JP3472146B2 - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - 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 for forming an image in synchronization with rotation of a transfer body, and more particularly to a copy control technique for copying while continuously exchanging originals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a system configuration as shown in FIG. 2 is known. In the system of FIG. 2, the host computer 2103, the printer control unit 2005,
It has an engine control unit 2003, and the host computer 2103 and the printer control unit 2005 are directly connected to each other or are connected via a network 2105.

Then, the printer control unit 2005 receives the PDL (P
age Description Language)
Control is performed to convert image data in various description formats such as the above into raster format image data. Engine control unit 200
3 is a printer control unit 2 via the video I / F 2104.
An image is formed on the recording paper by controlling a printer engine (not shown) based on the image data transmitted from 005.

Further, as shown in FIG. 26, an image reading apparatus 101 is added to the system of FIG. 2 and the image reading apparatus is connected to a host computer 2103 via a network 2105 or directly to provide a print function and a copy function. A system having both is also realized. Further, as shown in FIG. 27, there is also known a system in which an image reading apparatus (reader unit) 2601 is directly added to an image forming apparatus to realize a print function and a copy function.

That is, in the system shown in FIG. 27, the data to be printed transmitted from the host computer 2103 is converted into a raster format by the controller unit 2602, and the engine control unit 200 via the selector unit 2603.
When it is transferred to No. 3, it is printed out. Further, the document image data read by the reader unit 2601 is transferred to the engine control unit 200 via the selector unit 2603.
Copy processing is performed by transferring the data to No. 3. At this time, the selector unit 2603 selects the controller unit 2602 and the reader unit 26 according to the print mode and the copy mode.
Data from any one of 01
Control so as to transfer to 03.

When the reader section 2601 or the controller section 2602 instructs the engine control section 2003 to enable print, the engine control section 20
Numeral 03 forms and transfers an image on the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer body in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer body (not shown), and feeds the recording paper.

The reader unit 2601 or the controller unit 2602 needs to prepare the next image data while the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer member make one rotation, and if the next image data cannot be prepared within a predetermined time. Had stopped printing. Further, in the pressure plate mode in which an original is placed on the original table for copying, it is not necessary to exchange the original image, so that the scanner of the reader unit 2601 (shown in FIG. By controlling (omitted) to return to a predetermined position, a predetermined number of sheets could be continuously copied.

[0008]

However, when a document feeder is attached to the reader unit 2601 for reading a document and a plurality of documents are automatically exchanged and fed for copying.
Since the original replacement speed is greatly affected by the quality and condition of the original, the original replacement speed may be significantly lower than the normal original replacement speed. If the print operation is continued when the original replacement speed is significantly lower than the predetermined speed, the output image for the replacement original image may be distorted, or the printer may be erroneously determined to be a paper jam and the printing operation may be stopped. Even if I tried it again, there was a case that it could not be output.

The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object thereof is to copy a plurality of originals.
The object is to enable continuous copying with stable image quality even if the document exchange speed decreases.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a document feeding unit for feeding a plurality of originals one by one, feeding image of the document by the document feeding unit Read
The image forming unit synchronizes with the rotation of the original reading unit and the transfer unit.
Setting a generator for generating a reference signal of start, and an image forming unit in synchronization with the reference signal forming an image of the document, the idle rotation insert mode for idling the transfer member based on an input by the operator Setting section and the idle rotation insertion mode are set
If it is, the reference signal after the image formation of the first original is
An engine control unit for idling the transfer member without performing the second image formation according to the second image formation, and a reference after the image formation of the first document.
The first sheet is fed by the document feeding section after the idle rotation by the engine control section is completed in synchronization with the reference signal next to the signal .
And a restarting means for restarting the image forming processing of the second document .

Further , in the present invention, the engine control unit
Is set according to the setting of idle rotation insertion mode from the setting section.
Based on the instruction of the idle rotation insertion command from the document reading unit
The transfer member is idly rotated.

Further , according to the present invention, the engine control unit
Is a reference signal next to the reference signal after the image formation of the first document.
Masked, without performing the image forming process,
I'm turning around.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of originals are printed one by one.
The original feed section that feeds the original and the original fed by the original feed section.
Synchronized with the rotation of the transfer unit and the document reading unit that reads the draft image
And a generator for generating a reference signal for starting image formation,
An image forming unit that forms an image of the original document in synchronization with a reference signal and an idle rotation insertion mode that idle-rotates the transfer body are provided.
A setting unit constant to, Oh control method for an image forming apparatus having
If the idle rotation insertion mode is set,
Second image form according to the reference signal after the image formation of the first document
And a reference signal next to the reference signal after the image formation of the first document
And a restart step of restarting the image forming process of the second document fed by the document feeding unit after the idle rotation by the engine control unit is completed in synchronism with the above.

In addition,Ming isThe idle rotation control stepso
IsDepending on the setting of idle rotation insertion mode from the setting sectionPrevious
From the document reading sectionIdle insertion commandBased on instructions
The transfer member is idly rotated.

In addition,Ming isThe idle rotation control stepso
IsReference signal next to the reference signal after the image formation of the first document
Masked, without performing image formation processing,Spin the transfer body
I'm turning around.

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a color copying apparatus to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, 101 is a reader unit. The reader unit 101 includes a document table 102, a light source 103, a photoelectric conversion element 104, an A / D converter 105,
It has a mirror group 106. The light source 103 irradiates the original placed on the original table 102 with light while its movement is controlled, and the reflected light reflecting the original image is reflected by the mirror group 1.
The light is incident on the photoelectric conversion element 104 such as CCD by 06. Then, the photoelectric conversion element 104 photoelectrically converts the incident light and outputs it as analog image data, and the A / D converter 105 converts the analog image data output from the photoelectric conversion element 104 into digital image data. Convert.

A printer unit 2001 has a printer engine 2002, an engine control unit 2003, a reader control unit 2004, a printer control unit 2105, and an option control unit 2006. Further, a paper feed cassette 2101 and a sorter 2102 can be optionally added to the printer unit 2001, and it is also possible to connect to the host computer 2103 and print an image input from the host computer 2103. is there.

The printer engine 2002 performs the actual printing operation under the control of the engine control unit 2003.
The reader control unit 2004 controls the image signal processing unit 902 (see FIG. 9) that performs a predetermined process on the digital image data output from the A / D converter 105, and a motor driver for controlling the movement of the light source 103. In addition to controlling (not shown), communication control with the engine control unit 2003 and the printer control unit 2005 is also performed. That is, in this embodiment, the reader control unit 2004 is connected to the printer unit 2001.
By arranging it inside, an external cable for performing communication control with the engine control unit 2003 and the printer control unit 2005 becomes unnecessary.

[Basic System Configuration] In this embodiment, the reader control unit 2004 is connected between the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 2003 as described above.
The printer control unit 20 is controlled by the reader control unit 2004.
05 and the engine control unit 2003 are performing communication control. Here, first, the basic system configuration as the premise will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic system configuration when the reader control unit 2004 is not interposed between the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 2003. FIG. 3 shows the basic system of FIG. Applied printing device 3001
It is a schematic diagram showing the whole composition of.

