JP2003125184A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that can store image data in a memory for a proper time without losing the secrecy of the image data. SOLUTION: A signal processing section 102 stores one image data to an image memory 103, then reads the image data from the image memory 103, and outputs the image data to print control section 104 to record the image. When the image memory 103 once stores the image data, the image data in the image memory 103 are not deleted until receiving a recording request of other succeeding image or the energy-saving mode is set, the image by instructed number of added images can be recorded. Further, when the recording request of other succeeding image is received, the image data in the image memory 103 are immediately deleted, the confidentiality of the image data in the image memory 103 can be maintained and the processing is shifted to record the other succeeding images.

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 such as a copying machine, a printer and a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent image forming apparatuses, image data is temporarily stored in a memory, the image data is read from the memory, and an image represented by the image data is recorded on a recording sheet. Further, in order to keep the confidentiality of the image data, the image data in the memory is immediately erased when the recording of the image is completed.

On the other hand, after the recording conditions such as the number of recordings and the scaling factor are set according to the user's operation input, the image is recorded according to the recording condition, and the recording condition is changed during the recording of the image. You cannot do it. Therefore, for example, in order to add the number of prints, it is necessary to set the number of prints additionally and then record the image again. Further, since the image data in the memory is erased at the end of the previous recording, it is necessary to record the same image data in the memory again. Therefore, even if the number of recording sheets is added, the same operation and processing as the previous recording must be repeated.

If the storage capacity of the memory is increased and the state in which the image data is stored in the memory is maintained, the number of times of recording and reading the same image data to and from the memory can be reduced. However, if the image data in the memory is held indefinitely, the confidentiality of the image data will be impaired.

Therefore, conventionally, there has been proposed a technique for appropriately setting the timing of erasing the image data in the memory. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-228212, a human body detection sensor is provided in an image forming apparatus, and while the human body detection sensor detects a user, the image data in the memory is kept and the human body detection sensor is used. A technique is disclosed that erases image data in a memory when the user is no longer detected, that is, when the user leaves the image forming apparatus. In addition, JP-A-10-2
Japanese Patent No. 47992 discloses a technique of erasing image data in a memory when an instruction is given by a user's operation input or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the image recording is finished. There is.

[0006]

However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-228212, the image data in the memory is erased even if the user temporarily leaves the image forming apparatus. For example, if the number of recorded sheets is very large, the processing time becomes very long, so that the user may temporarily leave the image forming apparatus, at which time the image data in the memory is erased.

Further, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-247992, operation input by the user is required, which increases the burden on the user. Alternatively, although the image data in the memory is erased when a certain time has passed after the image recording is finished, the specific definition of this certain time is unknown,
It cannot be said that the image data in the memory is appropriately retained without impairing the confidentiality of the image data.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to keep the image data in the memory for an appropriate period of time without impairing the confidentiality of the image data. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention temporarily stores image data representing an image in a memory, reads the image data from the memory, and records an image represented by the image data on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus for recording the image is provided with a control unit for erasing the existing image data in the memory at the timing when the recording request for the next other image is made.

According to the present invention having such a configuration, the existing image data in the memory is erased at the timing when the next recording request for another image is made. That is, when the next request for recording another image is made, the existing image data in the memory is regarded as unnecessary and the existing image data is erased. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained. Also, since the existing image data in the memory is not erased by simply adding the number of recorded images, it is not necessary to re-record the image data in the memory, and the number of recorded images can be quickly added. You can

Further, in the present invention, the timing at which the next recording request for another image is issued is the following when the original is copied:
This is the timing when at least one of the detection of the document and the input of the instruction for copying is performed.

In this case, the existing image data in the memory is erased at the timing when the copy of the original is requested.

Further, in the present invention, the timing at which the next other image recording request is made is the timing at which the image recording request is made from the external terminal through the network.

In this case, the existing image data in the memory is erased at the timing when an image recording request is made from the external terminal through the network.

Next, the present invention is an image forming apparatus for temporarily storing image data representing an image in a memory, reading the image data from the memory, and recording the image represented by the image data on a recording medium. The apparatus is provided with control means for erasing existing image data in the memory when the apparatus enters either the energy saving mode or the clear mode for initializing the image recording conditions.

