JP2007013842A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To mitigate the processing of a controller by securing document data which are read until power-off and preventing unwanted page data from being read when reading a next document to be copied, and to shorten a period of time needed upto a copying by using data-processed copy data as they are. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a document in-the-middle-of-reading flag means for the image forming apparatus to recognize presence of a document which has been read in the middle, when the image forming apparatus is next recovered if processing is interrupted in the middle of document reading; a read document number recording means for storing the number of documents read before interruption; a document in-the-middle-of-reading management means for storing a location of data of the document read in the middle; and a document-in-the-middle-of-reading flag means for indicating the presence of a document read until the middle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that are network-connected to a terminal device such as a personal computer.

  Conventionally, when a document to be copied is set in the document feeder of the image forming apparatus and the image processing apparatus is turned off while the document to be copied is read into the image forming apparatus, the number of documents read by the document feeder is It disappeared. Therefore, when the original is set again, it is read from the first page and data processing is performed.

On the other hand, if a jam occurs during scanning, the reading position of the scanner unit's reading operation unit before the occurrence of the jam is stored, and after the jam processing, the reading unit is moved to the reading position to continue the document. What is read has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-205180

  However, when the number of originals to be copied is large, it takes time to read the image data of the first page into the image forming apparatus again and execute printing.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, guarantees the original data read before the power is shut off, and reads unnecessary page data when the original to be copied is read next time. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the processing time of the controller and reducing the time until the copying operation by using the already processed copy data as it is.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention is directed to an image forming apparatus that, when the processing is interrupted during reading of an original, the original is read halfway when the image forming apparatus returns next time. Document flag means for reading halfway for recognition by the device, means for recording the number of originals to be read that store the number of originals to be read until the interruption, document management means for halfway reading to store the location of the data of the halfway read originals, and halfway reading It is characterized in that it has an original document flag means indicating that there is an original document.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes means for combining and outputting the read image data before and after the process is stopped when the process is stopped while the document is being read and the process is resumed. And

  If the number of originals to be read is large, the original data until the power is shut off is guaranteed, and unnecessary page data is not read when the original to be copied next time is read. By using the processed copy data as it is, the time until the copy operation can be shortened.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below based on examples.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining processing after the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention returns from power-off.

  In step S101, it is determined whether or not the start key on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus has been pressed after selecting the interrupted job button displayed on the LCD display unit. In step S101, when the interrupted job button displayed on the LCD display unit is selected and the start key of the image forming apparatus is pressed, the process proceeds to step S102, and the interrupted job button is not selected and the image forming apparatus is selected. When the start button of the operation unit is pressed, normal copy processing is performed.

  In step S102, from the job management table stored in the nonvolatile memory or the volatile memory in which data is backed up by a lithium ion battery or the like, the HDD of the image forming apparatus is A process of reading the number of read copy target originals stored in the recording apparatus is performed.

  In step S103, the document placed on the feeder 142 of the image forming apparatus is scanned, and the number of scanned documents is counted.

  In step S104, the number of sheets scanned in step S103 is compared with the number of processed copy originals read from the job management table in step S102. If the number of documents scanned by the feeder 142 in the process of step S103 is equal to or less than the number of processed copied documents read from the job management table in step S102, the process of step S103 is performed again. In the process of step S103, the image forming apparatus does not store the data of the copy target document set and read in the feeder 142 in the recording apparatus or the like. If the number of copy target documents scanned by the feeder 142 of the image forming apparatus in step S104 is greater than the number of processed copy target documents read from the job management table, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the document to be copied read by the feeder is subjected to image processing and recorded in a recording apparatus mounted on the image forming apparatus.

  A step S106 performs a process of checking whether or not a copy target document remains in the feeder. In step S106, if a copy target document remains in the feeder, the document is read, subjected to image processing, and recorded in a recording device mounted on the image forming apparatus. When there is no copy target document set in the feeder in step S106, the copy target document reading process is terminated.

