JP3156539B2 - Facsimile machine with printer function - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention functions as a facsimile apparatus when facsimile data transmitted from another facsimile apparatus or the like is received, and is used as a printer when print data output from a computer or the like is received. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus with a printer function that functions as a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, the present applicant has proposed a facsimile apparatus with a printer function. This facsimile apparatus with a printer function is a function of printing data (hereinafter, also referred to as PC data) output from a personal computer, a word processor, or the like using an image forming apparatus originally provided for image recording in the facsimile apparatus. Facsimile data transmitted from another facsimile machine or the like (hereinafter referred to as F
AX data), it functions as a facsimile machine, and a PC output from a computer etc.
When data is received, it functions as a printer.

[0003] A printer that can switch between a normal mode and an economy mode is conventionally known. Here, the normal mode is a print mode inherent to the printer, and the economy mode is a mode in which the consumption of toner, ink, or an ink ribbon (hereinafter, referred to as toner) can be suppressed as compared with the normal mode. When this economy mode is set, for example, in the case of a laser printer or the like, the size of a pixel (dot) is reduced.
Alternatively, the amount of the toner transferred to the recording paper is controlled so as to reduce the number of pixels so as to be smaller than that in the normal mode.

However, in general, an image recorded in the economy mode is less sharp and finer than an image recorded in the normal mode, for example, because the recording density is low or pixels are missing. The details of characters and figures tend to be difficult to read. Therefore, normally, test printing is performed in the economy mode, and an official document is printed in the normal mode.

[0005] Such an economy mode can be adopted also in the facsimile apparatus with a printer function.
By switching to the economy mode, it is considered that when used for test printing or the like, the consumption of toner or the like can be suppressed.

[0006]

However, in the facsimile apparatus with a printer function, when switching between the normal mode and the economy mode is considered, the following inconvenience is considered to occur.

The facsimile apparatus with a printer function is
When used as a printer, there are many opportunities for test printing, and there are many cases where it is desired to set the economy mode.
On the other hand, when used as a facsimile machine, as described above, it is assumed that the output document may be difficult to read, and therefore, in most cases, it is desired to set the normal mode. Therefore, in order to perform such proper use, it is necessary to perform an operation such as switching to the economy mode immediately before using the printer, and returning to the normal mode after use, and it is very troublesome to frequently switch the mode. It was considered.

In addition, when the user forgets to return to the normal mode, or when the user switches to the economy mode, the fax
If the data is received, the received fax data will be recorded in economy mode after all,
It is not possible to completely prevent the case where the received manuscript cannot be read.

Therefore, the present invention provides a facsimile apparatus with a printer function that can record an image in an appropriate recording mode without performing a troublesome operation each time when the apparatus functions as a printer or a facsimile apparatus. The purpose is to provide.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems, action, and effects] To achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1, and facsimile reception means for receiving facsimile data transmitted another facsimile instrumentation placed al, a print data input means for inputting print data to be output from the external device, and an image forming means for forming an image consisting of a large number of pixels in the record medium, the facsimile data or the print data to form an output image A facsimile machine with a printer function, comprising: an image output control unit that converts the image data into dot pattern data representing pixels, controls the image forming unit based on the dot pattern data, and records an output image on the recording medium. In the economy mode in which the amount of the colorant for image formation is suppressed, an output image is recorded on the recording medium. Economy control means, and setting means for individually setting whether or not to operate the economy control means, when the facsimile data is received and when the print data is received, respectively. And

In the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present invention, when the facsimile receiving means receives the facsimile data, the image output control means converts the facsimile data into dot pattern data, and controls the image forming means based on the dot pattern data. By controlling, the output image is recorded on the recording medium. On the other hand, when the print data input means inputs the print data, the image output control means converts the print data into dot pattern data, controls the image forming means based on the dot pattern data, and outputs the output image to the recording medium. Record.

In recording such an output image, in the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present invention, the output image can be recorded on the recording medium in the economy mode by the economy control means. The economy mode is a normal recording mode (hereinafter referred to as a normal mode).
This is a mode in which the amount of the colorant for forming an image such as toner is reduced as compared with the case of FIG. Controls in economy mode
Although it differs depending on the printing method of the printer, for example, in the case of a laser printer or the like, in the case of a laser printer or the like, the size of the pixel is reduced by controlling the irradiation time of the laser beam, and the amount of toner attached per pixel is reduced, Pixels forming an image can be thinned out somewhat to reduce the amount of toner attached to the entire image. In the case of an inkjet printer, it is possible to reduce the amount of ink to be ejected or to reduce the amount of ink by thinning out pixels. Also, in the case of a thermal transfer printer, control is performed to reduce the amount of ink ribbon to be fed more than usual, so that consumption of the ink ribbon can be suppressed.

In the present apparatus, whether or not to perform recording in such an economy mode is set individually by the setting means when facsimile data is received and when the print data is received. be able to. As this setting means, a memory for storing a setting of whether or not to perform recording in the economy mode is provided,
The setting content stored in the memory may be configured to be changeable by an operation from an operation panel provided in the apparatus or a command transmitted from an external device connected to the apparatus. In addition, when facsimile data is received, a switch is provided on the operation panel corresponding to each case when print data is received, and whether or not to record in economy mode is associated with the on / off of each switch You may keep it.

