JP2013119233A - Image forming apparatus and printing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quicken printing of first paper when a return is made from a power saving mode to an energizing mode.SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus includes an interface section which receives image data, an image processing section which generates printable image data from the received image data, a printing section which prints the generated image data on paper, a paper accommodating section which accommodates the paper, a paper control section which conveys the accommodated paper to the printing section, while collecting the state information on the paper accommodating section, and a storage section which stores the state information ST1 on the paper accommodating section. When the interface section receives the image data to be printed, the image processing section starts image generation processing of converting the received image data into the printable image data, using the state information ST1 stored in the storage section.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital printer or a digital multi-function peripheral, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that generates image data to be printed on paper based on paper information or the like.

A conventional image forming apparatus acquires image data from a scanner or the like, performs image processing for converting the acquired image data into image data in a format that can be printed on a predetermined sheet, and supplies the processed image data. Printing is performed on paper stored in the paper unit.
Due to today's demand for power saving, it is required to save power for the entire electrical product, but various power saving devices have been devised in the image forming apparatus.
For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for reducing power consumption in the fixing unit, and Patent Document 2 describes a state of the apparatus when entering the power saving mode and a state when the power saving mode is canceled. In other words, a technique has been proposed in which only different parts are operated in different cases, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption during standby and preventing a delay in the first print time upon return.

  Such an image forming apparatus generally includes a communication unit that receives image data, an image processing unit that performs image processing of the received image data, a printing unit that prints image data that has undergone image processing, an operation input unit, and the like. It has.

In an image forming apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral (hereinafter referred to as MFP), a printing unit is a part including a photoconductor, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, and the like, and requires large power consumption.
Therefore, in order to respond to today's demands for power saving, as one of the methods for reducing the power consumption of the MFP, a power saving mode is provided. The energization is stopped.

However, even in the power saving mode, energization is always performed for an image processing unit with relatively low power consumption, an operation input unit, a communication unit, and an interface unit with other devices storing image data.
In such a power saving mode, when image data to be printed is input via the interface unit, a print signal is sent from the image processing unit to the printing unit to print the image data. The power supply to the club was resumed.
When the energization is resumed, the printing unit such as the fixing unit is set in a printable state, and the amount of paper loaded in the paper feeding unit connected to the printing unit, the paper storage direction, etc. The sheet information is collected using a predetermined sensor or the like, and the collected information is transmitted to the image processing unit.

On the other hand, the image processing unit performs reception processing and analysis processing of image data together with an activation request to the printing unit, acquires paper information sent from the printing unit, and then prints using the acquired paper information Image data in a possible state is generated.
Thereafter, the generated image data is transferred to a printing unit, and the transferred image data is printed on a sheet.

JP 2006-251363 A JP 2000-118112 A

However, the image data reception processing and analysis processing performed in the image processing unit can be performed in parallel by improving the performance of the CPU, etc., and the time can be shortened. Since the paper information is determined after the initialization processing of the paper feed unit and the paper discharge unit, it may take time to obtain the paper information.
For example, when it takes time to acquire the paper information, the image processing unit may not be able to acquire the paper information that is supposed to be sent from the printing unit, and thus the image data generation process may be awaited.

  Therefore, when returning from the power saving mode to a state in which normal printing processing can be performed, a wasteful waiting time is generated before the start of image data generation processing. There was a problem that the printing time) could not be increased.

  In addition, if the image processing unit executes the image generation process without waiting for acquisition of the paper information sent from the printing unit, it is possible to shorten the first print time. However, when the content of the current paper information is different from the past content, for example, when the direction of the paper loaded in the paper feeding unit is changed, an image using the past paper information is used. If the image data generated by the generation process is transferred to the printing unit as it is and printed, there is a problem that printing failure occurs and image data cannot be printed normally.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and by storing the paper information obtained from the printing unit, the first print when returning from the power saving mode is made faster, and the paper is It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the occurrence of printing defects such as missing prints when there is a change in information or the like.

