JP2001030576A - Image-forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change to various modes in accordance with a state of each operation means by separating the operation means to a FAX function means, and at least one of a copy function and a printer function means in an image- forming apparatus such as a digital composite machine or the like. SOLUTION: In a digital composite machine with various functions as the image-forming apparatus, a set operator panel as an operating means is an operator panel 1 for at least one of a copy function and a printer function, and an operator panel 2 for a FAX mode. Control parts 1a and 2a for controlling the two operator panels 1 and 2 have I/F control parts 1b and 2b for processing to execute smooth control to the parts respectively. The I/F control parts 1b and 2b are connected with each other as above, communicate with each other, smoothly process the operation of the apparatus and move to an initial state or a power save mode in accordance with a use state of the operator panel.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation panel of an image forming apparatus including a facsimile function and at least one of a copy function and a printer function, and a power saving mode of the apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile (hereinafter abbreviated as "FAX") function, a copy function for making a copy of an original, etc.,
In a digital multifunction peripheral, which is an image forming apparatus having a printer function for printing image data output from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) or the like, an operation panel for setting conditions for various functions is provided.
Had been integrated. Further, a control unit for controlling various functions has been integrated. Such a digital multi-function peripheral has a function of transmitting a fax while copying is being performed,
And a function of performing memory reception for storing image data in a memory and performing printing later, a function of executing copying during FAX transmission, and the like.

In recent years, energy saving has been called for in order to solve problems occurring in the global environment. In response to the demand, image forming apparatuses have been provided with a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function. Among them, a function of executing a power saving mode for saving power after a predetermined time set corresponding to the selected function has elapsed, and an example of the technology is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-6496. .

Here, a process in a conventional digital multi-function peripheral having a one-panel configuration will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the conventional digital multi-function peripheral has one operation panel and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation panel.
The automatic clear mode, the preheat mode, and the shut-off mode are executed when the printer function and the facsimile function are not set or are not operating. Here, the auto clear mode is a mode set so that the operation panel returns to the initial state if the operation panel is not operated within a predetermined time. The preheat mode is a mode in which the temperature of a heater of a fixing unit that fixes a toner image on recording paper is reduced to a predetermined temperature. The shut-off mode is a mode in which the power of the apparatus is turned off in a state where the operation of the operation panel is monitored. The time when the auto-clear is started is T1, the time when the pre-heat mode is started is T2, and the time when the shut-off mode is started is T3. It is assumed that T1 <T2 <T3.

When the control unit (not shown) of the digital multi-function peripheral confirms that all the functions have been completed (s1),
The timing of a timer (not shown) built in a control unit (not shown) of the digital multifunction peripheral is started (s2). At this time, the control unit (not shown) determines whether or not the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral has been normally completed. If the operation has been normally completed (s3), it is determined whether or not there is any key input from the operation panel. A determination is made, and if there is no key input (s4) and there is an operation start request (s5), the operation is started (s11).

[0006] When the operation is not completed normally in s3,
The control unit outside the figure prohibits auto clear (s9),
It is determined whether there is an operation start request (s5). When a key input is made in s4, the control unit (not shown) prohibits the automatic clear (s10), the timer of the timer (not shown) is reset, and the timer of the timer (not shown) starts again (sll). It is determined whether there is an operation start request (s5).

If there is no operation start request (s5), a timer (not shown) is integrated with the passage of time. When the integrated time reaches the set auto-clear setting time (elapse of the Tl time), the control unit (not shown) releases the prohibition when the auto-clear is prohibited in s9 or s10, and the auto-clear is not performed. At a certain time, it is confirmed that the state is executable (s6), and the automatic clear is performed (s12).

A timer (not shown) is integrated over time.
When the integrated time reaches the set preheat mode set time (T2 time has elapsed) and the preheat mode has not been executed and is ready for execution (s7), the control unit (not shown) executes the preheat mode. (S13).

Further, a timer (not shown) is integrated with the elapse of time, and the integrated time reaches a set shut-off set time (elapse of time T3). At the time (s8), the control unit (not shown) executes the shut-off mode (s14).

If it is not possible to execute the auto-clear mode in s6, the control unit (not shown) performs the processing in s7. If it is not possible to execute the preheat mode in s7, the control unit (not shown) performs the process in s8. Further, if the shut-off mode cannot be executed in s8, the control unit (not shown) checks the key input on the operation panel (s4).

A control unit (not shown) operates in an auto clear mode (s1).
2) During execution of the preheat mode (s13) and the shut-off mode (s14), s4 → s5 → s6
A processing loop of → s7 → s8 is executed. When a key on the operation panel is input (s4), the control unit (not shown) stops each mode and prohibits auto clear (s10). Then, timing of a timer (not shown) is started again (s11), and it is determined whether or not there is an operation start request (s5).

[0012]

As described above, the operation panel and the control section of the operation panel are integrated with various functions mounted in the conventional image forming apparatus. Therefore, if the operator interrupts the operation of the operation panel without completing the operation, the operator operates the clear key on the operation panel or activates the auto clear function to return the device and the operation panel to the initial state. I had to wait until I did. However, if the operator performs an operation on the operation panel to use another function while the operation is interrupted without completing the operation on the operation panel, the interrupted operation is continued until the operation is interrupted. Therefore, the auto clear function does not operate. In this case, the suspended operation does not return to the initial state, which may limit the function of the device,
It is necessary to avoid the above situation from the viewpoint of the utilization efficiency of the apparatus. For example, when the operator interrupts the FAX operation and performs copying, the FAX is received but printing of the received image data is prohibited. When a large amount of image data is received each time, the image memory for storing the image data may become full and FAX reception may not be performed.

