JP2009208401A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve improvement in overall processing efficiency by making full use of a wasteful time in developing printing data. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is provided with: a means for receiving printing data from the outside; a means for developing the printing data into image data printable on a transfer paper; a printer engine means for printing the image data on the transfer paper; and a control means for controlling each of these means. The control means causes the printer engine means not to perform a post-printing operation (a falling processing) and to wait for the development of the image data if the next image data is being developed at the end of printing for the printer engine means and initiates the printing operation after the development of the image data is ended (S302, S305-Yes, S310). If the time required for the development of the next image data calculated is larger than the established time (S304-Yes), the control means causes the post-printing operation (S314). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that develops print data received from outside into image data that can be printed on transfer paper, and transfers the image data to a printer engine unit that performs image formation to create a printed matter.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus, for example, a network compatible printer, that develops print data received from outside into image data that can be printed on transfer paper and transfers the image data to a printer engine unit that performs image formation to create printed matter When the development of the print data is completed, the printer, the printer device, or the multifunction device notifies the printer engine unit of the print request, and the printer engine unit drives the device at the specified timing to perform the print output. If there is no next print request, post-processing is performed at a predetermined timing. If the image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic process, the photosensitive member is neutralized and cleaned, and the apparatus is stopped.

  Here, once the post-processing is entered, even if the next print request is notified, the printing operation cannot be started until the post-processing is finished. In some cases, the apparatus is temporarily stopped and then restarted. Printing is required, and productivity is significantly reduced.

  In particular, in recent years, the operation speed of the printer engine unit (number of printed sheets per minute) has been improved, but the operation speed of the controller unit for creating image data has not been improved. The possibility of occurrence is increasing.

  As a technique for coping with such a situation, for example, the invention described in Patent Document 1 or 2 is known. Among these, Patent Document 1 discloses that the toner image is formed on a fixing nip portion formed by press-contacting an image forming means for forming a toner image on a recording material, and a heating member and a pressure member incorporating a heater. A fixing device that heats and fixes the toner image onto the recording material, and a control unit that controls the fixing device, and the control unit sets a heater after the fixing is completed. It is described that it has a function of cleaning the pressure member by turning it on for a period of time, and a function of estimating a change in temperature of the pressure member after completion of cleaning of the pressure member based on a predetermined condition. ing.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-26883 provides a means for transmitting a print command stack designation command for designating the number of stacks of a print start command to the sequence control unit in the image data processing unit. The stack number setting means for setting the number of stacks of the print start instruction designated by the command when the stack designation command is received, and the type of argument of the instruction when the print start instruction is received from the image data processing unit A print start instruction check means for checking the print start instruction, a setting release means for releasing the setting by the stack number setting means when the argument of the print start instruction is recognized as a code indicating a forced print instruction from the check result by the means, Print start command When the argument of the print start instruction is recognized as a code indicating a normal print instruction from the check result by the check means, the print start instruction stack means for stacking the print start instruction, and the number of stacks of the print start command by the means are It is described that there is provided means for starting a printing operation when the number of stacks set by the stack number setting means becomes larger.
JP 2007-65413 A Japanese Patent No. 3229621

  The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes that fixing heater control is performed to reduce the waiting time when it takes time to develop an image in the controller, and Patent Document 2 describes that depending on the image development processing time in the controller. Although a method for preventing a decrease in print duty and a method for extending the life of the device is described, the invention described in Patent Document 1 describes how to optimally control the fixing heater even in the case of intermittent operation. However, the intermittent operation itself is not eliminated.

  In the case of Patent Document 2, it is described that the sequence control unit stacks the print start and starts the printing operation when the conditions are met, thereby performing continuous printing and extending the life of the apparatus. Since the print start is stacked, the first output (first print) may be reduced. In addition, when image data is large and time is required for image development processing, printing is performed one sheet at a time, so intermittent operation occurs depending on the timing, and productivity is reduced.

  In this case, at the timing when the image received from the outside when the printer engine finishes the printing operation is expanded to the print data, the printer engine may wait for the expansion of the print data without starting the post-processing operation of the printer engine. However, the printer engine simply waits for the print data to be developed, and the image forming apparatus does nothing.

