JP2002052787A - Imaging apparatus, its controlling method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make clear the operable functions by operating only a part of appropriate arrangement where the operating part is present at a required place and shutting down other parts, and to make clear the fact that the arrangement is abnormal while preventing erroneous operation at a part of inappropriate arrangement. SOLUTION: The control section 397 in a color printer section 1000 detects the fact that a color reader section 900 is connected with the body of the color printer section 1000. When the fact that an operating section 300 is connected with the body of the color printer section 1000 is detected, power supply to the color reader section 900 is shut down.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit, executing a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device, a control method of the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a copier (registered trademark) function (a function of reading a document from an added reader and performing a copy operation based on image information of the read document) has been added by adding a reader to an existing printer. There is an image forming apparatus that can perform this.

In a copy version with a reader connected,
Normally, the reader is placed on the printer, so it is preferable that the operation unit is attached to the reader.

However, the existing printer is provided with an operation unit, and if a reader with an operation unit is added as it is, one operation unit as a copy version is not wasted. Must. As a method of solving this, there is a method in which the operation unit is detachable and can be shared by the printer and the reader.

When the printer is used alone, the operation unit is attached to the printer, and when a reader is added, the operation unit attached to the printer is detached and attached to the reader.

[0006]

However, in a mode in which the operation unit is detachable and can be shared by the printer and the reader as described above, there is a good point that one operation unit can be used in an appropriate arrangement. At the same time, since the operation of relocating the operation unit occurs at the site, there is a possibility that the operation unit may be forgotten to be relocated or an error may occur, and if such an error occurs, the image forming apparatus will no longer operate normally. There is a problem that can not work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the first to eighteenth inventions according to the present invention that a control unit of an image forming apparatus comprises: If it is detected that the reader device is connected to and the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, the power supply of the reader device is shut down.
Appropriate configuration, that is, operating only the part where the operation unit is in the required place, shutting down the other parts, clarifying the operable functions, and at the same time, avoiding malfunctioning of parts that are not appropriate configuration As well as
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium that can clarify that the configuration is not a regular one but an abnormal configuration.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detachable reader device (color reader unit 900 shown in FIG. 1) having an independent power supply, an image forming apparatus main body, and the reader device. Each of them has a detachable operation unit (operation unit 300 shown in FIG. 1), and performs a copy operation for reading and copying an original from the reader device and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device. In the image forming apparatus to be executed, reader detecting means (CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397 shown in FIG. 1) for detecting whether or not the reader device is connected, and the operation unit are connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Operating unit detecting means for detecting whether or not the control unit 397 is in the control unit 397 shown in FIG.
U), when the reader detecting unit detects that the reader device is connected, and when the operating unit detecting unit detects that the operating unit is connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus, And control means (CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling the power supply to shut down.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a detachable reader device having an independent power supply (color reader section 900 shown in FIG. 1), and a detachable reader device which can be attached to and removed from both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device Operation unit (operation unit 300 shown in FIG. 1)
An image forming apparatus for performing a copy operation for reading and copying an original from the reader device and performing a printing operation for printing image information input from an external device, wherein the reader device is connected or not. And a first operation unit detection unit (FIG. 1) for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. (Not shown) in the control unit 397)
A second operation unit detecting means (control unit 39 shown in FIG. 1) for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the reader device.
7) and the reader detecting means detects whether or not a reader device is connected, and both the first operating part detecting means and the second operating part detecting means make the operating part If it detects that it is not connected,
A control unit (CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling both the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body and the power supply of the reader device to be shut down.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detachable reader (a color reader 900 shown in FIG. 1) having an independent power supply, and detachable to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader. Operation unit (operation unit 300 shown in FIG. 1)
An image forming apparatus for performing a copy operation for reading and copying an original from the reader device and performing a printing operation for printing image information input from an external device, wherein the reader device is connected or not. And a first operation unit detection unit (FIG. 1) for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. (Not shown) in the control unit 397)
A second operation unit detecting means (control unit 39 shown in FIG. 1) for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the reader device.
7) and the reader detecting means detects whether or not a reader device is connected, and both the first operating part detecting means and the second operating part detecting means make the operating part When detecting the connection, the control unit controls to stop the operation of either the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body or the operation unit connected to the reader device (see FIG. 1). And a CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detachable reader device having an independent power supply (color reader unit 900 shown in FIG. 1), and a detachable reader device which can be attached to and removed from both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. Operation unit (operation unit 300 shown in FIG. 1)
An image forming apparatus for performing a copy operation for reading and copying an original from the reader device and performing a printing operation for printing image information input from an external device, wherein the reader device is connected or not. And a first operation unit detection unit (FIG. 1) for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. (Not shown) in the control unit 397)
A second operation unit detecting means (control unit 39 shown in FIG. 1) for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the reader device.
7) and the reader detecting means detects whether or not a reader device is connected, and both the first operating part detecting means and the second operating part detecting means make the operating part When the connection is detected, a control unit (control unit shown in FIG. 1) that controls the operation of both the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body and the operation unit connected to the reader device so as to match each other. 397 (not shown).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detachable reader device having an independent power supply (color reader unit 900 shown in FIG. 1), and a detachable reader which can be attached to any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. Operation unit (operation unit 300 shown in FIG. 1)
An image forming apparatus for performing a copy operation for reading and copying an original from the reader device and performing a printing operation for printing image information input from an external device, wherein the reader device is connected or not. And a first operation unit detection unit (FIG. 1) for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. (Not shown) in the control unit 397)
A second operation unit detecting means (control unit 39 shown in FIG. 1) for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the reader device.
7) and the reader detecting means detects whether or not a reader device is connected, and both the first operating part detecting means and the second operating part detecting means make the operating part When the connection is detected, the operation unit connected to the reader device is operated as an operation unit corresponding to the copy operation, and the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body is operated corresponding to the printer operation. And a control unit (CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling operation as an operation unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit (operation unit 300 shown in FIG. 1) and executing a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device. In the device, an operation unit detection unit (a CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397 shown in FIG. 1) that detects whether the operation unit is connected, and the operation unit is not connected by the operation unit detection unit And a control unit (a CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397 shown in FIG. 1) that controls so as to shut down the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body when it is detected.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detachable reader device having an independent power source, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device.
In a control method of an image forming apparatus for executing a copy operation of reading and copying an original from the reader device and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device, detecting whether or not the reader device is connected. Reader detecting step (step S602 in FIG. 6), and an operating section detecting step for detecting whether the operating section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body (step S606 in FIG. 6).
And a power control step of shutting down the power supply of the reader device when detecting that the reader device is connected and detecting that the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body (step of FIG. 6). S607).