A video I / F 2104 shown in FIGS.
And the engine control unit 2003 and the printer control unit 20.
The communication with 05 is performed. This video I / F
Details of signals transmitted and received via the 2104 will be described later.

The printer control unit 2005 includes a host computer 2103 or a network 2 which is directly connected.
The print target data sent from the host computer 2103 via 105 is received. This data is bitmap data or PDL (Page Des).
It is sent in various data formats such as the data described in the description language. Therefore, the printer control unit 2005 expands the received data to be printed as image data in the raster format in the memory, and the engine control unit 20 via the video I / F 2104.
Transfer to 03.

The engine control unit 2003 forms a toner image based on the received image data, transfers the toner image to a recording sheet, fixes the toner image on the recording sheet, and then discharges the sheet. The details of the image forming process in the engine control unit 2003 will be described later. In order to realize these image forming sequences, the engine control unit 2003
The printer engine 200 controls various loads.
The second state is detected and notified to the printer control unit 2005. In this way, the host computer 2103
The data created in can be printed out.

Next, under the basic system configuration shown in FIG. 2, the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 20.
The signal transmitted to and received from the communication terminal 03 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Although various signals as shown in FIG. 5 are exchanged between the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 2003, only the representative signals shown in FIG. 4 will be described here.

First, the PPRDY (printer power ready) signal 203 is communicated with the printer control unit 2005 after power is supplied to the engine control unit 2003 and processing such as initial setting is completed. Is a signal indicating. The CPRDY (controller power ready) signal 204 is supplied to the printer control unit 2005,
After processing such as initial setting is completed, the engine control unit 200
3 is a signal indicating that communication with the communication device 3 has become possible.

The RDY (ready) signal 205 is a signal indicating that the print operation is enabled, and in response to the print start instruction signal [PRNT (print) signal] 206 from the printer control section 2005, the engine control section 205. 20
A signal 03 is output to the printer control unit 2005.
The RDY signal 205 indicates that the temperature inside the fixing unit in the printer engine 2002 has reached a predetermined temperature, no recording paper remains in the printer, the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed, etc. “True” if each part of 2002 is operating normally. The PRNT signal 206 is used to instruct to continue the printing operation as well as to start the printing operation.

TOP (top of page) signal 207
Is a synchronization signal that serves as a reference for vertical scanning of an image, and is output from the engine control unit 2003 to the printer control unit 2005. The TOP signal 207 is the PRINT signal 20.
6 is output from the printer control unit 2005, and is output after a fixed time. LSYNC (line sync) signal 20
Reference numeral 8 denotes a synchronization signal which the printer control unit 2005 uses as a reference for horizontal scanning, and like the TOP signal 207, PRIN.
After the T signal 206 is output from the printer control unit 2005, it is output after a fixed time.

VCLK (video clock) signal 209
Is a VDOEN (image enable) signal 21 which will be described later.
0, a synchronous clock signal for the VDO (image) signal 211 and having a frequency corresponding to the image signal. V
The DOEN signal 210 is a signal for performing capture control when capturing the image signal output from the printer control unit 2005 by the ethidine control unit 2003. Engine control unit 2
003 synchronizes with this VDO in synchronization with the VCLK signal 209.
Detect whether the EN signal 210 is true / false,
In the case of “true”, the image signal is captured, and in the case of “false”, the capturing is not performed. The VDO signal 211 is image data, and the printer controller 2005 uses the TOP signal 207 for the vertical direction and the LS for the horizontal direction.
With the YNC signal 208 as a reference, the VDO signal 211 is output in synchronization with the VCLK signal 209.

CCLK (controller clock) signal 2
Reference numeral 12 indicates synchronization when the printer control unit 2005 sends a serial command to the engine control unit 2003 and when the engine control unit 2003 sends a serial status signal to the printer control unit 2005 in response to the serial command. It is a clock signal, and the printer control unit 2
It is output from 005. The CBSY (command busy) signal 213 is a signal indicating to the engine control unit 2003 that the printer control unit 2005 is transmitting a serial command using a CMD (command) signal 214 described later. The CMD signal 214 is sent to the printer control unit 200.
Reference numeral 5 is a signal used when transmitting a serial command to the engine control unit 2003.

SBSY (status busy) signal 215
Is a signal indicating to the printer control unit 2005 that the engine control unit 2003 is returning a serial status signal using an STS (status) signal 216 described later. The STS signal 216 is sent to the engine control unit 200.
Reference numeral 3 is a signal used when returning a serial status signal to the printer control unit 2005. CCRT
The (state change notification) signal 217 is sent to the printer engine 20.
02 when the status of 02 has changed
This is a signal for reporting to No. 5. When the printer control unit 2005 receives the CCRT signal 217, the printer control unit 2005 issues a command using the CMD signal 214 to inquire what state of the printer engine 2002 has changed, while the engine control unit 2003 sends the command to the STS signal 216.
Respond with.

The above signals may be referred to as signal lines in the following description.

Next, the overall mechanical structure of the printer engine 2002 controlled by the engine control unit 2003 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 6, the photoconductor scanner 401 is
By generating the secondary light according to the image signal (VDO signal 211) sent from the printer control unit 2005 via the engine control unit 2003, and irradiating the photosensitive drum 402 via a polygon mirror (not shown). , An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 405. The photoconductor drum 402 sequentially rotates the electrostatic latent image to face the color developing device 403 and the black developing device 404 while rotating counterclockwise. The color developing device 403 and the black developing device 404 develop the electrostatic latent image by attaching toner to the photosensitive drum 402 according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 402. In the case of a monochrome image, only the black developing device 404 operates,
In the case of a color image, a color developing device 403 and a black developing device 404
Both work.

Next, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 402 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the intermediate transfer member 405.
Is transcribed to. The intermediate transfer member 405 completes one intermediate transfer by rotating once for a monochrome image and four times for a color image. In parallel with such an operation, the recording paper carried out from the upper cassette 408 or the lower cassette 409 by the pickup roller 411 or 412 is carried by the paper feeding roller 413 or 414, and the registration roller by the carrying roller 415. Transport to 416.

Then, the registration roller 416 sends the recording paper between the intermediate transfer body 405 and the transfer belt 406 at the timing when the transfer on the intermediate transfer body 405 is completed.
Then, the transfer belt 406 ascends so as to come into contact with the intermediate transfer body 405 when the recording paper arrives, and the intermediate transfer body 40 moves.
The toner image on 5 is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper by the heating process and the pressing process by the fixing roller 407. The recording paper on which the image has been fixed is ejected from either the face-up paper ejection opening 717 or the face-down paper ejection opening 418 that has been designated in advance by the printer control unit 2005.

Next, the timing of signals transmitted and received between the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 2003 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. This timing chart shows the various signals described above with the passage of time.

