JP2001194852A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device by which time required until the finish of printing is shortened even in the case that a multicolor toner image and a monochromatic toner image coexist as the toner image of plural surfaces formed at an intermediate transfer body. SOLUTION: In the case that the color page of an A4 size and the monochromatic page of the A4 size successively coexist, 'NULL' is registered in the part of 'Yellow', the part of 'Magenta' and the part of 'Cyan' out of the part of 'the storing destination address of the image data of second page', so that a video data signal is transmitted to a print engine part by synchronizing with a vertical synchronizing signal and a horizontal synchronizing signal corresponding to Y1, M1, C1, K1 and K2 without reading out the data of the second page of yellow, magenta and cyan from a storing part by an engine I/F controlling part, and the color toner image as a first page and the monochromatic toner image as the second page are formed on two surfaces at the intermediate transfer belt.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intermediate transfer member capable of simultaneously holding a plurality of surfaces of a toner image, forming a plurality of toner images on the intermediate transfer member, and transferring the plurality of surfaces of the toner image to the intermediate transfer member. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that transfers an image to a transfer material that is sequentially supplied.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electrophotographic technique for obtaining a color image by superimposing a plurality of color toner images, a multicolor toner image is formed by superimposing toner images of respective colors once on an intermediate transfer member such as an intermediate transfer belt (primary image). There is an image forming apparatus that forms a color image by transferring (secondarily transferring) the intermediate transfer body to a transfer material such as paper. The intermediate transfer member of this type of image forming apparatus often has an area equivalent to the maximum sheet size that the image forming apparatus can output.

In an image forming apparatus having such an intermediate transfer member, the area of the toner image that can be formed on the intermediate transfer member is smaller than the area of the intermediate transfer member, and the toner images for a plurality of surfaces are formed on the intermediate transfer member at a time. When the toner image can be formed, a plurality of toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer body, and a plurality of sheets are sequentially supplied and transferred to improve the number of printed sheets per unit time. For example, in a printer device in which the maximum printable paper size is A3, the paper size is A4
When a plurality of pages are printed, two pages of toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer body in one engine cycle, and two A4 size sheets are sequentially fed and transferred. Here, the engine cycle is a series of steps from forming a toner image on an intermediate transfer member (primary transfer), transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer member onto a transfer material (secondary transfer), and fixing the toner image on the transfer material. Processing.

[0004]

However, in the above-described printer and the like, a multi-color (color) mode and a single-color (monochrome) mode are available as print color modes that can be designated in one engine cycle. Had to choose one of them. Therefore, when printing a multi-color (color) image on the first sheet and a single-color (monochrome) image on the second sheet, the multi-color (color) mode is selected as the print color mode in the first engine cycle. First, a multicolor (color) toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer body, and the multicolor toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to paper and output. Monochrome) mode, a single color (monochrome) toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member, and the single color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member is transferred to the next sheet and output. In order to perform the switching, it is necessary to start the engine cycle one more time, and there is a problem that the time until the printing of the second sheet is completed, that is, the so-called throughput time becomes longer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is intended to be applied to a case where a multi-color toner image and a single-color toner image are mixed as a plurality of surfaces of toner images formed on an intermediate transfer member.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of shortening the time until printing is completed.

[0006]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention has an intermediate transfer member capable of simultaneously holding a plurality of toner images on a plurality of surfaces, and forms a plurality of surface toner images on the intermediate transfer member. An image forming apparatus that transfers a plurality of surfaces of toner images transferred to a transfer material to be sequentially supplied, when the multi-surface toner images formed on the intermediate transfer body include a multicolor toner image and a single-color toner image, The image is formed as a multicolor toner image on an intermediate transfer member.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the toner images on a plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer member include a multicolor toner image and a single color toner image, the single color toner image is converted into a multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer member. Therefore, even when a multi-color toner image and a single-color toner image are mixed as a plurality of surfaces of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member, the above-described multi-color toner image and single-color toner image can be formed in one engine cycle. Will be formed. For this reason, it is not necessary to switch the printing color mode as described above and to start an engine cycle for each multicolor toner image and for each single color toner image, and it is possible to shorten the time until printing is completed.