An eighth invention according to the present invention has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device.
In a control method of an image forming apparatus for executing a copy operation of reading and copying an original from the reader device and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device, it is detected that the reader device is connected. A reader detection step (step S602 in FIG. 6) and a first operation section detection step (step S60 in FIG. 6) for detecting whether the operation section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body.
6), a second operation unit detection step (step S608 in FIG. 6) for detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected to the reader device, and detecting that the reader device is connected, A power control step of shutting down both the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body and the power supply of the reader apparatus when detecting that the operation unit is not connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader apparatus (FIG. 6)
Step S609).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachably attached to any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device.
In a control method of an image forming apparatus for executing a copy operation of reading and copying an original from the reader device and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device, it is detected that the reader device is connected. A reader detection step (step not shown), a first operation section detection step (step not shown) for detecting whether or not the operation section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body; A second operation unit detecting step (a step not shown) for detecting whether or not the image forming apparatus is connected; and detecting that the reader device is connected, and the operation unit for both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. Is connected, the operation of any one of the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body or the operation unit connected to the reader device is performed. Sealed to the operation unit control process are those having a (not shown step) and.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the reader device having a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus for executing a copy operation of reading and copying an original from a printer and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device, a reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected (A step not shown), a first operation section detection step (step not shown) for detecting whether the operation section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, and a step in which the operation section is connected to the reader device. A second operation unit detection step (step not shown) for detecting whether or not the image forming apparatus main body is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. When detecting that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus, the operation unit control step for matching the operations of both the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body and the operation unit connected to the reader device (see FIG. Step).

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the reader device having a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachably attached to any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus for executing a copy operation of reading and copying an original from a printer and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device, a reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected (A step not shown), a first operation section detection step (step not shown) for detecting whether the operation section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, and a step in which the operation section is connected to the reader device. A second operation unit detection step (step not shown) for detecting whether or not the image forming apparatus main body is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. If it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the apparatus, the operation unit connected to the reader device is operated as an operation unit corresponding to the copy operation, and the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body is operated. And an operation section control step (step (not shown)) for operating the printer as an operation section corresponding to the printer operation.

