JP2008060923A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce electric power wastefully consumed in a heater. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor has: a reading part which reads an original to generate image data; a recording part for recording the image data; a printing part; and a print processing means for reading image data of each original from the recording part to be used as print data and to transmit them to the printing part after a plurality of originals are read. The printing part receives the print data for printing. An operation time of a heater is shortened and power consumption of the heater is reduced than in the case of printing each sheet since the print processing means reads the image data of each original from the recording part to be used as the print data after the plurality of originals are read, transmits the print data to the printing part and the printing part receives the print data for printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a reading unit that reads a document.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in image processing apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and multifunction machines, for example, copiers, a scanner and a printer are provided, and an image of an original on a flat bed is read by the scanner, and the image is printed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-83754 A

  However, in the conventional copying apparatus, since the reading operation by the scanner takes time, the operation time in which the heater is turned on in the printer becomes long, and the power consumed in the heater is increased.

  FIG. 2 is a time chart showing the operation of the conventional copying apparatus.

  First, the first original is set on the flatbed scanner, the image is read, the first print is performed, the second original is set on the flatbed scanner, the image is read, and the second Is printed, the third original is set on the flatbed scanner, the image is read, and the third print is performed. At this time, as indicated by the waveform A, the heater is repeatedly turned on and on standby, but heat is released while the heater is on standby. become longer. Accordingly, the operation time of the heater becomes long, and power consumed in the heater is increased.

  Further, as shown by the waveform B, the heater can be continuously turned on while the document is being read and printed. In this case, the operation time of the heater becomes long, and the power consumed in the heater is increased.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional copying apparatus and to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing the power consumed in the heater unnecessarily.

  Therefore, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, after reading a document, a reading unit for generating image data, a recording unit for recording the image data, a printing unit, and a plurality of documents are read. The image processing apparatus includes a print processing unit that reads out image data of each document from the recording unit to generate print data, and sends the print data to the printing unit.

  The printing unit receives the print data and performs printing.

  According to the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, a reading unit that reads an original and generates image data, a recording unit for recording the image data, a printing unit, and a plurality of originals are read. The image processing apparatus includes a print processing unit that reads out image data of each document from the recording unit to generate print data, and sends the print data to the printing unit.

  The printing unit receives the print data and performs printing.

  In this case, after a plurality of originals are read, the print processing means reads the image data of each original from the recording unit as print data, sends the print data to the print unit, and the print unit receives the print data. Thus, the operation time for which the heater is turned on can be shortened, and the power consumption of the heater can be reduced as compared with the case where printing is performed one by one.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this case, a copying apparatus as an image processing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the copying apparatus includes a scanner 10 and a printer 20. The scanner 10 reads a set original, generates read data, converts the read data to generate bit image data as image data, and records the bit image data as a reading unit. A memory 12 as a recording unit for performing the operation, and an operation unit 13 for operating the scanner 10. The flat bed scanner 11 is connected to the memory 12, and the operation unit 13 is connected to the flat bed scanner 11. The flat bed scanner 11 constitutes an image reading device and includes a glass document table. When a document is set on the glass document table, a reading device (not shown) such as a CCD moves to read an image of the document.

  The printer 20 receives an instruction from the operation unit 13 and also instructs a print instruction unit 21 to instruct the start of printing. The printer 20 reads bit image data from the memory 12 based on the instruction from the print instruction unit 21 and performs image processing. A print image processing unit 22 as print processing means to be sent to the printer engine 23 as print data, and a printer engine 23 as a print unit that receives the print data and prints the contents of the bit image data. The print image processing unit 22 is connected to the memory 12 of the scanner 10 and the printer engine 23.

  In the present embodiment, the printer engine 23 is an electrophotographic printer. In the printer engine 23, the surface of a photosensitive drum (not shown) serving as an image carrier is charged by a charging roller (not shown) serving as a charging device, and exposed by an LED head (not shown) serving as an exposure device. The electrostatic latent image is formed, and toner as a developer thinned on a developing roller as a developing device is electrostatically attached to the electrostatic latent image, so that a toner image as a developer image is formed. The formed toner image is transferred to a sheet of paper as a medium by a transfer roller as a transfer device, and image formation, that is, printing is performed. Further, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum after the transfer is removed by a cleaning blade as a cleaning device.

  The paper on which the toner image is transferred is sent to a fixing device as a fixing device, and the toner image is fixed on the paper in the fixing device. For this purpose, the fixing device includes a heating roller and a pressure roller, and a heater as a heating element is disposed on the heating roller.

