JP3788416B2 - Recording apparatus and control method of recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a control method for the recording apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A scanner-integrated printer (hereinafter referred to as a scanner printer copy or SPC multifunction device) that has recently become popular in ordinary homes reads an image from a platen glass on which a document is placed and the reflected light of light irradiated on the document. A scanner unit for generating image data, a memory such as an SDRAM that temporarily stores the image data for predetermined processing, and an image data read from the memory area of the memory is supplied from the paper feed mechanism. And a printer unit that prints a print image on the paper sheet. The scanner unit sequentially reads the image of the original while scanning in one direction, and in parallel with the reading operation, the printer unit sequentially prints the print image and performs a copy process. That is, while reading images sequentially from one end to the other end of the document, the image data is written and stored in the memory area, and printed in parallel with the image data read from the memory area. The parallel processing is performed over the entire range from one end to the other end of the document to perform copy processing.
[0003]
However, since the storage capacity of the memory is limited, there may be no free space during the above-described copying process. In this case, the memory area in which image data that has already been read for printing is present. The image data can be overwritten on this part. If there is no further allowance area, the image data cannot be written to the memory area until the allowance area is generated by the reading. Therefore, during this period, the reading operation by the scanner unit is interrupted to stop the generation of the image data. It is supposed to be.
[0004]
Accordingly, if the printer unit is unable to print for some reason, the image data is not read from the memory area, so that the permissible area does not occur and the reading operation is interrupted.
[0005]
However, if the interruption time becomes longer, the change in the reading environment over time during the interruption also increases, and the continuity of the read and generated image data is greatly impaired before and after the interruption. This effect is also manifested in a form in which continuity such as image quality is impaired in the printed image printed based on the image data, for example, the hue is completely different before and after the interruption position, Its appearance will be very bad.
[0006]
As a change factor of the reading environment, for example, a light amount fluctuation of an exposure lamp which is an irradiation light source of the scanner unit can be cited. FIG. 16 shows the change over time in the amount of light of the exposure lamp. In particular, the amount of light continues to rise for a while immediately after lighting, and is not stable. If this light amount fluctuation occurs during the interruption of the above-described reading operation, the light amount level is different between the image data read before the interruption and the image data read after the interruption, and the image data is discontinuous. It becomes.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
On the other hand, the reason why the unprintable state becomes particularly long is a paper feed error such as paper jam or out of paper, that is, incomplete paper feed by the paper feed mechanism. The reading operation is interrupted for a long period of time because printing cannot be performed. This is because, as shown in FIG. 16, in the copy processing sequence, the scanner unit has already started the reading operation before the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism is completed. That is, if a paper feed error such as paper jam occurs after the reading operation is started, the scanner unit continues the reading operation until the memory can be stored, but the reading operation is interrupted when the area that can be stored disappears. After the interruption, when the user removes the paper jam and the paper feeding error is resolved, the scanner unit resumes the reading operation from the interruption position, but at the time of the resumption, a long time has already passed since the interruption. Many.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the object of the present invention is to maintain the continuity of image data read and generated without interruption of the reading operation due to a paper feed error. The present invention provides a recording apparatus and a control method for the recording apparatus that can improve the appearance of a printed image printed based on the above.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the main present invention provides an image reading means for reading an image from a document and generating image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and an appropriate timing from the memory area. Based on the read image data, a printing unit that prints a print image on a printing medium fed from the paper feed mechanism, and a paper detection sensor that confirms that the paper feed operation of the paper feed mechanism is completed. The image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area. When there is no free space in the memory area, the image data is transferred to the area where the read image data exists in the memory area. In a recording device for writing
When the completion of the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism is confirmed by the paper detection sensor, the reading operation by the image reading unit is started.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
Based on image reading means for reading an image from a document and generating image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and image data read from the memory area at an appropriate timing, the sheet feeding mechanism supplies the image data. A printing unit that prints a printed image on a printed material to be printed, and a paper detection sensor that confirms that the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism is completed, and the image is printed until there is no more free space in the memory area. When data is sequentially written and there is no free space in the memory area, the paper detection sensor supplies the image data to the area where the read image data has existed in the memory area. When the completion of the paper feeding operation by the paper mechanism is confirmed, the reading operation by the image reading unit is started. Recording apparatus.
[0011]
According to such a recording apparatus, first, the image data generated by the image reading means is sequentially written and stored in the empty area of the memory area, and the stored image data is read at an appropriate timing. And used for printing by the printing means. When this empty area is exhausted, writing of the image data to the area where the read-out image data existed in the memory area is allowed, and the generated image data is sequentially stored in the allowable area. Write and memorize. Further, when there is no permissible area, image data cannot be written into the memory area until the permissible area is generated by the above-described reading, and the reading operation by the image reading unit is interrupted during this period. Accordingly, if the printing unit cannot continue printing for some reason, the reading operation is interrupted without causing the allowable area as a result of not reading the image data from the memory area. If the interruption time becomes longer, the time-dependent fluctuation of the reading environment during the interruption also increases, so that the continuity of the image data is greatly impaired between before and after the interruption, based on the image data. The effect also appears on the printed image in the form that the continuity such as image quality is impaired. The reason why this unprintable state becomes particularly long is a paper feeding error, that is, incomplete feeding of the printing medium by the paper feeding mechanism. In this case, the reading operation is caused due to stagnation of printing on the printing medium. Will be interrupted for a long time.
[0012]
Here, in the present recording apparatus, when the completion of the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism is confirmed by the sheet detection sensor, the reading operation by the image reading unit is started. The reading operation is completely cut off from a paper feed error that can be an interruption factor. Therefore, the interruption of the reading operation due to the paper feeding error never occurs, and thus the loss of continuity of the image data that has occurred with the temporal change of the reading environment during the interruption (image Generation of discontinuous portions in data) can be reliably prevented. As a result, a print image in which the continuity of the image is maintained can be reliably printed based on the image data.
[0013]
In such a recording apparatus, it is desirable that the reading operation by the image reading unit is interrupted when there is no area for writing the image data in the memory area.
According to such a recording apparatus, it is possible to reliably prevent the writing of the image data into the memory area where the area for writing the image data has been lost.
[0014]
Further, an image reading unit for reading an image from a document to generate image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and a paper feed mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at an appropriate timing Printing means for printing a print image on a substrate to be fed from
The image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area, and when there is no free space in the memory area, the image data is written in the area where the read image data exists in the memory area. In the recording device,
A first operation mode in which a reading operation by the image reading unit is started after waiting for completion of a paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism and a second operation mode in which the reading operation is started without waiting for completion are set. A recording apparatus characterized by being provided.
According to such a recording apparatus, since the two operation modes having opposite characteristics are provided, it is easy to adapt to various needs of the user. That is, if the copy speed is more important than the quality of the print image, the second operation mode may be set. Conversely, if the quality is important, the first operation mode may be set.
[0015]
In the recording apparatus, it is desirable that the resolution of the image data generated in the first operation mode is higher than that in the second operation mode.
According to such a recording apparatus, it is possible to reliably suppress loss of continuity of image data due to long-term interruption of the reading operation, which is particularly likely to be manifested at high resolution, and low resolution that is difficult to reveal the loss of continuity For this, the copy time can be shortened.
