JP2003280107A - Image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus in which electric power consumption in a standby mode is further reduced by interrupting electric power supply to units other than units which have an external interface in the standby mode, or interrupting the electric power supply to units which do not require a warm-up process. <P>SOLUTION: When a main controller 500 enters a state of waiting for transmission of image data from a RIP (raster image processor) 200, the main controller 500 starts clocking with a timer. When an operation panel 8 is not operated for predetermined time, or when there is no transmission of image data from the RIP 200, the main controller 500 switches the mode of the apparatus from a normal mode to a standby mode. At that time, a control signal is transmitted so as to interrupt the electric power supply to SSRs 510 and 511. The SSRs 510 and 511 which have received the signal interrupts the electric power supply to a printer controller 502, an image processor 503, an exposure controller 504 and a processor controller 505. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, and more particularly, based on halftone dot image data from a host apparatus processed by RIP (raster image processor),
The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that creates a color proof by checking image data that is a base of a printing plate by exposing a color photosensitive material with a plurality of light sources having different wavelengths.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when producing a color printed matter, it may be necessary to perform color calibration at the stage of an original film. In such a case, C (cyan) is required.
Plate, M (magenta) plate, Y (yellow) plate, and K plate
Make a proof (color proof) using each color-separated halftone original film that has been color-separated on the (black) plate, and make sure there is no mistake in the layout of the original film or color before making the actual printing plate. We check the finished product in advance in order to check whether there is any error or whether there is a mistake in the characters.

Furthermore, in recent years, DTP (Des
k Top Publishing) etc.
Image editing and page imposition work using computer software for images input from scanners have become commonplace, and full-digital editing is becoming common.

In such a process, for the purpose of further improving the efficiency, an image setter output for directly outputting the page-edited image data to the film or a CTP (Computer to Plat) for directly recording the image on a printing plate.
e) Output, and further CTC (Computert) for recording an image directly on the printing plate wound on the cylinder of the printing machine.
o Cylinder) is performed.

In this case, if the film output or the printing plate output is performed only for the purpose of confirming the calibration, and the printing proof and the proof using other proof materials are performed, the film and the printing plate are wasted and unnecessary work is increased. There's a problem.

Therefore, especially in the process of creating and editing a full digital image by such a computer, the color proof is created by a DDCP (Direct Dict.
digital Color Proof), or DC
A system called P (Digital Color Proof) for directly outputting a color image is required.

Such a DDCP is used for recording on a plate-making film by an image setter or the like from digital image data processed on a computer, for performing a final printing operation for directly making a printing plate by CTP, and for CTC. Create a color proof that reproduces the output target indicated by the digital image processed on the computer before recording the image directly on the printing plate wound on the cylinder for printing. The characters and the like are confirmed.

[0008] In the proofreading process in such a printing process, 1) a mistake in the work site is confirmed, that is, an internal school 2) an outside school submitted for confirmation of the finish to the orderer and the designer 3) a printing machine The proof is made and used for three main purposes of the printed sample provided as a sample of the final printed matter to the captain of the above.

[0009] At this time, for internal confirmation and for some outside school applications, due to needs such as shortening of delivery time and cost reduction, a calibration material that cannot reproduce a halftone dot image, that is, a calibration by a sublimation transfer method, In some cases, output materials such as inkjet and electrophotography are mainly used as proofreading for appearance confirmation. On the other hand, reproducibility of highlights, confirmation of fine details, and inappropriate interference of halftone images called moire during printing. For the need for checking stripes, a high-power heat mode laser is used to perform image exposure on the photosensitive material,
There is a type of DDCP that is transferred to the actual printing paper. But,
Such a system has a drawback that the cost of the device and the photosensitive material is high.

On the other hand, in recent years, DD using a silver salt color light-sensitive material capable of further confirming a halftone image at low cost
CP is becoming popular. A method using a silver salt color light-sensitive material is, for example, the above-described CMYK which exposes a light spot formed of a combination of a plurality of lights having different wavelengths such as RGB.
The dots are colored to form a halftone dot image.

