JPH07314859A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To judge accurately whether or not an image is normally recorded by providing a judging means or the like wherein whether or not recording is normally carried out is judged on the basis of a signal or the like indicating detected results of a specific image. CONSTITUTION:A footer sensor 207 consisting of an LED light source for detecting a footer and a light-receiving element for detecting reflected light from a footer mark is a sensor for detecting residual quantity of ink in an ink cartridge, which detects whether or not a specific pattern (the footer mark) is printed at a specific position on recording paper. A facsimile command system wherein being operated in a facsimile mode of an image recorder is transmitted to a printer 2, can be used only when a facsimile mode is active. An MPU 201 on the printer side judges whether a data and a command which are sent to the printer 2 via Centronics interface 302 are those from a facsimile part 1 or those from an external computer by using a facsimile mode signal wire.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording material using a recording head which ejects ink droplets according to image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a facsimile apparatus having an ink jet printer as a recording unit has been announced. In such a facsimile apparatus, a solid black pattern (footer mark) is recorded on the trailing edge of the recording paper in order to judge whether or not the recording is normally performed after recording one page of the image with ink. Then, by detecting the mark and the trailing edge of the recording paper with a sensor, it is judged whether or not the recording was successful.If the recording is successful, the memory storing the data of the page is released, and If it is not possible to print, the data of the page is stored in the memory to prevent the loss of image data due to the absence of ink.

[0003]

In such an apparatus, it is general that separate CPUs control the facsimile section for communication and the printer section for recording, and recording and detecting footer marks as described above. If the CPU responsible for communication control performs the determination operation, the CPU of the facsimile unit
The increase in the load has a drawback that the received data of the liver and kidney cannot be processed in some cases. Further, since the CPU of the printer unit controls the actual recording operation and the conveyance operation of the recording paper, it is difficult for the CPU of the facsimile unit to know the exact timing of footer mark detection. If the footer mark can be detected depending on the amount of recording paper conveyed, the trailing edge margin of the recording paper may not be detected, and there is a risk of erroneous detection despite normal recording. there were.

Further, in the above-mentioned facsimile machine, there has been proposed a facsimile machine to which a printer function as an output terminal from a host device such as a personal computer is added in addition to a copy function. When using such a copy function and printer function, the user is often near the device,
Even if the image was not recorded normally, re-recording is relatively easy. Therefore, even in such a case, it is not so necessary to record the footer mark in the same way as when receiving, and to save the data in the memory when it is not normally recorded without ink. Ink consumption will be accelerated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points,
An object of the invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of accurately determining whether or not image recording is normally performed.

Further, an object of the present invention is to record a predetermined image after recording a predetermined amount of image to determine whether or not the recording is normally performed, and perform detection operation at accurate timing when detection is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording device capable of performing the above.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is an image recording an image on a recording material using a recording head which ejects ink droplets according to image data. In the recording apparatus, after recording a predetermined amount of image data, a detecting unit that detects a predetermined image recorded on a recording sheet, and a first signal generating unit that outputs a first signal indicating a detection result of the predetermined image by the detecting unit. A second signal generating means for outputting a second signal indicating the detection result of the recording material by the detecting means after the detection of the predetermined image, and a third signal for outputting confirmation of the detection result by the detecting means. It is characterized by comprising three signal generating means and a judging means for judging whether or not the recording is normally performed based on the first signal, the second signal and the third signal.

Furthermore, the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording material by using a recording head which ejects ink droplets according to image data, and after recording a predetermined amount of image data, the recording paper is recorded. Detecting means for detecting the predetermined image recorded on the recording medium and the trailing edge margin portion of the recording material, conveying means for conveying the recording material at every predetermined length, conveying control means for controlling the conveying means, and detection by the detecting means Depending on the result
Determining means for determining whether or not the recording is normally performed, and the transport control means controls the recording for each first predetermined length until the detection means detects the predetermined image. After the sheet is conveyed and the predetermined image is detected by the detecting means, the conveying means is controlled so as to convey the recording material every second predetermined length shorter than the first predetermined length. .

According to the present invention, in addition to the first signal indicating the detection result of the predetermined image and the second signal indicating the detection result of the recording material after the detection of the predetermined image, a third signal indicating the determination of the detection result is generated. Therefore, it is possible to make a judgment at an accurate timing.

Further, according to the present invention, after the predetermined image is detected,
Since the conveyance length of the recording material is shortened, it is possible to accurately detect the blank area on the rear side of the predetermined image.

[0011]

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a document tray on which a document to be facsimile-transmitted or copied is placed with the image side facing down. An actuator 301 is operated by an original, and when there is no original, the original detection sensor 110, which is a reflection type sensor, is inactivated. The actuator 301 is set to have a center of gravity so that the document detection sensor 110 does not operate when the facsimile apparatus is installed as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 304 is a roller for feeding the original document to the reading position, and reference numerals 306, 307 and 308 are conveying rollers for conveying the original document on the reading unit 309 having a contact sensor at an appropriate speed.

Reference numeral 310 is a cut sheet (recording sheet) of a predetermined size.
In a paper cassette that stores a plurality of sheets, the recording papers stored in the paper cassette 310 are picked up one by one by the action of the pickup roller 313, and further supplied to the trailing edge sensor (PE sensor) 206 by the recording paper conveyance roller 311. Will be sent.

The recording paper fed to the PE sensor 206 is conveyed on the recording position by the conveying rollers 311, 303 and 312.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a recording head for carrying out ink jet recording, and the recording head 205 is repeatedly moved in the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface) by a scanning mechanism (carriage) (not shown) to sequentially record images on the recording paper. The recording head 205 in this embodiment is of a type that ejects ink droplets from an ejection port by causing a state change in ink by using thermal energy, has 64 nozzles in the sub-scanning direction, and 360 dpi. It is possible to record images with the resolution of.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a recording paper trailing edge sensor for detecting the trailing edge of the conveyed recording paper. A footer sensor 207 detects a footer recorded on the recording paper.

The pickup roller 313 for picking up the recording paper from the cassette 310 is driven by using a motor for driving the rollers 304, 306 to 308 for conveying the original.

A recovery system unit 314 is composed of a cap member for capping the ejection port of the recording head 205, a suction pump, etc., and suctions the ejection port of the recording head 205 with the cap member capped during automatic recovery or manual recovery. Operate the pump to discharge the ink from the discharge port.

The discharged ink is guided to the discharged ink reservoir 315.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of the recording paper conveying system.

Pickup roller 3 from cassette 310
The recording sheet fed by 13 is conveyed by the conveying roller 311 and is conveyed by a predetermined amount after the leading edge of the recording sheet is detected by the PE sensor 206, and is set at the recording position by the print head 205. Then, the print head 205 performs main scanning to perform band recording with a recording width of 64 nozzles. When the main scanning is completed, the recording paper is conveyed by a distance according to the recording width to perform the sub scanning. By repeating the main scanning and the sub-scanning a plurality of times, the image recording for one page is performed. Further, after recording an image for one page, a footer mark for detecting the presence or absence of ink is recorded on the trailing edge of the recording paper, and the footer sensor 207 detects the footer mark. Presence / absence determination is performed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The facsimile apparatus of this embodiment comprises a facsimile section 1 on the left side and a printer section 2 on the right side from the dotted line.

The facsimile section 1 is used for facsimile communication,
It executes various functions of facsimile operation except image recording operation such as image reading, image memory management, and user registration. The printer unit 2 executes a recording operation of a copy image, a received image and an external input image.

The facsimile section 1 is composed of the following components. Reference numeral 101 is a facsimile MPU for controlling the operation of the facsimile unit 1, and 102 is a ROM in which program codes, initial value data, table data, font data for TTi, etc. are stored. This ROM
The TTi font data stored in 102 is font data for source information added to the image data when the image data is transmitted, and has characters such as numbers, alphabets, katakana, and symbols.

Reference numeral 103 is a RAM allocated to an image storage buffer, a reading line buffer, a recording line buffer, a user registration data area, a work area and the like. The image storage buffer is a buffer for storing received image data or unprinted image data, and is also called an image memory. The reading line buffer is the raw image data 4 after reading.
The line buffer has a size of line (216 bytes x 4 lines), and the recording line buffer has a size of 4 lines (400 bytes x 4 lines) of raw image data (including commands) before recording. Is.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a communication unit including an image communication modem, NCU and the like.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a contact for reading an image.
Sensor, image processing LS that performs image processing of read image
The reading unit includes I and the like and controls reading.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a converter for converting the run-length (RL) format image data soft-decoded by the facsimile MPU 101 into raw image (RAW) data.

Reference numeral 107 designates raw image data having a main scanning resolution of 8 pel / mm on the side of the facsimile unit 1 and 360 dpi (dots per inc) on the main scanning resolution on the side of the printer unit 2.
It is a resolution converter for converting into h) raw image data.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a changeover switch for selecting data to be transferred to the printer section via the Centronics interface. The changeover switch 108 is a facsimile mode operating as a recording system of the facsimile section 1 or an external device such as a connected word processor or personal computer. Is a centro output changeover switch that operates in accordance with an instruction from the facsimile MPU 101 depending on whether the printer mode is to operate as a printer of the above.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a Centronics-compliant external Centronics connector terminal for connecting to an external device in the printer mode.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a document detection sensor for detecting a document,
111 is a motor for picking up an original or recording paper, 1
An operation panel 12 includes a keyboard such as a copy key and a printer key.

Next, the structure of the printer unit 2 will be described.

The printer unit 2 is constructed as follows.

