JP2002304094A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restart image composition processing based on an appropriate original in appropriate timing even when adjustment completing time by an operator required from detecting abnormal feeding until releasing it is varied. SOLUTION: A printer control part CONT 2 controlling recovering operation from a jammed state has a first mode in which the recovery operation is performed without waiting for operation on an operation panel by the operator in response to the release of jamming when the jamming of a recording medium is detected and a 2nd mode in which the recovery operation is performed in response to specified operation on the operation panel by the operator after releasing the jamming.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming a composite image subjected to image processing by connecting a digital image processing section having a scanner section and a printer section to an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a composite image forming apparatus capable of forming a composite image subjected to image processing by connecting a digital image processing section having a scanner section and a printer section to an external device.

Further, this type of device has a memory for storing image data for outputting a composite image of an image input from an external device and a document image, and synthesizes the output image on this memory.

Further, if a paper jam occurs during image output in the printer unit, a paper jam clearing process is performed, and when a printing operation is possible, the printer automatically enters a printable state and automatically performs a printing process. Had been started.

[0005]

Normally, in the above-described image composition, the output from the printer unit (normal binary data) and the output from the scanner unit (normal multi-value data) are combined. If the image quality is prioritized, a large-capacity memory for storing multi-valued data is required, resulting in an increase in cost.

On the other hand, if the priority is given to the cost, since the data is stored as binary data or the like, the information amount of the scanner image is reduced, and there is a contradiction that the image quality is deteriorated.

For this reason, it has been proposed to provide a means for synthesizing an image from a scanner and an external image when outputting a synthesized image.

However, since the image is synthesized in real time with the image from the scanner, if a paper jam occurs at the time of composite output, when the paper jam occurs, the paper output is performed immediately after the paper jam processing is performed as in the related art. When the document is restarted, the document to be resumed is not set on the platen, or the document feeder feeds the next document. There have been problems such as the inability to perform normal image synthesis output with an image.

To solve the problem, the printing operation can be improved by restarting the printing operation in consideration of the time required for the operator to return the original to the original state. If the adjustment time for returning is long, the image of a different document will be output, and if the adjustment time is short, the operability is very poor, such as being endlessly waiting until the desired composite output is obtained. There was also.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and when a jam of a recording medium is detected,
A first mode in which a recovery operation is performed without waiting for an operation by an operator in response to a jam release, and a second mode in which a recovery operation is performed in response to a predetermined operation by the operator after the jam is cleared. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of restarting the image synthesizing process based on an appropriate document at an appropriate timing even when the adjustment completion time of the operator required from the detection of the feeding abnormality to the release thereof varies.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided input means (FIG. 1) for inputting image information from an external device.
, A reading unit (reader unit 1 shown in FIG. 1) for reading a document image, and recording based on image information input by the input unit or a document image read by the reading unit. Image forming means for forming an image on a medium (the printer unit 2 shown in FIG. 1), detecting means for detecting a jam of the recording medium (such as a sensor for detecting a paper feeding jam (not shown)), and operation by an operator Operation means (operation panel shown in FIG. 3), and control means (printer control unit CONT2 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling a recovery operation from a jam state.
A first mode in which a recovery operation is performed without waiting for the operator to operate the operation unit in response to the release of the jam (corresponding to a process performed in the case of "N" in step (6) shown in FIG. Switch the printer status to online,
Step (1) shown in FIG. 8) and a second mode (steps (7) to (9) shown in FIG. 12) in which a recovery operation is performed in response to a predetermined operation performed on the operation unit by the operator after the jam is cleared. )).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a case where a combined image is formed by combining an image based on image information inputted by the input means and a document image read by the reading means (see FIG. 12). In the case of "Y" in the step (6) shown), the control means operates in the second mode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, a document feeding means can be mounted, and an image is formed using the document feeding means (step (7) shown in FIG. 15). In the case of “Y”), the control means operates in the second mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when operating in the second mode, a message prompting the operator to perform the predetermined operation in response to the release of the jam that has occurred (document recovery display shown in FIG. 13). Is displayed (the display section 301 shown in FIG. 3).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means (image memory unit 9 shown in FIG. 1) for storing image data.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the case where an image is formed using the storage means (in the case of “N” in step (1) of FIG. 10 and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is performed), The control means operates in the first mode (see FIG. 1).
In step (6) shown in FIG. 2, "N" is reached, the printer status is switched to online, and step (1) shown in FIG.
Proceed to).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the case where an image is formed without using the storage means ("Y" in step (1) in FIG. 10 and the steps after step (2) in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10) When performing the processing), the control means operates in the second mode ("Y" in step (6) shown in FIG. 12, and performs the processing of steps (7) to (9)).