[0016]
In the recording apparatus, the printing unit performs printing while the printing medium is conveyed by a conveyance mechanism, and the paper feeding mechanism feeds the printing medium to be stored toward the conveyance mechanism, The completion of the paper feeding operation is preferably when the sensor provided between the paper feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism detects the printing medium.
According to such a recording apparatus, since the completion of the sheet feeding operation is detected by the sensor, it can be easily detected.
[0017]
In the recording apparatus, it is preferable that the sensor is a mechanical sensor that emits a detection signal by contact with a front end portion of the printing medium.
According to such a recording apparatus, since the completion of paper feeding is detected by physical contact, that is, contact between the mechanical sensor and the leading end of the printing medium, the reliability of detection is excellent.
[0018]
In the recording apparatus, the image reading unit includes a light source that irradiates light on the image of the document, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light or transmitted light from the image, and the image based on the received light. It is desirable to include an image data generation unit for generating data
According to such a recording apparatus, since the image data is generated by optically reading an image of the document, the image data can be easily generated.
[0019]
Further, an image reading unit for reading an image from a document to generate image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and a paper feed mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at an appropriate timing Printing means for printing a print image on a substrate to be fed, and image data is sequentially written until there is no free area in the memory area, and when there is no free area in the memory area, In the recording apparatus for writing image data to an area where read image data has existed in the memory area, the image reading means includes a light source for irradiating light on the image of the document, and reflected light or transmission from the image. A light receiving unit that receives light; and an image data generation unit that generates the image data based on the received light. When there is no area for writing the image data in the re-area, the reading operation by the image reading unit is interrupted, and the reading operation is started after the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism is completed. An operation mode and a second operation mode in which the reading operation is started without waiting for completion of the paper feeding operation can be set, and the resolution of the image data generated in the first operation mode is set to the second operation mode. The printing unit performs printing while transporting the print medium by a transport mechanism, and the paper feed mechanism feeds the print medium to be stored toward the transport mechanism, Completion of the paper feeding operation is when a sensor provided between the paper feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism detects the printing medium, and the sensor is in contact with the front end of the printing medium. Detection signal It is desirable that a mechanical sensor that emits
According to such a printing apparatus, since all the effects described above are exhibited, the object of the present invention is achieved most effectively.
[0020]
Further, an image reading unit for reading an image from a document to generate image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and a paper feed mechanism based on the image data read from the memory area at an appropriate timing And a paper detection sensor for confirming that the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism has been completed, and there is no free space in the memory area. In the control method of the recording apparatus for writing the image data to the area where the read-out image data exists in the memory area when the image data is sequentially written up to When the detection sensor confirms the completion of the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism, the reading operation by the image reading unit is started. The method of recording apparatus characterized and.
According to such a control method of the recording apparatus, when the completion of the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism is confirmed by the paper detection sensor, the reading operation by the image reading unit is started. The scanning operation is completely cut off from a paper feed error that can be a long-term interruption factor. Therefore, the interruption of the reading operation due to the paper feeding error never occurs, and thus the loss of continuity of the image data that has occurred with the temporal change of the reading environment during the interruption (image Generation of discontinuous portions in data) can be reliably prevented. As a result, a print image in which the continuity of the image is maintained can be reliably printed based on the image data.
[0021]
=== General Configuration of Recording Apparatus ===
A schematic configuration of the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover of a scanner unit is opened, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an internal configuration of the recording apparatus. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the inside of the printer unit is exposed, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel unit.
[0022]
The recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a scanner function for inputting an image of a document, a printer function for printing a print image on a printing medium such as paper based on image data, and an image input by the scanner function on paper or the like. A scanner / printer / copy composite apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an SPC composite apparatus) having a local copy function for printing on
[0023]
The SPC multifunction apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 10 serving as an image reading unit for reading an image from a document 5 and generating image data, and printing for printing a print image on a printing medium such as paper based on the image data. It comprises a printer unit 30 as means, a control circuit 50 for controlling the entire SPC multifunction apparatus 1, and an operation panel unit 70 as input means. Under the control of the control circuit 50, a scanner function, a printer function, and a local copy function for printing data input from the scanner unit 10 by the printer unit 30 are realized. A memory area for storing the image data is prepared in an ASIC SDRAM 69 which will be described later in the control circuit 50.
[0024]
The scanner unit 10 is disposed on the printer unit 30. On the upper part of the scanner unit 10, a document table glass 12 for placing the document 5 to be read, and a document table when reading the sheet-shaped document 5 or when not in use. A document table cover 14 that covers the glass 12 is provided. The document table cover 14 is formed to be openable and closable, and has a function of pressing a document placed on the document table glass 12 toward the document table glass 12 when the document table cover 14 is closed.
[0025]
Further, a paper supply unit (hereinafter also referred to as a paper feed mechanism) 32 for supplying the paper 7 to the printer unit 30 is provided on the back side of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1, and printed on the lower side on the front side. A paper discharge unit 34 for discharging the paper 5 is provided, and an operation panel unit 70 as input means is provided on the upper side. A control circuit 50 is built in the printer unit 30.
[0026]
The paper discharge unit 34 is provided with a paper discharge tray 341 that can close the paper discharge port when not in use, and the paper supply unit 32 is provided with a paper feed tray 321 that holds cut paper (not shown). Yes.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 4, the printer unit 30 and the scanner unit 10 are coupled to each other by a hinge mechanism 41 on the back side, and the scanner unit 10 unitized around the rotating unit of the hinge mechanism 41 is on the front side. Lifted from. In a state where the scanner unit 10 is lifted, the inside of the printer unit 30 is exposed from an opening 301 provided in an upper portion of a cover that covers the printer unit 30. Thus, by exposing the inside of the printer unit 30, the ink cartridge and the like can be easily replaced.
[0028]
A power supply unit for the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 is provided on the printer unit 30 side, and a power supply cable 43 for supplying power to the scanner unit 10 is provided in the vicinity of the hinge mechanism 41. Further, the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 is provided with a USB interface 52 for realizing the image capturing to the host computer 3 by the scanner function and the output of the image data transmitted from the host computer 3 by the printer function. (FIG. 12).
[0029]
=== Configuration of Operation Panel 70 ===
As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel unit 70 is provided with a liquid crystal display 72 serving as a display unit and a notification lamp 74 at substantially the center thereof. The liquid crystal display 72 can display characters, and can display setting items, setting states, operating states, and the like in characters. A red LED notification lamp 74 beside the liquid crystal display 72 is lit when an error occurs to notify the user of the error.
[0030]
On the left side of the liquid crystal display 72, a power button 76, a scan start button 78, a setting display button 80, and a clear button 82 are provided. The power button 76 is a button for turning on / off the power of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1. The scan start button 78 is a button for starting an image reading operation from the document 5 by the scanner unit 10 in a state where the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 is connected to the host computer 3. The setting display button 80 is a button for causing the liquid crystal display 72 to display a setting state for the copy function set by the user. The clear button 82 is a button for clearing the setting for the copy function and changing each setting item to a default value.
[0031]
On the right side of the liquid crystal display 72, a color copy button 84, a monochrome copy button 86, a stop button 88, and a copy number setting button 90 are provided.
[0032]
The color copy button 84 is a button for starting color copying, and the monochrome button 86 is a button for starting monochrome copying. Therefore, these copy buttons 84 and 86 serve as both a copy operation start instruction and a selection means for selecting whether a print image to be output is color or monochrome. The stop button 88 is a button for stopping the started copy operation.