A video data signal output means for outputting a video data signal for forming a multicolor toner image on an intermediate transfer member for each color, and a multi-color toner image formed on a plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer member. And a toner image mixing determining unit that determines whether or not the image includes a single color toner image.
When the video data signal output means includes a multi-color toner image and a single-color toner image on the plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer member based on the determination result of the toner image mixing determination means, It is preferable that a monochromatic toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member as a multicolor toner image by outputting a video data signal of a color corresponding to the color image and not outputting a video data signal of a color not corresponding to the monochromatic toner image. As described above, the video data signal output unit and the toner image mixture determination unit are provided, and the video data signal output unit includes a multi-color toner image and a single-color toner image on the plurality of surfaces of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member. Output a video data signal of a color corresponding to the single-color toner image and not outputting a video data signal of a color not corresponding to the single-color toner image, thereby forming a single-color toner image on the intermediate transfer body as a multicolor toner image. Thus, a configuration in which a single-color toner image can be formed as a multicolor toner image on an intermediate transfer member can be realized with an extremely simple configuration.

Further, the image processing apparatus further comprises image data storage means capable of storing image data for forming a multi-color toner image for each color, and the image data storage means includes, as image data for forming a single-color toner image, Only the image data of the color corresponding to the single-color toner image is stored, and the video data signal output unit outputs the multi-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body based on the determination result of the toner image mixture determination unit. When a toner image and a monochromatic toner image are included, image data for forming a multicolor toner image stored in the image data storage unit is read out for each color, and the read image data is used as a video data signal for each color. And output to
It is preferable that image data of a color corresponding to the single-color toner image stored in the image data storage unit is read, and the read image data is output as a video data signal. As described above, the image data storage means is provided, and the image data storage means stores only image data of a color corresponding to the single color toner image as image data for forming a single color toner image, and outputs a video data signal. When the means includes a multi-color toner image and a single-color toner image on the plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer member based on the determination result of the toner image mixing determining means, the image data is stored in the image data storage means. The image data for forming the multicolor toner image is read for each color, and the read image data is output as a video data signal for each color, and the color corresponding to the single color toner image stored in the image data storage means is read. By reading out the image data of the image and outputting the read-out image data as a video data signal, the intermediate transfer member converts the single-color toner image into a multicolor toner image. Even in the case of forming, the image data storage means stores only the image data of the color corresponding to the single color toner image as the image data for forming the single color toner image. The amount is reduced, and the efficiency of memory utilization can be improved. Further, even when the image data storage means stores only image data of a color corresponding to the single-color toner image as image data for forming the single-color toner image, the single-color toner image is converted into a multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer body. It can be formed reliably.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a color laser beam printer. The color laser beam printer P forms (primary transfer) the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 6 on the intermediate transfer belt 7 and renews the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the recording paper 9 as a transfer material. To the printer controller unit 1 (secondary transfer).
Is controlled by

A laser device 2 is provided on the surface of the photosensitive drum 6.
An electrostatic latent image is formed by the laser beam 3 emitted from the device. The multicolor developing device 5 includes four developing devices 5a to 5d corresponding to respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K), and is formed on the photosensitive drum 6. If the electrostatic latent image corresponds to the image information of yellow (Y), the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 5a containing yellow (Y) toner, and the photosensitive drum 6
A yellow (Y) toner image is formed thereon. The yellow (Y) toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 6 is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7.

In the case of forming a single-color image, the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 is immediately secondary-transferred to the recording paper 9, but a full-color image in which a plurality of color toner images are superposed is formed. The formation of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 6 and the primary transfer of the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 7 are repeated by the number of colors. When a full-color image is formed by superimposing toner images of four colors as in this embodiment, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are formed on the photosensitive drum 6 every one rotation thereof.
And black (K) toner images are formed, and these toner images are sequentially primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7. The cleaning device 10 removes toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 6.

On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 7 rotates while holding the yellow (Y) toner image which has been primarily transferred first, and the magenta (M) is placed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 every rotation. , Cyan (C) and black (K) toner images are superimposed and transferred on the yellow (Y) toner image. When the toner images of four colors are superimposed, the recording paper 9 supplied from the paper tray 8 at a predetermined timing by a paper transport device (not shown) comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7, and as a result,
The four color toner images carried on the intermediate transfer belt 7 are electrostatically transferred to recording paper. The recording paper on which the toner images of four colors are formed is conveyed to the fixing device 4.

In the present embodiment, a print engine section is constituted by the laser device 2, the fixing device 4, the multicolor developing device 5, and the like. Further, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 6 is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 (primary transfer), and the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the recording paper 9 (secondary transfer). Thereafter, a series of processes for fixing the toner image transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the recording paper 9 on the recording paper 9 by the fixing device 4 is defined as one engine cycle. In two engine cycles, the above-described series of processing is repeated twice.