According to the present invention having such a configuration, when the image forming apparatus enters either the energy saving mode or the clear mode, the existing image data in the memory is regarded as unnecessary, and the existing image is stored. Data is being erased. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained. Further, when the number of recording sheets is added, the image forming apparatus does not enter the energy saving mode or the clear mode and the existing image data in the memory continues to be held, so that it is not necessary to record the image data in the memory again. It is possible to add the number of recorded sheets promptly.

Alternatively, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus for temporarily storing image data representing an image in a memory, reading the image data from the memory, and recording an image represented by the image data on a recording medium. A control means for erasing the existing image data in the memory at the power-off timing is provided.

According to the present invention having such a configuration, when the image forming apparatus is powered off, the existing image data in the memory is regarded as unnecessary and is erased. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained. Further, when the number of recorded images is added, the image forming apparatus is powered on and the existing image data in the memory continues to be held, so that it is not necessary to record the image data in the memory again, The addition can be done quickly.

Further, in the present invention, the control means prohibits the display of information relating to the existing image data in the memory.

For example, the existence of image data in the memory,
It is prohibited to display a reduced version of the image represented by the image data on the display screen. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a multifunctional type, and includes a copying machine, a printing machine,
Functions as a facsimile machine. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer 2, a scanner 3, an automatic document feeder 4, a paper discharge processor 5, and a multi-stage paper feeder 6.

In the automatic document feeder 4, when the document is placed on the document set tray 40, the document is conveyed and positioned on the platen glass 30, and after the image of the document is read by the scanner 3, the document is read. Are transported and discharged. Further, one side of the automatic document feeder 4 is pivotally supported so that an original that cannot be conveyed can be placed on the platen glass 30, and the entire apparatus 4 can be opened and closed.

In the scanner 3, either an automatic reading mode or a manual operation reading mode can be selected and set. When the former automatic reading mode is selected, the image of the original is read in conjunction with the conveyance of the original onto the platen glass 30 by the original conveying device 4. When the latter manual operation reading mode is selected, the image of the document placed on the platen glass 30 is read in response to the manual operation. In either mode, the first and second scanning units 31, 32
While maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other, the first scanning unit 31 exposes the image of the original document placed on the platen glass 30, and the first and second scanning units 3
1 and 32 guide reflected light from the document to a lens 33, and the lens 33 converts the image of the document into a photoelectric conversion element (C
The image is formed on the CD 34. The CCD 34 repeatedly scans and reads the image of the document in the main scanning direction, and outputs image data representing the image of the document.

In the printer 2, the image data from the scanner 3 and the image data from an external device (for example, a personal computer) are input and an image represented by the image data is recorded on a recording sheet.

The electrophotographic process section 20 is provided with a photosensitive drum 200, a charging roller 201, an optical scanning unit 22, a developing unit 202, a transfer unit 203, a cleaning unit 204, a charge eliminating unit (not shown) and the like. The surface of the photoconductor drum 200 is the charging roller 20.
1 to be uniformly charged. The optical scanning unit 22 forms a laser beam modulated according to image data, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 200 in the main scanning direction by the laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 200. To do. The developing unit 202 supplies toner to the surface of the photoconductor 200. This toner is the photosensitive drum 2.
A toner image is formed by adhering to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of No. 00. The transfer unit 203 superposes the recording sheet conveyed from below and the photosensitive drum 200, and transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 200 to the recording sheet.

A fixing device 23 is arranged above the electrophotographic process section 20. The fixing device 23 heats and pressurizes the recording paper to fix the toner image on the recording paper.

Further, the recording paper is carried by each carrying roller 28 and delivered to the relay path unit 8 of the paper discharge processing device 5.

When recording an image on the back surface of the recording paper, the conveyance of the recording paper is temporarily stopped and the recording paper is conveyed from the relay path unit 8 to the printer 2 in the opposite direction. In the printer 2, the branch claw 251 is rotated,
The recording sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path unit 1 by the branching claw 251.
Lead to 0. The double-sided conveyance path unit 10 conveys the recording paper along the double-sided conveyance path 250 and guides the recording paper to the electrophotographic process 20 again. As a result, the front and back of the recording paper are reversed and an image is recorded on the back surface of the recording paper. The recording sheet on which images are recorded on the front and back sides in this manner is conveyed by each of the conveying rollers 28 and delivered to the relay path unit 8 of the sheet discharge processing device 5.

