JP2004128896A - Recording apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording apparatus capable of improving the appearance of an image to be printed on the basis of image data by maintaining the continuity of the image data which is read and generated by eliminating reading operation interruption due to a paper feeding error, and to provide a control method of this recording apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The recording apparatus is provided with an image reading means for reading an image from an original to generate image data, a memory area for writing the image data to store the data, and a printing means for printing a printing image on an object to be printed fed from a paper feeding mechanism. The image data are successively written into the memory area until the memory area runs out of residual regions, and when the memory area has no residual regions, the image data are written into regions of the memory area where the read image data have existed. In this apparatus, the image reading means starts a reading operation after the completion of the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a control method for the printing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A scanner-integrated printer (hereinafter, referred to as a scanner-printer copier or SPC multifunction peripheral), which has recently become popular in general households, reads an image from a platen glass on which a document is placed and reflected light of light applied to the document. A scanner unit for generating image data, a memory such as an SDRAM for temporarily storing the image data for predetermined processing, and a paper supply mechanism based on image data read from a memory area of the memory. A printer unit that prints a print image on the paper sheet. The scanner unit sequentially reads the image of the document while scanning in one direction, and in parallel with the reading operation, the printer unit sequentially prints the print image to perform a copy process. That is, while reading the image sequentially from one end to the other end of the document, the image data is written and stored in the memory area, and in parallel with this, the image data is printed on a sheet based on the image data read from the memory area. Is performed over the entire range from one end to the other end of the document to perform the copy process.
[0003]
However, since the storage capacity of the memory is limited, there may be no free space during the above-described copy processing. In such a case, the memory area where the image data already read to be provided for printing exists. Is allowed to be overwritten with the image data. If there is no further allowable area, the image data cannot be written to the memory area until the allowable area is generated by the reading. During this time, the reading operation by the scanner unit is interrupted to stop the generation of the image data. It is supposed to.
[0004]
Therefore, if the state in which the printer unit cannot perform printing continues for some reason, the image data is not read from the memory area. As a result, the permissible area does not occur and the reading operation is interrupted.
[0005]
However, when the interruption time is long, the temporal change of the reading environment during the interruption is also large, so that the continuity of the read and generated image data between before and after the interruption is greatly impaired. And, this effect also appears in a print image printed based on the image data, such that the continuity of image quality and the like is impaired, for example, the hue is completely different before and after the interruption position, Its appearance will be significantly worse.
[0006]
As a change factor of the reading environment, for example, a light amount fluctuation of an exposure lamp which is an irradiation light source of the scanner unit can be cited. FIG. 16 shows a temporal change of the light amount of the exposure lamp. In particular, the light amount continues to increase for a while immediately after lighting, and is not stable. If this light amount fluctuation occurs during the interruption of the above-described reading operation, the image data read before the interruption and the image data read after the interruption have different light amount levels and the like, and the image data is discontinuous. It becomes.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
On the other hand, the reason why the printing cannot be performed for a particularly long time is a paper feeding error such as a paper jam or a paper shortage, that is, incomplete feeding of the paper by the paper feeding mechanism. The reading operation is interrupted for a long time due to the inability to print. This is because, as shown in FIG. 16, in the copy processing sequence, the scanner unit has already started the reading operation before the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism is completed. That is, if a paper feed error such as a paper jam occurs after the start of the read operation, the scanner unit continues the read operation until the memory can be stored, but stops the read operation when there is no more storable area. After the interruption, if the user clears the paper jam and eliminates the paper supply error, the scanner unit resumes the reading operation from the interrupted position. Many.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to maintain the continuity of image data generated by reading without interrupting the reading operation due to a paper feeding error, thereby to improve the image data. It is an object of the present invention to realize a recording apparatus capable of improving the appearance of a print image printed based on the recording apparatus, and a control method of the recording apparatus.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention mainly provides an image reading unit for reading an image from a document to generate image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and an appropriate timing from the memory area. A printing means for printing a print image on a printing medium fed from a paper feed mechanism based on the read image data, wherein the image data is sequentially written in the memory area until there is no more free space; When there is no free space in the area, in a recording apparatus that writes image data to the area where the read image data existed in the memory area, the recording apparatus waits for the completion of a paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism, and A recording apparatus for starting a reading operation by an image reading unit.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
=== Disclosure Overview ===
At least the following matters will be made clear by the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. Image reading means for reading an image from an original to generate image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and a paper supply mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at appropriate timing. Printing means for printing a print image on a paper-printed medium; image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area; In a recording apparatus for writing image data in an area where read image data in an area existed, a reading operation by the image reading unit is started after the completion of a sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism. Recording device.
[0011]
According to such a recording apparatus, first, the image data generated by the image reading unit is sequentially written and stored in the empty area of the memory area, and the stored image data is read out at appropriate timing. Then, it is subjected to printing by the printing means. When the empty area is exhausted, writing of the image data to the area where the read image data existed in the memory area is permitted, and the generated image data is sequentially stored in this allowable area. Write and store. Further, if there is no such allowable area, image data cannot be written to the memory area until the above-mentioned allowable area is generated by the above-mentioned reading, and during this time, the reading operation by the image reading means is interrupted. Therefore, if the state in which the printing means cannot perform printing continues for some reason, the reading operation is interrupted without reading the image data from the memory area, resulting in no allowable area. When the interruption time is long, the temporal fluctuation of the reading environment during the interruption is also large, so that the continuity of the image data between before and after the interruption is greatly impaired, and based on the image data, The effect also appears on the printed print image, for example, such that the continuity of the image quality or the like is lost. The reason why the printing cannot be performed for a particularly long time is a paper feeding error, that is, incomplete feeding of the printing medium by the paper feeding mechanism. In this case, the reading operation is performed due to the stagnation of printing on the printing medium. Will be interrupted for a long time.
[0012]
Here, in the present recording apparatus, the reading operation by the image reading means is started after the completion of the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism. The reading operation is completely cut off from a paper error. Therefore, the interruption of the reading operation due to the paper feeding error is never caused, and the loss of the continuity of the image data (image continuity) caused by the temporal change of the reading environment during the interruption. (A discontinuous portion in data) can be reliably prevented. As a result, based on the image data, it is possible to reliably print a print image in which image continuity is maintained.
[0013]
Further, in such a recording apparatus, when there is no more area for writing the image data in the memory area, it is desirable to interrupt the reading operation by the image reading means.
According to such a recording apparatus, it is possible to reliably prevent the image data from being written into the memory area in which the area for writing the image data is gone.
[0014]
Further, in such a recording apparatus, a first operation mode in which the reading operation is started after the completion of the sheet feeding operation, and a second operation mode in which the reading operation is started without waiting the completion of the sheet feeding operation Is desirably provided so as to be settable.
According to such a recording apparatus, since the two operation modes having the characteristics opposite to each other are provided, it is easy to adapt to various needs of the user. That is, if the copy speed is more important than the quality of the print image, the second operation mode may be set, and if the quality is more important, the first operation mode may be set.
[0015]
In the recording apparatus, it is preferable that the resolution of the image data generated in the first operation mode is higher than that of the second operation mode.
According to such a recording apparatus, loss of continuity of image data due to prolonged interruption of the reading operation can be reliably suppressed, and low resolution in which the loss of continuity is hard to appear is likely to occur particularly at high resolution. , The copy time can be reduced.