  Also, if the image data of the previous job is input, the printing of the job is completed, and the image data of the next job is input before the post-printing operation (falling process) of the printer engine unit is finished, the job is temporarily lowered. If it starts immediately after that, if it takes t1 seconds (for example, 7 seconds) until it is ready to print, a dead time of t1 seconds is always generated for the startup and startup. No operations other than the lowering and startup operations are performed.

  Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to use the dead time during the development of the print data and improve the overall processing efficiency.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a means for receiving print data from the outside, a means for developing the print data into image data printable on transfer paper, and a printer engine for printing the image data on transfer paper. In the image forming apparatus comprising the control unit for controlling each of these units, if the control unit is developing the next image data at the end of the printing operation of the printer engine unit, the printer engine unit The present invention is characterized in that the image data development is waited without performing the operation fall-down process (post-printing operation), and the printing operation is started after the image data development is completed.

  In this case, the control means calculates a time required for developing the next image data, and if the time is longer than the set time, the printer engine unit performs a process control operation, a color misregistration correction operation, and a toner refresh operation. One of the operations is performed.

  In this case, the control means calculates the time required for developing the next image data, and if the time is longer than the set time, the printer engine unit can also perform the post-printing operation.

  Further, the control means specifies a color mode necessary for a printing operation at the time of developing the next image data, and if the color mode is different from the color mode of the printer engine unit, the printer engine It is also possible to perform a color mode switching operation for some parts. In addition, the control means specifies a printing speed necessary for a printing operation when developing the next image data, and if the printing speed is different from the printing speed of the printer engine unit, It is also possible to switch the printing speed of the engine unit. In addition, the control means can identify a paper feed tray to be used for a printing operation when developing the next image data, and can cause the printer engine unit to perform a paper feeding operation during the development of the image data. .

  In an embodiment described later, the means for receiving print data from the outside is in the image receiving unit 104, the means for developing the print data into image data that can be printed on transfer paper is in the image processing unit 105, and the printer engine unit is paper transport The control unit corresponds to the unit 107, the image forming unit 108, and the fixing unit 109, and corresponds to the overall control unit 101.

  According to the present invention, the processing that can be processed by the printer engine unit within the time until the development of the print data is completed is executed within the time by the printer engine unit, so that the overall processing efficiency is improved. Can be made.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The copier 100 is an image forming apparatus that forms an image by an electrophotographic process, and includes an overall control unit 101 including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown), an image memory 102 that stores image data to be input or output, An image receiving unit 104 that receives an image via the communication I / F 103, an image processing unit 105 that converts an input image into image data for image formation, and a scanner that optically reads the image and outputs the image data 106, a paper transport unit 107 for transporting a sheet-like recording medium (hereinafter referred to as transfer paper) for forming an image, an image forming unit 108 for forming a visible image on paper based on input image data, and The image forming unit 108 includes a fixing unit 109 that fixes an image formed on the sheet. .

  The copying machine (MFP) including the image processing apparatus for an electrophotographic process and the image forming apparatus each configured as described above receives an image, converts the image into printable image data, and transfers the image to transfer paper after the conversion is completed. Perform the printing operation.

Hereinafter, the operation will be described in order. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure at this time. This operation is performed by the CPU of the overall control unit 101 developing the program code stored in the ROM in the RAM and executing the program defined by the program code while using the RAM as a work area. In this behavior,
1) The image receiving unit 104 receives the print data via the communication I / F 103 and stores it in the image memory 102. (Step S301)
2) The image processing unit 105 converts the print data on the image memory 102 into image data that can be printed on transfer paper. (Step S302)
3) After the conversion is completed in the image processing unit 105, the image forming unit 108 performs a pre-image forming operation and enables a printing operation. (Steps S303 to S306)
4) At the same time, the paper transport unit 107 starts transporting the transfer paper. (Step S307)
5) At the same time, the fixing unit 109 energizes the heater and starts raising the temperature. (Step S308)
6) After completion of the pre-image operation, the image forming unit 108 starts a printing operation and prints on the transfer paper. (Steps S309 and S310)
7) The paper transport unit 107 discharges the printed transfer paper out of the apparatus. (Steps S311, S312)
8) If the next image data is prepared after printing is completed, repeat steps 6) and 7). (Steps S313, S310, S311, S312)
9) When there is no next image data, the image forming unit 108 performs an operation after image forming and stops the apparatus. (Steps S314 and S315)
10) At the same time, the energization of the fixing unit 109 is also stopped, and the fixing unit 109 stops the temperature increase. (Step S315)
The copying machine repeats the above operation.