[0033]
The copy number setting button 90 is composed of two buttons 901 and 902 having “+” or “−” on the front surface. When the “+” button 901 is pressed, the set number is increased, and the “−” button 902 is displayed. Press to decrease the set number.
[0034]
A menu button 92 for switching setting items displayed on the liquid crystal display 72 is provided on the front side of the liquid crystal display 72. The menu button 92 is composed of two buttons arranged on the left and right, and a left-pointing arrow or a right-pointing arrow is shown respectively. Each time the left or right menu button 92 is pressed, the setting items to be displayed are sequentially switched in the determined order, and when the display is completed, the first setting item is displayed. The left and right arrows are for changing the order in which the setting items are displayed, and both buttons 92 display the setting items in the reverse order of the display order when the other buttons are pressed.
[0035]
With this menu button 92, a copy quality mode can be set for each paper type. The copy quality mode mainly relates to the copy image quality. That is, the selection of the copy quality mode determines the reading resolution when the scanner unit 10 reads an image and the printing resolution when the printer unit 30 prints.
[0036]
FIG. 6 illustrates copy quality modes prepared in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 of this embodiment. For example, three types of copy quality modes of “economy, fast, and beautiful” can be selected for plain paper. Two types of “Fast, Beautiful” can be selected for Super Fine Paper. For glossy paper, PM photographic paper, and PM matte paper, which generally require higher image quality than these plain papers, one type of copy quality mode is provided for each. The user operates the menu button 92 as appropriate while viewing the liquid crystal display 72 to input this copy quality mode. Then, the copy quality mode information generated based on this input is transmitted to the CPU 54 by pressing the copy buttons 84 and 86. This copy quality mode information is provided for the start interlock of the reading operation of the scanner unit 10, which is a characteristic matter of the present invention described later.
[0037]
=== Configuration of Scanner Unit 10 ===
The scanner unit 10 includes a document table glass 12 on which the document 5 is placed, a pressing cover 14 for pressing the reading surface of the document 5 placed on the document table glass 12 toward the document table glass 12, and a document table. A reading carriage 16 that scans along the document 5 while facing the document 12 while keeping a certain distance from the glass 12, a driving unit 18 for scanning the reading carriage 16, and the reading carriage 16 in a stable state. It is comprised with the regulation guide 20 for making it scan.
[0038]
The reading carriage 16 includes an exposure lamp 22 as a light source for irradiating the document 5 with light through the document table glass 12, a lens 24 for condensing the reflected light from the document 5, and a reflected light from the document 5 to the lens 24. And a CCD sensor 28 that receives the reflected light that has passed through the lens 24, and a guide receiving portion 29 that engages with the regulation guide 20.
[0039]
The CCD sensor 28 is composed of three linear sensors in which photodiodes that convert optical signals into electric signals are arranged in a row, and these three linear sensors are arranged in parallel. The CCD sensor 28 includes three filters of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) (not shown), and different color filters are provided for each linear sensor. Each linear sensor detects light of a component corresponding to the color of the filter. For example, a linear sensor including an R filter detects the intensity of red component light. The three linear sensors are arranged along a direction (hereinafter referred to as the main scanning direction) substantially perpendicular to the scanning direction of the reading carriage 16 (hereinafter referred to as the sub-scanning direction).
[0040]
Reflected light from the document 5 is reflected by the four mirrors 26 and passes through the lens 24 to reach the CCD sensor 28. Since the three linear sensors are arranged in parallel, the linear sensors are simultaneously applied to each linear sensor. The reflection position of the reflected light to be imaged with respect to the document is displaced in the sub-scanning direction by the interval of the linear sensor. For this reason, the scanner control unit 58 (FIG. 12) of the control circuit 50 performs a line-to-line correction process for correcting this shift. The interline correction process will be described later.
[0041]
The restriction guide 20 is provided along the sub-scanning direction and is formed of a stainless steel cylindrical material. The restriction guide 20 is provided on the reading carriage 16 and penetrates through two guide receiving portions 29 formed of thrust bearings. By widening the distance in the sub-scanning direction between the two guide receiving portions 29 provided on the reading carriage 16, the reading carriage 16 can be stably scanned.
[0042]
The driving unit 18 includes an annular timing belt 181 fixed to the reading carriage 16 and a pulley 182 meshing with the timing belt 181, a pulse motor 183 disposed on one end side in the sub-scanning direction, and the other The idler pulley 184 is arranged on the end side and applies tension to the timing belt 181. The pulse motor 184 is driven by the scanner control unit 58 (FIG. 12) of the control circuit 50. The read image is scanned in the sub scanning direction by the scanning speed of the reading carriage 16 which is changed according to the speed of the pulse motor 183. It becomes possible to enlarge and reduce.
[0043]
The scanner unit 10 irradiates the document 5 with light from the exposure lamp 22 and moves the reading carriage 16 along the document 5 while imaging the reflected light on the CCD sensor 28. At this time, by reading the voltage value indicating the amount of light received by the CCD sensor 28 at a predetermined cycle, an image corresponding to the distance moved by the reading carriage 16 during one cycle is used as data for one line of the output image. Take in. At this time, three data of R component, G component, and B component are taken in as data for one line.
[0044]
=== Configuration of Printer 30 ===
The printer unit 30 is configured to output a color image. For example, four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are ejected onto a sheet. An ink jet method is used in which an image is formed by forming dots. In addition to the above four colors, light cyan (light cyan, LC), light magenta (light magenta, LM), and dark yellow (dark yellow, DY) may be used as the color ink.
[0045]
Next, the printer unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 7, and 8. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement around the print head, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining the drive unit of the transport mechanism.
[0046]
As shown in the figure, the printer unit 30 is fed by a paper feed mechanism 32 for feeding the paper 7, a transport mechanism for transporting the paper 7 fed from the paper feed mechanism 32, and the transport mechanism. A mechanism for ejecting ink and forming dots by driving a print head 38 mounted on the writing carriage 36 with respect to the sheet 7, and the writing carriage 36 orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet 7 by a carriage motor 40. And a mechanism for reciprocating in the direction.
[0047]
The paper feed mechanism 32 is for pulling out a plurality of sheets 7 to be stacked and stored one by one and feeding them to the transport mechanism. A hopper 321, a paper feed roller 323, a separation pad 324, and a guide 325 are provided. And have. The hopper 321 is a so-called paper feed tray 321 for accumulating and storing a plurality of sheets 7 and is formed of a plate-like body. The lower end portion of the hopper 321 is swingable around the rotation shaft 322 at the upper end portion, and is driven to swing by a drive mechanism 325. When the uppermost sheet 7 is pulled out from the plurality of sheets 7 and fed, the hopper 321 is swung in a direction in which the sheet 7 is brought into contact with a sheet feed roller 323 described later. On the other hand, when the paper feeding is completed, the paper is swung in the opposite direction to be separated from the paper feeding roller 323. The paper feed roller 323 is a roller having a substantially D-shaped cross section provided facing the lower end portion of the hopper 321 and is driven to rotate by a paper feed motor (not shown). Then, the arc portion 323a in the outer peripheral portion rotates in contact with the paper 7, thereby pulling out the paper 7 from the hopper 321 and transporting it to the transport mechanism, and after reaching the transport mechanism, The flat portion 323b simply passes the sheet 7 so as to face the sheet 7, so that the sheet conveyance by the conveyance mechanism after this arrival is not hindered. The separation pad 324 is a high coefficient of friction member that is disposed below the hopper 321 so as to face the paper feed roller 323, and this is because the paper 7 when the paper feed roller 323 pulls out one paper 7 from the hopper 321. It has a function to prevent double feeding. That is, when the paper feed roller 323 rotates while the uppermost paper 7 is in contact with the paper feed roller 323, the other paper 7 overlapping under this paper 7 tries to advance in the same direction. The other sheet 7 that overlaps below is not fed by the frictional resistance acting between the separation pad 324 and only the uppermost sheet 7 is fed by the sheet feed roller 323. The guide 325 is for guiding the paper 7 drawn from the hopper 321 by the paper feed roller 323 to the transport mechanism.
