JP3500297B2 - Digital copier system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus, and more particularly to a digital electrophotographic apparatus having a rotation deflecting means.

Digital copying comprising a plurality of application functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, etc., and an image reading apparatus, an automatic document feeder, and an image forming apparatus having a laser scanning system using a rotation deflecting means. Optimal for machine system.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a digital copying machine system of this type, there is, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-75801 (hereinafter referred to as prior art).

That is, in the prior art, in order to consider the life of the rotary deflecting means, it is determined whether or not the rotary deflecting means should be pre-rotated by the document set according to the result.
When the pre-rotation is unnecessary, the means for avoiding the decrease in the first copy time is provided without generating the activation signal of the rotation deflecting means.

Further, in the prior art, in order to prevent the first printing time from being shortened, the rotation deflecting means is pre-rotated by setting the original on the original table.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional digital copying machine system, in consideration of the life of the rotary deflecting means, it is simply decided whether or not the rotary deflecting means should be pre-rotated by the document set. It is an invention, and is not optimal in view of the life of the rotary deflection means.

Specifically, in the conventional digital copying machine system, the rotation deflecting means is pre-rotated by setting the original on the original table.

However, when the priority application for returning from the energy saving mode set by the user is set to the facsimile function, it is considered that the frequency of facsimile transmission is high as a way of using the digital copying machine system.

Since image formation is not performed during such facsimile transmission, there is a problem in that it is not necessary to pre-rotate the rotation deflecting means as is done in the conventional digital copying machine system.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, and particularly in the case of returning from the energy-saving mode and when the facsimile function is set prioritized, the rotation deflection is particularly important. An object of the present invention is to extend the life of the rotation deflecting means and prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotation deflecting means by not performing the pre-rotation activation of the means.

Further, in the conventional digital copying machine system,
In order to prevent the first printing time from being reduced, the rotation deflecting means is pre-rotated by setting the original on the original table.

However, if the rotation deflecting means is in the rated rotation state by the time the writing operation on the recording paper is started, the first print time does not decrease, so that the actual recording from the start of the paper feed from the paper feed tray. If the pre-rotation of the rotation deflecting means is determined according to the time until the writing operation on the paper is started, the life of the rotation deflecting means is extended and unnecessary rotation of the rotation deflecting means is unnecessary. It is thought that it is possible to suppress the generation of noise.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, and particularly when the automatic paper selection function of the copy function set by the user's initial setting is permitted, the original size and the feeding The position of the paper feed tray, which is determined by the size of the transfer paper set in the paper tray, that is, the time from the start of paper feeding to the start of the actual writing operation on the recording paper is judged, and the pre-rotation of the rotation deflection means is performed. An object of the present invention is to extend the life of the rotation deflecting means and prevent unnecessary noise due to rotation of the rotation deflecting means by determining whether or not to generate a control signal for activation.

In the conventional digital copying machine system,
In order to prevent the first printing time from being reduced, the rotation deflecting means is pre-rotated by setting the original on the original table.

However, it is considered that the first print time will not be reduced if the rotation deflecting means is in the rated rotation state before the writing operation on the recording paper is started. If it is determined whether or not the pre-rotation of the rotation deflecting means is performed according to the time until the writing operation on the recording paper is started, the life of the rotation deflecting means is extended and It is considered possible to suppress the generation of unnecessary noise.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, and in particular, the priority referred to when the automatic paper selection function of the copy function set by the user initialization is not permitted. The position of the paper feed tray, that is, the time from the start of paper feed to the start of the writing operation on the actual recording paper is determined, and it is determined whether or not the control signal for the pre-rotation start of the rotation deflection means is generated. Due to
An object of the invention is to extend the life of the rotation deflecting means and prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotation deflecting means.