  In step S303, a time for converting (developing) the data transferred by the image processing unit 105 into printable image data is calculated by the CPU of the overall control unit 101, and the time calculated in step S304 is set time t2. It is determined whether it is longer than the second (for example, 6 seconds), and if there is no possibility that the printing process is performed within t1 seconds (7 seconds), which is the above-described fall and start-up time, the start-up state is maintained. Even if it is useless, the engine unit executes post-image forming processing in step S314 and stops the operation of the printer engine unit. If it is smaller, it is determined whether or not the conversion of the data on the image memory 102 has been completed (step S305), and if it has been completed, the pre-image formation process is executed (step S306), and preparation for image formation starts. Is completed (steps S307, S308, and S309), the image forming operation is started (step S310), and the processing up to step S315 is executed. The post-image forming process is a start-up process for stopping the operation of the printer engine unit, and the pre-image forming process is a start-up process for causing the printer engine unit to perform a printing operation. Needless to say, the time t1 seconds (7 seconds) and t2 seconds (6 seconds) differ depending on the performance of the image forming apparatus.

Here, consider a case where this copying machine is connected to a network (LAN) 200 as shown in FIG. In addition to the copier 100, a plurality of host computers # 1, # 2,... #N and a printer 110 that request printing are also connected to the network 200. The printer 110 corresponds to the printer of FIG. 1 that does not include the scanner 106. At this time, when printing is requested from the host computers # 1 and # 2, the copying machine (MFP) 100, the printer 110, and the printer 106 do not use the scanner 106, which is equivalent, and printing is performed as follows. A plurality of copying machines 100 and printers 110 can also be connected. An example of the operation procedure at this time is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this behavior,
1) The image receiving unit 104 receives print data # 1 from the host computer # 1. (Step S401)
2) The image processing unit 105 converts the print data # 1 into image data # 1. (Step S402)
3) After the conversion is completed, the image forming unit 108 performs a pre-image forming operation and enables a printing operation. (Steps S403 and S404)
4) At the same time, the paper transport unit 107 and the fixing unit 109 also start operation. (Step S405)
5) The image receiving unit 104 receives the print data # 2 from the host computer # 2. (Step S406)
6) The image forming unit 108 starts the printing operation after the completion of the pre-image forming operation, and prints the image data # 1 on the transfer paper. (Steps S407 and S408)
7) The image processing unit 105 converts the print data # 2 into image data # 2. (Step S409)
8) If the conversion of the image data # 2 is completed after the printing of the image data # 1, the image forming unit 108 prints the image data # 2 on the transfer paper without performing the post-image forming operation. (Steps S410, S411, S412, S413)
9) After the printing of the image data # 2 is completed, the image forming unit 108 performs a post-image forming operation and stops the apparatus. (Steps S414, S415, S416)
In this case, when the conversion of the image data # 2 is not completed in step 8), the following operation is performed.
8A) The image forming unit 108 inquires of the image processing unit 105 about the state, and the image data # 2 is being converted. (Steps S409 and S412)
9A) After completing the conversion of the image data # 2 by the image processing unit 105, the image forming unit 108 prints on the transfer paper of the image data # 2. (Step S413)
10A) After the printing of the image data # 2, the image forming unit 108 performs a post-image operation and stops the apparatus. (Steps S414, S415, S416)
In step 8A), the image forming unit 108 acquires the remaining time required for conversion from the image processing unit 105. If the image forming unit 108 determines that the adjustment operation of the image forming apparatus such as process control can be performed based on the remaining time, the adjustment operation is performed as follows.

