproduced are in the form of a transparent film strip having a plurality of documents, books, each document having any given number of pages or frames 11 arranged in series in a film strip 12 as seen in FIG. 4. As will be described in detail later, the frames 11 are grouped or positioned in series and are suitably coded to identify the starting and ending frames of each document and each individual frame or page. The film strip may come in a convenient cassette form. Film strip 12 is indexed in a timed manner across a copy platen 14, (seen in FIG. 3) under the control of the controller 200. The platen 14 is transparent and is sufficiently large to accommodate two frames at once. Once indexed, the frames may be flash exposed to project optical light images. Dual illumination systems are disposed above platen 14 to illuminate the frames 11 and produce light image rays corresponding to the informational areas on each frame 11 therebelow. The image rays are projected by means of independent optical systems 18, 18' onto the photosensitive surface of the xerographic plates associated therewith.

In the exemplary reproduction machine 5, seen best in FIG. 1A, the aforesaid xerographic plates comprise endless flexible photoconductive belts 20, 20' supported in belt modules 21, 21' respectively. A suitable charging device, i. e. corona generating devices 22, 22', serve to uniformly charge the respective photoconductive belts 20, 20' preparatory to imaging at the respective exposure stations 23, 23'.

Each of the latent electrostatic images formed on the photoconductive belts 20, 20' passes through respective development stations 24, 24' whereat the image is developed with an oppositely charged developing material to form a xerographic powder image corresponding to the latent image on the belts 20, 20'. Thereafter, the developed image moves to the respective transfer station 25, 25' where the image is electrostatically transferred to one side or the other of a suitable support material, in this case web 28. Following transfer, residual developer on the belts 20, 20' is removed at the respective cleaning stations 29, 29' in preparation for the next copying cycle.

Web 28 is supplied from a roll 30, a web feeding system 31 being provided to advance the web in response to demand as will appear. Following transfer of a developed image to web 28, web 28 passes through fuser 33 whereat the toner image thereon is permanently fused. Following fusing, the web 28 is cut into discrete sheets at cutting station 34, the cut sheets then being transported by discharge conveyor 35 to an output or collecting station 36.

The belt modules 21, 21' include a generally triangular subframe 38 rotatably supporting rollers 39, 40, 41. The axes of rollers 39, 40, 41 are substantially parallel with one another and are disposed at the apexes of the triangular subframe 38. The belt modules are supported in cantilever fashion from the main machine frame 8 by means of projecting support shafts 42, 43, shaft 42 being coaxial with the upper roller 39 which is journaled for rotation thereabout. Suitable locking means (not shown) are provided to retain the belt modules on their respective supporting shafts 42, 43 and in predetermined operative position relative to the remaining system components. The aforedescribed lock means is releasable to permit an entire belt module to be withdrawn for servicing and repair.

In order to provide the necessary operating tension on the photoconductive belts 20, 20' as well as to assure their proper tracking during operation thereof, supporting roller 40 is rotatably journaled in a swingable yoke having a stem supported for both rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of roll 40 and for limited axial movement therealong. Suitable spring means mounted along the stem bias the yoke and the roller supported therewithin outwardly against the belts 20, 20' associated therewith to tension the photoconductive belt. The aforedescribed support arrangement for photoconductive belts is disclosed more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 3,702,131, issued Nov. 7, 1972 and incorporated by reference herein.

It is important that the photoconductive belts 20, 20' be substantially flat opposite their respective exposure stations 23, 23' and for this purpose a vacuum platen 45 is disposed on the belt module subframe 38 opposite each exposure station 23, 23'. The outer side 46 of platen 45 facing the photoconductive belts is substantially flat. A series of orifices in the surface 46 lead to the interior of platen 45 which in turn communicates with a suitable source of vacuum (not shown). The exposure of the surface of the belts 20, 20' opposite platen 45 to vacuum serves to draw the respective belt tight against the side 46 of platen 45 to thereby assure a flat, photoconductive belt surface at the exposure station. To reduce friction and prevent scratching of the underside of belts 20, 20' a porous cloth or paper sheet is stretched across the platen surface 46. A more complete description of the aforedescribed belt hold down arrangement may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,623, issued May 1, 1973 incorporated by reference herein.

Belt supporting rollers 40 and 40' are rotatably driven via suitable transmission means (not shown) from main drive motor 47, the photoconductive belts 20, 20' moving in the direction shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. 1A. To assure proper tracking of belts 20, 20' during operation thereof, the bearing support for roller 41 includes a tracking disc 48 (seen in FIG. 2) at one end thereof disposed in angular relationship to the axis of roller 41 so that a portion of the circumference of disc 48 rides against the edge of belts 20, 20' associated therewith. A double acting belt tracking switch 49 is cooperatively disposed with the periphery of disc 48 diametrically opposite the point where disc 48 contacts the edge of the photoconductive belt, the arrangement being such that excessive lateral movement of the belts 20, 20' in either direction along supporting roll 41 tilts disc 48 to in turn actuate tracking switch 49. As will appear, actuation of switch 49 works through the programmable controller to interrupt operation of the reproduction machine 5 under certain conditions of operation.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the illumination and optical systems 17 and 18', respectively, cooperate to provide a light image of the frame or frames 11 on platen 14 at the exposure station 23, 23' associated therewith. The illumination systems 17, 17' are encased in a common housing 50 disposed over platen 14. Platen 14 is of a size sufficient to accommodate two frames 11, 11' at once and illumination housing 50 is sub-divided into two separate illumination chambers 51, 51' by interior wall 52. Each illumination chamber 51, 51' covers one half of the platen 14. A suitable flash lamp 53, 53' and consider lens assembly 54, 54' are supported in each of the chambers 51, 51' above platen 14 to expose the portion of the film strip 12 thereunder respectively when lamp triggering means 55, 55' of a suitable design are energized in a timed sequence under the control of the controller 200.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the optical systems 18, 18' transmit the light images generated upon actuation of the flash lamps 53, 53' to the exposure station 23, 23' associated therewith. The optical systems 18, 18' each include a lens 56. Since platen 14 is above and to one side of exposure stations 23, 23', a series of mirrors 57, 58, 59 which cooperate with the lenses 56 to provide an optical path 60 for the light images of the film frames on platen 14 to the respective exposure station 23, 23'.

The latent electrostatic image created on the photoconductive belts 20, 20' at the exposure station 23 or 23' is rendered visible through the application of developing material thereto at developing stations 24, 24', the developing material comprising a mixture of relatively large carrier particles and relatively small toner particles in triboelectric relationship to one another. Referring particularly to FIGS. 1A and 6 of the drawings, developing stations 24, 24' each include a developer housing 62 supported on machine frame 8 and in operative juxtaposition with the belt modules 21, 21' proximate belt supporting roller 40. Developer housing 62 includes a lower sump portion 63 within which a supply of developing material is disposed. The portion of developer housing 62 adjoining the photoconductive belts 20, 20' is arcuate in conformance with the arcuate shape of the photoconductive belts 20, 20' as the belts travel around the belt supporting roller 40. Supported within the housing 62 in close, spaced relationship to the adjoining belts 20, 20' is a curved developer bed 65 across and through which the developing material passes during operation thereof. Developer bed 65 consists of a lower base 66 and spaced upper electrodes 67, electrodes 67 being supported through sides 68 in predetermined spaced relationship from base 66 to form therebetween chamber 69 through which the developing material passes. A suitable seal 70 is provided along each side of bed 65 to prevent leakage of developer from the developer housing 62.

The developer bed 65 is supported in a generally upright position in the developer housing 62, housing 62 including an inlet baffle 71 cooperable with the external surface of housing 62 to form an inlet to bed 65 in the chamber 69 thereof. The lower portion of housing 62 adjoining bed 65 forms an outlet passage for the developing material to route the developing material back to the sump 63 of housing 62. The developer bed 65 is supported within developer housing 62 on flexible members 73, one side of the developer bed 65 being drivingly connected with a suitable vibrating mechanism such as acoustic coil 75.