[0017]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention as set forth in claim 1 has a plurality of application functions including a copy function, a facsimile function and a printer function, and an image reading apparatus. 422,
In a digital copying machine system having an image forming apparatus 101 having an automatic document feeder and a laser scanning system using a rotation deflecting means, when a document is set on the image reading device 422 during execution of an energy saving mode, When canceling the energy-saving mode and returning from the energy-saving mode during standby of a priority startup application that has been initialized in advance, when the facsimile function is set as a function to be executed by the priority startup application, When the copy function is set as the function to be executed by the priority start-up application without generating the control signal for pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflection means, the pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflection means is performed. It is a digital copying machine system that generates a control signal.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the case of returning from the energy saving mode and when the facsimile function is set to be prioritized, the pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflecting means is not particularly performed. By performing control so as not to generate a control signal for starting the pre-rotation of the rotary deflecting means, it is possible to extend the life of the rotary deflecting means and prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotary deflecting means. Like

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is provided with a plurality of application functions including a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, and the document size is set when the document is set on the image reading device 422 and the document feed tray. In the digital copying machine system having the automatic document feeder capable of detecting the error, and the image forming apparatus 101 having the laser scanning system using the rotation deflecting means, the image reading apparatus 422 is operated while the copying function is on standby. In the case where the rotation deflecting means is in a stopped state when the original document is set, and the automatic paper selection function of the copy function set by the user initial setting is permitted, the paper feed tray 102. Paper feed tray determined according to the transfer paper size and the original size set in (104, 105, 106, 107) 02 (104, 105, 106,
The digital copying machine system determines whether or not to generate a control signal for pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflecting means based on the position 107).

According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the effect described in (1), when the automatic paper selection function of the copy function set by the user initial setting is permitted, the document size and the paper feed tray 102 (104, 105,
106, 107) and the paper feed tray 102 (104, 105, 1) determined according to the size of the transfer paper set in
06, 107), that is, the time from the start of feeding to the start of the actual writing operation on the recording paper,
By controlling so as to determine whether or not to generate a control signal for pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflecting means, the life of the rotation deflecting means is extended without decreasing the first printing time, and the rotation deflection is performed. It becomes possible to prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the means.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is provided with a plurality of application functions including a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, and the document size is set when the document is set on the image reading device 422 and the document feed tray. In the digital copying machine system having the automatic document feeder capable of detecting the error, and the image forming apparatus 101 having the laser scanning system using the rotation deflecting means, the image reading apparatus 422 is operated while the copying function is on standby. When the original document is set and the rotation deflecting means is in a stopped state, the priority paper feed tray 102 (104, 10) used for the copy function set by the user initial setting.
5, 106, 107), the digital copying machine system determines whether or not to generate a pre-rotation control signal for activating the rotation deflection means.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the automatic paper selection function of the copy function set by the user initial setting is not permitted, the priority paper feed tray 1 referred to.
The position 02 (104, 105, 106, 107), that is, the time from the start of paper feeding to the start of the actual writing operation on the recording paper, is determined, and the pre-rotation control signal for activating the rotation deflection means is set. By performing the control for determining whether or not to generate the noise, it is possible to extend the life of the rotation deflecting unit and prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotation deflecting unit.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) In recent digital copying machines, not only one application software but also a plurality of application software have been installed at the same time. In this embodiment, the digital copying machine that shares one resource in this way is expressed as a system, and the controller that controls this system is expressed as a system controller or system controller 420.

First, the system control of the digital copying machine which is the subject of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 illustrates the external appearance of one embodiment of the digital copying machine system of this embodiment. Also, in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an operation unit 20 (operation panel) provided in the digital copying machine system of FIG. 1, showing main key names.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a program registration / call key used for registering and calling the program mode, and 203
Is the initialization key used when performing initialization, 20
The keys [01] to [28] of 4 are a group of fax speed keys used for assigning a program in the facsimile mode, and the keys [0] to [9] of 205 perform various settings. , Is a numeric keypad used for program assignment in copy mode.

Also, the application switching key 20
Reference numeral 6 is a switch key for each application of copy, fax, and printer, and transfers the display right in the operation unit 20 to the application corresponding to the pressed key.

The initial setting of the present embodiment means changing the initial setting value of each function or setting the operation condition according to the frequently used condition.