[0018]

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

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input device (reader unit) for converting a document functioning as first image input means into image data, and 2 includes a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes functioning as image output means. An image output device (printer unit) 3 that outputs image data as a visible image on recording paper in response to a print command is an external device electrically connected to the reader unit 1 and has various functions. That is, the external device 3 functioning as the second image input means includes the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the file unit 5
An external storage device 6 connected to a computer, a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a computer and a LAN, a formatter unit 9 for converting information from the computer into a visible image, and accumulating information from the reader unit 1. And an image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing information sent from a computer, and a core unit 10 for controlling each of the above-described functional processes. In the present embodiment, the core unit 10 also functions as a combining unit.

In the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, the printer control unit CONT2 uses the detecting means (such as the sensor S1 for detecting a recording paper feeding jam) according to a flowchart shown in FIG. If the mode at the time when is detected is the mode in which image synthesis is performed by the core unit 10, the operation state of the printer unit 2 is changed from the detection of the abnormal feeding state to the input of the canceling command before the detection of the abnormal feeding state. It is prohibited to return to the state,
Since the operation state of the printer unit 2 is returned to the state before the detection of the feeding abnormality in response to the input of the canceling command, appropriate timing even if the adjustment completion time of the operator required from the detection of the feeding abnormality to the cancellation varies, and It is possible to restart the image synthesizing process based on an appropriate document.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view for explaining the configuration of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

The originals stacked on the original feeder 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto an original platen glass surface 102. When a document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass surface 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original is reflected by mirrors 105, 106, 107 and lens 10.
8 through a CCD image sensor 109 (hereinafter referred to as CC).
D).

The reflected light of the document irradiated on the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here. The converted electric signal is subjected to various kinds of image processing in the image processing unit 110, and the external switching circuit is a selector for switching the signal from the reader unit 1 to the printer unit 2 or the external device 3. Further, it has a function of selecting either a signal from the reader unit 1 or a signal from the external device 3 and connecting to the printer unit 2.

In an external switching circuit of the image processing unit 110, the electric signal connected to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201, and
Is irradiated. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper loading unit 204 or the transfer paper loading unit 205 at the same timing as the leading end of the latent image, and
At 6, the developed image is transferred. After the transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207, the image is discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 208 is discharged to each bin when the sort function of the sorter 220 is operating.

On the other hand, when the sorter function of the sorter 220 is not operating, the liquid is discharged to the uppermost bin of the sorter 220.

Next, the direction in which the sequentially read images are output on both sides of one output sheet will be described.

After the output sheet fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the sheet discharge unit 208, the sheet conveyance direction is reversed, and the transfer sheet stack unit 210 for re-feeding the sheet through the conveyance direction switching member 209. Transport to When the next manuscript is prepared,
The original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the re-feeding receiving paper stacking section 210, so that two original images are output on the front and back surfaces of the same output paper. can do.

As shown in FIG. 1, the external device 3 is a reader unit 1
Are connected by a cable, and the core unit 10 in the external device 3 controls signals and controls each function. The external device 3 includes a facsimile unit 4 for performing facsimile transmission / reception, a file unit for converting various types of document information into electric signals and storing the same on a magneto-optical disk, a formatter unit 8 for expanding code information from a computer into image information, and a LAN. A computer interface unit 7 for interfacing with a computer, an image memory unit 9 for storing information from the reader unit 1 and temporarily storing information sent from the computer, and a core for controlling the above functions. It consists of a part 10.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel provided in the reader unit 1 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a display unit for displaying an operation state and a message. The surface of the display unit 301 is a touch panel, and functions as a selection key by touching the surface. 302 is a numeric keypad,
This key is used to enter numbers. Reference numeral 303 denotes a start key, and the operation is started by pressing this key.

Hereinafter, each function processing operation in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 4 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of each function in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. (1)... In each figure indicate steps.