According to the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present invention configured as described above, for example, when facsimile data is received, each output image is output in a normal mode, and when print data is received, each output image is output in an economy mode. By setting the recording, the facsimile image is always recorded in the normal mode even when the facsimile data is transmitted during the test print in the economy mode.
In other words, an image can be recorded in an optimal recording mode according to each of the case where it functions as a printer and the case where it functions as a facsimile machine. Therefore,
With regard to print data, it is possible to perform clear recording only when facsimile data is received while suppressing consumption of toner and the like.

Although the economy mode is convenient for test printing as a printer, characters and the like may not be clearly read. Therefore, it is considered that facsimile data may not be recorded in the economy mode. Accordingly, a second aspect of the present invention, a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data transmitted another facsimile instrumentation placed al, and the print data input means for inputting print data to be output from the external device,
Image forming means for forming an image consisting of a large number of pixels in the record medium, the facsimile data or the print data is converted into dot pattern data representing the pixels constituting the output image, on the basis of the said dot pattern data In a facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: an image output control unit for controlling an image forming unit and recording an output image on the recording medium, when the print data is received, the amount of the image forming colorant used is reduced. suppressing economy mode, the comprises a printer output economy control means for recording an output image on a recording medium, and setting means capable of setting whether to function the printer output economy control means, said printer by said setting means Output
When it is set to operate the economy control means
In any case, the facsimile data
It is characterized in that recording in the me mode is not performed .

In the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present invention, an output image is recorded on a recording medium according to the received data by the same control as described above. In recording the output image, in the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present invention, the output image can be recorded on the recording medium in the economy mode by the printer output economy control means only when print data is received. Whether or not to perform the recording in the economy mode can be set by the setting unit. That is, in the present apparatus, when facsimile data is received, recording is not performed in the economy mode, and only when print data is received, whether or not to perform recording in the economy mode can be arbitrarily set. .

Therefore, even if the economy mode is set by the setting means, the facsimile image is not recorded in the economy mode, and the consumption of toner and the like can be suppressed when printing the print data. Further, it is unlikely that facsimile data is recorded in the economy mode due to a user setting error. Further, the setting means has an advantage that the operability at the time of setting the mode is improved because the user can select whether or not to set the economy mode.

As described above, when facsimile data is received, recording in the economy mode may result in illegibility, but consumption of toner and the like is suppressed within a range where the recording result can be read. A method is also conceivable.
Therefore, the invention of claim 3, wherein the another facsimile equipment
A facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data transmitted pressurized et al, image forming means for forming the print data input means for inputting print data output from an external device, an image consisting of a large number of pixels in the record medium When,
The facsimile data or the print data is converted to dot pattern data representing pixels constituting an output image, and the image forming unit is controlled based on the dot pattern data to record an output image on the recording medium. A facsimile apparatus with a printer function having output control means, when receiving the print data, causes an output image to be recorded on the recording medium in a first economy mode in which a usage amount of an image forming colorant is suppressed. Printer output economy control means, first setting means capable of setting whether or not to operate the printer output economy control means, and suppressing the use of the image forming colorant when the facsimile data is received. A facsimile output economy for recording an output image on the recording medium in a second economy mode; Control means, and second setting means capable of setting whether or not to operate the facsimile output economy control means. In the first economy mode, the amount of the colorant for image formation is reduced by It is characterized by being suppressed more than the economy mode 2.

In the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present invention, an output image is recorded on a recording medium in accordance with the received data by the same control as described above. In recording the output image, in the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present invention, when print data is received, the output image can be recorded on the recording medium in the first economy mode by the printer output economy control means. And whether or not to record in the first economy mode,
It can be set by the first setting means.

On the other hand, when facsimile data is received, the facsimile output economy control means
An output image can be recorded on a recording medium in the second economy mode. Then, whether or not to perform recording in the second economy mode can be set by the second setting means.

In the case of the present apparatus, in the first economy mode, the amount of the colorant for image formation is reduced to the second economy.
It is characterized by being suppressed more than the economy mode. In both the economy modes, the degree to which the amount of the colorant for image formation is suppressed is appropriately adjusted. However, the first economy mode is adjusted to the degree required for recording print data, and the second economy mode is The setting is made to the extent necessary for recording facsimile data.

Therefore, according to such an apparatus, when print data is received, it can function in the same manner as the apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, and even when facsimile data is received, To some extent, consumption of toner and the like can be suppressed. At this time, since the amount of the colorant for image formation is not suppressed as much as when printing print data, the problem that the output image cannot be read does not occur.