First, when the preparation of the image information is completed, the printer control unit 2005 sets the PRNT signal to Low (true) and notifies the engine control unit 2003. At the same time,
An image synchronization signal (VCLK signal) used for transferring the image signal is also generated. In response to this, the engine control unit 200
The printer 3 makes various settings in the printer engine 2002 and outputs a TOP signal and an LSYNC signal to the printer control unit 2005 when the image can be received. The printer control unit 2005 transfers an image signal (VDO signal) and a VDOEN signal, which is an image valid signal, to the engine control unit 2003 in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal (TOP signal) and the horizontal synchronization signal (LSYNC signal). To do.

Next, what commands and statuses are exchanged by serial communication during these printing operations will be described. FIG. 8 shows a printer controller 2005.
5 shows the timing of serial communication between the engine control unit 2003 and the engine control unit 2003.

First, the case where the lowermost CCRT signal in FIG. 8 is not used will be described. When the printer control unit 2005 wants to issue a command to the engine control unit 2003, it sets the CBSY signal to Low (true) and sends it as a CMD signal in synchronization with the clock signal (CCLK signal). Engine control unit 2003 that received those signals
After confirming that the CBSY signal is High (false), the SBSY signal is set to Low (true), and the status data on the printer engine 2002 side corresponding to the command is sent to the CCL generated from the printer control unit 2005.
It is sent as an STS signal in synchronization with the K signal. The printer control unit 2005 continues or interrupts the print control based on the received status data.

Next, the CCRT signal will be described. This CCRT signal is a signal that becomes Low (true) when a change occurs in the state on the printer engine 2002 side designated by the printer control unit 2005 in advance. For example, it is assumed that the printer control unit 2005 has previously set the CMD signal so that the CCRT signal is validated when the recording paper runs out. In this case, if the printer control unit 2005 requests printout of two sheets with only one sheet of recording paper remaining, the print sequence operation is normally performed on the first sheet without any problem. However, since the second recording sheet does not exist, the engine control unit 2 does not start when the image forming process for the second sheet is started.
The 003 side detects the change in state and sets the CCRT signal to High.
Change from h (false) to Low (true).

When the printer control unit 2005 detects that the CCRT signal has changed to Low (true), the printer control unit 2005 informs the engine control unit 2003 of the recording paper in order to know which paper cassette has no recording paper. Issue a command to request the presence status. In response to the request command, the engine control unit 2003 returns the status of the paperless cassette to the printer control unit 2005. CCR
As for the T signal, the SBSY signal whose status is returned is Low
It will be cleared to High at the timing.

Next, the flow of command / status exchange actually performed between the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 2003 during the printing operation will be described based on the sequence diagram of FIG. Note that color output is assumed here.

When a print start request is issued, the printer control unit 2005 inquires of the engine control unit 2003 about the ready state of the printer engine 2002 while performing conversion processing of image data and the like. Next, the command for designating the recording paper cassette is issued, and the command for requesting the size information of the recording paper stored in the designated recording paper cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2003 returns a corresponding status.

Next, the printer control unit 2005 sequentially issues a command for designating a paper discharge port and a page mode designation command for designating how many pages (how many copies) the same image is formed. Finally, by issuing a command designating monochrome / color, the engine control unit 2003
Complete all settings that apply to. After that, a print request signal (PRNT signal 206) is issued to the engine control unit 2003. In response to this, the TOP signal 207 and the LSYNC signal 20 are sent from the engine control unit 2003.
8 will be returned for a predetermined time.

Therefore, the printer control unit 2005 synchronizes the vertical scanning direction with the TOP signal 207 and the horizontal scanning direction with the LSYNC signal 208, and outputs the VDO signal 21.
1 according to the VCLK signal 209
03. Here, since the color mode is set, the TOP signal 207 is generated four times, and toner images for four colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) are formed. Will be. Then, the printer control unit 2005 causes the fourth TOP signal 2
After receiving 07, the PRNT signal 206 is set to High.
Return to (false). As a result, the engine control unit 2003
Recognizes that the print processing relating to the print request, that is, one print job is completed, and the intermediate transfer member 405
The post-processing such as the cleaning processing is performed.

The transferred recording paper is fixed on the fixing roller 4
After passing 07, the sheet is ejected from the designated sheet ejection port.
Then, the printer control unit 2005 uses the engine control unit 2
A print status check signal is transmitted to 003 to confirm that the recording paper is not in a transporting state, that is, discharge of paper is completed, and the printer waits in a ready state until the next print request is generated.

When an illegal state such as a recording paper jam, no recording paper, or a user opening the door occurs during the above operation, the engine control unit 2003 causes the CCRT
The signal 217 is used to immediately notify the printer control unit 2005 of the abnormality of the device, and the printer control unit 2005 performs a predetermined response process according to the abnormal state of the device.

[Construction when Reader Control Unit is Mounted] FIG. 10 shows that the printing apparatus described above not only prints the data transferred from the host computer, but also optically reads the image on the original and prints it. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanical overall configuration of a digital copying machine to which a copying function for adding is added.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 801 denotes a document table 1
02 is a document feeding device that conveys the document onto the document 02. The document feeding device 801 conveys the document by a document reading device (reader unit).
This is performed in synchronization with the document reading operation by 101. That is, the original is fed by the original feeding device 801 to the original table 102.
When it is transferred to the upper side, the reader unit 101 scans the original image while moving the light source 103 and the like in the left-right direction in FIG.
The reflected light that has been subjected to a predetermined optical process is converted into a photoelectric conversion element 104.
Incident on. Then, the analog image data photoelectrically converted and output by the photoelectric conversion element 104 is converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 105,
It is transferred to the photoconductor scanner 401. Then, the image forming process as described with reference to FIG. 6 is performed.

When one print job, that is, the print processing for the same image is completed, the intermediate transfer member 4
05 is rotated, and the intermediate transfer member 40 during rotation is rotated.
By bringing the cleaning blade 419 into contact with the sheet 5, the post-treatment such as removing the toner adhering to the intermediate transfer member 405 is performed. This post-processing will be described in detail later.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the control system when the reader control unit 2004 is added. Figure 11
2, the reader controller 2004 is arranged between the printer controller 2005 and the engine controller 2003 in FIG. The types of signals exchanged between the printer control unit 2005 and the reader control unit 2004 and between the engine control unit 2003 and the reader control unit 2004 are as follows.
The types of signals shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are almost the same. However, between the printer control unit 2005 and the reader control unit 2004, and between the engine control unit 2003 and the reader control unit 2004.
Since signals having the same function are physically different between the two, the signal names are distinguished by adding C to the former and P to the latter.

Reference numeral 901 denotes an image input unit for inputting the original image data output from the reader unit 101 to the image signal processing unit 902 in the reader control unit 2004, and the image signal processing unit 902 is read by the reader unit. The converted image data is converted to raster format data so that it can be printed. 903
Reference numeral 904 denotes a document scanning optical system control unit which controls the reader unit 101, and 904 denotes a document feeding control unit which controls the document feeding device 801. An operation unit 905 is used to set a post-processing delay mode, a monochrome / color print mode, the number of print copies, and the like, which will be described later.

