JP3304509B2 - Image forming apparatus and control method of this apparatus - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which an image reading device, a printer device, a communication device and the like are integrated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, there has been proposed a complex copying machine (intelligent PPC) capable of reading and copying an image of a document while receiving image data supplied from the outside and printing.

[0003] This type of intelligent PPC includes an image reading unit that reads an image on a document, converts the image read by the reading unit into an electric signal (print signal) for image formation, and outputs image data supplied from the outside. A signal conversion unit that receives and converts the same into an electric signal, an image forming unit that copies an image based on a print signal from the signal conversion unit, and a sheet for outputting the copied image via the image forming unit. It includes a paper supply / discharge unit for supplying the paper on which the image is output to the outside of the apparatus, and a device control unit for energizing each unit (device or unit).

In the image reading section, an image on a document is read as light intensity, converted into an image signal via a photoelectric conversion element, and stored in a memory. The signal conversion unit converts the image signal stored in the memory into bitmap data (print signal) used for copying as an image of a document, and converts image data supplied from the outside into a similar print signal. , Respectively. In the image forming unit, an image is formed on the photoconductor based on a print signal from the signal conversion unit.
The paper supply / discharge unit feeds the copy paper to the image forming unit, and discharges the paper provided with the image via the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Intelligent PP
In general, C is initialized to a copy-enabled state that functions as a copying apparatus when the power is turned on even when an external device such as a host computer is connected via an external interface. Is done. In this case, the signal conversion unit is set to a state in which a signal from the image reading unit can be received. However, when an image signal is supplied from an external device while a copying operation is being performed based on a signal from the image reading unit, a signal from the reading unit may collide with a signal from the external device. In addition, there is a problem that malfunction occurs due to interference of control signals.

For this reason, there has been proposed an intelligent PPC in which a changeover switch for switching between a state in which an image can be formed based on a signal from a reading unit and a state in which an image can be formed based on a signal from an external device is arranged. I am. However, in the intelligent PPC having the changeover switch, there is a problem that the switch cannot be changed while the image signal is being supplied to the signal converter. Further, since the changeover switch must be changed before the image signal is supplied to the signal conversion unit, there is a problem that it is necessary for a user only for copying to confirm the switch. Further, when an operation for copying is performed in a state where an image can be formed based on a signal from an external device, there is a problem that the waiting time for the next user is increased and the copying efficiency is reduced. is there. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which is easy to handle and does not malfunction depending on a data supply source.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made on the basis of the above-mentioned problems, and has been developed based on an original storing information to be copied.
Support the manuscript so that the information in the manuscript can be read optically.
Of the information on the original supported by the original
A print start key that allows you to enter a
CCD that optically reads the information on the document and holds the latent image
A photoreceptor capable of forming the latent image on the photoreceptor;
An optical device for irradiating light for
The light is modulated when the latent image is formed on the body.
Image data to generate a print signal for
The memory to be held and the original document supported by the platen
Provides image data without image reading, unlike information
External device that can store image data
And image data without image reading from the external device.
Image data from the CCD when the
When supplied, it involves the image reading from the external device.
Image data to the external storage device
In addition, an image corresponding to the image data from the CCD is formed.
After completion, the image data from the CCD is stored in the memory.
If not stored in the external storage device
The image data not accompanied by the image reading
External data switching circuit to transfer to the photoconductor
Developing device for supplying toner to the developed latent image and developing the latent image
And the developing device on the photoconductor supplies the toner.
A transfer device for transferring the supplied toner image onto paper.
The warm-up operation ends
Connected to the image forming unit via an interface
Image data without image reading is supplied from an external device
When supplied, the image forming unit is connected to the printer device.
In the printer mode that operates with
Image corresponding to the new image data, and
Number of copies, copy magnification, enlargement / reduction, paper size selection and
Is operated by any key such as mode selection,
Indicates that the original was placed on the platen by the original detection switch
Is detected by the external data switching circuit.
Set the copy mode, and
Transfers image data without external image reading to an external storage device
When the print start key is turned on, the original
The information on the document placed on the table is photoelectrically converted by the CCD
And read the scanned information of the original
Once stored in memory, it is converted to a print signal and
The print start key is turned on.
At that point, rotation is started and charged to the desired potential
Intensity modulation on the photoreceptor according to the print signal from the above optical device
Irradiates the laser beam with the electrostatic latent corresponding to the image data.
An image is formed, and the electrostatic latent image is supplied with toner from a developing device.
After developing the paper, the toner is transferred to the paper via the transfer device.
-The image is transferred as an image and the above copy mode is set.
All copying of the information of the above manuscript read in between is completed
At the time when the image is not read in the external storage device.
If image data is stored, the external data
The mode is returned to the printer mode by the switching circuit, and the
Until the next time the shooting mode is set,
Image data without image reading and external storage
Image data without new image reading supplied from the device
Images are sequentially formed in the image forming unit.
And a control unit .

