JP2007105933A - Image recorder and image recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable more efficient suppression of a waiting power without a productivity of image recording being decreased. <P>SOLUTION: The image recorder sequentially receives a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and records a color image on the basis of the color-separated image data. The image recorder includes an image storage means 53 capable of storing at least image data of one page, and a storage control means which controls the operation of the image storage means. The image storage means consists of a plurality of storage units 53a-53d each capable of storing the image data. Supply power sources 60a-60d can turn on/off the plurality of storage units independently of each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and an image recording method for receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data.

  In general, when producing a color printed matter, it may be required to perform color calibration at the stage of an original film. In such a case, C (cyan) plate, M (magenta) plate, Y (yellow) ) And proof plates (color proofs) using each color separation network original film color-separated into K (black) version, before preparing the actual printing plate, the layout and color of the original film, In addition, the finished quality of the final printed matter including the presence / absence of errors related to characters, etc. is confirmed.

  In recent years, with the spread of DTP (Desk Top Publishing) and the like, the work of image editing and page imposition on computer software has become common, and full digital editing has become rare. In such a process, aiming at further efficiency, image setter output that directly outputs image data after page editing to film, CTP (Computer To Plate) output that directly outputs to a printing plate, and a printing machine CTC (Computer To Cylinder) is performed to directly output an image to a printing plate wound on a cylinder.

  In this case, it is necessary to perform film output and printing plate output only for calibration confirmation, and there is a problem that labor and time equivalent to or more than the final printed matter creation, and waste of the film and printing plate are generated.

  Therefore, particularly in the process of creating and editing a full digital image by such a computer, color proof is created by using digital image data called DDCP (Direct Digital Color Proof) or DCP (Digital Color Proof). There is a need for a system that directly outputs and obtains a color image.

  Such DDCP records digital image data processed on a computer on a plate-making film with an image setter or the like, performs a final printing operation for directly producing a printing plate with CTP, or a printing machine with CTC. Before performing image recording directly on the printing plate wound on the cylinder of the machine, create a color proof that directly outputs the digital image processed on the computer and reproduces the print finish quality, its supply pattern, It is designed to check the color, text, characters, etc.

Also, in the calibration process in such plate making and printing processes,
1) Internal school for confirming mistakes inside the work site 2) Outer school submitted to the orderer and designer for confirmation of finishing 3) Printing provided as a sample of the final printed matter to the printing press master Proofs are created and used for three main uses of the sample.

  In the proofreading process, for in-school and some out-of-school applications, DDCP using proofreading materials that cannot reproduce halftone images due to needs such as shortening of delivery time and cost reduction, that is, sublimation transfer method, ink jet and electrophotography In some cases, the output product is used mainly as a proof for appearance confirmation, but the reproducibility of highlights, fine details, and the presence or absence of inappropriate interference fringes in the halftone image called moire during printing, etc. In the proof application used for quality confirmation and as a printing sample, a proof output that faithfully reproduces a printing halftone dot is desired.

  As a DDCP satisfying such needs, there is a type that performs image exposure on a silver salt photosensitive material using a high-power heat mode laser and transfers it to a printing paper. However, such a system capable of reproducing a high-quality halftone dot has a drawback that the cost of the apparatus and the silver salt photosensitive material is increased.

  On the other hand, in recent years, DDCP using a silver salt color light-sensitive material capable of further confirming a halftone image at low cost has begun to spread. A method using a silver salt color photosensitive material (hereinafter also referred to as “silver salt photosensitive material”) is, for example, a light spot synthesized by combining a plurality of lights having different wavelengths of R, G, and B, for example, C The silver salt light-sensitive material composed of the color-developing layers of M, Y, and Y is exposed to color each dot of C, M, and Y to form a halftone color image.

In the image recording apparatus as described above, high productivity and low running cost are required, and an image recording apparatus having a function of reducing power consumption is known as a function that meets this requirement. There is an image recording apparatus described. This image recording apparatus is intended to reduce standby power by stopping rotation of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) apparatus that is not used for receiving and recording image data after a predetermined time has elapsed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-166094

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method that enable more efficient standby power suppression without reducing image recording productivity in view of the above-described conventional technology. .

  A first image recording apparatus according to the present invention is an image recording apparatus that sequentially receives a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and records a color image based on the color-separated image data, and includes at least one page. Image storage means capable of storing image data for the amount of data, and storage control means for controlling the operation of the image storage means. The image storage means comprises a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data. In addition, the plurality of storage units are configured such that a power supply can be turned on / off independently.

  According to the first image recording apparatus, the image storage means is composed of a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data, and each storage unit can independently turn on / off the power supply. Power supply to other storage units not involved in storage of color separation image data received from the host device can be stopped, and power supply to storage units that have completed storage of color separation image data can be stopped. Standby power for the storage means can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving.