By the way, as in the device according to claim 3, 2
When the economy mode is provided as described above, it is considered that whether or not to perform the recording in the economy mode may not necessarily be set individually when facsimile data is received and when print data is received. Therefore, an invention according to claim 4, wherein, a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data transmitted another facsimile instrumentation placed al, and the print data input means for inputting print data to be output from the external equipment, record Image forming means for forming an image composed of a large number of pixels on a medium; converting the facsimile data or the print data into dot pattern data representing pixels constituting an output image; and forming the image based on the dot pattern data. Control the means,
A facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: an image output control means for recording an output image on the recording medium;
A case where the print data is received, a printer output economy control means for recording an output image on the recording medium in the first economy mode for suppressing the use amount of the image forming colorant, and the facsimile data is received. A facsimile output economy control unit that records an output image on the recording medium in a second economy mode in which the amount of the image forming colorant used is suppressed; and a printer output economy control unit and the facsimile output economy control unit. Setting means capable of simultaneously setting whether or not both functions are provided, wherein in the first economy mode, the amount of the colorant used for image formation is suppressed more than in the second economy mode. And

In the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present invention, an output image is recorded on a recording medium in accordance with the received data under the same control as described above. When printing the output image, when print data is received, the output image is recorded on the recording medium in the first economy mode, and when facsimile data is received, the recording medium is recorded in the second economy mode. Can record an output image. Whether or not to perform recording in the economy mode can be simultaneously set by the setting means.

Therefore, like the device according to the third aspect,
Regardless of whether the print data is received or the facsimile data is received, the consumption of toner and the like can be suppressed correspondingly. In addition, the setting means has a merit that the operability at the time of setting the mode is improved because the setting of the economy mode is an option.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the facsimile apparatus 2 of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the internal mechanism.

The facsimile apparatus 2 of this embodiment is
An image is read from a manuscript, the image data is transmitted as facsimile data to another facsimile device via a telephone line, and facsimile data (hereinafter referred to as F) transmitted from the other facsimile device via the telephone line.
AX data), and forms an image on recording paper, in addition to a function as a normal facsimile machine,
Print data (hereinafter also referred to as PC data) transmitted from a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) or a word processor via a printer cable.
In response, the printer has a function as a printer that forms an image corresponding to the data on recording paper.

As shown in FIG. 2, a handset 12 is attached to the side of the main body 10 of the facsimile machine 2, and an operation panel 14 is provided at the front of the upper surface. A recording paper cassette 16 (see FIG. 3) is provided at the rear of the upper surface of the main body 10.
A cassette mounting portion 18 for detachably mounting the cassette is formed, and a document table 20 is formed at the center of the upper surface.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body 10 has a scanner section 22 for reading an image from a document placed on a document table 20, and forms an image on recording paper 24 stored in a recording paper cassette 16. And a control unit 70 for driving and controlling these units to realize the above functions.

In the scanner section 22, the originals placed on the original table 20 are taken in one by one by a paper feed mechanism including a paper feed roller 32 and a separation pad 31. And
The document is transported to a document support plate 34 by transport rollers 33, and an image is read by an image reading device 35 disposed below the document support plate 34. The original after image reading is discharged to a discharge tray 37 provided on the front surface of the main body 10 via a discharge roller 36.

The image reading device 35 irradiates the original on the original supporting plate 34 with light from the light source 38, reflects light reflected from the original by mirrors 39 and 40, and furthermore, the lens 41 to a line image sensor 42. The light is condensed on a light receiving surface of the document, and the document image is read one line at a time. A document sensor 44 that optically detects whether a document is set on the document table 20 is provided on a path from the document table 20 to the paper feeding mechanism.

On the other hand, in the recording section 26, the recording paper cassette 1
The recording paper 24 accommodated in the printer 6 is taken in one by one by a paper feed mechanism including a paper feed roller 51 and a separation pad 52. Then, the recording paper 24 is sent to the image forming apparatus 55 via the transport roller 53, and a toner image is formed in the image forming apparatus 55. The recording paper 24 on which the image has been formed is sent to a fixing device 56, where the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 56, and then, via a discharge roller 57, a discharge tray provided on the front surface of the main body 10. It is discharged to 58. The fixing device 56 is a known device including a heating roller having a built-in heater for heating, and a pressing roller for holding the recording paper 24 between the heating roller and the heating roller. By doing so, the toner image is fixed on the recording paper 24.

The image forming apparatus 55 includes a photosensitive drum 6
1, a laser beam scanning device 62 for irradiating the photosensitive drum 61 with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface thereof, and a developing device 6 for attaching toner to the photosensitive drum 61 after the electrostatic latent image is formed
3 and a transfer device 65 having a transfer roller 64 for applying a charge to the recording paper 24 and transferring the toner adhered to the photosensitive drum 61 to the recording paper 24. Further, the laser beam scanning device 62 A laser emitting section 67 for emitting laser light in accordance with a command from the control section 70, a lens 68 for condensing laser light, and a reflection mirror 69 for guiding the laser light condensed by the lens 68 to the photosensitive drum 61. I have.

That is, the recording unit 26 is configured as a so-called laser printer, and in accordance with a command from the control unit 70,
An image is formed on the recording paper 24. Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 70 for controlling each of the above-described units includes a facsimile (FA).
An X) unit 72, a printer unit 74, and a gate array 76 connecting these units.

The facsimile unit 72 sets an operation mode, reads a document image, sends / receives facsimile data, and converts the received data into dot pattern data in accordance with various commands input from the user through the operation panel 14. The CPU 80, the ROM 82, the RA, and the like perform the conversion of the fax data to the printer unit 74, and the like.
M84, a network control unit (NCU) 86 that enables communication and transmission and reception of facsimile data with other telephones and facsimile apparatuses, and a facsimile apparatus for transmitting and receiving facsimile data with other facsimile apparatuses via the NCU 86 A modem 88 and the like are provided. And CPU
80, ROM 82, RAM 84, NCU 86, modem 8
8 and the operation panel 14 are connected to each other via a bus 89.
Is also connected. The above-described receiver 12 and a speaker for calling are connected to the NCU 86, and a call with another telephone can be made through the receiver 12.