[0048]
The transport mechanism is disposed downstream of the paper feed mechanism 32 in the transport direction. The transport mechanism is disposed so as to face the print head 38, and a platen 35 serving as a guide member for guiding the paper 7 so that the paper 7 and the print head 38 are at an appropriate distance. On the other hand, provided on the upstream side in the transport direction, the transport roller 37 transports the fed paper 7 to the platen 35, and provided on the downstream side of the platen 35 in the transport direction of the paper 7, and is separated from the transport roller 37. A paper discharge roller 39 for transporting the paper 7 and discharging it, a paper feed motor (hereinafter also referred to as a PF motor) 42 for driving the transport roller 37 and the paper discharge roller 39, and a transport amount of the paper 7 A rotary encoder 47 for detection and a paper detection sensor 45 for detecting the presence / absence of the paper 7 and the leading and trailing edges of the paper 7 are provided.
[0049]
The conveyance roller 37 is provided below the conveyance path of the paper 7, and a driven roller 371 for holding the paper 7 is provided above the conveyance roller 37 so as to face the conveyance roller 37. The paper discharge roller 39 is also provided below the conveyance path of the paper 7, and a driven roller 391 for holding the paper 7 facing the paper discharge roller 39 is provided above the paper discharge roller 39. Further, the transport roller 37 and the paper discharge roller 39 are connected by the gear train 31 and are rotated by the rotation of the PF motor 42, so that the transport speed of the paper 7 by both rollers 37 and 39 is the same.
[0050]
The platen 35 has a guide surface 351 that faces the lower surface 381 of the print head 38, that is, the surface on which the nozzles are provided, and guides the paper 7 in contact therewith.
[0051]
The paper detection sensor 45 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction from the transport roller 37. That is, provided between the paper feed mechanism 32 and the transport mechanism, the paper detection sensor 45 functions as a sensor that detects whether or not the paper feed operation by the paper feed mechanism 32 has been completed.
[0052]
The sheet detection sensor 45 includes a lever 451 having a rotation center at a position higher than the conveyance path of the sheet 7 and a transmission type optical sensor 452 provided above and having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The lever 451 is disposed so as to hang down in the conveyance path by its own weight, and is rotated by the sheet 7 fed from the sheet feeding mechanism 32. And a light shielding part 454 provided so as to pass between the light emitting part and the light receiving part. When the lever 451 is pressed by contact with the leading end of the fed paper 7 and the paper 7 reaches the position immediately before the transport roller 37, the light-shielding part 454 emits light emitted from the light-emitting part. Therefore, it is detected that the leading edge of the sheet 7 has reached the immediately preceding position. This detection signal is treated as a signal indicating that the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism 32 has been completed, and is used for the start interlock of the reading operation at the time of copying, which is a characteristic matter of the present invention described later.
[0053]
Thereafter, when the sheet 7 is conveyed by the conveying roller 7 and the rear end portion of the sheet 7 passes, the lever 451 hangs down due to its own weight, the light shielding unit 454 comes off between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and the light from the light emitting unit is emitted. It is detected by the light receiving unit that the rear end of the sheet 7 reaches a predetermined position. Therefore, while the light blocking unit 454 blocks the light from the light emitting unit, it is detected that the sheet 7 exists at least in the transport path.
[0054]
The mechanism for ejecting ink and forming dots includes a print head 38 having a plurality of nozzles as an ink ejection unit, and ejects ink from predetermined nozzles based on a print command signal. On the lower surface 381 of the print head 38, a plurality of nozzles form a row along the transport direction of the paper 7, and a plurality of rows are provided in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper 7. Details of the print head 38 and the nozzle arrangement will be described later. The print head 38 includes a 16-bit memory corresponding to each nozzle, and data is transferred in 16-bit units to each nozzle from a head control unit 68 (FIG. 12) described later.
[0055]
A mechanism for reciprocating the writing carriage 36 is provided in a direction orthogonal to the carriage motor 40 (hereinafter also referred to as a CR motor) for driving the writing carriage 36 and the conveyance direction of the paper 7. A sliding shaft 44 that is movably held, a linear encoder 46 fixed to the writing carriage 36, a linear encoder code plate 461 having slits formed at predetermined intervals, and a rotating shaft of the carriage motor 40 The pulley 48 is attached, and the timing belt 49 is driven by the pulley 48.
[0056]
A print head 38 and a cartridge mounting portion provided integrally with the print head 38 are fixed to the writing carriage 36. The cartridge mounting portion includes black (K), cyan (C), and magenta (M). Ink cartridges containing ink such as yellow (Y) are mounted.
[0057]
<<< Feeding Operation by Paper Feeding Mechanism >>>
Here, a paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism 32, that is, a paper feeding operation from the paper feeding mechanism 32 to the transport mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 9 is a view of a part of the paper feed mechanism and the transport mechanism as viewed from above, and the downward direction in the figure is the transport direction.
[0058]
First, as an initial state before printing, a plurality of sheets 7 are stacked and stored in the hopper 321 as shown in FIG. 9A. When a printing instruction is given to the printer unit 30, the lower end of the hopper 321 is swung so that the uppermost sheet 7 comes into contact with the sheet feeding roller 323 and the sheet feeding roller 323 starts to rotate. The uppermost sheet 7 is conveyed in the conveyance direction. At this time, the multi-sheet feeding of a plurality of sheets 7 at a time is prevented by the frictional resistance of the separation pad 324. Further, since the circumferential length of the arc portion 323 a of the paper feed roller 323 is set longer than the transport distance to the transport roller 37 of the transport mechanism, the sheet 7 is transported to the transport roller 37 using the arc portion 323 a. It can be transported.
[0059]
9B, when the leading end of the sheet 7 reaches the position of the sheet detection sensor 45 as shown in FIG. 9C, the leading end contacts the lever 451 of the sheet detection sensor 45. The paper detection sensor 45 detects the arrival of the paper 7. With this arrival, it is considered that the sheet feeding operation of the sheet 7 from the sheet feeding mechanism 32 to the transport mechanism is completed, that is, the sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding mechanism 32 is completed.
[0060]
Then, in order to convey the sheet 7, the conveyance roller 37 of the conveyance mechanism starts to rotate. At this time, both rollers 323 and 37 rotate synchronously so that the conveyance speed of the paper feed roller 323 and the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller 37 are the same. As shown in FIG. 9D, when the sheet 7 is caught in the conveying roller 37, the flat portion 323b of the sheet feeding roller 323 is opposed to the sheet 7 and loses the conveying ability to the sheet 7, and the sheet feeding roller 323 rotates. And the paper feed roller 323 waits until the next paper 7 starts to be fed. On the other hand, after the biting, as shown in FIG. 9E, the paper 7 is transported by the transport roller 37 or the paper discharge roller 39 of the transport mechanism, and printing by the print head 38 is performed.
