JP2011103635A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in image forming systems, wherein it has taken longer to calculate a setting value and set it to an image processing chip because an image processing controller has been operatively improved, so an FCOT (Fast Copy Time) has been also affected by a setting time to the image processing chip, in addition to a conventional mechanical operating time. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming system determines whether a mode is the FCOT and starts up a setting module to the image processing chip preceding the mechanical preparation operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  According to the present invention, in an image forming system in which an image read from a reading unit is recorded on a recording sheet by a recording unit, the time required for the image forming apparatus until the user obtains the first recording result (hereinafter referred to as FCOT). This is related to a technique for shortening.

  In the conventional image forming system, the image data read by the reading unit is stored in a high-speed RAM with a high storage unit price, then stored in a hard disk with a low storage unit price, and when printing, the image data is read from the hard disk and stored in the RAM. To remember. Then, it is transferred to the printer for printing.

  In the image forming system, shortening the time required for the image forming apparatus until the user obtains the first print result has been an important issue because it reduces the waiting time for the user to use. .

  As a technique for shortening FCOT, a technique for improving FCOT by transferring image data directly from the RAM to a printer without transferring image data to a hard disk drive when a specific condition is met is disclosed ( Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a transfer unit that transfers an electrostatic latent image formed by a light source such as a laser beam or an LED to a printing paper is arranged on the photosensitive drum in the printer on the upstream side in the printing paper conveyance direction. Then, by a registration roller capable of controlling the printing paper conveyance speed, the paper conveyance speed before reaching the transfer unit is made faster than the paper conveyance speed passing through the transfer unit, that is, the image forming speed. On the other hand, there is also disclosed a technique for performing control so as to shorten the image forming time by controlling the conveying speed of the printing paper to be the image forming speed when passing through the transfer means (Patent Document 2).

  In addition, when the FCOT mode is designated, a technique is disclosed in which the preparation time is omitted by sending a signal to the reading means and the recording means that the FCOT mode is in effect (Patent Document). 3)

JP 2001-320561 A JP 2002-104695 A JP 2006-135702 A

  In recent years, image processing controllers such as network multifunction peripherals have become highly functional, and for example, the circuit scale of image processing ASIC that processes input image data from a scanner and image processing ASIC that processes image data that outputs an image to a printer has increased. continuing.

  In the conventional technique for shortening the FCOT, the time required for calculating the setting value of the image processing ASIC and setting the ASIC register is shorter than the time required for the light source of the scanner unit and the preparation of the printer unit. As was not considered.

  However, in recent high-function image processing controllers, the time required for register setting affects the FCOT due to the CPU load for setting value calculation and the increase in setting items.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming system capable of improving the FCOT by reducing the time required for preparation of the image processing ASIC in the image processing controller.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming system according to the present invention includes:
Image input means (201) for inputting image data;
Operation means (204) for enabling setting of various image forming conditions for an image input by the input means;
Image processing means (202) for performing image processing on the input image;
Image processing parameter setting means (212) for setting the image processing means in accordance with the image forming conditions;
An image forming means (203) for forming an image on the image processed by the image processing means;
Image forming condition holding means (209) for holding image forming conditions set by the operating means;
FCOT determination means (210) for determining whether the image forming condition is an FCOT (Fast Copy Time) operation condition;
An activation unit (211) that activates the image processing parameter setting unit prior to the activation of the image forming unit or the image input unit when the FCOT determination unit determines that the FCOT operation condition is satisfied;
It is characterized by comprising.

  In the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system capable of improving the FCOT by shortening the time required for the preparation of the image processing ASIC in the image processing controller.

3 is a timing chart illustrating the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus. FIG. Controller hardware block diagram. Operation panel hardware configuration diagram. Operation panel display (basic screen). FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion that performs image processing of a printer I / F. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion that performs image processing of a scanner I / F. The flowchart which performs FCOT determination before Copy start in this invention. The flowchart which performs FCOT determination after Copy start in this invention. The flowchart explaining the prior | preceding setting of the idle time in this invention.

<Image forming apparatus>
The image forming apparatus embodying the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent drawings. First, FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a digital multi-function peripheral having functions such as general COPY / PRINT / FAX.

  An image input unit 201 indicates a scanner or the like that performs document reading processing.

  An image processing unit 202 indicates a controller that performs image processing on an image read from the scanner and stores the image in the memory 205.

