JP2000089621A - Image forming device, device and method for controlling image formation, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device, the device and the method for controlling the image formation, and a storage medium capable of improving convenience of a user by shortening the waiting time from the output demand to the output execution. SOLUTION: A reader controller 901 is provided for performing the control allowed to start the rotary operation of a polygon mirror equipped in the image forming part 2003 when detecting that a key other than the copy starting key on an operation part 107 is depressed, and when detecting that the copy starting key is depressed on the operation part 107, to start the moving operation of the image reading system (light source 103) of the reader part at appropriate timing in synchronizism with the image forming part 2003.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming control apparatus, an image forming control method, and a storage medium. The present invention relates to an apparatus, an image forming control method, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a system for performing printing by transmitting image data from a host computer. This type of system has realized a printing function with a configuration as shown in FIG. 27, for example. FIG. 27A shows a host computer 2704, a printer (printer engine) 2702, a printer controller 2703 for sending out image data sent from the host computer 2704 in accordance with the operation of the printer 2702, and a video I / F.
2701 is shown. FIG. 27B shows an example in which a host computer is connected via a network 2705. FIG. 28A shows an image reading apparatus 2801 in which an image reading apparatus 2801 is added to the configuration of FIG.
Is directly connected to the host computer 2804, and an image reading function is provided. FIG.
1 is connected to a host computer via a network 2805 to provide an image reading function.

Conventionally, both the print function and the copy function have been realized by changing the configuration as shown in FIG. 29, for example. FIG. 29 shows a reader unit (image reading device) 2901 for reading a document, a controller unit 2902 capable of communicating with the reader unit 2901, and a reader unit 2901.
And a communication unit 2901 for performing communication between the reader unit 2901 and the controller unit 2902.

[0004]

However, in the case of an apparatus configured to realize both the print function and the copy function as described above, it takes more time from the output request to the actual output in the copy than in the print. There is a drawback that the waiting time is felt slow by the user. This is because when printing, the user is often away from the printer at the time of making an output request, so the waiting time is offset by the travel time to the printer,
At the time of copying, the user is asked to copy
This is because the user is in the immediate vicinity of the device for pressing a key, and is therefore waiting in front of the device during the waiting time. The longest waiting time is the waiting time from when an output request is made to when the ready state on the engine side is guaranteed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to reduce a waiting time required from when an output request is made to when an output is actually made, thereby improving user convenience. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming control device, an image forming control method, and a storage medium.

[0006]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copying function using the image forming unit and an image reading unit. A first control unit for starting a part of the operation of the image forming unit when the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, and the image forming unit when the press of the copy start key is detected. A second control means for starting the operation of the image reading means in synchronization with the means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. The first control means starts rotating the polygon mirror when a key other than a copy start key is pressed, and the second control means detects a press of a copy start key. Is characterized in that the image reading means is started at an appropriate timing, and the moving operation of the image reading means is started in synchronization with the image forming means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copying function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A first control unit that starts a part of the operation of the image forming unit when a press of a key other than the start key is detected; and When the press is not detected, the operation of a part of the image forming means is stopped, and when the press of the copy start key is detected, the part of the image forming means is stopped. A second control unit that starts the operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. When the first control means detects a press of a key other than the copy start key, the first control means starts the rotation operation of the polygon mirror, and the second control means detects the press of a key other than the copy start key. If the pressing of the copy start key is not detected even after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the operation, the illumination of the light source for irradiating the document included in the image reading means is stopped, and
When the rotation of the mirror is stopped, and the pressing of the copy start key is detected, if the polygon mirror is stopped, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started, and the image reading unit is started at an appropriate timing. The moving operation of the image reading means is started in synchronization with the image forming means.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the time from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror can be arbitrarily set. There is a feature.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copying function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A forming control device, which starts a part of the operation of the image forming means when detecting press of a key other than the copy start key, and synchronizes with the image forming means when detecting press of a copy start key. Accordingly, the operation of the image reading means is started.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. When the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, the rotation of the polygon mirror is started, and when the press of the copy start key is detected, the image reading unit is activated at an appropriate timing to start the image forming unit. The moving operation of the image reading means is started in synchronization with the above.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus equipped with an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and a copying function using the image forming means and image reading means. A forming control device that, when detecting a press of a key other than the copy start key, starts a part of the operation of the image forming unit, and starts the copy after a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the press of the key other than the copy start key; If the key press is not detected, the operation of a part of the image forming means is stopped, and if the part of the image forming means is stopped when the copy start key is detected, the image forming means is stopped. The operation of the image reading unit is started in synchronization with the image forming unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. If the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, the rotation of the polygon mirror is started. The document irradiating light source provided in the image reading means is turned off to stop the rotation of the polygon mirror, and if the polygon mirror is stopped when the copy start key is pressed, the polygon mirror is stopped. Starting a rotation operation of a mirror, starting the image reading unit at an appropriate timing, and starting a movement operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit. And butterflies.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the time from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror can be arbitrarily set. There is a feature.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming means and an image forming apparatus having a copying function using the image forming means and the image reading means. A forming control method, wherein a first control step of starting operation of a part of the image forming means when a key other than a copy start key is detected, and A second control step of starting the operation of the image reading means in synchronization with the image forming means.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a part of the image forming means includes a polygon for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image.
A mirror, and in the first control step, when the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started, and in the second control step, the press of the copy start key is performed. When the detection is detected, the image reading unit is activated at an appropriate timing, and the moving operation of the image reading unit is started in synchronization with the image forming unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and an image forming apparatus having a copying function using the image forming means and image reading means. A forming control method, wherein a first control step for starting a part of the operation of the image forming means when a key other than a copy start key is detected, and If the press of the copy start key is not detected after the elapse of time, a part of the operation of the image forming unit is stopped, and
If a part of the image forming unit is stopped when the press of the copy start key is detected, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is started, and the image reading unit is synchronized with the image forming unit. And a second control step for starting the above operation.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image.
A mirror, and in the first control step, when pressing of a key other than the copy start key is detected, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started. In the second control step, a key other than the copy start key is started. If the press of the copy start key is not detected even after a predetermined time has passed from the detection of the press of the document, the light source for irradiating the document included in the image reading means is stopped to stop the rotation of the polygon mirror and the press of the copy start key. When the polygon mirror is stopped when the polygon mirror is stopped, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started, the image reading unit is started at an appropriate timing, and the image reading is synchronized with the image forming unit. The moving operation of the means is started.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the time from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror can be arbitrarily set. There is a feature.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and an image forming apparatus having a copying function using the image forming means and image reading means. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a formation control method, wherein the image formation control method includes:
The first control step is to start a part of the operation of the image forming means when the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, and is synchronized with the image forming means when the press of the copy start key is detected. A second control step of starting the operation of the image reading means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and an image forming apparatus having a copying function using the image forming means and image reading means. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a formation control method, wherein the image formation control method includes:
A first control step for starting a part of the operation of the image forming means when a key other than the copy start key is detected; and If the pressing of the image forming unit is not detected, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is stopped, and if the pressing of the image forming unit is partially stopped when the pressing of the copy start key is detected, the operation of the image forming unit is stopped. A second control step of starting part of the operation and starting the operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1] First Embodiment [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a platen 102, a light source 10
3. A reader frame 101 having a photoelectric conversion unit 104, an analog / digital conversion unit 105, an operation unit 107, an image forming unit 107 equipped with a polygon mirror, etc., an option controller 2006, a DC controller (engine control unit) 2002 , Reader controller 106, and printer controller (PDL (Page Description)
Tion Language) Controller) 2103
, An image forming apparatus main body 2001 equipped with a paper feed cassette deck 2004, and a sorter 2005. In the figure, reference numeral 2104 denotes a host computer, the broken line denotes reflected light from a document, and the solid line denotes a signal line.

The construction of each section will be described.
An original is placed on 2. The light source 103 is
2. Illuminate the original on top. The photoelectric conversion unit 104 converts light reflected from the document into an electric signal. The analog / digital converter 105 converts an analog signal output from the photoelectric converter 104 into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the reader controller 106. The operation unit 107 (corresponding to 905 in FIG. 9) includes a copy start key and the like. The image forming unit 107 forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum by reflecting laser light emitted from a laser driver with a polygon mirror, and forms an image on recording paper. The option controller 2006 controls the sheet cassette deck 2004 and the sorter 2005. A DC controller (engine control unit) 2002 performs paper conveyance control and image formation control in the image forming apparatus main body 2001.

The reader controller 106 (901 in FIG. 9)
Performs processing of a digital image signal output from the analog / digital conversion unit 105, control of a motor (not shown) for reading a document, and communication control with the DC controller 2002 and the printer controller 2103. Has functions. Printer controller (PDL
The controller 2103 performs control as described below. Paper cassette deck 2004 and sorter 2005
Is configured to be optionally added to the image forming apparatus main body 2001. Host computer 2104
Are connected to a printer controller (PDL controller) 2103 of the image forming apparatus main body 2001 on a one-to-one basis or via a network.

In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the reader controller 106 is disposed in the image forming apparatus main body 2001, and the DC controller 2002 and the printer controller (PDL controller) 2103
It does not have an external cable for controlling communication with the device.