The engine control unit 2003, the reader control unit 2004, and the printer control unit 2005 are respectively
ROMs 2213, 2210, 2215 in which control programs for executing the above processes are stored, and CPUs 2212, 2209, 2 for executing the above control programs
215, and a RAM used as a work area or the like
It has 2214, 2211, and 2217.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the reader control section 2004. In FIG. 12, 220
Reference numeral 1 denotes a selector, which is image data from the image signal processing unit 902 (that is, the reader unit 101) or the printer control unit 2005 (that is, the host computer 210).
Either of the image signals from 3) is selected and output to the engine control unit 2003. The signal system switched by the selector 2201 is a video clock signal (VCLK signal 2
09), image enable signal (VDOEN signal 21
0) and image data (VDO signal 211).

Reference numeral 2202 is a serial communication control unit for communicating with the engine control unit 2003. Reference numeral 2203 is an input / output port for transmitting / receiving a signal for supplementing communication in the serial communication control unit 2202. Reference numeral 2204 is an interrupt control unit. An image leading edge request signal (PTOP signal 207) and a printer state change signal (PCCRT signal 217) are input to the interrupt control unit 2204. 2205
Is a serial communication control unit that communicates with the printer control unit 2005. Reference numeral 2206 is an input / output port for transmitting / receiving a signal for supplementing communication in the serial communication control unit 2205.

Gates 2207 and 2208 control whether or not the signal sent from the engine control unit 2003 is sent to the printer control unit 2005. Gate 22
07, the line synchronization signal (PLSYNC signal 20
8), at the gate 2207, the image leading edge request signal (PTO
The P signal 207) is gated. A control circuit 2218 has a gate function and a flag setting function, and controls a printer status change signal (PCCRT signal 217). That is, the control circuit 2209 controls the engine control unit 2
The printer-like bear change signal (PCCRT signal 217) is controlled by opening and closing the gate to determine whether or not the printer state change signal (PCCRT signal 217) issued by 003 is transmitted to the printer control unit 2005, and by setting a flag. From the reader control unit 2004 to the printer control unit 2
Can be issued for 005. 2209 is the reader control unit 2
A ROM 2 that is a CPU that controls the overall operation of the control unit 004, and stores a control program corresponding to the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 to 20 described later and the idle rotation process shown in FIG. 25.
210, a RAM 221 used as a work area, etc.
Contains 1.

[Operation Unit] When the reader control unit 2004 is attached, the operation unit 905 is effectively used. The configuration of the operation unit is shown in FIG. 2701 is a display panel,
Display the set contents and device status. Further, this display panel 2701 adopts a touch panel system, and various contents can be set by pressing a display portion (that is, a touch key corresponding to the display content). Reference numeral 2702 is a ten-key pad, which is used to set the number of values such as the number of copies when performing a copy operation. Reference numeral 2703 is a copy start key, 2704 is a stop key, 2705 is a power key, and 2706 is a lamp that clearly indicates that the power is turned on.

Reference numeral 2707 is an auto color selection key, 2708 is a full color mode key, 2709 is a monochrome mode key, 2710 is a clear key for clearing the number of values, 2711 is a reset key for resetting the mode, and 2712 is a guide. Keys, 2713 are user mode keys for making detailed settings, 2714 are interrupt keys, 27
Reference numeral 15 is an ID key for returning to the ID input screen, 2716 is an expansion key for setting the printer function, and 27
Reference numeral 17 is a copy mode key for returning to the copy mode.

[Operation at Copying] Next, the operation at the time of reading and copying a full-color original image will be described. When a copy start key 2703 (not shown) on the operation unit 905 is pressed, the reader control unit 2004 is in the copy mode. Therefore, the gates 2207 and 2208 and the control circuit 2218 are in the copy mode.
, And the selector 2201 is set so that the output of the image signal processing unit 902 is selected. next,
Using the input / output port 2203, the engine control unit 200
3, the printer engine 2002 is checked for a ready state signal (PRDY signal 203).

Then, various settings are made using the serial communication control unit 2202. That is, a command designating the paper feed stage (cassette 408 or 409) of the recording paper is issued. Further, a command requesting the size of the recording paper stored in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these commands, the engine control unit 2003 returns a corresponding status. Next, a command for designating the paper ejection port is issued to determine the paper ejection port, and a number of copies (page mode) designating command for designating how many copies of one document image are to be copied is issued. Finally, by issuing a command designating either monochrome or color, all the settings for the engine control unit 2003 are completed.

After the document is fed onto the document table 102 by the document feeding device 801, the reader controller 2004 sends a print request signal (P) to the engine controller 2003.
The PRNT signal 206) is output. In response to this, after a predetermined time, the engine control unit 2003 outputs the PTOP signal 20.
When 7 is returned, the reader control unit 2004 determines that PT
The OP signal 207 is processed by the interrupt control unit 2204, and the PTO
The reader unit 101 is operated so as to be synchronized with the P signal 207. That is, the vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the PTOP signal 207 and the horizontal scanning direction is synchronized with the PLSYNC signal 208. Then, the PVDO signal 211 is set to PVCL.
In synchronization with the K signal 2098, the photoelectric conversion element 104 inputs the image signal processing unit 902, and the image data processed by the image signal processing unit 902 is input to the engine control unit 20.
Transfer to 03.

Here, since the color mode is set, the PTO which operates the optical scanning system four times and generates four times is used.
An image for four colors of CMYK is formed for the P signal 207. Then, after the final PTOP signal corresponding to the designated number of copies is generated, the PPRNT signal 206 is set to H level.
Return to IG (false). As a result, the engine control unit 20
03 recognizes that the printing relating to the print request is completed, and shifts to post-processing such as cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer body 405. Then, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller 407 and is then ejected to the designated paper ejection port. Finally, the reader control unit 2004 is not in a recording paper conveyance state with respect to the engine control unit 2003 (end of paper ejection).
After confirming, the printer waits in the ready state until the next print request is generated.

[Operation During Printing] Next, from the printer control unit 2005 (that is, the host computer 2103).
The operation in the case of printing out the images (1) to (3) will be described. When the copy operation is finished, the reader control unit 2004
Becomes ready. At this time, the reader control unit 2004 operates the gate units 2207 and 220 for printing operation.
8 and the control circuit 2218 are opened. Reader control unit 200
4 is an engine control unit 2 using the input / output port 2203.
003, the ready state signal (PRDY signal) of the printer engine 2002 is checked, and if OK, the printer control unit 200 is checked using the input / output port 2206.
5, the ready state signal (CRDY signal) of the printer engine 2002 is set.

Next, the printer control unit 2005 communicates with the reader control unit 2004 to make various settings, and the reader control unit 2004 receives the setting signal by the serial communication control unit 2205 and interprets it by the CPU 2209. . Then, according to the interpretation, the reader control unit 200
4 makes various settings to the engine control unit 2003 via the serial communication control unit 2202.

The engine control unit 2003 sends a status signal corresponding to a series of commands to the reader control unit 2
Reply to 004. When the reader control unit 2004 receives the status signal from the engine control unit 2003 via the serial communication control unit 2202, the reader control unit 2004 outputs the content of the status signal to the CPU 2
It is interpreted by 209 and transmitted to the printer control unit 2005 using the serial communication control unit 2205.