  An image forming unit 203 indicates a printer or the like that performs image formation in which image data read from the memory 205 is visualized on a recording sheet in accordance with print setting conditions set by the operation unit.

  An operation unit 204 indicates an operation unit for setting various printing conditions for an image read by the scanner unit.

  A memory 205 stores information such as images, software programs, various setting values, and machine specific values.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a network to which the image forming system is connected.

  A server 207 is connected to the image forming system via the network 206 and manages image data, user information, and other information.

  Reference numeral 208 denotes a personal computer to which the image forming system is connected via the network 206, and submits a print job or the like to the image processing system.

The image forming condition holding means 209 holds the image forming conditions set by the operating means in the memory 205 or the like. The 210 FCOT judging means 210 has the image forming conditions as an FCOT (Fast Copy Time) operating condition. If the FCOT condition is satisfied, the FCOT operation is performed.

  The activation unit 211 activates the image processing parameter setting unit prior to the activation of the image forming unit or the image input unit when the FCOT determination unit determines that the FCOT operation condition is satisfied.

  An image processing parameter setting unit 212 sets the image processing unit according to the image forming conditions.

  Next, the details of the multifunction machine described in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. This multi-function machine has functions of a copy, a printer, and a FAX. In FIG. 3, the multifunction peripheral includes a scanner 301, a document feeder (DF) 302, a print recording print engine 313 having a four-color drum, a paper feed deck 314, and a finisher 315.

  First, a reading operation performed mainly by the scanner 301 will be described. When a document is set on the document table and read, the document is set on the document table 307 and the DF 302 is closed. Then, after the open / close sensor 330 detects that the document table is closed, the reflection-type document size detection sensors 331 to 335 in the housing of the scanner 301 detect the set document size. Starting from this size detection, the original is irradiated with the light source 310, and the CCD 343 reads the image via the reflecting plate 311 and the lens 312, and then converted into a digital signal, and is converted into a laser recording signal by performing desired image processing. Is done. The converted recording signal is stored in a memory in the controller described later with reference to FIG.

  When a document is set on the DF 302 and read, the document is placed face up on the tray of the document setting unit 303 of the DF 302. Then, the document presence / absence sensor 304 detects that the document has been set, and the document feed roller 305 and the transport belt 306 rotate in response to this, and the document is transported, and the document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table 307. Is set. Thereafter, the image is read in the same manner as reading on the platen and stored in the memory in the controller.

  When the reading is completed, the conveyor belt 306 rotates again to send the document to the right side of the drawing, and is discharged to the document discharge tray 309 via the discharge roller 308. When there are a plurality of documents, the documents are discharged from the document table to the right side of the drawing, and at the same time, the next document is fed from the left side via the feed roller 305, and the next document is continuously read. To be done. The above is the operation of the scanner.

  Next, a printing operation performed mainly by the printer 313 will be described. The recording signal (print image data) once stored in the memory in the controller described in FIG. 4 is transferred to the printer 313 and converted into four recording laser beams of Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black by the laser recording unit. The Then, each color photoconductor 316 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor. Then, toner development is performed with the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 317, and the visualized image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 321. Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 321 rotates in the clockwise direction. When the recording paper fed from the paper cassette 318 or the paper feed deck 314 through the paper feed conveyance path 319 reaches the secondary transfer position 320, the intermediate transfer belt 321 is rotated. The image is transferred from the belt 321 to the recording paper. The recording paper onto which the image has been transferred is fixed with toner by a fixing device 322 by pressure and heat. Then, after being transported through the paper ejection path, the paper is ejected to the face-down center tray 323, switched back to the paper exit 324 to the finisher, or the face-up side tray 325. (However, the side tray 325 is a discharge port that can discharge paper only when the finisher 315 is not installed). The flappers 326 and 327 are for switching the transport path in order to switch these discharge ports. In the case of double-sided printing, after passing through the fixing device 322, the flapper 327 switches the conveyance path, and then the sheet is switched back and the recording sheet is fed downward. 320 is fed to realize a double-sided operation.

  Next, operations performed by the finisher 315 will be described. The finisher 315 performs post-processing on the printed paper according to the function designated by the user. Specifically, it has functions such as stapling (1 and 2 binding), punching (2 and 3 holes), and saddle stitching. 3 has two paper discharge trays 328, and the recording paper that has passed through the paper discharge port 324 to the finisher 315 is, for example, a paper discharge tray for each function of a copy / printer / fax, depending on user settings. Can be sorted. The print engine 313 is a color 4-drum printer, but it is needless to say that a color 1-drum engine or a monochrome recording printer engine may be used. When used as a printer, various settings such as black and white / color print, paper size, 2UP / 4UP / N-UP printing, duplex, staple, punch, saddle stitching, slip sheet, front cover, back cover, etc. Is possible.

