System for controlling image formation

A control system for controlling an image forming apparatus having a plurality of objects to be controlled, comprising:

• a control unit comprising a plurality of execution means respectively provided for executing a plurality of control programs, wherein a parallel operation is required to control said plurality of objects;
• a transmission control unit to allow control data to be transmitted and received among said control unit and external control executing units;
• and
• a monitor control unit to monitor said control unit and said transmission control unit,
• wherein said control unit, said transmission control unit, and said external control executing units are integrally formed on a semiconductor substrate, and
• wherein said plurality of execution means of said control unit sequentially operate and said plurality of control programs are executed on a time-sharing basis.

A control system comprising:

• a control unit having a plurality of execution means respectively provided for executing a plurality of control programs, wherein a parallel operation is required to control a plurality of objects and said plurality of execution means are operated on a time-sharing basis;
• a plurality of transmission lines to transmit data to control said plurality of execution means;
• a plurality of input/output interface units provided for each of said plurality of transmission lines;
• and
• a central control unit to control said plurality of input/output interface units, wherein said plurality of execution means of said control unit sequentially operate and said plurality of control programs are executed in said time-sharing basis.