Further, a preheat mode for lowering the temperature of a heater of a fixing unit for fixing a toner image onto recording paper to a predetermined temperature, and a shut-down mode for shutting off a power supply of the apparatus while leaving a function of monitoring the operation of an operation panel. The power saving modes such as the off mode use the copy function and fax
This function is executed only when each function such as a function has been completed normally and the processing of each function is not continued.If the operator interrupts the operation of the operation panel without completing the operation, or if a paper jam occurs. When the copying or facsimile processing ends abnormally, the power saving mode is not executed.

Further, since the operator switches and operates various functions such as copy, facsimile, and printer on one operation panel of the digital multi-function peripheral, the operability is not good.

Therefore, in the present invention, the operation means in the digital multi-function peripheral is divided into a function for a fax function and a function for at least one of a copy function and a printer function.
It is an object to shift to various modes according to the state of each operation means.

[0016]

The present invention has the following arrangement as means for solving the above-mentioned problems.

(1) In an image forming apparatus including a facsimile function and at least one of a copy function and a printer function, first operation means for operating the facsimile function, and a copy function Or a second operation for operating at least one of the printer functions
, A first control unit for controlling the first operation means, and a second control unit for controlling the second operation means, wherein the first and second control units -If each of the second operation means is not operated within a predetermined first time, the automatic clear mode for shifting to the initial state is executed independently.

In this configuration, an operation means such as an operation panel of the image forming apparatus including a FAX function and at least one of a copy function and a printer function is used as a first function for the FAX function. Operating means, a second operating means for at least one of a copy function and a printer function, a first control unit for controlling the first operating means, and a second controlling means for controlling the second operating means. And if the first and second operation means are not operated within a predetermined time, the first and second control units
The auto clear mode for shifting to the initial state is executed independently for each operation means. Therefore, the operation means for operating the image forming apparatus is divided for each function, so that the operability is improved. Further, even if the operator interrupts the operation of one of the operation means and leaves it as it is and operates the other operation means, the first and second operation means return to the initial state after a predetermined time has elapsed. To migrate,
The function of the device is not restricted. Note that the copy function is a function of creating a copy of an original or the like, and the printer function is a function of printing image data output from a personal computer or the like.

(2) In the standby state where the image forming operation is not performed, the control unit of the entire image forming apparatus does not operate both the first and second operation means within a predetermined second time. And executing a power saving mode.

In this configuration, in a standby state in which no image forming operation is performed, the first operating means for the FAX function of the image forming apparatus and the first operating means for at least one of the copy function and the printer function are used. If no operation is performed on both of the second operation means and the predetermined time, the control unit of the entire image forming apparatus executes a power saving mode for saving power consumed by the apparatus. Therefore, in the power saving mode, after a predetermined period of time, copying or F
It is also executed when the operation of the AX ends abnormally.

(3) The power saving mode is a preheat mode in which the temperature of a heater of a fixing unit for fixing a toner image on recording paper is reduced to a predetermined temperature.

In this configuration, in a standby state in which no image forming operation is performed, the first operating means for the FAX function of the image forming apparatus and the first operating means for at least one of the copy function and the printer function are used. If both the second operating means and the second operating means are not operated within a predetermined time, the control unit of the entire image forming apparatus sets the temperature of the heater of the fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the recording paper to the predetermined temperature. Execute the lower preheat mode. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is not used, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

(4) The power saving mode is a shut-off mode in which the power of the apparatus is cut off while leaving at least a function of monitoring the presence or absence of an operation of either the first operating means or the second operating means. Mode.

In this configuration, in a standby state in which no image forming operation is performed, the first operating means for the FAX function of the image forming apparatus and the first operating means for at least one of the copy function and the printer function are used. If an operation is not performed on both of the second operating means and the predetermined operating time within a predetermined time, the control unit of the entire image forming apparatus operates at least one of the first operating means and the second operating means. A shut-off mode is performed in which the power of the apparatus is shut off while leaving the function of monitoring the presence or absence of the power supply. Therefore, the power of the image forming apparatus can be saved, and there is an energy saving effect.

(5) The time for executing the preheat mode is shorter than the time for executing the shut-off mode.

In this configuration, in a standby state in which no image forming operation is performed, the first operating means for the FAX function of the image forming apparatus and the first operating means for at least one of the copy function and the printer function are used. If both the second operating means and the second operating means are not operated within a predetermined time, the control unit of the entire image forming apparatus sets the temperature of the heater of the fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the recording paper to the predetermined temperature. A preheat mode for lowering the power supply, or a shutoff mode for turning off the power of the apparatus while leaving at least a function of monitoring the presence or absence of an operation of the first operation means or the second operation means. The time to execute the mode is shorter than the time to execute the shut-off mode. Therefore, the power saving mode can be switched stepwise according to the lapse of time during which the image forming apparatus is not operated.

(6) There is a difference between a time when the first operating means performs the automatic clear mode and a time when the second operating means performs the automatic clear mode.