Reference numeral 201 is a printer MPU for controlling the operation of the printer unit 2, 202 is a ROM in which program codes, initial value data, table data, various font data, etc. are stored, and 203 is a reception buffer, raster buffer, text. A RAM including a buffer, a print buffer, a footer buffer, and a work area.
In the reception buffer, the Centro output changeover switch 108 of the facsimile unit 1 transfers data at high speed.
The raster buffer is a buffer for temporarily holding received data. The raster buffer is a buffer for the printer MPU to analyze the data in the receive buffer for each byte and to extract only print data. The text buffer is a printer. The MPU analyzes the data in the receive buffer byte by byte and extracts only the character code.
The print buffer is a print data buffer immediately before printing and has a size of 2 scans (360 bytes x 64 bytes).
Nozzle x 2 scans) and used alternately. The footer buffer is a character code buffer for printing footer characters.

Reference numeral 204 is a horizontal / vertical conversion circuit for storing print data in the horizontal raster buffer in the vertical print buffer, and 205 is a print head for ejecting ink by a heater driver.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a recording paper trailing edge detection sensor,
Detect the trailing edge of recording paper.

A footer sensor 207 includes an LED light source for footer detection and a light receiving element for detecting light reflected from the footer mark. The footer sensor is a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge,
It is detected whether or not a predetermined pattern (footer mark) is printed at a predetermined position on the recording paper.

A motor 208 conveys the recording paper.

Next, the interface between the facsimile section 1 and the printer section 2 will be described.

Reference numeral 301 is a signal line connecting the facsimile unit MPU 101 and the printer unit MPU 201. Details will be described later.

Reference numeral 302 denotes a centro output changeover switch 1
A Centronics interface connecting 08 and the RAM 203 transfers control commands, image data, and character code data from the facsimile unit 1 in accordance with a general command system and a facsimile command system. An external Centronics connector is connected to the centro output changeover switch 108, and the centro output changeover switch 108 and an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer are connected via the external Centronics connector 109. As a result, the control command, the image data, and the character code data are transferred from the external device to the printer unit 2 according to the general command system.

Switching between the facsimile mode and the printer mode is performed by the centro output changeover switch 108. Further, 4 is a power supply unit.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the signal line 301. The signal line 301 includes a facsimile unit MPU101.
From the printer unit MPU201 to the printer unit MPU201 and the printer unit MPU201 to the facsimile unit MPU10
There are two types, that is, the signal line group 301-2 to the 1.

The signal line group 301-1 from the facsimile unit MPU 101 to the printer unit MPU 201 is composed of the following.

(1) Reset signal line This line is used when the power supply is turned on and the printer section 2 is cleared of an abnormality.

(2) Automatic recovery prohibition signal line This is used to prohibit the automatic recovery operation of the printer unit 2.
Used when the automatic recovery operation is not required, the serviceman mode, and the factory assembly process. This is when the recovery operation is performed with the main body raised as described below,
Since ink dripping occurs, it is used to prevent this.

(3) Facsimile mode signal line The printer section 2 is informed that it is operating in the facsimile mode. The facsimile command system (described later) can be used only when the facsimile mode signal line is active.
The MPU 201 on the printer side uses this facsimile mode signal line to determine whether the data or command sent to the printer unit 2 via the Centronics interface 302 is from the facsimile unit 1 or an external computer.

(4) Emulation Mode Signal Line The printer section 2 is informed of the type of emulation mode in the printer mode. The emulation mode can be changed in the user registration operation. This is a signal line for selecting a command system because the command system used in the printer differs depending on the type of external device.

(5) Soft power switch signal line The soft power ON / OFF of the printer unit 2 is controlled. When the power is turned on, before and after the printing operation, when the printer setting registration is changed, and when the printer mode is entered, the soft power-on of the printer unit 2 is performed using the soft power switch signal line. Details will be described later.

(6) Online switch Controls ON / OFF of the facsimile unit 1 and the printer unit 2.

Next, the signal line group from the printer unit MPU 201 to the facsimile unit MPU 101 will be described.

(7) Idle signal line Informs the facsimile unit 1 of the idle state of the printer unit 2. The idle state is a state in which all the control commands received by the printer unit 2 have been processed. When not in the idle state, the facsimile unit 1 should not turn off the power of the printer unit 2 like software.

(8) Paper Feed Request Signal Line This informs the facsimile unit 1 that the printer unit 2 will feed recording paper. During the facsimile mode, the paper feed request signal line is used when data to be printed is received from the facsimile unit 1 or when long print is performed such that the print data exceeds one recording sheet. Further, even in the printer mode, the paper feed request signal line is used when data to be printed is received from an external device or when long print is performed such that the print data exceeds one recording paper. Exceptionally, the paper feed request signal line is also used when feeding the test print in the printer mode.

(9) Ink remaining amount detection output signal line Facsimile unit 1 indicates that the result of presence / absence of ink can be determined.
Let me know. Functions in combination with the ink remaining amount detection result signal line in the next section. The facsimile apparatus of this embodiment has an ink remaining amount detecting function as a function only during printing of a received image in the facsimile mode. Due to the nature of the received image, the received image must be printed reliably.
Therefore, if the ink runs out, the facsimile unit 1
Let me know. The facsimile unit 1 stores received image memory and displays a message prompting the user to replace the cartridge. Then, try printing the received image again. Footer print detection is performed as a method of detecting the remaining ink amount. The footer print detection means a method in which an ink remaining amount detection mark (footer) is printed at a predetermined position on the trailing edge of each page of received image printing, and the mark is detected by a photo sensor. If the output of the photo sensor is black, there is ink, and if it is white, there is no ink.

(10) Ink remaining amount detection result signal line Notifies the result of presence or absence of ink to the facsimile section 1. Functions in combination with the remaining ink level detection output signal line in the preceding paragraph. When no ink is detected, this ink level detection result signal is output, and then the ink level detection output signal line in the preceding paragraph is activated. Therefore, the facsimile unit 1 can know the presence or absence of ink by referring to the ink remaining amount detection result signal after checking the ink remaining amount detection output signal line in the preceding paragraph. The remaining ink amount detection process will be described later.

(11) Recording Paper Colored Paper Signal Line This informs the facsimile section 1 that the recording paper is colored paper. Functions in combination with the remaining ink level detection output signal line in the previous section. When it is detected that the recording paper is colored paper, after the actual recording paper colored paper signal is output, the ink remaining amount detection output signal line in the preceding paragraph is activated. Therefore, the facsimile unit 1 can know whether or not the recording paper is a colored paper by referring to the recording paper colored paper signal after checking the ink remaining amount detection output signal line in the preceding paragraph. The remaining ink amount detection process will be described later.

(12) Cartridge presence / absence signal line The facsimile section 1 is notified of the presence / absence of an ink cartridge. The printer unit 2 changes the cartridge presence / absence signal line when the state of absence or presence of the cartridge continues for 16 times in the timer interrupt of 100 msec. When the absence of a cartridge is detected by the present cartridge presence / absence signal line, the facsimile unit 1 prompts the user to mount the cartridge by LCD display or the like, and prohibits the printing operation in the facsimile mode.

(13) Cartridge right / wrong signal line Informs the facsimile unit 1 of the right / wrong of the cartridge. The printer unit 2 changes the cartridge correct / incorrect signal line when the error cartridge is properly installed 16 times or the correct cartridge is installed continuously for 100 msec timer interruption. When the facsimile unit 1 detects a cartridge error by the cartridge correct / wrong signal line, the facsimile unit 1 urges the correct cartridge to be attached by an LCD display or the like.

(14) Soft power signal line This shows the soft power state of the printer unit 2. In the facsimile mode, it is turned on during the printing operation and the recovery operation. On the other hand, in the printer mode, it is always on regardless of the recording operation or the standby.

(15) Online signal line This shows online and offline of the printer unit 2 in the facsimile mode. When offline, it does not accept commands using the Centronics I / F.

(16) Error signal line Indicates the error state of the printer unit 2.

Next, the command system will be described in detail.

Centronics interface 302
There are general command system and facsimile command system in the command system using.

The general command system is a command system that is generally used and can be used in both the facsimile mode and the printer mode. The setting of the command system in the printer mode can be changed by user registration.

The facsimile command system is a special command system prepared for functions that cannot be realized by the general command system alone. This is a special function and is supported only in the facsimile mode. If the printer unit receives the command in the printer mode, it is ignored.

The facsimile command system is composed of the following.

(1) Printer Setting Command This is a command related to the initial setting of the printer unit 2. The command is used when the power is turned on, when the printer setting registration is changed, when the facsimile mode is fed, when the facsimile mode is ejected, and when the facsimile mode ends abnormally.

(2) Bidirectional printing correction command This command corrects the bidirectional printing deviation when bidirectional printing is performed. Used when the power is turned on and when feeding recording paper in the facsimile mode. Since the printer unit 2 is a shuttle print type in which an image is recorded while moving a head having a plurality of ink ejection ports by a carriage in the main scanning direction, correction of print misalignment due to forward and backward scans is performed for each print mode and each device. Is transferred to the printer unit 2. The printer unit 2 performs the bidirectional printing correction based on the bidirectional printing correction value when the software power is turned on and immediately before the start of printing.

(3) Bidirectional printing command This is a command relating to bidirectional printing and unidirectional printing. Used when feeding recording paper in facsimile mode. Transfers the bi-directional and unidirectional printing settings selected by user registration (different settings for image printing and character code printing in facsimile mode) to the printer unit. In printer mode, it does not follow user registration.