The maximum printable paper size of the color laser beam printer P is set to A3 size, and the surface area of the intermediate transfer belt 7 is equal to that of the A3 size paper. For this reason, in the color laser beam printer P, when the size of the paper to be printed is A3 size, the toner image of one surface (page) is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer body belt 7 in one engine cycle. (Primary transfer), and one sheet of A3 size recording paper 9 is supplied to the intermediate transfer belt 7 to transfer a toner image onto the recording paper 9 (secondary transfer). Further, when the size of the paper to be printed is A4 size, the intermediate transfer belt 7 can hold the toner images of two surfaces (pages), and the toner images of two pages can be transferred in one engine cycle. Is formed (primary transfer) on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7 by
A4 size recording paper 9 is successively placed on intermediate transfer belt 7
By supplying the sheets, the toner images can be sequentially transferred (secondary transfer) to the two recording sheets 9.

As described above, in this embodiment,
Printing on a maximum of two recording papers 9 is possible in one engine cycle, and the operation of printing and outputting one recording paper 9 in one engine cycle is defined as “1 up”. The operation of printing and outputting two sheets of recording paper 9 in the engine cycle described above is referred to as “2 up”.

Next, the configuration of the printer controller 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the printer controller 1 included in the color laser beam printer P.

The printer controller unit 1 includes a communication interface (I / F) unit 11, a PDL analysis unit 12,
Drawing processing unit 13, storage unit 14, scheduler unit 1
5 and an engine interface (I / F) control unit 17
.

The communication I / F section 11 receives input data (PDL data) based on a page description language (PDL) asynchronously transmitted from a host device such as the host computer H and sends it to the PDL analysis section 12. The PDL analysis unit 12
The PDL data sent from the communication I / F unit 11 is analyzed, and the analyzed data is sent to the drawing processing unit 13. The PDL analysis unit 12 analyzes the PDL data,
As the “color mode” of each page, “multicolor (color)” or “single color (monochrome)” is selected and determined.

The drawing processor 13 converts the data analyzed by the PDL analyzer 12 into image data that can be printed by the print engine 21. That is, the drawing processing unit 13
Is the "color mode" determined by the PDL analysis unit 12.
If “color” is selected and determined as the “color mode” according to the above, four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are applied to the target page. The image data (bitmap image) for the minute is drawn in the storage unit 14. Also, "Color mode"
If “monochrome” is selected and determined as, image data (bitmap image) for one color of only black (K) is drawn in the storage unit 14 for the target page. The storage unit 14 stores the bitmap image drawn by the drawing processing unit 13 until the print engine unit 21 prints the bitmap image. Here, the storage unit 14 constitutes an image data storage unit in each claim.

The scheduler unit 15 includes the drawing processing unit 13
The information about the page for which the drawing is completed is registered in the storage unit 14 on the basis of the data sent from. More specifically, information on the page on which the drawing is completed is registered in the page queue 16 of the scheduler unit 15. The page queue 16 is, as shown in FIG.
It has a data structure and indicates attribute information of a target page. Here, the scheduler unit 15 constitutes a toner image mixture determination unit in each claim.

In the "color mode" portion 16a of the page queue 16, "color" or "monochrome" is designated and registered. In the “paper size” portion 16b,
The paper size of the target page, for example, “A4 size” is designated and registered. In the “image data storage destination address” part 16c, the drawing processing unit 13
Storage destination of the image data drawn in the 4 (bitmap image) is registered, when the color mode is color, yellow portion 16c ₁ of the "Yellow" (Y)
The address value at which the image data of “M” is stored is registered, and “M
address value image data is stored in the magenta (M) to the portion 16c ₂ of agenta "is registered, Cyan"
Is the address value where the image data is stored in the cyan (C) in the portion 16c ₃ of the registration, the portion 16c of the "Black"
_{In 4} , an address value at which black (K) image data is stored is registered. In addition, if the color mode is monochrome, and part 16c ₁ of the "Yellow", "Magen
a portion 16c ₂ of ta "in the portion 16c ₃ of" Cyan "is" NULL "is registered, the portion 16c of the" Black "
_{In 4} , an address value at which black (K) image data is stored is registered.

Next, the determination processing operation of the scheduler unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in S101,
Based on the information registered in the page queue 16, it is determined whether or not the attribute information on the print page is registered. If the attribute information on the print page is registered (“Yes” in S101), the process proceeds to S103. If the attribute information on the print page is not registered (“No” in S101), the process returns. It waits until the attribute information on the print page is registered.
In S103, referring to the information registered in the “paper size” portion 16b in the page queue 16, a “2up” operation of printing and outputting two recording papers 9 in one engine cycle is performed. Is determined. When the “2up” operation can be performed, for example, when the “paper size” is A4 size (S10
3 "Yes", the process proceeds to S105, where the "2up" operation cannot be performed, that is, when the "paper size" is A3 size and the "1up" operation has to be performed ("No" in S103). ), And proceed to S115.