On the other hand, the printer unit 74 includes the gate array 7.
6 to form a facsimile image on the recording paper 24 (in other words, to print FAX data) by controlling the driving of the recording unit 26 in accordance with the FAX data sent from the FAX unit 72 via the FAX 6. As with the facsimile unit 72, it is configured as a well-known microcomputer mainly including a CPU 90, a ROM 92, and a RAM 94. Further, the printer unit 74 is provided with a personal computer interface 96 as a print data input unit.
When the PC data from the external personal computer 98 is input to the interface 96, the PU 90 controls the drive of the recording unit 26 in accordance with the PC data, and forms the image formed on the recording paper 24 by the personal computer 98. (In other words, P
C data). Then, the CPU 90 and the ROM 9
2, the RAM 94, the personal computer interface 96, and the recording section 26 are connected to each other via a bus 99, and the gate array 76 is also connected to the bus 99.

Next, among the various control processes executed in the FAX unit 72 and the printer unit 74, the economy mode setting process and the FAX
The data reception processing and the FAX data and PC data printing processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 shows whether to record in the economy mode when FAX data is received by the FAX unit 72 and when PC data is input to the printer unit 74 via the PC interface 96. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an economy mode setting process for performing the operation. This process is executed by the facsimile CPU 80 when the user operates a predetermined function key on the operation panel 14 and inputs a command to set the economy mode.

In this process, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the economy mode setting screen is displayed on the display screen provided on the operation panel 14 (S110), and a key input by the user is accepted (S115). At this time, the economy mode setting screen displays the printer /
The display indicates whether the mode is facsimile and whether the economy mode is ON or OFF.

Here, the user operates the cursor keys provided on the operation panel 14 to select either the printer or the facsimile as a target for setting the economy mode. The user presses the provided set key. To stop the operation for setting the economy mode, a stop key provided on the operation panel 14 is pressed.

When the key input by the user is completed, it is first determined whether or not the cursor key has been pressed (S12).
0), if the cursor key is pressed (S120: Y
ES), based on the instruction, select one of the printer and the facsimile as a target for setting the economy mode (S125), and return to S115. On the other hand, if the cursor key has not been pressed in S120 (S120: NO),
It is determined whether the set key has been pressed (S13).
0). Here, if the set key has not been pressed (S
130: NO), it is determined whether or not the stop key is pressed (S135), and if the stop key is not pressed (S1).
35: NO), returning to S115 to continue the process. If the stop key is pressed (S135: YE
S), this process ends.

On the other hand, if the set key is pressed in S130 (S130: YES), that is, if the setting target of the economy mode is determined, the key input by the user is accepted again (S140). Here, the user
By operating the cursor keys provided on the operation panel 14,
Whether or not to enter the economy mode, that is, ON / OFF of the economy mode is selected, and if the setting is acceptable, the set key for confirmation provided on the operation panel 14 is pressed.
Here, also in this case, in order to cancel the operation itself for setting the economy mode, the stop key provided on the operation panel 14 is pressed.

When the key input by the user is completed, it is first determined whether or not the cursor key has been pressed (S14).
5) If the cursor key is pressed (S145: Y
ES), based on the instruction, economy mode ON / O
One of the FFs is selected (S150), and the process returns to S140. On the other hand, if the cursor key has not been pressed in S145 (S145: NO), it is determined whether or not the set key has been pressed (S155). Here, if the set key has not been pressed (S155: NO), it is determined whether or not the stop key has been pressed (S160). If the stop key has not been pressed (S160: NO), the process returns to S140. Continue processing. If the stop key has been pressed (S160: YES), this process ends.

On the other hand, if the set key is depressed in S155 (S155: YES), the economy mode selected in S125 for the economy mode set object selected in S125 (either printer or facsimile) is selected in S150. One of ON / OFF is stored in the RAM 84 (S165). After the processing is completed, the setting contents of the economy mode stored in the RAM 84 are stored in the PRINT CPU 90 of the printer unit 74 side.
Are stored in the RAM 94 of the printer unit 74 and are used when the CPU 90 executes the printing process of the FAX data and the PC data.

By the processing described above, the setting as to whether or not to record in the economy mode is made for each of the case where FAX data is received and the case where PC data is input. Next, the facsimile CPU 80
The reception process of FAX data repeatedly executed as one of the main routines will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In this process, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the NCU 86 and the modem 88 as the facsimile receiving unit wait until the FAX data is received (S22).
0: NO). If the fax data is received (S2
20: YES), a print request command is transmitted to the printer unit 74 side (S230), and the printer unit 90 side prints O as a response to the print request command.
It is determined whether a K command has been transmitted (S24).
0). Then, a print OK command is transmitted (that is, printing is currently possible on the printer unit 74 side).
In this case (S240: YES), the facsimile data stored in the predetermined storage area (reception buffer memory 84a) in the RAM 84 is transmitted to the printer unit 74 by the reception data conversion / transfer processing described later (S250). Note that the reception data conversion / transfer processing is executed in a time-division manner using the idle time of the reception processing and the like, and is processed in parallel with this processing.