  Next, the operation unit 13 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the operation unit 13 informs the operator whether or not to set the next document when the reading of the document by the flatbed scanner 11 is completed, and the setting information and status information of the copying apparatus. As a display unit for displaying information such as, a print waiting button 32 as a standby instruction element for designating a mode for waiting for printing by the printer 20, and a print start instruction element for instructing the start of printing. A printing start button 33 and a copy button 34 as a reading start operation element for starting reading of a document set on the flatbed scanner 11 are provided.

  When the print waiting button 32 is pressed, a mode for waiting for printing by the printer 20 is designated, and when the original is read by the flatbed scanner 11, the bit image data converted after reading is printed. The bit image data is recorded in the memory 12 without being performed. When a plurality of originals are read and the bit image data of each original is ready, printing is started when the print start button 33 is pressed.

  Next, the operation of the copying apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the operator sets a document on the flat bed scanner 11. Then, whether or not to record the bit image data in the memory 12 is selected. When the bit image data is not recorded in the memory 12 and printing is started immediately, the print start button 33 is pressed. When the print start button 33 is pressed, normal processing means (not shown) of the reading control unit of the scanner 10 performs normal processing and performs a normal copying operation. The reading control unit includes an arithmetic device such as a CPU or MPU.

  That is, in accordance with the instruction from the normal processing means, the flatbed scanner 11 reads the set original, converts the read data to generate bit image data, and records it in the memory 12. The printer 20 reads bit image data from the memory 12 and sends it to the printer engine 23 as print data. The printer engine 23 receives print data and prints an image of a document.

  When processing is performed on a plurality of documents, the images of the documents are read one by one, and printing is performed each time.

  In addition, when bit image data is recorded in the memory 12 and printing is waited, the operator presses the print waiting button 32. At this time, the operation unit 13 instructs the print instructing unit 21 to wait for printing, and a standby processing unit (not shown) of the printer 20 performs standby processing, and causes the print image processing unit 22 and the printer engine 23 to operate. Put it in a print-ready state. The print control unit includes a calculation device such as a CPU or MPU.

  When the operator presses the copy button 34 of the operation unit 13, the reading processing unit of the reading control unit performs a reading process. In accordance with the instruction of the reading processing means, the flatbed scanner 11 reads the set original, converts the read data into bit image data, and records it in the memory 12.

  Subsequently, when one reading is completed, the display processing means of the reading control unit performs a display process and displays a message instructing the operator to set the next document on the panel 31. When there is a next original, the operator removes the already read original from the flatbed scanner 11, sets the next original on the flatbed scanner 11, and presses the copy button 34 to start the next reading. To do.

  It should be noted that the bit image data by the same processing repeated from when the print waiting button 32 is pressed until the print start button 33 is pressed is recorded in the memory 12 in association with each other.

  When the operator depresses the print start button 33 of the operation unit 13 after the final document is read, the operation unit 13 instructs the print instruction unit 21 to start printing.

  When the start of printing is instructed, the print image processing unit 22 performs print processing, reads related bit image data from the memory 12 as print data, and sends the print data to the printer engine 23.

  Subsequently, the print image processing unit 22 sends an instruction to the printer engine 23, and the printer engine 23 processes the print data and starts printing. At this time, the print image processing unit 22 determines whether the print data is monochrome or color, determines the thickness of the sheet as the medium, turns on a heater (not shown) of the printer engine 23, and Set the temperature of the printer and start printing.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1 The operator sets a document on the flatbed scanner 11.
Step S2: The copying apparatus determines whether the print start button 33 has been pressed. If the print start button 33 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S3. If the print start button 33 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S4.
Step S3: Normal processing is performed and the processing is terminated.
Step S4: The printer waits for printing by pressing the print waiting button 32.
Step S5 When the copy button 34 is pressed, reading by the flatbed scanner 11 is performed.
Step S6: Instruct to set the next original. For example, the message “Set the next document and press the copy button. When finished, press the print start button” is displayed.
Step S7: The operator determines whether or not the final document has been read. If the final document has been read, the process proceeds to step S9, and if not, the process proceeds to step S8.
Step S8: The next original is set on the flatbed scanner 11, and the process returns to Step S5.
Step S9: The print start button 33 is pressed.
Step S10: Printing is started and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the operation of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, for example, when three originals are copied, when the first original is set and the print waiting button 32 is pressed, and when the copy button 34 is pressed, the original is read and the second original is read. Is set and the copy button 34 is pressed, the original is read, the final original is set, and when the copy button 34 is pressed, the original is read. When the print start button 33 is pressed, the read originals are collectively printed, so that the operation time during which the heater is turned on can be shortened.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the print waiting button 32 is pressed before the reading is started, all the originals are read, and when the print start button 33 is pressed after the reading is completed, the printing is started. Therefore, the operation time during which the heater is turned on can be shortened, and the power consumption of the heater can be reduced as compared with the case where printing is performed one by one. Therefore, when reading a book or the like that cannot be automatically passed through a reading device (ADF) as a document, only reading can be performed continuously, and the operation can be simplified.