  Next, details of the hardware configuration of the controller that controls the scanner unit, printer unit, and network interface unit of the image printing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main controller 401 mainly includes a CPU 402, a bus controller 403, and various I / F controller circuits.

  The CPU 402 and the bus controller control the operation of the entire device, and the CPU 402 operates based on a program read from the ROM 404 via the ROM I / F 405. The operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from the PC and developing it into raster image data is also described in this program and processed by software. The bus controller 403 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and performs arbitration at the time of bus contention and control of DMA data transfer.

  The DRAM 406 is connected to the main controller 401 by a DRAM I / F 407, and is used as a work area for the CPU 402 to operate and an area for storing image data.

  The codec 408 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 406 by a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and conversely decompresses the code data compressed and stored into raster image data. The SRAM 409 is used as a temporary work area for the codec 408. The codec 408 is connected to the main controller 401 via the I / F 410, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403 and DMA-transferred.

  The graphic processor 424 performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, and binarization on the raster image data stored in the DRAM 406, respectively. The SRAM 425 is used as a temporary work area for the graphic processor 424. The graphic processor 424 is connected to the main controller 401 via the I / F, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403 and is DMA-transferred.

  The network controller 411 is connected to the main controller 401 via an I / F 413 and is connected to an external network via a connector 412. The network is generally Ethernet (registered trademark).

  An extension connector 414 for connecting an extension board and an I / O control unit 416 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 415. A general-purpose high-speed bus is a PCI bus. The I / O control unit 416 is equipped with two channels of asynchronous serial communication controllers 417 for transmitting and receiving control commands to and from the CPUs of the scanner unit 201 and printer unit 203. The I / O bus 418 is connected to the scanner I / F circuit 426 and the printer I / F circuit 430.

  The panel I / F 421 is connected to the LCD controller 420 and includes an I / F for displaying on a liquid crystal screen on the operation unit and a key input I / F for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. The

  An operation unit 501 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached to the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or the hard key is transmitted to the CPU 402 via the panel I / F 421 described above, and the liquid crystal display unit displays image data sent from the panel I / F 421. The liquid crystal display unit displays function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  The real-time clock module 422 is for updating / saving the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 423.

  The E-IDE interface 439 is for connecting an external storage device. In this embodiment, the hard disk drive 438 is connected via the I / F, and image data is stored in the hard disk 440 and image data is read from the hard disk 440. The connectors 427 and 432 are connected to the scanner unit and the printer unit, respectively, and are composed of a synchronized step synchronization serial I / F (428, 433) and a video I / F (429, 434).

  The scanner I / F 426 is connected to the scanner unit via the connector 427, and is connected to the main controller 401 via the scanner bus 441, and has a function of performing predetermined processing on an image received from the scanner unit. Further, it has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the scanner unit to the scanner bus 429. Data transfer from the scanner bus 429 to the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403.

  The printer I / F 430 is connected to the printer unit via the connector 432, and is connected to the main controller 401 via the printer bus 431. The image data output from the main controller 401 has a function of performing predetermined processing and outputting to the printer unit. Further, the control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit is It also has a function of outputting to the printer bus 431.

  Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM 406 to the printer unit is controlled by the bus controller 403 and DMA-transferred to the printer unit 203 via the printer bus 431 and the video I / F 434.

  The SRAM 436 is a memory configured to retain stored contents even when the entire apparatus is powered off by the power supplied from the backup battery, and is connected to the I / O control unit via the bus 435. . Similarly, the EEPROM 437 is a memory connected to the I / O control unit via the bus 435. The details of the hardware configuration of the controller are as described above.

  Next, an operation unit for performing various print settings will be described. 5 is connected to the end of the panel I / F 421 in FIG. Reference numeral 502 denotes a reset key for canceling setting values set by the user. 503 is a stop key used when canceling a job in operation. Reference numeral 504 denotes a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values such as numeric values. Reference numeral 505 denotes a touch panel type operation screen, and specifically displays a screen as shown in FIG. There are many buttons on the touch panel for various settings. Reference numeral 506 denotes a start key for starting a job such as reading a document. Reference numeral 507 denotes a clear key for clearing settings and the like. The above is description of each part of an operation part.