Next, after starting the process of S250, or when a print NG command has been transmitted (ie, printing is currently not possible on the printer unit 74 side) (S240: NO), the NCU 86 and The fax data received by the modem 88 is stored in the reception buffer memory 84a (S260). Then, it is determined whether reception of one page of FAX data has been completed (S270), and if reception of one page of FAX data has not been completed (S270: N).
O), returning to S260. By such a procedure, one page of FAX data is stored in the reception buffer memory 84a.

When it is determined that the reception of one page of FAX data has been completed (S270: YES), it is determined whether the NCU 86 and the modem 88 have received the FAX data of the next page (S280). If the FAX data of the next page has not been received (S280: NO), the process is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if the FAX data of the next page has been received (S280: YES), the flow returns to S260, and the FAX data of the next page and subsequent pages are transferred to the printer unit 74 and received in the same procedure as described above. The data is stored in the buffer memory 84a.

If printing on the printer unit 74 side is not possible, a print request command is periodically transmitted to the printer unit 74 side, and then, if a print OK command is returned (that is, printing is If it becomes possible), a reception data conversion / transfer process described later is started, and the FAX data stored in the reception buffer memory 84a is transmitted to the printer unit 74 side.

By the above processing, the FAX data is stored in the reception buffer memory 84a, and at the same time, if the FAX data can be printed on the printer unit 74 side, the FAX data is sequentially transferred to the printer unit 74 side. Go on. Next, the received data conversion / transfer process started in S250 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In this reception data conversion / transfer processing,
First, it is determined whether or not one page of received data is stored in the reception buffer memory 84a (S31).
0), and waits until one page of reception data is stored in the reception buffer memory 84a (S310: NO). If one page of received data is stored (S31)
0: YES), the FAX data stored in the reception buffer memory 84a is converted into image data for printing (dot pattern data) (S320), and the converted FAX data is transferred to the printer unit 74 (S330). ). Then, it is determined whether the transfer of one page of data has been completed (S340), and if the transfer of one page has not been completed (S340).
340: NO), and return to S320 to perform conversion and transfer of one page of FAX data.

On the other hand, when the conversion and transfer of one page of FAX data are completed, a page break command is transmitted to the printer unit 74 (S350) to notify that the transmission of one page of FAX data has been completed. Then, it is determined whether or not the fax data of the next page to be printed remains in the reception buffer memory 84a (S360). If the fax data of the next page remains (S360: YES), the process returns to S310. The FAX data of the next page and subsequent pages are also converted and transmitted in the same manner as described above. When the conversion and transmission of all the FAX data stored in the reception buffer memory 84a have been completed (S360: NO), an end command indicating that fact is transmitted to the printer unit 74 (S37).
0), this process ends.

With the above processing, the reception buffer memory 8
The FAX data stored in 4a is converted into dot pattern data and transmitted to the printer unit 74 side. Next, the printing process of FAX data and PC data executed by the PRINT CPU 90 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In this process, as shown in FIG. 7, first, it is determined whether or not a print request has been made from the personal computer 98 (S410). If there is a print request from the personal computer 98 (S410: YES), the process proceeds to FIG. The PC data printing process shown is executed (S460). If there is no print request from the personal computer 98 (S410: NO), it is determined whether there is a print request from the FAX unit 72 (S4).
20) If there is a print request from the FAX unit 72 (S)
420: YES), the FAX data printing process shown in FIG. 9 is executed (S450). Further, if there is no print request from the FAX unit 72 side (S420: NO), the RAM 94
It is determined whether or not PC data to be printed (hereinafter also referred to as accumulated data) is stored in a storage area for accumulating PC data (accumulation buffer memory 94a) in the storage area (S43).
0) If the PC data is stored in the storage buffer memory 94a (S430: YES), the storage data printing process shown in FIG. 10 is executed (S440). The storage buffer memory 94a is for temporarily storing PC data when PC data is transmitted from the personal computer 98 during the printing operation of the recording unit 26. If there is no accumulated data in the accumulation buffer memory 94a (S430: NO), the process returns to S410 and continues this process.

In the printing process of the PC data in S460, as shown in FIG. 8, first, it is determined whether or not the printing operation of the recording unit 26 is possible (S550). Here, if the recording unit 26 can perform a printing operation (S550: YE
S), referring to the settings for PC data printing stored in the RAM 94, it is determined whether or not to record in the economy mode (S560). When recording in the economy mode, the economy mode ON command is issued. The data is transmitted to the laser beam scanning device 62 (S570), and when recording in the normal mode, an economy mode OFF command is transmitted to the laser beam scanning device 62 (S580). When the economy mode ON command is received, the laser beam scanning device 62 shortens the irradiation time for one pixel from the usual time by so-called chopping control when irradiating the laser beam. On the other hand, when the laser beam scanning device 62 receives the economy mode OFF command, the irradiation time for one pixel is made normal.

Next, the PRINT CPU 90 receives the PC data via the personal computer interface 96 (S590), and sequentially checks whether the data is a page break command or an end command (S600, S61).
0), if it is neither a page break command nor an end command, it is stored in the recording buffer memory 94b in the RAM 94 (S620), and the processing of S590 to S620 is repeated.
If it is a page break command (S600: YE
S) Since one page of PC data is stored in the recording buffer memory 94b of the RAM 94, the recording unit 26 is driven in accordance with the one page of PC data, so that the recording paper 24 is printed on the recording paper 24. The data is printed (S630).