In S105, it is determined whether the number of pages whose information is registered in the page queue 16 is two or more. If the number of pages whose information has been registered in the page queue 16 is two or more ("Ye" in S105)
s "), and then proceeds to S107. If the number of pages whose information is registered in the page queue 16 is one (S10)
(No in 5), the process returns, and waits until information on the number of pages required for print output is registered in the page queue 16. In S107, it is determined whether the paper size of each page is the same. If the paper size of each page is the same ("Yes" in S107), S1
In step S09, if the paper size of each page is not the same ("No" in step S107), the process proceeds to step S115.

In step S109, by referring to the information registered in the “color mode” portion 16a of the page queue 16, the “color mode” is stored in a plurality of registered pages.
It is determined whether or not there is a page for which “color” is specified. If there is a page in which “color” is designated as the “color mode” among a plurality of registered pages (“Yes” in S109), S11 is executed.
Go to 1 and change the "color mode" to "color", and
A print start request for starting the print engine unit 21 by the “2up” operation is sent from the scheduler unit 15 to the engine I / F control unit 17. On the other hand, when there is no page in which “color” is specified as the “color mode” among the registered multiple pages, that is, when all “monochrome” are specified (“N” in S109)
o)), the process proceeds to S113, and a print start request for setting the “color mode” to “monochrome” and starting the print engine unit 21 by the “2 up” operation is sent from the scheduler unit 15 to the engine I / F control unit. It is sent to 17. Therefore, the scheduler unit 15 continues the page in which “color” is designated as “color mode” and the page in which “monochrome” is designated as “color mode” among the plurality of registered pages. In step S111, if the page specified as “color” and the page specified as “monochrome” are continuously mixed, the “color mode” is changed to “color” in step S111. And a print start request for starting the print engine unit 21 by the “2 up” operation is sent to the engine I / F control unit 17.

In S115, referring to the information registered in the "color mode" portion 16a in the page queue 16, it is determined whether "color" is designated as the "color mode" of the registered page. Is determined. If “color” is designated as the “color mode” of the registered page, (“Ye
s)), the process proceeds to S117, and a print start request for setting the “color mode” to “color” and starting the print engine unit 21 by the “1 up” operation is sent from the scheduler unit 15 to the engine I / F control unit. It is sent to 17. On the other hand, if “color” is not specified as the “color mode” of the registered page, that is, “monochrome” is specified (“No” in S117), S119 is performed.
And set the “color mode” to “monochrome”, and
A print start request for starting the print engine unit 21 by the “1 up” operation is sent from the scheduler unit 15 to the engine I / F control unit 17.

Further, the scheduler unit 15 registers the engine control information 18 in the engine I / F control unit 17. The engine control information 18 in the engine I / F control unit 17 has a data structure as shown in FIG.
The "color mode" portion 18a indicates whether the print engine unit 21 is operated in "color" in one engine cycle or whether the print engine unit 21 is operated in "monochrome" in one engine cycle. be registered. The paper size of the target page, for example, “A4 size” is registered in the “paper size” portion 18b. The “Nup” portion 18c has 1
Print engine unit 21 in one engine cycle
Is registered as "1up" or "2up" as the number of pages to be printed and output.

The storage destination of the image data (bitmap image) drawn by the drawing processing unit 13 in the storage unit 14 is registered in the portion 18d of “storage destination address of image data of the first page”. If mode "is" color "is" address value image data is stored in the yellow (Y) to a portion 18 d ₁ of yellow "is registered, the image of magenta (M) to a portion 18 d ₂ of the" magenta " address data stored value is registered, the address value image data is stored in the cyan (C) in the portion 18 d ₃ of "cyan" is registered, "Blac
address value image data is stored in the black (K) to a portion 18 d ₄ of the k "it is registered. Further, when the "color mode" is "monochrome" is a portion 18 d ₁ of "Yellow" and part 18 d ₂ of the "Magenta", "Cy
"NULL" is registered to the portion 18d ₃ of an "
The portion 18 d ₄ of "Black", the address value which the image data is stored in the black (K) are registered.