A twelfth invention according to the present invention relates to a method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit and executing a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device. Operation unit detecting step of detecting whether or not is connected (step S603 in FIG. 6)
And a power control step (Step S604 in FIG. 6) of shutting down the power of the image forming apparatus main body when it is detected that the operation unit is not connected.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the reader device includes a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. A reader detecting step for detecting whether or not the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs a copying operation for reading and copying an original from a printer and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device (FIG. 6, step S602), an operation unit detecting step for detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body (step S606 in FIG. 6), and detecting that the reader device is connected. A power control step of shutting down the power supply of the reader device when detecting that the operation unit is connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus (step S in FIG. 6). 07) The program for executing the one in which the computer storage media were able to store read.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the reader device has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. A reader detecting step (FIG. 6) for detecting that the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs a copying operation for reading and copying an original from a printer and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device. Step S602), a first operation unit detecting step of detecting whether the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body (Step S606 in FIG. 6), and the operation unit is connected to the reader device. Second operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the operation is performed (step S608 in FIG. 6)
And detecting that the reader device is connected, and detecting that the operation unit is not connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, when the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader are detected. A power supply control step of shutting down both power supplies of the apparatus (step S6 in FIG. 6)
09) is stored in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the reader device has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. A reader detecting step (not shown) for detecting that the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs a copying operation for reading and copying a document from a printer and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device. Step), a first operation section detection step (step not shown) for detecting whether or not the operation section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, and whether or not the operation section is connected to the reader device. And a second operation unit detecting step (a step not shown) for detecting that the reader device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. When detecting that the operation unit is connected, an operation unit control step of stopping operation of either the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body or the operation unit connected to the reader device (step not shown) ) Are stored in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the reader device having a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. A reader detecting step (not shown) for detecting that the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs a copying operation for reading and copying a document from a printer and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device. Step), a first operation section detection step (step not shown) for detecting whether or not the operation section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, and whether or not the operation section is connected to the reader device. And a second operation unit detecting step (a step not shown) for detecting that the reader device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. When detecting that the operation unit is connected, an operation unit control step (step not shown) for matching the operations of both the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body and the operation unit connected to the reader device. Is stored in a storage medium so that the program can be executed by a computer.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the reader device has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. A reader detecting step (not shown) for detecting that the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs a copying operation for reading and copying a document from a printer and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device. Step), a first operation section detection step (step not shown) for detecting whether or not the operation section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, and whether or not the operation section is connected to the reader device. And a second operation unit detecting step (a step not shown) for detecting that the reader device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. When detecting that the operation unit is connected, the operation unit connected to the reader device is operated as an operation unit corresponding to the copy operation, and the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body is operated by the printer operation. A program for executing an operation unit control step (a step not shown) for operating as an operation unit corresponding to the above is stored in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit and executing a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device.
An operation unit detection step (step S603 in FIG. 6) for detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is not connected, the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body is shut down. A program for executing the power control step (step S604 in FIG. 6) is stored in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a color image forming apparatus to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
It comprises a color reader unit 900, a color printer unit 1000, and an operation unit 300.

In the figure, the color reader unit 900 and the color printer unit 1000 have a separated configuration, and are connected by an external cable 398. The operation unit 300
Are a color reader unit 900 and a color printer unit 1000
Are attached to and detached from each other, and here, a case where the image forming apparatus is connected to the color reader unit 900 is shown.

First, the configuration of the color reader unit 900 will be described.

In the color reader unit 900, 101 is a CCD, 311 is a substrate on which the CCD 101 is mounted,
Reference numeral 312 denotes a digital image processing unit which includes a portion excluding the CCD 101 of the image processing unit shown in FIG. 2 described later and a binary conversion unit 201 shown in FIG. 3 described later.

An original 301 is placed on an original platen glass (platen). A document feeder (DF) 302 sequentially feeds a bundle of documents placed on a document table (not shown) onto a document table glass 301. The document feeder 302
Instead of this, there is also a configuration in which a mirror pressure plate (not shown) is mounted. 3
Numerals 03 and 304 denote light sources (halogen lamps or fluorescent lamps) for illuminating the original. Reference numerals 305 and 306 denote reflecting umbrellas that condense the light from the light sources 303 and 304 onto the document. Reference numeral 314 denotes the halogen lamps 303 and 304 and the reflectors 305 and 306.
And 315, a carriage that houses the mirrors 308 and 309. In addition,
The carriage 314 is driven at a speed V, and the carriage 315 is driven at a speed V / 2.
By scanning (by the drive of No. 16), the entire surface of the document is scanned (sub-scan).

Reference numeral 310 denotes a lens which condenses reflected light or projected light from a document on the CCD 101. As described above, the document on the platen glass reflects light from the light sources 303 and 304, and the reflected light is guided to the CCD 101 and converted into an electric signal (the CCD 101 has an RGB color filter on one line CCD). Or in-line in RGB order, or a 3-line CCD with R, G and B filters arranged for each CCD. Filters are either on-chip or filters are separate from CCDs. May be used).

The electric signal (analog image signal) converted by the CCD 101 is input to an image processing unit 312, where the image signal is processed.

Reference numeral 313 denotes an external interface (I / F) for a computer or the like.

Next, the configuration of the color printer unit 1000 will be described. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In the color printer unit 1000, 39
Reference numeral 9 denotes an LED processing unit, which is connected to the image processing unit 312 via an external cable 398.