  In this embodiment, the print waiting button 32 is provided as a standby instruction element. However, an item of print waiting on / off is provided as a standby instruction element in the menu, and the operator operates the operation unit 13. May be selected to select an item for printing on / off. In this case, the print waiting button 33 is unnecessary.

  In this embodiment, the print start button 33 is pressed after the final document is read. However, after the final document is set, the print start button 33 is pressed to scan the document. By starting printing, the printing throughput can be increased.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the effect of the same embodiment is used about the effect of the invention by having the same structure.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, an information input unit 14 is provided in the scanner 10, and the information input unit 14 manages information on the number of read sheets, which is the number of originals input by operating a numeric key (described later) of the operation unit 13. When the number of read sheets becomes 0 (zero), the print instruction unit 21 is instructed to start printing. The information input unit 14 is connected to the flat bed scanner 11 and has information on the number of readings, and decrements (-1) the number of readings each time the flat bed scanner 11 starts reading one sheet.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, the operation unit 13 is not provided with the print waiting button 32 and the print start button 33 in the first embodiment, and is generated when an image is read by the flatbed scanner 11 before copying is started. A menu button 35 as a function display element for displaying a function of recording the recorded bit image data in the memory 12, a selection button 36 as a function selection element for confirming the selection of the function, and a number for reading. A numeric keypad 37 is provided as a reading number designation element.

  Next, the operation of the copying apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a menu display example according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the operator sets a document on the flat bed scanner 11. When the operator decides whether or not to record the bit image data in the memory 12 and starts printing immediately without recording the bit image data in the memory 12, the normal processing means of the reading control unit And automatically perform a normal copy operation.

  That is, in accordance with the instruction from the normal processing means, the flatbed scanner 11 reads the original set in accordance with the instruction of the copy button 34, converts the read data to generate bit image data, and records it in the memory 12. The printer 20 reads bit image data from the memory 12 and sends it to the printer engine 23 as print data. The printer engine 23 receives print data and prints an image of a document.

  When processing is performed on a plurality of documents, the images of the documents are read one by one, and printing is performed each time.

  When bit image data is recorded in the memory 12 and printing is waited, when the operator presses the menu button 35 of the operation unit 13, the display processing means of the reading control unit performs display processing and displays the menu. Then, the operator is instructed to select a menu function. Subsequently, when the operator operates the operation unit 13 and depresses the selection button 36 to select a read data storage function (not shown), the display processing unit inputs “the number of sheets to be read” to the panel 31. Please enter a message such as “Please enter the number of Read”.

  Then, when the operator operates the numeric keypad 37 to input the number of read sheets and presses “1” and “0” to designate “10” sheets, the operation unit 13 prints on the print instruction unit 21. A standby state is instructed, and the standby processing means of the print control unit performs a standby process to place the printer 20 in a print standby state. Accordingly, the operation unit 13 sends information on the number of readings to the information input unit 14.

  Subsequently, when the operator presses the copy button 34 of the operation unit 13, the reading processing unit of the reading control unit performs a reading process. Then, according to the instruction of the reading processing means, the flatbed scanner 11 reads the set original, converts the read data to generate bit image data, and records it in the memory 12.

  Along with this, the information input unit 14 is notified that the reading is started from the flatbed scanner 11 in accordance with the instruction of the reading processing means. The reading processing means decrements the number of readings recorded in the information input unit 14. In this embodiment, when the copy button 34 is pressed and reading is started, the number of readings is decremented. However, when the copy button 34 is pressed and reading is completed, the number of readings is read. Can be decremented.

  When the number of read sheets of the information input unit 14 is not 0, the display processing unit instructs the panel 31 of the operation unit 13 to set the next document, for example, “Please set the next document”. The operator removes the already read original from the flat bed scanner 11, sets the next original on the flat bed scanner 11, and starts the next copy.