In this configuration, an operation means such as an operation panel of the image forming apparatus including a FAX function and at least one of a copy function and a printer function is used as a first function for the FAX function. Operating means, a second operating means for at least one of a copy function and a printer function, a first control unit for controlling the first operating means, and a second controlling means for controlling the second operating means. And if the first and second operation means are not operated within a predetermined time, the first and second control units
The auto clear mode for shifting to the initial state is executed independently for each operation means, and the time for executing the auto clear mode is different between the first operation means and the second operation means.
Therefore, the operability of the image forming apparatus is improved, and the time can be set so as not to shift to the initial state during preparation of the document.

[0029]

FIG. 1 is a top view showing the configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral 30 which is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a copy function (copy mode), a printer function (printer mode),
A digital multifunction peripheral having a function (FAX mode) will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multifunction peripheral 30 includes an operation panel 1 for copy mode and printer mode, which is arranged in front of a position where an operator normally operates the digital multifunction peripheral 30, and a placement section 3 for a transmission original. Is provided with an operation panel 2 for FAX mode, which is arranged close to
It has been devised to eliminate confusion in operation due to multifunctionalization.

The operation panel 1 includes an LCD 103 for displaying information on a copy function and a printer function and an operation key group 105. The operation panel 2 includes an LCD 104 and an operation key group 106 for displaying information on a FAX function. It consists of.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 30 is roughly divided into a scanner unit 31 and a laser recording unit 32.

The scanner section 31 includes a document table 35 having a configuration including a platen glass made of transparent glass, and a document table 35.
A two-sided automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as RADF) 36 for automatically feeding and feeding a document, and a scanner for scanning and reading an image of a document placed on a document table 35. It is composed of a unit 40 and the like. The document image read by the scanner unit 31 is sent to an image processing unit described later as image data, and predetermined image processing is performed on the image data.

The RADF 36 has a plurality of originals placed on the original tray 3 of FIG. 1 at a time, and automatically places the placed originals one by one on the original placing table 3 of the scanner unit 40.
5 is a device for feeding onto the upper surface. Further, the RADF 36 causes the scanner unit 40 to read one side or both sides of the document according to the operator's selection, so that the conveyance path for a one-sided document, the conveyance path for a two-sided document, the conveyance path switching means,
Sensor group that grasps and manages the state of the document passing through each part,
And a control unit.

In order to read an image of a document placed on the document table 35, the scanner unit 40 includes a lamp reflector assembly 41 for exposing the document surface and a first reflection mirror 42a for reflecting light reflected from the document. , A second scanning unit 40a including a first reflecting unit 42a, a second reflecting mirror 42b for reflecting a reflected light image from the first reflecting mirror 42a, and a second operating unit 40 including a third reflecting mirror 42c.
b, a photoelectric conversion element (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 44 for converting the reflected light image from the document reflected by each of the above-mentioned reflection mirrors 42a to 42c into an electric image signal.

The scanner section 31 is operated by the RADF 36 and the scanner unit 40 in association with each other.
The scanner unit 40 is moved along the lower surface of the document table 35 while reading the document to be read sequentially on the document 5, and the document image is read. In particular, the first scanning unit 40a is controlled to scan at a constant speed V in the sub-scanning direction along the document table 35, and the second scanning unit 40b is moved in the same direction at a speed of V / 2 with respect to the speed V. Scanning is controlled in parallel. With this operation, the image of the document placed on the document placing table 35 can be sequentially formed on the CCD 44 line by line to read the image.

The image data obtained by reading the original image by the scanner unit 40 is sent to an image processing unit described later, subjected to various processes, and temporarily stored in a memory of the image processing unit. Then, according to the output instruction, the image in the memory is read out and transferred to the laser recording unit 32,
An image is formed on recording paper.

The laser recording unit 32 includes a storage / conveyance unit 50 for recording paper, which is a recording material for forming an image, a laser writing unit (hereinafter, referred to as LSU) 46, and a unit for forming an image. An electrophotographic processing unit 47 is provided. The LSU 46 includes a transport unit 33 that transports the sheet P to a transfer position where a transfer unit of the electrophotographic process unit 47 that performs the above-described image formation is disposed, and a cassette sheet feeding device 51 that feeds the sheet P to the transport unit 33.・ 52.5
3. a manual sheet feeding device 54 for appropriately feeding a sheet of a required size, a fixing device 49 for fixing a toner image formed on the transferred sheet P, and an image on the back surface of the fixed sheet P again And re-supply paths 55 and 56 for re-supplying the sheet P to form the sheet P. A sheet P on which an image is recorded is received at a rear portion of the fixing device 49 on the sheet transport path, and when a plurality of sheets of the sheet P are copied, the sheet P is sorted into groups, A post-processing device 34 that performs a process such as a stapling process for binding the sorted sheets is disposed.

In the LSU 46 and the electrophotographic processing section 47, the image data read from the image memory is
The toner image formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 by scanning the laser beam by the SU 46 and visualized by the toner is conveyed from one of the sheet feeding units of the multi-stage sheet feeding unit. Is electrostatically transferred onto the surface of the sheet. The sheet on which the image has been formed in this manner is fixed with the toner image by the fixing device 49 and is conveyed to the post-processing device 34 via the discharge roller 57 or the duplex copying unit 55 via the conveyance path 56. To be transported selectively.
The post-processing device 34 is provided with a first discharge tray 341 and a second discharge tray 342 such that the first discharge tray 341 is located above the second discharge tray 342 on the left side of the device. Is discharged from the transport path 57 and placed on the first discharge tray 341 or the second discharge tray 342.