A paper feeding section 21 is arranged below the printer 2. The paper feeding unit 21 separates and takes out the recording papers one by one from the paper storage tray 210 and the paper storage tray 210 that store the recording papers in a stacked manner.
A separation supply unit 211 that supplies the recording paper to the electrophotographic process unit 20 is provided. The paper storage tray 210 can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1,
In the pulled-out state, the recording paper is supplied to the paper storage tray 210.

Next, the multi-stage sheet feeding device 6 is an option and is detachable from the image forming apparatus 1. In the multi-stage sheet feeding device 6, a plurality of types of recording sheets are stored in their respective sheet storage trays 610. Each separating / supplying unit 611 stores the recording paper in the respective paper storage tray 6
The recording sheet is separated and taken out from the sheet 10, and the recording sheet is sent to the electrophotographic process section 20. It should be noted that each paper storage tray 610 can be pulled out from the main body of the multi-stage paper feeding device 6, and in the pulled-out state, recording paper is supplied to each paper storage tray 610. Further, the number and size of each sheet storage tray may be changed appropriately.

The paper discharge processing device 5 includes a relay path unit 8 and a post-processing unit 9. Relay pass unit 8
Includes a relay path 84 that receives the recording paper from the printer 2 and conveys the recording paper to the post-processing unit 9, and a switchback path 83 that temporarily receives the recording paper from the printer 2 and returns the recording paper to the printer 2. The gate plate 81 guides the recording paper from the printer 2 to either the relay path 84 or the switchback path 83. The gate plate 81 is swingable, and when its tip is directed downward, the recording paper is guided to the switchback path 83,
Also, when the tip of the recording paper is directed upward, the recording paper is
Leads to 4.

The relay path 84 is provided with respective transport rollers 85 that rotate in one direction, and the transport rollers 85 guide the recording paper to the post-processing unit 9. Further, the switchback path 83 is provided with a placing plate 86 on which a recording sheet is placed. When the recording paper is guided to the switchback path 83, the rear end of the recording paper is sandwiched between the respective conveyance rollers 28 of the printer 2, and the recording paper is placed on the mounting plate 86, and then the conveyance rollers 28 are temporarily moved. Then, the conveyance of the recording paper is stopped. After that, the respective conveying rollers 28 are rotated in the reverse direction, and the recording paper is conveyed to the printer 2 in the reverse direction. In the printer 2, as described above, the recording sheet is guided to the conveyance path 250 of the double-sided conveyance path unit 10 by the branching claw 251 and the recording sheet is conveyed again to the electrophotographic process 20 through the conveyance path 250 and is recorded. Record the image on the back side of the paper.

In the post-processing unit 9, the recording sheet is received from the printer 2 through the relay path 84, the recording sheet is introduced by each of the carry-in rollers 50, the gate plate 52 is swung, and the recording sheet is discharged to each of the discharge trays 56, 56. It leads to one of 59. Further, as post-processing, stable processing, sorting processing, etc. are performed.

On the other hand, the printer 2 and the optional paper discharge processing device 5 are placed on the multi-stage paper feeding device 6. The scanner 3 and the automatic document feeder 4 are mounted on the system rack 7. On the bottom of the multi-stage paper feeding device 6, each moving roller 63 and each fixed portion 64 are provided. If the fixing portions 64 are screwed into the bottom of the multi-stage sheet feeding device 6 to separate the fixing portions 64 from the floor surface and the multi-stage sheet feeding device 6 is supported by the moving rollers 63, the multi-stage sheet feeding device 6 is moved. be able to. In this state, the multi-stage paper feeding device 6, the printer 2, and the paper discharge processing device 5 are moved and arranged inside the system rack 7. After that, each fixing part 64 is rotated and projected to bring each fixing part 64 into contact with the floor surface, and the multi-stage sheet feeding device 6 is fixed by each fixing part 64.