[0061]
=== Regarding the Nozzle Configuration ===
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of nozzles on the lower surface 381 of the print head 38.
A black ink nozzle row 33 (K), a cyan ink nozzle row 33 (C), a magenta ink nozzle row 33 (M), and a yellow ink nozzle row 33 (Y) are formed on the lower surface 381 of the print head 38. ing. Each nozzle row 33 includes a plurality of nozzles (10 in this embodiment) that are ejection openings for ejecting ink of each color.
[0062]
The plurality of nozzles of each nozzle row 33 are aligned at a constant interval (nozzle pitch: k · D) along the conveyance direction of the paper 7. Here, D is a minimum dot pitch in the transport direction (that is, an interval at the highest resolution of dots formed on the paper 7). For example, when the resolution is 720 dpi, 1/720 inch (about 35. 3 μm). K is an integer of 1 or more.
Further, the nozzles of each nozzle row 33 are assigned a smaller number as the nozzles on the downstream side are designated as the first nozzle N1 to the tenth nozzle N10, respectively, and are aligned with the nozzles of the adjacent nozzle row 33 with respect to the position in the transport direction. Is provided. Each nozzle is provided with a piezo element (not shown) as a drive element for driving each nozzle to eject ink droplets.
[0063]
At the time of printing, the sheet 7 is intermittently transported by a predetermined transport amount F by the transport roller 37 and the paper discharge roller 39, and the writing carriage 36 moves in the scanning direction during the intermittent transport, so that each nozzle Ink droplets are ejected from.
[0064]
=== Drive of print head ===
Next, driving of the print head 38 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drive signal generator provided in the head control unit 68 (FIG. 12).
[0065]
In FIG. 11, the drive signal generation unit includes a plurality of mask circuits 204, an original drive signal generation unit 206, and a drive signal correction unit 230. The mask circuit 204 is provided corresponding to a plurality of piezo elements for driving the nozzles N1 to N10 of the print head 38, respectively. In FIG. 11, the number in parentheses at the end of each signal name indicates the number of the nozzle to which the signal is supplied. The original drive signal generator 206 generates an original drive signal ODRV that is commonly used for the nozzles N1 to N10. The original drive signal ODRV is a signal including two pulses, a first pulse W1 and a second pulse W2, within the main scanning period for one pixel. The drive signal correction unit 230 performs correction by shifting the timing of the drive signal waveform shaped by the mask circuit 204 back and forth in the entire return path. By correcting the timing of the drive signal waveform, the deviation of the ink droplet landing position in the forward path and the backward path is corrected, that is, the deviation of the dot formation position in the forward path and the backward path is corrected.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 11, the input serial print signal PRT (i) is input to the mask circuit 204 together with the original drive signal ODRV output from the original drive signal generator 206. The serial print signal PRT (i) is a 2-bit serial signal per pixel, and each bit corresponds to the first pulse W1 and the second pulse W2.
[0067]
The mask circuit 204 is a gate for masking the original drive signal ODRV in accordance with the level of the serial print signal PRT (i). That is, when the serial print signal PRT (i) is 1 level, the mask circuit 204 passes the corresponding pulse of the original drive signal ODRV as it is and supplies it as the drive signal DRV to the piezo element, while the serial print signal PRT (i ) Is 0 level, the corresponding pulse of the original drive signal ODRV is cut off.
[0068]
=== Internal Structure of Control Circuit 50 ===
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control circuit 50.
The control circuit 50 of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 includes a CPU 54 that controls the entire SPC multifunction apparatus 1, a control ASIC 51 that controls each of the scanner function, print function, and local copy function, and an SDRAM 56 that can directly read and write data from the CPU 54. The operation panel unit 70 is connected by a bus. The control ASIC 51 is connected to the scanner unit 10, the print head 38, and an ASIC SDRAM 69 that can directly read and write data from the control ASIC 51.
[0069]
The control ASIC 51 includes a scanner control unit 58, a binarization processing unit 60, an interlace processing unit 62, an image buffer unit 64, a CPU interface unit (hereinafter referred to as CPUIF unit) 66, a head control unit 68, an external A USB interface (hereinafter referred to as USBIF) 52 as input / output means with the host computer 3 and drivers such as motors and lamps provided in the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 30 are provided. Further, a line buffer 691, an interlace buffer 692, and an image buffer 693 are allocated to the memory area of the control ASIC SDRAM 69, respectively. Between the control ASIC 51 and the ASIC SDRAM 69, so-called burst transfer with a data transfer unit of 64 bits is performed in order to increase the data transfer speed.
[0070]
The scanner control unit 58 controls each of the exposure lamp 22, the CCD sensor 28, the pulse motor 183 as a reading carriage drive motor provided in the scanner unit 10, and the data read via the CCD sensor 28 via the line buffer 691. And a function of sending to the binarization processing unit 60.
[0071]
The binarization processing unit 60 has a function of converting the transmitted multi-gradation RGB data into CMYK binary data and transmitting the data to the interlace processing unit 62.
[0072]
The interlace processing unit 62 performs CMYK data of one raster line in order to perform so-called overlap printing in which one raster line (one line in the main scanning direction in the print image) is printed by scanning the writing carriage 36 a plurality of times. It has a function of generating overlap printing compatible data (hereinafter referred to as OL compatible data) by sorting the data to be printed for each scan of the writing carriage 36. The generated OL correspondence data is stored in the interlace buffer 692 of the ASIC SDRAM 69.
[0073]
In the interlace processing unit 62, the data stored in the interlace buffer 692 is read into the SRAM 621 in the interlace processing unit 62 for each predetermined size, and rearranged on the SRAM 621 so as to correspond to the nozzle arrangement. 64.
[0074]
The image buffer unit 64 has a function of generating head drive data for causing the nozzles for each scan of the writing carriage 36 to eject ink from the data sent from the interlace processing unit 62.
[0075]
The CPUIF unit 66 has a function that allows the CPU 54 to access the control ASIC SDRAM 69 connected to the control ASIC 51. The control circuit 50 is used when driving the head control unit 68 based on the head drive data generated by the image buffer unit 64.
[0076]
The head control unit 68 has a function of driving the print head 38 based on the head drive data under the control of the CPU 54 and discharging ink from the nozzles.
[0077]
<<< Data flow in each function >>>
・ With scanner function
From the host computer 3 connected to the USBIF 52 of the control ASIC 51, an image reading command signal from the scanner unit 10 and reading information data such as reading resolution and reading area are transmitted to the control circuit 50. In the control circuit 50, the CPU 54 controls the scanner control unit 58 based on the image reading command signal and the reading information data, and the scanner unit 10 starts reading the document 5. At this time, in the scanner control unit 58, a lamp driving unit, a CCD driving unit, a reading carriage scanning driving unit, and the like are driven, and RGB data is read from the CCD sensor 28 at a predetermined cycle. The read RGB data is temporarily stored in a line buffer 691 allocated to the ASIC SDRAM 69, subjected to inter-line correction processing for each of R, G, and B data, and sent to the host computer 3 via the USBIF 52. . The inter-line correction process is a process for correcting the deviation of the reading position between the R, G, and B linear sensors that occurs due to the structure of the scanner unit 10. More specifically, the CCD sensor 28 of the scanner unit 10 is a color sensor, and has a linear sensor with one line for each color for three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Yes. Since these three linear sensors are arranged in parallel with the scanning direction of the reading carriage 16, they cannot simultaneously receive the reflected light irradiated on the same line of the document 5. That is, when reflected light irradiated on the same line of the document 5 is received by each linear sensor, a time shift occurs. For this reason, this is a process for synchronizing the data sent delayed by the delay time associated with the arrangement of the linear sensors.