  8B) Since the image forming unit 108 inquires of the image processing unit 105 about the state and the image data # 2 is being converted, the image forming unit 108 waits for the completion of the conversion of the image data # 2 without performing the post-image forming operation. At that time, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the time required for the conversion of the image data # 2 is acquired from the image processing unit 105 (step S501), and if the adjustment operation can be executed in the remaining time, the process control can be executed. It is checked whether or not there is (step S502).

9B) If the process control is executable, the image forming unit 108 executes the process control operation. (Step S504)
10B) After completion of the process control operation, the image forming unit 108 waits for the completion of conversion of the image data # 2. (Step S412)
11B) After completing the conversion of the image data # 2, the image forming unit 108 prints the image data # 2 on the transfer paper. (Step S413)
12B) After the printing of the image data # 2 is completed, the image forming unit 108 performs a post-image forming operation and stops the apparatus. (Steps S414 and S415)
Thus, by performing the process control operation during the conversion of the image data, the image forming unit 108 can be used effectively without wasting the conversion waiting time of the image data. The process control operation here refers to an operation of forming an image density adjustment pattern and reading the pattern to adjust the image density. Moreover, the operation | movement procedure of FIG. 5 is an example.

In this procedure 8A), the image forming unit 108 also acquires information on the print color mode from the image processing unit 105. If this color mode is different from the color mode of image data # 1,
8C) The image forming unit 108 inquires of the image processing unit 105 about the state, and the image data # 2 is being converted. At that time, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 as an example, the color mode switching operation is performed as follows before the conversion of the image data # 2 is completed. In this operation, the time required for conversion of the image data # 2 and the color mode information are acquired from the image processing unit 105 (steps S601 and S602), and whether the color mode of the color mode image data # 2 of the image data # 1 is the same. Is checked (step S603).

  9C) If the color mode is different (step S603-N) and the color mode can be switched within the time acquired in step S601 (step S604-Y), the image forming unit 108 executes the color mode switching operation (step S604). S605).

10C) If the conversion of the image data # 2 has already been completed after completion of the color mode switching operation, the image forming unit 108 prints the image data # 2 on the transfer sheet (step S412-Y). If not completed, printing is performed after completion (step S413).
11C) After the printing of the image data # 2, the image forming unit 108 performs a post-image forming operation and stops the apparatus (steps S415 and S416).

  Thus, by performing the color mode switching operation during the conversion of the image data, the image forming unit can be used effectively without wasting the conversion waiting time of the image data. The color mode referred to here is a full color mode, a monochrome color mode, a two-color mode, or the like.

  If there is time until the end of the conversion of the image data # 2 in step S412, the color misregistration correction operation and the toner refresh operation can be performed, and the printing speed changing process and the paper feed tray switching process can also be performed. .

  That is, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when performing color misregistration correction processing. In this processing procedure, the time required for the conversion of the image data # 2 and the color misregistration correction pattern information are acquired (steps S701 and S702), and if the color misregistration is within the allowable range (step S703-Y), the image is directly processed. Waiting for the end of conversion of data # 2, the color misregistration is out of the allowable range (step S703-N), and if color misregistration correction is possible within the time acquired in step S701 (step S704), the color misregistration correction processing is executed. However, if correction is impossible, the process waits for the end of the conversion of the image data # 2, and executes the processing after step S413 when the conversion ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when toner refresh is performed. In this processing procedure, the time required for conversion of image data # 2 is acquired (step S801), and then it is determined whether or not toner refresh is necessary (step S802). If toner refresh is necessary and the toner refresh operation can be performed within the remaining time (step S803-Y), the toner refresh operation is executed (step S804), and after the conversion of the image data # 2, the processing after step S413 is performed. Execute the process. If the toner refresh is unnecessary and the toner refresh is not possible within the time, the end of the conversion of the image data # 2 is waited, and the processing after step S413 is executed when the conversion is completed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for changing the printing speed based on the difference between the printing speeds of the image data # 1 and # 2. In this process, during the conversion of image data # 2 (step S412), it is checked whether the printing speeds of image data # 1 and # 2 are the same (step S901). If they are different, the printing speed is changed and the image is changed. In preparation for starting printing of data # 2 (step S902).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for changing the paper feed tray depending on the difference in transfer paper size between image data # 1 and # 2. In this process, during the conversion of the image data # 2 (step S412), it is checked whether the transfer paper sizes of the image data # 1 and # 2 are the same (step S1001). The paper supply source is switched to the paper supply tray used for printing to prepare for the start of printing image data # 2 (step S1002).