[0008] In addition, the present invention provides an end-of-warmup operation.
Via the interface to the standby state after the
Image reading from an external device connected to the image forming unit
If image data is supplied that is not
The unit is a printer mode that operates as a printer device,
The image corresponding to the image data without image reading
And the number of copies on the control panel, copy magnification, enlargement / reduction
Small, paper size selection, mode selection, etc.
Key is operated or the document is detected by the document detection switch.
If it is detected that a document has been placed on the table,
The copy mode is set by the
Image data supplied from the external device without image reading
Data to the external storage device, and the print start key
When turned on, the information on the original placed on the platen is
And read the scanned information of the original
Once stored in the memory, converted to a print signal,
The print start key is turned on.
At that point, rotation is started and charged to the desired potential
Intensity modulation on the photoreceptor according to the print signal from the above optical device
Irradiates the laser beam with the electrostatic latent corresponding to the image data.
An electrostatic latent image is supplied from a developing device.
After developing with toner, it is transferred to paper via a transfer device.
Transfers as a toner image.
All copies of the information of the original read during
At the point of completion, the external storage device is not
If the external image data is stored,
Return to the printer mode by the
Until the next time the shooting mode is set,
Image data without image reading and external storage
New image data without image reading supplied from the device
Images are sequentially formed in the image forming section.
Forming an image corresponding to the image data
5 is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit to be used .

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a first mode in which the image forming means forms an image using image data supplied from the image reading means and an image using the image data received by the receiving means are formed. Switching means for switching between the second mode, detecting means for detecting that the document is set in the reading state on the image reading means, and setting the first mode by the switching means in accordance with the detection result of the detecting means And a setting unit for performing image formation by the detection unit while image data from the external device received via the reception unit is being received and before image formation based on the image data is started. When it is detected that a document is set on the reading means and the switching means is operated by the setting means to set the first mode, the image data received from the external device via the receiving means is transmitted. While the switching means is switched so as to output to the storage unit, an image is formed based on the image data supplied from the image reading means via the image forming means, and all image formation based on the image data supplied from the image reading means Is completed, the second mode is set by switching the switching means, and an image is formed by the image forming means based on the image data received via the receiving means stored in the external storage means. That is, warm-up
The interface enters the standby state after the end of the
Image from an external device connected to the image forming unit via
If image data without scanning is supplied,
The image forming unit includes a printer module that operates as a printer device.
Code for image data that does not accompany the image reading
An image is formed, and the number of copies,
Large / reduced, paper size selection, mode selection, etc.
One of the keys is operated or the document detection switch is
The original is detected on the platen
Sets the copy mode by the external data switching circuit,
Images without image reading supplied from the external device
Transfer image data to external storage device and start printing
When the key is turned on, the information of the original placed on the platen
Information is read optically and the information of the read original is read.
Is temporarily stored in the image memory and then converted to a print signal.
And supply it to the optical device.
When it is turned on, it starts rotating and is charged to the desired potential.
To the photoreceptor in response to a print signal from the optical device.
Irradiates laser light that has been modulated in degrees to respond to image data
Form an electrostatic latent image and supply this electrostatic latent image from the developing device
After developing with the transferred toner,
The image is transferred to paper as a toner image, and the above copy mode is set.
All of the information of the original document read while
When the copying is completed, the external storage device reads the image.
If image data without accompanying data is stored,
Return to the printer mode by the section data switching circuit,
Until the above copy mode is set next time, the external storage device
Image data without image reading stored in the
And new images without image reading supplied from external devices
Images corresponding to the image data are sequentially formed by the image forming unit.
Characterized in that