(4) Footer print command This is a command that collects the received information footer print, detects the remaining ink amount, does not detect the trailing edge of the recording paper, and the footer character code. Used when feeding each page of received images.

The received information footer is information characters including the date and time when the image is received by the device itself, the reception number, the received image page, and the like. When the reception information footer is set to be printed by user registration, the printer side prints the information character developed on the received image using the font data of the printer side at the trailing edge of the recording sheet immediately before the sheet is discharged. In addition, when it is set to detect the remaining ink amount by user registration, an ink remaining amount detection mark (footer) for detecting the remaining ink amount
Is drawn in the same scan as the received information footer, and the remaining ink amount detection process is performed.

(5) Facsimile image command Transfers the conversion ratio of resolution conversion in the sub-scan along with the image data of one line. Used for printing received images, copied images, and undelivered images. The resolution conversion in the main scanning direction is performed by a hardware circuit (8pel-360 dpi resolution converter 107), but the resolution conversion in the sub-scanning direction is realized by software. M of the facsimile section 1
The software of the PU 101 calculates the conversion ratio, and the command transfers the conversion ratio of the resolution conversion together with the image data of one line. On the other hand, the software of the MPU 201 of the printer unit 2 which has received the image data of one line and the conversion ratio expands the image data of one line by the conversion ratio and prints.

(6) Facsimile reset command Initializes various flags of the printer unit used in the facsimile mode. Used when ejecting recording paper in facsimile mode.

Next, the following operation will be described in detail.

At power-on Standby Copy operation Received image output operation Report output operation Printer mode

The operation when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

When the power of the facsimile apparatus is turned on, the facsimile section 1 is connected to peripheral devices (communication section, reading section, RL-
After initializing the RAW converter and the like (7-1), the printer unit 2 is reset (7-2) by the reset signal line to the printer unit 2. Then, after waiting 100 ms (7
-3), the MPU 101 performs the soft power ON process of the printer unit via the soft power switch signal line of the signal line 301 (7-4) and executes the error check (7-
5). The reason for waiting 100 msec is that the printer unit 2 is also initialized at the same time when the power is turned on, and waits for the end. If there is an error, after displaying the error (7-6), the software power OFF processing (7-8) is performed. If there is no error, printer setting processing (7-7) is performed, and the final initialization of the printer unit is completed. After that, soft power off
Processing is performed (7-8), and the printer unit is put in a standby state.
Then, if necessary, output a memory clear report (7
-9), the standby state of the facsimile unit is entered.

On the other hand, the printer unit 2 performs the hardware power ON initialization process shown in FIG. 8 by the reset signal output in (7-2) of FIG. 7 when the power is turned on. First, MP
A watchdog timer for preventing runaway of the U201 is initialized (8-1), then a register is initialized for preventing malfunction of the MPU 201 (8-2), and the horizontal / vertical converter 204, the Centronics interface 302, etc. are further initialized. The peripheral device is initialized (8-3), and the work area of the RAM is initialized (8-4) to prevent malfunction of the MPU 201 and to set the initial values of the parameters. After this, the timer interrupt is started (8-5). Next, the RAM is initialized to erase the data remaining in each buffer (8-6).

When the MPU 101 of the facsimile section 1 turns on the soft power source via the soft power switch signal line of the signal line 301, the printer section 2 initializes the soft power source ON (FIG. 9).

This facsimile apparatus has three power states. In the first state, the power supply is cut off by hardware, and the printer unit 2 and the facsimile unit 1 are not supplied with power.

In the second state, the power is turned on by hardware, and power is being supplied to the facsimile unit 1 and the printer unit 2. However, it is apparent that the hardware power of the printer unit 2 is initialized. Since the LEDs and the like are also turned off, the printer unit 2 is in the same state as when the power is cut off.

In the third state, the power source is turned on by hardware, the power is also supplied to the facsimile section 1 and the printer section 2, and the printer section 2 is also in an operating state (recording, printer setting, etc.). It is in a state.

The above three states are provided for the following reason.

The first reason is that the MPU 20 of the printer unit 2 is
1 is always in the standby state, the MPU1 of the facsimile unit 1
It is conceivable that the MPU 201 of the printer unit 2 may run out of control when a copy request from 01, a recording request for reception, a print request from an external device (not shown), and the like are complicatedly involved. This is because in order to prevent this, the MPU 201 of the printer unit 2 is initialized every time there is a print request such as copy or reception.

The second reason is that if the same initializing operation as when the power is turned on is performed every time the printer section 2 is initialized, it takes a long time to complete the initialization and the performance of the entire system is increased. This is because it lowers.

The third reason is that turning on the LED or the like of the printer unit 2 consumes unnecessary power until the printer unit 2 is not used, such as transmission or memory reception, and this is This is to prevent it.

The fourth reason is that if the LED of the printer unit 2 is still lit, the user will mistakenly recognize that the printer unit 2 is in the operating state, and this is to prevent this.

The fifth reason is that the error state can be easily released by initializing the printer unit 2 when an error has occurred.

Next, initialization when the soft power source is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. When the soft power is turned on, the initialization is performed only for the resources used after the soft power is turned on. First, the RAM is checked (9-1), the work area is initialized (9-2), and the RAM is initialized (9-).
3) Initialize the data analysis program sent from the Centro interface (9-4), and initialize the carriage control and paper transport control (9-5). The MPU 201 of the printer unit 2 initializes the position of the carriage, that is, the position of the print head 205 by a home position sensor (not shown) (9-6). In this process, since the carriage position is recognized based on the number of pulses applied to the pulse motor that drives the carriage, the reference position is set using the home position sensor. Next, in order to perform bidirectional correction, the carriage is moved in the forward direction by a predetermined amount from the reference position and then in the reverse direction, and the state of the home position sensor is sampled (9-7). The number of pulses required for moving in the forward direction and the number of pulses required for moving in the reverse direction are counted, and a correction value for bidirectional printing is obtained based on this count value. If the correction value exceeds the predetermined range, an error will occur and the recording operation will be disabled.

Next, the PE sensor 2 determines whether or not there is residual paper.
If the residual paper is detected, the residual paper is discharged (9-8).

Next, it is judged whether or not automatic recovery is to be performed (9
-9). The automatic recovery is a process performed to prevent clogging of nozzles when the print head 205 is an inkjet type or the like. This judgment is made by the MP of the facsimile unit 1.
It is checked whether the automatic recovery is prohibited from U101 via the signal line 301, and when the automatic recovery is performed according to the conditions described later, the automatic recovery operation is performed (9-1
0), the initialization process ends. On the other hand, if the automatic recovery operation is not to be performed, the initialization process is terminated.

Next, the automatic recovery operation will be described.

The automatic recovery prohibition signal line of the signal line 301 is for prohibiting the automatic recovery of the printer unit 2 from the MPU 101 of the facsimile unit 1. In the case of the inkjet recording method, the print ink may not be ejected due to the clogging of the print ink ejection nozzle or the like, even though the print ink remains in the cartridge. The operation for preventing this print ink non-ejection state is automatic recovery. After the ejection port of the print head is recovered, the suction pump is driven while being capped by the cap member in the unit 314, and the ink is ejected from the ejection port. Is discharged. On the other hand, when the ejection failure state has already occurred, a manual operation can be performed by performing the above operation by a key operation (not shown).

The conditions for performing the automatic recovery operation are as follows. -Hardware power ON-72 hours have passed since the last recovery operation-Cartridge replacement In addition, there are the following timings for the actual automatic recovery operation.・ When the software power is ON ・ Before feeding ・ After discharging

The time required for the automatic recovery operation is
It takes about 15 seconds under the conditions of N and 72 hours, and 30 seconds under the conditions of cartridge replacement. Therefore,
When the facsimile unit 1 determines that the automatic recovery operation is not required, it is possible to save unnecessary time by prohibiting the automatic recovery operation using the automatic recovery signal line.

Also, the fact that the document sensor changes to the presence of a document when the housing is set up is used, and in this case, automatic recovery is prohibited. This will prevent ink leakage if automatic recovery is done with the housing upright.

This state will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the casing is normally set, FIG. 4 shows a state with a document, and FIG. 5 shows a state in which the casing is set upright. In FIG.
The actuator 301 is in a state of covering the document detection sensor 110. On the other hand, in FIG. 4, there is a document, and in FIG. 5, the document detection sensor 110 is not covered by the weight of the actuator.

The conditions for judging "no automatic recovery operation is required" are as follows.

(1) Factory Assembly Process It is not necessary to waste time for the automatic recovery operation during assembly, and the assembly efficiency is improved. Also, prevent ink leakage when assembling while raising the housing.

(2) Test printing It is possible to avoid wasting time during test printing. Should print ink not be ejected, a manual recovery operation will be performed.

(3) Manuscript sensor 110 is in a condition where there is a manuscript when the power is turned on. There is a possibility that the power is turned on with the housing kept upright, and ink leakage due to the automatic recovery operation is prevented.

(4) Printer setting process No printing operation is performed during the printer setting process, and therefore, automatic recovery operation is not required. This avoids wasting time on the automatic recovery operation.

Next, the standby state after the initialization of the facsimile section 1 and the printer section 2 is completed, as shown in FIGS.
This will be described using 1.