  In the processing procedures of FIGS. 9 and 10, the remaining time required for the conversion of the image data # 2 is not acquired, but this is not particularly provided because each of the processes is performed in an extremely short time. However, if time is required for processing, the remaining time acquisition processing and processing time comparison processing similar to steps S501, S601, S701, and S801 are required. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process for determining the development time is not performed as in steps S301 to S304 in the flowchart of FIG. 3, but the conversion is performed when the data is converted (expanded) in steps S402 and S409. The time required is calculated so that it can be acquired when there is a request for acquisition of the remaining time required for conversion at a later stage. In addition, the control procedure is sufficient if it can execute the processes 1) to 9), 8A) to 10A), 8B) to 12B), 8C) to 11C), and is described in the flowchart. It is not limited to the processing procedure.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming system in the printer engine unit of the copying machine according to the present embodiment. 1 corresponds to the image forming unit 108, the paper transport unit 107, and the fixing unit 109. In this image forming system, color component image forming units that form images of a plurality of color components are arranged along the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt, and the color component images formed by the plurality of color component image forming units are arranged. Indirect transfer type tandem color image forming means for forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt by sequentially overlapping the intermediate transfer belt is provided.

  In the figure, an intermediate transfer belt 21 is wound around conveyance rollers 22, 23, and 24 and is driven infinitely at a speed V in the direction of an arrow. Between the transport rollers 23 and 24 of the intermediate transfer belt 21, a cyan component image forming unit 26 for forming a cyan component image and a magenta component image are formed from upstream to downstream in the transport direction. A magenta component image forming unit 27, a yellow component image forming unit 28 for forming a yellow component image, and a black component image forming unit 29 for forming a black component image are provided.

  In the cyan image forming unit 26, the surface of the photosensitive drum 26a is charged by the charger 26b, and the surface thereof is exposed by the cyan image light 30a output from the optical writing unit 30, so that the static image corresponding to the cyan image is obtained. An electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by the developing device 26c and transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 at a predetermined transfer position by the transfer device 26d. The residual charge on the photosensitive drum 26a is neutralized by the neutralization device 26e.

  The magenta color image forming unit 27, the yellow color image forming unit 28, and the black color image forming unit 29 also form toner images of respective colors by the same image forming elements and operations as the inter-paper color image forming unit 26. Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner images are superimposed, and a full-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21. Note that the image forming elements of the magenta image forming unit 27, the yellow color image forming unit 28, and the black color image forming unit 29 have the same subscripts (a, b, c, d, e) are attached, and redundant description is omitted.

  On the other hand, the transfer paper 31 placed on the paper feed unit (not shown) is picked up by the pair of paper feed rollers (not shown) and conveyed in the direction of the arrow, and the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred. In a state of being aligned with the full-color toner image, the image is fed to a transfer roller 32 that is in contact with the conveying roller 22, and the transfer roller 32 transfers the full-color toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 onto the surface. The

  After the transfer, the transfer paper 31 is sent to the fixing device 33, where the full color toner image transferred onto the surface of the transfer paper 31 is thermally fixed, conveyed to a paper discharge unit, and discharged.

  Further, the transfer speed of the transfer paper 31 is equal to the moving speed V of the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the linear speeds of the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 26 a, 27 a, 28 a, and 29 a are equal to the moving speed V. The transfer positions of the cyan component image forming unit 26, the magenta component image forming unit 27, the yellow color component image forming unit 28, and the black component image forming unit 29 are the intervals on the intermediate transfer belt 21. Is set to L1. That is, the interval between the photosensitive drums 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a is L1.