The correspondence between each part in the claims and each part in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and second and third embodiments described below is as follows. is there. That is, the first control means corresponds to the reader controller 106 (901) and the engine control unit 2002, and the second control means corresponds to the reader controller 106 (901).
(901), the image forming unit is an image forming unit 200
5, the image reading unit corresponds to the light source 103, the photoelectric conversion unit 104, and the optical reading device 802, and keys other than the copy start key and the copy start key are the operation unit 107 (905).
Corresponding to

[Configuration of Printer Controller and Printer] In the first embodiment of the present invention, a reader controller is connected between the printer controller and the printer, and processing is performed between the printer controller and the printer. Here, the configuration of the printer controller and the printer, which are the premise thereof, will be described first.

First, the overall outline will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 2701 denotes a video I / F (interface). The printer 2702 and the printer controller 2703 (the printer controller 21 shown in FIG.
03 (corresponding to 03). This I / F
The details of each signal will be described later. Reference numeral 2702 denotes a printer, which forms an electric image signal received via the video I / F 2701 in a visible form, transfers it to a recording sheet, fixes it, and outputs it. To realize these image sequences, various loads are controlled. In addition, the function of detecting the status of the printer and notifying the printer controller 2703 is also performed.

Reference numeral 2703 denotes a printer controller.
Data sent directly from the host computer 2704 or via the network 2705 is received. This is sent in various formats such as bitmap data and data described in the PDL description. The data is developed in a memory and transferred to the printer 2702 as raster data. In this way, the data created by the host computer can be output to a printer.

Next, a video I / F connecting the printer controller and the printer will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 2103 in FIG. 2 denotes the printer controller shown in FIG. Reference numeral 2002 denotes an engine control unit (corresponding to the DC controller 2002 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling an engine inside the printer 2702 shown in FIG. Between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002, a signal (/ PPRDY20
3 // CCRT 217).

FIG. 3 shows a video I / F signal list.
Here, particularly, only the representative signals shown in FIG. 2 will be described. First, the / PPRDY signal 203 is output after power is supplied to the printer and processing such as initialization is completed.
This signal indicates that communication with the printer controller has been enabled. The / CPRDY signal 204 is a signal indicating that communication with the engine control unit has been enabled after power is supplied to the printer controller and processing such as initialization is completed. The / RDY signal 205 is a signal indicating that the engine control unit has been enabled to perform a print operation in response to a print start instruction (/ PRNT signal 206 described later) from the printer controller. The conditions under which this signal becomes true include various conditions of the printer, such as whether the temperature in the fixing unit has reached a predetermined temperature, whether recording paper has remained in the printer, and whether the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed. Only if the part is working properly.

The / PRNT signal 206 is a signal for the printer controller to instruct the engine control unit to start or continue the printing operation. The / TOP signal 207 is
This is a synchronization signal which is passed from the engine control unit to the printer controller and serves as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. The / TOP signal 207 is output after a certain period of time after the / PRNT signal 206 is output from the printer controller. The / LSYNC signal 208 is a synchronization signal used as a reference for horizontal scanning by the printer controller.
Like the signal 207, the / PRNT signal 206 is output from the printer controller and then output to the printer controller after a certain period of time.

The / VCLK signal 209 has a signal / VD
This is a synchronous clock for the OEN signal and the / VDO signal, and generates a clock having a frequency corresponding to the image signal from the printer controller. / VDOEN signal 210 is
This is a signal for controlling capture of an image signal output from the printer controller into the engine control unit. The engine control unit synchronizes this signal with the / VCLK signal
It detects whether it is UE / FALSE, and if TRUE, captures an image signal; if FALSE, captures no image signal. The / VDO signal 211 is image data. The printer controller outputs a / TOP signal 207 in the vertical direction and a / LSYNC signal 208 in the horizontal direction.
Are output in synchronization with the / VCLK signal 209 with reference to

The / CCLK signal 212 is a synchronous clock used when the printer controller sends a serial command to the engine controller and when the engine controller returns a serial status to the printer controller. The / CCLK signal 212 is output from the printer controller. You. / CBSY
The signal 213 is output by the printer controller in the / CM
This signal indicates to the engine control unit that the serial command is transmitted using the D signal. / CMD signal 214
Is a signal used when the printer controller transmits serial information to the engine control unit, and the serial information is referred to as a command.

The / SBSY 215 signal is a signal indicating to the printer controller that the engine control unit has returned a serial status using the / STS signal. /
The STS signal 216 is a signal used when the engine control unit returns serial information to the printer controller, and the serial information is called a status. The / CCRT signal 217 is a signal for reporting to the printer controller when the status inside the printer has changed. When the printer controller receives this report signal, it issues a command inquiring about what has changed in the state of the engine using the / CMD signal 214, and the engine controller responds to the / STS signal 21.
At 6 the status is reported.

Next, a printer controlled by the engine control unit will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the printer as seen through from the front. Reference numeral 401 denotes a polygon scanner which receives an image signal / VDO sent from a printer controller, converts it into a laser beam, and reflects it on a polygon mirror rotating at a predetermined rotation speed in the polygon scanner 401. Laser beam
2 to form an image on the photoconductor 402. The photoconductor 402 reaches the color developing device 403 and the black developing device 404 while rotating counterclockwise. The color developing device 403 and the black developing device 404 function to apply (develop) toner on the photoconductor 402 in accordance with the electric charge charged on the photoconductor 402. When the image is black and white, only the black developing unit 404 operates, and when the image is color, both the color developing unit 403 and the black developing unit 404 are used. The image generated on the photoconductor 402 is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 405 rotating clockwise. The intermediate transfer body 405 rotates one rotation in the case of black and white and four rotations in the case of color to perform image generation.
Complete on 05.

On the other hand, the pickup roller 411 or 41 from the upper cassette 408 or the lower cassette 409.
The recording paper fed in 2 is fed to the paper feed rollers 413 or 41
4 and is further conveyed by a conveying roller 415 to a position before the registration. The recording paper is the above-described intermediate transfer body 405
At the timing when the image formation ends, the timing is controlled so as to be between the intermediate transfer body 405 and the transfer belt 406. When the recording paper reaches between the intermediate transfer body 405 and the transfer belt 406, the transfer belt 406 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer body 405, and the toner is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper by heat and pressure by a fixing roller 407. The recording paper on which the image has been fixed
The paper is conveyed to one of a face-up discharge port 417 and a face-down discharge port 418 specified in advance by the printer controller, and is discharged. As described above, the image information sent from the printer controller can be output.

Next, FIG. 5 shows the timing of signals exchanged between the video I / Fs. This is the video I
The signal description of / F is shown over time.
First, when the preparation of the image information of the printer controller is completed, the / PRNT signal is set to Low (true) and transmitted to the engine control unit. At the same time, an image synchronization signal / VCLK signal used for transferring the image signal is also generated. In response to this, the engine control unit makes various settings inside the printer, and when the image can be received, the / T
An OP signal and a / LSYNC signal are output to the printer controller. In accordance with the vertical synchronizing signal / TOP and the horizontal synchronizing signal / LSYNC, the printer controller transfers the image signal / VDO and the image valid signal / VDOEN to the engine control unit.

Next, what commands and status are exchanged by serial communication during these printing operations will be described. FIG. 6 shows the timing of communication between the printer controller and the engine control unit. First, a case where the lowermost / CCRT signal is not used will be described. When the printer controller wants to issue a command to the engine control unit, it sets the / CBSY signal to low (true) and sends command data to the / CMD signal in synchronization with the clock signal / CCLK. When the engine control unit receives the signal, the / CBSY signal becomes High.
h (false), the / SBSY signal is changed to Lo
The status data on the engine side corresponding to the command is set to w (true) and sent to the / STS in synchronization with the / CCLK signal generated from the printer controller. This status data is received by the printer controller, and print control is executed or interrupted depending on the status.

Next, the / CCRT signal will be described.
This signal is Low (true) when a change has occurred to the state of the engine specified by the printer controller in advance.
This is the signal. For example, if no paper occurs /
It is assumed that the printer controller has set in advance / CMD so that the CCRT signal is made valid. Therefore, it is assumed that there is only one remaining recording sheet, and the printer controller issues a printout request for two sheets. For the first sheet, the print sequence operation is normally processed without any problem. However, 2
Since the second recording sheet does not exist, at the stage when the second image formation is started, the printer engine detects the state change and changes the / CCRT signal from High to Low.

This signal is transmitted to the printer controller. Upon detecting this, the printer controller issues a command to the engine control unit requesting a paper feed unit paper presence status in order to know which paper feed cassette is out of paper. Accordingly, the engine control unit returns the status of the paperless cassette to the printer controller. The / CCRT signal becomes Hi at the timing when the status is returned and the / SBSY signal becomes Low.
gh is cleared.