The storage destination of the image data (bitmap image) drawn by the drawing processing unit 13 in the storage unit 14 is registered in the portion 18e of the "storage destination address of the image data of the second page". If mode "is" color "is" address value image data is stored in the yellow (Y) to the portion 18e ₁ of yellow "is registered, the image of magenta (M) in the portion 18e ₂ of the" magenta " address data stored value is registered, the address value image data is stored in the cyan (C) in the portion 18e ₃ of "cyan" is registered, "Blac
address value image data is stored in the black (K) to the portion 18e ₄ of k "is registered. When the “color mode” is “monochrome”, the “Yellow” portion 18 e ₁ , the “Magenta” portion 18 e _2, and the “Cy
"NULL" is registered to the portion 18e ₃ of an "
The portion 18e ₄ of "Black", the address value which the image data is stored in the black (K) are registered.

Note that "1u" is added to the "Nup" portion 18c.
When "p" is registered, the address value of the storage destination is registered only in the portion 18d of "storage destination address of image data of the first page". On the other hand, when “2up” is registered in the “Nup” part 18c,
Part 1 of “storage address of image data of first page”
8d and “storage address of image data of second page”
The address value of the storage destination is registered in both portions 18e.

For example, in a plurality of pages registered in the page queue 16, if "A4 size" pages of "color" and "A4 size" pages of "monochrome" coexist in order, Scheduler unit 15
Determines that “color” is specified as the “color mode” among the plurality of pages registered in the page queue 16, sets “color mode” to “color”, and “2up” A print start request for starting the print engine unit 21 by the operation is sent to the engine I / F.
Send to control unit 17. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the "color mode" portion 1 of the engine control information 18
"Color" is registered in 8a, "A4 size" is registered in the "paper size" portion 18b, and "2up" is registered in the "Nup" portion 18c.

As shown in FIG. 6, the part 18d of the "storage address of the image data of the first page" is
Address value image data is stored in the yellow (Y) to a portion 18 d ₁ of the "Yellow" is registered, "Mag
address value image data is stored in the magenta (M) to a portion 18 d ₂ of enta "is registered, the address value image data is stored in the cyan (C) in the portion 18 d ₃ of" Cyan "is registered," Black ”part 18d ₄
Is registered with the address value at which the black (K) image data is stored. The “Yellow” portion 18e of the “18nd page image data storage destination address” portion 18e
"NULL" is registered ₁ and the portion 18e ₂ of the "Magenta" in the portion 18e ₃ of "Cyan", "Blac
the portion 18e ₄ of k ", the address value which the image data is stored in the black (K) are registered.

The engine I / F control unit 17 which has received the print start request from the scheduler unit 15 transmits the "color mode" portion 18a of the engine control information 18, for example.
The information registered in the “paper size” portion 18b and the “Nup” portion 18c are stored in the print engine unit 21.
Send to The print engine unit 21 sends a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal to the engine I / F control unit 17 at a predetermined timing based on the information sent from the engine I / F control unit 17. Engine I / F control unit 17
Outputs the video data signal to the print engine unit 21 sequentially in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal. Here, the engine I / F control unit 17 constitutes a video data signal output unit in each claim.

Next, the engine I will be described with reference to FIGS.
The operations of the / F control unit 17 and the print engine unit 21 will be described in detail. FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing the relationship among the vertical synchronization signal, the horizontal synchronization signal, and the video data signal.

For example, when "color" is registered in the "color mode" portion 18a of the engine control information 18 and "1up" is registered in the "Nup" portion 18c, as shown in FIG. , Y1, M1, C
1, a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to K1 are sent from the print engine unit 21 to the engine I / F control unit 17. The engine I / F control unit 17 to which the vertical synchronizing signal and the horizontal synchronizing signal corresponding to Y1, M1, C1, and K1 have been sent, sets the "18th page image data storage destination address" portion 18d of the engine control information 18. By Yellow
part 18d ₁ of “w”, part 18 of “Magenta”
d ₂ , based on the address values registered in the “Cyan” portion 18 d ₃ and the “Black” portion 18 d ₄ , respectively, from the storage unit 14, yellow (Y), magenta (M),
The image data (bitmap image) for four colors of cyan (C) and black (K) is read, and the read image data (bitmap image) for four colors is sequentially sent to the print engine unit 21 as a video data signal.

At this time, yellow (Y) image data (bitmap image) is sent as a video data signal in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to Y1, and the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to M1 are transmitted. Magenta (M) image data (bitmap image) is sent as a video data signal in synchronization with the synchronization signal, and cyan (C) image data (bits) is synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to C1. The map image is sent as a video data signal, and black (K) image data (bitmap image) is sent as a video data signal in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to K1.

Therefore, when "color" is registered in the "color mode" portion 18a of the engine control information 18 and "1up" is registered in the "Nup" portion 18c, as described above, Y1 , M1, C1, K
When the video data signal is sent to the print engine unit 21 in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to No. 1, a one-page color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7. Become.