Standby State of Facsimile Unit (FIG. 10) In the standby state of the MPU 101 of the facsimile unit 1, presence / absence of reception (10-1-1) and key reception by the user (10-1-3) are monitored. . If there is a reception, the received image is output (10-1-2), and if there is a key input, a key input process is performed (10-1-).
4). In addition, the timer interruption monitors printer setting requests such as bidirectional printing, unidirectional printing, and whether to print footer marks (10-2-
1). When the previous printing operation ends abnormally or when the printer settings are changed by user registration (10-3-1), the printer setting request becomes active (10-3-2) and the printer setting request becomes active. If (10-2-1), printer setting processing is performed (10-2-3).

Printer Unit Standby State (FIG. 11) In the standby state of the printer unit MPU 201, the MPU 1 of the facsimile unit 1 is in the soft power OFF state.
By 01, the soft power switch signal line of the signal line 301 is monitored to be turned on (10-4-1).
When the soft power switch signal changes to ON, the soft power ON process is performed (10-4-2), and the command reception state is entered (10-4-3).

Regarding the initialization of the soft power ON process,
This is as described with reference to FIG.

Next, the copy operation will be described.

When a copy operation is instructed by a key (not shown), different processing is performed depending on the number of copies. That is, the single copy operation is performed when the copy number designation is 1, and the multi copy operation is performed when the number of copies is 2 or more.

First, the single copy operation will be described with reference to FIG.

In this mode, the raw image data of the document read by the document reading unit 102 is resolution-converted by the resolution converter 107 and then transferred to the printer unit 2 to realize a single copy operation.

When the copy operation is performed, it is determined whether the printer is ready (11-1-1). Printer ready means a state in which recording paper is present, ink cartridges are present, the recording cover is closed, there is no recording system error, and the printer unit power is off. If the result is NG, the error is displayed (11-1-2) and the copy operation is terminated. If the printer is ready, a read semaphore and a record semaphore are acquired (11-1-3).
The record semaphore cannot be acquired when another task (reception record transmission) is running. If you can't get both,
After releasing the semaphore, an error message is displayed (11-1-4) and the copy operation ends. If you can get both, soft power ON
Processing is performed (11-1-5). If there is an error in the soft power ON processing (11-1-6), forced soft power OFF
Processing (11-1-7), error display (11-1-4),
After releasing the semaphore, the copy operation ends. If there is no error, recording paper feeding processing is performed. If there is an error in the recording paper feed processing, forced software power OFF processing (11-1-1)
0), printer setting request (11-1-11),
Error display (11-1-4), after releasing the semaphore (11-
1-19), and the copy operation ends.

If there is no error in the recording paper feeding process, the reading and recording operations are started. Both processes are performed in parallel.

Document reading operation (11-1-12)
In the timer interrupt of 10 msec, RAM103
A free reading line buffer is searched from among the line buffers for four lines (11-1-13). If there is no free read line buffer, the timer interrupt processing ends. If there is a free reading line buffer, the reading line buffer is reserved and the image data from the reading system is activated.

At the next timer interrupt, since the read line buffer previously reserved contains image data, the read line buffer is made full, and a free read line buffer among four lines is searched again (11
-1-14). This reading operation is continued until the reading is completed.

On the other hand, in the recording operation, a full read line buffer is searched, and the image data read from the full read line buffer is subjected to 8-pel-360 dpi resolution conversion processing (ignoring the right end white data) by the resolution converter 107 (11-1- 1
5), it is expanded to a free recording line buffer in the RAM 103. After that, in the interrupt recording process, the image data is transferred and the recording line buffer is released. By repeating the above, the reading and recording operations are completed. As post-processing, recording paper discharge processing (11-1-17), software power supply O
The FF process (11-1-18) is performed, the reading semaphore and the recording semaphore are released (11-1-19), and single copy printing is completed.

The multi-copy operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

In this mode, the raw image data obtained by reading the original is stored once in the image memory (image storage buffer in the RAM 103), the image data is reproduced from the image memory for each copy, and the resolution is converted. After that, the printer unit 2
The multi-copy operation is realized by repeating the transfer to a plurality of times.

When the copy operation is performed, it is determined whether the printer is ready (11-2-1). If the result is NG, the copy operation ends after an error is displayed. If the printer is ready, a read semaphore and a record semaphore are acquired (11-2-
2). If both cannot be acquired, an error is displayed after releasing the semaphore (11-2-7), and the copy operation is ended.
If both can be acquired, the reading task and the recording task are activated (11-2-3). Here, each task will be described.

Reading task (Fig. 14) Feed the document to the reading position (11-3-
1). After that, like the reading operation of the single copy operation, the image data is transferred to the reading line buffer, the image data is encoded into an MMR code or the like, and then stored in the image memory (11-3-2). When the reading of one original is completed, the original is discharged (11-3-3), and it is checked whether there is a next original (11-3-4). If not, the reading task itself ends. If so, return to (11-3-1).

Recording task (FIG. 15) Performs software power-on processing for the printer section (11-4-
1). If there is an error in the software power ON process (11-4
-2), forced software power OFF processing (11-4-3),
After displaying the error (11-4-4), the recording task itself ends. If there is no error, the image memory (copy read image) to be recorded is searched (11-4-9). If it exists, the recording paper feeding process is performed.

If there is an error in the recording paper feeding process, forced software power-off process (11-4-7), printer setting request (11-4-8), after error display (11-4).
-4), the recording task itself ends.

If there is no error, the decoding process of the image data from the image memory into the run length data (11-
4-10), RL (run length) -RAW (raw) conversion processing, and 8pel-360 dpi resolution conversion processing (11-4-10), and then develops into a free recording line buffer. At this time, the white data on the right end is Centronics.
Ignored because the image data is transferred at high speed through the interface. The usage of the line buffer is similar to that of the reading line buffer. After that, the image data is transferred and the recording line buffer is released in the interrupt recording process.

When the printing of the image memory (copy read image) to be recorded is completed (11-4-11), the recording paper discharge process is performed as a post-process (11-4-12), and one copy is copied. finish. If there are remaining copies, the process is repeated from the recording paper feeding process (11-4-13). When the printing of the number of copies is completed, after the soft power-off processing (11-4-14), the recording task itself ends.

When both the reading task and the recording task are completed, the multi-copy operation is completed.

The received image output operation will be described with reference to FIG.

In the facsimile communication task, the received image is stored in the image memory after the facsimile call setting and the pre-procedure (12-1-1). At the same time, it is judged whether the printer is ready (12-1-1), and if it is ready, a recording semaphore is acquired (12-1-3). If you can't earn
If it is not ready, the proxy reception process is performed (12-1).
-7). If you can get it, activate the recording task (12-
1-4), the output of the received image is processed simultaneously (the image signal is stored in the image memory) (12-1-5). When the facsimile communication ends, the facsimile communication task itself ends (12-1-6).

The operation of the recording task (12-1-4) will be described with reference to FIG.

Recording task (FIG. 17) Performs software power-on processing for the printer unit 2 (12-2-
1). If there is an error in the software power ON process (12-2
-3), forced software power OFF processing (12-2-4),
Error display (12-2-5), reception processing (12-2
-6), after releasing the recording semaphore (12-2-21), the recording task itself ends. If there is no error, the image memory (received image) to be recorded is searched. If it exists, the recording paper feeding process is performed (12-2-7). If there is an error in the recording paper feeding process (12-2-8), forced software power OFF process (12-2-9), printer setting request (12-
2-10), error display (12-2-5), interception process (12-2-6), after release of recording semaphore (12-2-
21), the recording task itself ends. If there are no errors,
Decoding process for converting the image data in the image memory into run length (RL) data, RL-RAW conversion process, 8p
After performing el-360 dpi resolution conversion processing (12-2-
12) The data is expanded into the free recording line buffer (white data at the right end is ignored).

Ink remaining amount detection for each line processing (described later)
Is monitored (12-2-13). If the ink remaining amount detection result is NG, forced software power OFF processing (12-2-1
4), printer setting request (12-2-10),
Error display (12-2-5), reception processing (12-2
-6), after releasing the recording semaphore (12-2-21), the recording task itself ends.

The usage of the line buffer is the same as that of the reading line buffer. After that, the image data is transferred and the recording line buffer is released in the interrupt recording process. When printing of the image memory (received image) to be recorded is completed,
As post-processing, recording paper discharge processing (12-2-16) and ink remaining amount detection processing (12-2-17) are performed. If there is an error in the remaining ink amount detection processing (12-2-18), forced software power OFF processing (12-2-14), printer setting request (12-2-10), error display (12
-2-5), interception processing (12-2-6), after releasing the recording semaphore (12-2-21), the recording task itself ends. If there are remaining pages (12-2-19), the recording paper feeding process is repeated. When the printing of the received image is completed, the software power-off process (12-2-21) is performed, the recording semaphore is released, and then the recording task itself ends.

Next, the report output operation will be described.

For the report output, a normal report output operation for printing only the font data of the printer unit 2 and an undelivered image report output for printing both the font data of the printer unit 2 and the image data of the image memory of the facsimile unit 1 There are two types of output operations, operations.

The normal report output operation will be described with reference to FIG.

First, it is judged whether the printer is ready (13-
1-1). If it is NG, an error is displayed (13-1-2).
The report output operation ends. If the printer is ready,
Acquire a recording semaphore (13-1-3). If the recording semaphore cannot be acquired, an error message is displayed (13-1-
4), release the recording semaphore (14-1-5), and end the report output operation. If you can get a record semaphore,
Performs software power ON processing for the printer unit (13-1-1)
8). If there is an error in the software power ON process (13-1
-7), forced software power OFF processing (13-1-8),
Error display (13-1-9), after releasing the recording semaphore (1
3-1-5), and the report output operation ends. If there is no error, recording paper feeding processing is performed (13-1-10).
If there is an error in the recording paper feeding process (13-1-11),
Forced software power OFF processing (13-1-12), printer setting request (13-1-13), error display (13-1-9), after release of recording semaphore (13-1-
5) The report output operation ends.