To provide a flow of developer across electrodes 67 and through the chamber 69 of the developer bed 65, a developing material conveyor 77 is provided. The supporting roller 78 for conveyor 77 is driven by motor 79. Conveyor 77 serves to raise developing material from the sump 63 and discharge developer onto the inlet baffle 71 leading to the developer bed 65. A more complete description of the developer may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,613,637, incorporated herein expressly by reference.

The images developed on the photoconductive belts 20, 20' are electrostatically transferred onto the side of web 28 opposite thereto at transfer stations 25, 25'. To facilitate transfer and subsequent separation of the web 28 from the surface of belts 20, 20' without arcing, suitable transfer corona generating devices 81, 81' are provided opposite belt supporting rollers 41.

Following transfer, residual developing material remaining on the belt 20, 20' is removed at the cleaning station 29, 29' associated therewith. Cleaning stations 29, 29' include a housing 82 within which are mounted a pair of brush type cleaning rolls 83, 84, the periphery of which is in contact with the surface of belts 20, 20' associated therewith. Pick-off rollers 85, 86 engage each of the brush rollers 83, 84, respectively, rolls 85, 86 serving to remove developer picked up by the rolls 83, 84. A flicker bar 87 engages the rolls 85, 86 to remove developing material picked up by rolls 85, 86 from the cleaning rolls 83, 84, the removed developer being urged from the housing 82 by suitable vacuum means (not shown). The several rollers of cleaning stations 29, 29' are driven by motors 88, 88', respectively.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings, the copy substrate material 28 is supplied from a relatively large roll 30 supported upon a shaft 90 and disposed in a paper supply housing 92 appended to main housing 9 of the reproduction machine 5. Drag brake 92 on shaft 90 restrains rotation of the supply roll 30. Web 28 is unwound over a first de-curling roll 93 rotatably supported within the housing 91 proximate supply roll 30. The axis of the de-curling roll 93 (FIG. 1A) is substantially parallel with the axis of supply roll support shaft 90.

From the de-curling roll 93, web 28 passes over guide roll 94 where the web 28 is turned through an angle of approximately 90.degree.. For this purpose, guide roll 94 is rotatably supported within housing 91 at an angle of 45.degree.. From guide roll 94, web 28 passes through a second de-curling device 96 and around guide rollers 97, 98 to splicer 100. There may be provided a suitable detecting means 99 for detecting the end of the roll 30. The detecting means is so positioned that it detects the end before the end reaches the splicer 100. The detected signal may then be used by the programmable controller to stop the machine to permit the operator to mount a new roll and splice it to the old roll being used up. Splicer 100, which may comprise any suitable paper splicing device, serves to enable the leading edge of a fresh supply roll to be attached to the trailing edge of the previous web. Following splicer 100, the web 28 passes over a second guide roll 102 which turns the web through 90.degree.. Web 28 then enters housing 9 of the reproduction machine 5.

As web 28 enters the machine housing 9, the web 28 passes over feed roll 104, roll 104 being driven by web feed motor 105. A dancer roll 106, which is arranged to float vertically in slotted openings 108 in the machine frame 8, cooperates with feed roll 104 and downstream guide roll 109 to give a proper tension to the web 28. Switches 111, 112 cooperate with dancer roll 106 enable the supply and continuity of web 28 to be monitored as will appear hereinafter.

From dancer roll 106, the web 28 is routed via guide rolls 114, 115 to the dual transfer stations 25, 25'. Guide roll 115 serves to tension the web, roll 115 being supported upon a displaceable frame 116. Spring 118 biases the frame 116 in the direction of web feed to maintain a tension upon the web 28. Following guide roll 115, web 28 is drawn past transfer stations 25, 25' and through fuser 33 by feed roll pair 119, 120, roll 120 thereof being suitably driven by motor 122 to advance web 28 against the tension imposed by the guide roll 115. Following feed roll pair 119, 120, web 28 is advanced to cutting station 34.

To enable the belt modules 21, 21' to be operated independently and belts 20, 20' thereof to move without contact with web 28, rolls 123, 124 are provided adjacent each of the transfer stations 25, 25'. Each roll 123, 124 is supported upon a displaceable frame 125 designed to enable the rolls together with the portion of the web therebetween to be moved into and out of transfer contact with the photoconductive belts 20, 20'. Suitable drive means, such as solenoids 126, 127 actuable by the controller 200 are provided to selectively move the rolls 123, 124.

Following transfer of the developed image to web 28, the web passes through fuser 33 wherein the toner image is permanently fixed. Fuser 33 comprises a heated fusing roll pair 129, 130 forming a nip between which web 28 passes. External heating lamps 131 131' serve as the source of heat for fusing rolls 129, 130. Fusing rolls 129, 130 turn in the direction shown by the solid line arrows in the drawings, drive motor 132 being provided for this purpose. To permit pressure between fusing rolls 129, 130 to be relaxed, as, for example, when web 28 is stationary, roll 129 is supported for limited translating movement toward and away from the roll 130. A suitable drive means such as solenoid 133 actuable under the command of the controller 200 is provided to selectively displace roll 129 into and out of contact with roll 130. Alternatively other suitable fusing means such as flash fusing means may be used to effect the fusing operation.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the document originals 11 in the form of film to be copied are, as illustrated, in frames 11 arranged in series in a film strip 12 and mounted on a supply reel 134. A film take-up reel 135 is disposed on the opposite side of platen 14. A suitable film advancing means 137 and 137' is provided to draw the film from reel 134 and advance the same across platen 14 and onto take-up reel 135.

The film advancing means may be arranged to advance the film strip 12 in continuous fashion in taking up the film leader or in rewinding the film, or indexing the film 12 during copying operation, as directed by the controller 200. To identify the individual frames, code marks 138 are provided along one side of film strip 12 and marks 138S, 138E are provided to identify starting and end frames to indicate the start and end of each document series. Control marks 138 are also relied upon to locate the individual film frames in proper position on platen 14. Suitable photoelectric detectors 139S, 139A, 139B, 139E are provided adjacent platen 14 to read the marks 138S, 138, 138E on the film strip 12.

In operation, the operator loads a selected supply reel or cassette 134 in place, and manually threads the film leader onto film drive path, across platen 14 and onto take-up reel 135. A suitable slew control means in the form of a button 507 on the operator console 500 may then be used to operate motor 137' to take up the film leader.

The film strip 12 may have been previously prepared off line by a suitable camera (not shown) which is used to render a photographic rendition, in the form of image transparencies of the individual pages of the original document originals. A suitable device, such as selectively operated light sources (not shown) may be employed to provide the code marks 138S, 138, 138E when the film strip is prepared.

A film strip 12 may be first prepared by photographing a number of books or documents, each having any given number of pages, up to its frame capacity. For example, suppose one of the books or documents has one hundred pages. The first frame pair will comprise images of pages 1 and 2 and will carry code marks 138S and 138. The second negative pair are images of pages 3 and 4, and carry a mark 138 for each of the pair. This continues until the last negative pair, images of pages 99 and 100, which bear marks 138 and 138E. It will be understood that depending on the length of film strip 12 available and the number of pages in each document, a number of complete documents, the position of which on film strip 12 is identified by code marks 138S, 138, 138E may be provided on a single film reel 134 in a convenient cassette form. Suitable legends are normally provided with the completed film reel to identify the various documents and their position on the film.

Referring to FIG. 7, cutting station 34 includes a guillotine knife 160 supported by carriage 161 for reciprocating movement into and out of cutting relationship with lower knife member 164. Carriage 161 is supported for slideable up and down movement in frame journals 162. A rotatable eccentric driver 165 is journaled within carriage 161 and serves on rotation of eccentric shaft 166 to reciprocate carriage 161 and guillotine knife 160 up and down. A suitable driver for guillotine knife 160 is provided, exemplified by drive motor 167 coupled to eccentric shaft 166 via a solenoid operated clutch 168.