[0078]
・ When the printer function
During the printer function, image data to be printed is converted into head drive data that can be printed by the printer unit 30 of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 by the printer driver of the host computer 3 connected to the USBIF 52 of the control ASIC 51. Input from USBIF 52. As the head drive data, for example, when performing interlace printing, raster data corresponding to the print resolution and the pitch and number of nozzles of the nozzle row 33 of the write carriage 36 is extracted, and the write carriage 36 The data is rearranged in the printing order for each scan and becomes a signal for driving the print head 38.
[0079]
The head drive data is stored in an image buffer 57 assigned to an SDRAM 56 that can be read directly by the CPU 54. The image buffer 57 includes two memory areas having a capacity capable of storing head drive data for printing by one scan of the writing carriage 36. When data for one scan is written in one image buffer 571, the data is transferred to the head control unit 68. At this time, when the image data in one image buffer 571 is transferred to the head control unit 68, the head drive data for printing in the next scanning is stored in the other image buffer 572. When data for one scan is written in the other image buffer 572, the data is transferred to the head control unit 68, and the image data is written in the one image buffer 571. As described above, the print head 38 is driven by the head control unit 68 and printing is executed while alternately writing and reading the head drive data using the two image buffers 571 and 572.
[0080]
・ Copy function
Next, the data flow during the copy function will be described.
When the copy quality mode or the like is input from the operation panel unit 70 and the copy buttons 84 and 86 are pressed, a copy start command is transmitted from the CPU 54 to the control ASIC 51. Then, the scanner control unit 58 of the control ASIC 51 causes the scanner unit 10 to read an image of a document at a predetermined reading resolution associated with the copy quality mode information based on the input. Then, the data read by the linear sensor of the scanner unit 10 is taken into the line buffer 691 via the scanner control unit 58. The RGB data taken into the line buffer 691 is subjected to the RGB inter-line correction process described above, and the RGB data for the same line is sent from the scanner control unit 58 to the binarization processing unit 60.
[0081]
The line buffer 691 is prepared for the number of lines necessary to synchronize the interline correction processing, and the memory size of the memory area is limited. Therefore, it is allowed to overwrite the line that has already been subjected to the synchronization processing, that is, the area where the data that has already been read and transferred to the binarization processing unit 62 was present. Note that the method of writing data in the area where the read and transferred data existed is not limited to the method of directly overwriting data in the area as described above. For example, after writing null data in the area, it may be written in the area.
[0082]
The RGB data sent to the binarization processing unit 60 is subjected to halftone processing, and is then referred to a look-up table (LUT) 695 stored in the control ASIC SDRAM 69 to obtain binary values for each color of CMYK. It is converted into data and sent to the interlace processing unit 62.
[0083]
The CMYK binary data sent to the interlace processing unit 62 is distributed from all data of each raster line to data to be printed for each scan of the writing carriage 36 based on the designated interlace method. For example, when one raster line is formed by two scans of the writing carriage 36, it is divided into data for forming odd-numbered dots and data for forming even-numbered dots from the end of the raster line. Thus, OL correspondence data is generated. This OL correspondence data is burst transferred to the interlace buffer 692 and stored.
[0084]
The interlace processing unit 62 reads the data stored in the interlace buffer 692 for each predetermined size, and burst-transfers the data to the SRAM 621 in the interlace processing unit 62. At this time, OL correspondence data is read from the interlace buffer 692 in correspondence with the nozzle arrangement of the print head 38 based on the print resolution and nozzle pitch of the print image. For example, when the print resolution of a print image is 720 dpi and the nozzle pitch is 1/180 inch, three raster lines are printed between two raster lines printed by adjacent nozzles. For this reason, the data corresponding to the scanning of the writing carriage 36 is read out from the OL corresponding data at intervals of 3 raster lines.
[0085]
Note that the memory size of the interlace buffer 692 is limited, and if the entire data size of the OL-compatible data sequentially transferred from the interlace processing unit 62 is large, the OL-compatible data can be stored in all. Absent. Therefore, in such a case, that is, when there is no free area in the interlace buffer 692, overwriting of the area where the data already read out and burst-transferred to the SRAM 621 exists is allowed. . Note that the method of writing data in the area where the read and transferred data existed is not limited to the method of directly overwriting data in the area as described above. For example, after writing null data in the area, it may be written in the area.
[0086]
On the other hand, the data transferred from the interlace buffer 692 is rearranged in the SRAM 621 so as to correspond to the nozzle arrangement and sent to the image buffer unit 64.
[0087]
In the image buffer unit 64, the image data finely blocked by the memory size of the SRAM 621 is burst-transferred to the image buffer 693, and becomes head drive data for ejecting ink to each nozzle of each scan of the writing carriage 36. Align and memorize. Here, the image buffers 693 and 694 are allotted memory areas for storing head drive data for two scans of the write carriage 36, and each time the head drive data for one scan is accumulated, The CPU 54 sends the head drive unit 68 to the head control unit 68 and starts writing head drive data corresponding to the next scan in the memory area for the remaining one scan. This processing is the same as the processing of the image buffers 571 and 572 described above in the description of the printer function.
[0088]
The head drive data for each scan stored in the image buffers 693 and 694 is controlled by the CPU 54, read into the CPU 54 via the CPUIF unit 66, and transferred to the head control unit 68 by the CPU 54. The print head 38 is driven by the head control unit 68 based on the head drive data, and a print image is printed.
[0089]
<<< Interruption of scanning operation of the scanner during copying >>>
During the above copying operation, the scanner unit 10 may interrupt the reading operation. This interruption is basically performed when the data becomes full in the line buffer 691, the interlace buffer 692, and the image buffers 693 and 694 in the control ASIC SDRAM 69 shown in FIG. Arise. That is, in such a traffic jam state, the scanner unit 10 has to interrupt the reading operation because the read and generated RGB data cannot be written and stored in the line buffer 691.
[0090]
Since the data flow direction is sequentially transferred from the upstream line buffer 691 to the downstream image buffers 693 and 694 via the interlace buffer 692 as described above, the congestion state is This is solved by the head control unit 68 performing printing and reading the next head drive data from the image buffers 693 and 694. That is, if the head drive data is read from one of the image buffers 693 and 694 and transferred to the head control unit 68, the image buffer 693 and 694 where the head drive data was stored is read from the interlace buffer 692. The output OL corresponding data is transferred via the SRAM 621. Then, the RGB data read from the line buffer 691 is transferred to the area of the interlace buffer 692 in which the OL-compatible data exists, and an area in which the RGB data can be written is created in the line buffer 691. As a result, the RGB data read and generated by the scanner unit 10 can be written in this area, and the scanner unit 10 can resume the reading operation.