In this printing, the PC data stored in the recording buffer memory 94b is transferred to the laser beam scanning device 62, and the laser beam scanning device 62 irradiates a laser beam corresponding to this data. This is performed by synchronously driving mechanical components such as a paper feed roller 51, a transport roller 53, a fixing device 56, a paper discharge roller 57, a photosensitive drum 61, and a developing device 63. At this time, S
470, Economy mode ON / O transmitted in S480
The laser light is irradiated for an irradiation time according to the FF command. When the irradiation time of the laser light is short, the area of the charge removal portion on the photosensitive drum 61 is smaller than usual, so that when the toner is adhered to the photosensitive drum 61 in the developing device 63, the amount of toner is smaller than usual. As a result, the toner consumption is suppressed.

When the PC data is an end command in S610 (S610: YES), the PC data is not transmitted from the personal computer 98, so that the present process is terminated once. By the way, in the above-mentioned S550, if the recording unit 26 cannot perform the printing operation (S550: N
O), PC data is received in the same manner as above (S64)
0), it is checked whether or not the data is an end command (S650). If the data is not an end command (S650: N)
O), the data is stored in the accumulation buffer memory 94a in the RAM 94 (S655), and the processing of S640 to S655 is repeated. That is, when the recording unit 26 is in a state in which the printing operation cannot be performed, only the reception of the PC data is performed. If the command is an end command (S650: Y
ES), since the PC data is not transmitted from the personal computer 98, the present process is temporarily terminated.

Next, the fax of S450 in FIG.
In the data printing process, first, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the printing operation of the recording unit 26 is possible (S66).
0). Here, if the recording unit 26 cannot perform the printing operation (S660: NO), the FAX unit 72
A print NG command indicating that the data cannot be printed is transmitted (S670), and the process ends once. In addition,
Even when the print NG command is transmitted, the FAX section receives FAX data.

On the other hand, if the recording unit 26 is capable of printing (S660: YES), the print
A K command is transmitted (S680).
It is determined whether or not to record in the economy mode with reference to the setting content at the time of FAX data printing stored in the printer (S6).
90) When recording in the economy mode, an economy mode ON command is transmitted to the laser beam scanning device 62 (S700), and when recording in the normal mode,
The economy mode OFF command is sent to the laser beam scanning device 6
2 (S710). Accordingly, as described above, the laser light scanning device 62 changes the irradiation time of the laser light.

Next, the PRINT CPU 90 receives the FAX data via the gate array 76 (S72).
0), and sequentially checks whether the data is a page feed command or an end command (S730, S740).
4 in the recording buffer memory 94b (S75
0), and repeat the processing of S720 to S750. If it is a page break command (S730: YES), RA
FAX for one page is stored in the recording buffer memory 94b of the M94.
Since the data has been stored, this one-page FA
The facsimile data is printed on the recording paper 24 by driving the recording unit 26 according to the X data (S760). At the time of this printing, the recording in the economy mode or the normal mode is performed according to the economy mode ON / OFF command transmitted in S700 and S710. If it is an end command (S740: Y
ES), since the FAX data is not transmitted from the FAX unit 72 side, this process is temporarily ended.

Next, in the printing process of the stored data in S440 in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 10, first, it is determined whether or not the printing operation of the recording unit 26 is possible (S81).
0). Then, if the recording unit 26 cannot perform the printing operation (S810: NO), the process is once ended as it is.
On the other hand, if the recording unit 26 can perform the printing operation (S81
0: YES), referring to the PC data print settings stored in the RAM 94, to determine whether or not to record in the economy mode (S820), and to record in the economy mode, turn on the economy mode. The command is transmitted to the laser beam scanning device 62 (S830), and when recording in the normal mode, the economy mode OFF command is transmitted to the laser beam scanning device 62 (S840). Accordingly, as described above, the laser light scanning device 62 changes the irradiation time of the laser light.

Next, the stored data (PC data) stored in the storage buffer memory 94a is read (S85).
0). Here, if the data can be read (S860: YE
S), it is checked whether or not the data is a page break command (S870). If not, the data is stored in the recording buffer memory 94b in the RAM 94 (S880).
The processing of 850 to S880 is repeated. If the command is a page break command (S870: YES), the RAM 94
Is stored in the recording buffer memory 94b, and the recording section 26 is driven in accordance with the one-page PC data to print the PC data on the recording paper 24. (S890). During this printing,
Economy mode O transmitted in S830 and S840
The recording in the economy mode or the normal mode is performed according to the N / OFF command. Note that S
At 860, if there is no more data to be read as the process proceeds (S860: NO), the process ends once.

As is clear from the above description,
According to the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the present embodiment,
Images can be recorded in the optimal recording mode according to each of the case of functioning as a printer and the case of functioning as a facsimile device.For example, normal mode is received when facsimile data is received, and economy is received when print data is received. If the mode is set to record each output image, even when facsimile data is transmitted during test printing in economy mode, facsimile images are always recorded in normal mode, With regard to print data, it is possible to perform clear recording only when facsimile data is received while suppressing consumption of toner and the like.