Reference numeral 397 denotes a control unit, which is a CP (not shown).
U, ROM, and RAM, and the CPU is based on a program stored in the ROM or another storage medium (not shown) based on the color printer unit 1000 and the color reader unit 90.
0 and the entire operation unit 300. Also, RA
M is used as a work area of the CPU.

The color reader unit 900 is provided with a power supply independent of the color printer unit 1000. In response to an instruction from a CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397, the color reader unit 900 keeps supplying power to the color printer unit 1000. The power supply of only the unit 900 can be shut off independently.

Further, 317 is a yellow (hereinafter, Y) image forming section, 318 is a magenta (hereinafter, M) image forming section,
Reference numeral 319 denotes a cyan (hereinafter, C) image forming unit, and 320 denotes a black (hereinafter, K) image forming unit. Since the respective components are the same, the Y image forming unit 317 will be described in detail, and the other image forming units will be described. Omitted.

In the Y image forming section 317, reference numeral 342 denotes a photosensitive drum, on which a latent image is formed by light from the LED array 210. This photosensitive drum 342 is
It is directly driven by a stepping motor (not shown). Further, a piezoelectric sensor is attached to the photosensitive drum 342, and the driving of the stepping motor is controlled based on the output of the piezoelectric sensor. The details of the control will be described later.

Reference numeral 321 denotes a primary charger, which is a photosensitive drum 342.
Is charged to a predetermined potential to prepare for latent image formation. A developing device 322 develops the latent image on the photosensitive drum 342 to form a toner image. Note that the developing device 322 has a sleeve 3 for applying a developing bias to perform development.
55 are included.

Reference numeral 323 denotes a transfer charger, which is a transfer belt 333.
, The toner image on the photosensitive drum 342 is transferred to a recording paper or the like on the transfer belt 333. In the embodiment, since the transfer efficiency is good, the cleaner portion is not provided. (It goes without saying that there is no problem even if the cleaner is mounted.) The transfer belt 333 is connected to a transfer belt roller 348 and is driven by a not-shown stenping motor.

Next, a procedure for forming an image on a recording paper or the like will be described.

The recording paper and the like stored in the cassettes 340 and 341 are supplied onto the transfer belt 333 by sheet feed rollers 336 and 337 one by one by pickup rollers 339 and 338. The fed recording paper is charged by the adsorption charger 346. Reference numeral 348 denotes a transfer belt roller 348 that drives the transfer belt 333, and charges the recording paper or the like in pairs with the attraction charger 346 to cause the transfer belt 333 to attract the recording paper or the like. Reference numeral 347 denotes a paper edge sensor, and
The leading end of the recording paper or the like on 33 is detected. The detection signal of the paper leading edge sensor is sent from the color printer unit 1000 to the color reader unit 900, and is used as a sub-scan synchronization signal when a video signal is sent from the color reader unit 900 to the color printer unit 1000.

Thereafter, the recording paper or the like is conveyed by the transfer belt 333, and is transferred to the image forming units 317 to 320 in the Y direction.
A toner image is formed on the surface in the order of MCK.

The recording paper or the like that has passed through the K image forming unit 320 is separated from the transfer belt 333 after the charge is removed by the charge remover 349 to facilitate separation from the transfer belt 333. Reference numeral 350 denotes a peeling charger, which prevents image disturbance due to peeling discharge when recording paper or the like is separated from the transfer belt 333. The separated recording paper or the like is charged by pre-fixing chargers 351 and 352 in order to supplement the toner attraction force and prevent image disorder, and after the toner image is heat-fixed by the fixing device 334, it is discharged. The paper is discharged to the paper tray 335.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the digital image processing section 312 and the LED processing section 399 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the digital image processing unit 312 shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The configuration and operation will be described below.

As described above, the original on the platen glass reflects light from the light sources 303 and 304, and the reflected light is
It is guided to the CD 101 and converted into an electric signal. And
The electric signal (analog image signal) is supplied to the image processing unit 312
Is input to

As shown in FIG. 2, the electric signal input from the CCD 101 is clamped & amp. & S / H & A /
The sample and hold (S / H) is performed in the D section 102, the dark level of the analog image signal is clamped to the reference potential, amplified to a predetermined amount (the processing order is not limited to the notation order), and A / D converted. For example, it is converted into a digital signal of 8 bits for each of RGB.

The RGB signals are subjected to shading correction and black correction by a shading unit 103, and then by a connection & MTF correction & original detection unit 104 to a CCD.
If the 101 is a 3-line CCD, the splicing process differs in the reading position between the lines. Therefore, the delay amount for each line is adjusted according to the reading speed, and the signal timing is corrected so that the reading positions of the three lines become the same. In the MTF correction, the reading MTF changes depending on the reading speed and the magnification, so the change is corrected, and the document detection recognizes the document size by scanning the document on the platen glass.