The present invention relates to an interface unit that receives image data, an image processing unit that generates printable image data from the received image data, a printing unit that prints the generated image data on a sheet, and a sheet that contains the sheet Based on an instruction from the storage unit, the printing unit, a sheet control unit that conveys the stored sheet to the printing unit and collects status information of the sheet storage unit, and status information ST1 of the sheet storage unit And when the interface unit receives image data to be printed, the image processing unit uses the status information ST1 stored in the storage unit to store the received image data. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that starts image generation processing for conversion into printable image data.
According to this, since the image generation process is started using the state information stored in the storage unit, when there is no change in the state information, the image generation process is performed after newly acquiring the state information of the paper storage unit. It is possible to shorten the time required to start printing image data on the first sheet after the image data is received, compared to when starting the printing.

In addition, the power control unit includes a power control unit that controls power supply in accordance with either an energization mode capable of printing on paper or a power saving mode in which power supply is limited, and the power control unit includes the power saving unit. In the mode, when power supply to the printing unit and paper control unit is stopped and the interface unit receives image data to be printed, power supply to the printing unit and paper control unit is started, The image processing unit shifts to the energization mode, and the image processing unit starts the image generation processing before acquiring the state information collected by the paper control unit to which power is supplied.
According to this, when returning from the power saving mode to the energization mode in which printing of paper is possible, the image processing unit checks the status information collected by the paper control unit to which power is supplied before confirming the image information. Since the generation process is started, it is possible to shorten the time until the printing of the image data on the first sheet after receiving the image data.

Further, after shifting from the power saving mode to the energization mode, the printing unit causes the sheet control unit to collect new state information ST2 of the sheet storage unit, and the collected new state information ST2 is used as the image information. The image processing unit compares the new state information ST2 with the state information ST1 stored in the storage unit, and if the state information ST1 and the new state information ST2 do not match The image generation process is performed again using the new state information ST2.
According to this, when the state information changes, the image generation process is executed again using the new state information after the change, so that the printing is executed based on the correct paper state after the change, and the lack of printing, etc. Can be prevented from occurring.

Further, the image processing unit updates the state information stored in the storage unit to the new state information ST2.
According to this, since the status information stored in the storage unit used for the image generation process is updated to the acquired new status information ST2, the status information of the paper storage unit is included in the next printing. When there is no change, it is possible to shorten the time required to start printing on the first sheet.

The storage unit includes a nonvolatile memory, and the new state information ST2 is stored in the nonvolatile memory by the update process.
According to this, since the new state information is stored in the non-volatile memory, if the state information does not change when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off and then turned on again, the next printing is performed. The time required to start printing on the first sheet can be shortened.

The status information of the paper storage unit includes paper information indicating the capacity, size, and storage direction of the paper stored in the paper storage unit.
Further, the storage unit is provided in the image processing unit.

  The present invention also provides a printing method of an image forming apparatus including an interface unit, an image processing unit, a printing unit, a paper storage unit, a storage unit, and a power supply control unit, and image data is stored on a sheet. In the power saving mode in which power supply to the printing unit to be printed is limited, when the interface unit receives image data to be printed, the power control unit starts power supply to the printing unit, The image processing unit shifts to an energization mode in which printing on a sheet is possible, and the image processing unit stores in the storage unit before confirming the status information of the sheet storage unit that stores the sheet obtained by the printing unit to which power is supplied. An image generation process for converting the received image data into printable image data is started using the state information stored in the paper storage unit, and the printing unit generates an image generated by the image generation process. To provide a printing method of an image forming apparatus characterized by printing the data on paper.

  According to the present invention, since the image generation process is started using the state information stored in the storage unit, the state information of the paper storage unit is newly acquired when there is no change in the state information of the paper storage unit. In this case, it is possible to shorten the time until the printing of the image data on the first sheet after the image data is received, compared to the case where the image generation process is started after this.

  In particular, when shifting from the power saving mode in which the power supply to the printing unit is stopped to the energization mode in which printing on a sheet can be performed, the time required to start printing image data on the first sheet is reduced. It is possible to speed up the time when printing on the first sheet is completed.