FIG. 3 shows the digital MFP 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is an overall block configuration diagram of various unit units, an image processing unit, and the like constituting the image forming unit 0. The operation is managed by a main central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 401 while cooperating with a sub CPU mounted on each unit.

In FIG. 3, the digital multifunction device 30
Operation panel boards 10 and 20 for managing and controlling the operation panels 1 and 2, and a machine control board 20 for managing and controlling each unit constituting the digital multi-function peripheral 30.
0, CCD that reads the original image and uses it as digital data
Board 300, a main image processing board 400 for performing predetermined image processing on a document image digitized by the CCD board 300, and a predetermined image processing performed on the image information processed by the main image processing board 400. A sub-image processing board 500 for performing image processing, and other expansion boards 600 (a printer board 601, a function expansion board 602, a FAX board 60) connected to the sub-image processing board 500 via an interface.
3) and the like.

The contents managed and controlled for each board will be described below.

(Operation Panel Board) The operation panel boards 10 and 20 basically have a sub CP
U101, which is controlled by U101, has a display screen of LCD display units 103 and 104 arranged on operation panels 1 and 2, and an operation key group 105.1 for inputting instructions related to various modes.
It manages the operation input from 06. A memory 102 is provided for storing various control information on the operation panel, such as data input from the operation key groups 105 and 106 and information to be displayed on the display screens of the LCD display units 103 and 104.

In this configuration, the sub CPU 101
Performs control data communication with the main CPU 401,
The operation instruction of the digital MFP 30 is issued. The main CPU 401 transfers a control signal indicating the operation state of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 to the sub CPU 101, so that the LCD display units 103 and 104 of the operation panels 1 and 2 are transferred.
, The operating state of the apparatus is displayed to the operator as to what state the apparatus is currently in.

(Machine Control Board) The machine control board 200 is entirely controlled by a sub CPU 201, and includes an automatic document feeder 203 such as an ADF / RADF, a reading scanner unit 20 for reading a document image.
4. a process unit 205 for reproducing image information as an image;
A paper feeder 206 that sequentially transports the paper on which the image is recorded from the storage unit to the process unit 205, and reverses the paper on which the image is recorded so that the image is formed on both sides of the paper. And a finisher 208 that performs post-processing such as stapling on paper on which an image is recorded.

(CCD Board) The CCD board 300
CCD that reads the original image and converts it to analog data
44, a CCD gate array which is a circuit for driving the CCD 44 (in FIG. 3, it is indicated as CCD G / A) 30
2. It comprises an analog circuit 303 for adjusting the gain of analog data output from the CCD 44, an A / D converter 304 for converting the analog output of the CCD 44 to a digital signal and outputting it as digital data. Is performed by the CPU 401.

(Main Image Processing Board) The main image processing board 400 is controlled by the main CPU 401, and based on digital data of an original image sent from the CCD board 300, a desired image gradation can be obtained. Shading correction, density correction,
Multi-valued image processing unit 402 that performs processing in the state of multi-valued image data, such as region separation, filter processing, MTF correction, resolution conversion, electronic zoom (magnification processing), gamma correction, etc., processed image data Alternatively, the memory 403 includes a memory 403 for storing various control information such as management of processing procedures, a laser control unit 404 for controlling the transfer of data to the LSU 46 in order to reproduce the processed image information into an image.

(Sub Image Processing Board) The sub image processing board 500 is composed of the main image processing board 400 and the connector 5.
05, 405, the main image processing board 400
A binary image processing unit 501 controlled by the upper main CPU 401; a memory for storing and managing binary image information subjected to image processing or control information for processing; a gate array 502 for controlling the memory; And a gate array 503 for controlling the hard disk and a hard disk for generating a plurality of copies by repeatedly reading a plurality of original images for a desired number of copies, and an S as an external interface.
Gate array 5 for controlling CSI board and SCSI
04 etc. Further, the aforementioned binary image processing unit 5
Reference numeral 01 denotes a processing unit for converting multi-valued image information into a binary image, a processing unit for rotating the image, a binary scaling unit for scaling the binary image, and the like. FAX so that it can be sent and received via communication means
An interface (shown as FAX I / F in FIG. 3) is also provided.

(Expansion Board) The expansion board 600 receives data sent from a personal computer or the like and transmits the data to the digital multifunction peripheral 30.
A printer board 601 for enabling output from the laser recording unit 32 as a printer mode, a function expansion board 602 for extending the editing function of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 to effectively utilize the features of the digital multi-function peripheral 30, and a digital multi-function peripheral. FAX board capable of transmitting a document image read from the scanner unit 31 of the MFP 30 to the destination and outputting image information sent from the destination from the laser recording unit 32 of the digital MFP 30 603
And so on.

The functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 as an image processing apparatus, that is, a copy, a printer, a facsimile
The processing of image data and the flow of image data in each mode will be described in more detail.