[0016]
Further, in the recording apparatus, the printing unit performs printing while transporting the printing medium by a transport mechanism, and the paper feeding mechanism feeds the stored printing medium toward the transport mechanism, It is desirable that the sheet feeding operation is completed when a sensor provided between the sheet feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism detects the printing medium.
According to such a recording apparatus, the completion of the sheet feeding operation is detected by the sensor, so that the detection can be easily performed.
[0017]
In the recording apparatus, it is preferable that the sensor is a mechanical sensor that emits a detection signal when the sensor comes into contact with the leading end of the printing medium.
According to such a recording apparatus, the completion of sheet feeding is detected by physical contact, that is, contact between the mechanical sensor and the leading end of the printing medium, and therefore, the detection reliability is excellent.
[0018]
In the recording apparatus, the image reading unit may include a light source that irradiates light on the image of the document, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light or transmitted light from the image, and the image reading unit that receives the image based on the received light. It is desirable to include an image data generation unit for generating data.
According to such a recording apparatus, since the image data is generated by optically reading the image of the document, the image data can be easily generated.
[0019]
An image reading means for reading an image from a document to generate image data; a memory area for writing and storing the image data; and a paper feeding mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at appropriate timing. A printing means for printing a print image on a printing medium fed from the printer, image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area, and when there is no free space in the memory area, In a recording apparatus for writing image data to an area where read image data existed in the memory area, the image reading means includes a light source for irradiating light on the image of the document, and light reflected or transmitted from the image. A light receiving unit that receives light; and an image data generating unit that generates the image data based on the received light. When there is no more area for writing the image data in the storage area, the reading operation by the image reading unit is interrupted, and the reading operation is started after the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism is completed. An operation mode and a second operation mode in which the reading operation is started without waiting for completion of the sheet feeding operation are settable, and the resolution of the image data generated in the first operation mode is set to the second operation mode. Higher than the operation mode of, the printing means performs printing while transporting the printing medium by a transport mechanism, the paper feeding mechanism feeds the stored printing medium toward the transport mechanism, Completion of the paper feeding operation is when a sensor provided between the paper feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism detects the printing medium, and the sensor is in contact with the leading end of the printing medium. Detection signal Is preferably a mechanical sensor emitting.
According to such a printing apparatus, all the effects described above are exhibited, and thus the object of the present invention is most effectively achieved.
[0020]
An image reading means for reading an image from a document to generate image data; a memory area for writing and storing the image data; and a paper feeding mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at appropriate timing. A printing means for printing a print image on a printing medium fed from the printer, image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area, and when there is no free space in the memory area, In a control method of a recording apparatus for writing image data to an area where read image data existed in the memory area, a reading operation by the image reading means is started after the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism is completed. A method for controlling a recording apparatus.
According to such a control method of the recording apparatus, the reading operation by the image reading means is started after the completion of the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism, which may cause a long-term interruption. The reading operation is completely cut off from a paper feed error. Therefore, the interruption of the reading operation due to the paper feeding error is never caused, and the loss of the continuity of the image data (image continuity) caused by the temporal change of the reading environment during the interruption. (A discontinuous portion in data) can be reliably prevented. As a result, based on the image data, it is possible to reliably print a print image in which image continuity is maintained.
[0021]
=== Schematic Configuration of Recording Device ===
The schematic configuration of the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a cover of a scanner unit is opened, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an internal configuration of the recording apparatus. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the inside of the printer unit is exposed, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation panel unit.
[0022]
The recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a scanner function for inputting an image of a document, a printer function for printing a print image on a printing medium such as paper based on image data, and an image input by the scanner function on paper. Is a scanner / printer / copy multifunction peripheral having a local copy function (hereinafter, referred to as an SPC multifunction peripheral).
[0023]
The SPC multifunction device 1 includes a scanner unit 10 as an image reading unit for reading an image from a document 5 and generating image data, and a printing unit for printing a print image on a printing medium such as paper based on the image data. It comprises a printer unit 30 as means, a control circuit 50 for controlling the entire SPC multifunction device 1, and an operation panel unit 70 as input means. Under the control of the control circuit 50, a scanner function, a printer function, and a local copy function of printing data input from the scanner unit 10 by the printer unit 30 are realized. Note that a memory area for storing the image data is prepared in the ASIC SDRAM 69 described later, which is built in the control circuit 50.
[0024]
The scanner unit 10 is disposed on the printer unit 30, and has a platen glass 12 on which the original 5 to be read is placed, and a platen when reading the sheet-shaped original 5 or when not in use. An original table cover 14 that covers the glass 12 is provided. The platen cover 14 is formed so as to be openable and closable, and also has a function of pressing a document placed on the platen glass 12 toward the platen glass 12 when closed.
[0025]
Further, a paper supply unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a paper supply mechanism) 32 for supplying paper 7 to the printer unit 30 is provided on the back side of the SPC multifunction device 1, and the paper is printed on the lower side on the front side. A paper discharge unit 34 from which the paper 5 is discharged, an operation panel unit 70 as an input unit on the upper side are provided, and a control circuit 50 is built in the printer unit 30.
[0026]
The paper discharge unit 34 is provided with a paper discharge tray 341 capable of closing a paper discharge port when not in use, and the paper supply unit 32 is provided with a paper feed tray 321 holding cut paper (not shown). I have.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 4, the printer unit 30 and the scanner unit 10 are connected by a hinge mechanism 41 on the back side, and the scanner unit 10 unitized around the pivoting part of the hinge mechanism 41 is located on the front side. Lifted from. When the scanner unit 10 is lifted, the inside of the printer unit 30 is exposed from an opening 301 provided on an upper portion of a cover that covers the printer unit 30. By exposing the inside of the printer unit 30 in this manner, the ink cartridge and the like can be easily replaced.
[0028]
A power supply unit for the SPC multifunction device 1 is provided on the printer unit 30 side, and a power supply cable 43 for supplying power to the scanner unit 10 is provided near the hinge mechanism 41. Further, the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 is provided with a USB interface 52 for capturing an image into the host computer 3 by a scanner function and outputting image data transmitted from the host computer 3 by a printer function. (FIG. 12).
[0029]
=== Configuration of Operation Panel Unit 70 ===
As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel unit 70 is provided with a liquid crystal display 72 as a display unit and a notification lamp 74 at substantially the center thereof. The liquid crystal display 72 can display characters, and can display setting items, setting states, operation states, and the like in characters. A red LED notification lamp 74 beside the liquid crystal display 72 is turned on when an error occurs to notify the user of the error.
[0030]
On the left side of the liquid crystal display 72, a power button 76, a scan start button 78, a setting display button 80, and a clear button 82 are provided. The power button 76 is a button for turning on and off the power of the SPC multifunction peripheral 1. The scan start button 78 is a button for starting an operation of reading an image from the original 5 by the scanner unit 10 when the SPC multifunction peripheral 1 is connected to the host computer 3. The setting display button 80 is a button for displaying the setting state for the copy function set by the user on the liquid crystal display 72. The clear button 82 is a button for clearing the setting for the copy function and changing each setting item to a default value.
[0031]
On the right side of the liquid crystal display 72, a color copy button 84, a monochrome copy button 86, a stop button 88, and a copy number setting button 90 are provided.