Such initial settings include system initial settings for setting the functions of the entire copying machine system, copy initial settings limited to the settings of the copy mode functions, and fax initial settings limited to the settings of the facsimile mode functions. There are settings etc.

For example, the system initial setting includes setting of an auto clear time for returning to the state when the power is turned on when no operation is performed for a certain time after the key operation.

In addition, in the initial copy setting, a limit of the number of copy sets for changing the upper limit of the number of copies that can be set is set, and in the case of single-sided to double-sided copy, the left binding margin width of the back side can be set. There is.

The fax initial settings include settings for printing the reception time for selecting a function for printing the received time, and destination registration for registering the telephone number of a frequently used partner.

FIG. 3 illustrates a logical configuration example of system software operating in the digital copying machine system of FIG.

In order to construct a multi-task type system, it is necessary to treat each functional unit as a resource and manage one resource so that it is shared by a plurality of application software. This management is performed by the system control layer 310 shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, a functional unit unit shared by a plurality of application software is expressed as a resource. A system controller 42 described later
0 performs system control on a per resource basis.

The resources managed by the digital copying machine of this embodiment include the image reading device 422 and the image forming device 1.
01, the operation unit 20, and a memory peripheral device (DF = document feed device, sorter, etc.).

A major feature of the digital copying machine is that the image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is read by the image forming apparatus 1.
One is to restore with 01.

By providing a means for variously changing and transmitting the electric signal read at this time, it can be applied to a field other than the copying machine.

In this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned fax and printer, the range of applications such as a scanner and a file system is very wide. These extensions are referred to as application software.

The device control layer 320 in FIG. 3 drives mechanical input / outputs such as clutches, sensors and motors to actually move the device based on logical instructions such as commands and control signals from the system control layer 310. You are converting to enter.

By the way, in order to exchange the video signal among the image reading device 422, the image forming device 101 and the application, it is necessary to transmit information among the devices. In this embodiment, this means is expressed as control signal or command issuance.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image reading device 4
Electrical signals of the image converted in step 22, image forming apparatus 101
The electrical signal of the image input to the image and the signal for synchronizing with the electrical signal of the image are collectively referred to as a video signal.

The application layer 30 shown in FIG.
0 indicates copy application software 301 and printer application software 3 as extended functions.
02, fax application software 30
3 and other application software 304 are layers that can coexist by the function provided from the system control layer 310.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system hardware configuration example of an embodiment of the digital copying machine system of FIG.

In the hardware configuration example of FIG. 4, the CPU 30 is provided for each of the application software 301, 302, 303.
11, 3021, 3031 and page memories 3012, 3022, 3032 corresponding thereto are provided, and the system control layer 310 and the device control layer 320 are combined into one CPU.
Controlled by 424, each application software, system control, CPU 3011, 3021, 3031 in each resource (copy application software 301, printer application software 302, fax application software 303)
It is also conceivable to provide hardware for transmitting a command from the system controller 420 to each controller (the operation unit controller 312, the peripheral device controller 313, the image forming apparatus controller 314, the image reading apparatus controller 315) through the control signal line.

Here, the image reading device 4 of the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 22 denotes an image reading device 422 used in a digital copying machine, which has a function of irradiating a document with a light source, converting the reflected light into an electric signal by a solid-state image forming device (CCD), and performing necessary image processing. Means a device that has.

In addition, the image reading device 422 has a structure shown in FIG.
The automatic document feeder 103 described above is connected, and the information of the original set sensor from the original set sensor 425 and the information from the size detection sensor 426 for detecting the size of the original set on the original table are input. .

The size detection sensor 426 is a reflection type sensor, and several sensors are arranged on the document feed table. When the document is set, the size of the document can be detected by a combination of ON / OFF sensor inputs. is there.

The image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a laser scanning system having a polygon motor 427 as one form of rotation deflection means.

Here, in the image forming apparatus 101 used in the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, the image image sent by the electric signal is converted into plain paper, thermal paper or the like by means of electrophotography, heat, thermal transfer, ink jet or the like. Means a forming device.