  A second image recording apparatus according to the present invention is an image recording apparatus that sequentially receives a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and records a color image based on the color-separated image data, and includes at least one page. Image storage means capable of storing image data for the amount of data, and storage control means for controlling the operation of the image storage means. The image storage means comprises a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data. In addition, each of the plurality of storage units is configured such that a power supply can be turned on and off independently, and the storage control unit receives the color separation image data or records the color separation image data that has been received. If not, the power supply is stopped so as to stop power supply to a storage unit other than the storage unit for storing predetermined color separation image data among the plurality of storage units. And controlling.

  According to the second image recording apparatus, when the reception of the color separation image data is not executed or the recording of the color separation image data that has been received is not executed, a plurality of storage units of the image storage means Among these, since power supply to image units other than the image unit storing predetermined color separation image data is stopped, standby power can be reduced for an image unit in which no color separation image data is stored. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving.

  A third image recording apparatus according to the present invention is an image recording apparatus that sequentially receives a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and records a color image based on the color-separated image data, and includes at least one page. Image storage means capable of storing image data for the amount of data, and storage control means for controlling the operation of the image storage means. The image storage means comprises a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data. In addition, each of the plurality of storage units is configured such that a power supply can be turned on and off independently, and the storage control unit receives the color separation image data or records the color separation image data that has been received. If not, the power supply is controlled so as to stop power supply to all the plurality of storage units.

  According to the third image recording apparatus, when the reception of the color separation image data is not executed or the recording of the color separation image data that has been received is not executed, a plurality of storage units of the image storage means Therefore, the standby power can be reduced for a plurality of image units during standby. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving.

  In the first to third image recording apparatuses, when the storage control unit starts receiving the color separation image data from the host device, it supplies power to the storage unit for storing color separation image data for one color. It is preferable to control to start. Thereby, power supply to the storage unit can be stopped until reception of the next color separation image data is started, and standby power of the image storage unit can be further reduced.

  Further, it is preferable that the storage control means performs control so as to stop power supply to the storage unit that has completed storing the color separation image data. Thereby, the standby power of the image storage means can be further reduced.

  The storage control means controls to stop power supply to the storage unit that has completed the storage of the color separation image data, completes the storage of the last color separation image data, and the color separation image data When starting the image recording immediately, it is preferable to perform control so as not to stop the power supply to the storage unit. As a result, when recording of color separation image data is started immediately, output from the image storage means can be performed immediately, which can contribute to improvement in productivity of image recording.

  Further, the plurality of storage units can be configured to be physically divided in color units. Further, the image storage means can be composed of a semiconductor storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and in this case, a semiconductor memory that can hold the written contents even when the power supply is cut off can be used.

  A fourth image recording apparatus according to the present invention is an image recording apparatus for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data, and at least one page Image storage means capable of storing image data for the amount of data, and storage control means for controlling the operation of the image storage means. The image storage means comprises a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data. In addition, each of the plurality of storage units is configured such that a power supply can be turned on / off independently, and the storage control unit continues to supply power to the storage unit from the start of reception of the color separation image data to the completion of image recording. The power supply is controlled to stop the power supply when the image recording is completed.

  According to the fourth image recording apparatus, the power supply to the storage unit can be continued from the reception of the color separation image data to the completion of the image recording, and the power supply to the image unit can be stopped when the image recording is completed. Standby power can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving.

  In the fourth image recording apparatus, when the storage control unit starts to receive color separation image data from the host device, it starts to supply power to the storage unit for storing color separation image data for one color. It is preferable to control. Thereby, power supply to the storage unit can be stopped until reception of the next color separation image data is started, and standby power of the image storage unit can be further reduced.

  Further, the plurality of storage units can be configured to be physically divided in color units. Further, the image storage means can be composed of a semiconductor storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and not only the semiconductor memory that can hold the written contents even when the power supply is cut off, but the written contents are undefined when the power supply is cut off. A semiconductor memory can also be used.

  A first image recording method according to the present invention is an image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data. A step of driving an image storage device including a plurality of storage units, a step of starting reception of color separation image data from the host device, and a memory not involved in storage of color separation image data related to the reception A step of stopping power supply to the unit, and a step of storing the color separation image data related to the reception in the storage unit.

  According to the first image recording method, when the reception of the color separation image data from the host device is started after the image storage device including a plurality of storage units is driven, the other image storage device that does not participate in the storage of the color separation image data. Since power supply to the storage unit is stopped, standby power can be reduced for a storage unit that does not store color separation image data. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving.

  A second image recording method according to the present invention is an image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data. Starting to receive color-separated image data from and supplying power to a storage unit for storing the color-separated image data related to the reception in an image storage device including a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data And storing the color separation image data related to the reception in the storage unit.

  According to the second image recording method, when reception of color separation image data from the host device is started, power is supplied to the storage unit of the image storage device involved in storing the color separation image data, and other storage units not involved Since the power supply to is kept stopped, the standby power can be reduced for a storage unit that does not store color separation image data. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving.