1 is a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the printing process of the image forming apparatus of this invention, it is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement sequence of each functional block when state information corresponds. In the printing process of the image forming apparatus of this invention, it is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement sequence of each functional block when state information is inconsistent. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a printing process of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the printing process of this invention, it is explanatory drawing of the process performed between each functional block in case state information does not correspond. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement sequence in the printing process of the conventional image forming apparatus.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.
However, this does not limit the present invention.
<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
Here, in the configuration of the image forming apparatus, main functional blocks particularly related to the printing process of the present invention are shown.
1, the image forming apparatus mainly includes an image processing unit (ICU) 11, a storage unit (MR) 12, a power supply control unit (PW) 21, an interface unit (IF) 31, a printing unit (PCU) 41, and sheet control. Unit (OP) 51 and a paper storage unit 61.

An image processing unit (hereinafter also referred to as ICU or image processing unit) 11 is a part that receives image data input by the IF 31, analyzes it, generates printable image data, and the like, and mainly includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. And a microprocessor including an I / O controller, a timer, and the like.
Based on a program stored in advance in a ROM or the like, the CPU organically operates various types of hardware to realize functions such as print processing according to the present invention.
In addition, the ICU may include a nonvolatile memory 13 and a volatile memory 14 corresponding to a storage unit (MR) 12 described later.

When further classified into functional blocks, the image processing unit (ICU) 11 includes an image reception unit, an image analysis unit, an image generation unit, a state information acquisition unit, a state information comparison unit, and a state information update unit.
The image receiving unit is a part that receives image data input via the interface unit (IF) 31.
The image analysis unit is a part that analyzes the received image data. For example, the image analysis unit is a part that determines which paper is to be printed or which paper should be printed.
When the IF 31 receives image data to be printed, the image generation unit uses the analysis result of the image data and the state information stored in the storage unit 12 or the state information acquired from the printing unit 41 to receive the received image data. This is the part that converts the data into printable image data.

The status information acquisition unit is a part that receives the new status information ST2 that the printing unit 41 has acquired by the paper control unit 51 and stores it in the volatile memory 14 of the storage unit 12.
The state information comparison unit is a part that compares the acquired new state information ST2 with the state information ST1 stored in the storage unit 12. That is, it is a part for checking whether there is any change in the state information.
The state information update unit is a part that updates the state information stored in the storage unit 12 to the acquired new state information ST2.

The storage unit (MR) 12 is a part that stores data necessary for the printing process and the like of the present invention, and in particular, a part that stores state information ST1 of the sheet storage unit. The storage unit (MR) 12 includes a nonvolatile memory 13 and a volatile memory 14.
The nonvolatile memory 13 mainly stores parameters necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus, for example, setting information necessary for the operation of the printing unit 41 and the sheet control unit 51, and status information 15 such as sheet information regarding the sheet feeding unit 62. This is the part to remember.
The information stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 is information stored even when the power is turned off. As the nonvolatile memory 13, a ROM, an EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or the like is used.

For example, information such as programs and font data that are fixedly stored and not changed are stored in ROM or EPROM.
Also, status information 15 such as paper information and setting values that can be changed according to the user environment are stored in a flash memory or a hard disk so that they can be rewritten.
The initial value of the state information 15 stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 may be collected and stored by the paper control unit 51 when the image forming apparatus is powered on, for example. Thereafter, for example, every time the printing process is executed, the latest status information is acquired, and if there is a change, it may be updated to the information after the change.

The volatile memory 14 mainly includes image data input from an external storage medium such as a CD or USB memory or a scanner, image data in a printable state (generated image), parameters temporarily stored during operation, and the latest state. It is a part for temporarily storing information and the like.
The information stored in the volatile memory 14 is information that is deleted when the power is turned off. As the volatile memory 14, a RAM or the like is used.

The state information (ST1) 15 stored in the non-volatile memory 13 means information storing the state of an optional device provided in the image forming apparatus, and includes, for example, paper information, setting value information, and the like.
The paper information means information about the recording paper stored in the paper storage unit 61. For example, the capacity of the paper stored in the paper supply unit 62, the paper storage direction (vertical and horizontal), and the size of the paper ( A4, B4, etc.), paper type (thin paper, thick paper, single-sided printed paper, etc.).
This paper information changes due to, for example, out of paper, change of paper storage direction, change of paper size, change of paper type setting, and the like.
Status information including paper information is mainly collected by a paper control unit (OP) 51, given to a printing unit (PCU) 41, and sent from the printing unit (PCU) 41 to the image processing unit (ICU) 11.
After confirming the state information, the image processing unit (ICU) 11 generates image data to be printed on paper based on the contents of the state information.