  After the final original is read, the number of read sheets recorded in the information input unit 14 becomes 0, so the information input unit 14 notifies the print instruction unit 21 to that effect.

  Subsequently, the print instruction unit 21 sends a print start instruction to the print image processing unit 22, and the print image processing unit 22 performs a print process. When the print start is instructed, the bit image in the memory 12 is stored. The data is read out as print data, and the print data is sent to the printer engine 23.

  Then, the print image processing unit 22 sends an instruction to the printer engine 23, and the printer engine 23 processes the print data and starts printing. At this time, the print image processing unit 22 determines whether the print data is monochrome or color, determines the thickness of the sheet as the medium, turns on a heater (not shown) of the printer engine 23, and Set the temperature of the printer and start printing.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S11 The operator sets an original on the flatbed scanner 11.
Step S12: The operator determines whether to record bit image data. If bit image data is to be recorded, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S13.
Step S13: The normal process is performed when the operator presses the copy button 34, and the process is terminated.
Step S14 A menu is displayed when the menu button 35 is pressed.
Step S15: Instruct to select a function. In the menu as shown in FIG. 10, an instruction such as “Please move the * and press the selection button” is given.
Step S16 The function is determined by pressing the selection button 36.
Step S17: Instruct to input the number of read sheets.
Step S18: The number of sheets to be read is input using the numeric keypad 37.
Step S19 Reading by the flatbed scanner 11 is started by pressing the copy button 34.
Step S20: It is determined whether or not the number of sheets read by the information input unit 14 is zero. If the number of read sheets of the information input unit 14 is 0, the process proceeds to step S23. If the number of read sheets is not 0, the process proceeds to step S21.
Step S21 Instructs to set the next original.
Step S22: The next original is set on the flatbed scanner 11, and the process returns to Step S19.
Step S23: Printing is started and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the operation of the copying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, when copying three originals, when the first original is set and the menu button 35 is pressed, the functions recorded in the memory 12 are displayed on the panel 31, and then the selection button 36 is displayed. When the function is selected by pressing down and the number of readings is input by the numeric keypad 37, the number of readings is recorded as "3" in the information input unit 14.

  Then, the first original is read, and the read number of the information input unit 14 is decremented to “2”, and then the second original is set and read. Thus, the number of readings of the information input unit 14 is decremented to “1”. Finally, when the final document is set and read and the number of sheets read by the information input unit 14 is decremented to “0”, subsequently, the read document is collectively printed. Therefore, the operation time during which the heater is turned on can be shortened.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the menu button 35 is pressed before reading is started, the function recorded in the memory 12 is displayed on the panel 31, and when the selection button 36 is pressed, the function recorded in the memory 12 is displayed. Is confirmed, and a message instructing to input the number of read sheets is displayed on the panel 31. Subsequently, when the number of readings is input by the ten key 37, reading is started. Then, when the final document is read and the reading is completed, the printing is started. Therefore, the operation time when the heater is turned on can be shortened, and the consumption of the heater can be reduced as compared with the case of printing one by one. Electric power can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, when the print start button 33 is pressed after the final document is read, the heater is turned on, whereas in the present embodiment, the final document is When it is read, the heater is automatically turned on, so that it is possible to prevent a delay in printing due to an operation delay of the operator, forgetting to press a button, or the like. Note that the preparation for printing can be started when reading of the final document is started.

  In each of the above embodiments, examples of application to a copying machine have been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a complex system in which an MFP, a facsimile, a flatbed scanner, and a printer are connected via a network.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made based on the gist of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the conventional copying apparatus. 1 is a perspective view of a copying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the operation part in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the operation part in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the menu in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a time chart showing the operation of the copying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Scanner 11 Flatbed Scanner 12 Memory 20 Printer 22 Print Image Processing Unit 23 Printer Engine

Claims (5)

(A) a reading unit that reads a document and generates image data;
(B) a recording unit for recording the image data;
(C) a printing section;
(D) After a plurality of originals are read, the image data of each original is read from the recording unit as print data, and has print processing means for sending to the printing unit;
(E) The image processing apparatus, wherein the printing unit receives print data and performs printing. (A) a standby instruction element for waiting for printing;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a standby processing unit that places the print processing unit in the print standby state when the standby state is instructed by the standby instruction element.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print processing unit performs printing when a print start instruction is instructed by a print start instruction element.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print processing unit automatically performs printing when reading of all originals is completed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is a flatbed scanner.

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