  In the first and second image recording methods, it is preferable to stop power supply to the storage unit that has completed the storage of the color separation image data. Thereby, the standby power of the storage unit of the image storage device can be further reduced.

  In addition, when the color separation image data that has been stored is the last color separation image data of the plurality of color separation image data and image recording of the color separation image data is immediately started, the storage unit It is preferable not to stop the power supply. Thereby, when recording of color separation image data is started immediately, output from the image storage device can be performed immediately, which can contribute to improvement in productivity of image recording.

  In addition, when the color separation image data that has been stored is not the last color separation image data of the plurality of color separation image data, when reception of the next color separation image data is started, the storage of the color separation image data is started It is preferable to supply power to the storage units involved in the. Thereby, power supply to the storage unit can be stopped until reception of the next color separation image data is started, and standby power of the image storage unit can be further reduced.

  A third image recording method according to the present invention is an image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data. A step of driving an image storage device including a plurality of storage units each capable of storing color, a step of monitoring whether or not reception of color separation image data from the host device is started, and no reception of the color separation image data And stopping the power supply to all of the plurality of storage units.

  According to the third image recording method, since the color separation image data received from the host device is monitored and the color separation image data is not received, the power supply to all the storage units of the image storage device is stopped. It is possible to reduce standby power of the image storage device until the decomposed image data is received. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving.

  A fourth image recording method according to the present invention is an image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data. A step of driving an image storage device including a plurality of storage units capable of storing each of the above, a step of receiving color separation image data from the host device, and when image recording is not performed on the received color separation image data, And a step of stopping power supply to all of the plurality of storage units.

  According to the fourth image recording method, even when the reception of the color separation image data from the host device is completed, when the image recording is not executed for the color separation image data, all the storage units of the image storage device are recorded. Since the power supply is stopped, the standby power of the image storage device until the color separation image data is recorded can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving.

  A fifth image recording method according to the present invention is an image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data. Starting to receive color-separated image data from and supplying power to a storage unit for storing the color-separated image data related to the reception in an image storage device including a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data Storing the color separation image data related to the reception in the storage unit, recording an image with respect to the stored color separation image data, and storing the color separation image data for which the image recording has been completed. And stopping the power supply to the storage unit.

  According to the fifth image recording method, the power supply to the storage unit can be continued from the reception of the color separation image data to the completion of the image recording. When the image recording is completed, the power supply to the image unit can be stopped. Standby power can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without deteriorating image recording productivity, which can contribute to energy saving. Further, when the reception of the color separation image data from the host device is started, the next color separation image data is received by controlling to start the power supply to the storage unit for storing the color separation image data for one color. The power supply to the storage unit can be stopped until the image data is started, and the standby power of the image storage device can be further reduced.

  The present invention particularly sensitizes a color silver halide light-sensitive material with a plurality of light sources having different wavelengths based on halftone dot image data processed by a RIP (raster image processor) or a halftone dot conversion processor. The present invention is preferably applied to an image recording apparatus and an image recording method for creating a color proof for confirming the finish of a printed matter in advance.

  According to the image recording apparatus and the image recording method of the present invention, it is possible to more effectively suppress standby power without reducing image recording productivity.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a printing system including an image recording apparatus capable of creating a color proof according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system inputs image data such as PS (PostScript) data from a client terminal 1A of a printing factory to a RIP (Raster Image Processor) 2A that is an image processing apparatus, and the RIP 2A rasterizes PS data. Data converted to image and raster image converted by RIP2A is sent to CTP (Computer-to-Plate) 3A, which is a device for creating a digital original directly for printing, while images such as PS data The data is sent to a host device 100 having an image processing function for creating a color proof, and binary halftone dot image data separated into four colors of YMCK is generated and sent to the image recording device 1. Based on the halftone image data, the image recording apparatus 1 is configured to create a color group.

  The host device 100 can be constituted by, for example, a personal computer, and constitutes an image recording system 101 together with the image recording device 1 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1, and this image recording system 101 creates a color group as described above. System.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the entire image recording apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a view of the inside of the image recording apparatus of FIG. 2 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the main part of the drum and the optical unit of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from above.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image recording apparatus 1 includes an exposure unit 11 that exposes a silver salt photosensitive material to form an image, and a developing unit 21 that develops the exposed silver salt photosensitive material.

  The exposure unit 11 includes a front panel 5 that can be opened and closed so that maintenance can be performed from the front side, an input display unit 2 that includes various information displays and a touch panel and can input various types of information for operation of the entire apparatus, and a roll shape inside. First and second loadings in which a cartridge 13 containing photosensitive paper (hereinafter also referred to as “photosensitive material”), which is a sheet-like silver salt photosensitive material wound around, can be loaded after the paper feed covers 3 and 4 are opened. Parts 12 and 12 '. FIG. 2 shows a state before the cartridge 13 is loaded in the first loading unit 12, and a state after the cartridge 13 is loaded in the second loading unit 12 '.