That is, when image data is supplied from an external device while an image is being formed based on the image data from the image reading means, the image data from the external device is stored in the external storage device. As a result, collision with the image data from the image reading means is suppressed.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. According to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus, that is, the intelligent PPC 2 has a control unit including an image reading unit 4, an image forming unit 6, and an external input control unit capable of temporarily blocking an external input.

The image reading section 4 includes a document table 10 on which an object to be read, ie, a document D is placed, and an openable and closable platen. The document holder 12 has a document holder 12 to be in close contact with the table 10.

An illumination lamp 22 for illuminating the original D placed on the original table 10, a reflector 24 for condensing illumination light generated from the illumination lamp 22 on the original D, and A first mirror 26 for bending the reflected light from the document D is integrally formed, and a first carriage 20 for reflecting the reflected light from the document D toward a second carriage 30 (described later) is provided. The first carriage 20 is arranged so as to be movable in parallel with the document table 10, and is driven by a pulse motor (not shown).
It is moved in parallel along the platen 10.

The first carriage 20 further includes a document table 10
Document detection switch for detecting that document D is placed on
28 are incorporated. The document detection switch 28 is formed by, for example, an LED light source (not shown) that generates light of a specific wavelength and a photoelectric conversion element (not shown) that generates an output only when light from the LED light source is reflected by the document D. .

The second carriage 30 has a first carriage 20
A second mirror 32 and a third mirror 34, which sequentially fold the reflected light from the document D bent via the first mirror 26, are arranged at right angles to each other. The second carriage 30 is driven by the first carriage 20 by a toothed belt or the like (not shown) that drives the first carriage 20, and the second carriage 30 is moved to the document table 10 at a half speed with respect to the first carriage 20. Are moved in parallel.

Below the first carriage 20 and on a plane including the optical axis of the light turned back via the second carriage 30, a movable mechanism is formed via a drive mechanism (not shown),
While imparting convergence to the reflected light from the second carriage 30, the image forming lens 36 that forms the reflected light at a desired magnification by moving itself, and the reflected light focused through the lens 36 A CCD sensor 38 that performs photoelectric conversion and outputs an electric signal (an image of the document D is converted) to an image memory 72 described later.

The image forming section 6 includes a light source, that is, a semiconductor laser 42.
And an optical device for changing the intensity of the light from the laser 42 in accordance with the image information of the document D read via the reading unit 4 and directing the light to a recording medium, that is, a photoconductor, which will be described later.
Has forty.

The optical device 40 is provided with a first lens (not shown) for giving a converging property to the laser light generated from the laser 42 and converting the laser light into a laser light having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. A light deflector 44 that deflects the light converted into laser light along the axial direction of the photoreceptor described later, in order to sequentially image the deflected laser light at a desired position on the photoreceptor described later, It includes a second lens 46 that matches the deflection angle of the laser light with the distance from the optical axis on the photoconductor to the position where the beam is to be formed, and a mirror 48 that folds the laser light toward the photoconductor. .

At the approximate center of the image forming section 6, an optical device 40 is provided.
A recording medium, that is, a photoreceptor 50 on which an electrostatic latent image (image) is formed by a laser beam from the photoreceptor is disposed. A charging device is provided around the photoconductor 50 to charge the photoconductor 50 with a predetermined charge.
52, a developing device 54 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 50 by supplying toner to the photoreceptor 50, for separating the transfer material, that is, the paper P fed from a paper cassette (described later) from the photoreceptor An AC voltage applying device 56a is integrally provided,
Transfer device 5 for transferring the toner image formed on the sheet P to the sheet P
6, and a cleaning device 58 that removes the charge distribution on the photoconductor 50 while returning the charging characteristics of the photoconductor 50 to the initial state and scraping off the remaining toner is arranged in order.