[0032]
The color copy button 84 is a button for starting color copying, and the monochrome button 86 is a button for starting monochrome copying. Therefore, the copy buttons 84 and 86 also serve as a copy operation start instruction and a selection unit for selecting whether a print image to be output is color or monochrome. The stop button 88 is a button for stopping the started copy operation.
[0033]
The number-of-copies setting button 90 is composed of two buttons 901 and 902 with “+” or “−” written on the front side. When the “+” button 901 is pressed, the set number is increased, and the “−” button 902 is set. By pressing, the set number of sheets is reduced.
[0034]
On the front side of the liquid crystal display 72, a menu button 92 for switching setting items displayed on the liquid crystal display 72 is provided. The menu button 92 is composed of two buttons arranged on the left and right, and a leftward arrow or a rightward arrow is described, respectively. Each time one of the left and right menu buttons 92 is pressed, the displayed setting items are sequentially switched in a predetermined order, and when the display is completed, the first setting item is displayed. The left and right arrows are used to change the order in which the setting items are displayed, and the two buttons 92 display the setting items in the reverse order of the display order when the other buttons are pressed.
[0035]
With the menu button 92, a copy quality mode can be set for each type of paper. The copy quality mode mainly relates to copy image quality, that is, the selection of the copy quality mode determines the reading resolution when reading an image with the scanner unit 10 and the printing resolution when printing with the printer unit 30.
[0036]
FIG. 6 illustrates the copy quality modes prepared in the SPC multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment. For example, three types of copy quality modes of “economic, fast, and beautiful” can be selected for plain paper. For super fine paper, two types of "fast and beautiful" can be selected. Also, one type of copy quality mode is prepared for each of glossy paper, PM photo paper, and PM matte paper, which generally require higher image quality than plain paper and the like. The user inputs the copy quality mode by appropriately operating the menu button 92 while viewing the liquid crystal display 72. Then, the copy quality mode information generated based on this input is transmitted to the CPU 54 by pressing the copy buttons 84 and 86. The copy quality mode information is used for interlock for starting the reading operation of the scanner unit 10, which is a characteristic feature of the present invention described later.
[0037]
=== Configuration of Scanner Unit 10 ===
The scanner unit 10 includes a platen glass 12 on which the document 5 is placed, a pressing cover 14 for pressing the reading surface of the document 5 placed on the platen glass 12 toward the platen glass 12, A reading carriage 16 which is opposed to the document 5 via the glass 12 and scans along the document 5 while keeping a constant distance from the document 5, a driving means 18 for scanning the reading carriage 16, and the reading carriage 16 in a stable state. And a regulation guide 20 for scanning.
[0038]
The reading carriage 16 includes an exposure lamp 22 as a light source for irradiating the original 5 with light through the original table glass 12, a lens 24 for condensing light reflected by the original 5, and a lens 24 for reflecting light reflected by the original 5. , A CCD sensor 28 that receives reflected light transmitted through the lens 24, and a guide receiving portion 29 that engages with the regulation guide 20.
[0039]
The CCD sensor 28 includes three linear sensors in which photodiodes for converting an optical signal into an electric signal are arranged in a row, and these three linear sensors are arranged in parallel. The CCD sensor 28 includes three filters (not shown) of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and filters of different colors are provided for each linear sensor. Each linear sensor detects light of a component corresponding to the color of the filter. For example, a linear sensor having an R filter detects the intensity of red component light. The three linear sensors are arranged along a direction (hereinafter, referred to as a main scanning direction) substantially orthogonal to a scanning direction of the reading carriage 16 (hereinafter, referred to as a sub-scanning direction).
[0040]
The light reflected by the original 5 is reflected by the four mirrors 26, passes through the lens 24, and reaches the CCD sensor 28. However, since the three linear sensors are arranged in parallel, the three linear sensors are simultaneously arranged. The reflection position of the reflected light to be imaged with respect to the document is shifted in the sub-scanning direction by an interval of the linear sensor. Therefore, in the scanner control unit 58 (FIG. 12) of the control circuit 50, a line-to-line correction process for correcting the deviation is performed. The line-to-line correction processing will be described later.
[0041]
The regulation guide 20 is provided along the sub-scanning direction, and is formed of a stainless steel cylindrical material. The restriction guide 20 is provided on the reading carriage 16 and penetrates two guide receiving portions 29 formed of thrust bearings. By widening the interval in the sub-scanning direction between the two guide receiving portions 29 provided on the reading carriage 16, it is possible to stably scan the reading carriage 16.
[0042]
The driving unit 18 includes an annular timing belt 181 fixed to the reading carriage 16, a pulley 182 meshing with the timing belt 181, a pulse motor 183 disposed at one end in the sub-scanning direction, and An idler pulley 184 is disposed on the end side and applies tension to the timing belt 181. The pulse motor 184 is driven by the scanner control unit 58 (FIG. 12) of the control circuit 50. The pulse motor 184 scans the read image in the sub-scanning direction with the scanning speed of the reading carriage 16 changed according to the speed of the pulse motor 183. Can be enlarged and reduced.
[0043]
Then, the scanner unit 10 irradiates the original 5 with the light of the exposure lamp 22 and moves the reading carriage 16 along the original 5 while forming the reflected light on the CCD sensor 28. At this time, a voltage value indicating the amount of light received by the CCD sensor 28 is read at a predetermined cycle, so that an image corresponding to the distance the reading carriage 16 has moved during one cycle is converted into data for one line of the output image. I will take in. At this time, three data of an R component, a G component, and a B component are taken in as data for one line.
[0044]
=== Configuration of Printer Unit 30 ===
The printer unit 30 is capable of outputting a color image. For example, the printer unit 30 discharges four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) onto paper. An ink-jet method is used in which an image is formed by forming dots by using a dot. As the color ink, in addition to the above four colors, light cyan (light cyan, LC), light magenta (light magenta, LM), and dark yellow (dark yellow, DY) may be used.
[0045]
Next, the printer unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 7, and 8. FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement around the print head, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a driving unit of the transport mechanism.
[0046]
As shown in the drawing, the printer unit 30 includes a paper feed mechanism 32 for feeding the paper 7, a transport mechanism for transporting the paper 7 fed from the paper feed mechanism 32, and the transport mechanism. A mechanism for driving a print head 38 mounted on a writing carriage 36 to eject ink and form dots with respect to the paper 7, and to move the writing carriage 36 perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper 7 by a carriage motor 40. And a mechanism for reciprocating in the direction.