  In general, in the image forming apparatus, the ICU 11 performs image generation processing after acquiring the state information from the PCU 41. However, in the power saving mode in which power is not supplied to the PCU 41, the state returns to the energization mode in which printing is possible. First, after power is supplied to the PCU 41 and activated, the state information is acquired. Therefore, compared to acquiring the status information in the energization mode in a state where power is supplied to the PCU 41, in the power saving mode, it takes a few seconds to acquire the status information, and the first print time is delayed. Will be.

  However, as described above, status information changes depending on events such as a paper out of the paper feed unit, a change in paper size, and a change in paper storage direction. Since a single paper supply unit can store a large amount of paper, the frequency of occurrence of these events is considered to be very low in reality, and the state is in the power saving mode. Information is unlikely to change.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the state information 15 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 of the storage unit 12, and when image data is received due to a print request or the like in the power saving mode, the power is transferred by shifting to the energization mode. Before acquiring the latest state information (ST2) collected by the OP51 supplied with and transmitted from the PCU 41, the ICU 11 reads the state information (ST1) 15 already stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 and reads this Using the state information (ST1) 15, the image data generation process is started.
As described above, when the image generation process is started in the ICU 11 as described above, even if the latest state information (ST2) is acquired thereafter, the state information often changes as described above. If it is considered that the new state information (ST2) actually acquired matches the state information (ST1) 15 read from the nonvolatile memory 13, it is necessary to redo the already-started image generation processing. Therefore, the first print can be accelerated only by the time of the advanced image generation processing.

In FIG. 1, a power control unit (PW) 21 controls power supplied to an image processing unit (ICU) 11, a printing unit (PCU) 41, an interface unit (IF) 31, a paper control unit (OP) 51, and the like. Part. Mainly, the power supply is controlled in correspondence with either an energization mode capable of printing on paper or a power saving mode in which power supply is restricted.
For example, when the power saving mode is set, the power supply to the ICU 11, MR 12, and IF 31 is maintained as it is and the power supply to the PCU 41 and OP 51 is stopped.
When the image data to be printed by the IF 31 is received, the power saving mode is shifted to the energization mode in which normal printing is possible. In this case, power supply to the PCU 41 is started from the power supply control unit (PW) 21 and an activation request signal is transmitted. The PCU 41 that has received the activation request resumes its operation.

An interface unit (IF) 31 is a part for inputting image data from the outside of the image forming apparatus. For example, the communication unit 32 receives image data via a network such as a LAN, and an external storage medium such as a USB memory. And an image data input unit 33 that acquires image data from a scanner.
The received or acquired image data is sent from the interface unit (IF) 31 to the image processing unit (ICU) 11 and temporarily stored in the volatile memory 14.

The printing unit (PCU) 41 corresponds to a so-called printer, and is a part that prints image data generated by the image processing unit (ICU) 11 on paper. Specifically, the paper control unit (OP) 51 is controlled, for example, a signal for selecting a paper to be printed is transmitted to the paper control unit (OP) 51, and converted into printable data by image generation processing. This is the part where image data is printed on paper.
The printing unit (PCU) 41 is a part that acquires current state information before printing image data.
For example, as described later, after shifting from the power saving mode to the energization mode, the OP 51 is made to collect the new state information ST2 of the paper storage unit, and the collected new state information ST2 is transmitted to the ICU 11.
Here, the PCU 41 transmits a signal requesting the collection of the status information to the OP 51, and causes the OP 51 to collect the status information of the paper storage unit 61. For example, the paper information is collected from the paper supply unit 62 of the paper storage unit 61.

  The paper control unit (OP) 51 is a part that conveys the paper stored in the paper storage unit 61 to the PCU 41 based on an instruction from the PCU 41 and collects status information of the paper storage unit. That is, it is a part for collecting status information including paper information by checking the status of the paper supply unit 62 and the paper discharge unit 63, which are the paper storage unit 61, and other optional units. In addition, it is a part that conveys the sheets stored in the sheet feeding unit 62 to the printing unit (PCU) 41 one by one.