By the way, in such a DDCP, when no operation is performed on the operation panel for a predetermined time, or when no image data is transmitted from the RIP (raster image processor), the operation shifts to the standby mode. However, in this standby mode, the drive motor, the drying fan, and the
It is equipped with a function to reduce power consumption during standby by stopping / reducing load operation of temperature control heaters.

[0012]

However, even in this standby mode, the above-mentioned drive motor, drying fan,
Since power was continuously supplied to the control boards for the respective parts and the drivers for the respective parts that control the heaters for temperature adjustment, in a strict sense, there was still room for reducing power consumption.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to cut off power supply to units other than a unit having an external interface or to warm up in a standby state. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of further reducing power consumption during standby by cutting off power supply to the unit.

[0014]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 operates in an operation section of the apparatus for a predetermined time in a normal mode for printing a photosensitive material. No, or RI
In the image recording apparatus, which comprises a control means for switching the mode of the apparatus from the normal mode to the standby mode for suppressing power consumption when there is no image data transmitted from P, the control means sets the mode of the apparatus to the When switching to the standby mode, control is performed to cut off power supply to units other than the unit having the external interface of the device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 3 is such that, in the normal mode for performing the printing process of the photosensitive material, the operation section of the apparatus is not operated for a predetermined time, or the RIP is used. In an image recording apparatus having a control means for switching the mode of the apparatus from the normal mode to a standby mode for suppressing power consumption when there is no image data transmission, the control means sets the mode of the apparatus to the standby mode. When switching to, the control is performed so as to cut off the power supply to units other than units that require warm-up processing of the device.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of an image recording apparatus, that is, a color proof making apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[Overall Configuration of Apparatus] First, a schematic configuration of a color proof creating apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the color proof making apparatus 1 includes an exposure unit 3 for performing an image exposure process on a photosensitive material, and a developing process for the photosensitive material exposed by the exposure unit 3. And a developing processing unit 4 for performing the processing.

A front panel 6 that can be opened and closed is provided outside the exposure unit 3, and maintenance can be performed from the front of the exposure unit 3. Further, two paper loading units 7, 7'and an operation unit 8 are arranged on the upper side thereof from the developing processing unit 4 side. The operation unit 8 has a structure in which a touch panel is stacked on a liquid crystal panel as described later.

A top panel 13 is provided on the outside of the development processing unit 4 so as to be opened and closed for maintenance of internal equipment, and a replenishment panel 14 for replenishing the processing liquid is provided on the front side.
Is openable and closable. Further, on the side surface, there is provided a paper discharge section 15 for discharging the processed photosensitive material.

As shown in FIG. 2, a paper feed unit 20, a main scanning unit 30, a sub-scanning unit 40, a paper discharging unit 50, and an accumulation unit 60 are provided inside the exposure unit 3.

The paper feeding section 20 is composed of two paper loading sections 7, 7 '.
And a lower sheet feeding section 21 for transporting the photosensitive material P transported from the paper loading sections 7, 7'to the drum 31 of the main scanning section. Since the configurations of the paper loading units 7 and 7'are substantially the same, the following description will be given using the paper loading unit 7, and the same portions will be denoted by ‘(dash) and redundant description will be omitted. The paper loading unit 7 has a room structure in which a paper feed cover 9 is provided so as to be openable and closable, and a dedicated cartridge 10 containing a rolled photosensitive material P therein is set. A pair of paper feed rollers 22 is provided below the paper loading unit 7.
a and 22b are provided, and a cutter 23 is provided below the paper feed rollers 22a and 22b. Furthermore, under the paper feed shutters 24, 24 'of the paper feed units 7, 7', paper transport paths G1, G1 'that merge into one are provided, and a pair of intermediate rollers 26 are provided at the merge position. It is provided.

A drum 31 having a photosensitive material P on its outer surface is rotatably provided in the main scanning section 30. In the vicinity of the outer surface of the drum 31, a paper feed / discharge roller 25 that can be pressed against the drum 31 is provided. The pressure-bonding point of the paper feeding / discharging roller 25 with the drum 31, the paper length measuring encoder roller 28, and the intermediate roller 26 are arranged in a straight line, and between the paper length measuring encoder roller 28 and the paper feeding / discharging roller 25. Is provided with a guide G2.
Further, another paper feeding / discharging roller 29 is provided below the intermediate roller 26.