FIG. 7 shows the exchange of commands / status between the printer controller and the engine control unit more specifically, and the printing operation will be described. This assumes color output. When a print start request is issued, the printer controller checks the ready state of the printer with respect to the engine control unit while performing conversion processing of image data. At this time, if the printer is not in the ready state, it issues a command to the printer to request a transition to the ready state, and waits until the printer enters the ready state. Next, a command for designating a paper feed stage for recording paper is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit returns a corresponding status. Next, the discharge port is determined by a command for specifying the discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many page images are formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for specifying monochrome / color, all settings on the printer side are completed.

Thereafter, the printer controller generates a print request / PRNT signal to the engine control unit. In response to this, a / TOP signal is returned from the engine control unit for a predetermined time. The image is transferred to the engine control unit by synchronizing the vertical scanning direction with the / TOP signal and further synchronizing the horizontal scanning direction with the / LSYNC signal so that the / VDO signal matches the / VCLK signal. here,
Since the color mode is set, the / TOP signal is generated four times, and C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow),
An image for four K (black) colors is formed.

After the last / TOP signal is generated,
Return the PRNT signal to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit detects that the print request has been completed, and
The process proceeds to a post-process such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer member. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller, and is discharged to a designated discharge port. Finally, the printer controller confirms to the engine control unit that the recording paper is not being conveyed (paper ejection is completed), and then the printing is completed, and waits in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

During the operation as described above, recording paper jams,
When an illegal state such as the absence of the recording paper or the opening of the door by the user occurs, the engine controller immediately notifies the printer controller of the abnormality of the printer using the / CCRT signal. The printer controller performs corresponding processing accordingly. The above is the processing performed between the printer controller and the printer (engine control unit).

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention having the electrical configuration described above. An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus main body 2001 including an image forming unit 2003, an option controller 2006, a DC controller 2002, and a printer controller (PDL controller) 2103; a sheet cassette deck 2004; And a sorter 2005.
In the figure, reference numeral 2104 denotes a host computer. Note that FIG.
In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in FIG.

The configuration of each unit will be described. The image forming unit 2003 forms an image on recording paper. The option controller 2006 controls the sheet cassette deck 2004 and the sorter 2005. DC controller 200
Reference numeral 2 performs paper conveyance control and image formation control in the image forming apparatus main body 2001. Printer controller (PDL
The controller 2103 performs the above-described control. Paper cassette deck 2004 and sorter 2005
Is configured to be optionally added to the image forming apparatus main body 2001. Host computer 2104
Are connected to a printer controller (PDL controller) 2103 of the image forming apparatus main body 2001 on a one-to-one basis or via a network.

[Printer Ready State] As described above,
The printer is in the ready state when the signal / RDY indicating that the printing operation is enabled by the engine control unit in response to the printing start instruction from the printer controller is true. The condition under which this signal becomes true is that the temperature in the fixing unit has reached a predetermined temperature or the polygon mirror is rotated at a predetermined speed unless the recording paper is in an illegal state such as remaining in the printer. This is a case where each part of the printer, such as a squid, is operating in a printable state.

Here, the operation of the polygon mirror will be described. In order for the printer to be ready for printing, the polygon mirror must rotate stably at a predetermined speed. From the state where the polygon mirror is stopped to the state where it is rotating stably at a predetermined speed, it takes time for the polygon mirror to accelerate and time until the rotation is stabilized, for example, about several seconds. It takes time.

[Configuration when Reader Controller is Attached] FIG. 8 shows the image forming apparatus described above in which not only the image data output from the printer controller based on the data transferred from the host computer but also the FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an internal structure when a reader controller that optically reads an original image, converts the image into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal is mounted. Reference numeral 801 denotes a document feeder for conveying a document to a portion to be read optically; 802, an optical reading device; 803, an image forming apparatus main body; 804, a photoelectric conversion unit; Document feeder 801
Is driven in synchronism with the optical reading device 802, and when the document is transferred onto the platen glass 803 by the document feeding device 801, the optical reading device 802 scans the image while moving in the left and right direction in FIG. The reflected light subjected to the various optical processes is sent to the photoelectric conversion unit 804.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the connection between the printer controller and the engine control unit shown in FIG. 2 and shows the contents of the present invention showing the electrical connection when a reader controller for reading an original image is provided. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram best represented. This configuration includes an engine control unit 2002, a reader controller 901 (corresponding to 106 in FIG. 1), a printer controller 2103, an image signal processing unit 902, a document scanning optical system control unit 903, a document feed control unit 904, and an operation unit 905. (Corresponding to 107 in FIG. 1), the image input unit 9
06 is provided.

The configuration of each of the above components will be described. The reader controller 901 is disposed at an electrical intermediate point between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 in FIG. Between the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 and between the engine controller 200
2 and the reader controller 901, the signal line
Have the same functions as the types of signal lines shown in FIG. However, since the signal between the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 is physically different from the signal between the engine control unit 2002 and the reader controller 901, C is assigned to the former as a signal name and P is assigned to the latter as the signal name. .

The image signal processing section 902 is provided inside the reader controller 901 and performs image signal processing. An original scanning optical system control unit 903 controls the optical reading device 802 shown in FIG. The document feed control unit 904 controls the document feed device 801 shown in FIG. Operation unit 905
Has various keys such as a copy start key. The image input unit 906 inputs the image signal photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 804 in FIG.
The data is transferred to the internal image signal processing unit 902.

Next, the internal structure of the reader controller 901 is shown in FIG. The reader controller 901 includes:
The image signal processing unit 902 and the selector 22 shown in FIG.
01, serial communication controllers 2202, 2205,
The configuration includes input / output ports 2203 and 2206, an interrupt controller 2204, gates 2207A and 2207B, a control circuit 2208, and a CPU 2209.
In the figure, reference numeral 906 denotes the image input unit shown in FIG.

The structure of the main part will be described.
201 selects an output from the image signal processing unit 902 or a signal sent from the printer controller 2103 and outputs the selected signal to the engine control unit 2002. The signal system switched by the selector 2201 is an image clock / VC
LK, image enable / VDOEN, image data / VD
O. Serial communication controller 2202
Performs communication with the engine control unit 2002. The input / output port 2203 exchanges signals that supplement communication in the serial communication controller 2202. The interrupt controller 2204 receives an image leading end request signal / TOP and a printer state change signal / PCCRT. The serial communication controller 2205 communicates with the printer controller 2103.

The input / output port 2206 exchanges signals for supplementing communication in the serial communication controller 2205. Gates 2207A and 2207B control whether a signal sent from the printer is sent to printer controller 2103 or not. The gate control is performed by controlling the image leading end request signal / TOP and the line synchronization signal / LS.
YNC. The control circuit 2208 has a gate function and a flag setting function, and controls the printer state change signal / CCR.
Control T. By opening and closing the gate, the engine control unit 2
002 controls the printer status change signal / PCCRT to be transmitted to the printer controller 2103, and by setting a flag, the reader controller 901 can issue a printer status change signal / CCRT to the printer controller 2103. . C
The PU 2209 controls the entire reader controller.

[Operation at Copying] A method for reading a full-color original image using these and outputting the image from the image forming apparatus will be described. When a copy start key (not shown) arranged on the operation unit 905 of the image forming apparatus is pressed, the reader controller 901 switches the gates 2207A and 2207B and the control circuit 2208 for the copy mode.
Is closed, and the selector 2201 is set so that the output of the image signal processing unit 902 is selected. Next, the engine control unit 2 is
In step 002, the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer is checked.

Next, the serial communication controller 2202
Various settings are made using. First, a command for designating a paper feed stage for recording paper is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status. Next, the discharge port is determined by a command for specifying the discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many page images are formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command specifying monochrome / color, all settings on the printer side are completed.

After the original is fed onto the original table by the original feeding device 801, the reader controller 901 generates a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, the engine control unit 2002 returns a / PTOP signal after a predetermined time. This is processed by the interrupt controller 2204, and the optical reading device 802 is operated so as to be synchronized with the / TOP signal.
The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with this / TOP signal, and
By synchronizing the horizontal direction with the PLSYNC signal, / PVDO
The signal is synchronized with the / PVCLK signal and the photoelectric conversion unit 804
Is transferred to the engine control unit 2002. Here, since the color mode is set, the optical reading device 802 is operated four times,
An image for four colors of CMYK is formed for the / PTOP signal generated four times.

Then, after generation of the final / PTOP signal,
Return the / PPRNT signal to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as an intermediate transfer body cleaning operation. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller, and is discharged to a designated discharge port. Finally, the reader controller 901 confirms to the engine control unit 2002 that the recording paper is not being conveyed (paper ejection is completed), and then the printing is completed, and waits in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

[Operation at the Time of Printing] A method for outputting an image from the printer controller 2103 from the image forming apparatus by using these will be described. When the copy operation is completed, the reader controller 901 enters a ready state. At this time, the reader controller 901 releases the gate function of the gate 2207 and the control circuit 2208 for the printing operation. The reader controller 901 checks the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer for the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203,
If it is not OK, a command is issued and waited until it becomes OK. Then, the printer ready state signal / CRDY
Is set.

Next, the printer controller 2103 performs communication for making various settings, and
01 is received by the serial communication controller 2205 and interpreted by the CPU 2209. According to the content, the reader controller 901 performs various settings using the serial communication controller 2202. In response to a series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status to the reader controller 901.
To receive it. The received content is the CPU 220
9, the serial communication controller 2205
Is used to communicate with the printer controller 2103.