The paper storage unit 61 is a part that stores recording paper, and includes a paper feed unit 62 and a paper discharge unit 63.
The paper feed unit 62 is a container that stores recording paper that is not printed, and includes one or more units.
The paper discharge unit 63 is a container for storing printed paper. The paper discharge unit 63 includes one or a plurality of units, and is a part that performs sorting such as paper sorting, stapling, punching, and saddle stitching.
Sensors, switches, and the like are attached to the paper feed unit 62 and the paper discharge unit 63, and the paper control unit (OP) 51 checks the signals obtained from the sensors and switches to check the status of paper information and the like. Collect information.
Note that an image forming apparatus such as an MFP has a large number of functions, and thus is not limited to the functional blocks shown in FIG. 1, and other functional blocks are provided to realize other functions. Also good.

<Print processing in power saving mode>
The schematic operation of each functional block in the case of performing printing processing in the power saving mode will be described below.
In this invention, the ICU 11 starts the image generation process based on the state information (ST1) stored in the nonvolatile memory 13, and then the new state information (ST2) acquired from the PCU 41 and the state information (ST1). If the two state information matches, the image generation processing is continued. If the two state information does not match, the image generation processing started once is stopped and the new state information (ST2) is used. The image generation process is executed again.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic explanatory diagram of an embodiment of printing processing when the current state information (ST1) stored in the nonvolatile memory matches the acquired new state information (ST2).
This figure mainly shows the processes of the interface unit (IF) 31, the image processing unit (ICU) 11, the printing unit (PCU) 41, and the paper control unit (OP) 51, and the flow of information between them.
The ICU 11 includes a CPU, a nonvolatile memory 13 and a volatile memory 14 of the storage unit 12.
The image forming apparatus is currently in the power saving mode, and the IF 31 and the ICU 11 are energized, but the PCU 41 and the OP 51 are stopped.

In this state, it is assumed that image data is input by a user's predetermined input operation.
For example, it is assumed that a print command is received from a personal computer connected to a network and image data to be printed is received via the communication unit 32 which is one of the interface units IF. The communication unit 32 that has received the image data transmits an activation notification to the CPU of the ICU 11. The CPU performs activation processing in order to shift the power saving mode to an energization mode in which normal printing is possible.
In the activation process of the ICU 11, an activation request signal is transmitted to the PCU 41, and further processing such as activation of the main program of the ICU 11 and initialization of state variables is performed.

Thereafter, the CPU receives all the image data transmitted from the IF 31 and temporarily stores it in the volatile memory 14.
The CPU of the ICU performs an analysis process on the received image data in parallel with the image data reception process.
In this analysis processing, for example, processing such as analysis of a printer job control code and analysis of PDL (page description language) data is performed.
If the received image data is to be subjected to print processing, the CPU reads out and acquires the currently stored current state information ST <b> 1 from the nonvolatile memory 13.
Furthermore, after the reception process, the analysis process, and the acquisition process of the status information from the storage unit 12, the ICU 11 starts a process of generating printable image data based on the acquired current status information ST1 ( Image generation processing). The generated image data is temporarily stored in the volatile memory 14.

On the other hand, when the PCU 41 whose operation has been stopped receives the activation request signal, the PCU 41 performs a process of activating each piece of hardware and the paper control unit (OP) 51 constituting the PCU 41.
Further, the PCU 41 transmits an information collection request for acquiring status information including paper information to the OP 51.
The OP 51 collects status information (for example, information related to the amount of paper) from the paper storage unit 61.
The collected state information is transmitted to the PCU 41, and the PCU 41 generates current new state information (ST2) based on the collected state information and transmits it to the ICU 11.
The new state information (ST2) is temporarily stored in the volatile memory 14.

When the ICU 11 receives this new state information (ST2), the state information is compared even if the image generation process is still being executed.
That is, the current state information (ST1) stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 and the new state information (ST2) acquired from the PCU 41 are compared to check whether they match.
In general, the state information is composed of a large number of information items. For example, if there is even one different item, it is determined that the state information has changed, and if all items match, the state information is not changed. Judge that there is no.