An optical unit 32 is arranged in the sub-scanning unit 40 so as to face the drum 31, and the optical unit 32 is movable by the sub-scanning unit 40 in parallel with the drum axis. The optical unit 32 receives a digital image signal and exposes the photosensitive material P adsorbed to the drum 31 with a light beam to write an image. As shown in FIG. 3, the optical unit 32 includes a red LED unit 320 and a green L unit.
An ED unit 321 and a blue LED unit 322 are arranged. Red LED unit 320, green LED unit 321, and blue LED unit 322
From the condenser lens 331 to the photosensitive material P on the drum 31 via the mirrors 325, 326, and 327.
To expose the image. The exposure shutter 332 is opened and closed by the exposure solenoid 333 to open and close the optical path at the start / end of exposure. The optical unit 32 includes the moving belt 3
It is fixed to 40 and guided by a pair of guide rails 341 and 342 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the drum shaft. The moving belt 340 includes a pair of pulleys 343 and 344.
And one pulley 344 is attached to the sub-scanning motor M.
7 is connected to the output shaft 345, and the optical unit 32 is moved in parallel with the drum shaft by driving the sub-scanning motor M7. Further, the optical unit 32 may be moved by a ball screw drive system in which a ball screw connected to the sub-scanning motor M7 by a coupling is driven. A sub-scanning reference position detection sensor S1 is arranged in the drum axis direction of the optical unit 32.
1, a sub-scanning write position detection sensor S12 and a sub-scanning overrun position detection sensor S13 are arranged. The optical unit 32 is stopped by the sub-scanning reference position detection of the sub-scanning reference position detection sensor S11, the sub-scanning is started from this sub-scanning reference position, and the sub-scanning is stopped by the movement amount corresponding to the image size. Move to the scanning reference position and return.

Returning to FIG. 2, the paper discharge section 50 is provided with a peeling claw 51, and the photosensitive material P for which writing has been completed is peeled from the drum 31 by the peeling claw 51 and is sent to the developing processing unit 4. At this time, when the transport speed of the development processing unit 4 is slower than the paper discharge speed of the exposure unit 3, the photosensitive material P is sent to the accumulation section 60 while the paper discharge speed remains high, and the photosensitive material P is accumulated. By accumulating so as to hang down to 60, the transfer timing with the development processing unit 4 is aimed at, and the processing capacity of the exposure unit 3 is not lowered. Specifically, the accumulator 6 serving as a guide is provided at the exit of the exposure unit 3.
1 is provided, the accumulator 61 is normally opened (the position indicated by the chain double-dashed line in the figure), and is closed (the position indicated by the solid line) when the photosensitive material P is discharged, and the exit of the exposure unit 3 from the peeling claw 51. A transport path to the paper is secured (this closed position is referred to as a paper transportable position). Then, when the front end of the photosensitive material P reaches the exit of the exposure unit 3, the accumulator 61 is opened, and the rear end side of the photosensitive material P is dropped into the space of the accumulation section 60. As a result, the next processing of the photosensitive material P becomes possible. Further, by accumulating the photosensitive material P at a high speed (relative to the developing conveyance speed), the photosensitive material P can be sent to the development processing unit 4 without damaging it. An exit shutter 63 and a conveyance roller 64 are provided at the exit of the exposure unit 3, and after the accumulator 61 is opened, the exit shutter 63 is opened and the conveyance roller 64 sends the photosensitive material P to the development processing unit 4. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, inside the development processing unit 4, a second exposure section 41, a development section 42, a fixing section 43, a stabilizing section 44, a drying section 45, and a paper discharge section 15 are provided. ing.

The second exposure section 41 exposes a portion of the photosensitive material that has not been exposed by the exposure unit 3 to form a pseudo image. Specifically, the negative image is inverted to the positive image.