A start signal 101a = ON for instructing rotation start is output to the polygon motor 427,
As a result, when the number of rotations reaches the rated rotation, the lock signal 427a notifying that fact is input.

Printing on the recording paper is naturally limited to the state in which the polygon motor 427 is in the rated rotation.
When all printing operations are completed, the system controller 4
20 outputs the start signal 101a = OFF so that the polygon motor 427 is stopped.

Although the operation unit control bus 440 for controlling the operation unit 20 is shown in FIG. 4, it is naturally conceivable that the operation unit control bus 440 is used to exchange commands using the above-mentioned control signal lines.

FIG. 5 shows an application layer 300 and a system control layer 310 in the system software of FIG.
Shows the relationship with.

In the system control layer 310, as shown in FIG. 5, all the application software (copy application software 301, printer application software 302, fax application software 303, or other application software 304 when viewed from the application layer 300. ) Individual virtual resources (virtual operation unit 510
A, virtual image forming apparatus 520A, virtual image reading apparatus 530A), (virtual operating section 510B, virtual image forming apparatus 520B, virtual image reading apparatus 530B), or (virtual operating section 510C, virtual image forming apparatus 520C, virtual image reading) Device 530C) provides the functionality as it exists.

By this function, the application layer 3
In 00, it is not necessary to manage the system state, and in the system control layer 310, all application software can be managed under the same condition.

That is, the application software is a resource to be used (copy application software 301, printer application software 3
02, fax application software 30
3 or other application software 30
When 4) occurs, a usage request is sent to the system control layer 310. The system control layer 310 determines the resource usage at that time and sends the result to the requesting application software. The request source application software determines the feasibility based on the result, and executes it if possible. Basically, execution rights are managed by the same procedure.

In the system of FIG. 3, there is only one resource. Therefore, in the system control layer 310, application software 301, 302, 303, 304
Virtual resources for each (virtual operation unit 510A, virtual image forming device 520A, virtual image reading device 530A), (virtual operation unit 510B, virtual image forming device 520B, virtual image reading device 530B), or (virtual operation unit 510
C, virtual image forming apparatus 520C, virtual image reading apparatus 530C) When the usage requests conflict, it is necessary to perform exclusive control or time-division allocation in order to pass the actual resource usage right. Whether to perform exclusive control or time-division allocation depends on the type of resource (copy application software 301, printer application software 302, fax application software 303, other application software 304) and user settings.

A supplementary explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, but the resources surrounded by the broken lines are virtual resources (virtual operation unit 5
10A, virtual image forming apparatus 520A, virtual image reading apparatus 530A), (virtual operating section 510B, virtual image forming apparatus 520B, virtual image reading apparatus 530B), or (virtual operating section 510C, virtual image forming apparatus 520C,
The virtual image reading device 530C) indicates a resource in a state in which the execution right (display right in the case of the operation unit 20) is not acquired.

For the same purpose, the resources surrounded by the solid line indicate the resources in the state of taking the execution right.

FIG. 6 shows the copy application software 301 and the printer application software 3
02 shows the interleave operation in 02.

Here, interleave (insertion output)
Is mainly used in the description of the operation when outputting an image. In normal screen output, other operations are not executed until a series of operations (= 1 job) having the same purpose is completed.

For example, in recent digital copying machines, the functions are combined and the copying machine + fax or printer, or a combination of more than one is integrated into one.

However, most of them output in units of function (= unit of job) so as to switch to printer output after the copying function is completed.

On the other hand, inserting and outputting another job output of one job is referred to as interleaving. For example, during output of a copying machine, printer output is realized without stopping machine operation.

Copy application software 30
No. 1 is being executed with the execution right of all the resources for the operation unit 20, the image forming apparatus 101, and the image reading apparatus 422.