In the engine control information 18, “
“Color” is registered in the “color mode” portion 18a,
“2up” is registered in the “Nup” part 18c
Sometimes, as shown in FIG. 8, Y1, Y2, M1,
Vertical synchronization signals corresponding to M2, C1, C2, K1, K2
And the horizontal synchronizing signal is transmitted from the print engine 21 to the engine.
Is sent to the I / F controller 17. Y1, Y2, M1, M
2, vertical synchronization signals corresponding to C1, C2, K1, K2 and
I / F controller 17 to which the horizontal synchronizing signal has been sent
Is the image data of the first page in the engine control information 18.
Of "Yellow" in the portion 18d of
Part 18d₁, "Magenta" part 18d_Two, "C
yan "part 18d_Three, "Black" part 18d_Four
Storage unit 1 based on the address values registered in
4 to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C)
Image data for 4 colors on the first page of black and black (K)
(Bitmap image) and engine
In the control information 18, "the storage destination address of the image data of the second page
"Yellow" part 18 of the "less" part 18e
e ₁, "Magenta" part 18e_Two, "Cyan"
Part 18e_Three, "Black" part 18e_FourClimb to each
From the storage unit 14 based on the recorded address value,
Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and bra
Image data (bits) for 4 colors on the second page of
Map image) and read out 2 pages 4 colors
Image data (bitmap image)
Are sequentially transmitted to the print engine unit 21 as data signals.

At this time, the first page of yellow (Y) is synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to Y1.
Image data (bitmap image) is sent as a video data signal, and the second page of yellow (Y) image data (bitmap image) is synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to Y2. Sent as a signal. Further, the magenta (M) of the first page is synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to M1.
Image data (bitmap image) is transmitted as a video data signal, and the magenta (M) image data (bitmap image) of the second page is synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to M2. Sent as a signal.

The first page of cyan (C) image data (bitmap image) is transmitted as a video data signal in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to C1, and the vertical synchronization signal corresponding to C2 is transmitted. The cyan (C) image data (bitmap image) of the second page is transmitted as a video data signal in synchronization with the signal and the horizontal synchronization signal. Further, black (K) image data (bitmap image) of the first page is transmitted as a video data signal in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal and the horizontal synchronizing signal corresponding to K1, and the vertical synchronizing signal and the horizontal synchronizing signal corresponding to K2 are transmitted. Black (K) image data (bitmap image) of the second page is transmitted as a video data signal in synchronization with the synchronization signal.

Therefore, when "color" is registered in the "color mode" portion 18a of the engine control information 18 and "2up" is registered in the "Nup" portion 18c, as described above, Y1 , Y2, M1, M
The video data signal is sent to the print engine unit 21 in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to 2, C1, C2, K1, and K2. A toner image will be formed.

In addition, among a plurality of pages registered in the page queue 16, a “color” “A4 size” page and a “monochrome” “A4 size” page are continuously mixed in order. As shown in FIG. 6, "color" is registered in the "color mode" portion 18a of the engine control information 18, "A4 size" is registered in the "paper size" portion 18b, and "Nup" portion is registered. “2up” is registered in the area 18c, and “Yellow” in the portion 18d of the “storage address of the image data of the first page” is further registered.
address value image data is stored in the yellow (Y) to a portion 18 d ₁ of w "is registered, the address value image data is stored in the magenta (M) to a portion 18 d ₂ of the" Magenta "is registered," Cyan ”part 18d ₃
The address value image data is stored in the cyan (C) is registered, the address value image data is stored in the black (K) to a portion 18 d ₄ of "Black" is registered, "the second page of the image data "Ma of the storage destination address" of the portion 18e of, and part 18e ₁ of the "Yellow"
part of the portion 18e ₂ of genta "," Cyan "18
"NULL" is registered in the e _3, the portion 18e ₄ of "Black", if the address value image data is stored in the black (K) are registered, as shown in FIG. 9, Y1, Y2, M1, M2, C1, C2, K
The vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to 1, K2 are sent from the print engine unit 21 to the engine I / F control unit 17.