In each of the developing section 42, the fixing section 43 and the stabilizing section 44, a processing tank 4 filled with a processing solution for performing a developing process.
2a to 44a and processing liquid replenishing pumps (not shown) associated therewith are provided, and further, the developing unit 42 and the fixing unit 4 are provided.
A heater for temperature control (not shown) is provided at 3. Then, the developing unit 42 performs color development processing of the photosensitive material exposed by the exposure unit 3, and the fixing unit 43 bleach /
The fixing process is performed, and the stabilizing unit 44 performs the stabilizing process.

A heater (not shown) for temperature control and a drying fan F45 are provided in the drying section 45, and the developed photosensitive material is dried by the drying fan F45 under the temperature control by the heater for temperature control. Is sent to the paper output unit 15.

[Control Configuration of Apparatus] Next, the control configuration of the color proof creating apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 shows a control configuration of the exposure unit 3. As shown in the figure, the control unit 1 of the exposure unit 3
00 is a CPU 101, a RAM 102 and a ROM 103
Is connected to the sensors and the actuator group via the I / O ports 104 and 105, and controls the actuator group based on the information from the sensors.

The ROM 103 stores data for initializing various devices in the apparatus, and the RAM 102 stores data of initial values and correction values unique to the apparatus. Regarding the sensors, the cartridge presence / absence sensors S1 and S1 ′, the cover close detection sensors S2 and S2 ′,
Cover lock detection sensors S3, S3 ', paper end sensors S4, S4', paper feed roller crimp position detection sensor S
5, S5 ', paper feed roller release position detection sensors S6, S6
', The drum feed / discharge roller pressure-contact position detection sensor S7, the drum feed / discharge roller release position detection sensor S8, the paper leading end reference position sensor S9, the paper feed amount detection sensor S1.
0, sub-scanning reference position detection sensor S11, sub-scanning writing position detection sensor S12, rotary encoder 37, sub-scanning overrun position detection sensor S13, paper end detection sensor S15, S15 'outlet shutter open detection sensor S16, peeling claw pressure sensor S21, peeling claw intermediate sensor S22, peeling claw release sensor S23, paper outlet sensor S24, cutter home position detection sensor S2
5, S25 ', cutter end position detection sensor S
26, S26 ′, peeling jam detection sensor S30, accumulation open sensor S40, accumulation close sensor S41, paper feed shutter open sensor S43, S43 ′ are connected. Further, a save operation switching timer T1 is connected as a standby time measuring means described later.

The actuator group includes cover lock motors M1 and M1 ', a paper feed roller pressure release motor M.
2, M2 ', paper feeding motors M3, M3', cutter motors M20, M20 ', drum feeding / discharging motor M4, drum feeding / discharging roller pressure release motor M5, drum rotation motor M6, sub-scanning motor M7, exposure shutter solenoid 333, carry-out motor M8, exit shutter motor M10, peeling claw motor M21, accumulation opening / closing motor M30, paper feed shutter motors M31, M31
′ Are connected to the drivers D1, D1 ′, D2,
D2 ', D3, D3', D20, D20 ', D4, D
5, D6, D7, D333, D8, D10, D21, D
Driven via 30, D31, D31 '.

In the operation unit 8, the liquid crystal panel 11 has a driver D.
Controlled by 20, the operating status of the color proof making apparatus is displayed. Further, the command by the operation from the touch panel 12 is sent to the CPU 101 as digital information by the A / D converter 120.

In such a configuration, the digital image data is transmitted from the externally connected RIP 200 to the image data I.
It is sent to the data buffer 204 via the / F unit 201. On the other hand, in synchronization with the output signal of the PLL 202 based on the photosensitive material feed information from the rotary encoder 37, digital image information is transferred from the data buffer 204 to the LUT (look-up table) 205 and D / A by the dot clock of the dot clock generation unit 203. Converter 206-
Drivers D320, D321, D322 via 208
To these drivers D320, D321, D322
Drive the red LED unit 320, the green LED unit 321, and the blue LED unit 322, respectively.

The halftone image data of each color (C, M, Y, K) created by the RIP 200 is the image data I.
The data is transferred to the / F unit 201, where the data is converted from the RIP format to the exposure format and stored in the data buffer 204. After one sheet of image data is stored in the data buffer 204, all colors are simultaneously exposed.

The data buffer 204 has two for each color, and has a configuration in which data from the RIP 200 can be received by another set of data buffers while outputting data from one set of data buffers during exposure.