If there is no error, it is created as a character code string for normal report print information (header, report title, contents), and the character code string is transferred to the printer side 2 via the Centronics I / F 302 (13-
1-15). Printer unit 2 that received the character code string
Stores only the character code from the reception buffer in the character buffer, expands the image of the character code in the character buffer and stores it in the printer buffer, and finally prints with the print head 205. In the facsimile unit 1, after all the character code strings have been transferred, the recording paper discharge process (1
3-1-17), and software power OFF processing is performed (13-
1-18), release the recording semaphore (13-1-5),
Normal report output operation ends.

The non-delivery image report output operation will be described with reference to FIG.

In the non-delivery image report output operation, after 13-1-14 "transfer of character code string to printer section" in the normal report output operation, 13-2-2 in FIG.
The procedure of 13-2-5 is inserted. That is, the character code string print mode is switched to the image print mode (13-2
-2), search for an image memory to be recorded (undelivered image that could not be transmitted due to a transmission error) (13-2-3). If it exists, after the image memory is subjected to decoding processing, RL-RAW conversion processing, and 8pel-360 dpi resolution conversion processing (1
3-2-4), it is expanded to the free recording line buffer (white data on the right end is ignored). The usage of the line buffer is similar to that of the reading line buffer. After that, in the recording interrupt processing, the image data transfer and the recording line buffer are released.

When the printing of the image memory to be recorded (the undelivered image that could not be transmitted due to a transmission error) is completed, the process moves to the "recording paper discharge process" in the normal report output operation (1
3-2-5).

Printer Modes The present facsimile apparatus has two modes: a facsimile mode in which the printer unit 2 is used as a recording system of the facsimile unit 1 and a printer mode in which the printer unit is used as a printer for external devices such as personal computers and word processors. is there.

FIG. 20 shows the procedure for shifting from the facsimile mode to the printer mode.

The transition from the facsimile mode to the printer mode is performed by pressing a printer key (not shown) on the operation panel 112 of the main body. When the printer key is pressed, the printer LED attached to the printer key is changed from off to blinking (14-
4), software power ON processing (printer mode) is performed (14-5). After that, printer L with printer key attached
The ED is turned on to indicate the printer mode (14-
6). However, there are the following items as transition conditions.

-Printer ready (14-1) -Software power OFF (14-2) -No printer setting request (14-3) -Record semaphore acquisition (14-4)

FIG. 21 shows the procedure for returning from the printer mode to the facsimile mode.

The return from the printer mode to the facsimile mode is performed by pressing the printer key of the main body. By pressing the printer key (not shown),
After changing the printer LED attached to the printer key from the lit state to the blinking state (15-1) and switching the centro switch from the facsimile section to the printer section side (15-2), the forced software power-off processing is performed. After that, the printer LED attached to the printer key is turned off to indicate the facsimile mode (15-4), and the recording semaphore is released. If there is no transition condition, but there is residual paper (15-6), that fact is displayed (15-7).

When it is necessary to operate the facsimile unit in the printer mode, the printer unit 2 is used in the external personal computer during the printer mode, so copying,
You cannot print received images or print report output. However,
When a facsimile is received, the image memory of the facsimile unit 1 receives it as a substitute. This enables the facsimile reception operation even in the printer mode.

The MPU 101 of the facsimile unit 1 has the following three processes shown in FIG. 22 as the timer interrupt process, which are sequentially processed at 5 msec intervals.

Interrupted ink remaining amount detection processing (16-1-1) Interrupted recording paper processing (16-1-2) Printer unit power handler (16-1-3) Details of these interrupted processing will be described later. .

Further, the MPU 1 of the facsimile unit 1
In 01, there is the following process shown in FIG. 23 as the periodic task process, which is activated at 200 msec intervals.

Printer setting processing (see FIG. 10)
(Same as (b)) (16-2-1)

Next, the operation of the printer section will be described.

First, the soft power ON process in the facsimile mode will be described with reference to FIG.

In the soft power ON process of the printer unit 2, the MPU 101 of the facsimile unit 1 issues a request to the soft power handler described later (pwon). req = Y
ES).

That is, the centro output changeover switch 10
8 is set on the side of the facsimile unit 1-printer unit 2 (17
-1), when the automatic recovery operation is prohibited (17-2), after turning on the automatic recovery prohibition signal line (17-3), it is turned on. r
Set eq to YES (17-4). After that, a soft power supply (power fl
Wait until g) turns on (17-5).

Next, the soft power source O in the printer mode
The N process will be described with reference to FIG.

The soft power ON processing of the printer unit is performed by the MPU 101 of the facsimile unit 1 issuing a request to the soft power handler (pwon_req = YES).

That is, the centro output changeover switch 10
8 to the external device-printer section 2 side (18-1),
When the automatic recovery operation is prohibited (18-2), the automatic recovery prohibition signal line is turned on (18-3), and then pwon_req is set to Y.
Set as ES (18-4). Thereafter, the soft power supply handler waits until the soft power supply (power_fig) is turned on (18-5).

The soft power OFF process will be described with reference to FIG.

The software power-off process of the printer unit 2 is
Send a request to the soft power handler (pwof
fr req = YES). That is, pwo
ff Req is set to YES (19-1).

FIG. 27 shows the forced software power OFF processing.

In the forced software power OFF processing of the printer unit 2, a request is issued to the software power handler (fo
rce pwoff req = YES).

That is, since the forced software power OFF processing is abnormally terminated, the printer setting request is set to YES (2
0-2). And then force pwoff re
q is set to YES (20-3).

The soft power source handler used for the ON / OFF processing of the soft power source will be described with reference to FIG.

By the timer interruption of 5 msec of the facsimile unit 1, the soft power control of the printer unit 2 is performed. This is for turning on the power supply of the printer unit 2,
The pseudo pulse signal of 1000 msec for turning on the power switch of the above is imitated by the facsimile unit MPU 101.

When all the requests related to the software power ON are NO, the software power OFF processing is performed without doing anything (see FIG. 29,
Proceed to FIG. 30) to exit the timer interrupt.

Pwon When req becomes YES (21
-1-1), pwon req = NO, power f
lg = ERROR, pwon push req = YE
S, pwon_push After setting time = 1000 msec, the soft power switch is turned on to exit from the timer interrupt (21-1-2).

At the next timer interrupt, pwon p
ush Since req is YES (21-1-
3), pwon push To subtract 5 ms from time (pwon push time-5) Calculate msec, and if pwon push If time> 0 (21-1-5), exit from the timer interrupt. If p
won push If time = 0, pwon p
ush req = NO, pwon wait req =
YES, pwon wait After setting time = 2000 msec, the soft power switch is turned off to exit from the timer interrupt (21-1-6). This makes 1000
A pulse signal of millisecond width is formed.

At the next timer interrupt, pwon w
ait Since req is YES (21-1-
7), pwon wait Subtract 5 ms from time
Should (pwon wait time-5) Calculate ms
Out (21-1-8), if pwon wait ti
If me> 0, exit from the timer interrupt (21-1-
9). If pwon wait If time = 0,
pwon wait req = NO, power flg
== ON, exit from the timer interrupt (21-1
-10).

As described above, the soft power source of the printer section is turned on by the pulse signal of 1000 msec width, and the control ends.

FIG. 29 shows the procedure for turning off the soft power supply.

Following the interrupt processing of FIG. 28,
The process of 9 is performed. When all requests related to software power OFF are NO (21-2-1), the process proceeds to the forced software process (FIG. 30) without doing anything and exits from the timer interrupt.

Pwoff When req becomes YES (2
1-2-1), the idle state of the printer unit is checked (21-2-2). If not idle, exit the timer interrupt. If idle, p
woff req = NO, power flg = ERR
OR, pwoff push After setting req = YES (21-2-3), if there is residual paper in the recording system (21
-2-4), an error is displayed as a recording paper jam (2
1-2-5), turn on the soft power switch to exit from the timer interrupt (21-2-5).

At the next timer interrupt, pwoff
push Since req is YES (21-2
-6), if the soft power signal line is ON (21-2
-7) Exit from the timer interrupt. If the soft power signal line is off, pwoff push req = N
O, pwoff wait req = YES, pwof
f wait After setting time = 1500 msec, the soft power switch is turned off and the timer interrupt is ended (21-2-7).

At the next timer interrupt, pwoff
wait Since req is YES (21-2
-8), pwoff wait In order to subtract 5 ms from time, (pwoff wait time-
5) Calculate msec (21-2-9) and if pwoff
wait If time> 0 (21-2-10), exit from the timer interrupt. If pwoff wait t
If time = 0 (21-2-10), pwoff w
ait = NO, power After setting flg = OFF,
Exit the timer interrupt. As a result, a pulse signal having a width of 1500 msec is formed.

As described above, the soft power source of the printer unit 2 is turned off by the pulse signal of 1500 msec width, and the control is ended (21-2-11).

FIG. 30 shows the procedure for turning off the compulsory software power supply.

Following the soft power-off processing of FIG. 29,
The processing of FIG. 30 is executed.