Next, the printer controller 2103 sends a print request / CP to the reader controller 901.
An RNT signal is generated, and the reader controller 901 receives the signal and issues a print request /
Generate a PPRNT signal. In response to this, the engine control unit 2002 returns a / PTOP signal after a predetermined time. This is passed through the gate function of the control circuit 2208 and returned to the reader controller 901 as a / CTOP signal. The reader controller 901 synchronizes the vertical scanning direction with the / CTOP signal, further synchronizes the / PLSYNC signal with the / CLSYNC signal that has passed through the gate 2207 in the horizontal scanning direction, and changes the / CVDO signal to / CVCLK.
The signal is transferred to the reader controller 901 in synchronization with the signal. In the reader controller 901, the selector 2
201 is set to select the signal sent from the printer controller 2103, and the signal sent from the printer controller 2103 is set to / PVCL.
K, / PVDOEN and / PVDO are sent to the engine control unit 2002.

[Difference between Print Operation and Copy Operation] Here, the difference between the print operation and the copy operation will be described with reference to FIG. 23 regarding the image transmission timing. Although a detailed description of the configuration of the printer controller 2103 is omitted, an image memory is provided therein, and image data for printing is prepared in advance there. Therefore, the time required for outputting the print data / VDO in response to the image leading end request signal / TOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 is only the electrical delay time (this time is referred to as DT1).

On the other hand, in the copy mode,
The original is read while moving the optical reading device 802 and image data is output. From the state in which the lamp of the optical reading device 802 is turned off and stopped to the state in which the lamp is turned on and moving, a time until the lamp is turned on and an acceleration time are required, for example, about several seconds. (This time is referred to as DT2).

Accordingly, the engine control unit 2002
As shown in FIG. 3, the image leading end request signal /
If the TOP signal is sent at the same timing as the signal in the print mode, the print image data / VD
O arrives in the copy mode later than the time of DT2. The following 2
There is a plan.

(1) Send / TOP at the time of copying earlier than at the time of printing.

(2) Another signal (RST) for the copy mode
ART).

The configuration of the reader controller 901 may be the same as that shown in FIG. 21 in order to perform the above (1). In the copy mode, the reader controller 901 starts moving the optical reading device 802 by the / TOP signal. The above (2)
In order to carry out the plan, the configuration shown in FIG. That is, the image leading end request signal / PTOP sent from the engine control unit 2002 is a signal required only when the printer controller 2103 performs printing, and need not be input to the interrupt controller 2204 of the reader controller 901. The optical reading device movement start request signal / RSTART sent from the engine control unit 901 is a signal required only in the copy mode, and need not be sent to the printer controller 2103.

The image signal and / RSTAR in the above (2) plan
FIG. 24 shows a timing chart of T. The / RSTART signal is transmitted sufficiently before the / PRNT signal is transmitted (this time is DT2 '), and the optical reading device 8
By activating 02, the / TOP signal and / VDO signal can be transmitted at the same timing as in the print mode. That is, the reader controller 901
When the / RSTART signal is received from the engine control unit 2002, the / PRNT signal may be transmitted so that DT2 <DT2 ', that is, after starting the optical reader 802 and waiting for DT2'.

[Control for Shortening Time to Copy Output] Next, a printer controller 2103 and an engine control unit 2 which will be described later, which are characteristic controls in the present invention.
When the reader controller 901 is connected during the period 002, the control for shortening the time from pressing the copy start key to outputting the copy without disturbing the communication control between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002. Will be described.

According to the above (2) plan, / PR at the time of copying is
It has been described that the delay time from the NT signal to the / VDO signal can be shortened to the same timing as in printing. However, the time from when the copy start key is pressed to when the copy is output is not necessarily shortened.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart of the control signal from the pressing of the copy start key when the control (2) is performed, that is, when the optical reading device 802 is activated by using the / RSTART signal at the time of copying. . / RSTAR
By using T, the timings of / PRNT and / VDO are indeed the same as at the time of printing, but the engine control unit 2002 sends / R
Since the START signal is transmitted, a waiting time DT2 'from the output request to the actual output has to be generated. This waiting time is very important and sufficient time to irritate the user.

Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention,
By starting the control to rotate the polygon mirror ahead of time when a key other than the copy start key is pressed, the time from pressing the copy start key to copy output is shortened, and user convenience is improved. I have. Further, the reading start operation of the optical reading device 802 is performed only by the engine control unit 2.
By performing the operation in synchronization with the / TOP signal transmitted from the 002, there is no inconsistency in the operations of the reader unit and the printer unit.

That is, the following (3) plan is used.

(3) The rotation of the polygon mirror is started by pressing a key other than the copy start key.
2 is started in synchronization with the / TOP signal.

FIG. 25 shows a timing chart in the case of the above (3). For example, a copy output number setting key, etc.
When a key other than the copy start key is pressed, the reader controller 901 uses the serial communication controller 2202 to send a polygon
Issue a command to start mirror rotation. In response to this command, the engine control unit 2002 starts rotating the polygon mirror and returns a corresponding status. Thereafter, when the copy start key is pressed, the / RSTART signal is transmitted from the engine control unit 2002 in response to the pressing of the copy start key. After receiving the / RSTART signal, the reader controller 901 waits until the optical reader 802 becomes readable, and then transmits the / PRNT signal.

The waiting time DT3 is obtained by subtracting the time Tk from pressing of a key other than the copy start key to pressing of the copy start key from the time Tm required for the rotation of the polygon mirror to stabilize and the printer unit to be ready. The remaining time, that is, the time from when the copy start key is pressed to when the copy is output, is shorter by Tk than before. Time Tk or time T until the rotation of the polygon mirror is stabilized
Even if m is changed, the reader controller
Since only the time from receiving the ART signal to transmitting the / PRNT signal changes, the engine control unit 200
2 has no effect. Therefore, the reader controller 901 can transmit the / VDO signal in response to the / TOP signal given from the engine control unit 2002 at the same timing as in the print mode.

If Tk> Tm, the printer unit is already ready when the copy start key is pressed.
Reference numeral 3 denotes an engine control unit 20 which has received a press of a copy start key.
02 is the time until the / RSTART signal is transmitted, and the time from the output request until the output is obtained is the same as that at the time of printing. Tk = 0, that is, DT3 = Tm even when the copy start key is pressed immediately without any key other than the copy start key being pressed in advance, and the case of the above (1) plan and (2) plan Just the same,
No more time is required.

[Control for Setting Command] With the reader controller 901 connected between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002, communication between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 is as follows. When the reader controller 901 reads and outputs a document image using the engine control unit 2002 (copier mode), when a setting command, for example, a paper cassette change command is issued from the printer controller 2103 to the printer Will be described.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the command issuing sequence in the case where the reader controller 901 does not enter between them, that is, in the configuration of FIG. FIG. 10 shows a processing sequence in the printer controller 2103.
Is a processing sequence in the engine control unit 2002.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the printer controller 2103 issues a paper cassette change command (step S101), waits for a response from the engine control unit 2002 (step S102), and determines that the command was successful when the response is received. A determination is made (step S103), and the series of command issuing sequences ends. When the engine control unit 2002 receives the command from the printer controller 2103 (step S111), it determines the content of the command. In the case of a paper cassette change command, when the change is successful (step S112), the engine controller 2002 A command execution success is notified (step S113).

On the other hand, FIGS. 12 and 13 show a control flow when the reader controller 110 is interposed, that is, the control flow of the reader controller 901 in the configuration of FIG. Note that the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 perform exactly the same control as described above with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 shows the printer controller 21.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of receiving a command from the MFP 03 and returning a status to the printer controller 2103.

In FIG. 13, the reader controller 90
1 receives a command from the printer controller 2103 through the / CCMD signal line shown in FIG. 9 by the serial communication controller 2205 (step S13).
1), the command is currently used as is in the engine control unit 20
It is determined whether it is in a state in which it can be issued to the user 02 (step S132). For example, when there is no command currently being executed by the reader controller 901 to the engine control unit 2002 to perform the operation in the copy mode,
The same command as that previously sent from the printer controller 2103 is sent to the engine control unit 2002 by using the serial communication controller 2202 on the signal line / P.
Issued via the CMD (step S133). Thereafter, when a response is received from the engine control unit 2002 (YES in step S134), and when the command execution is successful (YES in step S135), the command execution success is notified to the printer controller 2103 (step S134).
138), if a response is received from the engine control unit 2002 (YES in step S134), and if the command execution fails (NO in step S135), processing is performed as an error occurrence state (step S136).

On the other hand, for example, the paper feed cassette change command sent from the printer controller 2103 is sent to the engine control unit 2002 as it is, for example, when the reader controller 901 designates a paper feed cassette to perform a copying operation. If the copy operation cannot be performed normally if issued, the engine control unit 2002
, The commands issued from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 are stored in the engine command queue storing the commands in the order of issue (step S137). Since a response to the command has to be returned to the printer controller 2103, the serial communication controller 22 assumes that the command execution from the reader controller 901 has succeeded.
05 to the printer controller 2103 using the / CS
Reply via TS signal line (step S13)
8).