The digital signal whose reading position timing has been corrected is input to the CCD 101 by the input masking unit 105.
And the light sources 303 and 304 and the reflector 305,
The spectral characteristic of 306 is corrected. Input masking unit 105
Is a selector l which can be switched with an external I / F signal.
06.

The signal output from the selector 106 is input to the color space compression & background removal & LOG conversion unit 107 and background removal unit 115. After the signal input to the background removal unit 115 is removed from the background, the signal is input to a black character determination unit 116 that determines whether or not the document is a black character in the document, and a black character signal is generated from the document.

The color space compression / background removal / LOG conversion unit 107 to which the output of the other selector 106 is input.
Then, color space compression determines whether the read image signal is within the range that can be reproduced by the printer, and if so, corrects it so that the image signal is within the range that can be reproduced by the printer. .

Then, a background removal process is performed, and the RGB signals are converted into CMY signals by LOG conversion. Then, the timing of the output signal of the color space compression & background removal & LOG conversion unit 107 is adjusted by the delay unit 108 in order to correct the timing and the signal generated by the black character determination unit 116. The two types of signals are subjected to moiré removal by the moiré removal unit 109 and subjected to scaling processing in the main scanning direction by the scaling unit 110.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a UCR & masking & black character reflection unit. The CMY signal processed by the scaling unit 110 is a UC signal.
A CMYK signal is generated by the R processing, corrected by the masking processing unit to a signal that was output from the printer, and a determination signal generated by the black character determination unit 116 is fed back to the CMYK signal. The signal processed by the UCR & masking & black character reflection unit 111 is subjected to density adjustment by the γ correction unit 112 and then subjected to smoothing or edge processing by the filter unit 113. The signal processed as described above is converted from an 8-bit multilevel signal into a binary signal by the binary conversion unit 201 shown in FIG. 3 (the conversion method may be any of dither method, error diffusion method, and error diffusion method). Absent).

The LED image recording will be described.

FIG. 3 shows the LED processing section 399 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the binary YMCK generated by the image processing unit in FIGS. 2 and 3 (binary conversion unit 201)
Is sent to the LED processing unit 399 via the external cable 398.

The LED processing unit 339 includes delay units 202 to 2
05, and LED driving units 206 to 209. 2
The binary YMCK image signal output from the value converter 201 is input to each of the delay units 202 to 205 based on the paper leading edge signal from the paper leading edge sensor 347,
By adjusting the difference in the distance between the paper leading edge sensor and each image forming unit by 2 to 205, four colors can be printed at predetermined positions.

The delay units 202 to 205 at a predetermined timing
The image signals read out from the LED driving units 206-2
09, and the LED driving units 206 to 209
A signal for driving the D units 210 to 213 is generated.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can be configured with only the color printer unit 1000 without the color reader unit 900. The color reader unit 900 is detachable from the color printer unit 1000. When the color reader unit 900 is not connected (attached) (printer version), the color reader unit 1000 is input from a printer (an external device such as a personal computer). Print operation based on image information).
When the color reader unit 900 is connected (attached) (copier (registered trademark) version), a copy operation of reading a document from a copier (an added reader and copying image information of the read document, and a personal computer or the like) (Performs a print operation for printing image information input from an external device).

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an installation state of the operation unit 300 at the time of the printer version of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an installation state of the operation unit 300 at the time of copy version of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 4, the color printer section 10
In the case of a printer version consisting of only 00 (without connecting the color reader unit 900), the operation unit 300 is connected to the color printer unit 1000.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the case of a copy version including both the color printer unit 1000 and the color reader unit 900 (the color reader unit 900 is connected to the color printer unit 1000), the operation unit 30
0 is connected to the color reader unit 900.

In the configuration of only the color printer unit 1000,
When a color reader unit 900 is added later to make a copy version, the color printer unit 90 shown in FIG.
After the operation unit 300 attached to the color printer unit 1000 is once removed and the color reader unit 900 is set on the color printer unit 1000, the operation unit 300 is connected to the color reader unit 900 as shown in FIG.

A CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397
Indicates that the color printer unit 1000 has the color reader unit 900
For detecting whether or not a color reader is connected;
Can be detected as to whether or not the operation unit 300 is connected to the color printer unit 1000.

A CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397
Is the operation unit 30 connected to the color reader unit 900
0 (display and key reception) and operation control (display and key reception) of the operation unit 300 connected to the color printer unit 1000 can be performed.