FIG. 6 shows the control configuration of the development processing unit 4. As shown in the figure, the control unit 400 of the development processing unit 4 includes a CPU 401, a RAM 402, and a ROM.
403, I / O ports 404, 405, A / D converter 4
20 having a CPU 401, a RAM 402 and a ROM 4
03 is connected to sensors and an actuator group via I / O ports 404 and 405, and controls a series of units by controlling the actuator group based on information from the sensors.

The ROM 403 stores data for initializing various devices in the apparatus, and the RAM 402 stores initial value and correction value data unique to the apparatus. As for the sensors, the top plate open detection sensor S40, the development replenishment tank empty detection sensor S42a, the fixing replenishment tank empty detection sensor S43a, and the stable replenishment tank empty detection sensor S4.
4a, a developing waste liquid tank full detection sensor S42b, a fixing waste liquid tank full detection sensor S43b, and a stable waste liquid tank full detection sensor S44b are connected. Also, the amplifier A4
2, development temperature sensor S42, through A43, A45,
The fixing temperature sensor S43 and the drying temperature sensor S45 are connected.

The actuator group is a driver D4.
Transport drive motor M40 through SSR (SOL
The development heater H42, the fixing heater H43, the drying heater H45, the drying fan F45, and the developing replenishment pump P4 through the ID STATE RELAY) 410 to 416.
2. A fixing replenishment pump P43 and a stable replenishment pump P44 are connected.

[Control Configuration for Power Supply of Apparatus] Next, the control configuration for power supply of the color proof making apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. For the sake of brevity, the drum rotation motor M6 and the driver D6 of the exposure unit 3, which is a component with particularly high power consumption, among the various components of the color proof making apparatus 1 will be described below. LEDs 320R to 32
2B and drivers D320 to 322, a conveyance driving motor M40 and driver D40 of the development processing unit 4, a developing heater H42, a fixing heater H43, and a drying heater H.
45, the drying fan F45, the development replenishment pump P42, the fixing replenishment pump P43, the stable replenishment pump P44, etc. will be described. However, these are merely examples of components with large power consumption, and do not exclude other components.

As shown in the figure, inside the exposure unit 3, there are a main controller 500 for controlling each part of the apparatus main body 2 and communication control with the RIP, and an operation part 8 (liquid crystal panel 11 and touch panel 12). The operation panel controller 501 that controls the exposure unit 3
Parts (drum rotation motor M6, driver D6, etc.)
A printer controller 502 for controlling the
The image processor 503 for controlling the drive of the (hard disk drive) and the like (LE)
D320R to 322B and drivers D320 to 322
And the like) are provided for the exposure controller 504. In addition, inside the development processing unit 4, each part of the development processing unit 4 (conveyance drive motor M40 and driver D40, development heater H42, fixing heater H).
43, a drying heater H45, a drying fan F45, a development replenishment pump P42, a fixing replenishment pump P43, a stable replenishment pump P44, etc.)
05 is provided. Further, an SSR (SOLID) is provided between the power supply source S and the printer controller 502, the image processor 503, and the exposure controller 504.
STATE RELAY) 510 is provided with an SSR 511 between the power supply source S and the processor controller 505, and is configured so that power supply / power cutoff to each unit is performed by a control signal from the main controller 500.

In such a structure, the main controller 500 is configured to execute the RIP 2 after the development processing is completed in the development processing unit 4 of the color proof making apparatus 1.
From the state of waiting for the transmission of image data from 00, that is, from the time of the standby state, the save operation switching timer T1 starts timing, and the operation panel 8 is not operated for a predetermined time, or the operation from the RIP 200 is started. When the image data is not transmitted, the mode of the color proof creating apparatus 1 is switched from the normal mode to the standby mode. Specifically, the control signals are transmitted to the SSRs 510 and 511 so as to cut off the power supply, and the SSRs 510 and 511 which have received the control signals respectively receive the printer controller 502, the image processor 503, the exposure controller 504, and the processor controller 505.
To shut off the power supply to.