The case of FIG. 2 shows a case where the state information matches, so that there is no change in the state information. If the image generation process is being executed, the image generation process is continued as it is.
In the ICU 11, after the image generation processing is completed, the generated image data temporarily stored in the volatile memory 14 is transferred to the PCU 41. Thereafter, the PCU 41 prints the transferred image data on paper.

In the case of FIG. 2, since it is determined by the comparison process that the state information is the same, the image generation process started in advance is continued and executed.
Therefore, the image generation process is completed earlier than the conventional method by the time required for the image generation that has already been performed before the new state information ST2 is transmitted by the PCU 41. Therefore, the time until the first print starts. Can be shortened.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation sequence of print processing in the conventional image forming apparatus.
In the conventional image forming apparatus, the state information is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 13.
A series of processing from reception of image data by the IF 31 to reception processing and analysis processing of the ICU 11, startup processing by the PCU 41, and processing from transmission of the new state information ST2 collected by the information collection processing are the same as in FIG. It is.
However, in FIG. 6, there is no processing for acquiring the state information of the storage unit by the CPU of the ICU 11 of FIG. 2 and the comparison processing of the state information. Instead, the CPU of the ICU 11 receives the new state information transmitted from the PCU 41. After receiving ST2, image generation processing is started.
After the image generation process is completed, an image transfer process to the PCU 41 is performed as in FIG. 2, and an image print process by the PCU 41 is performed.

In the conventional case of FIG. 6, since the image generation process is started after receiving the new state information ST2 transmitted from the PCU 41, the image generation process is started as compared with the process of the present invention shown in FIG. Time is slow.
For example, in FIG. 2, if the time from the image data reception time to the end of the analysis process is Tm, and the time required for the image generation process is Ti, the time T1 from the image data reception to the start of image data transfer to the PCU 41. Is approximately Tm + Ti (T1 = Tm + Ti).
On the other hand, in the prior art of FIG. 6, similarly, the time from the image data reception time to the end of the analysis process is Tm, the time required for the image generation process is Ti, and after the analysis process is completed, the PCU 41 sends the new state information ST2. Is Ts, and the time T0 from the reception of the image data to the start of the transfer of the image data to the PCU is approximately Tm + Ti + Ts (T0 = Tm + Ti + Ts).

Therefore, comparing FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 2, the present invention starts the image generation process earlier by the time corresponding to the time Ts, so the time for starting the image transfer to the PCU 41 Is fast (T1 <T0).
That is, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, if the same image data transfer time and image printing time are substantially the same, it can be seen that the present invention can shorten the time until the first printing.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a schematic explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the printing process when the current state information (ST1) stored in the nonvolatile memory and the acquired new state information (ST2) do not match.
In FIG. 3, the process from the reception of the image data by the IF 31 to the start of the image generation process by the ICU 11 and the new state information ST2 are transmitted to the ICU 11 by the PCU 41, and the two state information (ST1, ST2) are compared. Until the process, the process proceeds as in FIG.
FIG. 3 is different from FIG. 2 in that the processing when the current state information ST1 and the new state information ST2 do not match after this comparison processing is shown.
When the current state information ST1 and the new state information ST2 do not match, the image generation process currently being executed is stopped, and the image generation process is executed again using the new state information ST2.

In the case of FIG. 3, the state information is inconsistent by the comparison process. Therefore, in order to print the image data on the paper normally, it is necessary to adopt the latest new state information ST2 and start the image generation process again. There is.
Therefore, the ICU 11 updates the state information 15 stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 to the acquired new state information ST2.
Then, based on the contents of the new state information ST2, information necessary for printing is changed. For example, the selection of the printing paper is performed again. That is, the paper to be printed is changed to one that matches the current state.
Specifically, for example, when the paper storage direction of the paper supply unit 62 to be printed has been changed from vertical to horizontal, the information used in the image generation processing is “storage direction = horizontal”. Change the setting to.

After that, after changing information necessary for execution of image generation based on the new state information ST2, the ICU 11 starts image generation processing again from the beginning for the received image data.
After the image generation processing is completed, image transfer to the PCU 41 and image printing processing by the PCU 41 are the same as those in FIG.
In the case of FIG. 3, since the image generation process is restarted from the beginning, the time T1i required for the image generation that has progressed halfway is wasted, and the time T2 from the reception of the image data to the start of the image transfer is shown in FIG. It becomes longer than time T1 and time T0 in FIG.