The color reader unit 900 is simply connected to the color printer unit 1000 via the external cable 398. The color reader unit 900 does not necessarily need to be placed on the color printer unit 1000, but is placed separately. It is also possible.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
Processing in the image forming apparatus of the present invention when the color reader unit 900 is connected or not, and when the operation unit 300 is mounted or not, will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first control processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The CPU (not shown) in the control unit 397 shown in FIG. It is to be executed based on the executed program.

When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on (S6)
01) First, the control unit 397 of the color printer unit 1000 shown in FIG. 1 detects whether the color reader unit 900 is connected to the color printer unit 1000 (S6).
02). Color reader unit 9 in color printer unit 1000
If the operation unit 300 is detected to be not connected to the color printer unit 1000, it is detected (S603). Color printer unit 1
If the connection of the operation unit 300 is not detected at 000 (it is detected that the operation unit 300 is not connected), the control unit 397 of the color printer unit 1000 shuts off the printer power (the power of the color printer unit 1000 is shut off).
(S604).

On the other hand, if the connection of the operation unit 300 to the color printer unit 1000 is detected in step S603, the printer version is recognized, and the process shifts to the print standby state (S605).

On the other hand, if the connection of the color reader unit 900 to the color printer unit 1000 is detected in step S602, it is next determined whether or not the operation unit 300 is connected to the color printer unit 1000 (S60).
6). When it is detected that the operation unit 300 is connected to the color printer unit 1000, it is determined that the operation as a printer is possible but the operation as a copier is not possible, and the reader power is shut off ( The color reader unit 900 is instructed to shut off the power supply of the color reader unit 900) (607), and thereafter, shifts to the print standby state (S605).

On the other hand, if it is detected in step S606 that the operation unit 300 is not connected to the color printer unit 1000, it is detected whether or not the operation unit 300 is connected to the color reader unit 900 (S60).
8). If it is detected that the operation unit 300 is not connected to the color reader unit 900, it means that the operation unit 300 is not connected to the color printer unit 1000 or the color reader unit 900. Both are shut off (the color reader 900 is instructed to shut off the power of the color reader 900 and the power of the color printer 1000 is shut off) (S609).

On the other hand, the operation unit 30 is connected to the color reader unit 900.
If it is detected that 0 is connected, it is shifted to the copy / print standby state because the configuration is normal for copying (S610).

Note that, in the present embodiment, step S606
, When it is detected that the operation unit 300 is connected to the color printer unit 1000, the color reader unit 900
Is turned off (S607).
Further, it is detected whether or not the operation unit 300 is also connected to the color reader unit 900, and when it is detected that the operation unit 300 is connected to the color reader unit 900, the operation unit connected to the color reader unit 900 is detected. A configuration may be adopted in which only the operation unit 300 is operated, and the operation unit connected to the color printer unit 1000 is not operated (not displayed, no key is received).

In this case, the same operation may be performed on both the operation units of the color reader unit 900 and the color printer unit 1000 (the same display is performed and the same key is received). Further, in this case, the color reader unit 900
Of the color printer unit 1000 (display and accept keys) as a copy operation unit (display and accept keys).
Each of them may be configured to operate independently.

In this embodiment, the color image forming apparatus (the color reader unit 900 and the color printer unit 1000)
Although the present invention is not limited to a color image forming apparatus, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to all devices in which an operation unit is detachable.

In this embodiment, the case where the color printer section 1000 is of the LED type in FIG. 1 has been described. However, other electrophotographic types, ink jet type, thermal transfer type, sublimation type, or other types may be used. .

As described above, in an image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit, only parts having an appropriate configuration (whether there is an operation unit at a necessary place) are utilized and other parts are shut down to operate. It is possible to clarify the possible functions and to prevent a malfunction of a portion that is not properly configured.

Further, it is possible to clarify that the configuration is not a regular configuration but an abnormal configuration.

Further, when a plurality of operation units are connected, there is an effect that convenience can be improved by utilizing the plurality of operation units.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the programs and data to be installed are compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 6 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and C
D-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape,
A non-volatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon disk, or the like can be used.

Further, when the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0098]

As described above, according to the first, seventh and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, it is detected that the reader device is connected, and the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. When it is detected that the power supply of the reader device is shut down, the appropriate configuration, that is, only the portion where the operation unit is located at a necessary portion is operated, and the other portions are shut down to clarify the operable functions. At the same time, it is possible to prevent a malfunction of a portion that is not an appropriate configuration, and it is possible to clarify that the configuration is not a regular configuration but an abnormal configuration.

According to the second, eighth and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, when it is detected that the reader unit is connected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is not connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader unit, Since both the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body and the power supply of the reader device are shut down, when a plurality of operation units are connected, all the points where the operation units are connected are shut down to prevent malfunction. It is possible to clarify that the configuration is not a regular one but an abnormal configuration.