Y1, Y2, M1, M2, C1, C2, K
The engine I / F control unit 17 to which the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to “1” and “K2” have been transmitted, sets “Yellow” in the portion 18 d of the “storage address of the image data of the first page” of the engine control information 18. Part 18d ₁ , “Ma
part 18d ₂ of genta ", part of" Cyan "18
d ₃ , the first page of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the storage unit 14 based on the address values respectively registered in the “Black” portion 18 d ₄ . The image data (bitmap image) for four colors is read, and the engine control information 18 is read.
Based on the address value are respectively registered in the section 18e ₄ of "Black" portion 18e of the "second page storage address of the image data" on, 1 from the storage unit 14 Black second page of the (K) The image data (bitmap image) for the colors is read, and the read image data (bitmap image) for two pages is sequentially sent to the print engine unit 21 as a video data signal. Here, the portion 18e of the "second page storage address of the image data", the portion 18e ₁ of the "Yellow", "Ma
part of the portion 18e ₂ of genta "," Cyan "18
Since “NULL” is registered in e ₃ , the engine I / F control unit 17 stores the image data (yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C)) of the second page from the storage unit 14. Bitmap image).

Then, the first page of yellow (Y) image data (bitmap image) is transmitted as a video data signal in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to Y1. On the other hand, since “NULL” is registered in the “Yellow” portion 18e ₁ in the portion 18e of the “storage address of the image data of the second page”, Y
No yellow (Y) image data (bitmap image) of the second page is transmitted as a video data signal in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to No. 2.

The image data (bitmap image) of the first page of magenta (M) is sent in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to M1. on the other hand,
18 of "Second page image data storage destination address"
e has “NUL” in the part 18e ₂ of “Magenta”.
Since "L" is registered, the magenta (M) image data (bitmap image) of the second page is not transmitted in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to M2.

The first page of cyan (C) image data (bitmap image) is transmitted in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to C1. Meanwhile, 2
18e of "storage address of image data of page"
The, since the portion 18e ₃ of "Cyan", "NULL" is registered, the image data (bitmap in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal and a horizontal synchronizing signal corresponding to the C2 2 page of cyan (C) Image) is not sent.

The first page of black (K) image data (bitmap image) is transmitted in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to K1, and the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to K2 are transmitted. The black (K) image data (bitmap image) of the second page is sent in synchronization with the signal.

Therefore, in a plurality of pages registered in the page queue 16, "A4 size" of "color"
And the pages of “monochrome” and “A4 size” are sequentially mixed, as described above,
The video data signal is sent to the print engine unit 21 in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal and the horizontal synchronizing signal corresponding to Y1, M1, C1, K1, and K2. The color toner image and the monochrome toner image as the second page have multiple surfaces (2
Surface).

Further, among a plurality of pages registered in the page queue 16, "A4 size" pages of "monochrome" and "A4 size" pages of "color" are continuously mixed in order, and In the part 18d of the "storage address of the image data of the first page" of the control information 18,
"Yellow" part 18d ₁ and "Magenta"
"NU part 18d ₂ of the in and the part 18d ₃ of" Cyan "
LL "is registered," address value image data is stored in the black (K) to a portion 18 d ₄ of Black "is registered," the second page storage address of the image data of "
Portion 18e of the address value which the image data is stored in the yellow (Y) to the portion 18e ₁ of the "Yellow" is registered, the address image data is stored in the magenta (M) in the portion 18e ₂ of the "Magenta" The value is registered, and the address value at which the cyan (C) image data is stored is registered in the “Cyan” portion 18 e ₃ , and “Blac” is registered.
when the address value image data is stored in the black (K) to the portion 18e ₄ of k "it is registered,
On the intermediate transfer belt 7, a monochrome toner image as the first page and a color toner image as the second page are formed on a plurality of surfaces (two surfaces).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the color laser beam printer P is
The image forming apparatus further includes an engine I / F control unit 17 as a video data signal output unit and a scheduler unit 15 as a toner image mixture determination unit. The scheduler unit 15 converts a plurality of toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 into color images. When it is determined that the image includes the (multicolor) toner image and the monochrome (monochromatic) toner image, the engine I / F control unit 17
A black (K) video data signal corresponding to the monochrome toner image is output, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) not corresponding to the monochrome toner image are output.
Is not output, a monochrome toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 as a color toner image.

Therefore, even when a color toner image and a monochrome toner image are mixed as a plurality of toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 on a plurality of surfaces, the above-described color toner image and monochrome toner image can be obtained during one engine cycle. An image is formed, and the printing color mode is switched as in the related art, and it is not necessary to start an engine cycle for each color toner image and for each monochrome toner image, and the time until printing is completed is eliminated. Can be shortened. Further, a configuration in which a monochrome toner image can be formed as a color toner image on the intermediate transfer body belt 7 can be realized with an extremely simple configuration.