At a position corresponding to the upstream of the direction in which the photoconductor 50 is rotated and connected between the developing device 54 and the transfer device 56, a sheet P, for example,
A paper cassette 60a for supplying copy paper, OHP sheets, and the like is inserted. A bypass tray 60b for feeding sheets P having various sizes one by one is disposed above the sheet cassette 60a.

Between the photoconductor 50 and the paper cassette 60a,
A first paper feed roller 62a for drawing out the paper P one by one from the cassette 60a, and a bypass paper feed roller 62 for feeding the paper P supplied from the bypass tray 60b to the first paper feed roller 62a.
b, first paper feed roller 62a or bypass paper feed roller 62
b, a pair of transport rollers 64 for sending out the paper P pulled out toward the photoconductor 50, a feeding path 66 for guiding the paper P from the transport roller 64 to the photoconductor 50, and the inclination of the paper P. A pair of timing rollers 68 for correcting the toner image, aligning the leading edge of the toner image on the photoconductor 50 with the leading edge of the paper P, and feeding the paper P at the same speed as the moving speed of the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 50 are arranged. ing.

At a position corresponding to the rotation direction downstream of the photoreceptor 50, a toner image formed on the photoreceptor 50 is transferred, and the transport device transports the paper P on which the toner is electrostatically attached. 70, a fixing device 72 for fixing the toner P transferred to the paper P by heating and fusing the toner to the paper P, and a pair of discharge rollers 74 for discharging the paper P on which the toner image has been fixed to the outside of the device 2. Have. Discharge roller 74
Further to the left, a discharge tray 76 for storing paper P on which the toner image is fixed is arranged.

Referring to FIG. 2, the image reading section 4 of the intelligent PPC 2 shown in FIG. 1 is assembled integrally with a cover surrounding the document table 10 to perform various operations for copying operation and reading or outputting image data. An operation panel 80 that enables input of various data (and control signals) is provided.

A print (start) key on which a copy start signal is output according to an input from a user is provided on the operation panel 80.
80a, a numeric key 80b for outputting numeric signals corresponding to "0" to "9" used for inputting the number of copies and a copy magnification, etc., and a clear key capable of returning the data at the input stage to "0" 80c, all operations are interrupted, PPC2
And a display panel 80e for displaying a set number of copies, a copy magnification, and the like, for restoring the operation to an initial (initial) state.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the flow of image data in the PPC 2 and the electrical connections among the image reading section 4, image forming section 6, and control section. According to FIG. 3, the control unit includes a CPU 90 as a main control device.

The CPU 90 connects the PPC 2 to an external device HT integrally connected with a memory 92 for storing rules for operating the PPC 2 or numerical data input from the operation panel 80, and an external memory RM. In addition, when the original D is placed on the platen 10, the external device interface 94 that takes in the image data from the external device HT, the output from the CCD sensor 38 and the image data input from the external device are input. Alternatively, when numerical data is input from the operation panel 90, an external data switching circuit 96 that shuts off the input from the external device HT, and a photosensitive device based on the output from the CCD sensor 38 and the image data from the external device HT. Body drum 50
Image processing unit for forming a print signal for forming an image on a paper
98 etc. are connected. The CPU 90 is also electrically connected with the document detection sensor 28 of the image reading unit 4, each device or unit of the image forming unit 6, an operation panel 80, and the like. Incidentally, the external memory RM is used not only as a storage medium for the primary external memory of the external device HT,
It is also used for storing data transferred from an external data switching circuit 96 described later.

The memory 92 includes a ROM (not shown) in which rules for operating the PPC 2 are stored, and an operation panel 80.
Numerical data, for example, a RAM (not shown) that stores the number of copies and a copy magnification, an image memory (not shown) that temporarily stores an image read via the CCD 38, and image data are transferred. A buffer memory and the like (not shown) used at that time are included.