However, if it takes time to start optional equipment such as a paper feed unit and it takes time to collect information by the paper control unit (OP) 51, before acquiring all of the new status information transmitted from the PCU 41. In addition, if the image generation process ends and the image data is transferred by mistake by selecting a paper different from the current status information by referring to the past status information, the image is printed on the wrong paper. Data will be printed, and the printed image may be missing from the paper due to the print image protruding from the paper.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, after the new state information ST2 is acquired, the image generation process is performed again, thereby preventing image printing failure.

<Flowchart of print processing of the present invention>
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the printing process of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the processing contents performed between the functional blocks corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus is currently in a power saving mode.
In step S1 of FIG. 4, it is confirmed whether the IF 31 to which power is supplied in the power saving mode receives image data from the outside.
If no image data is received in step S2, the process returns to step S1, and if image data is received, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the ICU 11 is activated. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the activation notification signal is transmitted from the IF 31 to the PW 21, and the PW 21 transmits this activation notification signal to the ICU 11.
The ICU 11 that has received the activation notification signal initializes necessary setting information for the reception process of the next process.
However, even in the power saving mode, when power is supplied to the ICU 11, the activation notification signal means an activation request for the PCU 41.

In step S4, the ICU 11 receives the image data transmitted from the IF 31 (reception process).
In step S5, the ICU 11 performs received data analysis processing.
The reception process and the analysis process in steps S4 and S5 may be performed in this order. However, if the CPU can perform multitask processing, both processes may be performed in parallel to reduce time.
In the analysis process, by checking the printer job control code and PDL (presence of page description language), the received data is data with printing (print data) or data without printing (for example, image data) Confirm that the data is a data reception request only.
In step S6, if the received data includes print data, the process proceeds to step S8, and if the print data is not included, the process proceeds to step S7.

If the print data is not included in step S7, the print process is not performed, but other processes corresponding to the type of received data (for example, a process for changing the set value, status information response, etc.) are executed. The process is terminated.
If print data is included in step S8, the ICU 11 activates the printing unit PCU 41.
Here, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the ICU 11 transmits a PCU activation request signal to the PW 21, and the PW 21 that has received this request signal transmits an activation request signal to the PCU 41.
The PCU 41 that has received this request signal activates OP51 in step S12 to be described later.

In step S9, the ICU 11 reads the stored current state information (ST1) from the nonvolatile memory 13 of the storage unit (MR) 12.
In step S10, the ICU 11 selects a sheet to be printed based on the content of the read current state information (ST1).
For example, when there are a plurality of paper feed units, the paper feed unit in which the paper on which an image is to be printed is stored is selected based on the information of the paper feed unit to be used acquired by the received data analysis process.
Here, in addition to the selection of the printing paper, information necessary for the next image generation processing is also set.

In step S11, the ICU 11 starts image generation processing for converting the received image data into printable image data, using the content of the read current state information ST1 and information on the selected printing paper.
By this image generation processing, for example, received image data is converted so that it can be printed on A4 size paper stored in the paper feed unit in the vertical direction.

In step S12, the PCU 41 transmits an activation request signal to OP51, and activates OP51.
Here, an optional device such as the paper storage unit 61 connected to the OP 51 is energized to be in an operable state.
In addition to the activation request signal, the PCU 41 transmits an information collection request signal to OP51.

In step S13, the OP 51 collects state information. That is, the OP 51 checks the status of the paper feed cassette 62 of the connected paper storage unit 61 and acquires the current new status information (ST2).
In step S14, the new state information ST2 acquired by OP51 is transmitted to the PCU 41, and further transmitted from the PCU 41 to the ICU 11. This new state information ST2 is temporarily stored in the volatile memory 14 of the MR 12.
The processing from steps S9 to S14 may be performed in this order, but the processing performed by the ICU 11 from steps S9 to S11 and the processing from steps S12 to S14 may be performed in parallel.