Next, referring to FIG. 12, the reader controller 901 receives a command received from the printer controller 2103 without affecting its own state.
A case will be described in which it becomes possible to issue 002. If such a state occurs (step S1
21), the reader controller 901 sends the serial communication controller 2 to the engine control unit 2002.
The command stored in the engine command queue is issued via the signal line / PCMD using the signal line 202, and a response is waited (step S122). Note that a command issued by the reader controller 901 itself is also transmitted to the engine control unit 2002 via this / PCMD signal line.
When the command execution is completed, a response is returned from the engine control unit 2002 to the reader controller 901 via the / PSTS signal line (YE in step S123).
S). If the command execution is successful (step S1
(YES in 24), this command is deleted from the engine command queue (step S125). If it is determined at this point that the engine has failed in executing the command (NO in step S124), it is processed as an error occurrence state (step S126).

As described above, the reader controller 9
01 in the printer controller 2
When issuing a normal command from the 103 to the engine control unit 2002, the command processing sequence can be operated without causing inconsistency in the operation.

[Control for State Change Signal] Next, in a configuration in which the reader controller 901 is interposed, the state change on the engine side, for example, the occurrence of some error, is detected by using the / PCCRT.
The processing when the information is transmitted from the 02 side to the reader controller 901 will be described. In the case of a configuration in which the reader controller 901 is interposed, there is a possibility that the reader controller 901 side and the printer controller 2103 side have different changes in the state that they want to know. For example, this is a case where a state change occurs such that the paper being transported is jammed.

The engine is the printer controller 2103
If a jam occurs during the copying operation under the control of, this state is a state that only the reader controller 901 wants to know. As the printer controller 2103 is not the jam that is being output by itself,
Even if this state is notified, appropriate post-processing cannot be performed. In addition, if a control system equivalent to the reader controller 901 is to be mounted, both controllers will have the same jam processing control software as the other controller. A lot of waste will occur on the capacity of the wear.

Accordingly, it is basically necessary to notify the printer controller 2103 in the print mode and notify the reader controller 901 in the copy mode. However, even in the copy mode, the printer controller 2103 may want an engine state change signal in some cases. For example, it is necessary to notify the printer controller 2103 of information such as a change in the cassette size and the absence of paper. These do not strictly question the time from when the state change signal is issued by the engine control unit 2002 to when the processing is performed by each controller.

Therefore, the following processing is performed. That is, in the copy mode in which the reader controller 901 controls the engine control unit 2002,
State change signal / PCCRT notified from engine control unit 2002 using the gate function of control circuit 2208
Is masked for the printer controller 2103,
Only the reader controller 901 receives the data via the interrupt controller 2204. Reader controller 901
Performs processing in accordance with the control flows of FIGS.

That is, when the / PCCRT signal becomes true (YES in step S141), the reader controller 901 issues a command for acquiring a state change to the engine control unit 2002 (step S142). After that, the status of the engine is checked by looking at the returned status (step S143, step S14).
4). Then, the contents are stored in the printer controller 210.
3 is determined (step S1).
45). For example, a state change such as a change in the size of the sheet cassette is notified. If it is determined that the notification is to be made, a flag is set using the control circuit 2208, a state change signal / CCCRT is generated, and the printer controller 2103 is notified.

In step S145, it is determined that the notification is sent to the printer controller 2103.
Is set to “true” (step S148), and if there is a status change inquiry from the printer controller 2103 (YES in step S149), the engine control unit 2
After returning the status change received from 103 as a status (step S150), / CCCRT is set to "false" (step S151), and the process ends (step S150).
152). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S145 that notification is not to be given to the printer controller 2103, processing for a state change is performed inside the reader controller 901 (step S146), and the process ends (step S14).
7).

In the print mode in which the printer controller 2103 controls the engine control unit 2002, the gate function of the control circuit 2208 is released and the state change signal / P notified from the engine control unit 2002 is released.
The CCRT is notified to the printer controller 2103 as a state change signal / CCCRT.

[Control for Execution Command] Next, control of the execution command will be described. For example, how the reader controller 901 controls when the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 simultaneously issue a use request to the engine control unit 2002 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the location of data and its exchange when a print request is issued during a copy operation. At this time, the engine control unit 2002 receives the image signal / PVDO sent from the reader controller 901 and forms an image.

As described in FIG. 7, the operation of setting the sheet cassette, the sheet discharge port, and the image forming mode is performed by the reader controller 901 and the engine controller 20.
02 has already been set by serial communication. 130 in the figure
Reference numeral 1 denotes a buffer for various setting values, and the value set by the reader controller 901 in the engine control unit 2002 and the printer controller 2103 by the engine control unit 20.
02 is stored. Buffer 1301
Of the various setting values described above, the setting value for the reader stores the specified value described above.

Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103 during the copying operation, the interruption of the copying operation and the printing out are performed.
It's hard to think about usability. Therefore, the print request in this situation is postponed until the copy operation is completed. However, it is necessary to return / CSTS to / CCMD from the printer controller 2103. Therefore, of the setting values of the buffer 1301, only the setting value from the printer is set as the PDL setting value in response to a request. Set value and P for reader
If the set values for DL are different, the copy operation ends,
Before starting the printer operation, the reader controller 901
May be set in the engine control unit 2002 from the step S. The following is a description of a specific example.

At present, the copying operation is being performed, the paper is fed from the upper cassette, and the paper is discharged to the face-up discharge port. Suppose that Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103, the print execution itself is postponed, but various settings can be made. Here, it is assumed that the print request is a request for feeding paper from the upper cassette, discharging the paper to the face-down discharge port, and further outputting a monochrome image. Regarding the sheet cassette designation, both the reader controller 901 and the printer controller 2103 designate the upper cassette.

Therefore, even when the copy operation is completed and the operation is switched to the print operation, there is no need to issue a paper feed cassette designation command to the engine control unit 2002.
Since the designation of the discharge port and the image forming mode is different between the copy operation and the print operation, when the copy operation is completed, the reader controller 901 re-specifies the discharge port and the image formation mode to the engine control unit 2002. You need to issue a command.

As described above, the reader controller 901
Does not judge that the command from the printer controller 2103 is only to postpone the execution of the command to the engine control unit 2002, but that the reader controller 901 has already set the command to the engine control unit 2002. Is determined such that duplicate settings are not made.

Next, a case where a copy request occurs during a printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, contrary to the case of FIG. 17 described above, from the viewpoint of usability, even if the user presses the copy button in front of the copying machine, it is better to be able to execute the copy operation in an interrupted manner than to be able to copy during the print operation. Good.

In the case of FIG. 18, the printer controller 21
/ CVDO sent from the engine 03 is selected by the selector 2201 and sent to the engine control unit 2002 as / PVDO. It is assumed that the settings are exactly the same as those described with reference to FIG. 17, and the settings from the printer controller 2103 are the upper cassette, the face-down discharge port, and the monochrome image mode. The engine control unit 2002 determines that the / PPRNT signal from the printer controller 2103 is High.
Since the end can be detected for the first time when it becomes (false), it is not known how many sheets are printed out. Here, it is assumed that the printer is going to print out four images. If a copy operation request is not made by an interrupt from the reader controller 901, as shown in the image timing shown in FIG.
Four PTOP signals are generated, and an image is sent from the printer controller 2103 to the reader controller 90 in response thereto.
1 to the engine control unit 2002.

Therefore, it is assumed that an interrupt copy request for copying one color document is issued to the reader controller 901 during the second printout. This will be described with reference to FIG. Printer controller 2103
/ CPRNT request from the reader controller 9
01 issues a / PPRNT request to the engine control unit 2002, and the / PTOP signal is supplied from the engine control unit 2002 to the printer controller 2103 as a / CTOP signal via the reader controller 901. In this way, the first image 1501 shown in FIG.
The print operation of the second image shown at 502 is executed.

Here, a case will be described in which the reader controller 901 generates an interrupt copy request during the second printout operation. Reader controller 901
Is / CCCR to the printer controller 2103
Generate a T signal. This does not mean that the state of the engine has actually changed, but that the reader controller 901 needs the printer controller 210 to acquire the printer engine.
3 is required to open the engine. The generation method uses the control circuit 2208 as described above. This / C
In response to the CCRT signal, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for checking the status status of the engine, and the reader controller 901 returns a status of “copying” to the printer controller 2103.

Accordingly, the printer controller 210
3 detects that the engine is performing a copy operation while keeping the / CPRNT signal Low (true),
Continue waiting for the CTOP signal to come. If not in a copy state, / CPRNT remains Low (true) / CTO
If P does not come, a timeout error occurs after a certain period of time.
On the 103 side, the time-out is canceled and the setting is made to wait forever for the / CTOP signal. This time, the / PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 is for performing a copy operation, and the reader controller 901 uses the / PTOP signal. Also, as indicated by reference numeral 1505 in the figure, the / PTOP signal sent from the engine side is masked to the printer controller 2103. The image signal actually generated by the reader controller 901 is only the image signal 1506.