  In step S107, image data that has already been read from the feeder before the main power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned off and image data that has been read after the main power supply of the image forming apparatus is restored are output. In step S107, after the original to be copied is scanned by the feeder, the first storage is started from the previous storage start address portion based on the information of the storage start address portion and the storage end address portion recorded in the temporary data information recording portion described later. The image data recorded between the end address portions is printed. When that is finished, the image data read from the feeder is output.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The scanner unit 10 as an image input device irradiates a document image with a lamp, reads it with a CCD line sensor (not shown), and converts it into an electrical signal to process it as image data. The original paper is set on the original feeder 142, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 140, the original feeder 142 feeds the original paper one by one and performs an original image reading operation.

  The printer unit 20 that is an image output device is a part that converts image data into an image on paper. In the specification of this patent, the electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt will be described. An ink jet system that prints an image directly on a sheet by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array may be used. The start of the printing operation is started by an instruction from a controller inside the apparatus. The printer unit 20 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes 122, 124, 144, and 146 corresponding thereto. Further, the paper on which the image is formed is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 132.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Reference numeral 101 denotes an original platen glass on which originals fed from the original feeder 142 are sequentially placed at predetermined positions. Reference numeral 102 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on the document table glass 101. Reference numerals 103, 104, and 105 denote scanning mirrors, which are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown), and guide reflected light from the original to the CCD unit 106 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 106 includes an imaging lens 107 that forms an image of reflected light from an original on the CCD, for example, an image sensor 108 composed of a CCD, a CCD driver 109 that drives the image sensor 108, and the like. An image signal output from the image sensor 108 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data and then input to the controller unit 30. Reference numeral 110 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 112 in preparation for image formation. A primary charger 113 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 110. Reference numeral 117 denotes an exposure unit, which is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser and exposes the photosensitive drum 110 based on image data processed by the controller unit 30 that performs image formation and overall control of the apparatus, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. . Reference numeral 118 denotes a developing device that contains a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 119 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a sheet. 120, 122, 124, 144, and 146 are paper cassettes (120 is a manual paper feed unit), and transfer paper is transferred by driving the paper feed rollers 121, 123, 125, 143, and 145. The sheet is fed into the apparatus, temporarily stops at the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed, and is written again with the timing of writing with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 110. A transfer charger 127 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a transfer sheet to be fed. Reference numeral 128 denotes a separation charger that separates the transfer sheet on which the transfer operation has been completed from the photosensitive drum 110. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 110 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 111. Reference numeral 129 denotes a conveyance belt which conveys the transfer sheet on which the transfer process has been completed to the fixing device 130 and is fixed by heat, for example. Reference numeral 131 denotes a flapper that controls the transfer path of the transfer sheet after the fixing process to one of the arrangement directions of the discharge tray 132 and the intermediate tray 137. Reference numerals 133 to 136 denote feeding rollers which feed the transfer paper once the fixing process is completed to the intermediate tray 137 by being reversed (multiple) or non-reversed (both sides). Reference numeral 138 denotes a re-feed roller that transports the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 137 to the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed again.

  The controller unit 30 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and performs the above-described image forming operation in accordance with an instruction from a man-machine interface device, that is, the operation unit 140.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the operation unit 140 of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The LCD display unit 1032 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits position information to the controller unit 30 when a displayed key is pressed. The numeric keypad 1028 is used when inputting numbers such as the number of copies. A start key 1029 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A stop key 1030 is used to stop an operation in operation. A reset key 1031 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  Reference numeral 1023 denotes a guide key. When the key function is not understood, an explanation of the key is displayed. Reference numeral 1024 denotes a copy mode key which is pressed when copying. Reference numeral 1025 denotes a fax key which is pressed to make settings related to fax. A file key 1026 is pressed to output file data. Reference numeral 1027 denotes a printer key, which is used when settings relating to print output from an external device such as a computer are made.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a temporary data information recording unit of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The temporary data information recording unit is created in a battery-backed SRAM or a non-volatile memory in the controller unit of the image forming apparatus. The temporary data information recording unit includes a reading interruption flag unit, a read document number recording unit, a recording device storage start address unit, and a storage end address unit. When a document to be copied is set in the feeder of the image forming apparatus and scanning of the document to be copied is started, the controller unit of the image forming apparatus scans the document to be copied and records on an HDD or the like mounted on the image forming apparatus. The scan data of the original to be copied is stored in the apparatus. At the same time, the information in the temporary data information recording unit is rewritten. When the main power supply of the image forming apparatus is cut off due to a sudden trouble during scanning, the image data being read from the feeder at that time has not been stored in the recording apparatus such as the HDD of the image forming apparatus. If not, the image data information is not recorded in the temporary data information recording unit.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing after the image forming apparatus returns from power shutdown in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that when there is a reading interrupted document, a button indicating that there is a reading interrupted document is displayed on the LCD display unit in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. In addition, a mechanism for displaying the number of read document pages is also provided. The user of the image forming apparatus extracts the document for the number of pages indicated from the document to be copied, sets the remaining document to be copied in the feeder of the image forming apparatus, and displays it on the LCD display unit of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus The interrupted button is selected, and a start key on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus is pressed to start reading a document. The processing flow will be described below.