At this time, the printer application software 302 causes the image forming apparatus resources 520A, 50A to
When only the request for use of 2B and 520C is received, if the interleave mode is enabled by the user setting, the system control layer 310 causes the image forming apparatus resources 520A and 520A.
2B and 520C are time-divisionally allocated. The time-sharing allocation control dynamically changes the resource execution right among multiple application software.

As a result, the output from the image forming apparatus 101 is a mixed output of the copy application software 301 output and the printer application software 302 output.

By allowing the image forming apparatus 101 to be changed without stopping during this period, the waiting time of both can be minimized.

FIG. 7 shows the parallel printing operation of the printer application software 302 and the fax application software 303 in the system software of FIG.

The fax application software 303 has the display right of the operation unit 20. The fax application software 303 uses, for example, only the operation unit 20 and the image reading device 422 resources 530A, 530B, and 530C in a facsimile transmission mode or the like, while the printer application software 302 uses the image forming device resources such as printer output. This is the case when only 520A, 502B and 520C are required.

For this reason, even if the fax application software 303 and the printer application software 302 make resource requests at the same time, resource conflict does not occur, so it is possible to accept the requests of both application software without the need for exclusive or time-divisional allocation. is there.

Therefore, the fax application software 303 and the printer application software 302 can operate at exactly the same time.

(Second Embodiment) An embodiment of claim 1 executed in the digital copying machine system of the first embodiment will be described as a second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, when a document is set on the image reading device 422 while the energy saving mode is being executed, the energy saving mode is canceled and the energy saving mode is set in the standby state of the preset initializing application. [1] When the facsimile function is set as the function to be executed by the priority start-up application, the control signal for pre-rotation start of the rotation deflection unit is not generated, and [2] Priority start-up is performed. When the copy function is set as the function to be executed by the application, a feature is that a control signal for pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflecting means is generated.

A more detailed description will be given.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining one operation example according to claim 1 in the system software of FIG.

When the system software is started (step S801), it is determined whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder during execution of the energy saving mode (steps S802 and S803), and the document is set. In the case (Yes in step S803), it is checked which function the priority application set by the user has (step S804).

When the copy machine is selected (copy in step S804), the pre-rotation operation of the polygon motor 427 is performed in preparation for the printing operation by the processing in step S805.

Subsequently, the display on the operation unit 20 is shifted to the standby screen (copy screen) of the application set by the user (step S806), and the process of returning from the energy saving mode is performed (step S809).

When the fax is selected (FAX of step S804), the display on the operation unit 20 is shifted to the standby screen (fax screen) of the application set by the user (step S80).
7) Perform the return processing from the energy saving mode (step S
809).

If the printer is selected (printer in step S804), the display on the operation unit 20 is shifted to the standby screen (printer screen) of the application set by the user (step S808).
A return process from the energy saving mode is performed (step S80).
9).

Energy saving mode (preheat mode) of this embodiment
Is a power stop mode according to the International Energy Star standard,
Or it means off mode.

Specifically, in the case of a copying machine, it may be called a preheat mode, and the LED (light emitting diode) or LCD (liquid crystal display) drawing of the operation unit 20 is turned off.
Further, it means a power consumption reduction mode in which power supply to a load device such as a fixing control device is suppressed or stopped.

The priority application of the present embodiment is one of the setting items of the system initial setting, and by selecting the application that is used most often, when returning from the energy saving mode, or in the non-operation state for a certain period of time. This is a setting item for the purpose of improving operability by shifting to the screen of the set application when is continued.

Following the check of the priority application, the display on the operation unit 20 is shifted to the standby screen of the application set by the user (step S8).
06, step S807, step S808), and a return process from the energy saving mode is performed (step S809).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the case of returning from the energy saving mode and when the facsimile function is set to be prioritized, the pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflecting means is not particularly performed. As described above, by performing control so as not to generate the control signal for starting the pre-rotation of the rotary deflecting means, the life of the rotary deflecting means is extended and unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotary deflecting means is prevented. Will be able to.

(Third Embodiment) An embodiment of claim 2 executed in the digital copying machine system of the first embodiment will be described as a third embodiment.