[0047]
The paper feed mechanism 32 is for pulling out a plurality of papers 7 to be stacked and stored one by one and feeding them to the transport mechanism. The hopper 321, the paper feed roller 323, the separation pad 324, and the guide 325 are provided. And The hopper 321 is a so-called paper feed tray 321 for stacking and storing a plurality of sheets of paper 7 and is formed of a plate. The lower end of the hopper 321 is swingable about a rotation shaft 322 at the upper end thereof, and is driven to swing by a drive mechanism 325. When one uppermost sheet 7 is pulled out from the plurality of sheets 7 and fed, the hopper 321 is swung in a direction for bringing the sheet 7 into contact with a sheet feed roller 323 described later. On the other hand, when the paper has been fed, it is swung in the opposite direction to separate from the paper feed roller 323. The paper feed roller 323 is a roller having a substantially D-shaped cross section and provided to face the lower end of the hopper 321, and is driven to rotate by a paper feed motor (not shown). Then, while the arc portion 323a in the outer peripheral portion rotates while contacting the paper 7, the paper 7 is pulled out from the hopper 321 and transported to the transport mechanism. The flat portion 323b simply passes the sheet 7 in opposition to the sheet 7, so that sheet conveyance by the conveyance mechanism after the arrival is not hindered. The separation pad 324 is a high-friction coefficient member disposed below the hopper 321 in opposition to the paper feed roller 323. The separation pad 324 is a member for the sheet 7 when the paper feed roller 323 pulls out one sheet 7 from the hopper 321. It has the function of preventing double feed. That is, when the paper feed roller 323 rotates while the uppermost paper 7 is in contact with the paper feed roller 323, the other papers 7 under the paper 7 also try to move in the same direction. The lower sheet 7 is not fed by the frictional resistance acting between the separation pad 324, and only the uppermost sheet 7 is fed by the feed roller 323. The guide 325 is for guiding the sheet 7 pulled out from the hopper 321 by the sheet feeding roller 323 to the transport mechanism.
[0048]
The transport mechanism is arranged downstream of the paper feed mechanism 32 in the transport direction. The transport mechanism is arranged to face the print head 38, and a platen 35 as a guide member for guiding the paper 7 so that the paper 7 and the print head 38 are at an appropriate distance. On the other hand, a transport roller 37 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction and transports the fed sheet 7 to the platen 35. The transport roller 37 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet 7 with respect to the platen 35, and is separated from the transport roller 37. A paper discharge roller 39 for transporting and discharging the paper 7, a paper feed motor (hereinafter also referred to as a PF motor) 42 for driving the transport roller 37 and the paper discharge roller 39, and a transport amount of the paper 7. It has a rotary encoder 47 for detection and a paper detection sensor 45 for detecting the presence or absence of the paper 7 and the leading and trailing ends of the paper 7.
[0049]
The transport roller 37 is provided below the transport path of the paper 7, and a driven roller 371 for holding the paper 7 is provided above the transport roller 37 so as to face the transport roller 37. The paper discharge roller 39 is also provided below the conveyance path of the paper 7, and a driven roller 391 for holding the paper 7 is provided above the paper discharge roller 39 so as to face the paper discharge roller 39. The transport roller 37 and the paper discharge roller 39 are connected by the gear train 31, and the rotation of the PF motor 42 is transmitted and rotated, so that the transport speed of the paper 7 by the two rollers 37 and 39 is equal.
[0050]
The platen 35 has a guide surface 351 that faces the lower surface 381 of the print head 38, that is, the surface on which the nozzles are provided, and guides the paper 7 in contact therewith.
[0051]
The sheet detection sensor 45 is provided on the upstream side of the transport roller 37 in the transport direction. That is, the paper detection sensor 45 is provided between the paper feeding mechanism 32 and the transport mechanism, and functions as a sensor for detecting whether the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism 32 is completed.
[0052]
The paper detection sensor 45 includes a lever 451 having a rotation center at a position higher than the transport path of the paper 7 and a transmission optical sensor 452 provided above the lever 451 and having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The lever 451 is disposed so as to hang down on the transport path by its own weight, and is actuated by the sheet 7 fed from the sheet feeding mechanism 32. And a light shielding unit 454 provided so as to pass between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. When the lever 451 is pressed by the contact with the leading end of the fed paper 7 and the paper 7 reaches a position immediately before the transport roller 37, the light-shielding unit 454 turns on the light emitted by the light emitting unit. Is detected, it is detected that the leading end of the sheet 7 has reached the immediately preceding position. This detection signal is treated as a signal indicating that the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism 32 is completed, and is used for interlock for starting a reading operation at the time of copying, which is a characteristic feature of the present invention described later.
[0053]
Thereafter, when the sheet 7 is conveyed by the conveying roller 7 and the rear end of the sheet 7 passes, the lever 451 hangs down by its own weight, the light-shielding part 454 comes off from between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part, and the light of the light-emitting part The light is received by the light receiving unit, and it is detected that the rear end of the sheet 7 reaches a predetermined position. Therefore, while the light blocking unit 454 blocks the light from the light emitting unit, it is detected that the sheet 7 exists at least in the transport path.
[0054]
The mechanism for discharging ink and forming dots includes a print head 38 having a plurality of nozzles as ink discharge units, and discharges ink from predetermined nozzles based on a print command signal. On the lower surface 381 of the print head 38, a plurality of nozzles form a row along the transport direction of the paper 7, and a plurality of nozzles are provided in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper 7. Details of the print head 38 and the nozzle arrangement will be described later. The print head 38 has a 16-bit memory corresponding to each nozzle, and data is transferred to each nozzle in 16-bit units from a head control unit 68 (FIG. 12) described later.
[0055]
A mechanism for reciprocating the writing carriage 36 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the paper 7 is conveyed by a carriage motor (hereinafter, also referred to as a CR motor) 40 for driving the writing carriage 36. A sliding shaft 44 movably held, a linear encoder 46 fixed to the writing carriage 36, a linear encoder code plate 461 having slits formed at predetermined intervals, and a rotating shaft of the carriage motor 40. It comprises a pulley 48 attached and a timing belt 49 driven by the pulley 48.
[0056]
A print head 38 and a cartridge mounting portion provided integrally with the print head 38 are fixed to the write carriage 36. The cartridge mounting portion includes black (K), cyan (C), and magenta (M). An ink cartridge containing ink such as yellow (Y) is mounted.
[0057]
<<<< Paper feeding operation by paper feeding mechanism >>>>
Here, a sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism 32, that is, a sheet feeding operation from the sheet feeding mechanism 32 to the transport mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 9 is a view of a part of the paper feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism as viewed from above, and the downward direction in the figure is the transport direction.
[0058]
First, as an initial state before printing, a plurality of sheets 7 are stacked and stored in the hopper 321 as shown in FIG. 9A. Then, when a print instruction is given to the printer unit 30, the lower end of the hopper 321 swings and the uppermost sheet 7 comes into contact with the paper feed roller 323, and the paper feed roller 323 starts to rotate. The top sheet 7 is transported in the transport direction. Note that, at this time, the double feed in which a plurality of sheets 7 are fed at one time is prevented by the frictional resistance of the separation pad 324. Further, since the circumference of the arc portion 323a of the paper feed roller 323 is set longer than the transport distance to the transport roller 37 of the transport mechanism, the paper 7 is transported to the transport roller 37 using the arc portion 323a. It can be transported.
[0059]
Next, when the leading end of the sheet 7 reaches the position of the sheet detection sensor 45 as shown in FIG. 9C through the conveyance state shown in FIG. 9B, the leading end contacts the lever 451 of the sheet detection sensor 45, The paper detection sensor 45 detects the arrival of the paper 7. Then, upon this arrival, it is considered that the paper feeding operation of the paper 7 from the paper feeding mechanism 32 to the transport mechanism is completed, that is, it is considered that the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism 32 is completed.