(Copy Mode) Documents set at predetermined positions of the RADF 36 of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 are sequentially supplied one by one onto a document mounting table 35 of a scanner unit 40, and an image of the document is scanned by the scanner unit 40. The data is sequentially read and transferred to the main image processing board 400 as 8-bit digital data. The 8-bit digital data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing by the multi-value image processing unit 402 as 8-bit digital image data. The 8-bit digital image data is subjected to processing such as gamma correction, and is sent to the LSU 46 via the laser control unit 404. By the above processing, the document image read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital multifunction peripheral 30 is stored in the laser recording unit 3.
2 is output as a toned copy image.

(Electronic RDH Function in Copy Mode)
Documents set at a predetermined position of the RADF 36 of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 are sequentially supplied one by one onto a document mounting table 35 of the scanner unit 40, and the images of the documents are sequentially read by the scanner unit 40, and the 8-bit image is read. The data is transferred to the main image processing board 400 as digital data. 8 transferred to the main image processing board 400
The multi-valued image processing unit 402 performs predetermined processing on the bit digital data as 8-bit digital image data. The 8-bit digital image data is then sent from the connector 405 on the main image processing board 400 to the sub-image processing board 500 via the connector 505 on the sub-image processing board 500, and the binary image processing unit 5
01 is converted from 8-bit digital image data to 2-bit digital image data along with processing such as error diffusion in a multi-level binary conversion unit 01.

The reason that 8-bit digital image data is converted into 2-bit digital image data including processing such as error diffusion is that there is a problem in image quality if only multi-value binary conversion is performed. Therefore, care is taken to reduce the deterioration of image quality. The reason why the 8-bit digital image data is converted into the 2-bit digital image data is that the storage capacity of the image is taken into consideration.

The 2-bit digital image data thus converted is transferred to a disk memory 503 such as a hard disk for each document and temporarily stored and managed. When all the originals set on the RADF 36 of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 have been read, the 2-bit digital image data temporarily stored in the hard disk 503 is repeated by the number of copies specified by the control of the gate array 503. The read-out 2-bit digital image data is again transferred to the connector connection unit 405.
Sent to the main image processing board 400 via 505 to perform processing such as gamma correction, etc.
04 to the LSU 46.

Although the description has been made in such a manner that a desired number of copies of the image group are repeatedly read after all the original group images are read, the image output of the first copy is sequentially output when a predetermined number of images have been prepared. It is also possible to configure so that

By the above processing, the digital MFP 30
The document image read by the scanner unit 31 is output from the laser recording unit 32 as a toned copy image.

(Printer Mode) An image sent from an external device connected to a network such as a personal computer is developed as an image in units of pages on a printer board 601 and then transmitted as an SCSI interface.
The data is temporarily transferred from the board 504 to the sub image processing board 500 side and stored in a memory such as the hard disk 503.

The image developed as a page image by the printer board 601 is sent to the sub image processing board 500 side, but is only temporarily stored in the hard disk 503 without performing binary image processing. Also, when the stored page image is read from the hard disk 503, the binary image processing is not performed on the page image. The image information temporarily stored in the hard disk 503 is read out from the hard disk 503 in a predetermined page order while the main image processing board 40
The laser control unit 404 controls the writing of an image so that the image is reproduced by the LSU 46 from the laser control unit 404.

(FAX Mode) In the FAX mode, there are processes for transmitting a document to a destination and receiving a document from the destination. First, the transmission of the original to the other party will be described. The transmitted originals set at a predetermined position of the RADF 36 of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 are sequentially supplied one by one onto the original mounting table 35 of the scanner unit 40, and The images are sequentially read by the above-described scanner unit 40 and transferred to the main image processing board 400 as 8-bit digital data. The 8-bit digital data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing by the multi-value image processing unit 402 as 8-bit digital image data. The 8-bit digital image data is then transmitted from the connector 405 on the main image processing board 400 side to the sub image processing board 5.
The sub image processing board 5 via the connector 505 on the 00 side
The data is sent to the 00 side, and is converted from 8-bit digital image data to 2-bit digital image data together with processing such as error diffusion in a multi-level binary conversion section of the binary image processing section 501.

The reason that 8-bit digital image data is converted into 2-bit digital image data, including processing such as error diffusion, is that simply performing multi-level binary conversion causes a problem in image quality. Therefore, care is taken to reduce the deterioration of image quality.

The transmission document converted into a binary image by the above processing is compressed in a predetermined format and stored in the memory 502. When a transmission procedure is performed with the destination and a state in which transmission is possible is secured, the transmission original image read out from the memory 502 and compressed in a predetermined format is sent to the FAX board 603.
The FAX board 603 performs necessary processing such as changing the compression format, and the data is sequentially transmitted to the other party via the communication line.

Next, processing of a document image transmitted from a destination will be described. When the original is transmitted from the other party via the communication line, the original image transmitted from the other party is received while performing the communication procedure in the FAX board 603, and the received image is compressed in a predetermined format. The image is stored in the binary image processing unit 50 of the sub image processing board 500.
The document image is sent from the FAX interface provided to the unit 1 to the binary image processing unit 501 and transmitted as a page image by the compression / decompression processing unit or the like. The original image reproduced as an image in page units is subjected to image correction by the main image processing board 400,
The writing of the image to the recording paper is controlled by the laser control unit 404 so that the LSU 46 reproduces the image.

The above is the description of the scanner unit 31 mounted on the digital multi-function peripheral 30 or the image processing unit for processing image data input from the external interface 600.