[0091]
In other words, the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 is interrupted when printing by the head head control unit 68, which is the most downstream of the data flow, is delayed. If the interruption time is a short time of about 1 or 2 seconds, there will be no major problem. However, if the interruption time is long, the light amount fluctuation of the exposure lamp 22 of the scanner unit 10 occurring during the interruption will increase, and the interruption will occur. The light amount levels of the RGB data read and generated before and after are discontinuous, and a stepped discontinuous portion is also generated in a printed image printed based on the RGB data.
[0092]
The main cause of the delay in printing is the above-mentioned incomplete paper feed, which is a paper feed error such as paper jam or out of paper. In this case, the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 may be interrupted for a long time. is there. For this reason, in the present invention, a reading operation start interlock shown below is provided to cut off the reading operation from the paper feed error.
[0093]
=== Start interlock of the scanning operation of the scanner unit during copying ===
Here, the start interlock of the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 during copying, which is a characteristic matter according to the present invention, will be described.
The present invention is characterized by having an interlock for completion of the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism 32 with respect to the start of the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 performed at the time of copying, that is, the paper feeding operation is completed. The scanning operation by the scanner unit 10 is not started until it is confirmed by the paper detection sensor 45.
[0094]
An interlock circuit (not shown) having such a function is incorporated in the control ASIC 51. FIG. 13 shows a process flowchart relating to the start interlock of the reading operation performed by the control ASIC 51, and this will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0095]
First, when the number of copies, copy quality mode, and the like are input from the operation panel unit 70 and either one of the color or monochrome copy buttons 84 and 86 is pressed, the CPU 54 transmits a copy start command to the control ASIC 51 ( S101).
[0096]
Upon receiving this, the control ASIC 51 first starts the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism 32, that is, swings the hopper 321 so as to pull out the uppermost paper 7 from the plurality of papers 7 stocked in the hopper 321 to the transport path. The sheet 7 is brought into contact with the sheet feeding roller 323 and the sheet feeding roller 323 is rotated (S102). When the sheet 7 that has moved along the conveyance path by the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 323 has normally reached the position of the sheet detection sensor 45, the sheet detection sensor 45 detects this arrival. This is detected by turning the lever 451, and this detection signal is transmitted to the control ASIC 51 (S103).
[0097]
Receiving this, the control ASIC 51 determines that the paper feeding operation has been normally completed from this detection signal, and permits the scanner unit 10 to start the image reading operation (S104). Further, the rotation of the paper feed roller 323 is stopped and the swing of the hopper 321 is returned to the original state to stop the paper feed operation. Thereafter, the copy process is performed by the above-described copy function (S105).
[0098]
On the other hand, if the detection signal is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception of the copy start command, the control ASIC 51 determines that a paper feed error such as paper jam or out of paper has occurred (S106). Then, the sheet feeding operation is stopped and a sheet feeding error alarm is reported to the notification lamp 74 of the operation panel unit 70 (S107, S108). The user who knows the paper feed error by this warning presses the copy buttons 84 and 86 again after removing the jammed paper or replenishing paper to the hopper 321 to eliminate the paper feed error (S109). Then, another copy start command is transmitted from the CPU 54, and the control ASIC 51 that has received the command returns to the process of step S102 and starts the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism 32 again.
[0099]
The SPC multifunction apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes the interlock circuit as described above, and waits for the completion of the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism 32. That is, after this completion, the reading operation by the scanner unit 10 is started. Therefore, the reading operation is completely cut off from a paper feed error that can be a long-term interruption factor. Therefore, the reading operation is not interrupted due to a paper feed error, and thus the continuity of the image data caused by the change in the reading environment over time during the interruption, for example, the light amount fluctuation of the exposure lamp 22 or the like. Loss can be reliably prevented. As a result, a print image in which the continuity of the image is maintained can be reliably printed based on the image data.
[0100]
Note that the above-described interlock circuit is basically applied to all copying processes involving a reading operation by the scanner unit 10 without exception. For example, even when the same document is copied over a plurality of sheets, if the reading operation is performed every time one sheet is printed, all the reading operations are performed after the completion of the paper feeding. ing. However, when the image data read at the time of copying the first sheet remains in the control ASIC SDRAM 69 and the second and subsequent sheets are copied based on the image data, the reading operation is not performed. Needless to say, this interlock does not work.
[0101]
FIG. 14 shows a process flowchart of an interlock circuit according to a modification of the embodiment. The interlock circuit of the above-described embodiment has been configured so as not to permit the reading operation until the paper feeding operation is completed without exception. In this modification, the copy operation mode selected and input from the operation panel unit 70 is used. In some cases, the reading operation is started without waiting for completion of the paper feeding operation.
[0102]
In other words, the processing flowchart of the present modification includes the step S102a in addition to the above-described embodiment. With this, when the first copy operation mode is selected from the operation panel unit 70, the sheet feeding operation is performed. When the second copy operation mode is selected, the reading operation is started without waiting for the completion of the paper feeding operation.
[0103]
According to such a configuration, the user can freely select whether or not to wait for the completion of the paper feeding operation according to his / her convenience, and the usability is good. For example, if the copy speed is more important than the quality of the print image, the second operation mode may be selected and input. If the quality is important, the first operation mode may be selected and input.
[0104]
The selection of the copy operation mode is not limited to direct input from the operation panel unit 70, but may be indirectly determined based on the copy quality mode input from the operation panel unit 70. That is, the CPU 54 may determine the copy quality mode by referring to the copy operation mode determination table using the input copy quality mode as a key.
[0105]
FIG. 15 shows this copy operation mode determination table. In this table 541, either one of the first and second copy operation modes is associated with each copy quality mode 541a. This association associates the first copy operation mode with the copy quality mode 541a with high reading resolution and print resolution, while the second copy operation mode with respect to the copy quality mode 541a with low resolution. Is made by associating. This is because the influence of fluctuations in the amount of light from the exposure lamp 22 tends to appear in the printed image, particularly when the resolution is high. Therefore, for example, for “plain paper-beautiful”, “super fine paper-beautiful”, “glossy paper”, “PM photo paper”, and “PM matte paper” which are relatively high resolution copy quality modes 541a. Is associated with the first copy operation mode that waits for the completion of the paper feeding operation to improve the quality of the printed image, and conversely, “plain paper-economy”, “plain paper” which are relatively low resolution copy quality modes. The second operation mode that does not wait for the completion of the paper feeding operation is associated with “fast” and “super fine paper—fast” in order to prioritize the copy speed.
[0106]
According to such a configuration, loss of continuity of image data due to long-term interruption of the reading operation, which is particularly likely to be manifested at high resolution, can be reliably suppressed, and the loss of continuity is less likely to occur. The copy time can be shortened for the resolution.
[0107]
=== Other Embodiments ===
Although the above embodiment has mainly described the SPC multifunction apparatus, the above embodiment is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, even the embodiments described below are included in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.
[0108]
In the above-described embodiment, the SPC multifunction apparatus is described as the recording apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, color filter manufacturing apparatus, dyeing apparatus, fine processing apparatus, semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, surface processing apparatus, three-dimensional modeling machine, liquid vaporizer, organic EL manufacturing apparatus (particularly polymer EL manufacturing apparatus), display manufacturing apparatus, film formation You may apply the same technique as this embodiment to an apparatus, a DNA chip manufacturing apparatus, etc. These methods and manufacturing methods are also within the scope of application.