First, in FIG. 4, after power is turned on, initialization is performed (1). An operation mode selection key is displayed on the display unit 301 of the operation panel, and a mode is selected by touching the panel above the selection key. It is determined whether the selected mode is the copy mode (2). If the selected mode is the copy mode, the process proceeds to step (1) in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the copy mode has not been selected, it is determined whether or not the facsimile transmission mode has been selected (3). The process proceeds to step (1) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the facsimile transmission mode is not selected,
It is determined whether or not the file mode is selected (4). If the file mode is selected, the process proceeds to step (1) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the file mode has not been selected, it is determined whether or not the input mode from the computer interface unit 7 has been selected (5). If is selected, the process proceeds to step (1) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the input mode has not been selected, it is determined whether the facsimile reception mode has been selected (6). If the facsimile reception mode has been selected, FIG. The process proceeds to step (1) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if the facsimile reception mode is not selected in the determination in step (6), the process returns to step (2) and the same processing is repeated.

If the copy mode has been selected in the determination of step (2) shown in FIG. 4, the flow shown in FIG. 5 is started, and first, the initialization of the copy operation is performed ( 1) Read the key input from the operation panel, set copy conditions (2), and wait for input of the start key 303 (3). Next, when the start key 303 is pressed, the document is read by the reader unit 1 (4), and printing (the above-described printing process) is performed by the printer unit 2 (5). And
When printing is completed, the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG. 4 for initial setting.

Further, if the facsimile transmission mode has been selected in the judgment of step (3) shown in FIG. 4, the flow shown in FIG. 6 is started, and the initial setting of facsimile transmission is performed (1). ), A key input from the operation panel is read, facsimile transmission conditions are set (2), and input of the start key 303 is awaited (3).

When the start key 303 is pressed, the original is read from the reader unit 1 (4), and the image data is sent to the facsimile unit 4. The facsimile unit 4 performs facsimile transmission according to the set format and the determined protocol (5), and after the transmission is completed, returns to step (1) shown in FIG.

If the file mode is selected in step (4) shown in FIG. 4, the flow shown in FIG. 7 is started, and initialization of the file operation is first performed (1). ). A mode selection of file recording or file search is displayed on the operation panel, and a key input from the operator is waited (2). Next, when the recording key is selected, the recording conditions are set (3), the original is read from the reader unit 1 (4), the data is sent to the file unit 5, and the data is recorded in the external storage device 6 of the file unit 5. (5).

On the other hand, when the file search key is selected in step (2), search conditions are set (6).
A file search is performed from the external storage device 6 (7), and the result is output (8). Then, after completion of file recording or file search, the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG. 4 for initial setting.

Further, when command data is input from the outside in the determination in step (5) shown in FIG. 4, the flow shown in FIG. 8 is started, and first, the command is received by the computer interface unit 7 ( 1) The data is sent to the formatter unit 8 via the core unit 10 and interpreted and converted into meaningful information such as characters (2). Next, information is output, and it is confirmed whether or not the printer unit 2 is operating (3).
Data is printed when the printer unit 2 is not operating (4). Then, the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG.

When the printer unit 2 is in operation, it is stored in the image memory unit 9 (5), and returns to step (3).
When the printer unit 2 is not operating, the stored data is read out and printed by the printer unit 2 (3), (4). Then, after outputting the data, the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step (6) shown in FIG. 4 that facsimile reception is performed, the flow shown in FIG. 9 is started, and facsimile reception is first performed in the facsimile unit 4 (1). It is determined whether the printer unit 2 is operating (2). If not, data is sent to the printer unit 2 and printed (3).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the printer unit 2 is operating, it is stored in the hard disk (HD) of the facsimile unit 4 (4), and the printer unit 2 is not operating. At times, it is printed out from the printer unit 2 (2), (3). Then, after printing is completed, the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG. 4 for initial setting.

The operation is performed by selecting one of the above modes with a selection key on the operation panel, receiving the command by the facsimile unit 4, or detecting an external command by the computer interface unit 7.

Some of these operations can be operated in combination at the same time, and some can be operated independently at the same time. The core unit 10 controls the priority setting and the like.

Hereinafter, each key 30 of the operation unit shown in FIG.
The control operation of combining the image information converted by the formatter unit 8 with the original image read by the reader unit 1 in accordance with the combination area designated by the reference numeral 2303 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an image synthesizing process in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (15) indicate each step.