The external data switching circuit 96 includes an input terminal (not shown) to which image data from the image memory is input, an external input terminal (not shown) to which image data is supplied via the external device interface 94, and a switching circuit (not shown). When one of all input signals related to copying supplied from the operation panel 80 or an automatic document feeder (not shown) is input, the input from the external input terminal is transferred to the external memory RM. The image processing unit 98 converts the image data of the document D stored in the image memory into the image forming unit 6.
And a signal conversion unit (not shown) that converts image data supplied from the external device HT into bitmap data that can be printed by the image forming unit 6. I have.

FIG. 4 shows the operation of the intelligent PPC 2 shown in FIGS. By operating a power switch (not shown), R
The initial operation stored in the OM is executed, and the standby state is set in the first mode in which printing is possible based on the image data from the reading unit 4 (STP1).

In the second mode for forming an image using image data from the external device HT, it is checked whether or not image data has been input from the external device HT.
If no image data is supplied from the
The standby state in the first mode in which image data from the printer can be printed is maintained (STP 2-N).

On the other hand, when the second mode is set, that is, when image data is input from the external device HT (STP 2-Y), the presence / absence of input from the operation panel 80, and It is sequentially checked whether or not the document D is placed on the document table 10. (STP 3-4).

In either STP 3 or 4, conditions for printing image data from the reading unit 4 (operation panel
(Input from 80 or existence of document D) is detected
(STP3-Y, STP4-Y) That is, when the document D is set at a predetermined position on the document table 10, or when any key of the operation panel 80 such as the print key 80a or the numeric key 80b is turned on. As a result, the external data switching circuit 96 is energized, the external input terminal (not shown) of the external data switching circuit 96 is switched to high impedance, and the image data from the external device HT input to the external input terminal is stored in the external memory.
Transferred to RM (STP5).

At the same time, the operation state changes from the second mode to the first mode.
And the state in which an image can be formed based on the image data from the reading unit 4 is defined.
(STP6).

When the start key 80a is turned on, an image is formed according to the image data from the reading unit 4. Needless to say, when the image data is not input from the reading unit, an image is formed based on the image data supplied from the external device (STP10).

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 2 along the flow shown in FIG. 4 will be described in detail. When a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the PPC 2 is warmed up and a standby state is defined. Here, the external device HT is
It is connected to an external interface of the PPC 2 via a connection line. In this standby state, when image data is supplied from the external device HT, the PPC 2 operates as a printer device and forms an image based on the image data from the external device HT.

On the other hand, any key such as the number of copies, copy magnification, enlargement / reduction, paper size selection, or mode selection is operated via the control panel 80, or the document table 10 via the document detection switch 28. When it is detected that the original D is placed on the original, the PPC 2 outputs the copy mode (original D from the reading unit 4) via the external data switching circuit 96.
(A mode in which an image is formed based on the image data). In this case, the image data supplied from the external device HT is transferred to the external memory RM of the external device HT under the control of the CPU 90.

In PPC2 switched to the copy mode,
When the print (start) key 80a is turned on, the information of the document D placed on the document table 10 is optically read. That is, the illumination lamp 22 is turned on, the scanning motor (not shown) is energized, and the first carriage 20 and the second carriage 30 are moved along the document table 10, and the reflected light from the document D (that is, image information ) Are sequentially guided to the CCD sensor 38.

The reflected light guided to the CCD sensor 38 is supplied to an image processing section 98, where the reflected light is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal, subjected to predetermined correction and conversion, and temporarily stored in an image memory 92c. .

The image data stored in the image memory 92c is converted into a serial signal (print signal) via a parallel-serial conversion circuit (not shown) and supplied to the optical device 40 of the image forming section 6.

In the image forming section 6, printing (start)
When the key 80a is turned on, a motor (not shown) is energized, and the photoconductor 50 is rotated at a desired speed. At the same time, a desired charge is supplied from the charging device 52 to the photoconductor 50. The surface of the photoreceptor 50 is irradiated with laser light whose intensity has been modulated according to a print signal from the laser 42 of the optical device 40,
Then, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the print signal (image data) is formed.