According to the third, ninth, and fifteenth aspects, when it is detected that the reader device is connected, and when it is detected that both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device are connected to the operation unit, Since the operation of any one of the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body or the operation unit connected to the reader device is stopped, when a plurality of operation units are connected, only one of them is operated to cause a malfunction. Can be prevented from waking up.

According to the fourth, tenth, and sixteenth inventions, when it is detected that the reader device is connected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, Since the operations of both the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body and the operation unit connected to the reader device are made to match, the convenience can be improved by utilizing the plurality of operation units when the plurality of operation units are connected.

According to the fifth, eleventh, and seventeenth aspects, when it is detected that the reader device is connected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, The operation unit connected to the reader device operates as an operation unit corresponding to the copy operation, and the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body operates as an operation unit corresponding to the printer operation. When a plurality of connections are made, the convenience can be improved by utilizing the plurality of connections.

According to the sixth, twelfth, and eighteenth aspects, when it is detected that the operation unit is not connected, the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body is shut down. If there is no operation unit, it can be shut down to prevent a malfunction.

Therefore, in an image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit, it is possible to clarify an operable function by operating an appropriate configuration, that is, operating only a part having an operation unit at a necessary place and shutting down other parts. At the same time, it is possible to prevent malfunctions of the parts that are not properly configured, to clarify that the configuration is not normal, but to have an abnormal configuration, and to connect multiple operation units. In such a case, there is an effect that the convenience can be improved by utilizing a plurality of things.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a color image forming apparatus to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a digital image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an LED processing unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an installation state of an operation unit when a printer version of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is used.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an installation state of an operation unit when a copier (registered trademark) version of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is used.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first control processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 900 color reader section 1000 color printer section 300 operation section 312 image processing section 397 control section 398 external cable 399 LED processing section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 372 F-term (Reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ06 AR01 CE05 CF14 CQ07 HH01 HJ10 HK08 HK11 HN02 HN15 2H027 DA28 DE07 ED30 EE06 EJ18 FD08 ZA07 5C062 AA05 AB17 AB20 AB22 AB46 AB49 AC04 AC58 AE15