[0109]
In the above-described embodiment, ink such as dye ink or pigment ink is ejected from the nozzle. However, the liquid ejected from the nozzle is not limited to such ink. For example, liquids (including water) including metal materials, organic materials (especially polymer materials), magnetic materials, conductive materials, wiring materials, film-forming materials, electronic inks, processing liquids, gene solutions, etc. are discharged from nozzles. May be. If such a liquid is directly discharged toward the object, material saving, process saving, and cost reduction can be achieved.
[0110]
In the above-described embodiment, ink is ejected using a piezo element. However, the method for discharging the liquid is not limited to this. For example, other methods such as a method of generating bubbles in the nozzle by heat may be used.
[0111]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the appearance of a printed image printed based on this image data by maintaining the continuity of the read and generated image data without interrupting the reading operation due to a paper feed error. A possible recording apparatus and a control method of the recording apparatus are realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus showing a state where a cover of a scanner unit is opened.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of the recording apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus showing a state in which the inside of a printer unit is exposed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel unit.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a copy quality mode.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement around a print head.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a drive unit of a transport mechanism.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a sheet feeding operation from a sheet feeding mechanism to a transport mechanism.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of nozzles on the lower surface of the print head.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drive signal generator provided in the head control unit.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control circuit.
FIG. 13 is a process flowchart relating to a start interlock of a reading operation of a scanner unit.
FIG. 14 is a process flowchart according to a modification of the start interlock.
FIG. 15 is a copy operation mode determination table.
FIG. 16 is a view showing a change with time of the light amount of the exposure lamp.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 SPC multifunction device 3 Host computer 5 Document
7 Paper 10 Scanner section (scanner unit) 12 Platen glass
14 Pressing cover 16 Reading carriage 18 Driving means
20 Regulation Guide 22 Exposure Lamp 24 Lens
26 Mirror 28 CCD sensor 29 Guide receiving part
30 Printer unit 32 Paper feed mechanism (paper supply unit) 31 Gear train
33 Nozzle array 34 Paper output part 35 Platen
36 Writing Carriage 37 Conveying Roller 38 Print Head
39 Paper discharge roller 40 Carriage motor 41 Hinge mechanism
42 Paper feed motor (PF motor) 43 Power supply cable
44 Sliding shaft 45 Paper detection sensor 46 Linear encoder
47 Rotary encoder 48 Pulley 49 Timing belt
50 control circuit 51 control ASIC
52 USB interface (USBIF)
54 CPU 56 SDRAM 57 Image buffer
58 Scanner control unit 60 Binarization processing unit
62 Interlace processing unit 64 Image buffer unit
66 CPU interface unit (CPUIF unit)
68 Head control unit 69 SDRAM for ASIC
70 Operation panel 72 Liquid crystal display
74 Notification lamp 76 Power button
78 Scan start button 80 Setting display button
82 Clear button 84 Color copy button
86 Monochrome copy button 88 Stop button
90 Copy number setting button 92 Menu button
181 Timing belt 182 Pulley
183 Pulse motor 184 Idler pulley
204 Mask circuit 206 Original drive signal generator
230 Drive signal correction unit 301 Opening
321 Hopper (paper feed tray) 322 Rotating shaft 323 Paper feed roller
324 Separation pad 325 Drive mechanism 341 Discharge tray
351 Guide surface 371 Driven roller 381 Lower surface
391 driven roller 451 lever
452 Transmission type optical sensor 453 Action section 454 Light blocking section
461 Code board for linear encoder
541 Copy operation mode determination table
541a Copy quality mode 541b Copy operation mode
571 Image buffer 572 Image buffer
621 SRAM 691 Line buffer
692 Interlace buffer 693 Image buffer
694 Image buffer 901 button 902 button

Claims (9)

Based on image reading means for reading an image from a document and generating image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and image data read from the memory area at an appropriate timing, the sheet feeding mechanism supplies the image data. A printing unit that prints a printed image on a paper substrate to be printed; and a paper detection sensor that confirms that the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism has been completed.
The image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area, and when there is no free space in the memory area, the image data is written in the area where the read image data exists in the memory area. In the recording device,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the completion of a paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism is confirmed by the paper detection sensor, a reading operation by the image reading unit is started. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there is no area for writing the image data in the memory area, the reading operation by the image reading unit is interrupted. Based on image reading means for reading an image from a document and generating image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and image data read from the memory area at an appropriate timing, the sheet feeding mechanism supplies the image data. Printing means for printing a printed image on a paper substrate,
The image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area, and when there is no free space in the memory area, the image data is written in the area where the read image data exists in the memory area. In the recording device,
A first operation mode in which the reading operation by the image reading unit is started after completion of the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism, and a second operation in which the reading operation is started without waiting for completion of the paper feeding operation. A recording apparatus comprising a mode and a settable mode. The recording apparatus according to claim 3,
A recording apparatus, wherein the resolution of image data generated in the first operation mode is higher than that in the second operation mode. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The printing means performs printing while transporting the printing medium by a transport mechanism,
The paper feeding mechanism feeds a substrate to be stored toward the transport mechanism,
The recording apparatus is characterized in that the completion of the paper feeding operation is when a paper detection sensor provided between the paper feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism detects the substrate. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a mechanical sensor that generates a detection signal by contact with a leading end portion of a printing medium. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image reading unit includes a light source that irradiates light on the image of the document, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light or transmitted light from the image, and an image for generating the image data based on the received light. A recording apparatus comprising: a data generation unit. Based on image reading means for reading an image from a document and generating image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and image data read from the memory area at an appropriate timing, the sheet feeding mechanism supplies the image data. Printing means for printing a print image on a paper to be printed, and image data is sequentially written until there is no free area in the memory area, and when there is no free area in the memory area, the memory In a recording device that writes image data to an area where read image data in the area existed,
The image reading unit includes a light source that emits light to the image of the document, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light or transmitted light from the image, and an image for generating the image data based on the received light. A data generation unit,
When there is no area for writing the image data in the memory area, the reading operation by the image reading unit is interrupted,
A first operation mode in which the reading operation is started after completion of the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism and a second operation mode in which the reading operation is started without waiting for the completion of the paper feeding operation are set. In preparation,
The resolution of the image data generated in the first operation mode is higher than that in the second operation mode,
The printing unit performs printing while the printing medium is conveyed by a conveyance mechanism, and the paper feeding mechanism feeds the printing medium stored in a storage unit toward the conveyance mechanism and delivers the printing medium. The completion of the operation is when a sensor provided between the paper feeding mechanism and the transport mechanism detects the printing medium.
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a mechanical sensor that generates a detection signal by contact with a leading end portion of a printing medium. Based on image reading means for reading an image from a document and generating image data, a memory area for writing and storing the image data, and image data read from the memory area at an appropriate timing, the sheet feeding mechanism supplies the image data. A printing unit that prints a printed image on a paper substrate to be printed; and a paper detection sensor that confirms that the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism has been completed.
The image data is sequentially written until there is no free space in the memory area, and when there is no free space in the memory area, the image data is written in the area where the read image data exists in the memory area. In the control method of the recording apparatus,
The recording apparatus control method according to claim 1, wherein when the completion of a paper feeding operation by the paper feeding mechanism is confirmed by the paper detection sensor, a reading operation by the image reading unit is started.

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