  Further, the interval L2 of the transfer paper 31 is set to a value larger than the interval L1. The transfer paper 31 is, for example, A4 size paper fed in the direction orthogonal to the long side (LEF (Long Edge Feed)).

  If the next printing request is not received from the printer controller 6a at the time when the primary transfer of the portions of the photosensitive member 29a and the intermediate transfer belt 21 is completed, the neutralization process of the photosensitive members 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d is started, The post-processing will be started.

  Once the post-processing is started, it cannot be interrupted, and even if a print request is instructed from the printer controller 6a during this time, the next printing operation can be performed until the predetermined post-processing is completed. This is not possible, and so-called intermittent operation is performed. That is, after the post-processing is completed, the engine unit 6c is once stopped, and then restarted, and then the printing operation is performed.

  The post-processing includes stop / cleaning of the elements of the image forming system, stepwise reduction of the power supply voltage of the high-voltage power supply unit, and the like.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
1) Since the printer engine unit 107, 108, 109 can start a new printing without performing the post-printing operation (falling process) and the pre-printing operation (starting process), the time required for printing can be shortened. .
2) Since the printer engine units 107, 108, and 109 are stopped until the image data is developed by the image processing unit 105, consumption of the printer engine units 107, 108, and 109 can be suppressed.
3) Since the required operation among the process control operation, the color misregistration prevention operation, and the toner refresh operation is executed while the image processing unit 105 develops the image data, a printer is newly added for the above operation. There is no need to drive the engine units 107, 108, and 109.
4) Since the required operation among the color mode switching operation, the printing speed switching operation, and the paper feeding operation is performed while the image processing unit 105 develops the image data, the printing operation is delayed. There is no.
There are effects such as.

  Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment but covers all technical matters included in the technical idea defined in the scope of claims.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a copier according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration in which a network compatible copying machine (MFP) is connected to a plurality of PCs by LAN. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure of a copying machine (MFP) when an image is received, converted into printable image data, and a printing operation on a transfer sheet is performed after the conversion is completed. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure of a copier (MFP) when receiving images from a plurality of PCs, converting them into printable image data, and performing a printing operation on transfer paper after the conversion is completed. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of process contents (process control operation) at the time of image data conversion in step S412 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example (color mode switching operation) of processing contents at the time of image data conversion in step S412 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example (color misregistration correction operation) of processing contents at the time of image data conversion in step S412 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example (toner refresh operation) of processing contents at the time of conversion of image data in step S412 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing contents (printing speed change) at the time of image data conversion in step S412 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing contents (paper feed tray change) at the time of image data conversion in step S412 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a printer engine part.

Explanation of symbols

100 Copier (MFP)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Overall control part 104 Image receiving unit 105 Image processing unit 107 Paper conveyance unit 108 Image forming unit 109 Fixing unit 110 Printer

Claims (6)

Means for receiving print data from the outside, means for developing the print data into image data printable on transfer paper, a printer engine unit for printing the image data on transfer paper, and control means for controlling these parts When,
In an image forming apparatus comprising:
If the next image data is being developed at the end of the printing operation of the printer engine unit, the control means waits for the development of the image data without performing the process of lowering the operation of the printer engine unit, An image forming apparatus, wherein a printing operation is started after the expansion of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The control unit calculates a time required for developing the next image data, and if the time is longer than a set time, the control unit causes the printer engine unit to perform a process control operation, a color misregistration correction operation, and a toner refresh operation. An image forming apparatus that performs one operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the time required for developing the calculated next image data is longer than a set time, the control unit causes the operation of the printer engine unit to fall. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control means specifies a color mode necessary for a printing operation at the time of developing the next image data, and when the color mode is different from the color mode of the printer engine unit, the printer engine unit An image forming apparatus that performs a color mode switching operation. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control means specifies a printing speed necessary for a printing operation when developing the next image data, and when the printing speed is different from the printing speed of the printer engine unit, during the image data development, the printer engine unit An image forming apparatus characterized by switching a printing speed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit specifies a paper feed tray used for a printing operation when developing the next image data, and causes the printer engine unit to perform a paper feeding operation during the development of the image data.

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