[0060]
Then, in order to transport the sheet 7, the transport roller 37 of the transport mechanism starts rotating. At this time, the rollers 323 and 37 rotate synchronously so that the transport speed of the feed roller 323 and the transport speed of the transport roller 37 are the same. Then, as shown in FIG. 9D, when the paper 7 bites into the transport roller 37, the flat portion 323b of the paper feed roller 323 faces the paper 7 and loses the transport ability to the paper 7, and the paper feed roller 323 rotates. Is stopped, and the sheet feeding roller 323 waits until the sheet feeding operation of the next sheet 7 starts. On the other hand, after the engagement, as shown in FIG. 9E, the sheet 7 is transported by the transport roller 37 or the discharge roller 39 of the transport mechanism, and printing is performed by the print head 38.
[0061]
=== Nozzle Configuration ===
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of nozzles on the lower surface 381 of the print head 38.
On the lower surface 381 of the print head 38, a black ink nozzle row 33 (K), a cyan ink nozzle row 33 (C), a magenta ink nozzle row 33 (M), and a yellow ink nozzle row 33 (Y) are formed. ing. Each nozzle row 33 includes a plurality of nozzles (10 nozzles in the present embodiment) which are ejection ports for ejecting ink of each color.
[0062]
The plurality of nozzles of each nozzle row 33 are arranged at regular intervals (nozzle pitch: kD) along the transport direction of the paper 7. Here, D is the minimum dot pitch in the transport direction (that is, the interval of the dots formed on the paper 7 at the highest resolution). For example, if the resolution is 720 dpi, 1/720 inch (about 35. 3 μm). K is an integer of 1 or more.
Further, the nozzles of each nozzle row 33 are assigned smaller numbers as the nozzles on the downstream side become the first nozzle N1 to the tenth nozzle N10, and are aligned with the nozzles of the adjacent nozzle row 33 with respect to the position in the transport direction. Is provided. Each nozzle is provided with a piezo element (not shown) as a drive element for driving each nozzle to eject ink droplets.
[0063]
At the time of printing, the paper 7 is intermittently conveyed by a predetermined conveyance amount F by the conveyance rollers 37 and the discharge rollers 39, and during the intermittent conveyance, the writing carriage 36 moves in the scanning direction and Ink droplets are ejected from.
[0064]
=== Print head drive ===
Next, the driving of the print head 38 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drive signal generator provided in head control unit 68 (FIG. 12).
[0065]
In FIG. 11, the drive signal generator includes a plurality of mask circuits 204, an original drive signal generator 206, and a drive signal corrector 230. The mask circuit 204 is provided corresponding to a plurality of piezo elements for driving the nozzles N1 to N10 of the print head 38, respectively. In FIG. 11, the number in parentheses added to the end of each signal name indicates the number of the nozzle to which the signal is supplied. The original drive signal generator 206 generates an original drive signal ODRV commonly used for the nozzles N1 to N10. The original drive signal ODRV is a signal including two pulses of the first pulse W1 and the second pulse W2 within the main scanning period for one pixel. The drive signal correction unit 230 performs correction by shifting the timing of the drive signal waveform shaped by the mask circuit 204 back and forth over the entire return path. By the correction of the timing of the drive signal waveform, the deviation of the landing position of the ink droplet between the forward path and the return path is corrected, that is, the deviation of the dot formation position between the forward path and the return path is corrected.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 11, the input serial print signal PRT (i) is input to the mask circuit 204 together with the original drive signal ODRV output from the original drive signal generator 206. This serial print signal PRT (i) is a 2-bit serial signal per pixel, and each bit corresponds to the first pulse W1 and the second pulse W2, respectively.
[0067]
The mask circuit 204 is a gate for masking the original drive signal ODRV according to the level of the serial print signal PRT (i). That is, when the serial print signal PRT (i) is at the 1 level, the mask circuit 204 passes the corresponding pulse of the original drive signal ODRV as it is and supplies it to the piezo element as the drive signal DRV, while the serial print signal PRT (i) ) Is at the 0 level, the corresponding pulse of the original drive signal ODRV is cut off.
[0068]
=== Internal Structure of Control Circuit 50 ===
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control circuit 50.
The control circuit 50 of the SPC multifunction device 1 includes a CPU 54 that controls the entire SPC multifunction device 1, a control ASIC 51 that controls each of the scanner function, print function, and local copy function, and an SDRAM 56 that can read and write data directly from the CPU 54. , And the operation panel unit 70 are connected by a bus. The control ASIC 51 is connected to the scanner unit 10, the print head 38, an ASIC SDRAM 69 capable of directly reading and writing data from the control ASIC 51, and the like.
[0069]
The control ASIC 51 includes a scanner control unit 58, a binarization processing unit 60, an interlace processing unit 62, an image buffer unit 64, a CPU interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPUIF unit) 66, a head control unit 68, A USB interface (hereinafter, referred to as a USBIF) 52 as an input / output unit with the host computer 3 and drivers such as motors and lamps included in the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 30 are provided. A line buffer 691, an interlace buffer 692, and an image buffer 693 are allocated to the memory area of the control ASIC SDRAM 69, respectively. A so-called burst transfer in which the data transfer unit is 64 bits is performed between the control ASIC 51 and the ASIC SDRAM 69 in order to speed up the data transfer.
[0070]
The scanner control unit 58 controls each of the exposure lamp 22, the CCD sensor 28, the pulse motor 183 as a reading carriage drive motor and the like provided in the scanner unit 10, and transmits data read via the CCD sensor 28 via a line buffer 691. And has a function of sending out to the binarization processing unit 60.
[0071]
The binarization processing unit 60 has a function of converting the transmitted multi-tone RGB data into CMYK binary data and transmitting the converted data to the interlace processing unit 62.
[0072]
The interlace processing unit 62 converts the CMYK data of one raster line (so-called overlap printing) in which one raster line (one line in the main scanning direction in the print image) is printed by scanning the writing carriage 36 a plurality of times. It has a function of generating data for overlap printing (hereinafter referred to as OL corresponding data) by allocating the data to data to be printed for each scan of the writing carriage 36. The generated OL-compatible data is stored in the interlace buffer 692 of the ASIC SDRAM 69.
[0073]
In the interlace processing unit 62, the data stored in the interlace buffer 692 is read into the SRAM 621 in the interlace processing unit 62 for each predetermined size, and is rearranged on the SRAM 621 so as to correspond to the nozzle array. 64 is provided.
[0074]
The image buffer unit 64 has a function of generating head drive data for causing the nozzles for each scan of the writing carriage 36 to eject ink from the data sent from the interlace processing unit 62.
[0075]
The CPU IF unit 66 has a function of enabling the CPU 54 to access the control ASIC SDRAM 69 connected to the control ASIC 51. The control circuit 50 is used to drive the head control unit 68 based on the head drive data generated by the image buffer unit 64.
[0076]
The head control unit 68 has a function of driving the print head 38 based on head drive data under the control of the CPU 54 to eject ink from nozzles.