Armature 169 of clutch control solenoid 170 cooperates with clutch stop 171 of clutch 168 to engage and disengage clutch 168, it being understood that contact of armature 169 with stop 171 retains clutch 168 disengaged and motor 167 and eccentric shaft 166 uncoupled. Upon actuation of solenoid 170, armature 171 is withdrawn permitting clutch 168 to engage and drive eccentric shaft 166 to operate guillotine 160. Subsequent de-energization of solenoid 170, normally immediately thereafter, returns armature 169 into blocking position for engagement with stop 171 following one revolution of eccentric shaft 166. Actuation and deactuation of solenoid 170 is placed under the control of the controller 200 so that the operation of the guillotine is properly synchronized with the rest of the machine operation.

To prevent movement of web 28 during cutting, feed roll pair 174 brake to a stop during the cutting process, the continued feed of web 28 being accommodated by the adjoining structure in the form of a buckle 28'. A suitable brake/clutch control device 172 is provided for roll pair 174.

Hereinabove, major machine elements of a reproduction system embodying the present invention has been briefly described. As apparent from the foregoing description certain of specific operative steps indicated, such as exposure, image transfer and cutting operations must be precisely timed whereas certain other steps, such as the operation of the charging station for the developer, have to be operated in proper sequence although precise timing is not essential. These operational steps are implemented by actuating device control means that actuate process step implementing means provided therefor.

These timed control functions for reproduction systems which have been provided heretofore principally by hardwired logic are now implemented in accordance with the present invention by a programmable controller wherein the sequencing and timing of the operative steps are now programmed in software instructions and can be stored to run the machine and can be readily modified to the change sequence and timing to alter the process steps for making prints or copies of different sizes and programmed by the operator. Hereinbelow, an illustrative embodiment of the programmable controller used to operate aforedescribed copier/duplicator machine will be described in detail.

Referring to the system block, diagram shown in FIG. 8, the programmable controller 200 for reproduction machine 5 includes a suitable programmable computer 201, together with interface circuitry 203 for operatively coupling the computer to the various control device elements of the reproducing machine and the operator's control console 500.

For timing the operation of the reproduction machine, there is provided a timing signal clock pulse generator 207. Preferably the clock pulse generator may be of such an arrangement that its output repetition rate is related to the speed of the machine main drive motor 47 that drives the belt rollers 41 and 41'. In this manner the clock pulse train output 208 produced by generator 207 is time related to the operational speed of reproduction machine 5 and, in particular, to the speed of the travel of the belts 20 and 20' and the web 28. As apparent from this, given a fixed rate of travel of the web or belt, the pulse count can be used to measure the travel distance.

As shall be explained in detail, the computer is programmed so that during the initialization period when the machine is programmed to make a particular copy run, means are provided for the operator to indicate a length of the image impression, plus an appropriate amount of space. For convenience and ease of reference, the length plus space will be called pitch; also note that the impression length controls the pitch or image length and thus the time intervals between successive machine process events. Given the pitch length information, the computer is programmed to calculate a list of the time intervals between the successive process events which are stored in a table or storage location 205 of a suitable memory 206 of the computer. For each pitch cycle, a pitch signal for an imaging cycle is generated by the computer. The pitch signal may be keyed to suitable machine process events, such as image exposure step, that can be used as a reliable time reference point. The pitch interval, that is the time interval between successive pitch contains the controls signals for the machine process events for each imaging cycle.

In operation, each of the successive time interval count numbers in the table 205 is stored in a counter 209 in succession for the successive machine process events. In response to a start command by the computer the machine starts to operate and starts an imaging cycle. The start of the imaging cycle is marked by a pitch pulse. Thereafter, the next count stored in the counter is decremented to zero by the clock pulse counts. As it decrements to zero the computer generates a control signal and addresses it out to its intended device control elements or means to implement a machine event. This process continues until the end of the pitch. The process is repeated again for the succeeding pitch interval until a copy run as programmed by the operator is completed.

While the counter 209 and the table 205 for the process events may be provided internally within the computer, it need not be so limited. For example, the counter may be provided external to the computer and essentially operated in the same manner as described above.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a suitable program, such as the one more fully described below, is stored in the memory 206 to run the computer as described above in generating the various signals required to operate the machine. In this connection the stored program includes instruction routines to enable the computer to calculate the count numbers, i. e. the timing list for a particular reproduction or copy run for a given pitch and other information pertinent to the reproduction run.

As is well known generally, a computer operates at an extremely high speed compared to a mechanical machine. Likewise, in the present system, the reproduction machine operates relatively slowly compared to the computer 201. In fact, the speed disparity is such that the computer can do all necessary chores to generate the timed pulse signals to implement the machine events, such as exposure, develop, transfer, cut, etc. and yet have substantial amount of time left over to perform other chores. Accordingly, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the computer is utilized to perform a number of other functions utilizing its free time intervals, such as housekeeping chores, monitoring and updating of timing list, etc.

Referring to FIG. 8, the timed control signals generated by the computer are applied via the interface circuitry 203 to various control devices of the work stations in the various process paths that implement the process steps or machine events in making copies. The nature of the paths can be better appreciated on a functional basis. Thus, there is a paper path formed by the paper web 28, xerographic photoconductor paths formed by the belts 20 and 20' and imaging path formed for the film 12. Control devices are provided at the work stations along these paths to implement the specific machine function or process events.

Now referring to the paper path shown in FIG. 1, and depicted in a separate figure, FIG. 10, there is provided means 99 for sensing the trailing end of the web supply, suitable detectors 111 and 112 for sensing the tension or other conditions of the web 28. The path also includes one or more sheet jam detectors 113 for monitoring the condition of the individual copy sheets downstream of web cutting station 34. Other operating stations in the paper path include web control solenoids 126, 127 which move the web 28 into and out of transfer relationship with the photoconductive belts 20, 20', respectively, at transfer stations 25 and 25', a fuser loading solenoid 133, a guillotine drive solenoid 170, and a deflecting gate drive solenoid 402, for effecting the transferring, fusing, cutting and deflecting operations.

Along the xerographic paths, essentially formed by the belts 20 and 20' as depicted in FIG. 12, there are provided exposure stations 23, 23', developer station 24, 24', transfer stations 25 and 25', cleaning stations 29, 29' and charging stations 22, 22' for their intended functions.

The optical path or image forming path, as depicted in FIG. 11, includes means 55 and 55', for triggering the lamps 53 and 53', which require precise timing so that they produce electrostatic latent images on the belts 20, 20' at the proper time. The path also includes the means for advancing and positioning the film strip 12 where the advancing and positioning of the film must be time synchronized to the machine operation frames to be copied.

The control devices shown positioned along the paths are described as illustrative of various means that may be utilized to implement machine process events and that are to be controlled by the controller. Accordingly, they should not be construed as complete or limiting.

The individual control devices or means that implement or monitor the machine events or functions, may be made of any suitable conventional means, such as solid state devices, photo optical sensing means or switches, exposure circuits, solenoids, etc., arranged to monitor various states or respond to the actuating and deactuating signals from the computer via the I/O interface 203.

As generally seen in FIG. 1B, the operator console 500 may include any suitable input and output means such as a set of push buttons 501 for enabling the operator to key in digit numbers such as the document and copy numbers for a particular reproduction run. The computer is so programmed that the document numbers and corresponding copy numbers keyed in via the digit keys in any random order are placed in proper order and sequence in the computer memory 206 for later use. Suitable means including a push button 502 are provided for the operator to indicate to the computer that a document number is being keyed in. Similarly, a push button 503 with appropriate means may be provided to signify to the computer that the digit keyed is copy numbers.

There is a limit as to how many documents may be copied per reproduction run. The upper limit depends on a number of factors such as the capacity of the film, the computer memory capacity and the number of pages. Taking all of these into account, in the present embodiment the computer was programmed to copy up to any suitable number such as 10 documents per reproduction run.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the computer was programmed to make a copy run for making only parts of documents. Thus, suppose a document has 100 pages and the operator wishes to copy pages 50 to 70. The operator would code in page 50 as the start and page 70 as the end pages for that copy run.

For correcting erroneous entry, the console may include suitable means with appropriate entry means 509, the pressing of which in conjunction with the document number or copy number will erase the corresponding stored digit numbers. For displaying the machine status information such as the copy run information visual indicating means 510 with appropriate actuating buttons 511, 512 are provided.