If it is determined in step (5) shown in FIG. 4 that there is an external input, the process normally proceeds to the printing sequence shown in FIG. 8, but it is determined whether or not the combining mode is set. (1) If the combination mode is not set, the processing shown in FIG. 8 is started. If the combination mode is set, the combination sequence shown in FIG. 10 is started. Also, the use of the reader unit 1 during facsimile transmission or file recording is prohibited (2). This is because the target document is replaced with the document used in the other modes while waiting for the converted image to be sent from the formatter unit 8 when the combining mode is set. This is to prevent it. The formatter unit 8 converts the command into image information such as characters in the same manner as in the normal command conversion output (3),
(4). Next, when the output of the formatted image data is ready and the printer is not operating (5), the composite output operation is started. Here, it is determined whether the reading mode of the document image is the feeder mode (6). This determination is based on the document feeder 101 shown in FIG.
Since the document setting state is monitored by a sensor (not shown) provided in the above, if the document is set from the sensor output, the document is pulled in advance to the reading position (7). Subsequently, a sheet is fed from an appropriate transfer sheet stacking unit (sheet cassettes 204 and 205) (8), and moves to the transfer unit 206. At this time, the scanner unit 104 moves so that the latent image of the output image is formed on the photosensitive member 202 at an appropriate timing (9), and the CCD 1
09, the original image data is taken. The read document image is the same as the image formed by the formatter unit 8 and FIG.
In the portion of the external switching circuit shown in FIG. 1, the data is selectively sent to the exposure control unit 201 depending on the designated area, and the printing is performed (10). The printing part is the same as each operation described so far, and the description is omitted.

Here, the configuration of the external switching circuit will be described with reference to FIG.

In the drawing, reference numeral 1101 denotes an external image data signal; 1102, an image data signal from the image processing unit 110; 1100, a selector;
101 or the image data signal 1102 is selected. Reference numeral 1103 denotes a selected image data signal. The image data signal 1103 is finally sent to the exposure control unit 201 and used for forming a latent image. The main scanning direction area determination circuit 1105 and the sub-scanning direction area determination circuit 1106 are respectively provided with reference signals 1108 and 1109 to be input and pixel clocks 1107 and 1110 representing the positions of the converted image data.
Then, the inside and outside of the area in each direction are determined by comparing with the area data set in advance. Based on the result of the determination in each direction, the area determination circuit 1104 makes a final area determination, which is transmitted to the selector 1100, and an output signal is selected based on the result.

Next, the case where the image data of a plurality of originals is combined with the same external image data will be described continuously with reference to the flow shown in FIG.

Although the description will be partially duplicated, after the first composite image is printed (10), the document feeder 101 determines whether there is a next document (11). If it is determined that there is no original, the sequence is once exited, but if there is an original, the original is replaced as it is (7) and the paper is fed again in step (8).

Here, by repeating the above-described sequence, a plurality of original images can be combined with one external image data. In the present embodiment, the formatter unit 8 can send the same image data to the external switching circuit any number of times by adjusting the timing of the reader unit 1.

Further, as described above, in this mode, other operations using the reader unit 1 are prohibited, so that when the necessary amount of combining is completed, the combining mode is canceled and It is desirable to allow the operation of

Therefore, a canceling method by page designation will be described below.

The number of pages can be designated from the keys 303 of the operation unit. When the output of the same page is completed for a plurality of originals, it is determined whether or not there is a page designation for determining release of the combining mode (12).

If specified in this determination, the number of pages from the output of the externally output image data at that time is counted, and the number is compared with the previously specified number of released pages (13).

In this comparison, if the specified number of released pages has been reached, the combining mode is released (14), the use of the reader unit 1 is permitted (15), and the process proceeds to step (1) shown in FIG. Return.

Hereinafter, the paper jam operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a first paper jam recovery processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step. These processes are subroutines that are called from the main sequence at regular time intervals or as needed.

First, it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred (1). If no jam has occurred, it is determined whether or not the printer operation (image forming operation) has been completed (2).
If completed, return. If not completed, return to step (1).

On the other hand, if a jam has occurred in the determination in step (1), the process proceeds to step (3) and subsequent steps.

In this embodiment, the jam includes a jam while the original is being conveyed by the original conveying apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 2 and a jam while the transfer paper of the printer unit 2 is being conveyed.