[0077]
<<<< Data flow in each function >>>>
・ When using the scanner function
From the host computer 3 connected to the USB IF 52 of the control ASIC 51, an image reading command signal from the scanner unit 10 and reading information data such as reading resolution and reading area are transmitted to the control circuit 50. In the control circuit 50, the scanner control unit 58 is controlled by the CPU 54 based on the image reading command signal and the read information data, and the reading of the document 5 by the scanner unit 10 is started. At this time, in the scanner control unit 58, a lamp driving unit, a CCD driving unit, a reading carriage scanning driving unit, and the like are driven, and RGB data is read from the CCD sensor 28 at a predetermined cycle. The read RGB data is temporarily stored in a line buffer 691 allocated to the ASIC SDRAM 69, subjected to a line-to-line correction process for R, G, and B data, and sent to the host computer 3 via the USBIF 52. . The line-to-line correction process is a process for correcting the deviation of the reading position between the R, G, and B linear sensors that occurs due to the structure of the scanner unit 10. More specifically, the CCD sensor 28 included in the scanner unit 10 is a color sensor, and has a linear sensor of one line for each color for three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). I have. Since these three linear sensors are arranged in parallel to the scanning direction of the reading carriage 16, the three linear sensors cannot simultaneously receive the reflected light applied to the same line of the document 5. That is, when the reflected light applied to the same line of the document 5 is received by each linear sensor, a time shift occurs. For this reason, this is a process for synchronizing data sent with a delay of the delay time associated with the linear sensor arrangement.
[0078]
・ When using the printer function
At the time of the printer function, image data to be printed is converted into head drive data that can be printed by the printer unit 30 of the SPC multifunction device 1 by a printer driver of the host computer 3 connected to the USB IF 52 of the control ASIC 51. It is input from the USBIF 52. For example, in the case of performing interlaced printing, the head drive data extracts raster data corresponding to the print resolution and the pitch and number of nozzles of the nozzle array 33 of the write carriage 36, and outputs the write carriage 36. The data is rearranged in the order of printing for each scan, and serves as a signal for driving the print head 38.
[0079]
The head drive data is stored in an image buffer 57 allocated to an SDRAM 56 which can be directly read by the CPU 54. The image buffer 57 has two memory areas each having a capacity capable of storing head drive data for printing by one scan of the writing carriage 36. When data for one scan is written to one image buffer 571, the data is transferred to the head control unit 68. At this time, when the image data of one image buffer 571 is transferred to the head control unit 68, the other image buffer 572 stores head drive data for printing at the next scan. When the data for one scan is written to the other image buffer 572, the data is transferred to the head control unit 68, and the image data is written to the one image buffer 571. As described above, the print head 38 is driven by the head control unit 68 to perform printing while alternately writing and reading head drive data using the two image buffers 571 and 572.
[0080]
・ At copy function
Next, the flow of data during the copy function will be described.
When the copy quality mode or the like is input from the operation panel unit 70 and the copy buttons 84 and 86 are pressed, a copy start command is transmitted from the CPU 54 to the control ASIC 51. Then, the scanner control unit 58 of the control ASIC 51 causes the scanner unit 10 to read the image of the document at a predetermined reading resolution associated with the copy quality mode information based on the input. The data read by the linear sensor of the scanner unit 10 is taken into the line buffer 691 via the scanner control unit 58. The RGB data captured by the line buffer 691 is sequentially subjected to the above-described RGB inter-line correction processing, and the RGB data for the same line is sent from the scanner control unit 58 to the binarization processing unit 60.
[0081]
Note that the line buffers 691 are prepared by the number of lines necessary for synchronizing the inter-line correction processing, and the memory size of the memory area is limited. Therefore, overwriting on the line that has already been subjected to the synchronization processing, that is, the area in which the data that has already been read and transferred to the binarization processing unit 62 existed is allowed. Note that the method of writing data in the area where the read and transferred data existed is not limited to the method of directly overwriting data in the area as described above. For example, after writing null data in the area, the data may be written in the area.
[0082]
The RGB data sent to the binarization processing unit 60 is subjected to halftone processing, and thereafter, is referred to a look-up table (LUT) 695 stored in the control ASIC SDRAM 69, and is converted into binary data for each CMYK color. The data is converted into data and sent to the interlace processing unit 62.
[0083]
The CMYK binary data sent to the interlace processing unit 62 is sorted from all the data of each raster line to data to be printed for each scan of the writing carriage 36 based on the specified interlace method. For example, when one raster line is formed by two scans of the writing carriage 36, the data is divided into data for forming odd-numbered dots from the end of the raster line and data for forming even-numbered dots. OL-compatible data is generated. The OL corresponding data is burst-transferred and stored in the interlace buffer 692.
[0084]
The interlace processing unit 62 reads out the data stored in the interlace buffer 692 for each predetermined size, and performs burst transfer to the SRAM 621 in the interlace processing unit 62. At this time, OL corresponding data is read from the interlace buffer 692 in correspondence with the nozzle arrangement of the print head 38 based on the print resolution of the print image and the nozzle pitch. For example, when the print resolution of the print image is 720 dpi and the nozzle pitch is 1/180 inch, three raster lines are printed between two raster lines printed by adjacent nozzles. For this reason, data spaced at intervals of three raster lines from the OL corresponding data is read as data corresponding to the scanning of the writing carriage 36.
[0085]
Note that the memory size of the interlace buffer 692 is limited, and when the total data size of the OL-compatible data sequentially transferred from the interlace processing unit 62 is large, the entire OL-compatible data can be completely stored. Absent. Therefore, in such a case, that is, when there is no more free space in the interlace buffer 692, overwriting to an area in which data that has already been read from here and that has been burst-transferred to the SRAM 621 existed is permitted. . Note that the method of writing data in the area where the read and transferred data existed is not limited to the method of directly overwriting data in the area as described above. For example, after writing null data in the area, the data may be written in the area.
[0086]
On the other hand, the data transferred from the interlace buffer 692 is rearranged in the SRAM 621 so as to correspond to the nozzle arrangement, and sent to the image buffer unit 64.
[0087]
In the image buffer unit 64, image data finely divided by the memory size of the SRAM 621 is burst-transferred to the image buffer 693, and becomes head drive data for ejecting ink to each nozzle of the writing carriage 36 for each scan. And memorize them. Here, the image buffer 693, 694 is assigned a memory area for storing head drive data for two scans of the writing carriage 36, and every time head drive data for one scan is accumulated, The data is sent to the head control unit 68 by the CPU 54, and at the same time, the writing of the head drive data corresponding to the next scan is started in the memory area for the remaining one scan. This processing is similar to the processing of the image buffers 571 and 572 described above in the description of the printer function.
[0088]
The head drive data for each scan stored in the image buffers 693 and 694 is read by the CPU 54 via the CPUIF unit 66 under the control of the CPU 54, and is transferred to the head control unit 68 by the CPU 54. The print head 38 is driven by the head control unit 68 based on the head drive data, and a print image is printed.
[0089]
<<<< Interruption of the reading operation of the scanner unit at the time of copying >>>>
During the copying operation, the scanner unit 10 may interrupt the reading operation. This interruption basically occurs when the data becomes full in the line buffer 691, the interlace buffer 692, and the image buffers 693, 694 in the control ASIC SDRAM 69 shown in FIG. Occurs. That is, in such a traffic congestion state, the scanner unit 10 cannot write and store the read and generated RGB data in the line buffer 691, so that the reading operation has to be interrupted.