The console 500 also includes a visual display means 514 indicating a malfunction and the nature, condition, and the location of the malfunctioning part.

Console 500 also includes a power-on switch 520 print start button 521, and film slow control 507. Console 500 also includes suitable means 523, 524 for selecting simplex or duplex, operation of the machine. The pitch length of the copy run may be entered after pressing a push button 528 provided for the purpose and then making digit entry of the length using the digit keys 501. The console also includes a push button control key 531 for jogging or advancing the copy paper web increments.

In addition, the console may include any number of keys 533, 534 . . . for any special function that can be actuated to input signals to the computer to perform the special functions.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative embodiment of an interface circuitry 203, in a functional block diagram, that connects the computer 201 to the various operating control devices of reproduction machine 5 and the operator control console 500. Interface circuitry 203 is designed to serve the function of enabling the operator to input copy run information to the computer to run the machine 5 in a particular mode and provide visual output signals indicative of both machine and program status and malfunction conditions at the operator control console 500.

It also serves the function of enabling the computer to monitor various work stations in the process paths and channel the timed control signals to the various control devices in the processing paths. In short, the interface circuitry is so designed that it enables the computer to address or monitor in successive cycles the various stations or control devices positioned in the control console 500 and process paths of the machine.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 9, an address decoder 241 is operatively disposed between the computer 201 and individual latch circuits 243a, 243b . . . 243n and monitoring or scan circuits 251a, 251b . . . 251n. The latch circuits are connected operatively to the various control devices, such as the exposure lamp triggering means 55 and 55', solenoid actuating means 126, 127, 170, 402, film advancing means 137' and 137', various switches at the console, etc. When set or toggled as the case may be, the latches enable the control device elements to implement the machine process events or give visual indications to the console. The monitoring or scanning circuits are connected to the sensing means, such as the means 111 and 112 for monitoring the web 28, film code sensing means 139S, 139A, 139B, 139E, jam sensing means 113, etc. for sensing the status of the various stations being monitored by the computer and the various push button input means at the operator console.

With a given decoding capacity, for example, an 9 bit decoding capacity, the decoder 241 can correspond to 9 bit address words from the computer 201 and decode and address up to 2.sup.9 or 512 lines. The latch circuits 243a, 243b . . . 243n may be reset or set selectively by a signal via set signal paths 246 and checked selectively as addressed via the address decoder 241 and its output paths 242a, 242b, . . . 242n. Selective setting, resetting and toggling takes place as the decoder 241 decodes the address words and applies the strobed out output to the selected or addressed latches when the STROBE OUT clock pulse is applied thereto via a path 247. The selected latch then assumes the condition indicated by computer output lines 9 and 10. It will set if 10 is high and 9 is low, reset if 9 is high and 10 is low, or toggle if both are high.

Similarly in scanning the status of the various monitoring means, the computer addresses them via the decoder 241 and scanning circuits 251a, 251b . . . 251n in succession. The scanned status signals are applied to a latch circuit means 257 via OR gate 255 and are sent to the computer 201 when strobed in by strobe signals applied to the latch 257 in succession via a STROBE IN signal path 258. In this manner, the computer strobes the copy run information from the control console in various keys as the information is keyed in.

The copy run information that the operator programs into the computer in this manner typically includes the condition of the image length, the documents numbers and copy numbers, and the simplex or duplex mode and the like information that the computer requires in running the machine in making the copies.

Certain of the reproduction process steps, such as exposure step for forming latent images on the belts 20, 20' and actuating the guillotine cutter, etc. requires precise timing. There are other machine process events or steps, such as the actuation of the transfer solenoids 126 or 127 or both, depending upon whether or not the machine is to be operated in a simplex or duplex mode. The operation of the cleaning and charging corotrons are generally of such a nature that they must be actuated at the initialization period and kept on for the rest of the copy run or actuated and deactuated during each of the imaging cycles wherein proper timing sequence is required.

There are other types of events which occur at random and which are not time related to the machine operation cycle, such as a paper jam, fuser over-temperature, paper splice a belt runout condition, and the like. These events normally represent machine malfunctions or interrupt conditions which must be monitored and acted upon when they occur.

The way the control signals are derived according to the present invention will be now described in detail in terms of "pitch" zones and process events taking place in succesive pitch zones in succession during the successive pitch time intervals in the various process paths, namely, the copy paper or web 28 path, the photoconductive belts paths 20 and 20' and the film path.

Each of these paths may be considered as being divided into "pitch" zones where pitch zones refer to spatial equivalence to a "pitch" zone in the xerographic path, i.e., an image impression length plus a suitable space on the photoreceptor belts 20, 20' traveling, at a constant speed. Here it may be noted that the process speed of items in different process paths need not and in fact are not generally at the same speed. Thus, for example, the speed of the film is much faster than the belts and moreover does not travel at a uniform speed. In case of the paper path, the web travels at a uniform speed until the guillotine cuts the web into successive sheets containing images. But the cut sheets can be moved out faster than the rate at which the web travels. These process paths with different processing speeds are time and space related to the travel speed and distance of the belts. This relationship can be visualized by considering that these paths are divided into pitch zones, wherein the start and the end of each zone in each path correspond in time to the start and end of the pitch zones in the belt.

Various process speeds at different paths and zones are different. Hence, the spatial distance traversed by the items being processed are different. But, the pitch zones are deemed set up so that the events taking place in the various zones of the different paths controlled to time relate back to a reference process path, namely, the xerographic process or the photoconductor process path in the process system.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the computer 201 is programmed to run and generate timed control signals to the various paths in successive pitch cycles as the belt travels pitch distances in succession. The timing of the control signals and application of the signals to the control devices at the various work stations in the various process paths will now be described in detail with reference to the process paths illustrated in FIGS. 10-14.

FIG. 10 shows the paper web 28 traversing through the paper path, the web tension sensing means 111 and 112, roll end sensing means 99, engaging means 126 and 127 for engaging and disengaging the web 28 from the image transfer stations 25 and 25', fusing station 33 and deflecting means 400 for deflecting unwanted sheets into reject bin 401. FIG. 11 shows the film path with film reel advancing and positioning means 134, 137 and 135, 137' and image exposure stations A and B. FIG. 12 shows the photoconductive paths which includes image exposure stations 23 and 23', image development stations 24, 24', transfer stations 25 and 25' and cleaning stations 29 and 29', and charging stations 22, 22'.

Suppose the machine is set to operate at a given speed so that belts 20, 20' are driven at 20 inches per second, that the belts are 40 inches long, and the pitch length is 10 inches that is, one impression plus one spacing between impressions. This means that the belts travel past the image exposure station 23 and 23' at the speed of 10 inches per image or pitch. Given the foregoing conditions, it can be visualized that the belts can have four pitch zones, I, II, III and IV with each pitch zone corresponding to a distance the belt travels past the exposure station between successive exposure. For convenience, the time interval it takes for the belt during two successive exposures may be called "pitch time interval" and an "imaging cycle" interchangeably. Similarly, the other two paths, namely, the paper path and film paths can be imagined as being divisible into pitch zones so that they are time related back to the pitch zones in the photoconductor belt.

The spatial and timing relationship evident from the foregoing can be appreciated further from FIGS. 13 and 14 which graphically illustrate the timing and spatial relationship between the paper and the belt paths and various process steps that take place in the pitch zones in their paths. This can be better described in operational context as follows: In operation, the film frame pairs 11A and 11B in film strip 12 are simultaneously positioned on platen 14. (FIG. 4). In a simple operation, one (11A) or the other (11B) frame is exposed and the light image A' or B' formed is projected onto the belt 20 or 20' to form a latent electrostatic image. In a duplex operation, exposure of the frame 11B (B') is delayed by suitable time interval dt (FIG. 13) after exposure of frame 11A, to allow the web 28 to travel from transfer station 25 to station 25' to effect back-to-back alignment of the impressions produced on web 28.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the belts 20 and 20' are exposed to the light images A' and B' at times t.sub.1 and t.sub.3 during a first pitch interval in the first pitch zone I, to form the latent images. The images are then developed at pitch zone II during the following or second pitch time interval. The developed images are then transferred at pitch zone III at time t.sub.2 and t.sub.4. The transferred images A' and B' are thereafter fused at pitch zone IV during the succeeding or fourth pitch interval. The web 28 containing the impressions is then cut by a guillotine 160 at pitch zone V during the next or fifth pitch interval. The deflector gate 400 in pitch zone VI is actuated at time t.sub.6 in the sixth pitch interval when a cut sheet has to be scrapped. Otherwise the acceptable sheet is collected at the collection tray at t.sub.6. Pitch zones are set up so that the start, t.sub.o and t.sub.end of each of the pitch zone intervals coincide with one another in timing sense. Once the paths are loaded, the aforementioned process events in the various zones occur in the time sequence shown in FIG. 14 on different images processed in the various zones.