  The development unit 21 includes an upper panel 6 that can be opened and closed for maintenance, and a replenishment panel 7 that is provided on the front surface so as to be opened and closed for replenishment of a developing solution or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the exposure unit 11 of the image recording apparatus 1 includes a pair of conveying rollers 40, 41, and 42 for feeding the photosensitive material from the cartridge 13 loaded in the first and second loading sections 12 and 12 ′. A drum 10 that rotates in the rotation direction (main scanning direction) R for main scanning while vacuum sucking and holding the photosensitive material S fed from the feeding unit 14 to the outer peripheral surface; An optical unit 16 that exposes a light beam such as LED light or laser light to the photosensitive material on the drum 10 to form a latent image on the photosensitive material, and the optical unit 16 in the sub-scanning direction (the surface of FIG. A sub-scanning unit 17 that conveys in the vertical direction) and a peeling member 15 that peels off the photosensitive material on the drum 10 after image recording. The exposed light-sensitive material is conveyed to the developing unit 21 through the outlet 19 and the connecting portion 19a.

  The image recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 3 further includes a driven roller 43 that is arranged on the downstream side of the pair of conveying rollers 42 and rotates following the conveyance of the photosensitive material that is sent toward the drum 10, and the photosensitive material between the drum 10. The driven roller 31 to be conveyed, the guide member 18 that guides the photosensitive material when the photosensitive material peeled off from the drum 10 by the peeling member 15 is conveyed by the drum 10 and the driven roller 31, and the guide member 18 are sent. A pair of conveying rollers 32 that further conveys the photosensitive material to the outlet 19, an accumulation rate portion 30 for accumulating the photosensitive material that has reached the conveying roller pair 32, and a feeling disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the conveying roller pair 32. A light reflection type detection sensor 33 for detecting the tip of the material.

  A relatively narrow driven roller 43 disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the conveying roller pair 42 is driven to rotate along with the movement of the photosensitive material, and a rotary encoder 58 is connected coaxially to the driven roller 43. By rotating the rotary encoder 58 together with the driven roller 43 and measuring the rotation amount, the length of the photosensitive material wound around the drum 10 through the pair of conveying rollers 42 can be obtained. Further, the downstream conveying roller pair 32 has a one-way clutch structure, and can freely rotate the photosensitive material in the delivery direction to the downstream side.

  Also, cut portions 10a for cutting the photosensitive material are arranged in the vicinity of the downstream side of the pair of conveyance rollers 40 and 41 in FIG. 3, and each cut portion 10a has a rotary cutter that is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). And the photosensitive material is cut into a predetermined length based on the above-described measurement of the photosensitive material length.

  The developing unit 21 shown in FIG. 3 performs wet development on the exposed photosensitive material sent from the exposure unit 11 to visualize a latent image of the photosensitive material. The developing unit 23 performs a photosensitive material developing process, and a fixing process. The image is visualized by the fixing unit 24 that performs the stabilization process, the stabilization unit 25 that performs the stabilization process, the drying unit 26 that performs the drying process, the discharge unit 27 that discharges the dried photosensitive material to the outside by the conveying roller pair 27a and the like. And an accumulating unit for accumulating the discharged photosensitive material.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the drum 10 of the image recording apparatus 1, the rotating shaft 14a of the rotating shaft portion 14 'and the rotating shaft 15a of the rotating shaft portion 18' can rotate to the support bases 34a and 34b via the bearings 33a and 33b. Is pivotally supported. One rotating shaft 15a of the drum 10 is provided with a driving pulley 35a, which is connected to an output pulley 35b of a drum driving pulse motor M6 by a belt 36 and driven by the drum driving pulse motor M6. 10 rotates. The rotary shaft 15a of the drum 10 is provided with a rotary encoder 37, which outputs a pulse signal for rotation and is used for pixel clock control synchronized with the rotation of the drum.

  The other rotating shaft 14a of the drum 10 is connected to the suction blower P1. A large number of suction holes 31c are formed on the surface of the drum 10 so as to extend linearly in the direction of the rotation axis. The inside of the drum 10 is depressurized by driving the suction blower P1, and the photosensitive material is sucked onto the surface of the drum 10. .

  The optical unit 16 is configured to be movable in parallel with the drum axis by the sub-scanning unit 17, receives a digital image signal, exposes the photosensitive material adsorbed on the drum 10 with a light beam, and writes an image. As shown in FIG. 4, an LED unit 320, an LED unit 321, and an LED unit 322 are arranged in the optical unit 16 as light sources for three wavelengths, for example, B, G, and R light sources. The light beams from the LED units 320, 321, and 322 expose an image on the photosensitive material on the drum 10 from the condenser lens 331 via the mirrors 325, 326, and 327. The exposure shutter 332 is opened / closed by an exposure solenoid 333 to open / close the optical path at the start / end of exposure.