  The content displayed on the touch panel 505 will be described with reference to FIG. A tag 602 displayed at the top of the screen selects each function. From left to right, copy function, transmission function such as FAX transmission and E-mail transmission, transmission to file server, image data read by the scanner unit is stored in the hard disk in the device, and stored data can be operated and printed There is a box function that can be done. Further to the right is a remote scanner function that can be operated from a PC via a network and a scan image can be taken into the PC. By selecting a tag for each function, the screen changes to a screen where each detailed setting can be made. The illustrated screen is a copy function screen. There are a button 603 for selecting a color mode, a magnification specification button 604, a paper selection button 605, a sorter button 606 for specifying finishing such as shift sort and staple sort, a double-sided button 607 for specifying double-sided, and a bar 608 for specifying density. Further, a button 609 for selecting a document type, an application mode button 610 for setting various other application modes, and the like are arranged. Even if the setting by these setting buttons is not completed, in the present invention, when it is detected that a document is set on the document table 307 or the document presence / absence sensor 304 of the DF detects that a document is present, the document Is transferred to a predetermined position and an image reading operation is started. Further, control is performed so that the reading process proceeds in parallel with the setting of the printing condition of the user.

<Description of Image Processing Unit of Printer I / F>
A detailed description will be given of a portion responsible for image processing of the printer I / F 430. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion responsible for image processing of the printer I / F 430.

  An image signal sent from the main controller 401 via the printer bus is first input to the background removal unit 706. The background removal unit 706 (non-linear background removal unit) acquires the background level calculated from the histogram acquired by the histogram count unit 804 or the background level set by the UI. Then, from the obtained background level, an operation for skipping an appropriate background is executed to convert the input RGB value (each 8 bits) into an output R′G′B ′ (each 8 bits). Whether or not to output through R 1, G 2 and B 3 can be selected in units of pixels by the entire page or the image area flag.

  Next, the image signal is input to the LOG converter 701. The LOG converter 701 converts RGB signals to CMY signals by LOG conversion. Next, moire is removed by the moire removing unit 702. A UCR & masking unit 703 generates a CMYK signal from the CMY signal that has undergone moire removal processing by UCR processing, and the masking processing unit corrects the CMY signal to a signal that matches the output of the printer. The signal processed by the UCR & masking unit 703 is subjected to density adjustment by the γ correction unit 704 and then smoothed or edge processed by the filter unit 705. Through these processes, an image is sent to the printer unit 313 via the connector 432.

<Description of Image Processing Unit of Scanner I / F>
A detailed description will be given of a portion responsible for image processing of the scanner I / F 426. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portion responsible for image processing of the scanner I / F 426.

  When the image signal sent from the reader unit 301 via the connector 427 is a connection & MTF correction unit 801 and the CCD is a three-line CCD, the connection process differs depending on the reading speed because the reading position between the lines is different. The delay amount for each line is adjusted and the signal timing is corrected so that the reading positions of the three lines are the same. Since the MTF for reading changes depending on the reading speed, the change is corrected. The digital signal whose reading position timing is corrected is corrected by the input masking unit 802 for the spectral characteristics of the CCD and the spectral characteristics of the lamp and mirror.

  The output of the input masking unit 802 is sent to the ACS count unit 803, the histogram count unit 804, and the main controller 401.

<Copy operation timing>
An image forming apparatus embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 for a copying operation timing chart in the FCOT mode.

  In this embodiment, as an example of the FCOT condition, when an original is placed on a pressure plate instead of an ADF, complicated image processing settings are not set, multiple copies are not set, and various other conditions are set. Conceivable.

As already described, all of the conventional approaches to shortening the FCOT including the above [Patent Document 1] and [Patent Document 2] are predetermined processing in the image forming apparatus, that is, setting an image forming method.
Reading image information ↓
Memory of image information ↓
Reading image information ↓
It did not exceed the category of shortening each processing time in printing image information. For example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is nothing but a technique for shortening the storage time of image information and the readout time of image information in the predetermined process. Further, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 is to increase the paper conveyance speed before the image forming process in the printing apparatus, and to reduce the printing time of image information in the predetermined processing process. Can think.

  On the other hand, a series of processes of reading image information after setting the image forming method and printing the read image information forms the electrostatic latent image by guiding the read image to a photosensitive drum by optical means. It merely follows the processing procedure that was inevitable in an analog copying machine.