Then, the printer control unit 2005 sends a print request signal (CPRN) to the reader control unit 2004.
In response to the request, the reader control unit 2004 generates a print request signal (PPRNT signal) to the engine control unit 2003. In response to this request, a PTOP signal is returned from the engine control unit 2003 to the reader control unit 2004 after a predetermined time. The reader control unit 2004 sends this PTOP signal to the gate 2208.
And is transferred to the printer control unit 2005 as a CTOP signal.

The printer control section 2005 synchronizes the CVDO signal with CVCLK by synchronizing the CTOP signal in the vertical scanning direction and further synchronizing the CLSYNC signal transferred through the gate 2207 in the horizontal direction.
Output to the reader control unit 2004. Leader control unit 200
4 is set so that the selector 2201 selects the signal from the printer control unit 2005, and the signal sent from the printer control unit 2005 is the PVCLK signal,
The PVDOEN signal and the PVDO signal are sent from the reader control unit 2004 to the engine control unit 2003.

[Difference Between Printing Operation and Copying Operation] Next, the difference between the printing operation and the copying operation will be described with respect to the image transmission timing. Although description of the detailed configuration of the printer control unit 2105 is omitted, the printer control unit 2105 has an image memory inside, and image data for printing is stored in advance in the image memory. Therefore, in response to the image leading edge request signal (TOP signal) sent from the engine control unit 2003, the printer control unit 21
The time required for 05 to output print data (VDO signal) is only the electrical delay time.

On the other hand, in the copy mode,
The document is read while the optical scanning system of the reader unit 101 is moved to output image data, and it takes some time before print data (VDO signal) can be output. That is, as shown in FIG.
In order to accelerate the optical scanning system such as the above from the stopped state to the speed at which the document is read, for example, a time of about several hundred mS is required. Therefore, when the engine control unit 2003 sends the image leading edge request signal (TOP signal) in the copy mode at the same timing as the signal in the print mode, the print image data (VD
The time when the O signal) arrives in the copy mode is delayed by several hundred mS in the copy mode.

As a countermeasure therefor, a method of sending the TOP signal earlier in the copy mode than that in the print mode and a method of providing another signal (RSTART signal) for the copy mode can be considered. In order to execute the former method, the configuration itself in the reader control unit 2004 may be the same as in FIG. 12, and the engine control unit 2003
The P signal is sent several hundred mS earlier in the copy mode than in the print mode. On the other hand, in order to execute the latter method, the reader control unit 2004 may be configured as shown in FIG. That is, the engine control unit 2003
The image leading edge request signal (PTOP signal) sent from
The printer control unit 2005 functions as a signal required only when performing printing, and does not need to be input to the interrupt control unit 2205 of the reader control unit 2004 in the print mode. Further, the reading device movement start request signal (RSTART signal) sent from the engine control unit 2003 is
This signal is required only in the copy mode and need not be sent to the print control unit 2005.

[Control for Setting Command] Next, the characteristic control of the present invention will be described. Printer control unit 2
005 and the engine control unit 2003 between the reader control unit 2
The communication between the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 2003 is as follows when the 004 is connected.

The reader controller 2004 is the engine controller 2
When a document image is read and output using 003 (in the copy mode), for example, a paper feed cassette change command is issued as a setting command from the printer control unit 2005 to the printer engine 2002. To do.

16 and 17 show the reader control section 2004.
Is not present, that is, the flow of the command issuing process in the configuration of FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown, FIG. 16 shows the process of the printer control unit 2005, and FIG. 17 is the engine control unit 200.
3 shows the processing of No. 3.

After issuing the paper feed cassette change command (step S1), the printer control unit 2005 waits for a response from the engine control unit 2003 (step S2), and when the response comes, determines the success of command execution (step S1). Step S3). If the command execution is not successful, a predetermined error process is performed (step S4),
When the command execution is successful, the process ends. Such a series of command issuing processing is similarly performed for various commands.

The engine control unit 2003 determines the content of the command received from the printer control unit 2005 (step S5). As a result, in the case of the sheet cassette change command, the sheet cassette change setting is performed (step S6). Then, the printer control unit 2005 is notified of the cassette change success (step S7), and the process returns to step S5, and the same process is performed for the command from the printer control unit 2005.

When the reader control unit 2004 is interposed as shown in FIG. 11, the reader control unit 2004 is connected to the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 2003 as shown in FIG.
Communication processing such as. Note that in this case as well, the printer control unit 2005 and the engine control unit 2003 are similar to those in FIG.
The same communication processing as the communication processing shown in 7 is performed.

In FIG. 18, the reader controller 2004
Sends a command from the printer control unit 2005 to CCMD.
It is received as a signal through the serial communication control unit 2205 (step S11), and it is determined whether the command can be issued to the engine control unit 2003 as it is (step S12). For example, currently, the reader control unit 2
If there is no command issued to the engine control unit 2003 for the 004 to perform the copy mode operation, it is determined that the command can be issued, and the engine control unit 2003 is notified to the printer. Control unit 2005
The same command sent from the engine controller 2003 to the serial communication controller 2202, PCM
It is issued through the D signal line (step S13). Next, a response from the engine control unit 2003 is waited for (step S14), and when the response comes, the success of command execution is determined (step S15). Then, if the command execution is not successful, a predetermined error process is performed (step S17), and the process returns to step S11. When the command execution is successful, the fact that the command execution is successful is returned to the printer control unit 2005 (step S1).
6) and returns to step S11.

On the other hand, for example, when the reader control unit 2004 designates a paper feed cassette and performs a copying operation, the paper feed cassette change command sent from the printer control unit 2005 is directly sent to the engine control unit 2003. If the copying operation is not normally executed after issuing the command, it is determined in step S12 that the command is not ready to be issued, and the command is not issued to the engine control unit 2003. , Are stored in the engine command queue (step S18). It should be noted that the engine command queue stores commands in the order issued by the printer control unit 2005. Since it is necessary to return a response to the command to the printer control unit 2005, it is assumed that the pseudo command execution is successful, and a signal to that effect is sent from the reader control unit 2004 to the serial communication control unit 2.
205, printer control unit 2 via CSTS signal line
005 (step S16).

Next, referring to FIG. 19, the reader controller 20 will be described.
04 the printer control unit 200 without affecting its own state
A case in which the command from 5 can be issued to the engine control unit 2003 will be described.

The reader control unit 2004 waits until the command from the printer control unit 2005 can be issued to the engine control unit 2003 (step S21). When the command is ready to be issued, the reader control unit 2004 issues the command stored in the engine command queue to the engine control unit 2003 (step S22). At this time, the serial communication control unit 22
02 is used to issue a command through the PCMD signal line. The command issued by the reader control unit 2004 itself is also transmitted to the engine control unit 2003 through this PCMD signal line.

When the command execution is completed, a response is returned from the engine control unit 2003 to the reader control unit 2004 through the PSTS signal line, so the reader control unit 2
004 waits for a response from the engine control unit 2003 (step S23), and when the response comes, determines the success of command execution (step S24). When the command execution is successful, the command related to the successful execution is deleted from the engine command queue (step S25), and the process returns to step S21. At this point the printer engine 200
If it is found that the command execution by 2 fails, it is processed as an error occurrence bear (step S2
6) and returns to step S21.