Next, the configuration and function of the image processing unit in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The image processing unit is the image data reading unit 10.
1, signal processing unit 102, hard disk device or R
An image memory 103 including an AM (random access memory), a print control unit 104, a main control unit 105, a printer reception unit 106, a facsimile reception unit 107, a document detection unit 108, a timer control unit 109, an operation unit 110, and the like. Is equipped with.

The image data reading unit 101 is the CCD of FIG.
An image signal indicating the image read by the CCD 34 is output. The signal processing unit 102 receives the image signal from the image data reading unit 101, performs various processes on the image signal to generate image data, and temporarily stores the image data in the image memory 103.

The printer receiving unit 106 and the facsimile receiving unit 107 receive the recording request and the image data from the external terminal through the network, and output the recording request and the image data to the main control unit 105. The main control unit 105 receives the image data in response to the recording request, and outputs the image data to the signal processing unit 102. Upon receiving the image data from the printer receiving unit 106 and the facsimile receiving unit 107, the signal processing unit 102 temporarily stores the image data in the image memory 103.

Once the image data is stored in the image memory 103, the signal processing unit 102 reads the image data from the image memory 103 and outputs the image data to the print control unit 104. When the image data is input, the print control unit 104 performs pulse width modulation on the drive signal of the optical scanning unit 22 of FIG. 1 according to the image data, and outputs the laser beam emitted from the optical scanning unit 22 to the photoconductor drum 200. Control the output level. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 200, the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner, the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor drum 200 to the recording sheet and fixed, and an image of one sheet is formed. It is recorded on recording paper.

Further, the document detection section 108 detects a document placed on the document set tray 40 of the automatic document feeder 4 of FIG. 1 and notifies the main control section 105 of the document detection. The timer control unit 109 measures the time of the standby state of the image forming apparatus 1 and notifies the main control unit 105 of this time. Further, the operation unit 110 receives a copy request and various recording conditions instructed by a user's operation input, and the main control unit 105.
To notify. In addition, the main controller 105 controls the image forming apparatus 1
The operating state and the like are displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 110. Further, the main control unit 105 centrally controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

Now, in such an image forming apparatus 1, as the image memory 103, one having a minimum necessary storage capacity is applied. Therefore, the image memory 1
When the recording of the image indicated by the image data in 03 is completed, this image data needs to be erased at an appropriate timing so that new image data can be stored in the image memory 103. Further, in order to keep the confidentiality of the image data, the image data in the image memory 103 must be erased at an appropriate timing. On the other hand, the image memory 10
Even if the recording of the image indicated by the image data in 3 is completed, when the additional recording of the image is instructed, the image data is held in the image memory 103 in order to immediately perform the additional recording of the image. Need to be kept.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the image data in the memory is held only for an appropriate period by performing the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 without impairing the confidentiality of the image data. Next, this processing will be described according to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the power switch of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on (step S201), each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is initialized and the fixing device 23 is warmed up (step S202). After this, the image recording request standby state is set (step S203). At the start of the standby state, the timer control unit 109 is activated, and the timer control unit 109 starts counting time. When a preset time has elapsed (“Yes” in step S204), that is, when the standby state continues for that time, the timer control unit 109 notifies the main control unit 105 that this time has elapsed. In response to this, the main control unit 105
Sets the image forming apparatus 1 to the energy saving mode (step S205). In this energy saving mode,
For example, the temperature of the fixing device 23 of FIG. 1 is lowered, or the display of the display screen of the operation unit 110 is stopped to save power.

In the standby state or the energy saving mode, when the main control unit 105 receives the recording request (step S206), whether the recording request is a copying request from the operation unit 110, that is, a copying request by a user's operation input. It is determined whether or not (step S207). If it is a copy request from the operation unit 110 (step S
In 207, “Yes”), the main control unit 105 notifies the signal processing unit 102 of the copy request from the operation unit 110. Instead of the copy request from the operation unit 110, the copy request may be notified from the main control unit 105 to the signal processing unit 102 in response to the document detection by the document detection unit 108.