It can be appreciated from the foregoing that where copying processes for multiple copies are well under way, a number of images are in process concurrently, but at different stages in different zones. Thus, for example, at any given instant in time, an image may be undergoing fusing operation in pitch zone IV, while a second image is undergoing transfer operation from belt 20 to web 28 in pitch zone III, a third image is undergoing development on photoreceptive belt 20 in pitch zone II and a fourth image undergoing exposure in pitch zone I.

The aforementioned imaginary pitch zones are set up so that they correspond in time, i. e., start and end at the same time, so that the process events for different images occurring at the various pitch zones occur during the same pitch time interval. These process events are repeated in succession for each of the pitch time intervals in the various pitch zones in cyclical manner until the copy run is complated.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a software program is used to operate the computer 201 so that it generates the timed signals for the timed process events E1, E2, E3, etc. . . . E.sub.n taking place at the various zones in the manner described above and apply them to the corresponding control or monitor devices via the interface circuitry 203. The computer is programmed to perform the foregoing operation for each of the imaging or pitch cycles in succession for the entire copy run.

The foregoing general description of the way the control signals are derived using a programmable controller or computer will now be described in detail in terms of a specific example. Assume the clock pulse generator 207 is designed to generate 1000 pulses per pitch interval and that the process paths are fully loaded. Referring to FIG. 14, during each pitch interval the computer generates the timed control signals for the machine process events in succession at successive time intervals starting from the pitch pulse starting time, t.sub.0, generated by the computer after the operator commands the machine to print.

The exposure for the frame 11A then occurs at a given time, for example, 230 clock pulses after t.sub.0, at zone I, and transfer of an earlier developed image at zone III at 450th pulse at t.sub.2. In the first photoconductor belt path 20', expose another frame 11B at 490th pulse at t.sub.3 in zone I, and transfer still another earlier developed image at 650th pulse at t.sub.4 in the second belt path 20' in zone III. The web containing a developed and fused image of still another frame is cut at the 770th pulse at t.sub.5 in zone V, and a decision to eject or not eject at the 800th pulse at t.sub.6 in zone VI.

As alluded to before, the pitch start time t.sub.0, may be internally generated or even keyed to a specific machine process step that can serve as the reference or bench mark at the start of each copying or imaging cycle. For example, although not so shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the exposure step can serve as the start for the imaging cycles for the belt path 20. In FIGS. 13 and 14, this can be readily done by shifting the zone marks to the right so that the exposure step coincides with the start time of the first pitch cycle.

The computer 201 is programmed to calculate the time intervals between the successive machine process events in the form of corresponding, clock pulse counts 230, 220, 40, 160, 120, 30 . . . during the initialization as illustrated above and stores them in the memory table 205. In operation, the computer places the count numbers in the counter 209 in the memory in succession and the number on the counter is decremented by the clock pulses from the clock signal generator 207. As the count is decremented to zero the computer generates a control signal and applies it a control device. The counter is then reset with a succeeding count and the rest of steps of decrementing, etc., follows. In this manner, the clock pulse count of 230 is first stored and decremented to zero to generate the transfer signal and so forth until all of the timed control signal pulses for the pitch duration are generated in succession for the entire copy run and addressed and applied to corresponding control devices or control elements to effect the corresponding process events.

During the initial period while the zones in the paper and belt paths are being filled with the images being processed and during the cycle out period while zones are being emptied as the images being processed are cycled out, the computer is programmed to generate appropriate control signals and apply them via the interface circuit 203 that includes appropriate modification to the control signals over those for the fully loaded situation so that only those of the process events for the zones being filled with images in precision are acted on and events for the empty zones are not implemented. The computer is also programmed to respond to the paper jam or other machine interrupt conditions and handle them appropriately.

Use of the software to run the computer for deriving the timed control signals renders the control for the machine highly flexible. Thus, for example, controller can be programmed to make images of different length (in the direction of the travel), i. e., make the machine operate at different pitch lengths for different reproduction or copy runs. The pitch, i. e., copy length, can be changed from one reproduction run to another by using appropriate instructions in the software routine stored in the computer and without entailing any change in the hardwired logic and the machine.

This is accomplished in accordance with the present invention by having the computer calculate, for each copy run of different pitch length being set up the operator, a set of timing lists in the form of the clock pulse counts for the successive time intervals between the successive process events. The computer is programmed to do this operation during the initialization phase of the particular reproduction run. Consequently, changes required in the timing of the timed control signals for a new reproduction run which is different from the earlier run due to the change in the pitch or copy image length are implemented automatically under the control of a stored program and all the operator is required to do is to indicate or key in the pitch length for the reproduction run about to be made.

This is in contrast to the conventional control systems utilizing a hardwired and fixed logic; although to a limited degree a hardwired logic can be adapted to accommodate variable machine timing, its complexity expands so quickly as the number of machine process control steps and timing variations increase, that either the machine performance must be sacrificed or entail high cost for the hardwired logic.

Generally, in accordance with the present invention, the controller can be programmed to vary the timing sequence and cycles of the control signals, composition and order of the control signals, etc., to meet the changing need of reproduction runs or machine characteristics. This can be done by software with a master program having various optional features stored in the controller that entails little or no change in the hardware, logic and mechanism.

Thus, for example, the present controller can be programmed to run the reproduction machine in a single pass duplex mode whereby copies can be reproduced with impressions on both sides of copy sheets in a single pass of the copy sheets through the process path. Also, with appropriate optional features, the software control can also render the machine readily expandable to add new functions to the machine with little or no changes in the circuitry of the controller, and thereby upgrade the machine capability. For example, an optional instruction routine may be provided for enabling the controller to generate control signals that will enable the xerographic process implementing stations to skip a splice or other types of defective portions of the web 28 being advanced to avoid forming impression thereon.

To determine the feasibility of operating the reproduction machine described above using a computer, a software program was developed for a PDP8/S computer available from Digital Equipment Corporation; it was programmed to provide many functions, including the function of calculating and providing the timing list of the control signals for successive machine process events in terms of the clock pulse counts for a given pitch or copy length indicated by the operator. An illustrative software program used for a PDP8/S computer is included below. The program will be briefly described in terms of the software program routine architecture shown in FIG. 15 in conjunction with the accompanying operational flow charts shown in FIGS. 16-28.

FIG. 15 shows, in general, a software architecture that parallels the operational process steps shown in the flow charts in FIGS. 16-28 in operating the copier/duplicator machine 5. Broadly, the routine includes steps for initializing and placing the computer into STANDBY mode and calculating the timing list for timed machine events, then placing the computer into EXECUTIVE mode so that the computer generates the control signals for the timed machine process events E1, E2, E3 . . . En the housekeeping control signals for monitoring the operating status of the various machine components and machine malfunctions, and real time machine functions events, T1, T2, T3 ---Tn.

Specifically now referring to the STANDBY mode operation, after power is applied to the computer and interface logic (See FIG. 16), an instruction routine is used to RESET the latch circuits 243a, 243b, . . . 243n and FLAG any fault condition. Appropriate FLAG routines are used to program the computer so that the computer checks with various monitoring and control elements to check readiness for operation. After the foregoing routine, the power is applied to the machine 5 itself. (See FIGS. 17 and 18).

Next the software routine enters a SWITCH SCAN loop for entering copy run instruction data from the operator console as programmed by the operator and status of monitoring devices in the machine. This routine entails the steps of scanning the various input means or keys in the operator console to receive copy run information and other operator instructions, and the status signals of the machine and calculate the timing list for the timed control signals.