  In step S601, it is determined whether or not the start key on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus has been pressed after selecting the interrupted job button displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit. In step S601, if the interrupted job button displayed on the LCD display unit is selected and the start key of the image forming apparatus is pressed, the process proceeds to step S602, and the interrupted job button is not selected and the image forming apparatus is selected. When the start button of the operation unit is pressed, normal copy processing is performed.

  In step S602, a copy target document set in the feeder of the image forming apparatus is scanned, and image processing is performed on the image data read by the image forming apparatus.

  Step S603 is a process for determining whether or not a document remains in the feeder of the image forming apparatus. If there is a document in the feeder of the image forming apparatus, the process returns to step S602. If there is no document in the feeder of the image forming apparatus, the process proceeds to step S604.

  In step S604, the last page of data that has been processed before the main power supply of the image forming apparatus is shut off and the first page of image data read after the main power supply is restored are in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. Processing to be displayed on the LCD display unit is performed. At the same time, a button for the user to select whether or not there is a problem with the content displayed on the LCD display unit, that is, whether there is no mistake in the connection between pages (for example, two buttons of OK and NG are displayed on the LCD display unit). Displayed). The user of the image forming apparatus can confirm that there is no deficiency in reading the original to be copied before and after the main power of the image forming apparatus is turned off by looking at the image displayed on the LCD display unit.

  Step S605 shows processing when the button for selecting whether or not the connection between pages displayed on the LCD display unit in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus in step S604 is wrong is pressed. If it is determined in step S605 that the user has determined that the connection between pages is correct, the process proceeds to step S606. If it is determined in step S605 that the user has determined that the connection between pages is incorrect, the process proceeds to step S607.

  Step S606 indicates processing for performing a printing operation. Note that the printing operation in step S606 performs the same processing as the printing operation described in the first embodiment. That is, first, image data that has been processed before the main power supply of the image forming apparatus is disconnected is printed from the temporary data information recording unit. When this is finished, printing of the read image data is executed after the main power supply of the image forming apparatus is restored.

  Step S607 is processing when the user presses the button that the user has determined that the connection between pages is incorrect in step S605. In step S607, guidance for setting only defective pages to the document feeder of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the operation unit. Display on the LCD display.

  In step S608, a copy target document set in the document feeder is read, and the page is inserted between the pages displayed on the LCD display unit in step S604, and printed. Since the image forming apparatus stores the storage location of the recording apparatus that stores the data of the original to be read before and after the reading of the image is interrupted, insertion between pages can be easily performed.

6 is a flowchart for explaining processing after the image forming apparatus returns from power shutdown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 is a configuration diagram of an operation unit 140 of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporary data information recording unit of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for describing processing after the image forming apparatus is restored from power shutdown in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Scanner part 20 Printer part 30 Controller unit 122 Paper cassette 124 Paper cassette 132 Paper discharge tray 140 Operation part 142 Original feeder 144 Paper cassette 146 Paper cassette 1029 Start key 1032 LCD display part

Claims (2)

  In the image forming apparatus, if the process is interrupted while reading the original, the original reading flag means for the image forming apparatus to recognize that there is an original read halfway when the image forming apparatus is restored next time Means for storing the number of originals to be read, means for recording the number of originals that have been read, means for managing the middle of reading originals that store the location of the data of the originals that have been read halfway, An image forming apparatus comprising:   In the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes means for combining and outputting the read image data before and after the process is stopped when the process is stopped while the document is being read and the process is restored. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.