In response to this copy request, the signal processing unit 102 inputs the image signal from the image data reading unit 101, generates image data from this image signal, and temporarily stores this image data in the image memory 103. Yes (step S2
08). Then, the signal processing unit 102 reads the image data from the image memory 103 and outputs the image data to the print control unit 104. As a result, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 200 is formed, the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred and fixed on the recording sheet, and the image is recorded on the recording sheet. If the number of recording sheets is instructed by the previous recording request, recording of this number of recording sheets is repeated (step S209).

Further, when an instruction to add the number of recording sheets is given by the operation input of the operation unit 110 (“Yes” in step S210), the main control section 105 causes the operation unit 110 to operate.
To the signal processing unit 102. In response to this, the signal processing unit 102 repeatedly reads out the image data from the image memory 103 the number of times corresponding to the additional number, and repeatedly outputs the image data to the print control unit 104, whereby the recording of the additional number is further repeated. (Step S211).

Further, if the addition of the number of recording sheets is not instructed ("No" in step S210) and there is a request for copying the next other image from the operation unit 110 instead ("Yes" in step S212), The main control unit 105 erases the image data in the image memory 103 (step S
213), and returns to step S206.

If there is no request for copying of another image from the operation unit 110 (“N” in step S212).
o ”), the main control unit 105 sets the image forming apparatus 1 to the standby state (step S214). At this time, the timer control unit 109 is activated, and the time counting by the timer control unit 109 is started. When the preset time elapses, the timer control unit 109 (“Yes” in step S215).
s ”), and notifies the main control unit 105 that this time has elapsed. In response to this, the main control unit 105 causes the image memory 1
After deleting the image data in 03 (step S21
6) Returning to step S205, the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the energy saving mode.

Further, the recording request is not the copy request from the operation unit 110 ("No" in step S207),
If the recording request is received by the printer receiving unit 106 from the external terminal through the network (step S
217: “Yes”), the printer reception unit 106 receives the image data from the external terminal through the network,
The recording request and the image data are output to the main control unit 105.
The main control unit 105 receives the image data in response to the recording request, and outputs the image data to the signal processing unit 102. When the image processing unit 102 receives the image data from the printer receiving unit 106, the signal processing unit 102 stores the image data in the image memory 103.
Is temporarily stored in (step S218). After that, the process proceeds to each of steps S209 to S216, and the image indicated by the image data in the image memory 103 is recorded by the number of recording indicated by the recording request, and if there is an additional number, the number of additional images is recorded. Further, when there is a request for recording another image, or when the energy saving mode is set after a lapse of a certain period of time from the standby state, the image data in the image memory 103 is erased.

Further, the recording request is not received by the printer receiving unit 106 from the external terminal through the network (“No” in step S217), but the recording request is transmitted from the external terminal by the facsimile receiving unit 1 through the network.
If it is received at 07 (“Yes” at step S219), the facsimile receiving unit 107 receives the image data from the external terminal through the network, and outputs the recording request and the image data to the main control unit 105. The main control unit 105 receives the image data in response to the recording request,
The image data is output to the signal processing unit 102. Upon receiving the image data from the facsimile receiving unit 107, the signal processing unit 102 temporarily stores the image data in the image memory 103 (step S220). After that, the process proceeds to each of steps S209 to S216, and the image indicated by the image data in the image memory 103 is recorded by the number of recording indicated by the recording request, and if there is an additional number, the number of additional images is recorded. , There is a request to record the next other image, or a certain amount of time has passed since the camera entered the standby state,
When the energy saving mode is set, the image data in the image memory 103 is erased.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, once the image data is stored in the image memory 103,
The image data in the image memory 103 is not erased until there is another next image recording request or the energy saving mode is set. Therefore, it is possible to instruct the additional number and record the additional number of images. it can. Further, when there is a request to record the next other image, the image memory 103
The image data in the image memory 10
The confidentiality of the image data in 3 can be maintained, and the image data indicating the next other image can be stored in the image memory 103, and the process for recording the next other image can be started. . Moreover, since the image data indicating at least one image may be stored in the image memory 103, the storage capacity of the image memory 103 can be suppressed low.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the image data in the image memory 103 is erased when the energy saving mode is set. However, instead of this, the image memory 1
The image data in the image memory 103 may be erased in the clear mode in which the recording condition of the image data in 03 is initialized. The recording condition of the image data includes the number of recorded images, the magnification of the image, and the like, and when a certain period has passed, the clear mode is set and the recording condition is erased.