Then, after one interrupt copy is completed, the mask of the / PTOP signal is removed again, and the signal is sent to the printer controller 2103 as / CTOP, whereby the image 1503 from the printer controller 2103 is output.
And 1504 can be printed out to the engine control unit 2002. As described above, the interrupt copy operation during the print operation can be realized.

Thus, the printer controller 210
3 and the state of the reader controller 901, the reader controller 901 determines and controls which printer engine is to be obtained and at what timing a command is to be issued, depending on the case. Thus, the requests from the two controllers can be realized.

[Control for Setting Content Confirmation Command] Next, control when the printer controller 2103 issues a setting content confirmation command will be described. If the printer controller 2103 wants to check the state set in the engine control unit 2002, the printer controller 2103 issues a setting content confirmation command to /
Issued through CCMD. The reader controller 901 which has received the data sets the setting value storage buffer 13 shown in FIG.
01 is checked, and if the content that the printer controller 2103 wants to confirm exists in the buffer 1301, the content is read out and notified to the printer controller 2103 through / CSTS.

If the contents do not exist in the buffer 1301, the reader controller 901 issues a setting confirmation command via / PCMD. Engine control unit 20
02 reads the contents and notifies the reader controller 901 of the setting contents via / PSTS, and the reader controller 901 notifies the printer controller 2103 of the contents via / CSTS.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, the image forming unit 2003 is provided when it detects that a key other than the copy start key of the operation unit 107 is pressed. When the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started and the press of the copy start key of the operation unit 107 is detected, the reader unit is started at an appropriate timing, synchronized with the image forming unit 2003, and an image reading system (light source) of the reader unit. 1
Since the reader controller 901 that performs the control to start the movement operation 03) is provided, the following operations and effects are provided.

In the above configuration, when a key other than the copy start key is pressed, the reader controller 901 of the image forming apparatus starts rotating the polygon mirror. Thereafter, when the copy start key is pressed, the moving operation of the light source 103 is started while synchronizing with the image forming unit 2003.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key which is an output request at the time of copying is pressed, the image is triggered by that. By rotating the polygon mirror of the forming unit (printer unit) prior to the output request, the waiting time required from when the output request of the reader unit is made to when the output is actually made can be shortened, and user convenience is improved. There is an effect that can be improved.

[2] Second Embodiment An image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a document table 102 and a light source 10 similar to the first embodiment.
3. A reader frame 101 having a photoelectric conversion unit 104, an analog / digital conversion unit 105, an operation unit 107, an image forming unit 107 equipped with a polygon mirror, etc., an option controller 2006, a DC controller (engine control unit) 2002 , A reader controller 106, an image forming apparatus main body 2001 having a printer controller (PDL controller) 2103, a paper feed cassette deck 2004, and a sorter 2005 (see FIG. 1 described above).

The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention has an engine control unit 2002, a reader controller 901 (corresponding to 106 in FIG. 1), A printer controller 2103,
An image signal processing unit 902, a document scanning optical system control unit 903,
A document feed control unit 904 and an operation unit 905 (10 in FIG.
7) and an image input unit 906 (see FIG. 9 above).

The second embodiment of the present invention, including FIGS.
The configuration of each unit in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment has been described in detail in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the first
Tk (the time from the pressing of a key other than the copy start key to the pressing of the copy start key) described in the embodiment is Tk> T
In the case of No. 4, the control when Tk-T4 is longer than a predetermined time, that is, the control when the time from pressing of a key other than the copy start key to pressing of the copy start key is longer than the predetermined time Tout will be described in detail. .

As described above, when Tk> T4, when the copy start key is depressed, the printer unit is already in the ready state. This is the time until the signal is transmitted, and the time from the output request to the output is the same as during printing. However, Tk-T4
Is longer than a predetermined time Tout, timeout control is performed to stop the polygon mirror once in order to prevent the deterioration of the mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc. caused by continuing to rotate the polygon mirror for a long time. .

FIG. 26 shows a timing chart in this case. For example, when a key other than the copy start key such as the copy output number setting key is pressed, the reader controller 901 issues a command to the engine control unit 2002, and the engine control unit 2002 starts rotating the polygon mirror. . Thereafter, if the copy start key is not pressed even after a predetermined time Tout, the mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, and the like are prevented from being deteriorated.
Stop the polygon mirror once. After that, when the copy start key is pressed, the / RSTART signal is sent from the engine control unit 2002 in response to this, and the reader controller 901 issues a command to the engine control unit 2002 again, and
002 starts the rotation of the polygon mirror.

The reader controller 901 has a / RSTAR
After receiving the T signal, the optical reading device 802 waits until the image can be read, and then transmits the / PRNT signal.
The waiting time DT4 is the same as the waiting time T4 when the polygon mirror advance rotation control is not performed.
It is just the same as the cases (1) and (2) described in the above embodiment, and it does not require much more time. Also in this case, the time from when the reader controller 901 receives the / RSTART signal until when the reader controller 901 transmits the / PRNT signal only changes, so that the engine controller 2002 is not affected. For this reason, the reader controller 901 is provided from the engine control unit 2002 at the same timing as in the print mode /
A / VDO signal can be transmitted in response to the TOP signal.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention, the image forming unit 2003 is provided when it detects that a key other than the copy start key of the operation unit 107 is pressed. If the rotation of the polygon mirror is started and the press of the copy start key is not detected after a predetermined time has passed after the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key of the operation unit 107, the light source 103 is turned off and the polygon mirror is turned off. When the rotation is stopped and the pressing of the copy start key of the operation unit 107 is detected, if the polygon mirror is stopped, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started. Forming part 2003
Since the reader controller 901 controls the start of the movement operation of the image reading system (light source 103) in synchronization with the above, the following operations and effects are achieved.

In the above configuration, when a key other than the copy start key is pressed, the reader controller 901 of the image forming apparatus starts the rotation operation of the polygon mirror. If the copy start key is not pressed after a predetermined time has elapsed after a key other than the copy start key has been pressed, the light source 103 is turned off and the rotation of the polygon mirror is stopped. After that, when the copy start key is pressed and the polygon mirror is stopped, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started, and the image reading system (light source 103) is moved in synchronization with the image forming unit 2003. To start.

Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, if a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key which is an output request at the time of copying is pressed, the image is triggered by that. If the polygon mirror of the forming unit (printer unit) is rotated prior to the output request, and if the press of the copy start key is not detected after a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key, the polygon mirror is turned off. By stopping the operation, the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc. are prevented from deteriorating, and the waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output is shortened. There is an effect that the convenience of can be improved.

[3] Third Embodiment An image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention comprises a document table 102 and a light source 10 similar to the first embodiment.
3. A reader frame 101 having a photoelectric conversion unit 104, an analog / digital conversion unit 105, an operation unit 107, an image forming unit 107 equipped with a polygon mirror, etc., an option controller 2006, a DC controller (engine control unit) 2002 , A reader controller 106, an image forming apparatus main body 2001 having a printer controller (PDL controller) 2103, a paper feed cassette deck 2004, and a sorter 2005 (see FIG. 1 described above).

Further, the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention has an engine control unit 2002, a reader controller 901 (corresponding to 106 in FIG. 1), as in the first embodiment. A printer controller 2103,
An image signal processing unit 902, a document scanning optical system control unit 903,
A document feed control unit 904 and an operation unit 905 (10 in FIG.
7) and an image input unit 906 (see FIG. 9 above).

The third embodiment of the present invention, including FIGS.
The configuration of each unit in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment has been described in detail in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

As described in the second embodiment,
The time from the start of the precedent rotation control of the polygon mirror triggered by the pressing of a key other than the copy start key to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror in the sense of preventing the deterioration of the mirror support member is a predetermined time. Tout.
It is considered that the time from the pressing of a key other than the copy start key to the pressing of the copy start key varies considerably depending on the situation such as the user and the usage environment.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the user can arbitrarily set the predetermined time Tout from the above points. As a result, it is possible to perform optimal timeout control according to individual situations, to reduce the waiting time required from the time an output request is made to the time when an output is actually obtained, while preventing the mirror from deteriorating. Convenience can be improved.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention, the image forming unit 2003 is provided when it detects that a key other than the copy start key of the operation unit 107 has been pressed. If the rotation of the polygon mirror is started and the press of the copy start key is not detected after a predetermined time has passed since the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key of the operation unit 107, the light source 103 is turned off and the polygon mirror is turned off. When the rotation is stopped and the pressing of the copy start key of the operation unit 107 is detected, if the polygon mirror has been stopped, the polygon mirror starts rotating, and the reader unit is started at an appropriate timing to start the image reading. Forming part 2003
A reader controller 901 that performs control to start the movement operation of the image reading system (light source 103) in synchronization with
After starting the preparatory rotation of the polygon mirror,
Since the time until the rotation of the mirror is stopped can be set arbitrarily, the following operations and effects are obtained.