Claims (18)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus comprising: a detachable reader device having an independent power supply; and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device. An image forming apparatus for executing a printer operation for printing operation of image information input from an external device; reader detecting means for detecting whether or not the reader device is connected; An operation unit detection unit that detects whether or not the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus; and the reader detection unit detects that the reader device is connected. Control means for controlling so as to shut down the power supply of the reader device when the connection is detected. apparatus. 2. A copying apparatus comprising: a detachable reader device having an independent power supply; and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reading an original from the reader device and performing copy processing. An image forming apparatus that performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device; a reader detecting unit that detects that the reader device is connected; and the operation unit is a main body of the image forming apparatus. A first operating unit detecting unit that detects whether or not the operating unit is connected to the reader device; a second operating unit detecting unit that detects whether the operating unit is connected to the reader device; It is detected whether or not the reader device is connected, and both the first operation unit detection unit and the second operation unit detection unit are not connected to the operation unit. When detecting, the image forming apparatus characterized by and a control means for controlling to both shut down the power supply and the reader device of the image forming apparatus main body. 3. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. An image forming apparatus for executing an operation and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device, wherein a reader detecting means for detecting that the reader device is connected, and wherein the operation unit is a main body of the image forming apparatus. A first operating unit detecting unit that detects whether or not the operating unit is connected to the reader device; a second operating unit detecting unit that detects whether the operating unit is connected to the reader device; Detecting whether or not the reader device is connected, and that the first operation unit detection unit and the second operation unit detection unit are both connected to the operation unit. Control means for controlling the operation of either the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body or the operation unit connected to the reader device to stop when the detection is detected. apparatus. 4. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachably attached to any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. An image forming apparatus that performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device; a reader detecting unit that detects that the reader device is connected; and the operation unit is a main body of the image forming apparatus. A first operating unit detecting unit that detects whether or not the operating unit is connected to the reader device; a second operating unit detecting unit that detects whether the operating unit is connected to the reader device; Detecting whether or not the reader device is connected, and that the first operation unit detection unit and the second operation unit detection unit are both connected to the operation unit. When detecting the image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for controlling so as to match the connected operation unit both operate connected to the image forming apparatus main body the operation unit and the reader device. 5. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. An image forming apparatus that performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device; a reader detecting unit that detects that the reader device is connected; and the operation unit is a main body of the image forming apparatus. A first operating unit detecting unit that detects whether or not the operating unit is connected to the reader device; a second operating unit detecting unit that detects whether the operating unit is connected to the reader device; Detecting whether or not the reader device is connected, and that the first operation unit detection unit and the second operation unit detection unit are both connected to the operation unit. When detecting, the operation unit connected to the reader device is operated as an operation unit corresponding to the copy operation, and the operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body is operated as an operation unit corresponding to the printer operation. An image forming apparatus comprising: 6. An image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit and executing a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device, wherein an operation of detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected is performed. And a control unit that controls so as to shut down the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body when the operation unit detection unit detects that the operation unit is not connected. Image forming device. 7. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. In a control method of an image forming apparatus which performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device, a reader detecting step of detecting whether or not the reader device is connected; An operation unit detecting step of detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body; and detecting that the reader device is connected and detecting that the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. A power control step of shutting down the power supply of the reader device in the case where the power supply of the reader device is performed. 8. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. In a control method of an image forming apparatus for executing an operation and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device, a reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected; A first operation section detection step of detecting whether or not the reader is connected to the forming apparatus main body; a second operation section detection step of detecting whether or not the operation section is connected to the reader device; If it is detected that the device is connected, and if it is detected that the operation unit is not connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, the image forming apparatus Method of controlling an image forming apparatus characterized by having a power control step for both shut down power Okimoto of power supply and the reader device. 9. A copy having a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reading a document from the reader device and performing copy processing. In a control method of an image forming apparatus for executing an operation and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device, a reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected; A first operation section detection step of detecting whether or not the reader is connected to the forming apparatus main body; a second operation section detection step of detecting whether or not the operation section is connected to the reader device; When it is detected that the image forming apparatus is connected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, the image forming apparatus Method of controlling an image forming apparatus characterized by having an operation section control step of stopping the operation of any of the operation unit connected to the operation section, or the reader device connected to the body. 10. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs a copy process. In a control method of an image forming apparatus for executing an operation and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device, a reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected; A first operation section detection step of detecting whether or not the reader is connected to the forming apparatus main body; a second operation section detection step of detecting whether or not the operation section is connected to the reader device; If it is detected that a device is connected, and it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, the image forming apparatus An operation unit control step of matching the connected operation unit and connected to the operation unit both operate the reader device Okimoto body,
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: 11. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. In a control method of an image forming apparatus for executing an operation and a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device, a reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected; A first operation section detection step of detecting whether or not the reader is connected to the forming apparatus main body; a second operation section detection step of detecting whether or not the operation section is connected to the reader device; When it is detected that the image forming apparatus is connected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader apparatus, the reader apparatus is connected. Operating an operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body as an operation unit corresponding to the copy operation, and operating an operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body as an operation unit corresponding to the printer operation. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: 12. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit and executing a printer operation for printing image information input from an external device, comprising: determining whether the operation unit is connected; An operation unit detection step of detecting, when it is detected that the operation unit is not connected,
A power control step of shutting down a power supply of the image forming apparatus main body. 13. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. A reader detecting step of detecting whether or not the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device; An operation unit detecting step of detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected to the main body, and detecting that the reader device is connected, and detecting that the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, A power supply control step of shutting down the power supply of the reader device, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the power supply control process. 14. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. A reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device; A first operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the reader device is connected to the first operation unit; a second operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected to the reader device; And that the operation unit is not connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, the power supply of the image forming apparatus main body is detected. Preliminary the reader device together storage medium having a computer program for executing a power supply control process to be shut down, the was possible stores read power of. 15. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. A reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device; A first operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the reader device is connected to the first operation unit; a second operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected to the reader device; Is detected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Operation section, or the reader device connected to the operating unit either the operating unit control step of stopping the operation, the storage medium having the program computer was able to store read for executing of. 16. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. A reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device; A first operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the reader device is connected to the first operation unit; a second operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected to the reader device; Is detected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, the operation unit is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. An operation unit control step of matching the operation part and connected to the operation unit both operate in the reader apparatus,
A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for executing the program. 17. A copy which has a detachable reader device having an independent power supply, and an operation unit detachable from any of the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, and reads a document from the reader device and performs copy processing. A reader detecting step of detecting that the reader device is connected to an image forming apparatus which performs an operation and a printer operation of printing image information input from an external device; A first operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the reader device is connected to the first operation unit; a second operation unit detection step of detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected to the reader device; Is detected, and when it is detected that the operation unit is connected to both the image forming apparatus main body and the reader device, the operation connected to the reader device is performed. Operating unit as an operation unit corresponding to the copy operation, and operating unit control step of operating an operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus main body as an operation unit corresponding to the printer operation. Computer-readable storage medium. 18. An operation for detecting whether or not the operation unit is connected to an image forming apparatus having a detachable operation unit and executing a printer operation for performing a print process of image information input from an external device. A unit detection step, and when it is detected that the operation unit is not connected,
And a power supply control step of shutting down a power supply of the image forming apparatus main body.