[0090]
Since the direction of data flow is sequentially transferred from the upstream line buffer 691 to the downstream image buffers 693 and 694 via the interlace buffer 692 as described above, The problem is solved by the head control unit 68 performing printing and reading the next head drive data from the image buffers 693, 694. That is, if the head drive data is read from one of the image buffers 693 and 694 and transferred to the head control unit 68, the head drive data is read from the interlace buffer 692 to the image buffer 693 and 694 where the head drive data was. The output OL corresponding data is transferred via the SRAM 621. Then, the RGB data read from the line buffer 691 is transferred to the area of the interlace buffer 692 where the OL-compatible data was located, and an area where the RGB data can be written is created in the line buffer 691. As a result, the RGB data read and generated by the scanner unit 10 can be written in this area, and the scanner unit 10 can restart the reading operation.
[0091]
In other words, if the printing by the head control unit 68, which is the most downstream of the data flow, is delayed, the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 is interrupted. If the interruption time is as short as about 1 or 2 seconds, there is no major problem. However, if the interruption time is long, the fluctuation of the light amount of the exposure lamp 22 of the scanner unit 10 occurring during the interruption increases, and The light amount level and the like of the RGB data read and generated before and after are discontinuous, and a step-like discontinuous portion is also generated in a print image printed based on the RGB data.
[0092]
The main cause of the printing delay is the above-mentioned paper feeding incomplete, which is a paper feeding error such as paper jam or paper running out. In this case, there is a possibility that the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 may be interrupted for a long time. is there. For this reason, in the present invention, a reading operation start interlock described below is provided so that the reading operation is cut off from the paper feed error.
[0093]
=== Interlock for starting reading operation of the scanner unit at the time of copying ===
Here, the interlock for starting the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 at the time of copying, which is a characteristic matter according to the present invention, will be described.
The present invention is characterized by an interlock of the completion of the sheet feeding operation of the sheet feeding mechanism 32 with respect to the start of the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 performed at the time of copying, that is, the sheet feeding operation is completed. The reading operation by the scanner unit 10 is not started until after this is confirmed by the paper detection sensor 45.
[0094]
An interlock circuit (not shown) having such a function is incorporated in the control ASIC 51. FIG. 13 shows a processing flowchart relating to the start interlock of the reading operation performed by the control ASIC 51, which will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0095]
First, when the number of copies, the copy quality mode, and the like are input from the operation panel unit 70 and one of the color or monochrome copy buttons 84 and 86 is pressed, the CPU 54 transmits a copy start command to the control ASIC 51 ( S101).
[0096]
Upon receiving this, the control ASIC 51 first starts the sheet feeding operation of the sheet feeding mechanism 32, that is, swings the hopper 321 to pull out the topmost sheet 7 from the plurality of sheets 7 stocked in the hopper 321 to the transport path. Then, the paper 7 is brought into contact with the paper feed roller 323, and the paper feed roller 323 is rotated (S102). Then, when one sheet of paper 7 that has moved along the transport path due to the rotation of the paper feed roller 323 normally reaches the position of the paper detection sensor 45, the arrival of the paper 7 is determined by the paper detection sensor 45. The detection is performed by the rotation of the lever 451, and the detection signal is transmitted to the control ASIC 51 (S103).
[0097]
The control ASIC 51 that has received this determines that the sheet feeding operation has been completed normally from this detection signal, and permits the scanner unit 10 to start the image reading operation (S104). In addition, the rotation of the paper feed roller 323 is stopped, and the swing of the hopper 321 is returned to the original state to stop the paper feed operation. Thereafter, the copy processing is performed by the above-described copy function (S105).
[0098]
On the other hand, if the detection signal is not received within a predetermined time after the reception of the copy start command, the control ASIC 51 determines that a paper feed error such as a paper jam or an out of paper has occurred (S106). Then, the paper feeding operation is stopped, and a paper feeding error alarm is reported to the notification lamp 74 of the operation panel unit 70 (S107, S108). The user who knows the paper feeding error by this alarm clears the paper feeding error by removing the jammed paper or replenishing the paper to the hopper 321, and then presses the copy buttons 84 and 86 again (S109). Then, a copy start command is transmitted again from the CPU 54, and the control ASIC 51 that has received the command returns to the process of step S102 and starts the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism 32 again.
[0099]
The SPC multifunction device 1 according to the present invention includes the interlock circuit as described above, and waits for the completion of the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism 32, that is, starts the reading operation by the scanner unit 10 after the completion. Therefore, the reading operation is completely cut off from a paper feeding error that can cause a long-term interruption. Therefore, the reading operation is not interrupted due to the paper feeding error, and the continuity of the image data caused by the temporal change of the reading environment during the interruption, for example, the light amount fluctuation of the exposure lamp 22 or the like. Loss can be reliably prevented. As a result, based on the image data, it is possible to reliably print a print image in which image continuity is maintained.
[0100]
Incidentally, the interlock circuit basically applies to all copy processing involving a reading operation by the scanner unit 10 without exception. For example, even when copying the same document over a plurality of sheets, if a reading operation is performed every time one sheet is printed, all the reading operations are performed after the completion of the sheet feeding. ing. However, when the image data read at the time of copying the first sheet remains in the control ASIC SDRAM 69 and the second and subsequent sheets are copied based on the image data, the reading operation is not performed. Needless to say, this interlock is not involved.
[0101]
FIG. 14 shows a processing flowchart of an interlock circuit according to a modification of the embodiment. The interlock circuit of the above-described embodiment does not permit the reading operation until the sheet feeding operation is completed without exception. In the present modification, however, in the copy operation mode selectively input from the operation panel unit 70, In some cases, the reading operation is started without waiting for the completion of the sheet feeding operation.
[0102]
That is, the processing flowchart of the present modified example includes the step of S102a in addition to the above-described embodiment, and when the first copy operation mode is selected from the operation panel unit 70, the sheet feeding operation is performed. When the second copy operation mode is selected, the reading operation is started without waiting for the completion of the sheet feeding operation.
[0103]
According to such a configuration, the user can freely select whether or not to wait for the completion of the sheet feeding operation according to his / her own convenience, so that the usability is improved. For example, if the copy speed is more important than the quality of the print image, the second operation mode may be selected and input. If the quality is more important, the first operation mode may be selected and input.
[0104]
The selection of the copy operation mode is not limited to direct input from the operation panel unit 70, but may be indirectly determined based on the copy quality mode input from the operation panel unit 70. That is, the CPU 54 may determine the input copy quality mode as a key by referring to the copy operation mode determination table.
[0105]
FIG. 15 shows the copy operation mode determination table. In this table 541, one of the first and second copy operation modes is associated with each copy quality mode 541a. In this association, the first copy operation mode is associated with the copy quality mode 541a having a high reading resolution and print resolution, while the second copy operation mode is associated with the copy quality mode 541a having a low resolution. Are made to correspond to each other. The reason for this is that, particularly when the resolution is high, the influence of the fluctuation in the light amount of the exposure lamp 22 tends to appear in the printed image. Therefore, for example, for “plain paper-fine”, “super fine paper-fine”, “glossy paper”, “PM photo paper”, and “PM matte paper” which are relatively high resolution copy quality modes 541a. Is associated with a first copy operation mode for waiting for the completion of a paper feed operation in order to improve the quality of a printed image, and conversely, "plain paper-economy" and "plain paper" which are relatively low resolution copy quality modes. The second operation mode that does not wait for the completion of the paper feeding operation is associated with “fast” and “super fine paper—fast” in order to give priority to the copy speed.