This electrostatic latent image is developed by toner supplied from the developing device 54, and is transferred to a copy sheet as a toner image via the transfer device 56. After the toner image transferred to the copy sheet is separated from the surface of the photoconductor 50 together with the sheet, the toner image is transferred to the fixing device 72 by the transfer device 70 and is fixed to the sheet via the fixing device 72.

The paper P on which the toner image is fixed is PPC2
Are sequentially discharged to a discharge tray 74 (or a sorter (not shown)) arranged outside the printer. After the toner image has been transferred to the sheet, the photoconductor 50 is continuously rotated, the residual toner is removed via the cleaning device 58, the charge is removed, and the photoconductor 50 is subsequently used for the next image formation.

When all copying is completed, the presence or absence of image data stored in the external storage device RM is checked. If image data is stored, the PPC2
Is returned to the printer mode via the external data switching circuit 96, and then the image data stored in the external storage device RM and the external device HT are set until the copy mode is set.
New image data supplied from the printer is sequentially printed.

[0046]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus starts image formation based on image data when receiving data from an external device. In the meantime, if it is detected that the document is set by the image reading device, the switching circuit is switched so as to output the image data supplied from the external device to the external storage device. Further, when the formation of the image based on the image data supplied from the image reading device is completed, the image is formed by the image forming device based on the image data stored in the external storage device. Sand
Waiting state after completion of warm-up operation
Connected to the image forming unit via an interface
Image data without image reading is supplied from an external device.
In this case, the image forming unit operates as a printer device.
In the operating printer mode, the image without the image reading
Form an image corresponding to the image data and copy the control panel
Number of copies, copy magnification, enlargement / reduction, paper size selection or mode
Any key, such as select mode, is operated or
The original is placed on the platen by the original detection switch.
Is detected by the external data switching circuit.
Set the shooting mode and set the image supplied from the external device.
Image data without image reading is transferred to an external storage device.
When the print start key is turned on, the platen
Optically reads the information of the original placed on the
Once the information of the original was stored in the image memory,
The signal is converted to a print signal and supplied to the optical device.
Rotation starts when the event start key is turned on.
A photoreceptor charged to a desired potential is applied to the above optical device.
Irradiates a laser beam whose intensity is modulated according to the print signal.
Forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data;
The image was developed with the toner supplied from the developing device.
That is, the toner image is transferred to paper via a transfer device, and
The original read while the copy mode is set.
When all the information of the manuscript has been copied,
Image data without image reading is stored in the storage device
If the external data switching circuit
Return to the linter mode and the copy mode is set next
Until the image reading stored in the external storage device is
Image data and image reading supplied from an external device
An image corresponding to the new image data has such accompanied by preparative, the
It is characterized in that the image is formed sequentially by the image forming unit. Therefore, an image forming apparatus with good operability is provided, and the working efficiency is improved. Note that storing the received data in the external storage device eliminates the need for incorporating an expensive memory, thereby reducing the cost of the image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing a digital copying apparatus in which an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an operation panel and a display example incorporated in the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control unit incorporated in the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Intelligent PPC (Image Forming Apparatus), 4 ... Image Reading Unit, 6 ... Image Forming Unit, 10 ... Document Placement Table, 12 ... Document Holder, 20 ... First Carriage, 22 ... Illumination Lamp, 24 ... Reflector, 26 ... first mirror, 28 ... original detection switch, 30 ... second carriage, 32 ... second mirror, 34 ... third mirror, 36 ... imaging lens, 38 ... CCD sensor, 40 ... optical device, 42 ... semiconductor laser, 44 ... deflecting device, 46 ... second lens, 48 ... mirror, 50 ... photoconductor, 52 ... charging device, 54 ... developing device, 56 ... transfer device, 58 ... cleaning device, 60a ... paper cassette,
60b: bypass tray, 62a: feed roller, 62b: bypass feed roller, 64: transport roller, 66: feeding path, 68: timing roller, 70: transport device, 72: fixing device, 74: discharge roller, 76 ... Eject tray, 80 ... Operation panel, 80a ... Print (start) key, 80b ... Number key, 80c ... Clear key, 80d ... All clear key, 80e ... Display panel,
90 CPU, 92 memory, 94 external device interface, 96 external data switching circuit, 98 image processing unit, D