For SWITCH SCAN rountines the computer is programmed to scan various input terminals at the operator control console. Referring to FIG. 1B showing the control console, the input information applied to the computer by the operator such as the pitch length, copy run (i.e., document number, copy numbers), mode of operation (i.e., simplex or duplex) are applied to suitable register circuits means (not shown) including the AND gates 251a, 251b, . . . 251n. The inputs so provided are strobed into the computer in succession as the computer addresses them one at a time at a very high speed.

The computer operational speed is extremely fast compared to the speed with which the operator keys in the input information. Consequently, if need be, the computer can be programmed to scan an input instruction from the operator console several times and determine statistically on the basis of composite result of the scanned input the genuineness of the input and store the instruction. This feature renders the control immune to electrical noise signals which would otherwise interfere with the operation of the controller and thus of the machine.

The importance of this noise immunity feature is especially significant in view of the fact that xerographic reproducing machine to be operated by the programmable computer is inherently a very noisy machine in the electrical sense because of the high AC and DC corona generating power supplies which range in the order of thousands of volts. The noise immunity feature is attributable to a number of factors. Thus, for example, the scanning operation implemented by the software control as described above enables the computer and interface logic to use DC power supply in the range of below 20 to 30 volts D.C. There are other factors that render the machine less noise immune: For example, the input signals from the control console are not directly applied to the computer but selectively examined by the computer using the interface circuits. In this manner, the computer need only examine those signals which are necessary for the operation of the system at a particular given time. All other signals can be ignored so that noise on these other signal lines does not affect the operation of the system. Secondly, the noise signals, e.g. conducted and radiated noise, that might pass through the buffered isolation are prevented from affecting the internal operation of the computer because of the sampling approach used in the input scanning operation. In this regard, it is noted that the scanning and sampling time interval is typically in the order of only microseconds or submicroseconds whereas non-scanning timing interval is in the order of miliseconds. So the probability of noise signals occurring in the microseconds or submicrosecond scan time slot as opposed to the milisecond nonscan duration is very small. Consequently, the probability that the scanning operation will take up the spark noise is extremely low.

Furthermore, if in spite of this noise should occur at the scanning interval that noise, is even further reduced, according to the present invention, by scanning, that is, by sampling the input means several times before accepting the input as the genuine input. Thus, suppose the input is applied in the form of logic 1. But suppose the noise condition prevents the entry of logical 1 signal when the input is first scanned. If the scanning cycle is limited in one cycle, this would be picked up and the computer will take the erroneous logical 0 signal as the input.

This rather remote possibility is removed even further by scanning the input means a given number of times, for example, five times, and the computer is programmed to determine the consistency, e.g., four out of five matching sampled signals match, and then treat the matching signal correct input.

Another advantage of the present scanning and sampling technique is that it is immune to switch debounce problem generally associated with electro-mechanical switches used in the control console and elsewhere. Electro-mechanical switches open and close very rapidly for a short period of time after activation. This characteristic is known as switch bounce and often complex interface latching circuits are needed to "debounce" the switch to prevent the control system from thinking there were several switch activations instead of one. By choosing the proper sampling interval with this scanning technique the debounce problem is eliminated without the need for complex circuits or switches.

Another feature of this scan technique is that it solves the problem of multiple operation, switch activation or "rollover". If an operator activates more than one switch at the same time, the controls do not know which information to accept first. This scanning technique prevents any information from being accepted by the computer until the operator is activating only one switch at any one time. Again this is accomplished without complex circuits or interlocking switches.

In short, according to an aspect of the present invention, the software is programmed to include redundancy in sampling or scanning of the inputs during the SWITCH SCAN routine so that the machine operation and particularly, the scanning operation is rendered immune to noise, switch debounce, and rollover problem without the need for complex switches or interface circuits.

Now with reference to FIGS. 1B and 15, some of the SWITCH SCAN rountine, in the standby mode, in entering the command or copy run information will be described. Referring to FIG. 15 the DIGIT INPUT routine entails the steps of the computer reading digit inputs, such as the copy run information, i.e., the document numbers, the copy numbers, pitch length, etc. into the computer. These digits are entered either to the left (510L) or right (510R) side of the visual means via ENTER LEFT or RIGHT routine using the selection keys 511 and 512 and digit entry keys 501. Whether to enter right or left depends on the specific need of the situation and the way the operator programs the information. For example, the operator may enter the book number on the left and the copy number on the right.

Process Mode Word PMWRD CONTROL (FIG. 15) refers to the software routine that enables the computer to operate selected ones of the operative machine components while the rest of the machine is idle. This feature is especially useful in the diagnostic operation. Thus, using this routine, the computer can operate and test selected ones of the process members such as guillotine knife 160, web drive motor 105, charging means 22 transfer means 81, developer 24, etc. as signified by the operator via special instruction keys 533 and 534 so provided.

CONTROL DEVICE routine comprises a software program routine that enables the computer to scan the operative status of the device elements or machine input elements such as interlock, etc. to be sure that they are in an inactivated or reset or energized condition or whatever status is required for operations. For an illustrative routine for this operation, see FIG. 20.

SIMPLEX AND DUPLEX SCAN routines includes software instruction routine enabling the computer to scan the mode of operation (i.e., simplex and duplex) instructed by the operator via the keys 523 and 524. The JOG routine entails software instruction routine that enables the operator to jog or advance the paper reel 30 by keying the button 531 for a certain purpose such as getting rid of its splice joint.

In a similar manner, other SWITCH SCAN routines may be programmed into the computer to implement other SWITCH SCAN function as directed by the operator.

In short then, the SWITCH SCAN routines described above enable the computer to enter the instructions provided by the operator on the copy run information, copy length, copy run mode, i.e., simplex or duplex and the like and scan the operative status of the machine. (For more specifics see FIGS. 19 and 20 also).

According to another aspect of the present invention, the software is designed so that, if by mistake two or more input keys are pressed simultaneously, it enables the computer to recognize this and not to take in the keyed information until the operator keys in a sequence.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the software routines prevent the computer from running the machine until the copy run and other necessary information required for making a copy run is keyed in by the operator. When all of the necessary information is keyed properly and entered by the computer then the computer implements the START PRINT SCAN routine and proceeds further.

The START PRINT routine is possible only after copy run or diganostics or other operational instructions have been scanned and entered into the computer properly and the operator presses START PRINT button 521. This routine directs the computer to execute the next routine, namely, calculation of the TIME LISTS of those of machine process events that require precise timing (FIG. 21). In this routine, the software directs the computer to calculate the time intervals between the successive machine events that must occur at precise time positions within each pitch in terms of the clock pulse counts, such as the counts of 230, 450, 650, (FIG. 14) and so on for the exposure, transfer, web cutting, jam detect ion etc. Discussed earlier in connection with FIGS. 13 and 14. The timing lists derived from this routine is then stored in the event table 205 of the computer memory (FIG. 8) for subsequent use in the EXECUTIVE mode.

Upon completion of the calculating subroutine, the software is programmed to direct the computer to enter with the EXECUTIVE mode to start up the machine (FIG. 22) and generate control signals to implement reproduction process steps and monitor the machine operation in successive cycles until the copy run is completed (FIGS. 23-26).

The EXECUTIVE mode comprises three main types of operational routine. One routine entails the steps of implementing the machine process events, designated PITCH EVENTS, E1, E2, E3 --- En. This operation requires the computer to generate control signals for the machine process events that require precise timing within each pitch time interval such as flash, web cutting, jam detect ion, etc. These events occur once every pitch interval when the process zones are fully loaded and are phased in or phased out as the zones are being loaded or unloaded during the start and end of the copy run.