In step S15, the ICU 11 compares the current state information ST1 read from the nonvolatile memory 13 with the new state information ST2 temporarily stored in the volatile memory 14.
In step S16, as a result of the comparison of both state information, if both match, the process proceeds to step S19, and if there is information that does not match, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, the ICU 11 updates the state information 15 in the nonvolatile memory 13 to the new state information ST2.
At this time, since the state information is inconsistent, the ICU 11 stops the image generation process started in step S11.
Thereafter, unless there is a change to new state information, processing such as image generation processing is performed using the new state information ST2 written in the nonvolatile memory 13.
In step S18, the ICU 11 restarts the image generation process based on the new state information ST2.
In this image generation process, the generation process for the received image data is restarted from the beginning.
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, the ICU 11 transfers the image data after the image generation process to the PCU 41.
However, if the state information matches in step S16, the image data generated by the image generation processing in step S11 is transferred.
If the status information does not match, the image data regenerated in step S18 is transferred.

In step S20, the PCU 41 performs a printing process on the transferred image data.
Here, the OP 51 transmits a selection signal to the paper feeding unit 62 used for printing selected in step S10, and the paper stored in the paper feeding unit 62 is conveyed to the position of the developing device of the PCU 41. The image data is printed on paper.
In step S <b> 21, after the printing is finished, the OP 51 conveys the printed paper to the paper discharge unit 63 and ends the process.

As described above, since the image generation process has already been started in step S11 before the comparison process in step S15, if the state information matches in step S16, the image generation process is performed more than in the past. Is completed earlier, and the start of the image data transfer process in step S19 can be speeded up.
Therefore, in the printing process performed in step S20, the time (first print) until the first page is printed can be shortened.

11 Image processing unit (ICU)
12 Memory unit (MR)
13 Nonvolatile memory 14 Volatile memory 15 Status information (ST1)
21 Power control unit (PW)
31 Interface section (IF)
32 Communication unit 33 Image data input unit 41 Printing unit (PCU)
51 Paper Control Unit (OP)
61 Paper storage unit 62 Paper feed unit 63 Paper discharge unit

Claims (8)

An interface unit for receiving image data;
An image processing unit for generating printable image data from the received image data;
A printing unit for printing the generated image data on paper;
A paper storage section for storing paper, and
A paper control unit that conveys the stored paper to a printing unit based on an instruction from the printing unit, and collects status information of the paper storage unit;
A storage unit for storing status information ST1 of the sheet storage unit,
When the interface unit receives image data to be printed, the image processing unit converts the received image data into printable image data using the state information ST1 stored in the storage unit. An image forming apparatus which starts image generation processing. A power supply control unit that controls power supply in correspondence with either an energization mode capable of printing on paper or a power saving mode in which power supply is restricted,
The power control unit stops power supply to the printing unit and the paper control unit in the power saving mode,
When the interface unit receives image data to be printed, it starts power supply to the printing unit and the paper control unit, shifts to the energization mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit starts the image generation processing before acquiring the state information collected by the paper control unit to which power is supplied. After shifting from the power saving mode to the energization mode, the printing unit causes the sheet control unit to collect new state information ST2 of the sheet storage unit, and the collected new state information ST2 is used as the image processing unit. Send to
The image processing unit compares the new state information ST2 with the state information ST1 stored in the storage unit. When the state information ST1 and the new state information ST2 do not match, the new state information ST2 The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image generation process is executed again by using the image forming apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing unit updates the state information stored in the storage unit to the new state information ST2.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit includes a nonvolatile memory, and the new state information ST <b> 2 is stored in the nonvolatile memory by the update process.   6. The status information of the paper storage unit includes paper information indicating a capacity, a size, and a storage direction of a paper stored in the paper storage unit. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is provided in the image processing unit. A printing method for an image forming apparatus including an interface unit, an image processing unit, a printing unit, a paper storage unit, a storage unit, and a power control unit,
When the interface unit receives image data to be printed in a power saving mode in which power supply to the printing unit that prints image data on paper is restricted, the power supply control unit supplies power to the printing unit. To start the energization mode that allows printing on paper,
The image processing unit uses the status information of the paper storage unit already stored in the storage unit before confirming the status information of the paper storage unit storing the paper acquired by the printing unit supplied with power. And starting image generation processing for converting the received image data into printable image data,
The printing method of an image forming apparatus, wherein the printing unit prints image data generated by the image generation processing on a sheet.

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