  When the user uses the copy function, use the operation panel to set the reading pattern of the original, such as single-sided or double-sided, whether to perform finishing processing such as stapling or bookbinding on the output, enlargement / reduction, etc. Set the magnification. In addition, the layout specification (hereinafter referred to as 2UP and 4UP printing) for printing a plurality of pages of image information such as 2 pages and 4 pages in a reduced layout on one sheet of paper, to some extent before starting actual image reading. It turns out that it takes time. However, the document reading process in the conventional image forming apparatus does not start until all settings are completed and the user presses the start key.

  In this embodiment, an image forming system capable of shortening 211 and FCOT by starting the image processing parameter setting unit 212 in advance while the operation panel is operated by such a user will be described. .

  First, an example of starting the image processing parameter setting means after the conventional image forming processing sequence, that is, after setting the printing conditions for the document read by the image scanner is completed by input to the operation panel of the user Will be explained.

  Comparison of sequences characteristic of the present invention will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  FIG. 1 is described in two upper and lower stages. The upper part describes a conventional sequence, and the lower part describes a sequence characteristic of the present invention.

  1, a controller indicating the operation of the image processing unit 202, the operation unit 204, a scanner indicating the operation of the image scanner as the original image input unit 201, and a printer indicating the operation of the printer as the image forming unit 203 are arranged on the vertical axis. It is out.

  First, a conventional sequence will be described with reference to the timing chart in the upper part of FIG. The document is set on the document table or the document feeder (101). After that, the user operates the panel to specify the number of copies, color mode setting, finishing specification, etc. (period 102). When all the settings are completed, the user presses a start key for instructing start of copying (103).

  Upon receiving the start key (103), the scanner and printer start preparations such as lighting of the light source lamp, various pre-operation corrections, starting of rotation of motors such as polygons, paper conveyance, and pre-rotation of the image forming drum (104). , 105).

When the scanner preparation is completed, the controller performs image processing setting of the scanner I / F (426) (106). When the image processing setting (106) is completed, the controller instructs the scanner to read an image, and the scanner reads the document (period 107).
When the reading of the original and the image processing for input are completed, the storage in the memory is completed (109).
When the image processing setting (106) is completed and the printer image preparation (105) is completed, the image processing setting of the printer I / F (430) is performed (108). Next, the controller instructs the printer to start image formation, and image processing for output for image formation on recording paper is performed while image data is read from the memory. In parallel with this, the printer forms a visible image based on the image data on the paper while synchronizing the conveyance timing of the recording paper and the transferred image information (110), and discharges it outside the apparatus (111). .

  Next, a sequence characteristic of the present invention will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in the lower part of FIG. In the sequence characteristic of the present invention, the document is set on the document table or the document feeder (112). After that, the user operates the panel to specify the number of copies, color mode setting, finishing specification, etc. (period 113). When all the settings are completed, the user presses a start key for instructing copy start (116).

  During this time, the various settings that have been set are held in the image forming condition holding means (209), and it is determined whether the various settings that have been set by the FCOT determination means (210) correspond to the FCOT conditions (114). Subsequently, when the FCOT condition is satisfied, the controller performs image processing setting of the scanner I / F (426) and the printer I / F (430) in advance (115).

  Upon receipt of the start key depression (116), the scanner and printer start preparations such as lighting of the light source lamp, various pre-operation corrections, start of rotation of motors such as polygons, paper conveyance, and pre-rotation of the image forming drum (117). 118).

When the scanner preparation (117) is completed and the controller completes the image processing setting (115) of the scanner I / F (426), the controller instructs the scanner to read an image, and the scanner reads the original (119). Period)
When the reading of the original and the image processing for input are completed, the storage in the memory is completed (121).
When the image processing setting (115) of the printer I / F (430) is completed and the printer preparation (118) is completed, the controller instructs the printer to start image formation, and the image data is read from the memory while Output image processing for image formation on recording paper is performed. In parallel with this, the printer forms a visible image based on the image data on the paper while synchronizing the conveyance timing of the recording paper and the transferred image information (120), and discharges it outside the apparatus (122). .

  As described above, in the sequence characteristic of the present invention compared to the conventional sequence, the FCOT time is shortened by the time indicated by reference numeral 123 in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the FCOT determination is performed before the user presses the start key. However, even if it is started after the user presses the image, the image processing is performed before the start of image entry / exit and the preparation of the image forming means, or the preparation ends. An implementation example in which the setting is started is also conceivable.