  The sub-scanning unit 17 includes a moving belt 340, a pair of guide rails 341 and 342, a pair of pulleys 343 and 344, and a sub-scanning motor M7. The optical unit 16 is fixed to a moving belt 340, and is guided by a pair of guide rails 341 and 342 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the drum shaft. The moving belt 340 is stretched over a pair of pulleys 343 and 344, and one pulley 344 is connected to the output shaft 345 of the sub-scanning motor M7, and the optical unit 16 moves in parallel with the drum shaft by driving the sub-scanning motor M7. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the suction blower P <b> 1 sucks the inside of the drum 10 through the suction connection pipe 51 by the air suction pump, and makes the inside of the drum 10 have a negative pressure before the exposure by the exposure unit 11 to adsorb the photosensitive material to the outer peripheral surface. . Further, when the photosensitive material is wound around the drum 10 and conveyed, the suction blower P1 is operated to suck the photosensitive material.

  Next, the control system of the image recording apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of main parts of a flow of image data in the exposure unit 11 of the image recording apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and a control system of the image recording apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the semiconductor memory of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image recording apparatus 1 in FIGS. 1 to 4 uses the exposure unit 11 to output a plurality of (half-color-separated to YMCK) binary halftone dot image data transmitted from the host apparatus 100 in FIG. A color proof is generated based on the received halftone image data.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the exposure unit 11 includes an image data I / F unit 52 to which halftone image data is input from the external host device 100 in FIG. 1, and a plurality of halftone images from the image data I / F unit 52. The semiconductor memory 53 that functions as a data buffer that stores data once, and is read and output as needed, and the light source driving value for YMCK halftone dot image data read from the semiconductor memory 53 are associated with each other to expose the photosensitive material. An exposure look-up table (exposure LUT) 54 for setting the exposure amount for the B, G, and R LED units 320 to 322 for converting a digital signal of exposure data from the exposure look-up table 54 into an analog signal A plurality of corresponding D / A converters 55a, 55b, and 55c and analog signals from D / A converters 55a to 55c A plurality of drivers 56a in direct analog modulation drive each LED of D units 320-322 comprises 56b, and 56c, a.

  The semiconductor memory 53 is physically divided and separated in color units into a plurality of storage units 53a to 53d corresponding to a plurality of color-separated (YMCK) dot image data. Each of the storage units 53a to 53d has a capacity capable of storing at least one page of image data, is set to store halftone dot image data of each specific color of YMCK, and is independently supplied to each of the power supplies 60a to 60d. It is configured to be able to be turned on / off. The semiconductor memory 53 can store, read, and erase image data, and the stored contents are not erased even when the supply power is turned off. As described above, the plurality of storage units 53a to 53d are specifically composed of a plurality of semiconductor memories. Here, the entire storage device that functions as a data buffer is referred to as a semiconductor memory. This memory is called a storage unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control system of the image recording apparatus 1 includes a control unit 50 including a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 50 includes an image data I / F unit 52 and a semiconductor memory 53. The semiconductor memory control unit 57, the exposure look-up table 54, and other apparatus parts that control each operation of the storage units 53a to 53d independently are controlled.

  The semiconductor memory control unit 57 performs on / off control of the power supplies 60a to 60d of the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53, and controls operations of the storage units 53a to 53d.

  Next, the first to third operations of the image recording apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, respectively.

  <First operation>

  A first operation of the image recording apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the image recording apparatus 1 is operated by turning on the apparatus power switch (SW) 59 of FIG. 5 (S01), the semiconductor memory control unit 57 supplies each of the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53. Power is supplied from the power sources 60a to 60d (S02).

  Next, when the image data I / F unit 52 starts receiving, for example, Y halftone dot image data from the host apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 (S03), the storage unit of the semiconductor memory 53 that stores the Y halftone dot image data. Is the storage unit 53a, the semiconductor memory control unit 57 controls the supply power sources 60b to 60d of the storage units 53b to 53d that are not involved in the storage to be off and stops power supply (S04). Then, the Y halftone dot image data is stored and stored in the storage unit 53a of the semiconductor memory 53 (S05).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the halftone dot image data stored in the storage unit 53a of the semiconductor memory 53 is the last halftone dot image data as described above (S06), and there is unreceived halftone dot image data (at this stage). In this case, the halftone dot image data of MCK is not received), and if it is not the last halftone dot image data, the power supply 60a of the storage unit 53a storing the Y halftone dot image data is turned off to stop the power supply ( S07).

  Next, when reception of the next halftone dot image data is started (S08), power is supplied from the power supply 60b to another storage unit 53b of the semiconductor memory 53 (S09). Then, returning to step S05, the M halftone image data is stored and stored in the storage unit 53b.

  By repeating steps S05 to S09 as described above, the YMCK halftone dot image data is stored in the respective storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53, and when the halftone dot image data storage is completed, the above steps are performed. In S06, for example, the K halftone dot image data is determined as the last halftone dot image data.