The third embodiment is a case where the rotation deflecting means is in a stopped state when a document is set on the image reading device 422 while the copy function is on standby, and is set by the user initial setting. When the automatic paper selection function of the copy function is permitted, the paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 1
06, the fourth paper feed tray 107), the paper feed tray 102 (the first paper feed tray 104, the second paper feed tray 10) that is determined according to the size of the transfer paper and the size of the original document set in the fourth paper feed tray 107.
5, the third paper feed tray 106, the fourth paper feed tray 107), and determines whether or not to generate a control signal for pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflection means. There is.

A more detailed description will be given.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example according to claim 2 in the system software of FIG.

When the system software is started (step S901), it is determined whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder while the polygon motor 427 is stopped while the display on the operation unit 20 is the copy function. (Step S902, Step S903).

A document is set in the automatic document feeder (Yes in step S902 → Yes in step S903).
s), in the automatic paper selection mode (step S904
Yes), the size of the set original is detected (step S905).

Subsequently, the paper feed tray 102 (the first paper feed tray 104, the second paper feed tray 105, the third paper feed tray 106, the fourth paper feed tray 107) that matches the set original size is selected. Perform (Yes in step S904 → step S905).

When the automatic paper selection of this embodiment is executed, if the original is set in the automatic document feeder, the size of the original set in the automatic document feeder is detected and the copy operation is started. When an instruction is given, a paper feed tray 102 that stores a size that matches the original size
Paper feeding from (104, 105, 106, 107) and copying operation are performed.

On the other hand, when the original is not set in the automatic original feeder, the original size set on the platen glass is detected, and when the instruction to start the copy operation is given, the original size is matched. Paper feeding from the paper feeding tray 102 (104, 105, 106, 107) in which the size is stored and a copying operation are performed.

Whether or not to select the automatic paper selection mode is
It can be set in the initial copy settings.

Further, Tp and T used in the determination of step S906 in FIG. 9 are: Tp: time from the activation of the polygon motor 427 to the rated rotation, T: the selected paper feed tray 102 (first Paper tray 1
04, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 106,
It is assumed that the recording paper fed from the fourth paper feed tray 107) is conveyed to the writing position.

By the processing of this step S906, Tp
If> T (Yes in step S906), the pre-rotation operation of the polygon motor 427 is performed in preparation for the printing operation so that the first copy does not deteriorate (step S90).
7).

When Tp = T or Tp <T (No in step S906), the paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 106, Even if the recording paper is fed from the fourth paper feed tray 107) and the rotation of the polygon motor 427 is started at the same time, the polygon motor 427 reaches the rated rotation by the time the recording paper is conveyed to the writing position. The first print time does not decrease.

The time of Tp depends on the polygon motor 427.
In the case of the one used in the present embodiment, the rated rotation is reached in about 2 seconds after the polygon motor 427 start-up signal 101a is turned ON.

On the other hand, the time T is obtained from the relationship of T = L / V from the speed (V) of conveying the recording paper and the distance (L) from the paper feed cassette to the writing position. The paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed tray 10 shown in FIG.
4, second feeding tray 105, third feeding tray 106, fourth feeding tray 107), first feeding tray 102
(First paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray
Paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 107), second paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 10)
When the paper is fed from 7), it takes less than 2 seconds. Therefore, the first and second paper feed trays 102 (the first paper feed tray 104, the second paper feed tray 105, the third paper feed tray 106, and the fourth paper feed tray) When the paper feed from the paper feed tray 107) is selected, the pre-rotation process of the polygon motor 427 in step S907 is required.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the automatic paper selection function of the copy function set by the user initial setting is permitted, the document size and the paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed) are set. Tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 10
7) of the paper feed tray 102 (the first paper feed tray 104, the second paper feed tray 105, the third paper feed tray 106, the fourth paper feed tray 107) that is determined according to the transfer paper size set in A control that determines the position, that is, the time from the start of feeding the paper to the start of the actual writing operation on the recording paper, and determines whether or not to generate the control signal for pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflecting means. By performing the above, it is possible to extend the life of the rotation deflecting means and prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotation deflecting means without reducing the first printing time.