However, the printer controller 502 has a drum rotation motor M for rotating the drum 31.
6 and the driver D6 are connected, and power supply control for these is performed. Incidentally, electric power of three-phase 200V is supplied to the drum rotation motor. Further, the image processor 503 is connected to an HDD that constitutes a page memory, and rotational drive control of this HDD is performed.
Further, the exposure controller 504 is provided with an LE as a light source.
The D320R to 322B and the drivers D320 to 322 are connected, and power supply control for these is performed. Similarly, the processor controller 505 includes a conveyance drive motor M40 and a driver D40 for conveying the photosensitive material, a developing heater H42 for controlling the temperature, a fixing heater H43 and a drying heater H45, a drying fan F45 for drying the photosensitive material, and a developing device. A development replenishment pump P42, a fixing replenishment pump P43, and a stable replenishment pump P44 for replenishing the processing liquid are connected, and power supply control and the like for these are performed. Incidentally, electric power of single phase 200V is supplied to the heater and the drying fan for temperature control.

Therefore, when the SSRs 510 and 511 cut off the power supply by the control signal from the main controller 500, the printer controller 502,
Image processor 503 and exposure controller 50
4. Not only the power supply to the processor controller 505 is cut off, but also the power supply control is performed by the drum rotation motor M6 and the driver D.
6, HDD rotation drive unit, LEDs 320R to 322B and drivers D320 to 322, transport drive motor M40
And driver D40, developing heater H42, fixing heater H43 and drying heater H45, drying fan F45,
Power supply to the development replenishment pump P42, the fixing replenishment pump P43, the stable replenishment pump P44, etc. will also be stopped.

However, for example, the development processing unit 4
The developing heater H42, the fixing heater H43, the drying heater H45, and the like require a warm-up process for a predetermined time at the time of temperature control, so if it is desired to restart the print process immediately, The power supply to the processor controller 505 that controls the power supply is continuously continued, and instead, the temperature is adjusted to be lower by about 10 ° C. than in the normal print processing to reduce the power consumption.

As described above, the drum rotation motor M6 and the driver D6 of the exposure unit 3 mentioned above,
LEDs 320R-322B and drivers D320-32
2. Conveyance drive motor M40 and driver D40 of development processing unit 4, development heater H42, fixing heater H
The components such as 43, the drying heater H45, the drying fan F45, the developing replenishing pump P42, the fixing replenishing pump P43, and the stable replenishing pump P44 are merely examples of components with large power consumption, and other printers. Controller 502, image processor 503, exposure controller 504 and processor controller 5
It is assumed that the component including the electric power supply control is also included by 05.

In this way, the main controller 500
When the mode of the color proof creating apparatus 1 is switched from the normal mode to the standby mode, the main controller 500 and the operation panel controller 5 are
01 and the operation unit 8, other than a unit having a so-called external I / F, or the processor controller 50
The power supply to units other than so-called units requiring warm-up processing, such as 5 and the development processing unit 4, is shut off.

[Standby Mode Setting Method] Next, the standby mode setting method of the color proof making apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the color proof making apparatus 1 is capable of performing the print processing when the operation unit 8 is not operated for a predetermined time and when the image data is not transmitted from the RIP 200. The mode shifts to the standby mode that reduces power consumption. And
It is possible for the user to arbitrarily set the previous predetermined time on the operation unit 8.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the transition time to the standby mode is set on the setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 11 of the operation unit 8. When the "menu key" is pressed on the standby screen 11a shown in FIG. 9A, the menu screen 11 as shown in FIG.
b is displayed. When the "energy saving setting key" is pressed here, the energy saving setting screen 11c as shown in FIG. The user sets whether to use the power supply control control (standby mode) on the energy saving setting screen 11c, and further sets the switching time to the save operation (standby mode). This completes the setting of the transition time to the standby mode.