Next, another embodiment will be described. Since the hardware configuration and the like are the same as those in the above embodiment, only the differences will be described in detail, and the description of the portions having no difference will be omitted. First, as a second embodiment, in the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the first embodiment, only when PC data is recorded,
It is conceivable that the economy mode can be set ON / OFF.

Specifically, in the economy mode setting process (see FIG. 4), the PC is displayed on the economy mode setting screen.
ON / OF of economy mode for data reception
F is displayed to allow the user to make a selection. Then, in the fax data printing process (see FIG. 9), S69
Instead of the processing of steps S0 to S710, the economy mode O
This is processing for transmitting the FF command to the laser beam scanning device 62. As a result, for example, P
Even if C data is recorded, switching to the normal mode is always performed. That is, in the laser beam scanning device 62, the irradiation state of the laser beam is always controlled to the lighting state, and the FAX data is printed in the normal mode.

With such a configuration, FAX data cannot be recorded in the economy mode, but on the contrary, erroneous recording of facsimile data in the economy mode is completely prevented. Further, in the case of the first embodiment, four combinations of mode settings were considered, but the economy mode ON / O for PC data was considered.
Since the setting is either one of the FFs, the operability at the time of setting the mode is improved, and the setting error hardly occurs.

Next, as a third embodiment, in the facsimile apparatus with a printer function of the first embodiment, in addition to the same economy mode as described above based on PC data, a second embodiment based on FAX data will be described. A configuration in which the second economy mode is provided is conceivable.

More specifically, in the PC data printing process (see FIGS. 8 and 10), in S570 and S830,
The first economy mode ON command is transmitted to the laser beam scanning device 62, and the fax data is printed (see FIG. 9).
In S700, the second economy mode is turned on.
The command is transmitted to the laser beam scanning device 62.

When the laser beam scanning device 62 receives the first and second economy mode ON commands, it performs control to shorten the laser beam irradiation time when irradiating the laser beam corresponding to one pixel. , The first and second economy mode ON commands change the ratio of the laser light on time and the laser light off time, respectively.

That is, for example, the first economy mode O
When the N command is received, the ratio of the on / off state of the laser beam is set to 50:50, and the second economy mode is turned on.
When a command is received, the ratio between turning on and off the laser beam is set to 80:20. Thus, as in the first embodiment, the user simply sets ON / OFF of the economy mode when receiving FAX data and when receiving PC data, but receives PC data. In this case, toner consumption can be suppressed by about 50%, and even when FAX data is received, toner consumption can be suppressed by about 20%. Moreover, the consumption of toner is reduced by 2
If the suppression is only about 0%, the recorded image does not become unreadable.

It should be noted that the specific ratio of turning on and off the laser beam is a value appropriately adjusted in accordance with the recording density of the facsimile apparatus, and is not limited to the above ratio. Also, as is well known, facsimile originals are transmitted at various recording densities, so that upon reception, the recording density of the received data is determined and the laser light is turned on / off accordingly.
The light-off ratio may be determined.

Next, as a fourth embodiment, in the facsimile apparatus with a printer function shown in the third embodiment, the ON / OFF of the economy mode is simultaneously performed for both the recording of the PC data and the facsimile data. It is possible to set it.

Specifically, in the economy mode setting process (see FIG. 4), the PC is displayed on the economy mode setting screen.
The ON / OFF of the economy mode is displayed in common for data and FAX data reception, thereby enabling the user to make a selection. And, based on these settings,
In the C data printing process (see FIGS. 8 and 10),
In 570 and S830, the first economy mode ON command is transmitted to the laser beam scanning device 62, and in the FAX data printing process (see FIG. 9), in S700, the second economy mode ON command is transmitted.
Of the economy mode ON command of the laser beam scanning device 6
Send to 2. The control in the laser beam scanning device 62 is as follows.
This is the same as the third embodiment.

As a result, the user can set ON / OFF of the economy mode without paying attention to the reception of FAX data and the reception of PC data, thereby improving the operability in setting the mode. Further, the point that the consumption of the toner can be optimally suppressed in the case where the PC data is received and the case where the FAX data is received is the same as in the third embodiment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various embodiments can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, as the recording method in the economy mode, the method of controlling the irradiation amount of the laser beam to reduce the amount of toner adhering per pixel has been described. In the above matrix, the consumption of toner can also be suppressed by deleting pixels in accordance with a predetermined rule, such as deleting an odd-numbered column or deleting a central pixel in a portion where three or more pixels are continuous.

In the embodiment, the recording unit 26 of the laser printer type has been described. However, the recording unit may be a printing mechanism of a thermal transfer printer type or an ink jet printer type. In the case of a thermal transfer printer, the economy mode in which the consumption of the ink ribbon is suppressed can be realized by controlling the feed amount of the ink ribbon to be smaller than usual. In the case of an ink jet printer, the economy mode can be realized by reducing the density of each pixel by suppressing the amount of ejected ink, or reducing the amount of ink by thinning out pixels.