In step (3), it is determined whether or not the operation of the printer unit 2 has been completed. For example, in the case of a jam in the document feeder 101, the operation of the printer unit 2 is stopped after the paper that has been fed by the printer unit 2 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 208. If the operation of the printer unit 2 is not stopped in step (3), the process waits for the printer to stop, and when stopped, switches the printer state to offline and causes a jam on the display unit 301 shown in FIG. To
For example, a message such as "Please remove paper jam" is displayed (4). After the jam display, the paper jam of the printer unit 2 is performed, and it is determined whether or not the printer can be operated by, for example, opening and closing a door of the printer unit 2 or pressing a dedicated switch (5). When the operation is possible, it is determined whether or not the mode at the time of the occurrence of the jam is the combining mode (6). If the mode is not the combining mode, the printer state is switched to online, and the step (1) shown in FIG. To resume the printing operation.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (6) is YES, a display prompting the operator to return the original to the feeding position on the display unit 301 (original recovery display), for example, as shown in FIG. "Return original and press start key." Is displayed (7). Next, the operator waits for the start key 303 to be pressed by the operator (8). When the user presses the start key 303, the document is conveyed to the document to be subsequently read and the document recovery process for switching the printer state to online is executed ( 9), and return to step (1) shown in FIG.

When the image from the external device 3 and the image read from the reader unit 1 are combined in this manner, the operator is allowed to start the jam recovery, so that the time for returning the original document is secured. While the operator is returning the original, the printing operation of the printer unit 2 starts,
The recovery start can be performed without waiting for an unnecessary time.

Further, as another embodiment, a configuration in which the recovery start of the operator is made by bringing the printer state online may be adopted. This makes it possible to separate the recovery of the copy state from the recovery of the print operation.

FIG. 14 is a view showing another recovery display example in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Instead of the display in step (7) shown in FIG. 12, as shown in this figure, a message "Please return the original and go online" is displayed, and in step (8), The operator waits for the printer status to go online. If the printer status is online, the processing after the steps shown in FIG. 8 is started.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the second paper jam recovery processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step. These processes are subroutines that are called from the main sequence at regular time intervals or as needed.

First, it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred (1). If no jam has occurred, it is determined whether or not the printer operation (image forming operation) has been completed (2).
If completed, return. If not completed, return to step (1).

On the other hand, if a jam has occurred in step (1), the process proceeds to step (3) and subsequent steps.

In this embodiment, the jam includes a jam while the original is being conveyed by the original conveying device 101 shown in FIG. 2 and a jam while the transfer paper of the printer unit 2 is being conveyed.

In step (3), it is determined whether or not the operation of the printer unit 2 has been completed. For example, in the case of a jam in the document feeder 101, the operation of the printer unit 2 is stopped after the paper that has been fed by the printer unit 2 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 208. If the operation of the printer unit is not stopped in step (3), the process waits for the printer to stop, and when stopped, switches the printer state to offline, and displays a jam on the display unit 301 shown in FIG. For example, a message such as "Please remove paper jam" is displayed (4). After the jam display, the paper jam of the printer unit 2 is performed, and it is determined whether or not the printer can be operated by, for example, opening and closing a door of the printer unit 2 or pressing a dedicated switch (5). When the operation is possible, it is determined whether or not the mode at the time of the occurrence of the jam is the combining mode (6). If the mode is not the combining mode, the printer state is switched to online, and the step (1) shown in FIG. To resume the printing operation.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (6) is YES, it is determined whether or not the combining mode is the feeder mode (7). Is switched to online, and the process proceeds to step (1) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is the feeder mode, a display (document recovery display) prompting the operator to return the document to the feeding position on the display unit 301, for example, as shown in FIG. "Return original and go online." Is displayed (8). Next, the operator waits until the printer status is changed to online (9), and when the printer is changed to online status, executes a document recovery process for transporting the document to a document to be subsequently read and switching the printer status to online. Then, the process returns to step (1) shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, another paper jam processing operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third paper jam recovery processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) show each step. These processes are subroutines that are called from the main sequence at regular time intervals or as needed.

First, it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred (1). If no jam has occurred, it is determined whether or not the printer operation (image forming operation) has been completed (2).
If completed, return. If not completed, return to step (1).

On the other hand, if a jam has occurred in step (1), the process proceeds to step (3) and subsequent steps.