When all the requests related to forced software power OFF are NO, the timer interrupt is exited without doing anything. force pwoff When req is YES (21-3-1), force pwoff req =
NO, power flg = ERROR, pwoff
push After setting reg = YES (21-3-2),
If there is residual paper in the recording system (21-3-3), an error is displayed as a recording paper jam (21-3-4), and the soft power switch is turned on to exit from the timer interrupt (21-
3-5).

At the next timer interrupt, pwoff
push Since req is YES (21-2
-6), if the soft power supply signal line is ON, exit from the timer interrupt (21-2-7). If the soft power signal line is off, pwoff push req = N
O, pwoff wait = YES, pwoff wa
it After setting time = 1500 msec, turn off the soft power switch and exit from the timer interrupt (21-2
-7).

At the next timer interrupt, pwoff
Since the wait is YES (21-2-8),
(Pwoff wait time-5) msec is calculated (21-2-9), and if pwoff wait ti
If me> 0, exit from the timer interrupt (21-2-
10). If pwoff wait If time = 0, pwoff wait = NO, power fl
After g = OFF, exit from the timer interrupt (21
-2-11). As a result, a pulse signal having a width of 1500 msec is formed.

As described above, the soft power supply of the printer unit 2 is forcibly turned off by the pulse signal of 1500 msec width, and the control is completed.

Next, the operation of the recording paper feeding process before image printing will be described with reference to FIG.

The recording sheet feeding process is a process in which the facsimile unit 1 creates a recording sheet feeding command according to the user registration, transfers it to the printer unit 2, and reaches the beginning of the recording sheet by the pickup roller 313. .

First, it is determined whether the printer is ready (22
-1). If the printer is not ready, an error message is displayed (22
-8) The processing ends in error (22-9). If the printer is ready, the motor semaphore is acquired (22-2). Error display if motor semaphore cannot be acquired (22-8)
Then, the processing ends in error (22-9). If the printer is ready and the motor semaphore is acquired, a recording paper feed command is created (22-8). The recording paper feed command is a set of the following commands.

Printer reset-Printing mode (normal or economy) -Printer setting-Bidirectional printing correction-Page mode-Footer printing-Bidirectional printing-Raster skip

These commands are as follows: That is, the printer is initialized by resetting the printer. The print mode follows the print mode for image printing registered by the user. The printer setting follows the contents of the user-registered facsimile mode printer setting.
The bidirectional printing correction is a value peculiar to the apparatus and is not a user registration but a service person registration. In page mode, you can select whether to ignore the data on one page when printing a long page or continue printing on two or more pages. You can turn it on when printing a copy or undelivered image report and off when printing a received image or normal report. is there. For footer printing, refer to the items in the command system above. The bidirectional printing is in accordance with the bidirectional printing mode for user-registered image printing. Raster skip is a recording paper feed start command.

When the facsimile unit 1 finishes creating the recording paper feed command (22-3), the Centronics I
Batch transfer to the printer unit 2 via the / F302 (22
-4). Therefore, the facsimile unit 1 waits for a paper feed request from the printer unit 2 (22-5). Upon receiving the recording paper feed command, the printer unit 2 sequentially analyzes and executes the command. When the last raster skip command of the command is analyzed, a paper feed request is issued to the facsimile unit 1. The facsimile unit 1 receives the paper feed request (22-5) and starts the paper feed operation by the motor 111 (22-
6) When the recording paper is conveyed to the PE sensor 206, the paper feeding operation ends (22-7). Later, the recording paper cue is
It is entrusted to the printer unit 2. The printer unit 2 performs recording paper cueing according to a predetermined cueing amount.

The recording paper feeding process before character code printing will be described. In this process, the process of creating a recording paper feed command in accordance with user registration by the facsimile unit 1 and transferring it to the printer unit 2 up to recording paper cueing is a recording paper feed process. The flow of processing is the same as the recording paper feeding processing before image printing shown in FIG.

That is, the printer ready is judged (22-
1). If the printer is not ready, an error message is displayed (22
-8), and end with error (22-9). If the printer is ready, the motor semaphore is acquired (22-2). If the printer is ready and the motor semaphore is acquired, a recording paper feed command is created (22-3).
The recording paper feed command is a set of the following commands.

-Printer reset-Printer setting-Bidirectional printing correction-Bidirectional printing-Raster skip-Printer reset-Print mode (normal or economy)

These commands are as follows. Initialize the printer by resetting the printer.
The printer setting follows the contents of the user-registered facsimile mode printer setting. The bidirectional printing correction is a value peculiar to the apparatus and is not a user registration but a service person registration. The bidirectional printing follows the bidirectional printing mode when printing the character code registered by the user. Raster skip is a recording paper feed start command. The print mode is
Follow the print mode when printing the character code registered by the user.

When the facsimile unit 1 finishes creating the recording paper feed command (22-3), the Centronics I
Batch transfer to the printer unit 2 via the / F302 (22
-4). Therefore, the facsimile unit 1 waits for a paper feed request to arrive (22-5). Upon receiving the recording paper feed command, the printer unit 2 sequentially analyzes and executes the command. When the last raster skip command of the command is analyzed, a paper feed request is issued to the facsimile unit 1. When the facsimile unit 1 receives the paper feed request (22-
5) The motor 111 starts the paper feeding operation (22-6), and when the recording paper is conveyed to the PE sensor 206, the paper feeding operation ends (22-7). Subsequent recording paper cueing is entrusted to the printer unit 2. The printer unit 2 performs recording paper cueing according to a predetermined cueing amount.

The recording paper discharge process after image printing will be described with reference to FIG.

The process of creating a recording paper ejection command according to the user registration by the facsimile unit 1 and transferring it to the printer unit 2 and ejecting the recording paper is referred to as recording paper ejection processing.

First, wait until the recording line buffers are all empty. After that, a recording paper discharge command is created (23-1). The recording paper ejection command is a set of the following commands.

-Paper output-Printer setting-Printer reset

These commands are as follows: When the paper is discharged, the paper discharge operation is started. The printer setting follows the contents of the printer mode printer setting registered by the user. Initialize the printer by resetting the printer.

When the facsimile unit 1 completes the creation of the recording paper ejection command (23-1), the Centronics I
Batch transfer to the printer unit 2 via the / F302 (23
-2). Therefore, the facsimile unit 1 waits until the paper discharge is completed. The printer unit 2 which has received the recording paper discharge command analyzes and executes the commands in order. When the paper discharge command of the command is analyzed, the paper discharge operation is executed. When the paper discharge operation ends, the printer setting command is used to set the printer in preparation for the printer mode transition. Then, when the printer unit 2 enters the idle state, the recording paper discharge operation is ended (23-3).

FIG. 3 shows the recording paper discharge process after the character code is printed.
2 is used for the explanation.

The process of creating a recording paper ejection command in accordance with the user registration by the facsimile unit 1 and transferring it to the printer unit 2 and ejecting the recording paper is referred to as recording paper ejection processing.

First, a recording paper discharge command is created (23-1). The recording paper ejection command is a set of the following commands.

-Paper discharge-Printer setting-Printer reset

These commands are as follows. When the paper is discharged, the paper discharge operation is started. The printer setting follows the contents of the printer mode printer setting registered by the user. Initialize the printer by resetting the printer.

When the facsimile unit 1 completes the creation of the recording paper ejection command (23-1), the Centronics I
Batch transfer to the printer unit 2 via the / F302 (23
-2). Therefore, the facsimile unit 1 waits until the paper discharge is completed. The printer unit 2 which has received the recording paper discharge command analyzes and executes the commands in order. When the paper discharge command of the command is analyzed, the paper discharge operation is executed. When the paper discharge operation ends, the printer setting command is used to set the printer in preparation for the printer mode transition. After that, when the printer unit 2 is in the idle state, the recording paper discharge operation is ended (23-3).

The printer setting process of 16-2-1 in FIG. 23, which is frequently shown in the above description of the operation, will be described in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 27, the printer setting process is performed when the recording operation is abnormally terminated, and when the printer setting process shown in FIG.
As shown in 0, when the user registration for the printer unit 2 is changed, the printer setting request is set to YES. The necessity of the printer setting process is as follows. In the present facsimile apparatus having the printer mode function, the printer section 2 must support the printer mode no matter what time it is set. Therefore, the internal printer setting of the printer unit 2 must always be the printer setting for the printer mode.

Therefore, when the recording operation is completed normally,
Immediately before the end, the printer setting for facsimile mode is changed to the printer setting for printer mode. Therefore, when the recording operation is completed normally, it is not necessary to perform the printer setting process again. However, if the printing operation ends abnormally or if the printer settings are changed due to user registration, the internal printer settings in the printer section are not the correct printer settings for the printer mode, and printer setting processing is required. Come on.

FIG. 33 shows the procedure of printer setting processing.

The printer setting request is constantly monitored at intervals of 200 msec (24-1). When the printer setting request is YES, the printer ready (24-
2) Check that there is no residual recording paper (24-3). If both are normal, record semaphore is acquired (24
-4). If the recording semaphore can be acquired, the recovery operation is not required at this time, so set the automatic recovery prohibition signal line to YES.
After turning on (24-5), soft power ON processing is performed (2
4-6). After that, the setting contents are transferred to the printer unit 2 by the printer setting command (24
-7). After that, the soft power OFF process is performed (24-
8), the printer setting request is set to NO (24-
9) Then, the recording semaphore is released (24-10) and the printer setting process is terminated.

The interrupt recording process in FIG. 22 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In the facsimile mode, the facsimile unit 1 performs interrupt recording processing for transferring the data in the recording line buffer to the printer unit 2 in a timer interrupt of 5 msec.