As described above, even in the case where the reader controller 2004 is interposed, the operation is not inconsistent when the printer controller 2004 issues a normal command to the engine controller 2003.

[Control for State Change Signal] Next, in the configuration in which the reader control section 2004 is interposed, the fact that the state of the printer engine 2002 has changed (for example, some kind of error has occurred) is determined using the PCCRT signal. The processing when it is transmitted from the engine control unit 2003 to the reader control unit 2004 will be described.

In the case where the reader control unit 2004 is interposed, the reader control unit 2004 and the printer control unit 2005 may have different changes in the desired state. For example, this is a case where a state change occurs such that the recording paper being conveyed is jammed. If a jam occurs while the printer engine 2002 is performing a copying operation under the control of the reader control unit 2004, this state is indicated by the reader control unit 2004.
Only the state I want to know. Since the printer control unit 2005 is not a jam in which image data is being output by itself, even if the printer control unit 2005 is notified of this state, appropriate post-processing cannot be performed.

If an attempt is made to mount a control system equivalent to the reader control unit 2004 on the printer control unit 2005, the jam processing control software which the other control unit should have will be mounted on both control units. It is disadvantageous in terms of design man-hours, quality evaluation, software capacity, etc.

Therefore, without equipping the printer control unit 2005 with a control system equivalent to the reader control unit 2004, basically the printer control unit 2005 is in the print mode.
To the reader control unit 20 in the copy mode.
04 should be notified. However, even in the copy mode, the printer control unit 2005 may want to know the state change of the printer engine 2002. For example, it is necessary to notify the printer control unit 2005 of information such as the change of the cassette size and the absence of paper. However, regarding the change of the recording paper cassette, that is, the information such as the change of the recording paper size and the absence of the recording paper, the time from the issuance of this information by the engine control unit 2003 to the processing by each control unit is strict. It's not a question.

Therefore, the following processing is performed. That is, in the copy mode in which the reader control unit 2004 controls the engine control unit 2003,
The status change signal (PCCRT signal) notified from the engine control unit 2003 is masked for the printer control unit 2005 by using the gate function of the control circuit 2208, and only the reader control unit 2004 interrupts the interrupt control unit 220.
Receive through 4.

Then, the reader control section 2004 is configured as shown in FIG.
Processing is performed according to the control flow of. That is, PCCRT
When the signal becomes true (step S31), the reader control unit 2004 issues a command for acquiring the state change to the engine control unit 2003 (step S32).
After that, the status transmitted from the engine control unit 2003 is checked (step S33), and the content of the status change of the printer engine 2002 is grasped (step S3).
4).

Then, it is judged whether the contents of the state change are contents to be notified to the printer control unit 2005 (step S35). For example, it is determined that a status change such as a change of the recording paper cassette is a status change to be notified to the printer control unit 2005. If it is determined that the notification should be sent, a flag is set using the control circuit 2208, a status change signal (CCCRT signal) is generated, and the printer control unit 2005 is notified (step S36).

Next, the printer controller 2005 waits for a status change inquiry from the printer controller 2005 (step S37), and as soon as there is an inquiry, the status change signal (status) received from the engine controller 2003 is transmitted to the printer controller 2005 ( In step S38, the CCCRT signal is set to false (step S39), and the process ends. On the other hand, step S35
When it is determined that the status change should not be notified to the printer control section 2005, the reader control section 2004 alone executes the process for the status change (step S4).
0), the process ends.

In the print mode in which the printer control unit 2005 controls the engine control unit 2003, the reader control unit 2004 opens the gate in the control circuit 2208, and the engine control unit 2003 notifies it. The printer control unit 20 uses all of the state change signals (PCCRT signals) as state change signals (CCCRT signals).
Notify 05.

[Control for Execution Command] Next, control of the execution command will be described. For example, how the reader control unit 2004 controls when the printer control unit 2005 and the reader control unit 2004 simultaneously issue usage requests to the engine control unit 2003 will be described.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the location of data and the transfer of the data when a print request is issued during the copy operation.

During the copy operation, the engine control unit 200
3 is an image signal (PVDO from the reader control unit 2004).
Image formation based on the signal). In this case, the settings such as the paper feed cassette designation, the paper discharge port designation, and the image forming mode described with reference to FIG. 9 have already been made by serial communication between the reader control unit 2004 and the engine control unit 2003.

Reference numeral 1301 in FIG. 21 is a buffer for various settings. The values set by the reader control unit 2004 to the engine control unit 2003 and the printer control unit 200 are set.
The values set by No. 5 for the engine control unit 2003 are for the reader PDL (Page Descr) in the figure, respectively.
It is stored in a buffer for an option language, that is, a printer control unit.

Here, the printer control unit 2 is operated during the copying operation.
When a print request is issued from 005, it is not good from the viewpoint of usability to perform the printout by interrupting the copy operation. Therefore, the print request in this case is postponed until the copy operation is completed. Become. However, the CSTS signal must be returned from the printer control unit 2005 in response to the CCMD signal. Therefore, the set value from the printer control unit 2005 is also set in the PDL buffer according to the request. When the set value for the reader and the set value for the PDL are different from each other, the copy control is ended and the reader control section 2004 sets the engine control section 2003 before starting the printer operation.

A concrete example is as follows. That is, it is assumed that the copying operation is currently being performed, the paper is fed from the upper recording paper cassette, and the paper is ejected to the face-up ejection port, and the image forming mode is also the color mode. In this state, the printer control unit 2005
When a print request is issued from, the print execution itself is postponed, but various settings are made. For example, it is assumed that the print request is a request to feed paper from the upper recording paper cassette, eject the paper to the face-down ejection port, and output a monochrome image. In this case, the reader control unit 2004 and the printer control unit 200 specify the recording paper cassette.
5 specifies the upper cassette. Therefore, it is not necessary to issue the paper feed cassette designation command to the engine control unit 2003 even when the copy operation is finished and the printing operation is switched to. Since the ejecting port and the image forming mode are specified differently between the copy operation and the print operation, the reader control unit 2004 at the end of the copy operation.
Issues a command for designating the discharge port and designating the image forming mode to the engine control unit 2003.

As described above, the reader controller 2004
In response to a command from the printer control unit 2005, the reader control unit 2004 does not perform processing only to delay the command execution to the engine control unit 2003.
However, commands that have already been set in the engine control unit 2003 are not set in duplicate.

Next, a case where a copy request is issued during the printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, contrary to the case of FIG. 22, from the viewpoint of usability, it is better that the copy operation can be executed in an interrupted manner rather than the copy operation cannot be performed even if the copy start key is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 22, during the printing operation, the CVDO signal transmitted from the printer control unit 2005 is selected by the selector 2201 and sent to the engine control unit 2003 as PVDO. It is assumed that the settings from the printer control unit 2005 are the upper cassette, the face-down discharge port, and the monochrome image mode, just as in the case described with reference to FIG.