Alternatively, the image data in the image memory 103 may be erased when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered off.

Further, the main controller 105 controls the image memory 10
The display of information relating to the image data in 3 may be prohibited. For example, the presence of image data in the memory and the display of a reduced version of the image represented by the image data on the display screen are prohibited. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be variously modified.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention, the existing image data in the memory is erased at the timing when the next recording request for another image is made. That is, when the next request for recording another image is made, the existing image data in the memory is regarded as unnecessary and the existing image data is erased. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained. Also, since the existing image data in the memory is not erased by simply adding the number of recorded images, it is not necessary to re-record the image data in the memory, and the number of recorded images can be quickly added. You can

Further, according to the present invention, the existing image data in the memory is erased at the timing when the request for copying the original is made. Alternatively, the existing image data in the memory is erased at the timing when an image recording request is made from the external terminal through the network.

Next, according to the present invention, when the image forming apparatus enters either the energy-saving mode or the clear mode, the existing image data in the memory is regarded as unnecessary and the existing image data is saved. Have been erased. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained. Further, when the number of recording sheets is added, the image forming apparatus does not enter the energy saving mode or the clear mode and the existing image data in the memory continues to be held, so that it is not necessary to record the image data in the memory again. It is possible to add the number of recorded sheets promptly.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, when the image forming apparatus is powered off, the existing image data in the memory is regarded as unnecessary and is erased. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained. Further, when the number of recorded images is added, the image forming apparatus is powered on and the existing image data in the memory continues to be held, so that it is not necessary to record the image data in the memory again, The addition can be done quickly.

Further, according to the present invention, the control means prohibits the display of information relating to the existing image data in the memory. Thereby, the confidentiality of the image data can be maintained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an image processing unit in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process of processing by the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image forming device 2 printer 3 scanner 4 Automatic document feeder 5 Paper ejection processing device 6 Multi-stage paper feeder 22 Optical scanning unit 200 photoconductor drum 201 charging roller 202 Development unit 203 transfer unit 204 cleaning unit 101 Image data reading unit 102 signal processing unit 103 image memory 104 Print control unit 105 Main control unit 106 printer receiver 107 Facsimile receiver 108 Document Detection Section 109 Timer control unit 110 Operation unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03G 21/00 396 G03G 21/00 396 398 398 21/14 G06F 3/12 B G06F 3/12 G03G 21 / 00 372 (72) Inventor Mitsuko Maruyama 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture Sharp Corporation (72) In-house Takateru Yamamoto 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka Prefecture Osaka Prefecture ( 72) Inventor Kenichiro Imakichi 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture F-terms within Sharp Corporation (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP07 HH01 HJ06 HK04 HK05 HK11 HN02 HN15 HN21 HN23 2C087 AA03 BC04 CB05 2H027 DA01 DA32 DB00 DA00 DE07 DE09 EA15 EC06 EC18 EC19 ED12 EE01 EE08 EE09 EE10 EF09 EF16 EF17 EJ08 EJ15 FA10 FA35 FB07 GA54 ZA07 5B021 AA05 BB01 BB04 CC05 DD05 5C073 BB01 BD03

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for temporarily storing image data representing an image in a memory, reading the image data from the memory, and recording an image represented by the image data on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that erases existing image data in a memory at the timing when 2. The timing when the next other image recording request is made is the timing when at least one of the detection of the original document and the input of the instruction for copying is made at the time of copying the original document. 1. The image forming apparatus according to 1. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing at which the next other image recording request is issued is the timing at which the image recording request is issued from the external terminal through the network. 4. An image forming apparatus for temporarily storing image data representing an image in a memory, reading the image data from the memory, and recording an image represented by the image data on a recording medium, wherein the image forming apparatus is in an energy-saving mode. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for erasing existing image data in a memory at the timing of entering any of clear modes for initializing image recording conditions. 5. An image forming apparatus for temporarily storing image data representing an image in a memory, reading the image data from the memory, and recording an image represented by the image data on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that erases existing image data in a memory at a timing. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means prohibits display of information relating to existing image data in the memory.