In this embodiment, the jam includes a jam while the original is being conveyed by the original conveying device 101 shown in FIG. 2 and a jam while the transfer paper of the printer unit 2 is being conveyed.

Thus, in step (3), it is determined whether or not the operation of the printer unit 2 has been completed. For example, in the case of a jam in the document feeder 101, the operation of the printer unit 2 is stopped after the paper that has been fed by the printer unit 2 is discharged to the paper discharge unit. If the operation of the printer unit 2 is not stopped in step (3), the process waits for the printer to stop, and when stopped, switches the printer state to offline and causes a jam on the display unit 301 shown in FIG. Is displayed (4) so that other processing cannot be performed until the power is turned off.

In this embodiment, it goes without saying that before the jam is displayed and an infinite loop is entered, a jam in the composite mode has occurred and information necessary for recovery is stored in the backup area. .

Hereinafter, the recovery processing operation when the power is turned on shown in FIG. 17 will be described.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the third paper jam recovery processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step. These processes are subroutines that are called from the main sequence at regular time intervals or as needed.

When the power is turned on after the power is turned off, initialization of each load, RAM, etc. is performed (1). Next, it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred (2). If it is determined that a jam has occurred, a jam is displayed (3), and an infinite loop is executed to limit the execution of other processing.

On the other hand, if no jam has occurred in the determination in step (2), it is determined whether or not a jam recovery operation of the printing operation has been performed (4). In order to execute the processing, the process proceeds to step (1) shown in FIG. 4, and in the case of a jam recovery operation, the process waits for the completion of the wait-up of the printer unit 2 (5). It is determined whether or not the mode at the time of occurrence of the jam is the combining mode (6). If not, the process proceeds to step (1) in FIG. 8 to start the printing operation.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the mode is the combination mode, a display urging the user to return the original to the display unit 301, for example, as shown in FIG. Please go online. " Then, by the operator. The printer waits until the printer status is brought online (8), conveys the document to be subsequently read (9), and proceeds to step (1) shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, an operation procedure at the time of scanner combination in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 18 to FIG. 20 are diagrams showing the operation procedure when combining the scanners in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The operation unit includes keys K1 to K5 and a touch panel type display DSP, and gives an operation instruction by touching each key area displayed on the display DSP.

First, as shown in FIG. 18A, a key area "offline" is pressed to make the area highlighted. As a result, the printer goes offline. Here, when the key area “scanner synthesis” is pressed, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 18B, and the key area “scanner synthesis” is highlighted.

At this point, the user inserts two points in the area where the image is to be inserted with the pen of the editor to which the option can be connected, or displays the screen shown in FIG.
It is displayed on the SP, and a numeric keypad is used to input an area into which an image is to be inserted by inputting numeric keys on the operation unit.

When the coordinates of two points are inputted in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the inputted two points are displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. When the key area “point clear” is pressed on the screen, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 18B, and two points for inputting the image again are input. In addition,
In the present embodiment, point clearing is performed one by one out of the two designated points.

On the other hand, when the key area “OK” is pressed on the screen shown in FIG.
Is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 19 (b), and an instruction is made as to whether the scanner original is to be synthesized inside or outside the designated image fitting area. Note that the present embodiment corresponds to a state in which “outside” which is highlighted is selected.

When the key area "cancel" is depressed on the screen shown in FIG. 19B, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Here, if the key area "area clear" is pressed, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screens shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, and the area is specified again. When the key area “cancel” is pressed on the screen of FIG.
The display content switches to the screen of.

On the other hand, in FIG.
When “K” is pressed, the display on the display DSP is switched again to the screen shown in FIG. 19B, and when the key area “OK” is pressed on the screen, the display D is displayed.
The display of SP switches to the screen shown in FIG.
Enter the number of pages (arbitrary number between 1 and 999) of the print data using the numeric keypad, and press the key area "OK"
Is pressed, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 19D, and when the key area “scanner synthesis” is pressed on this screen, the display DSP is displayed.
Is switched to the screen shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the key area “continuous” is pressed in the screen display state shown in FIG. 19C, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Indicates whether the document is “page number designation” or “continuous”. When the key areas “continuous” and “OK” are pressed on the screen, the display D
The display of SP is switched to the screen shown in FIG.
When the key area “Specify number of pages”, “OK” or “Cancel” is pressed on the screen, the display DS
The display of P switches to the screen shown in FIG. When the setting operation of the scanner composition is completed, a screen for selecting a sheet (see FIG. 20B) is displayed on the display DSP of the operation unit.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a scanner synthesis standby screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in this figure, when the scanner original is set inside the designated area, the screen shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the display DSP during the scanner combining standby, and the scanner original is displayed in the designated area. When it is set to the outside, the screen shown in (b) is displayed on the display DSP at the time of scanner synthesis standby.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a scanner combination option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and particularly corresponds to an image quality setting operation screen.