(Fourth Embodiment) An embodiment of claim 3 executed in the digital copying machine system of the first embodiment will be described as a fourth embodiment.

The fourth embodiment is a case where a document is set on the image reading device 422 while the copy function is on standby, and when the rotation deflecting means is in the stopped state, the copy set by the user initial setting is performed. Priority paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 1) used for the function
05, third paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 107)
It is characterized in that whether or not to generate a pre-rotation control signal for activating the rotation deflecting means is determined based on the position of.

A more detailed description will be given.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining one operation example according to claim 3 in the system software of FIG.

When the system software is started (step S1001), it is determined whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder while the polygon motor 427 is stopped while the display on the operation unit 20 is the copy function. (Step S1002, Step S1003).

Subsequently, when the automatic paper selection mode is not selected (No in step S1004), the priority paper feed tray 102 set in advance by the user initial setting.
(First paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray
Paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 107) from which paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 107) is to be fed Treat as (No in step S1004)
→ Step S1005).

In the present embodiment, when automatic paper selection prohibition is set by some users (step S100).
No. 4), which paper feed tray 102 (104, 10)
5, 106, 107), it is possible to set whether to preferentially select the paper feed from the paper feed tray 102 in advance (step S1005).
(104, 105, 106, 107) is referred to as a priority paper feed tray 102 (104, 105, 106, 107).

By pressing the paper selection key on the operation unit 20, the priority paper feed tray 102 (10
4, 105, 106, 107), it is possible to perform a copying operation from the paper feed tray 102 (104, 105, 106, 107).

Further, Tp and T used in the determination of step S1006 in FIG. 10 are: Tp: time from the activation of the polygon motor 427 to the rated rotation, T: the selected paper feed tray 102 (first Paper tray 1
04, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 106,
It is assumed that the recording paper fed from the fourth paper feed tray 107) is conveyed to the writing position.

By the processing of step S1006, T
If p> T (Yes in step S1006), the pre-rotation operation of the polygon motor 427 is performed in preparation for the printing operation so that the first copy does not deteriorate (step S1).
007).

When Tp = T or Tp <T (No in step S1006), the paper feed tray 102 is actually used.
(First paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray
Even when recording paper is fed from the paper feed tray 106 and the fourth paper feed tray 107) and the rotation of the polygon motor 427 is started at the same time, the polygon motor 427 is rated until the recording paper is conveyed to the writing position. Since the rotation is performed, the first print time does not decrease.

The time of Tp depends on the polygon motor 427.
In the case of the one used in the present embodiment, the rated rotation is reached in about 2 seconds after the polygon motor 427 start-up signal 101a is turned ON.

On the other hand, the time T is obtained from the relationship of T = L / V from the speed (V) of conveying the recording paper and the distance (L) from the paper feed cassette to the writing position. The paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed tray 10 shown in FIG.
4, second feeding tray 105, third feeding tray 106, fourth feeding tray 107), first feeding tray 102
(First paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray
Paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 107), second paper feed tray 102 (first paper feed tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 10)
When the paper is fed from 7), it takes less than 2 seconds. Therefore, the first and second paper feed trays 102 (the first paper feed tray 104, the second paper feed tray 105, the third paper feed tray 106, and the fourth paper feed tray) When the paper feed from the paper feed tray 107) is selected, the pre-rotation process of the polygon motor 427 in step S1007 is required.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when the automatic sheet selection function of the copy function set by the user initial setting is not permitted, the referred priority sheet feed tray 102 (first sheet feed) is used. Paper tray 104, second paper feed tray 105, third paper feed tray 106, fourth paper feed tray 1
The position 07), that is, the time from the start of paper feeding to the start of the actual writing operation on the recording paper is determined, and it is determined whether or not to generate the pre-rotation control signal for activating the rotation deflecting means. By performing such control, it is possible to extend the life of the rotation deflecting means and prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotation deflecting means.