Since the engine control unit 2003 can detect the end only when the PPRNT signal from the printer control unit 2005 becomes High (false), the engine control unit 2003 cannot recognize how many sheets are printed out. Assuming that four images are to be printed out, four PTOP signals are generated from the engine control unit 2003 unless the reader control unit 2004 makes an interrupt request for a copy operation. Data is the printer control unit 20
05 to the engine control unit 2003 via the reader control unit 2004.

Therefore, it is assumed that an interrupt copy request for copying one color original is issued to the reader controller 2004 during the printing of the second sheet. This example will be described with reference to FIG. C from the printer control unit 2005
In response to the PRNT request, the reader control unit 2004 causes the PPRN
A T request is issued to the engine control unit 2003. Then, the PTOP signal is supplied from the engine control unit 2003 to the printer control unit 2005 as the CTOP signal via the reader control unit 2004. In this way, 150
The printing operation of the first image shown in 1 and the second image shown in 1502 is executed.

When the reader controller 2004 detects an interrupt copy request during the printout operation for the second pattern, it sends a CCCRT signal to the printer controller 2005. This does not mean that the state of the printer engine 2002 has actually changed, but requests the printer control unit 2005 to release the printer engine 2002 in order for the reader control unit 2004 to acquire the right to use the printer engine 2002.

When transmitting the CCCRT signal, the control unit 2218 is used as described above. In response to this CCCRT signal, the printer control unit 2005 issues a command for checking the status of the printer engine 2002, and the reader control unit 2004 notifies the printer control unit 200 of the status that the copying operation is in progress.
Reply to 5. Then, the printer control unit 2005 detects that the printer engine 2002 is in the copying operation, and continues to wait for the CTOP signal to come while keeping the CPRNT signal Low (true).

If CTOP does not come while the CPRNT signal is set to Low (true) unless it is in the copy state, a timeout error occurs after a certain period of time. However, in the copy state, the printer control unit 2005 side issues a timeout. Release it and set it to continue waiting for the CTOP signal forever. In the present case, the PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2003 is for performing the copy operation, and the reader control unit 2004 side uses the PTOP signal. Further, as indicated by 1505, the engine control unit 20
The PTOP signal sent from the printer control unit 2
005 will be masked. The image signal actually generated by the reader control unit 2004 is only the image signal 1506.

[0109] Then, after one interrupt copy is completed,
The masking of the PTOP signal is released again, and the CTOP signal is sent to the printer control unit 2005, whereby the image signals 1503 and 150 from the printer control unit 2005 are output.
4 can be transferred to the engine control unit 2003 and printed out.

As described above, according to the states of the printer control unit 2005 and the reader control unit 2004, the reader control unit 2004 determines which of the usage rights of the printer engine 2002 is acquired and at what timing the command is issued.
By performing the control based on the determination made by (1), only one printer engine 2002 can execute the print processing according to the requests from the two control units.

[Control for Setting Content Confirmation Command] Next, control when the printer control unit 2005 issues a setting content confirmation command will be described.

When the printer control unit 2005 wants to confirm the state set in the engine control unit 2003, the printer control unit 2005 sends the setting content confirmation command to the CCM.
Issue as D signal. Reader control unit 2 that received it
004 checks the set value storage buffer 1301 of FIG. 21, and if the printer control unit 2005 has the contents to be confirmed in the buffer 1301, the contents are read out and sent to the printer control unit 2005 via the CSTS signal line. Notice.

If it is not stored in the setting value storage buffer 1301, the reader control unit 2004 transfers the setting content confirmation command to the engine control unit 2003 via the PCMD signal line. The engine control unit 2003
The contents are read, the corresponding setting contents are notified to the reader control unit 2004 via the PSTS signal line, and the reader control unit 2004 notifies the contents to the blinter control unit 2005 via the CSTS signal line.

Next, the case of outputting a monochrome image in the single-sheet paste mode will be described. After the monochrome mode key 2709 on the operation unit 905 is pressed, the copy start key 27
When 03 is pressed, the reader control unit 2004 performs the various settings described above for the copy mode, and the document feeder 801 feeds the document onto the document table 102.
At that time, the document feeder 801 detects the document size,
Notify the reader control unit 2004. Reader control unit 200
If the notified document size is a size in which two sheets cannot be pasted in the intermediate transfer pause 405 or the recording paper is a large size, it is determined to operate in the one-sheet pasting mode. First, the paper feed stage of the recording paper cassette is determined according to the document size, and a designation command is issued. Further, a command requesting the size of the recording paper stored in the specified recording paper cassette is issued. The engine control unit 2003 returns a corresponding status to these series of commands.

Next, the paper discharge port is determined by the command for specifying the paper discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating one-page image formation is issued based on the above judgment. Finally, by issuing a command for specifying monochrome, all the settings for the printer engine 2002 are completed.

Next, the reader controller 2004 sends a print request signal (PPRN) to the engine controller 2003.
T signal). In response to this, a PTOP signal is returned from the engine control unit 2003 after a predetermined time. This is processed by the interrupt control unit 2204, and PTOP
The document scanning optical system control unit 903 is operated so as to be synchronized with the signal. The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the PTOP signal, and the horizontal direction is synchronized with the PLSYNC signal.
The image signal input from the document scanning optical system control unit 903 (photoelectric conversion element 104) to the image signal processing unit 902 in the form of synchronizing the O signal with PVCLK is transferred to the engine control unit 200.
Transfer to 3.

Since the monochrome mode is set here, the original scanning optical system controller 903 is operated once to form an image for one black color with respect to the PTOP signal generated once. When the 1-page image forming mode is set,
The PTOP signal is generated once while the intermediate transfer member 405 makes one rotation. As soon as the optical reading for one color is completed, the document is replaced by the document feeder 801.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the operation in the black-and-white single-paste mode. Original exchanges A, B, and C in FIG. 24 are timings at which original images corresponding to image sections a, b, and c are fed to the original table 102.
Every time the intermediate transfer member 405 makes one rotation, one image is scanned, developed on the photosensitive drum 402, and transferred to the recording paper by the intermediate transfer member 405.

[Inertial rotation insertion mode] Next, a characteristic part of the present invention will be described. In the timing chart of FIG. 24, sections D and E are the times that can be used for document exchange.
In the document exchange in the sections D and E where the time available for document exchange is short, even if there is no problem in the case of a normal document, if the document is slippery or bent, the document within the sections D and E Exchange may not be achieved. In such a case, conventionally, a jam is caused and the copy operation is interrupted, but the present embodiment provides a mode in which a slight delay can be absorbed.

That is, in the operation section shown in FIG. 13, the "idle rotation insertion" mode which can be set by the touch key is provided in the display section 2701. FIG. 25 shows a timing chart when the idle rotation insertion mode is set.

The reader control section 2004 generates a print request signal (PPRNT signal) to the engine control section 2003. In response to this, a PTOP signal is returned from the engine control unit 2003 after a predetermined time. This is processed by the interrupt controller 2204, and the document scanning optical system controller 903 is operated so as to be synchronized with the PTOP signal. By synchronizing the vertical scanning direction with this PTOP signal, P
From the document scanning optical system control unit 903 (photoelectric conversion element 104) to the image signal processing unit 90 in the form of synchronizing the PVDO signal with PVCLK by synchronizing with the LSYNC signal in the horizontal direction.
The image signal input to No. 2 is transferred to the engine control unit 2003.