If the Centronics I / F 302 is in the free state (25-1), the transferred recording line buffer is released and the next recording line buffer in the full state is acquired (25-2). When the reading operation or the received image decoding is slow and the secondary recording line buffer in the full state cannot be acquired (25-3), the interrupt recording process is ended. When the next recording line buffer can be acquired (25-
3) A control command is added before and after the next recording line buffer containing only print data (25-4) to form a facsimile image command system. Transfer of this facsimile image command to the printer unit 2 via the Centronics I / F 302 (DMA start) (25-
5), the interrupt recording process is ended. The printer unit 2 receives the facsimile image command, develops only the image data in the raster buffer and the print buffer, and prints.

The ink remaining amount detection processing of FIG. 22 will be described in detail.

In the remaining ink amount detecting process, there are two detection steps of ink detection and recording paper color paper detection. Only when both of the two stages of detection are OK, the remaining ink amount detection is OK.

The ink remaining amount detection result signal line is used for ink detection, and the recording paper colored paper signal line is used for recording paper colored paper detection. In both cases, a valid result is returned only when the ink level detection output signal line is "output".

There are two types of processing methods for the remaining ink amount detection processing. One is the mid-division page processing when the received print data shown in FIG. 35 (a) is longer than the recording paper and the division printing is performed. The other is the processing when the divided final page in the divided printing shown in FIG. 35B or when the received print data is shorter than the recording paper. The main difference between the two is that in the mid-division page processing, the processing is terminated if there is no abnormality in the ink status (status is set in the interrupt ink remaining amount detection processing) and the color paper status, whereas in the division final page processing, the printer unit 2 It is about to continue to monitor the ink status and the color paper status until the idle signal line of "is idle".

Here, the ink detection is a judgment as to whether or not ink has been ejected. That is, the ink remaining amount detection mark recorded on the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected (black is detected by the photo sensor).

The recording paper color paper detection is the detection of the recording paper color paper (the white color is detected by the photo sensor) to determine whether or not the black color of the ink remaining amount detection mark is valid.

The operation of the facsimile section 1 relating to the ink remaining amount detection processing will be described with reference to FIG.

The facsimile section 1 always monitors the remaining ink amount detection output (27-2) in the timer interruption of 5 msec (27-1). When the remaining ink level detection output changes to "Yes", it is determined whether there is any recording residual paper (27-
3), and if there is, a recording paper jam (27-4). If there is no recording residual paper, the ink remaining amount detection result is judged (27
-5). If the ink remaining amount detection result is NG, the ink remaining amount detection status is set to NG. Ink remaining amount detection result is O
If K, then the color paper of the recording paper is detected. If the detection of the recording paper colored paper is NG (the recording paper is colored paper), the recording paper colored paper status is set to NG (27-6). If the detection of the recording paper color paper is OK (the recording paper is blank) (27-7),
It is determined that the printing of the page has definitely ended normally, and the timer interrupt processing ends normally.

The operation of the printer section 2 for detecting the remaining ink amount will be described with reference to FIG.

During the paper feeding process of the received image print, the footer print command is received from the facsimile unit 1 (28-1-
1). Store the footer character code in the footer print command in the footer buffer. After processing the footer print command,
The received image is printed by the facsimile image command received from the facsimile unit 1. Variables included in the footer print command N scans or more (28-1-
2) When printing is started, the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected (28-1-3). When the PE sensor 206 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper, the remaining ink amount detection process shown in FIG. 38 is performed.

The remaining ink amount detecting process is a process for determining whether or not the printing of the current page has been normally performed in the presence of ink, and is the following process. Feed the recording paper to the position where the footer character code should be printed. The footer character code stored in the footer buffer is printed. If the printed ink remaining amount detection mark is not detected by the footer sensor 207, the ink remaining amount detection result is returned as NG to the facsimile unit 1 side. On the other hand, when the ink level detection mark is detected by the footer sensor 207, the recording paper is fed next, and it is detected whether the recording paper is a colored paper. If the recording paper is determined to be colored paper, the recording paper detection result is returned to the facsimile side as NG. When all the above detections have been completed, the ink remaining amount detection output is set to OK and the ink remaining amount detection process ends in order to notify the facsimile unit 1 to that effect.

When the remaining ink amount detecting process is completed, the first page is discharged, and if the next page print data is received (28-1-8), the second page is fed (28-1-7). )
Continue printing. Before detecting the trailing edge of the recording paper (2
8-1-5) When the print data received from the facsimile unit 1 is completed (28-1-6), the ink remaining amount detection process is immediately performed. After that, the recording paper is discharged (28-1-7), and the state is changed to the idle state.

When the ink remaining amount detection status is NG or the recording paper color paper status is NG, it is possible that the current page is not printed normally. Save to image memory.

The footer detection operation for detecting the remaining ink amount will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 37, as described above, when the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected (28-1-3, 28-1-5) or when printing is completed (28-1-6), the paper is reached to the footer printing position. Send (28-2-1).

Furthermore, the character code in the footer buffer is set to R.
The dot pattern is developed using the OM 202, the dot pattern data is transferred to the printer buffer, and is printed (28-2-2). Footer sensor 2 when the footer is printed
The 07 LED is turned on. Next, the paper is fed to a position where the footer mark can be detected by the footer sensor (207) (28-2-5).

At this position, the paper feed is stopped, the number of ink detection retries is set to 4, and the footer sensor 207 senses the footer mark at that position.
Repeat (28-2-6). Here, the reason for performing the footer mark sensing 20 times is that the footer sensor 207 is provided on the downstream side of the recording paper conveyance path as shown in FIG. This is to prevent erroneous detection due to the influence of wind (in the figure) and the like.

When the footer mark is detected 20 times and black is detected less than 10 times, it is determined that the footer mark has failed to be detected, and the ink retry count is set to retry ink detection. Decrement one,
If the number of increments is not 0 (28-2
-7) The paper is fed by 10 lines, and the footer mark sense is repeated 20 times (28-2-6). The number of retries for detecting footer marks is 4 and the number of paper feeds is 10 because there are 40 lines of footer marks.

When the above-mentioned footer mark detection operation is performed until the number of ink retries reaches 0, the detection result of the ink remaining amount is set to NG (28-2-9), and the ink remaining amount detection output is set to ON, Turn off the footer LED (28-2
-10). Further, eject the recording paper (28-2-1
1), following (28-1-8) in FIG.

When the footer mark is detected 20 times and black is detected 10 times or more (28-2-6), it is determined that the footer mark has been successfully detected, and the color paper retry count is set to 20. (28-2-12). Next, the paper is fed by 5 lines, and the footer detection sensor 207 senses whether the paper is colored paper (28-2-14). When white is detected, the ink remaining amount detection result and the recording paper color paper are set to OK (28
-2-15). Further, the ink remaining amount detection output is turned on, the footer LED is turned off (28-2-10), the recording paper is ejected (28-2-11), and (28-1-1) in FIG.
Continue to 11).

On the other hand, when black is detected by the footer detection sensor 207, the color paper retry count is decremented by 1 (28-2-16), and 5 line paper is conveyed (28-2).
-13), repeat this 20 times.

If white is not detected during 20 times of repetition, it is determined that the recording paper is colored paper, and the recording paper is colored paper NG (2
8-2-17), Ink remaining amount detection output is ON, footer L
Turn off the ED (28-2-10) and eject the recording paper (2
8-2-11) and (28-1-8) in FIG. 37.

Here, the following is the reason that the paper carry amount (for 5 lines) after the footer mark is detected is smaller than the paper carry amount (for 10 lines) when the footer mark is not detected. For the reason.

That is, if the footer mark is printed near the trailing edge of the paper and the amount of conveyance is large, the white portion cannot be detected when the white portion after printing the footer mark is small. In order to prevent this, the paper conveyance amount is reduced.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, in the ink remaining amount detecting method for judging whether or not the recording is normally performed by detecting the specific mark of the trailing edge footer of the recording paper, the user is nearby. When such a copy mode or printer mode is used, by not detecting the remaining ink amount as described above, it is possible to prevent waste of ink and obtain image information of the same size as the original. In addition, since the recording paper conveyance amount per time is made longer until footer detection than after footer detection, the time required for footer detection can be saved. Further, it is possible to improve performance without occupying the MPU of the facsimile unit in the process of detecting the remaining amount of ink.

(Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the PE sensor 206 monitors the ink remaining amount detection signal output by the interrupt process by the internal timer of 5 msec at all times. It is also possible to configure so as to determine the ink remaining amount detection output after detecting the trailing edge.

In the case of this embodiment, FIG. 2 in the case of the previous embodiment
39 in place of 2 and FIG. 40 in place of FIG.
To execute. Further description will be given below.

The MPU 101 of the facsimile unit 1 is 5 ms
It is determined whether or not the PE sensor 206 detects the recording paper in the timer interrupt of ec (39-1). If the recording paper is detected, the following processing is not performed. If the recording paper is not detected, it is judged whether or not there is an ink remaining amount detection output (39-2), and if there is, an interrupt ink remaining amount detection process shown in FIG. 40 is executed (39-3).

In the interrupt ink remaining amount detection processing,
First, the ink remaining amount detection result is determined (40-1).

If the ink remaining amount detection result is NG, the ink remaining amount detection status is set to NG (40-2). If the ink remaining amount detection result is OK, then the recording paper color paper is detected (40-3). If the detection of the recording paper color paper is NG (the recording paper is blank), the recording paper color paper status is set to NG (40-4). If the detection of the recording paper colored paper is OK (the recording paper is blank), it is determined that the printing of the page is surely completed normally, and the interrupt process is completed normally.