A second routine provides control signals for certain machine process events which do not require precise timing within pitch time intervals but which require proper timing in a real time, although they do not necessarily occur repetitively for every pitch. This subroutine is designated TIME EVENTS, T1, T2, T3, . . .Tn. These events T1, T2. . . . Tn, and include the steps actuating the MAIN DRIVE motor, controlling the engagement of web 12 relative to photoreceptor belts 20, 20', heating of fuser 33, and the like in a proper sequence and in a real time during operation of the machine. The PITCH and TIME event control signals are generated by the computer and addressed to the corresponding control device elements via the address decoder 241 and the latch circuits 254a, 245b, . . . 254n. (of FIG. 9).

A third routine is for checking or monitoring the machine operation status and the like that might be considered a housekeeping routine. This includes the routine to check operator actuated interrupt conditions such as stop command. It includes monitoring operation of sensing components of the machine 5 for checking their malfunction status, such as paper supply run out, excessive fuser temperature, and other non-timed events of random nature. The third routine entails the steps for enabling the computer to send out the scanning signals to the various scanning stations that monitor or sense the status of the various device control elements in the machine or the switches in the control console. Upon completion of a copy run, the machine enters a cycle out routine.

In the cycle out routine, the software instructs the computer to go to SWITCH SCAN routine to await for the next copy run instruction the operator may provided. If desired, suitable means, such as teletype or CRT readout may be provided to display the data on the copy run completed via any suitable DATA DUMP routine.

At this point, if the operator encodes the next copy run informations within a suitable waiting time period, then the computer executes the SWITCH SCAN mode for the next copy run. If not, the computer cycles out the machine and the computer.

In operating the computer in the EXECUTIVE MODE the software is programmed to follow through EXEC operations. The EXEC operations comprise a series of interrupt operations adapted to operate the computer as follows. The computer is programmed to operate in cycles in succession usually in micro or submicro second cycle time. As the computer cycles through, a Pitch Event clock count is stored in counter 209 and checked. If the stored number is not 0, the counter decrements by one and moves to perform the TIME events, the housekeeping operations, or other events.

The computer operates in cyclical fashion in this manner and decrements the counter by one after each machine clock pulse. When the comuter finds that the counter being decremented is zero the counter generates and applies the PITCH event control signal. The next event is taken from the event table and the pitch in which the event occurs is checked to see if an image is present. If no image is present, the event is changed to a non-operation event. The computer then loads this next PITCH event count into the counter and moves on to perform other functions. The foregoing steps are repeated to generate the PITCH event control signals in succession as timed by the timing list prepared during the STANDBY mode.

Several significant features may be noted here involving the EXEC operations. Suppose two PITCH events occur at precisely the same time in the actual operation of the machine. Since the software is programmed to generate PITCH EVENT signals one at a time in sequence, it is undesirable to generate more than one PITCH signals simultaneously. But the conflict presented by this situation is avoided by shifting one of the two events by one or two or more machine clock pulse counts and having the computer generate the PITCH event control signals accordingly. The shifting does not adversely affect the operation of the machine nor the quality of the copy because a shift of a few clock pulses as manifested in the operation or copy is hardly noticeable. This can be readily perceived by noting that one clock pulse shift means 0.01 inch movement of the belt in the above example and consequently the image.

Another aspect of the software control pertains to the jam detect function operation. The software is so programmed that the computer generates PITCH EVENT control signals to look for the absence or presence or both of the cut sheet in the paper path at given times during each pitch time interval. Thus, more specifically, the computer is programmed to generate a timed control signal and apply it to the sensing means 113 of any suitable type. If paper should be there, no jam occurs. Absence of the paper at this point is sensed as jam condition and this is signified to the computer via a monitor circuit and the latch 257. The jam detect operation may be performed at an appropriate time interval later within the same pitch time interval again to assure that the cut sheet has moved. Hence a second jam detect signal is generated by the computer as another PITCH event signal and applied to the monitoring means and sensed. This time the presence of the paper is detected as the jam condition.

The double check performed in detecting the jam condition is especially useful in the high speed machine where, because of the high throughput capacity, failure to detect the jam timely and promptly can result in a large number of sheets being crumpled and accumulated in the paper path which clog the machine and waste paper.

A typical program for use with aforementioned PDP8/S computer for demonstrating the feasibility of operating reproduction machine 5 in an integrated manner to produce copies appears hereinbelow together with an exemplary copy run readout of the program. For information respecting the definition of the various terms used, one may refer to Digital Equipment Corporation's Small Computer Handbook, published in 1967, for the PDP8/S computer. ##SPC1## ##SPC2## ##SPC3## ##SPC4## ##SPC5## ##SPC6## ##SPC7## ##SPC8## ##SPC9##

The following is the printout on the Teletype of a typical run of the program on the PDP-8/S.

The first thing the computer does is to force a length request. In this case the operator enters 17 inches. Next the computer requests the number of copies required in batch number 1. The operator in this instance enters 2. The computer then goes on to request the number of copies needed in batch number 2. The operator requests 1 copy. The computer then requests the number of copies in batch number 3. At this point the operator requests a return to the length input mode which the computer does. It types out "Length" and the previously entered length of 17 inches and then waits to allow the operator to change the length if he wants to. In this example the operator changes the length to 13.5 inches. The computer immediately returns to inputing the number of copies in batch number 3 where it was before the change length request came. At this point the operator requests to return to the number of copies in batch number 2 mode, so that he can change that number. The computer does this, showing that the operator had requested one copy previously. The operator changes this value to 2 and the computer again returns to the point that it was before the change request, namely inputing the number of copies in batch number 3. At this point the operator makes a run request and the computer does the necessary calculations as indicated by the flow charts and starts cycling up the machine.

The computer is now in the run mode and the timed operations are typed out in sequence. The jam true and false operation involves testing the condition of various paper detectors to determine if paper is present or absent at the proper times. The "End Pitch" output separates the block of operations which go on in each pitch length of belt travel. In the exposure sequence, the frame pairs are exposed and the film advances forward to the next pair of frames. This repeats until the micro input sees an end frame (in this simulation the end frame indication is entered from the keyboard) at which point the film advance is inhibited because these pair of frames are the last pages of this set and the first pages of the next set and must be exposed twice in succession. In our example the operator arbitrarily produces an end frame via a keyboard after the second pair of frames is in position. Thus our set in batch number one has 4 pages in it, and it will be noted that after the second pair of exposures the film does not advance forward again. The first set in this batch has been made at this point, so that the display is changed from two to one as shown immediately following the two flashes. It should be noted that the paper path and the transfer corotrons have not been turned on until this point. This is because the paper path is turned on as late as possible to minimize waste of paper.

The first set of this batch is now completely exposed and the second and last set is started. Two more pairs of images are exposed to complete the batch, and the film is slewed forward to the next batch.

When the next set is in position on the micro input, it's exposure begins. Again the operator of the simulation has arbitrarily made this set contain four pages. It is exposed like the first batch, and the machine starts to process out the copies.

In the middle of this processing, the operator has simulated a jam condition via the keyboard which shuts down the machine immediately. The operator then restarts the machine and the controller repositions the film to recover those images which were lost in the jam. The controller restarts the machine, reprocesses the lost images, and cycles out normally. ##SPC10##

The sequence of systems operations will now be described with reference to the accompanying flow charts shown in FIGS. 16-24. The sequence assumes a roll fusing approach, but other suitable fusing means and operations can be used. If flash fusing is used all steps involving fuser warm up and fuser roll engagement disengagement operation would be eliminated as indicated.

In operating the system, the first aforementioned software program including various features are stored into the computer in a conventional manner. To make individual copy runs, a particular film cassette having desired document originals are loaded in place. These being done then the following sequence of operations follow in making the copy run.

The flow chart shows the general overall sequencing of the machine. The charts following this one, break down the individual boxes in this chart into more detailed descriptions of the specific sequences. The general sequencing of the machine is always entered through the "Power On" which is initiated by pressing the ON button 520. From there the "Initialization and Warmup" sequence follows. After the machine is properly warmed up and it has been determined that the machine is ready for operation, the "Data Acquisition" mode is entered. In this mode the operator enters through the control console 500 all the information needed for a copy run, namely, the pitch length, mode indication (simplex or duplex), document numbers and number of copies for each of the documents called for copies. After the entry of the required information about the run and loading of the film cassette, the operator pushes the print button and the machine enters the "Checkout/Start" mode using the aforedescribed SWITCH SCAN routine to check if the copy run information entry is complete and correct. From there the "Calculation" mode is entered to calculate the timing list of the machine process events. After this sequence is finished the "Start Up Sequence" is entered. Previous to this point the machine had been in the STANDBY routine but at this point the machine begins to cycle up. After the "Checkout/Start" sequence has been completed, the SYSTEM enters EXECUTIVE routine and performs a "Run Mode". At this point the machine processes copies.