Since the monochrome mode is set here, the original scanning optical system controller 903 is operated once to form an image for one black color with respect to the PTOP signal generated once. When the 1-page image forming mode is set,
The PTOP signal is generated once while the intermediate transfer member 405 makes one rotation.

As soon as the optical reading for one color is completed, the original is fed by the original feeding device 801. At this time,
The reader control unit 2004 transmits an idle rotation insertion command to the engine control unit 2003. When the engine control unit 2003 receives the idle rotation insertion command within a predetermined period after the PTOP signal is generated, the intermediate transfer body 405
After rotating once, as is clear from comparison with FIG. 24,
Originally, the PTOP signal for the next image, or TO
At the timing of generating the P signal, the PTOP signal or the TOP signal is masked, the process for image formation is not performed, and the operation of rotating the intermediate transfer member only once is performed.

Then, the engine control unit 2003, after one idle rotation of the intermediate transfer member 405, performs the PTO for the next operation.
The P signal or the TOP signal is generated, and the reader control unit 2
004 operates the optical reading device 802 in synchronization with the PTOP signal. When the idle rotation insertion mode is designated and the one-page image forming mode is set, the intermediate transfer member 405 is set to 2
The PTOP signal is generated once during the rotation.

By performing such idle rotation processing,
In FIG. 24, the document exchange is allowed only for a short period of the sections D and E, but in the idling insertion mode, the document exchange is permitted only for the long period of the sections F and G of FIG. Therefore, even in the case of an original that is difficult to replace or an original that takes a long time to replace, it is possible to prevent the printing operation from being stopped by being erroneously recognized as a paper jam, and printing can be performed while continuously replacing the original.

It is also possible to prevent the deterioration of image quality.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the original size is detected at the start of copying without setting the idle rotation insertion mode by the operation unit, and in the case of a large document such as A3 size which requires a long time for document exchange, the idle rotation insertion mode is automatically set. It is also possible to set.

[0128]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A document feeding section for feeding a plurality of originals one by one, the original
An original reading unit that reads the image of the original fed by the draft feeding unit and a reference signal for starting image formation in synchronization with the rotation of the transfer body are sent.
A generating unit that generates the image, an image forming unit that forms an image of the document in synchronization with the reference signal, and an idle rotation insertion mode that idle-rotates the transfer body based on an input by an operator are set. If the setting section and the idle rotation insertion mode are set
If the second original corresponding to the reference signal after the image formation of the first original is made,
An engine control unit for idling the transfer member without performing image formation, and a reference signal next to the reference signal after the image formation of the first document.
Since the image forming process of the second document fed by the document feeding unit is restarted after the idle rotation by the engine control unit is completed in synchronization with the quasi signal, the resuming unit is provided. In the case of copying a plurality of originals, it is possible to continuously make copies with stable image quality even if the original exchange speed decreases.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a color copying apparatus to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a basic system configuration diagram of a control system without a reader control unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a printing apparatus to which the basic system of FIG. 2 is applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing signals transmitted and received between the printer control unit and the engine control unit in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing names of signals (abbreviations) in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanical overall configuration of a printer engine.

FIG. 7 is a time chart for explaining the timing of video signal transfer.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing signal transmission / reception during a printing operation.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of signals exchanged between the printer control unit and the engine control unit during the printing operation.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanical overall configuration of a digital copying machine.

FIG. 11 is a basic system configuration diagram of a control system when a reader control unit is added.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a reader control unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing keys and the like of an operation unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a difference in image supply timing between copying and printing.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another detailed configuration of the reader control unit.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing of the printer control unit in response to a setting command when the reader control unit is not attached.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing of the engine control unit in response to a setting command when the reader control unit is not attached.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing of the reader control unit with respect to a setting command when the reader control unit is attached.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing of the reader control unit when a setting command can be issued to the engine control unit.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a process of acquiring the status of the Humlinta engine when the reader control unit is mounted.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a command holding process for a print request during a copy operation.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a command holding process for a copy request during a print operation.

FIG. 23 is a time chart showing a signal generation state during interrupt copy.

FIG. 24 is a time chart showing a document exchangeable period in normal time.

FIG. 25 is a time chart showing a document replaceable period in the idling rotation insertion mode.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a first conventional example.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a second conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Reader unit 405 Intermediate transfer body 419 cleaning blade 801 Document Feeder 903 Document scanning optical system controller 904 Document Feed Control Unit 905 operation unit 2003 engine control unit 2004 Reader control unit 2005 Printer control unit 2209 CPU 2210 ROM 2211 RAM

Front page continuation (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/14 G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/01-15/01 117 G03G 15/16-15/16 103 H04N 1/00-1/00 108

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A document feeding unit for feeding a plurality of documents one by one, a document reading unit for reading an image of the document fed by the document feeding unit, and a synchronously with rotation of a transfer body. Generates a reference signal to start image formation
A generating section that, an image forming unit in synchronization with the reference signal forming an image of the document, and a setting unit that sets the idle rotation insert mode for idling the transcript based on the operator input, wherein If the idle rotation insertion mode is set, the first original
The second image is formed according to the reference signal after image formation of the draft.
Not I, and an engine control unit for idling the transfer member, the the next reference signal of the first reference signal after the image formation of a document
After the idle rotation has been completed by the engine control unit in synchronization
An image forming apparatus comprising: a restarting unit that restarts the image forming process of the second document fed by the document feeding unit. 2. The engine control unit is controlled by the setting unit.
From the original reading section by setting the idle rotation insertion mode of
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer member is idled based on an instruction of an idle rotation insertion command . 3. The engine controller controls the image of the first document.
The next reference signal after the image formation is masked and the image
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer member is idled without performing a forming process . 4. An original feeding unit for feeding a plurality of originals one by one, an original reading unit for reading an image of the original fed by the original feeding unit, and a synchronously with rotation of a transfer body. Generates a reference signal to start image formation
A generating section that sets an image forming unit in synchronization with an image is formed of the document, the idle rotation insert mode for idling the transfer member to said reference signal
A method of controlling an image forming apparatus , comprising: a setting unit , wherein when the idle rotation insertion mode is set, a first original
The second image is formed according to the reference signal after image formation of the draft.
Little as a blank rotation control step of idling the transfer member, the the next reference signal of the reference signal after the image formation of the first original
After the idle rotation has been completed by the engine control unit in synchronization
And a restart step of restarting the image forming processing of the second original fed by the original feeding section, the control method of the image forming apparatus . 5. In the idle rotation control step , the setting unit
5. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transfer member is idle-rotated based on an instruction of an idle-rotation insertion command from the document reading unit according to the idle-rotation insertion mode setting . The method according to claim 6, wherein the idling control step, the first original
Masks the reference signal next to the reference signal after image formation,
The control method of the image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the transfer member is idled without performing a forming process.