The color laser beam printer P is
The printer controller unit 1 includes a storage unit 14 as image data storage means. The storage unit 14 stores only black (K) image data as image data (bitmap image) for forming a monochrome toner image. Is stored, and based on the determination result of the scheduler unit 15 by the engine I / F control unit 17, the toner images on a plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 include a color toner image and a monochrome toner image. Sometimes, image data (bitmap image) for forming a color toner image stored in the storage unit 14 is read out for each of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and read out. Image data is output as a video data signal for each of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In both cases, black (K) image data (bitmap image) corresponding to the monochrome toner image stored in the storage unit 14 is read, and the read black (K) image data is output as a video data signal. Even when a monochrome toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 as a color toner image, the storage unit 14 stores only black (K) image data as image data for forming a monochrome toner image. Therefore, the amount of memory used in the storage unit 14 is reduced, and the efficiency of memory use can be improved. Even when only black (K) image data is stored in the storage unit 14 as image data for forming a monochrome toner image, the monochrome toner image is reliably formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 as a color toner image. can do.

The color laser beam printer P according to the present embodiment is configured so as to primarily transfer a toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 7. The present invention can be applied to a color laser beam printer configured to transfer an image to the primary transfer, and the configuration of the multicolor developing device 5 is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment. Of course, the present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses other than the color laser beam printer.

[0055]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, when the toner images on a plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer member include a multicolor toner image and a monochromatic toner image, the monochromatic toner image is formed. Since it is formed on the intermediate transfer body as a multicolor toner image,
Even when a multi-color toner image and a single-color toner image are mixed as a plurality of surfaces of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member, the above-described multi-color toner image and the single-color toner image are formed in one engine cycle. Therefore, there is no need to start an engine cycle for each multicolor toner image and each monochrome toner image, and the time until printing is completed can be shortened.

As a result, according to the present invention, even when a multi-color toner image and a single-color toner image are mixed as a plurality of toner images formed on the intermediate transfer member, the time until printing is completed can be reduced. A possible image forming apparatus can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a printer controller included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a page queue in a scheduler unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an internal processing operation of a scheduler unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of engine control information registered in an engine I / F control unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of engine control information registered in an engine I / F control unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a video data signal in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a video data signal in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a video data signal in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer controller part, 2 ... Laser device, 4 ... Fixing device, 5 ... Multicolor developing device, 6 ... Photoconductor drum, 7 ... Intermediate transfer belt, 8 ... Paper tray, 9 ... Recording paper, 10
... cleaning device, 11 ... communication interface (I
/ F) section, 12: PDL analysis section, 13: drawing processing section, 1
4 ... Storage unit, 15 ... Scheduler unit, 16 ... Page queue, 17 ... Engine interface (I / F) control unit, 18 ... Engine control information, 21 ... Print engine unit, P ... Color laser beam printer.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 370 G03G 21/00 384 384 H04N 1/29 G H04N 1/29 B41J 3/00 B F term (Ref.)

Claims (3)

[Claims] An intermediate transfer member capable of simultaneously holding a plurality of toner images on a plurality of surfaces, forming a plurality of toner images on the intermediate transfer member, and sequentially transferring the plurality of toner images on the intermediate transfer member. In the image forming apparatus for transferring to a supplied transfer material, when the toner images on the plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer body include a multicolor toner image and a single color toner image, the single color toner image is used as a multicolor toner image. An image forming apparatus formed on the intermediate transfer member. 2. A video data signal output means for outputting, for each color, a video data signal for forming a multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer body, wherein the toner images on the plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer body are Further comprising: a toner image mixture determining unit for determining whether or not the multicolor toner image and the single color toner image are included, wherein the video data signal output unit is based on the determination result by the toner image mixture determination unit. When the toner images on the plurality of surfaces formed on the intermediate transfer body include the multicolor toner image and the monochromatic toner image, while outputting a video data signal of a color corresponding to the monochromatic toner image, The method according to claim 1, wherein the single color toner image is formed as a multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer body by not outputting a video data signal of a color not corresponding to the single color toner image. The image forming apparatus according to 1. 3. An image data storage unit capable of storing image data for forming the multicolor toner image for each color, wherein the image data storage unit has an image for forming the single color toner image. As the data, only image data of a color corresponding to the single-color toner image is stored, and the video data signal output unit forms the intermediate transfer member based on a determination result of the toner image mixture determination unit. When the toner image on a plurality of surfaces includes the multicolor toner image and the single color toner image, the image data for forming the multicolor toner image stored in the image data storage unit is provided for each of the colors. And outputting the read image data as the video data signal for each color, and outputting the read image data to the monochrome toner image stored in the image data storage means. Reading the image data of colors, the read image forming apparatus according to the image data to claim 2, wherein the output as the video data signal.