[0106]
According to such a configuration, loss of continuity of image data due to long-term interruption of the reading operation, which is likely to be particularly apparent at high resolution, can be reliably suppressed. Copy time can be shortened for resolution.
[0107]
=== Other Embodiments ===
Although the above embodiment mainly describes the SPC multifunction apparatus, the above embodiment is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is not for limiting the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes its equivalents. In particular, even the embodiments described below are included in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.
[0108]
In the above-described embodiment, the SPC multifunction apparatus has been described as a recording apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a color filter manufacturing apparatus, a dyeing apparatus, a fine processing apparatus, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, a surface processing apparatus, a three-dimensional modeling machine, a liquid vaporizer, an organic EL manufacturing apparatus (especially a polymer EL manufacturing apparatus), a display manufacturing apparatus, and a film forming apparatus The same technology as in the present embodiment may be applied to an apparatus, a DNA chip manufacturing apparatus, and the like. These methods and manufacturing methods are also within the scope of application.
[0109]
In the above-described embodiment, ink such as dye ink or pigment ink is ejected from the nozzle. However, the liquid ejected from the nozzle is not limited to such ink. For example, a liquid (including water) including a metal material, an organic material (especially a polymer material), a magnetic material, a conductive material, a wiring material, a film forming material, an electronic ink, a processing solution, a gene solution, and the like is discharged from the nozzle. May be. If such a liquid is directly discharged toward an object, material saving, process saving, and cost reduction can be achieved.
[0110]
In the above-described embodiment, the ink is ejected using the piezo element. However, the method of discharging the liquid is not limited to this. For example, another method such as a method of generating bubbles in a nozzle by heat may be used.
[0111]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the appearance of a print image printed based on this image data by maintaining the continuity of the read and generated image data without interrupting the reading operation due to a paper feed error. A possible recording device and a control method of the recording device are realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus in a state where a cover of a scanner unit is opened.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the recording apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus showing a state where the inside of a printer unit is exposed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel unit.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a copy quality mode.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement around a print head.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a driving unit of the transport mechanism.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a sheet feeding operation from a sheet feeding mechanism to a transport mechanism.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of nozzles on a lower surface of a print head.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a drive signal generation unit provided in the head control unit.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control circuit.
FIG. 13 is a processing flowchart related to a start interlock of a reading operation of the scanner unit.
FIG. 14 is a processing flowchart according to a modified example of the start interlock.
FIG. 15 is a copy operation mode determination table.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a temporal change in the light amount of an exposure lamp.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 SPC multifunction device 3 host computer 5
7 paper 10 scanner unit (scanner unit) 12 platen glass
14 Press cover 16 Reading carriage 18 Driving means
20 Regulation Guide 22 Exposure Lamp 24 Lens
26 mirror 28 CCD sensor 29 guide receiving part
30 printer unit 32 paper feed mechanism (paper supply unit) 31 gear train
33 Nozzle row 34 Paper discharge unit 35 Platen
36 writing carriage 37 transport roller 38 print head
39 paper ejection roller 40 carriage motor 41 hinge mechanism
42 Paper feed motor (PF motor) 43 Power supply cable
44 Sliding shaft 45 Paper detection sensor 46 Linear encoder
47 Rotary encoder 48 Pulley 49 Timing belt
50 control circuit 51 control ASIC
52 USB interface (USBIF)
54 CPU 56 SDRAM 57 Image Buffer
58 Scanner control unit 60 Binarization processing unit
62 interlace processing unit 64 image buffer unit
66 CPU interface unit (CPUIF unit)
68 Head Control Unit 69 ASIC SDRAM
70 operation panel section 72 liquid crystal display
74 Information lamp 76 Power button
78 Scan start button 80 Setting display button
82 Clear button 84 Color copy button
86 Monochrome copy button 88 Stop button
90 Copy number setting button 92 Menu button
181 Timing belt 182 Pulley
183 Pulse motor 184 Idler pulley
204 Mask circuit 206 Original drive signal generator
230 Drive signal correction unit 301 Aperture
321 Hopper (feed tray) 322 Rotary shaft 323 Feed roller
324 Separation pad 325 Drive mechanism 341 Output tray
351 Guide surface 371 Driven roller 381 Lower surface
391 driven roller 451 lever
452 Transmission type optical sensor 453 Working part 454 Shielding part
461 Code plate for linear encoder
541 Copy operation mode determination table
541a Copy quality mode 541b Copy operation mode
571 Image buffer 572 Image buffer
621 SRAM 691 line buffer
692 interlace buffer 693 image buffer
694 Image buffer 901 button 902 button

Claims (9)

Image reading means for reading an image from an original to generate image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and a paper supply mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at appropriate timing. Printing means for printing a print image on the printed printing medium,
Image data is sequentially written in the memory area until there is no free area, and when there is no free area in the memory area, the image data is written to the area where the read image data existed in the memory area. In the recording apparatus, a reading operation by the image reading means is started after a paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism is completed. The recording device according to claim 1,
A recording apparatus, wherein when the area for writing the image data in the memory area runs out, the reading operation by the image reading means is interrupted. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein
A first operation mode in which the reading operation is started after the sheet feeding operation is completed, and a second operation mode in which the reading operation is started without waiting for the sheet feeding operation to be set can be set. A recording device characterized by the above-mentioned. The recording device according to claim 3,
A recording apparatus, wherein the resolution of image data generated in the first operation mode is higher than that of the second operation mode. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The printing unit performs printing while transporting the printing medium by a transport mechanism,
The paper feeding mechanism feeds a print medium to be stored toward the transport mechanism,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding operation is completed when a sensor provided between the sheet feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism detects the printing medium. The recording device according to claim 5,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a mechanical sensor that emits a detection signal when the sensor comes into contact with a leading end of a printing medium. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The image reading unit includes a light source that irradiates light on the image of the document, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light or transmitted light from the image, and an image for generating the image data based on the received light. A recording device comprising: a data generation unit. Image reading means for reading an image from an original to generate image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and a paper supply mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at appropriate timing. Printing means for printing a print image on a paper-printed medium; image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area; In a recording device that writes image data to an area where read image data has existed in the area,
The image reading unit includes a light source that irradiates light on the image of the document, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light or transmitted light from the image, and an image for generating the image data based on the received light. And a data generator.
When there is no more area for writing the image data in the memory area, interrupt the reading operation by the image reading means,
A first operation mode in which the reading operation is started after the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism is completed, and a second operation mode in which the reading operation is started without waiting for the sheet feeding operation to be completed are set. In preparation for possible
The resolution of the image data generated in the first operation mode is higher than that of the second operation mode,
The printing means performs printing while transporting the printing medium by a transport mechanism, and the paper feeding mechanism feeds and delivers the printing medium stored in a storage unit to the transport mechanism, and feeds the paper. Completion of the operation is when a sensor provided between the paper feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism detects the printing medium,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a mechanical sensor that emits a detection signal when the sensor comes into contact with a leading end of a printing medium. Image reading means for reading an image from an original to generate image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and a paper supply mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at appropriate timing. Printing means for printing a print image on the printed printing medium,
Image data is sequentially written in the memory area until there is no free area, and when there is no free area in the memory area, the image data is written to the area where the read image data existed in the memory area. In the control method of the recording device,
A control method for a recording apparatus, wherein a reading operation by the image reading means is started after a paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism is completed.

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