In the above configuration, when a key other than the copy start key is pressed, the reader controller 901 of the image forming apparatus starts the rotation operation of the polygon mirror. If the copy start key is not pressed after a predetermined time has elapsed after a key other than the copy start key has been pressed, the light source 103 is turned off and the rotation of the polygon mirror is stopped. After that, when the copy start key is pressed and the polygon mirror is stopped, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started, and the image reading system (light source 103) is moved in synchronization with the image forming unit 2003. To start. In this case, the user can arbitrarily set the time from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, if a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key which is an output request at the time of copying is pressed, the image is triggered by this. If the polygon mirror of the forming unit (printer unit) is rotated prior to the output request and the press of the copy start key is not detected after a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key, the polygon mirror is turned off. By stopping the operation and arbitrarily setting the time from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror, it is possible to perform the optimal timeout control according to each situation From the output request of the reader unit to the actual output while preventing the deterioration of the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc. Shortening the required waiting time, there is an effect that it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing the reading.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer are actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0138]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and a copying function using the image forming means and image reading means. An image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copy function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit, wherein when a key other than a copy start key is pressed, the image forming unit A first control unit for starting a part of the operation of the unit, and a second control unit for starting an operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit when a press of a copy start key is detected. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, this triggers a part of the image forming means (printer unit) (on the photosensitive drum). A polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam to form a latent image) is started (rotated) prior to an output request, so that a waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output is made. There is an effect that time can be shortened and user convenience can be improved.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. The first control means starts the rotation operation of the polygon mirror when a key other than the copy start key is pressed, and the second control means appropriately detects the pressing of the copy start key when the key is detected. Since the image reading unit is activated at an appropriate timing to start the moving operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit, the following effects are obtained.

When a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key which is an output request at the time of copying is pressed, the polygon mirror of the image forming means (printer unit) is used as an output request in response to the pressing. By rotating in advance, there is an effect that the waiting time required from when the output request of the reader unit is made to when the output is actually made can be shortened, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copy function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A first control unit for starting a part of the operation of the image forming unit when a key other than the copy start key is detected, and pressing the copy start key even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the key press other than the copy start key. If not detected, a part of the operation of the image forming means is stopped, and if a part of the image forming means is stopped when the press of the copy start key is detected, a part of the image forming means is stopped. Since there is provided a second control unit that starts the operation and starts the operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit, the following effects are obtained.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, a part of the image forming means (printer unit) Starts (rotates) the laser (polygon mirror for guiding the laser beam and forms a latent image) prior to the output request, and presses the copy start key after a lapse of a predetermined time from detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key. When no is detected, the operation of a part of the image forming means is stopped to prevent the deterioration of a part of the image forming means (the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc.)
There is an effect that the waiting time required from when the output request of the reader unit is made to when the output is actually made can be reduced, and user convenience can be improved.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. The first control means starts the rotation operation of the polygon mirror when a key other than the copy start key is pressed, and the second control means starts the rotation operation of the key other than the copy start key. If the press of the copy start key is not detected after the lapse of time, the light source for document illumination provided in the image reading means is stopped to stop the rotation of the polygon mirror, and the press of the copy start key is detected. If the polygon mirror has been stopped, the polygon mirror starts rotating, the image reading unit is started at an appropriate timing, and the image reading unit is synchronized with the image forming unit. To initiate a movement of the image reading means, an effect as follows.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, the polygon mirror of the image forming means (printer unit) is used as an output request in response to this. Rotate ahead of time,
If the press of the copy start key is not detected after a lapse of a predetermined time after the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key, the operation of the polygon mirror is stopped by stopping the operation of the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc. There is an effect that the waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output is shortened while the deterioration is prevented, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the time from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror can be arbitrarily set. The following effects are obtained.

It is possible to perform optimal time-out control according to individual situations, to prevent deterioration of the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc., and to actually output the data after the output request of the reader unit is made. This has the effect of shortening the waiting time required until the operation is performed, and further improving the convenience for the user.

According to the image forming control apparatus of the present invention, an image forming apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and a copying function using the image forming means and image reading means is provided. The control device starts a part of the operation of the image forming means when detecting press of a key other than the copy start key, and synchronizes with the image forming means when detecting press of the copy start key. Thus, the operation of the image reading means is started, and the following effects are obtained.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, a part of the image forming means (printer unit) (the photosensitive drum) A polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam to form a latent image) is started (rotated) prior to an output request, so that a waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output is made. There is an effect that time can be shortened and user convenience can be improved.

According to the image forming control apparatus of the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image, When the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started, and when the press of the copy start key is detected, the image reading unit is started at an appropriate timing to start the image forming unit. Since the moving operation of the image reading unit is started in synchronization, the following effects are obtained.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, the polygon mirror of the image forming means (printer unit) is used as an output request as a trigger. By rotating in advance, there is an effect that the waiting time required from when the output request of the reader unit is made to when the output is actually made can be shortened, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

According to the image forming control apparatus of the present invention, an image forming apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and a copying function using the image forming means and image reading means is provided. The control device, when detecting a press of a key other than the copy start key, starts a part of the operation of the image forming means, and after a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the press of the key other than the copy start key, If the pressing of the image forming unit is not detected, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is stopped, and if the pressing of the copy start key is detected, the part of the image forming unit is stopped. Since a part of the operation is started and the operation of the image reading unit is started in synchronization with the image forming unit, the following effects are obtained.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, a part of the image forming means (printer unit) Starts (rotates) the laser (polygon mirror for guiding the laser beam and forms a latent image) prior to the output request, and presses the copy start key after a lapse of a predetermined time from detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key. When no is detected, the operation of a part of the image forming means is stopped to prevent the deterioration of a part of the image forming means (the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc.)
There is an effect that the waiting time required from when the output request of the reader unit is made to when the output is actually made can be reduced, and user convenience can be improved.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. When the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started, and when the press of the copy start key is not detected even after a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the press of the key other than the copy start key, The light source for document illumination included in the image reading means is stopped to stop the rotation of the polygon mirror, and the polygon mirror is stopped when the pressing of the copy start key is detected and the polygon mirror is stopped. Start rotating motion of
Since the image reading unit is activated at an appropriate timing and starts the movement operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit, the following effects are obtained.

When a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key which is an output request at the time of copying is pressed, the polygon mirror of the image forming means (printer unit) is used as an output request in response to this. Rotate ahead of time,
If the press of the copy start key is not detected after a lapse of a predetermined time after the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key, the operation of the polygon mirror is stopped by stopping the operation of the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc. There is an effect that the waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output is shortened while the deterioration is prevented, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

According to the image forming control apparatus of the present invention, the time from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, the following effects are obtained.

It is possible to perform optimal time-out control according to individual situations, to prevent deterioration of the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc., and to actually output the data after the output request of the reader unit is made. This has the effect of shortening the waiting time required until the operation is performed, and further improving the convenience for the user.

According to the image forming control method of the present invention, an image forming apparatus applied to an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copying function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A control method, comprising: a first control step of starting operation of a part of the image forming means when a key other than a copy start key is detected; and The second control step of starting the operation of the image reading means in synchronization with the forming means has the following effects.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, a part of the image forming means (printer unit) (the photosensitive drum) A polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam to form a latent image) is started (rotated) prior to an output request, so that a waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output is made. There is an effect that time can be shortened and user convenience can be improved.

According to the image forming control method of the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image; In the first control step, when the pressing of a key other than the copy start key is detected,
In the second control step, when pressing of a copy start key is detected, the image reading unit is started at an appropriate timing, and the image reading unit is synchronized with the image forming unit. In order to start the moving operation, the following effects are obtained.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, the polygon mirror of the image forming means (printer unit) is used as an output request in response to this. By rotating in advance, there is an effect that the waiting time required from when the output request of the reader unit is made to when the output is actually made can be shortened, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

According to the image forming control method of the present invention, the image forming apparatus can be applied to an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copying function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A control method, wherein a first control step of starting operation of a part of the image forming means when a key other than a copy start key is detected, and a predetermined time from the detection of a key press other than a copy start key. When the pressing of the copy start key is not detected even after the lapse of time, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is stopped, and when the pressing of the copy start key is detected, the part of the image forming unit is stopped. Has a second control step of starting the operation of the image forming unit and starting the operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit. UNA is an effect.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, a part of the image forming means (printer unit) (on the photosensitive drum) Starts (rotates) the laser (polygon mirror for guiding the laser beam and forms a latent image) prior to the output request, and presses the copy start key after a lapse of a predetermined time from detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key. If the output of the reader unit is requested while the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc. are prevented from deteriorating by stopping a part of the operation of the image forming means when the detection is not detected, the output is actually performed. This has the effect of shortening the waiting time required before the operation and improving the convenience for the user.

According to the image forming control method of the present invention, a part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image, In the first control step, when the pressing of a key other than the copy start key is detected,
In the second control step, when the pressing of the copy start key is not detected after a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the pressing of a key other than the copy start key, the mirror reading operation of the image reading means provided in the image reading means is started. The turning on of the light source is stopped to stop the rotation of the polygon mirror, and when the pressing of the copy start key is detected, the rotation of the polygon mirror is started if the polygon mirror is stopped, and the rotation of the polygon mirror is started. Since the image reading unit is activated at an appropriate timing to start the moving operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit, the following effects are obtained.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, the polygon mirror of the image forming means (printer unit) is used as an output request in response to this. Rotate ahead of time,
If the press of the copy start key is not detected after a lapse of a predetermined time after the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key, the operation of the polygon mirror is stopped by stopping the operation of the polygon mirror itself, the mirror support member, the motor, etc. There is an effect that the waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output is shortened while the deterioration is prevented, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

According to the image forming control method of the present invention, the time from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, the following effects are obtained.