When the key area "image quality" is depressed while the screen shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the display DSP, that is, the key area "scanner composition" is highlighted and displayed, The display screen of the DSP switches to the screen shown in FIG. 22B, and the density (HI-
FI / character emphasis), sharpness, etc., can be specified, and the print density can be adjusted and the black and white of the image can be sharpened according to the type of the original such as a text original or a photo original. . It should be noted that FIG.
When the key area "OK" or the key area "C" is pressed in the screen display state of, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 22A, and setting can be performed again.

FIG. 23 is a view showing an example of a scanner combination option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and particularly corresponds to an image create setting operation screen.

When the key area “image create” is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the display DSP, that is, the key area “scanner composition” is highlighted. Display DS
The display screen of P is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 23 (b), and various image creation processes such as "contour", "net", "shadow", and "negative / positive inversion" can be set for each key area. . If the key area “OK” or the key area “C” is pressed in the screen display state of FIG. 23B, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. The setting can be made again.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are views showing an example of a scanner combination option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and particularly correspond to a trimming movement setting operation screen.

When the key area “trimming movement” is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 24A is displayed on the display DSP, that is, the key area “scanner composition” is highlighted. The display screen of the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 24B, and the key area “trimming movement” is highlighted.

At this point, the user inserts two points in the area where the image is to be inserted with the pen of the editor to which options can be connected, or displays the screen shown in FIG.
It is displayed on the SP, and a numeric keypad is used to input an area into which an image is to be inserted by inputting numeric keys on the operation unit.

When the coordinates of two points are input in (b) and (c) of FIG. 24, the input two points are displayed on the screen as shown in (d) of FIG. When the key area "point clear" is pressed on the screen, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 24B, and two points for inputting the image again are input. In the present embodiment, point clearing is performed one by one out of two designated points.

On the other hand, when the key area “OK” is pressed on the screen shown in FIG.
Is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 25 (b), and when the key area "trimming movement" is pressed, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 25 (a), and the designated trimming is performed. Movement is displayed graphically. When the key area "OK" is pressed on this display screen, the display on the display DSP is again displayed in FIG.
Is displayed, and the trimming movement setting operation is completed. When the key area “area clear” is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 25A, the display on the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. It is configured to allow specification.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are views showing an example of a scanner combination option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and particularly correspond to a zoom setting operation screen.

When the key area “zoom” is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 26A is displayed on the display DSP, that is, the key area “scanner composition” is highlighted, the display is changed. The display screen of the DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 26B, and the key area “zoom” is highlighted. When the key area “XY independent” is pressed during the screen display, the display DSP
Is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 26 (c),
Vertical and horizontal independent zoom settings (based on a magnification of 100% (2
5% to 400%)), and when the key area “XY same rate” is pressed during the screen display, the display screen of the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. When the key area “OK” is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 26B and the screen shown in FIG. 26C, the display screen of the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Instead, the zoom setting operation is completed.

On the other hand, in the screen display state of FIG.
When the key area “Auto” is selected, the display screen of the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 27A, and when the key area “XY independent” is pressed during the screen display, The display screen of the display DSP is shown in FIG.
The screen is switched to the screen shown in (b), and the vertical and horizontal independent zoom settings (25% to 400% based on a magnification of 100%)
When the key area “XY same rate” is pressed during the screen display, the display screen of the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG.
When the key area "OK" is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 26A and the screen shown in FIG. 27B, the display screen of the display DSP is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Then, the zoom setting operation is completed.

As described above, by performing various scanner synthesizing operations, a part of a letterhead, a logo mark, an illustration, or the like is scanned in a rectangular shape and is superimposed on data to be printed and printed on one sheet of paper. It becomes possible.