FIG. 4 shows the digital multifunction peripheral 3 shown in FIG.
0 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion according to the present invention in the configuration of the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 4, a copy / printer control unit 1a is an I / F of a facsimile control unit 2a.
An I / F control unit 1b connected to the control unit 2b for transmitting and receiving signals, an engine control unit for controlling a scanner unit 204 for reading an image of an original or the like, a process unit 205 for printing image information as an image on a recording sheet or the like, and the like. 1c, an image processing unit 1d for performing image processing of a read original or the like, a panel control unit 1e connected to the operation panel 1 for the copy mode and the printer mode for controlling the operation panel 1, and an auto clear mode / preheat mode shut This is a configuration including a timer 1f that measures the time to start the off mode.
Further, the facsimile control unit 2 a
a I / F control unit 2b connected to the I / F control unit 1b for transmitting and receiving signals, an image processing unit 2c for performing image processing of image information to be transmitted and received to and from the other party, Transmission / reception line controller 2d, FAX
It is configured to include a panel control unit 2e connected to the operation panel 2 for the mode and controlling the operation panel 2, and a timer 2f for measuring a time for starting permission of the auto clear mode / preheat mode / permission of the shut off mode. .

As shown in FIG. 4, the control units 1a and 2a for controlling the two operation panels 1 and 2, respectively, provide I / F control to each of the control units 1a and 2a for smoothly processing the control of both. Units 1b and 2b, and the I / F control unit 1b
2b is connected as described above, and both sides communicate to smoothly process the operation of the device.

For example, from the I / F control unit 2b of the FAX control unit 2a to the I / F control unit 1 of the copy / printer control unit 1a.
b, the copy / printer control unit 1a activates the engine control unit 1c to read the document image, and converts the data processed by the image processing unit 1d into I / O data.
F controller 1b to I / F controller 2b of FAX controller 2a
The data is compressed by the image processing unit 2c, and then transmitted from the line control unit 2d to the communication partner via the communication line.

The FAX data received by the line controller 2d is decompressed by the image processor 2c, transmitted from the I / F controller 2b to the I / F controller 1b, and processed by the image processor 1d. Then, the image is printed on a recording sheet by the image forming unit controlled by the engine control unit 1c.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the processing in the auto-clear mode, pre-heat mode, and shut-off mode of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 of the two-panel configuration of the present invention configured as described above. In FIGS. 5 and 6, since there are two operation panels according to the embodiment of the present invention, the auto clear mode operates independently on each operation panel, and the preheat mode and the shut-off mode change the operation state of both operation panels. Operate accordingly. Here, copy panel 1
The time at which the automatic clear is started is T1, the time at which the preheat mode is started is T2, and the time at which the shut-off mode is started is T3, so that the state of the digital multi-function peripheral can be switched stepwise with the lapse of time. ,
It is assumed that T1 <T2 <T3. The time at which the FAX panel 2 starts the automatic clearing is T4, the time at which the pre-heat mode is started is T5, and the time at which the shut-off mode is started is T6. So that it can be switched step by step,
It is assumed that T4 <T5 <T6. In addition, the operability is improved because the operation panel 1 and the operation panel 2 have different times at which the execution or permission of the auto clear mode, the preheat mode, and the shut-off mode is started. For example, when copying a book, it is necessary to turn a page and place the book on the platen 35 each time copying is performed. A few manuscripts
When the original is read on the DF 36, there is no problem even if the auto clear mode is immediately performed. Therefore, operability is improved if the time during which each mode is performed can be changed for each function.

In the pre-heat mode performed by the digital multi-function peripheral 30, for example, in order to save unnecessary power, the drive of the motor for driving the recording sheet transport unit and the photosensitive drum 48 is stopped. Then, the temperature of the heater incorporated in the fixing device 49 is set to be lowered so as to be in a standby state.

In FIG. 6, when the FAX control unit 2a confirms that the operation of the FAX function of the digital MFP 30 has been completed (s30), a timer 2f (not shown) incorporated in the FAX control unit 2a of the digital MFP 30 Is started (s31). No key input on operation panel 2 (s3
2) If there is a request to start the operation of the FAX function (s33),
The FAX controller 2a prohibits the transmission of the pre-heat mode / shut-off mode execution permission signal from the I / F controller 2a to the I / F controller 1b of the copy / printer controller 1a (s39), and the FAX function Start operation. Further, when a key input is made on the operation panel 2 in s32, the FAX control unit 2a resets the timer 2f,
The timer 2f starts counting time again (s37), prohibits the pre-heat permission / shut-off permission, which are signals transmitted from the FAX controller 2a to the copy / printer controller 1a (s38), and issues a FAX function operation start request. Confirm (s
33).

If there is no request to start the operation of the FAX function (s
33), the timer 2f is integrated with the passage of time. When the integrated time reaches the set auto-clear setting time (T4 time has elapsed) and the auto-clear has not been performed and is in a operable state (s34), the FAX control unit 2a performs the auto-clear. (S41).

The timer 2f is integrated with the elapse of time. When the integrated time reaches the set preheat mode set time (elapse of T5 time), the FAX control unit 2a sets s
When the preheat mode permission is prohibited in step 38, the prohibition is released, and when the preheat mode is not performed and the preheat mode can be performed (s35), the copy / copy operation is performed from the fax control unit 2a.
A pre-heat mode execution permission signal is transmitted to the printer control unit 1a (s42).