Manuscript, HT: external device, RM: external storage device.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An original containing information to be copied is copied from the original.
A platen that optically reads the information of the manuscript and starts reading the information of the manuscript supported by the platen
, A CCD for optically reading the information of the document, a photosensitive member capable of holding a latent image, and irradiating the photosensitive member with light for forming the latent image.
An optical device and an optical device for forming the latent image on the photoconductor.
To generate a print signal to modulate light intensity
In addition, unlike the memory for temporarily storing image data and the information of the original document supported on the original platen,
An external device that supplies image data without image reading, an external storage device that can store image data , and image data without image reading from the external device.
Image data is supplied from the above CCD when supplied
Does not involve the image reading from the external device
While transferring the image data to the external storage device,
Image formation corresponding to the image data from the CCD has been completed.
The image data from the CCD is stored in the memory.
If not stored in the external storage device
Transfer image data without image reading to the memory
An external data switching circuit for supplying toner to the latent image formed on the photoconductor, and
The toner is supplied by the developing device for forming an image and the developing device on the photoconductor;
And a transfer device for transferring the transferred toner image onto paper, in a standby state after the completion of the warm-up operation.
Connected to the image forming unit via the interface
Image data without image reading is supplied from an external device.
In this case, the image forming unit operates as a printer device.
In the operating printer mode, the image without the image reading
Form an image corresponding to the image data and copy the control panel
Number of copies, copy magnification, enlargement / reduction, paper size selection or mode
Any key, such as select mode, is operated or
The original is placed on the platen by the original detection switch.
Is detected by the external data switching circuit.
Set the shooting mode and set the image supplied from the external device.
Image data without image reading is transferred to an external storage device.
When the print start key is turned on, the platen
Optically converts the information of the original placed on the
And read the information of the scanned original
Once stored in the memory, it is converted to a print signal and
And the print start key is turned on.
At the point in time, the rotation starts and the
The optical body is intensity-modulated according to a print signal from the optical device.
Electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data by irradiating
Is formed and toner is supplied from the developing device to the electrostatic latent image.
After developing the toner, the toner is applied to the paper via the transfer device.
The image is transferred as an image while the above copy mode is set.
All copies of the information of the original read
At the point in time, images without image reading are
If image data is stored, the external data
The printer mode is returned to the printer mode by the
Stored in the external storage device until the next mode is set
Image data without external image reading and external devices
Image data without new image reading supplied from the device
Are sequentially formed in the image forming unit.
An image forming apparatus, comprising a control unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: waiting for completion of the warm-up operation.
In the machine state, the outside connected to the image forming unit via the interface
Image data without image reading was supplied from the external device
In this case, the image forming unit operates as a printer device.
Image mode without image reading
Data on the control panel, the number of copies, copy magnification, enlargement / reduction, and paper size.
One of the keys, such as select size or select mode, is operated
Or the document detection switch turns the document
If it is detected that the
The copy mode is set by the replacement circuit, and
The supplied image data without image reading is recorded externally.
Print start key is turned on
Optically reads the information on the original placed on the platen.
And read the read information of the original into the image memory.
After storing the data, it is converted to a print signal and supplied to the optical device.
Feed when the print start key is turned on.
The photoreceptor that has started to rotate and is charged to the desired potential,
A laser whose intensity is modulated according to a print signal from the optical device
Irradiates the light to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data.
And the electrostatic latent image is formed by toner supplied from the developing device.
After developing the toner image on the paper via the transfer device
And then transfer it and read it while the copy mode is set.
When all copies of the manuscript information are completed,
Image data without image reading is stored in the storage device.
The external data switching circuit.
Return to the printer mode and set the copy mode
Until the image is read from the external storage device.
Unattended image data and images supplied from external devices
The image corresponding to the new image data without reading is
The image forming section sequentially forms images.
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image corresponding to image data .