As described above, after detecting the abnormal feeding state, the printer control unit CONT2 determines the image synthesizing mode setting state by the core unit 10 and the input state of the error canceling completion instruction, and supplies the operating state of the printer unit 2. Returning to the state before the detection of the feeding abnormality is prohibited, and the operation state of the printer unit 2 is returned to the state before the detection of the feeding abnormality during the prohibited state based on the input release command. It is possible to restart the image synthesis processing based on an appropriate timing and an appropriate document even if the adjustment completion time of the operator required from to the release is varied.

[0118]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The control means for controlling the recovery operation from the jam state includes:
A first mode in which a recovery operation is performed without waiting for the operator to operate the operation unit in response to the jam release, and a recovery operation in response to a predetermined operation performed on the operation unit by the operator after the jam release. Since the second mode for performing the process is provided, the process can be restarted immediately if necessary, or the process can be restarted according to the operator's adjustment completion time required from the detection of the feeding abnormality to the release.

Further, when forming a composite image in which an image based on the image information input by the input means and a document image read by the reading means are formed, the control means operates in the second mode. Therefore, even when the adjustment completion time of the operator required from the detection of the jam to the release of the jam varies, it is possible to restart the image synthesizing process based on an appropriate document at an appropriate timing.

Further, the image forming apparatus can be equipped with a document feeding means. When forming an image using the document feeding means, the control means operates in the second mode. Even if the adjustment completion time of the operator required until the release varies, the image synthesizing process can be restarted based on an appropriate timing and an appropriate document.

Further, when operating in the second mode, there is provided display means for displaying a message prompting the operator to perform the predetermined operation in response to the cancellation of the jam that has occurred. By performing an appropriate operation corresponding to the operation, the image combining process can be restarted based on an appropriate document.

Further, when an image is formed using the storage means, the control means operates in the first mode, so that the processing can be resumed immediately.

In the case where an image is formed without using the storage means, the control means operates in the second mode.
The process can be restarted according to the operator's adjustment completion time required from the detection of the feeding abnormality to the release.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel provided in the reader unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of each function processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of each function processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of each function processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of each function processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of each function processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of each function processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image synthesis processing procedure in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an external switching circuit in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a first example of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paper jam recovery processing procedure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a first example of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a jam release message display.

FIG. 14 illustrates a first example of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a jam release message display.

FIG. 15 illustrates a second example of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paper jam recovery processing procedure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a third example of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paper jam recovery processing procedure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a third example of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paper jam recovery processing procedure.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an operation procedure at the time of scanner synthesis in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an operation procedure at the time of scanner synthesis in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an operation procedure at the time of scanner synthesis in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scanner synthesis standby screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scanner combining option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scanner combining option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of a scanner combining option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of a scanner combining option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scanner combining option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scanner combining option setting screen in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 3 External device 10 Core part CONT2 Printer control part CONT1 Reader control part

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 15/36 H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387 G03G 21/00 382 (72) Inventor Satoru Kutta Ota, Tokyo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko-ku Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Ken Kuroda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masahiro Iwate 3-chome Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo 30-2 Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hideto Koya 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP07 AQ06 AR03 CQ41 HV09 HV33 2H027 DB03 DC14 DE07 DE09 EE06 EF13 EK01 EK04 EK09 EK14 FA30 FB19 FD01 FD08 GA32 GB06 GB09 GB19 ZA07 5C076 AA13 BA05

Claims (7)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting image information from an external device; a reading unit for reading a document image; recording based on the image information input by the input unit or the document image read by the reading unit. An image forming unit for forming an image on a medium, a detecting unit for detecting a jam of the recording medium, an operating unit operated by an operator, and a control unit for controlling a recovery operation from a jam state; The means includes a first mode for performing a recovery operation without waiting for an operation of the operation unit by the operator in response to a jam release, and a predetermined mode for the operation unit by the operator after the jam release. An image forming apparatus having a second mode for performing a recovery operation. 2. When forming a composite image in which an image based on image information input by the input unit and a document image read by the reading unit are formed, the control unit operates in the second mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document feeder is mountable, and when forming an image using the document feeder, the controller operates in the second mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 4. When operating in the second mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display a message urging an operator to perform the predetermined operation in response to release of the jam that has occurred. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing image data. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when forming an image using the storage unit, the control unit operates in the first mode. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when forming an image without using the storage unit, the control unit operates in the second mode.