During the "Run Mode" if an emergency or malfunction situation is detected in the machine, an exit to the "Emergency Condition" is made and appropriate action is taken. Afterwards depending upon the required action, the "Emergency Condition" exits to a "Run Mode", "Cycle Out" mode or to "Hold" mode. During the "Run Mode" if no emergency situation is detected, the machine processes out the required number of copies and the "Run Mode" exits to the "Cycle Out" mode.

The "Cycle Out" mode starts the shut down routine of the machine, but since some copies are still in process in the machine, the "Cycle Out" mode returns to the "Run Mode" which in turn returns to the "Cycle Out" mode. When all the required copies are processed, the "Cycle Out" mode shuts the machine down and exits to the "Hold" condition. If the run was normal with no emergencies, the "Hold" condition exits to "Data Acquisition" to receive information for the next run. If the run had not been completed properly the information about the uncompleted run is held by the controller while it is in "Hold" and when the problem is cleared up, the machine exits to the "Start Up Sequence" to complete the run.

This is the general sequence for the machine. Now the flow charts showing the in depth details of each mode follow.

This is the entry point for the whole system. It is entered by pushing the ON button 520 and the only decision point is a check to make sure the OFF button 540 is not pushed. OFF always overrides ON. We now exit to "Initialization and Warmup".

The first thing done upon entering this mode is to turn on the computer logic power supply. The controller goes into a routine which clears its registers and clears the output structure as described before. The ON button is checked by the controller and the interlocks are checked. If all conditions are satisfied, the main power is latched on by the controller. At this point, all the standby devices such as fuser 33, developer 62, charger 22, etc. are turned on. RESET and POWER ON software routine described above are used to implement these steps.

If the machine had a roll fuser it would have been warmed up at this point. Since the flash fuser needs no warm up this step would be eliminated with flash fusing. A logic check is performed next and if this is successful and if there is no fuser warmup, the program exits to "Data Acquisition" shown in FIG. 19.

Upon entering this mode the first thing the controller requests is the input of a pitch length. This may be entered in digits via the digit keys 501. The program then converts the digits to a binary form using the proper scale factors and check to make sure that this figure falls within the machine allowable length of say between 4 and 30 inches. After the length data is satisfactorily entered, the other information on the copy run, i. e. document numbers and copy numbers and mode (i. e., simplex or duplex) are entered. Since a billing system has not been specified, billing information is not included in this discussion, but it can be easily incorporated in the program once the billing format is decided upon. The program is so written that it is possible to change the document number and page numbers or the length data at any time before the systems enters into the "run mode" and start processing the copies. The program is written so that the document numbers and corresponding copy numbers can be entered in at random to the document buffer register 10. But the computer reads them into the computer memory in the order of sequence in which the numbers appear on film 12. If a request to change previously entered document or length data is made, the program will return to the requested location to make the change and then return back to the original location when the request for the change was made. Information for at least one document must be entered before the program can leave this mode and information for up to 10 documents can be entered before the document buffer register is considered to be full. The exit from this mode is provided by a run request or when the document table 205 is full. The capacity of document table 205 depends on the memory capacity and the configuration of the reproduction memory system. They can be readily increased by appropriate changes in the memory capacity and the software.

The "Data Acquisition" mode is implemented by the SWITCH SCAN software routine described before.

A check out routine may be used to check out the machine 5 to make sure it is ready to run and the film 12 is loaded (FIG. 20) into the film input head (FIG. 3, 11). Successful completion of these operations allows the program to exit from this mode. Malfunction conditions of various relevant elements are checked out and if a malfunction is detected, appropriate steps are taken. SWITCH SCAN software routine described above are written to include necessary instructional routine to implement this step.

In this mode a list of the machine timing of porcess events is calculated based on the pitch length information and the mode of operation (i. e. simplex or duplex) in the manner described above in terms of the clock pulse count numbers between the successive machine process events in the pitch zones of the process paths as described above. Film advance and positioning is figured in so that film movement occurs between the successive machine exposure steps. As an added feature of the control, selected ones of the exposure and other steps can be skipped to avoid defective portions. For example, the pitch location immediately preceding the earliest flash is calculated so that splices in the paper web 28 can be avoided properly.

Since the controller is limited as to the number of simultaneous events which it can handle and since only a few events have very critical time relationships, the non-critical events are adjusted i. e., time shifted, so as to eliminate simultaneous events. The calculated timing lists is then stored in the memory 206 for use. The program exits from this mode and enters into the Executive mode.

The Start-up sequence shows a general sequence for the machine cycle up. The delays can be adjusted by the program to almost any value, although it would be easiest if they were all the same length. This sequence is implemented by the real time process event T1, T2, T3 . . . Tn software routine during the EXECUTIVE mode as described above.

This shows the list development program that the controller 200 implements as the controller determines what events should occur in any pitch pulse time interval according to the progress of machine operation. During this operation, conventional interrupt routine is utilized to load the counter 209 with a time interval indicating the time difference between succeeding events in the form of clock pulse counts for the intended machine process.

This chart shows the flow of action when the controller has determined that the next event in the list developed in the Run Mode Part I (FIG. 23) should occur. In most cases this involves straightforward execution of the event. In the case of certain real time events, T, such as End of Pitch, Web Cutting Signal, Flash etc., the operations must be done in real time to determine whether the event should be executed or not. For instance, before the advance film signal can be sent out, it must be determined if an end frame is present and if one is, whether the film should be advanced to the next document or more copies should be processed of the same document by reversing the direction of advancement of the film 12. The End of Pitch event does not cause the end of outputs by itself. Certain internal "housekeeping" chores are performed by the controller before this takes place. The flash signal has to check an internal flag before it is allowed to occur. The cut signal event is used to check to see if all copies have been processed out up to the cut area. If the machine is clear up to this point, the program exits to "Cycle Out", Chart 28.

This mode is entered whenever an emergency condition is discovered. Basically there are three types of emergencies as defined by the actions taken when an undesired condition is detected. The first type is a cycle out type of emergency where the program acts as if the stop copy button 540 had been pushed and cycles out the machine, processing out the copies already exposed in the machine. A more severe type of emergency is the "Quick Stop" type in which the machine is shut down to standby immediately and all data is held for start-up. The most extreme type of emergency is the emergency OFF condition in which all power to the machine is shut off immediately.

This is the mode that the Run Mode Part II (FIG. 24) exits to when the machine copy sheet paper path is clear of copies up to cutting station 34. The paper path is shut down to save paper and then the rest of the process is cycled out. When the machine is completely empty of copies, the program exits to "Hold".

This is the mode entered from both the cycle out (FIG. 27) and emergency modes (FIGS. 25 and 26). If this is a normal end of run entrance, the old data is cleared out of the controller, a check is performed upon the logic, and the program exits to receive new data for the next run. If the termination of run was not normal, then all information is held until the problem is corrected at which point the machine can be restarted so as to complete the run. A feature of the program is that in the case of a quick stop type of emergency in which some copies are lost in process in the machine, the film 12 is automatically repositioned by the program upon restarting so that the lost copies may be reprocessed out.

In the foregoing, an electrostatographic reproducing machine with a programmable controller embodying various aspects of the present invention has been described above. Utilization of a programmable controller renders the machine highly flexible and versatile. In particular, it renders the machine to be capable of functioning as a variable pitch machine whereby the spaces or distances allotted for successive images formed and developed can be changed from reproduction run to reproduction run using stored programs and without changing any intervals circuitry.

While the principles of the present invention have been described in terms of web fed, single pass simplex duplex copies/duplicator machine, clearly the application thereof is not so limited. A person of skill in the art may modify or change the application from the teachings of the principles of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.