  Next, when the YMCK halftone dot image data is immediately recorded (S10), the storage and the power supply to the storage unit 53d is continued without stopping (S11). (S10), the power supply to the stored storage unit 53d is stopped (S12).

  When the above image recording is performed immediately, the photosensitive material S is conveyed from the cartridge 13 loaded in the loading unit 12 or 12 ′ to the drum 10 through the feeding unit 14, and the photosensitive material S is vacuum-sucked to the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10. Hold. Then, each halftone dot image data is sequentially output from each of the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53 (S13), and the light beams from the LED units 320 to 322 on the optical unit 16 are based on these image data. The photosensitive material on the drum 10 is exposed (S14).

  Next, the exposed photosensitive material is peeled off from the drum 10 by the peeling member 15, transported through the guide member 18, transported by the transport roller pair 32 from the outlet 19 to the developing unit 21 through the connecting portion 19a, and the developing units 23, The fixing unit 24, the stabilizing unit 25, and the drying unit 26 sequentially perform development processing and drying (S15), and then the developed photosensitive material is discharged to the outside through the discharge unit 27 and output to the stacking unit 28 (S16). .

  As described above, according to the first operation of the image recording apparatus 1, the apparatus power is turned on and power is supplied to the storage units 53 a to 53 d of the semiconductor memory 53, and then halftone image data is received from the host apparatus 100. Is started, power supply to the other storage units 53b to 53d that are not involved in the storage of the halftone image data is stopped, and therefore power is not supplied to the storage units 53b to 53d that do not store the halftone image data. The standby power can be reduced.

  <Second operation>

  Next, the second operation of the image recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The second operation executes the same steps as steps S01, S03, S05 to S16 of the first operation in FIG. 7 and is basically the same as the first operation, but the apparatus power supply of the image recording apparatus 1 is the same. Even if the SW 59 is turned on (S01), power is not supplied to the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53, and when reception of halftone image data is started from the host device 100, power is supplied to a predetermined storage unit involved in storage. It controls to do.

  That is, when the image data I / F unit 52 starts to receive, for example, Y halftone dot image data from the host apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 (S03), power is supplied to the storage unit 53a of the semiconductor memory 53 that stores the halftone dot image data. (S20). Thereafter, steps S05 to S16 similar to those in FIG. 7 are executed.

  As described above, according to the second operation of the image recording apparatus 1, power is not supplied to the storage units 53 a to 53 d of the semiconductor memory 53 even when the apparatus power is turned on. When reception is started, power is supplied only to the storage unit 53a involved in the storage of the halftone image data, and the other storage units 53b to 53d that are not involved remain stopped. Accordingly, power supply to the storage units 53b to 53d that do not store halftone dot image data can be stopped, so that standby power can be reduced.

  <Third operation>

  Next, a third operation of the image recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The third operation executes the same steps as steps S01, S02, S05 to S16 of the first operation in FIG. 7, and is basically the same as the first operation, but the control unit 50 in FIG. The reception start of halftone dot image data at the image data I / F unit 52 is monitored, and control is performed to stop the power supply to the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53 when the reception start is not reached. .

  That is, when the apparatus power switch (SW) 59 of FIG. 5 is turned on (S01) and the image recording apparatus 1 is operated, the semiconductor memory control unit 57 supplies each of the supply power supplies 60a to 53d to each of the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53. Power is supplied from 60d (S02). Then, the reception start of the halftone image data from the host device 100 is monitored (S21), and when the halftone image data is not received, the power supply to all the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53 is stopped (S22). ).

  On the other hand, when reception of halftone dot image data is started (S21), power is supplied to the storage unit of the semiconductor memory 53 involved in the storage of the halftone dot image data (S23). Thereafter, steps S05 to S16 similar to those in FIGS. 7 and 8 are executed.

  As described above, according to the third operation of the image recording apparatus 1, even when the apparatus power is turned on and power is supplied to the storage units 53 a to 53 d of the semiconductor memory 53, the halftone image data is received from the host apparatus 100. Power supply to all the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53 is stopped until the operation is started. Therefore, since the power supply to all the storage units 53a to 53d can be stopped while waiting for reception of the halftone image data and not storing the halftone image data, the standby power can be reduced.

  In the above-described first to third operations, as shown in steps S07 and S12 of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, power supply to the storage unit that has completed the storage of the halftone image data is stopped. Further reduction can be achieved.

  When the last halftone image data is stored in the storage unit of the semiconductor memory 53 and image recording of these halftone image data is started immediately, power is supplied to the storage unit of the semiconductor memory 53 as in step S11. By continuing without stopping, it is not necessary to turn on / off the power supply of the storage unit, the output from the storage unit of the semiconductor memory 53 can be immediately performed, and it can contribute to the improvement of image recording productivity. .