<FCOT determination unit operation flow>
Next, the operation flow of the FCOT determination unit of the image forming system of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The flowchart of FIG. 9 is a flowchart for performing FCOT determination before starting Copy in the present invention.

  In step S <b> 901, the operation unit 204 detects a user operation and holds the setting content in the image forming condition holding unit 209.

  In step S902, it is determined whether the FCOT determination unit 210 is set to the FCOT mode.

  When it is determined that the FOCT mode is selected, in step S903, the controller is activated by the activation unit 211 with the FOCT setting.

  In step S904, the activation unit 211 activates the image processing parameter setting unit.

  If the copy start key is not pressed instead of setting the FCOT mode in step S905, the process proceeds to step S906, and if not, the process returns to step S901.

  If the copy start key is pressed, the controller instructs the image input unit 201 and the image forming unit 203 to prepare for operation in step S906.

  In step S907, if the copy key start is pressed with the FCOT mode set, the process proceeds to step S910, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, the controller activates the activation unit 211 with the current setting.

  In step S909, the activation unit 211 activates the image processing parameter setting unit 212.

  In step S910, the controller instructs the image input unit 201 and the image forming unit 203 to start operation.

  Next, the operation flow of the FCOT determination unit of the image forming system of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The flowchart in FIG. 10 is a flowchart for performing FCOT determination after copying is started in the present invention.
In step S <b> 1001, the operation unit 204 detects a user operation, and holds the setting contents in the image forming condition holding unit 209.

  If the copy start key is pressed in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003. Otherwise, the process returns to step S1001.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether the FCOT determination unit 210 is set to the FCOT mode.

  When it is determined that the FOCT mode is set, in step S1004, the controller starts the starting unit 211 with the FOCT setting.

  In step S1005, the activation unit 211 activates the image processing parameter setting unit.

  In step S1006, the controller instructs the image input unit 201 and the image forming unit 203 to prepare for operation.

  When the operation preparation is completed, the controller instructs the image input unit 201 and the image forming unit 203 to start the operation in step S1007.

  If the FCOT mode is not determined in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1008.

  In step S1008, the controller instructs the image input unit 201 and the image forming unit 203 to prepare for operation.

  In step S1009, the controller activates the activation unit 211.

  In step S1010, the activation unit 211 activates the image processing parameter setting unit, and the process advances to step S1007.

  Next, the operation flow of the FCOT determination unit of the image forming system of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The flowchart of FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the prior setting of the idle time in the present invention.

  In step S1101, the page processing is completed, and if the job is completed, the process proceeds to step S1102, and if the job is not yet completed, it is determined again.

  In step S1102, the process returns to step S1103 if there are no remaining jobs at the end of the job, and the process returns to step S1101 otherwise.

  In step S1103, since all jobs are completed and the idle time is entered, the controller activates the activation unit 211 with the FOCT setting.

  In step S1104, the activation unit 211 activates the image processing parameter setting unit.

Claims (8)

Image input means (201) for inputting image data;
Operation means (204) for enabling setting of various image forming conditions for an image input by the input means;
Image processing means (202) for performing image processing on the input image;
Image processing parameter setting means (212) for setting the image processing means in accordance with the image forming conditions;
An image forming means (203) for forming an image on the image processed by the image processing means;
Image forming condition holding means (209) for holding image forming conditions set by the operating means;
FCOT determination means (210) for determining whether the image forming condition is an FCOT (Fast Copy Time) operation condition;
An activation unit (211) that activates the image processing parameter setting unit prior to the activation of the image forming unit or the image input unit when the FCOT determination unit determines that the FCOT operation condition is satisfied;
An image forming system comprising: The image input means is a scanner (301) for reading a document,
The image forming means is a printer (313) for printing on paper,
The image processing means is an image processing controller (401) that inputs an image from a scanner and outputs the image to a printer.
The image forming system according to claim 1. The preparation activation means that the scanner light source (310) is activated,
The image forming system according to claim 2. The preparation activation means the shading correction of the scanner (301).
The image forming system according to claim 2. The preparatory activation means motor activation,
The image forming system according to claim 2. The preparation start means a temperature raising operation,
The image forming system according to claim 2. The FCOT determination means (210) determines not only when an operation start instruction is given from the user by the operation means (204) but also whenever an image forming condition is set.
The image forming system according to claim 1. During the time when image formation is not performed in the image forming system,
The image processing parameter setting means (212) is activated under an FCOT image forming condition.
The image forming system according to claim 1.

Images