[Processing for Shifting to Standby Mode] Next, processing for shifting the color proof creating apparatus 1 to the standby state will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, the main controller 5
00 always determines whether or not there is an image transmission request from the RIP 200 (step 1), and if there is a request, then the color proof making apparatus 1 is in a save operation (standby mode). Or not (step 2). Here, if the save operation is in progress, the save operation is canceled, that is, the mode is shifted to the normal mode and power supply to each unit is started (step 3). And R
It is determined whether image data from the IP 200 is being received (step 4). When the reception of the image data is completed, it is next determined whether or not the exposure processing is in progress (step 5). When the exposure process is completed, it is next determined whether or not the paper discharge process is in progress (step 6). When the paper discharge process is completed, it is next determined whether or not the developing process is in progress (step 7). If it is determined in the above determinations that the operation is being received or is being processed, the time counting by the save operation switching timer T1 is reset (step 8).
Then, it is determined whether or not it is on standby (waiting for image data transmission from the RIP 200) (step 9). If it is on standby, it is next determined whether or not the save operation switching timer T1 is counting (step 10). If you're not counting here,
Timing of the save operation switching timer T1 is started (step 11). Then, it is judged whether or not the save operation switching timer T1 has counted up (step 12), and when the save operation switching timer T1 has counted up, the power supply to each unit is cut off.
That is, it shifts to the standby mode (step 13).

With the above processing, the process of shifting to the standby mode is completed, but when the main controller 500 operates the operation unit 8 or when the RIP 200 transmits new image data, The process of switching the mode from the standby mode to the normal mode is performed.

As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of this embodiment, that is, the color proof making apparatus 1, when the mode is changed from the normal mode to the standby mode, a unit other than a unit having an external interface or a worm is used. Since the power supply to the units other than the units requiring the up-processing is cut off, the power consumption during standby can be further reduced. In addition, the user can arbitrarily set the time for shifting to the standby mode.

[0056]

As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present invention, in the standby mode, the power supply to the units other than the unit having the external interface is cut off, so that the power consumption in the standby mode is further reduced. can do. Also, the user can arbitrarily set the time for shifting to the standby mode.

As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the power supply to the units other than the units requiring the warm-up process is cut off in the standby mode, so that the power consumption in the standby mode can be further reduced. It can be reduced. Also, the user can arbitrarily set the time for shifting to the standby mode.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of an image recording apparatus (color proof creating apparatus) according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing an internal configuration of an exposure unit of the color proof making apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an internal configuration of an exposure unit of the color proof making apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a development processing unit of the color proof making apparatus shown in FIG.

5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an exposure unit of the color proof making apparatus shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a development processing unit of the color proof making apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control configuration relating to power supply of the color proof making apparatus shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing a standby mode setting screen displayed on the operation unit of the color proof creating apparatus shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart for explaining a process of shifting the color proof creating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to a standby mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 ... Exposure unit 320R, 321G, 322B ... LED D320 to D322 ... Driver M6 ... Drum rotation motor D6 ... driver 4 ... Development processing unit M40 ... Transport drive motor D40 ... driver H42 ... Development heater H43 ... Fixing heater H45 ... Drying heater F45 ... Drying fan P42 ... Development replenishment pump P43 ... Fixing replenishment pump P44 ... Stable replenishment pump 500 ... Main controller 501 ... Operation panel controller 502 ... Printer controller 503 ... Image processor 504 ... Exposure controller 510, 511 ... SSR S ... Power supply source

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. In a normal mode for printing a light-sensitive material, when the operation unit of the apparatus is not operated for a predetermined time or when no image data is transmitted from the RIP, the mode of the apparatus is set. In the image recording apparatus including a control unit that switches the normal mode from the normal mode to the standby mode in which power consumption is suppressed, the control unit, when switching the mode of the device to the standby mode, includes a unit having an external interface of the device. An image recording apparatus, which controls to cut off power supply to the image recording apparatus. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus is a color proof creating apparatus, and the unit is the operation unit. 3. The mode of the device when the operation unit of the device is not operated for a predetermined time in the normal mode for performing the print processing of the photosensitive material or when the image data is not transmitted from the RIP. In the image recording apparatus provided with a control means for switching from the normal mode to the standby mode for suppressing power consumption, the control means requires warm-up processing of the apparatus when switching the mode of the apparatus to the standby mode. The image recording apparatus is characterized by performing control for cutting off power supply to units other than the unit. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image recording apparatus is a color proof making apparatus, and the unit is a development processing unit for performing development processing on the photosensitive material. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the predetermined time.