Further, in the embodiment, the economy mode ON / OFF is set by the operation from the operation panel 14. For example, the personal computer connected by a printer cable or the other facsimile apparatus connected by a telephone line. , The setting of the economy mode ON / OFF may be changed upon receipt of the economy mode ON / OFF command transmitted from. In particular, in such a configuration, when transmitting a command from the personal computer side, it is often desirable to set the printer as a normal printer, and when transmitting a command from another facsimile apparatus side, it is necessary to set the printer as a facsimile apparatus It is considered that the user often wants to make settings. When a command is sent from the personal computer, the economy mode is turned ON / OFF only for the PC data.
It is convenient to set the economy mode ON / OFF only for FAX data when a command is transmitted from another facsimile machine after the setting is made OFF. A command transmitted from the personal computer side may be a specific control code or the like, and a command transmitted from the facsimile side may be a specific tone signal or the like.

In addition, in the embodiment, the control unit 70
The facsimile apparatus which is divided into a unit 72 and a printer unit 74 and realizes transmission and reception of facsimile data and printing of facsimile data and PC data by the processes of two CPUs 80 and 90 provided in these units has been described. CP
The present invention can be applied to a facsimile apparatus in which these processes are realized by U.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal mechanism of the facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an economy mode setting process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of receiving FAX data.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating received data conversion / transfer processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an entire data printing process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a PC data printing process when a print request is issued from a personal computer in the data printing process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating FAX data printing processing when a printing request is received from a FAX unit in the data printing processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the case where stored data exists in the data printing processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Facsimile machine, 10 ... Main body, 12 ...
· Receiver, 14 · · · operation panel, 16 · · · recording paper cassette, 18 · · · cassette mounting section, 24 · · · recording paper, 26 · · · recording section, 55 · · · image forming apparatus, 56
... Fixing device, 57 ... Discharge roller, 58 ... Discharge tray, 61 ... Photosensitive drum, 62 ... Laser beam scanning device, 63 ... Developing device, 64 ... Transfer Roller, 65: transfer device, 67: laser emitting unit, 6
Reference numeral 8: lens, 69: reflection mirror, 70: control unit, 72: FAX unit, 74: printer unit, 7
6 ... Gate array, 80 ... FAX CPU, 8
2, 92: ROM, 84, 94: RAM, 84
a: reception buffer memory, 88: modem, 8
9, 99 ... bus, 90 ... CPU for PRINT,
94a: accumulation buffer memory, 94b: recording buffer memory, 96: interface for personal computer,
98 ... personal computer.

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A facsimile reception means for receiving facsimile data transmitted another facsimile instrumentation placed al, and the print data input means for inputting print data output from an external device, a large number of pixels in the record medium Image forming means for forming an image comprising: converting the facsimile data or the print data into dot pattern data representing pixels constituting an output image; controlling the image forming means based on the dot pattern data A facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: an image output control means for recording an output image on the recording medium, wherein the economy mode causes the output image to be recorded on the recording medium in an economy mode in which the amount of the colorant for image formation is suppressed. Controlling means; and determining whether or not to operate the economy control means. A facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: setting means that can individually set when data is received and when the print data is received. Wherein a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data transmitted another facsimile instrumentation placed al, and the print data input means for inputting print data output from an external device, a large number of pixels in the record medium Image forming means for forming an image comprising: converting the facsimile data or the print data into dot pattern data representing pixels constituting an output image; controlling the image forming means based on the dot pattern data A facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: an image output control means for recording an output image on the recording medium; wherein, in the case of receiving the print data, in an economy mode for suppressing an amount of a colorant for image formation, Printer output economy control means for recording an output image on a recording medium; Setting means for setting whether or not to operate the printer output economy control means , wherein the setting means controls the printer output economy control means.
Even if the step is set to work,
Facsimile data in the economy mode
A facsimile machine with a printer function, which does not perform recording . A facsimile receiving unit that receives facsimile data 3. transmitted thereto another facsimile instrumentation placed al, and the print data input means for inputting print data output from an external device, a large number of pixels in the record medium Image forming means for forming an image comprising: converting the facsimile data or the print data into dot pattern data representing pixels constituting an output image; controlling the image forming means based on the dot pattern data A facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: an image output control means for recording an output image on the recording medium; a first economy mode for suppressing the use amount of an image forming colorant when the print data is received. A printer output economy control means for recording an output image on the recording medium; A first setting unit capable of setting whether or not to function the printer output economy control unit; and a second economy mode for suppressing an amount of the image forming colorant when the facsimile data is received.
A facsimile output economy control means for recording an output image on the recording medium; and a second setting means capable of setting whether or not to operate the facsimile output economy control means. A facsimile machine with a printer function, wherein the amount of the forming colorant used is reduced more than in the second economy mode. A facsimile receiving unit that receives facsimile data 4. transmitted thereto another facsimile instrumentation placed al, and the print data input means for inputting print data output from an external device, a large number of pixels in the record medium Image forming means for forming an image comprising: converting the facsimile data or the print data into dot pattern data representing pixels constituting an output image; controlling the image forming means based on the dot pattern data A facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: an image output control means for recording an output image on the recording medium; a first economy mode for suppressing the use amount of an image forming colorant when the print data is received. A printer output economy control means for recording an output image on the recording medium; When the facsimile data is received, the second economy mode in which the amount of the colorant for image formation is suppressed,
A facsimile output economy control means for recording an output image on the recording medium; and The facsimile apparatus with a printer function according to the first economy mode, wherein the amount of the colorant for forming an image is smaller than that in the second economy mode.