Further, the timer 2f is integrated as time elapses. When the integrated time reaches the set shut-off set time (T6 time has elapsed), the fax control unit 2a
When the shut-off mode permission is prohibited in s38, the prohibition is released, and when the shut-off mode has not been performed and is in a operable state, the fax control unit 2a transmits the shut-off mode to the copy / printer control unit 1a. A permission signal is transmitted (s43).

If the automatic clear mode cannot be executed in s34, the FAX controller 2a performs the process in s35. If the preheat mode cannot be executed in s35, the process in s36 is performed. Further, if the shut-off mode cannot be executed in s36, the FAX control unit 2a checks the key input of the operation panel 2 (s32).

The facsimile controller 2a performs the processing of s32 → s33 → s34 → s35 → s36 during the execution of the auto clear mode (s41), and during the output of the permission signal in the preheat mode (s42) and the shut-off mode (s43). Execute the loop. When a key input is made on the operation panel 2 (s32), each mode is stopped and the timer 2
The timing of f is started (s37). Then, the pre-heat permission / shut-off permission transmitted to the copy / printer control unit 1a is prohibited (s38), and the operation start request of the FAX function is confirmed (s33).

In response to the above-described operations of the operation panel 2 and the FAX controller 2a, the operation panel 1 and the copy / printer controller 1a perform the following processing. FIG.
In step (2), when the copy / printer control unit 1a confirms that the copy function of the digital MFP 30 has been completed,
15), the timer 1f built in the copy / printer control section 1a of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 starts counting time (s1).
6). At this time, it is determined whether or not the copy has been normally completed (s17). If the copy / printer control section 1a has completed normally, the copy / printer control section 1a determines whether or not there is a key input on the operation panel 1a. If there is no key input (s18) and there is a copy function operation start request, the copy operation is performed. Start (s2
6).

When the copying is not completed normally in s17, the copy / printer control section 1a prohibits the automatic clear (s23), and confirms the operation start request of the copy function (s19). When a key input is made on the operation panel 1 in s18, the copy / printer control unit 1a prohibits the automatic clear (s24), resets the timer 1f, and starts counting the timer 1f again (s2).
5), a request to start the operation of the copy function is confirmed (s1)
9).

If there is no request to start the copy operation (s1
9), the timer 1f is integrated with the passage of time. The accumulated time reaches the set auto-clear time (T
When 1 hour has elapsed), the copy / printer control section 1a
When the auto clear is prohibited in step 23 or s24, the prohibition is released, and when the auto clear is not performed and can be performed (s20), the auto clear is performed (s2).
7).

Next, the timer 1f is similarly accumulated with the passage of time. When the integrated time reaches the set preheat mode set time (T2 time has elapsed), the preheat mode permission signal transmitted from the fax control unit 2a is set to I / O.
When it is received by the F control unit 1b and the preheat mode has not been executed and is in an executable state (s21), the copy / printer control unit 1a executes the preheat mode (s28).

Here, if the operation of the copy function has not been completed normally (s17), the operator may not be able to immediately confirm the failure, so that the copy / printer control unit 1a determines that the time T2 has elapsed. Then, the digital MFP 30
Preheat mode is performed to save power.

Further, the timer 1f is similarly accumulated with the passage of time. The accumulated time reaches the set shut-off set time (T3 time has elapsed), and the fax control unit 2
When the I / F control unit 1b receives the permission signal transmitted from the I / F control unit 1a and the shut-off mode has not been performed and is in an executable state (s22), the copy / printer control unit 1b
a executes the shut-off mode (s29).

Here, if the operation of the copy function has not been completed normally (s17), the operator may not be able to immediately confirm the failure, so that the copy / printer controller 1a waits for the time T3. Then, the digital MFP 3
In order to save power of 0, a shut-off mode is performed.

If the auto-clear mode cannot be executed in s20, the copy / printer control section 1a performs the processing in s21. If the preheat mode cannot be executed in s21, the process in s22 is performed. Further, if the shut-off mode cannot be executed in s22, the key input of the operation panel 1 is confirmed (s18).

The copy / printer controller 1a includes an auto clear mode (s27), a preheat mode (s28),
And during the shut-off mode (s29),
When a processing loop of 18 → s19 → s20 → s21 → s22 is executed and a key of the operation panel 1 is input (s
4) Stop each mode and prohibit auto clear (s
10) The timer 1f starts counting time again (s25), and it is determined whether or not there is an operation start request (s19).

Since the processing is performed as described above, for example, during key input of the operation panel for transmitting a document by facsimile, the operation is interrupted to interrupt the operation and copy another document. When the key input on the panel is performed, the automatic clearing is performed after the elapse of the time T4. Therefore, the key input on the operation panel for transmitting the original by the interrupted FAX is cleared. Therefore, the function of the digital multifunction peripheral is not limited.

As an example of the present invention, a digital multifunction peripheral having a FAX function, a copy function, and a printer function has been described. However, the MFP has at least one of the FAX function, the copy function, and the printer function. If so, an image forming apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral having other functions may be used. For example, an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function, a copy function, and a scanner function of reading image data and outputting the image data to an external device such as a personal computer may be used.