  <Fourth operation>

  Next, a fourth operation of the image recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The fourth operation executes the same steps as steps S01, S03, and S20 of the second operation in FIG. 8 and is basically the same as the second operation, but from the start of image data reception to the completion of image recording. Control is performed so that power supply to the semiconductor memory is continued, and power supply is stopped when image recording is completed.

  That is, the apparatus power SW 59 of the image recording apparatus 1 is turned ON (S01), and when the image data I / F unit 52 starts to receive, for example, Y dot image data from the host apparatus 100 of FIG. Power is supplied to the storage unit 53a of the semiconductor memory 53 that stores the point image data (S20). Then, the Y halftone dot image data is stored and stored in the storage unit 53a of the semiconductor memory 53 (S05).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the halftone dot image data stored in the storage unit 53a of the semiconductor memory 53 is the last halftone dot image data as described above (S06), and there is unreceived halftone dot image data (at this stage). In this case, when not receiving the halftone dot image data of MCK), if it is not the last halftone dot image data, the reception of the next halftone dot image data is started (S08). Power is supplied from the power supply 60b to the storage unit 53b (S09). Then, returning to step S05, the M halftone image data is stored and stored in the storage unit 53b.

  By repeating steps S05, S06, S08, and S09 as described above, YMCK halftone dot image data is stored in the respective storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53, and storage of each halftone dot image data is completed. In step S06, for example, the K halftone dot image data is determined as the last halftone dot image data.

  Next, the photosensitive material S is conveyed from the cartridge 13 loaded in the loading unit 12 or 12 ′ to the drum 10 through the feeding unit 14, and the photosensitive material S is sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10. Then, each halftone dot image data is sequentially output from each of the storage units 53a to 53d of the semiconductor memory 53 (S13), and the light beams from the LED units 320 to 322 on the optical unit 16 are based on these image data. The photosensitive material on the drum 10 is exposed (S14). Then, power supply to each of the storage units 53a to 53d to which the dot image data is sequentially output is stopped (S17).

  Next, the exposed photosensitive material is peeled off from the drum 10 by the peeling member 15, transported through the guide member 18, transported by the transport roller pair 32 from the outlet 19 to the developing unit 21 through the connecting portion 19a, and the developing units 23, The fixing unit 24, the stabilizing unit 25, and the drying unit 26 sequentially perform development processing and drying (S15), and then the developed photosensitive material is discharged to the outside through the discharge unit 27 and output to the stacking unit 28 (S16). .

  As described above, according to the fourth operation of the image recording apparatus 1, even when the apparatus power is turned on, the storage units 53 a to 53 d of the semiconductor memory 53 are not supplied with power. When reception is started, power is supplied only to the storage unit 53a involved in the storage of the halftone image data, and the other storage units 53b to 53d that are not involved remain stopped. Accordingly, power supply to the storage units 53b to 53d that do not store halftone dot image data can be stopped, so that standby power can be reduced. When image recording of each halftone dot image data is completed, power supply to each of the storage units 53a to 53d is stopped, so that standby power for the image storage device can be reduced.

  Further, according to the fourth operation in FIG. 10, in the image recording apparatus 1, the semiconductor memory 53 in FIG. 5 is not only a type in which the stored contents are not erased even when the supply power is turned off, but also the supply power is turned off. Then, a type in which stored contents are erased can also be used.

  As described above, according to the first to fourth operations of FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, it is possible to more efficiently suppress standby power without reducing image recording productivity. It can contribute to energy saving.

  7, 8, 9, and 10, the dot image data is sequentially stored after the storage of the dot image data of YMCK is completed in the storage units 53 a to 53 d of the semiconductor memory 53. For example, when each halftone dot image data is received in the order of Y → M → C → K, when the storage of the YM and YMC halftone dot image data is completed, the halftone dot image data is received. Point image data may be output from each storage unit to perform exposure, and unreceived / unstored CK or K image data may be received and stored during the exposure operation. As a result, it is possible to shorten the cycle time of receiving YMCK halftone dot image data, storing / outputting data in the data buffer, and exposing, thereby contributing to improvement in print productivity of the apparatus.

  As described above, the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, the image data input to the host device 100 in FIG. 1 may be image data in various formats. For example, the vector system may be PDF, EPS, etc. in addition to PS (PostScript) data. Further, the raster system may be TIFF, TIFF / IT, and other dedicated formats, and the binary data may be TIFF bitmap, other dedicated formats, and the like. Furthermore, data that has undergone raster-image conversion processing by the RIP 2A may be input as indicated by the dashed arrows in FIG.