It is possible to perform optimal time-out control according to each situation, and to prevent deterioration of the polygon mirror itself, the mirror supporting member, the motor, etc., and to actually output the data after the output request of the reader unit is made. This has the effect of shortening the waiting time required until the operation is performed, and further improving the convenience for the user.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, an image forming control method applied to an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and a copy function using the image forming means and image reading means. Is a storage medium readable by a computer storing a program for executing the program, wherein the image forming control method starts a part of the operation of the image forming means when a key other than a copy start key is detected. Since it has a first control step and a second control step of starting the operation of the image reading means in synchronization with the image forming means when the press of the copy start key is detected, the following effects are obtained. To play.

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key which is an output request at the time of copying is pressed, a part of the image forming means (printer unit) (the photosensitive drum) A polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam and forming a latent image) is rotated prior to an output request, thereby reducing the waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output. This has the effect of improving the convenience for the user.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, an image forming control method applied to an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and a copy function using the image forming means and image reading means. Is a storage medium readable by a computer storing a program for executing the program, wherein the image forming control method starts a part of the operation of the image forming means when a key other than a copy start key is detected. In the first control step, if the press of the copy start key is not detected after a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key, a part of the operation of the image forming means is stopped, and If a part of the image forming unit has been stopped when the press is detected, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is started,
A second control step of starting the operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit;

If a key other than the copy start key is pressed before the copy start key, which is an output request at the time of copying, is pressed, a portion of the image forming means (printer unit) (the photosensitive drum) A polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam to form a latent image) is started (rotated) prior to an output request, so that a waiting time required from the output request of the reader unit to the actual output is made. There is an effect that time can be shortened and user convenience can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus when a reader according to first to third embodiments of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a connection state between a printer controller and an engine control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of video I / F signals according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart of an image signal according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart of serial communication according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing communication during a printing operation according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus provided with a reader controller according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a connection state of a printer controller, a reader controller, and an engine control unit according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence when the reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not mounted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a communication sequence when the reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not mounted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a communication sequence when the reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a communication sequence when the reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a state change process in / CCRT when the reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a state change process in / CCRT when the reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a state change process in / CCRT when the reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating processing of a print request during a copy operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating processing of a copy request during a print operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart at the time of interrupt copying according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus when the reader according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not mounted.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration inside a reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration inside a reader controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing a timing difference between copying and printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart of an image signal and / RSTART in the (2) proposal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart of a control signal from pressing of a copy start key in the solution (3) according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a timing chart of a control signal at the time of timeout control according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a general print system, FIG. 27A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration including a host computer, a printer controller, and a printer;
(B) is a block diagram showing an example of connection via a network.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a general print system, in which (a) illustrates an image reading device, a host computer,
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration including a printer controller and a printer. FIG.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for realizing a general print function and a copy function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 103 light source 104 photoelectric conversion means 106, 901 reader controller 107, 905 operation unit 802 optical reading device 2003 image forming unit

Claims (17)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copy function using the image forming unit and an image reading unit, wherein when a key other than a copy start key is pressed, the image forming apparatus performs the image forming. A first control unit for starting a part of the operation of the unit, and a second control unit for starting an operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit when a press of a copy start key is detected. An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. A part of the image forming means is a polygon for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image.
A mirror, wherein the first control means starts rotating the polygon mirror when a key other than a copy start key is pressed, and the second control means presses a copy start key. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the detection is performed, the image reading unit is started at an appropriate timing, and the moving operation of the image reading unit is started in synchronization with the image forming unit. 3. An image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copy function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit, wherein when a key other than a copy start key is pressed, the image forming apparatus performs the image forming. A first control unit for starting a part of the operation of the unit, and a part of the operation of the image forming unit when the press of the copy start key is not detected after a predetermined time has passed after the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key Is stopped, and when a part of the image forming unit is stopped when the press of the copy start key is detected, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is started and synchronized with the image forming unit. And a second control means for starting the operation of the image reading means. 4. A part of the image forming means is a polygon for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image.
A mirror, wherein the first control means starts a rotation operation of the polygon mirror when detecting depression of a key other than a copy start key, and the second control means comprises a key other than a copy start key. If the press of the copy start key is not detected even after a predetermined time has passed since the detection of the press of the button, the light source for irradiating the original provided in the image reading means is stopped to stop the rotation of the polygon mirror, and the copy start key is pressed. If the polygon mirror is stopped when detecting that the rotation of the polygon mirror is started, the image reading means is started at an appropriate timing, and the image reading is synchronized with the image forming means. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the moving operation of the means is started. 5. The time period from the start of the advance rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror can be set arbitrarily.
Or the image forming apparatus according to 4. 6. An image forming control apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copy function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit, wherein a key other than a copy start key is pressed. Detecting a copy start key, and starting the operation of the image reading means in synchronization with the image forming means when detecting the pressing of a copy start key. Image forming control device. 7. A part of the image forming means includes a polygon for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image.
It is a mirror, and when the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started,
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the press of the copy start key is detected, the image reading unit is started at an appropriate timing, and the moving operation of the image reading unit is started in synchronization with the image forming unit. Image forming control device. 8. An image forming control apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copy function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit, wherein a key other than a copy start key is pressed. Is detected, a part of the operation of the image forming means is started. Is stopped, and when a part of the image forming unit is stopped when the press of the copy start key is detected, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is started, and the operation is synchronized with the image forming unit. An image forming control device for starting the operation of the image reading means. 9. A part of the image forming means is a polygon for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image.
It is a mirror, and when the press of a key other than the copy start key is detected, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started,
If the press of the copy start key is not detected after a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key, the light source for illuminating the document included in the image reading unit is stopped to stop the rotation of the polygon mirror. If the pressing of the copy start key is detected and the polygon mirror is stopped, the rotation of the polygon mirror is started, and the image reading means is started at an appropriate timing to synchronize with the image forming means. 9. The image forming control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the moving operation of the image reading unit is started by taking the following. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a time period from when the preceding rotation of the polygon mirror is started to when the rotation of the polygon mirror is stopped can be arbitrarily set. Control device. 11. An image forming control method applied to an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copy function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit, wherein a key other than a copy start key is pressed. A first control step of starting a part of the operation of the image forming means when detecting the image forming means, and operating the image reading means in synchronization with the image forming means when detecting pressing of a copy start key. A second control step to be started. 12. A part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. In the first control step, a key other than a copy start key is used. When the press of the copy start key is detected, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started. In the second control step, when the press of the copy start key is detected, the image reading unit is activated at an appropriate timing to start the image forming. 12. The image forming control method according to claim 11, wherein the moving operation of the image reading unit is started in synchronization with the unit. 13. An image forming control method applied to an image forming apparatus having a printer function using image forming means and a copy function using said image forming means and image reading means, wherein a key other than a copy start key is pressed. Is detected, a first control step of starting a part of the operation of the image forming unit, and if the pressing of the copy start key is not detected even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of pressing of a key other than the copy starting key, While part of the operation of the image forming means is stopped, and when the part of the image forming means is stopped when the press of the copy start key is detected, the operation of part of the image forming means is started, A second control step of starting operation of the image reading unit in synchronization with the image forming unit. 14. A part of the image forming means is a polygon mirror for guiding a laser beam onto a photosensitive drum to form a latent image. In the first control step, a key other than a copy start key is provided. When the press of the copy start key is detected, the rotation operation of the polygon mirror is started, and in the second control step, the press of the copy start key is not detected even after a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the press of a key other than the copy start key. Stops turning on the light source for illuminating the document provided in the image reading means, stops the rotation of the polygon mirror, and detects the pressing of a copy start key, and detects the polygon when the polygon mirror is stopped. Starting a mirror rotation operation, activating the image reading means at an appropriate timing, and starting a movement operation of the image reading means in synchronization with the image forming means; 14. The image forming control method according to claim 13, wherein: 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a time period from the start of the preceding rotation of the polygon mirror to the stop of the rotation of the polygon mirror can be arbitrarily set. Control method. 16. A computer that stores a program for executing an image forming control method applied to an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copying function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A storage medium, wherein the image forming control method includes: a first control step of starting a part of the operation of the image forming unit when a key other than a copy start key is detected; and pressing a copy start key. And a second control step of starting the operation of the image reading means in synchronization with the image forming means when the detection is made. 17. A computer readable by a computer storing a program for executing an image forming control method applied to an image forming apparatus having a printer function using an image forming unit and a copying function using the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A storage medium, wherein the image forming control method includes: a first control step of starting a part of the operation of the image forming means when a key other than a copy start key is pressed; If the press of the copy start key is not detected even after the lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the press of the key, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is stopped. If the unit has stopped, the operation of a part of the image forming unit is started, and the operation of the image reading unit is synchronized with the image forming unit. Storage medium characterized by comprising a second control step for beginning.