[0086]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) Operation means such as an operation panel of an image forming apparatus including a facsimile function and at least one of a copy function and a printer function includes:
A first operation unit for a facsimile function, a second operation unit for at least one of a copy function and a printer function, a first control unit for controlling the first operation unit, and a second control unit for controlling the first operation unit. And a second control unit for controlling the operation means. If the first and second operation means are not operated within a predetermined time, the first and second control parts are reset to the initial state. By executing the automatic clear mode to be shifted to each operation means independently, the operation means for operating the image forming apparatus is divided according to function, so that the operability is improved. Further, even if the operator interrupts the operation of one of the operation means and leaves it as it is and operates the other operation means, the first and second operation means return to the initial state after a predetermined time has elapsed. Because of the transition, the function of the device is not restricted.

(2) In a standby state in which the image forming operation is not performed, the first operating means for the FAX function of the image forming apparatus and the second operating means for at least one of the copy function and the printer function If both of the operation means are not operated within a predetermined time, the control unit of the entire image forming apparatus executes the power saving mode for saving the power consumed by the apparatus. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the copying or facsimile operation is abnormally terminated due to a paper jam or the like.

(3) In the standby state in which the image forming operation is not performed, the first operation means for the FAX function of the image forming apparatus and the second operation means for at least one of the copy function and the printer function If both of the operation means are not operated within a predetermined time, the control unit of the entire image forming apparatus performs a preheating operation to lower the temperature of the heater of the fixing unit for fixing the toner image onto the recording paper to the predetermined temperature. By executing the mode, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed when the image forming apparatus is not used.

(4) In the standby state in which the image forming operation is not performed, the first operating means for the FAX function of the image forming apparatus and the second operating means for at least one of the copy function and the printer function If no operation is performed on both of the first and second operation units within a predetermined time, the control unit of the image forming apparatus as a whole operates at least the first operation unit or the second operation unit.
By executing the shut-off mode in which the power supply of the apparatus is shut off while leaving the function of monitoring the presence or absence of operation of any one of the operation means, power of the image forming apparatus can be saved, and there is an energy saving effect.

(5) In the standby state in which the image forming operation is not performed, the first operating means for the FAX function of the image forming apparatus and the second operating means for at least one of the copy function and the printer function If both of the operation means are not operated within a predetermined time, the control unit of the entire image forming apparatus performs a preheating operation to lower the temperature of the heater of the fixing unit for fixing the toner image onto the recording paper to the predetermined temperature. Mode, or a shut-off mode in which the power of the apparatus is cut off while leaving at least a function of monitoring the presence or absence of operation of any one of the first operation means and the second operation means, By setting the execution time shorter than the shut-off mode execution time, the power saving mode is gradually switched off according to the lapse of time during which the image forming apparatus is not operated. Can be replaced.

(6) Operation means such as an operation panel of an image forming apparatus including a FAX function and at least one of a copy function and a printer function includes:
A first operation unit for a facsimile function, a second operation unit for at least one of a copy function and a printer function, a first control unit for controlling the first operation unit, and a second control unit for controlling the first operation unit. And a second control unit for controlling the operation means. If the first and second operation means are not operated within a predetermined time, the first and second control parts are reset to the initial state. The auto clear mode to be shifted is independently executed for each operation unit, and the operability of the image forming apparatus is improved because the time for executing the auto clear mode is different between the first operation unit and the second operation unit. The time can be set so as to improve the state and avoid transition to the initial state during preparation of the document.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a digital multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of various units and an image processing unit constituting the digital multi-functional peripheral of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a copy function of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an F of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart which shows a process of an AX function.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of a conventional digital multi-function peripheral.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-Operation panel (for copy / printer) 1a-Copy / printer control unit 1b-I / F control unit 1c-Engine control unit 1d-Image processing unit 1e-Panel control unit 1f-Timer 2-Operation panel (for FAX) 2a-FAX controller 2b-I / F controller 2c-Image processor 2d-Line controller 2e-Panel controller 2f-Timer

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat II (reference) H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 C F term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 AS02 HT03 HT05 HT07 HT11 2H027 DA12 DA38 DB01 ED25 EE02 EE10 EF15 EJ04 EJ08 EK06 FA02 FA11 FA20 FA22 FA30 FA35 FA37 FC08 FD08 GA14 GA23 GA28 GB14 ZA07 ZA09 2H033 AA32 BA30 BB00 CA05 CA30 CA32 CA44 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB20 AB38 AB46 AB51 AC38 AE14 AE15 BA00

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising a facsimile function and at least one of a copy function and a printer function, a first operation means for operating the facsimile function, a copy function or A second operation unit that operates at least one of the printer functions, a first control unit that controls the first operation unit, a second control unit that controls the second operation unit, The first and second control units independently execute an auto-clear mode that shifts to an initial state unless each of the first and second operating means is operated within a predetermined first time. An image forming apparatus. 2. A control unit of the entire image forming apparatus, in a standby state in which no image forming operation is performed, unless both the first and second operation means are operated within a predetermined second time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus executes a power saving mode. 3. The power saving mode is a preheating mode in which a temperature of a heater of a fixing unit for fixing a toner image on recording paper is reduced to a predetermined temperature.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 4. The power saving mode is a shut-off mode in which at least a function of monitoring whether or not one of the first operating means and the second operating means has been operated is a power-off state of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a time for executing the preheat mode is shorter than a time for executing the shut-off mode. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there is a difference between a time when said first operation means performs said automatic clear mode and a time when said second operation means performs said automatic clear mode. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 5.