As a result, it becomes possible to judge the remaining amount of ink at a more reliable timing.

It is also possible to input the detection output of the ink remaining amount to the external interrupt terminal of the MPU 101 of the facsimile unit 1 and execute the interrupt ink remaining amount detecting process by the external interrupt process. FIG. 41 shows the external interrupt processing in this case. The remaining ink amount detection output input to the external interrupt terminal of the MPU 101 is OK ((28-2-1 in FIG. 38.
0)), the interrupt ink remaining amount detection process is performed (4
1-1). Note that the interrupt ink remaining amount detection processing in this case is similar to that of FIG. 40, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, an ink jet recording type recording apparatus for forming and recording flying droplets by utilizing thermal energy among the ink jet recording methods has been described as an example. For the detailed configuration and principle, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,129,
What is carried out using the basic principle disclosed in the above-mentioned No. 47407796 is preferable. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal that gives a rapid temperature rise over each boiling corresponding to the recorded information to the electrothermal converter being formed, thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal converter, and This is effective because film boiling is caused on the heat acting surface, and as a result, bubbles can be formed in the liquid (ink) that correspond one-to-one to this drive signal.
The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection openings by the growth and contraction of the bubbles to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make this drive signal into a pulse shape, because the bubble growth and contraction are immediately and appropriately performed, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be achieved.

As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. still,
US Patent No. 4 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise of the heat acting surface
If the conditions described in the specification of No. 313124 are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the ejection port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (the straight passage or the right-angled liquid passage) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, the heat US Pat. No. 4,558,333, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, which discloses a configuration in which the action portion is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 459600 may be used.

In addition, JP-A-59-123670, which discloses a structure in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and pressure waves of thermal energy are absorbed. A configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461, which discloses a configuration in which the opening corresponds to the ejection portion, may be adopted.

Further, as a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length can be increased by combining a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification. Either of the structure satisfying the requirement or the structure as one recording head integrally formed may be used.

In addition, by being attached to the apparatus main body, it can be electrically connected to the apparatus main body and can be supplied with ink from the apparatus main body by a replaceable chip type recording head or the recording head itself. The present invention is also effective when a cartridge-type recording head provided with an ink tank is used.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. to the recording head because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specific examples thereof include capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suctioning means for the recording head, preheating means using an electrothermal converter or a heating element other than this, or a combination thereof, and recording. It is also effective to perform a stable recording by performing a preliminary discharge mode in which another discharge is performed.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid, but it is an ink that solidifies at room temperature or below and that softens at room temperature, or is a liquid, or an inkjet system. In general, the temperature of the ink itself is adjusted within a range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to control the temperature of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is within a stable ejection range. Anything can be used.

In addition, the temperature rise due to the thermal energy is positively prevented by using it as the energy for the state change from the fixed state of the ink to the liquid state, or the ink is solidified in the left state for the purpose of preventing the evaporation of the ink. In some cases, such as ink that is liquefied by applying heat energy according to a recording signal and ejected as a liquid ink, or one that has already started to solidify when it reaches a recording medium. It is also possible to use an ink that has the property of being liquefied only by heat energy. In such a case, the ink, the ink in a state of being held as a liquid or a solid in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260. Alternatively, it may be configured to oppose the electrothermal converter. The most effective method for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet method using heat energy, but can be applied to the ink jet method using a piezo element or the like.

Further, by outputting a signal indicating the detection confirmation, it is possible to accurately detect the remaining ink amount when a long original is sent.

[0259]

As described above, according to the present invention, after the recording of a predetermined amount of image, the predetermined image to be recorded and the recording material after the predetermined image are detected to determine whether or not the image is normally formed. In the case of making the above determination, in addition to the first signal indicating the detection result of the predetermined image and the second signal indicating the detection result of the recording material after the detection of the predetermined image, the third signal indicating the determination of the detection result is generated. It becomes possible to detect at an accurate timing, and an accurate judgment becomes possible.

Further, according to the present invention, since the conveyance length of the recording material is shortened after the detection of the predetermined image, the margin portion on the rear side of the predetermined image can be accurately detected. Further, the detection time can be shortened as compared with the case where the front and rear of the predetermined image are sent by the conveyance length for detecting the blank portion.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a signal line between a facsimile unit and a printer unit of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the facsimile apparatus showing a state where a document is set.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the facsimile device in an upright state.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a recording sheet conveying system of a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the facsimile unit when the power is turned on.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an initialization operation when the printer unit is powered on.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an initialization operation of the printer unit when soft power is turned on.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the facsimile unit in a standby state.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printer unit in a standby state.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a single copy operation.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-copy operation.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a document reading task.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a recording task.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a received image output operation.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a recording task.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a normal report output operation.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a non-delivery image report output operation.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure for shifting to a printer mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure for returning to the facsimile mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the facsimile unit.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing periodic task processing of the facsimile unit.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a soft power-on process in a facsimile mode.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a soft power-on process in the printer mode.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing soft power-off processing.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the procedure of forced soft power-off processing.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a procedure of soft power handler processing.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure of soft power-off.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the procedure of forced soft power-off.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure of recording paper feeding processing.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a procedure of recording paper discharge processing.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a procedure of printer setting processing.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a procedure of interrupt recording paper processing.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an ink remaining amount detection process.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the facsimile unit related to the remaining ink amount detection process.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer unit related to the remaining ink amount detection process.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a footer detection operation for remaining ink amount detection.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the fascimi section in another embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an ink remaining amount detection process of a facsimile unit in another embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the procedure of external interrupt processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Facsimile MPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Communication Unit 105 Reading Unit 106 RL-RAW Converter 107 Resolution Converter 108 Centro Output Changeover Switch 109 External Centronics Connector 110 Original Detection Sensor 111 Motor 112 Printer MPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 Horizontal Vertical converter 205 Print head 206 PE sensor 207 Footer sensor 208 Motor

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical indication location B41J 2/175 2/125 29/48 B H04N 1/00 108 P B41J 3/04 104 K (72 ) Inventor Naoya Watanabe 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording material using a recording head for ejecting ink droplets according to image data, wherein a predetermined image is recorded on the recording material after recording a predetermined amount of image data. And a first detecting unit that detects the predetermined image by the detecting unit.
A first signal generating means for outputting a signal; a second signal generating means for outputting a second signal indicating the detection result of the recording material by the detecting means after the detection of the predetermined image; and a determination of the detection result by the detecting means. A third signal generating means for outputting a third signal indicating, and a judging means for judging whether or not the recording is normally performed based on the first signal, the second signal and the third signal, An image recording apparatus comprising: 2. The determining means includes an MPU that performs processing in accordance with a program, and monitors the first, second and third signals by interrupt processing of the MPU, and also determines the first signal, the second signal and The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content of the third signal is held in a holding unit. 3. The determination means detects the predetermined image when the content of the first signal is detected when the third signal is generated,
The recording is judged to be performed normally when the content of the signal indicates that the recording material is detected.
Or the image recording device described in 2. 4. The M further comprises a receiving unit for receiving image data transmitted via a line, and a processing unit for processing the image data received by the receiving unit.
The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the PU controls the processing operation of the processing means, and executes the interrupt processing every time the processing means processes a predetermined amount of data. 5. The receiving means receives encoded image data, and the processing is decoding processing of encoded image data.
The image recording device described in 1. 6. The recording medium further comprises a trailing edge detecting means for detecting a trailing edge of the recording material upstream of the detecting means with respect to the conveying direction of the recording material, and the judging means detects the trailing edge of the recording material by the trailing edge detecting means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not recording is normally performed after edge detection. 7. The image according to claim 1, wherein the determination means includes an MPU that performs processing in accordance with a program, and the third signal is input to an external interrupt terminal of the MPU as an interrupt signal. Recording device. 8. The MPU monitors the first and second signals by an interrupt operation performed by inputting the third signal to the external interrupt terminal. The image recording apparatus described. 9. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image is a pattern image having a predetermined recording density. 10. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head ejects an ink droplet from an ejection port by causing a state change in the ink by using thermal energy. . 11. An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording material using a recording head which ejects ink droplets according to image data, and after recording a predetermined amount of image data, a predetermined image recorded on recording paper. And a detecting means for detecting a trailing edge margin portion of the recording material, a conveying means for conveying the recording material at every predetermined length, a conveying control means for controlling the conveying means, and a recording means according to the detection result of the detecting means. Determination means for determining whether or not the recording material has been normally processed, and the conveyance control means conveys the recording material at every first predetermined length until the detection means detects the predetermined image. The image recording apparatus is characterized in that, after the predetermined image is detected by the detecting means, the conveying means is controlled so as to convey the recording material at every second predetermined length shorter than the first predetermined length. . 12. The carrying control means carries out the carrying for each of the first predetermined lengths at a maximum first number of times, during which the detecting means carries out a detection operation of the predetermined image, and further at a maximum second number of times. 12. The image recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the conveyance is performed every second predetermined length, and during this period, the detection unit performs a detection operation of a trailing edge margin portion of the recording material. 13. The image recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined amount of image data is image data for one page. 14. The recording head further comprises communication means for receiving image data transmitted via a line, and the recording head records an image according to the image data received by the communication means on a recording material. 14. The image recording device according to claim 11, wherein the image recording device is an image recording device. 15. The image recording according to claim 11, wherein the recording head ejects an ink droplet from an ejection port by causing a state change in the ink by using thermal energy. apparatus.