[0118]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the case of returning from the energy saving mode and when the facsimile function is set to be prioritized, the pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflecting means is not particularly performed. In addition, by performing control such that a control signal for starting the pre-rotation of the rotation deflecting means is not generated, the life of the rotation deflecting means is extended and unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotation deflecting means is prevented. Will be able to.

According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the effect described in, when the automatic paper selection function of the copy function set by the user's initial settings is permitted, the paper feed determined according to the original size and the transfer paper size set in the paper feed tray. The position of the paper tray, that is, the time from the start of paper feeding to the start of the actual writing operation on the recording paper is determined, and it is determined whether or not to generate a control signal for pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflecting means. By performing such control, it is possible to extend the life of the rotation deflecting means and prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotation deflecting means without reducing the first printing time.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the automatic sheet selection function of the copy function set by the user initial setting is not permitted, the position of the priority sheet feeding tray referred to, that is, from the start of sheet feeding. The rotation deflection is performed by determining the time until the actual writing operation on the recording paper and determining whether to generate the pre-rotation control signal for activating the rotation deflection means. It is possible to extend the life of the means and prevent unnecessary noise due to the rotation of the rotation deflecting means.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates the appearance of an embodiment of a digital copying machine system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an operation unit (operation panel) provided in the digital copying machine system of FIG. 1 and shows names of main keys.

3 illustrates an example of a logical configuration of system software operating in the digital copying machine system of FIG.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system hardware configuration example of one embodiment of the digital copying machine system of FIG.

5 shows a relationship between an application layer and a system control layer in the system software of FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an interleaving operation of the copy application software and the printer application software in the system software of FIG.

7 shows a parallel operation of printing operations of printer application software and fax application software in the system software of FIG.

[FIG. 8] Claim 1 in the system software of FIG.
4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation according to the above.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a system software of FIG.
4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation according to the above.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example according to claim 3 in the system software of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... Image forming apparatus 102 (104, 105, 106, 107) ... Paper feed tray 20 ... Operation part 300 ... Application layer 310 ... System control layer 320 ... Device control layer 420 ... System controller 422 ... Image reading device 427 ... Polygon motor

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A digital apparatus having a plurality of application functions including a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, an image reading apparatus, an automatic document feeder, and an image forming apparatus having a laser scanning system using a rotation deflecting unit. In the copier system, when a document is set in the image reading device while the energy saving mode is being executed, the energy saving mode is canceled and the energy saving mode is restored when the preset priority startup application is on standby. In this case, when the facsimile function is set as the function to be executed by the priority start-up application, the control signal for pre-rotation activation of the rotation deflection unit is not generated, and the priority start-up application executes the control signal. When the copy function is set as the function to be used, A digital copying machine system, wherein a control signal for activating the pre-rotation of the rotation deflecting means is generated. 2. An automatic document original, which has a plurality of application functions including a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, and is capable of detecting the original size when the original is set on the image reading device or the original feed table. In a digital copying machine system having an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet feeding device and a laser scanning system using a rotation deflecting means, the rotation is performed when a document is set on the image reading device while the copying function is on standby. When the deflecting means is in the stopped state and the automatic paper selection function of the copy function set by the user initial setting is permitted, the transfer paper size and the original size set in the paper feed tray are set. Whether to generate a control signal for starting the pre-rotation of the rotation deflection unit based on the position of the paper feed tray determined accordingly. Digital copying machine system characterized by a constant. 3. An automatic document original having a plurality of application functions including a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, and capable of detecting the original size when the original is set on the image reading device or the original feed tray. In a digital copying machine system having an image forming apparatus equipped with a sheet feeding device and a laser scanning system using a rotation deflecting means, when a document is set on the image reading device while the copying function is on standby. , A pre-rotation control signal for activating the rotation deflecting means based on the position of the priority sheet feeding tray used in the copy function set by the user initial setting when the rotation deflecting means is in a stopped state A digital copying machine system characterized by deciding whether or not.