  Also, the halftone dot image data that is separated into a plurality of colors by the host device 100 is not limited to YMCK, and may be YMC, for example.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a printing system including an image recording apparatus capable of creating a color proof according to an embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the whole image recording apparatus of FIG. 1 by this Embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the inside of the image recording device of Drawing 1 and Drawing 2 from the front side. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part when the drum and the optical unit of the image recording apparatus of FIG. 2 are viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a flow of image data in the exposure unit 11 of the image recording apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and a control system of the image recording apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of the semiconductor memory of FIG. 5. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the 1st operation | movement of the image recording apparatus 1 of FIGS. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the 2nd operation | movement of the image recording apparatus 1 of FIGS. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a third operation of the image recording apparatus 1 of FIGS. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a fourth operation of the image recording apparatus 1 of FIGS.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image recording device 11 Exposure unit 21 Development unit 50 Control part 53 Semiconductor memory 53a-53d Multiple storage unit 57 Semiconductor memory control part 60a-60d Each power supply 100 Host apparatus 101 Image recording system S Photosensitive material, photosensitive paper, sheet form Silver salt photosensitive material

Claims (20)

An image recording apparatus for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Image storage means capable of storing image data for at least one page, and storage control means for controlling the operation of the image storage means,
The image storage means is composed of a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data, and the plurality of storage units are configured such that a power supply can be turned on / off independently of each other. apparatus. An image recording apparatus that sequentially receives a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and records a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Image storage means capable of storing image data for at least one page, and storage control means for controlling the operation of the image storage means,
The image storage means is composed of a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data, and the plurality of storage units are configured such that a power supply can be turned on / off independently of each other,
The storage control unit stores predetermined color separation image data in the plurality of storage units when not receiving the color separation image data or recording the color separation image data that has been received. An image recording apparatus that controls the power supply so as to stop power supply to a storage unit other than the unit. An image recording apparatus for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Image storage means capable of storing image data for at least one page, and storage control means for controlling the operation of the image storage means,
The image storage means is composed of a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data, and the plurality of storage units are configured such that a power supply can be turned on / off independently of each other,
The storage control means turns off the power supply so that power supply to all the plurality of storage units is stopped when the color separation image data is not received or the recording of the color separation image data for which the reception has been completed is not executed. An image recording apparatus for controlling.   The storage control means controls to start power supply to the storage unit for storing color separation image data for one color when reception of color separation image data from the host device is started. Or the image recording apparatus according to 3;   5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit performs control so as to stop power supply to the storage unit that has completed the storage of the color separation image data. 6.   The storage control means controls to stop power supply to the storage unit that has completed the storage of the color separation image data, completes the storage of the last color separation image data, and the color separation image data 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when starting the image recording immediately, control is performed so that power supply to the storage unit is not stopped. 6.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage units are physically divided in color units.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image storage unit includes a semiconductor storage device. An image recording apparatus for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Image storage means capable of storing image data for at least one page, and storage control means for controlling the operation of the image storage means,
The image storage means is composed of a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data, and the plurality of storage units are configured such that a power supply can be turned on / off independently of each other,
The storage control means continues to supply power to the storage unit from the start of reception of the color separation image data to completion of image recording, and controls the supply power supply to stop the power supply when the image recording is completed. A characteristic image recording apparatus.   10. The storage control unit according to claim 9, wherein when the reception of the color separation image data from the host device is started, the storage control unit performs control so as to start power supply to the storage unit for storing color separation image data for one color. Image recording device.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of storage units are physically divided by color units.   12. The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the image storage means comprises a semiconductor storage device. An image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Driving an image storage device including a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data;
Starting to receive color separation image data from the host device;
Stopping power supply to storage units not involved in storing color separation image data related to the reception;
Storing the color separation image data relating to the reception in the storage unit. An image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Starting to receive color separation image data from the host device;
Supplying power to a storage unit for storing color-separated image data related to reception in an image storage device including a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data;
Storing the color separation image data relating to the reception in the storage unit.   The image recording method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein power supply to the storage unit that has completed storage of the color separation image data is stopped.   When the stored color separation image data is the last color separation image data of the plurality of color separation image data and image recording of the color separation image data is immediately started, power is supplied to the storage unit. The image recording method according to claim 13, 14 or 15 which does not stop.   When the color separation image data that has been stored is not the last color separation image data of the plurality of color separation image data, when reception of the next color separation image data is started, the storage of the color separation image data is concerned The image recording method according to claim 13, wherein power is supplied to a storage unit. An image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Driving an image storage device including a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data;
Monitoring whether to start receiving color separation image data from the host device;
And a step of stopping power supply to all of the plurality of storage units when the color separation image data is not received. An image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Driving an image storage device including a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data;
Receiving color separation image data from the host device;
And a step of stopping power supply to all of the plurality of storage units when image recording is not performed on the received color separation image data. An image recording method for sequentially receiving a plurality of color-separated image data from a host device and recording a color image based on the color-separated image data,
Starting to receive color separation image data from the host device;
Supplying power to a storage unit for storing color-separated image data related to reception in an image storage device including a plurality of storage units each capable of storing image data;
Storing the color separation image data related to the reception in the storage unit;
Performing image recording on the stored color separation image data;
Stopping the power supply to the storage unit storing the color separation image data for which the image recording has been completed.

Images