JP5081529B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, image forming method, image forming control program, and information recording medium storing the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming method using these, a control program for executing the same, and an information record storing the same. It relates to the medium.

Conventionally, predetermined image information input from an external computer or the like is first developed into image data of a predetermined format, and memory means for storing the image data and image data read from the memory means are stored and stored. 2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus that includes an image data storage unit and has a function of sequentially printing such accumulated image data is known.
In such an image forming apparatus, after printing is completed, the image data is discarded / erased from the data storage means, and new data is stored / stored.
Since there is a limit to the amount of image data that can be stored, there is a problem in that if the amount of image data is too large, the capacity will be exceeded, and printing operations cannot be performed.

As a countermeasure when the amount of image data is excessive, image data is stored in advance on the print control device side such as a host computer connected to the image forming device, and the data is stored in the image forming device while sequentially dividing the data. There has been known a technique of transferring to a means side and printing each divided data.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151620 discloses a technique relating to a print control apparatus configured to cause a printing apparatus to transfer drawing data from an application for the purpose of avoiding a memory shortage.
According to this, when there is a possibility of memory shortage, data transmission is repeated while selecting the number of pages that can be stored in the capacity and performing data division.

  However, according to this conventional technique, when the so-called memory full state occurs, the printing operation itself is interrupted. Therefore, an operation for separately saving image data on the user side or selecting the image data to select the memory full state Therefore, it is necessary to perform an operation for preventing the recurrence of the above-mentioned problem, so that the trouble in practical use is complicated and inconvenient.

  Also, with respect to a method of storing all image data on the print control device side such as a host computer, for example, when a printing device with a small memory capacity is applied, such as a scanner mounted on a small multi-function peripheral. Is not realistic.

JP 2003-58331 A

  Therefore, in the present invention, even when handling large image data in which a memory full state occurs, the page requested by the user while automatically selecting a highly versatile format while reducing the operation burden on the user as much as possible. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus configured to perform printing.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, image development means for developing the input image information into image data of a predetermined format in page units, a scanner memory for storing the image data, and image data transferred from the scanner memory A printer memory that stores and stores the image data, and a printing unit that prints an image corresponding to the image data. The input image data for a plurality of pages is rearranged in order for each page, and in units of copies. An image forming apparatus having a function capable of performing print output, and whether or not the amount of image data obtained by developing input image information is excessive with respect to the data free capacity of the printer memory If a determination by comparing the data space of said printer memory and the determination threshold for storing image data of one page, which is determined to be excessive, Before the input image information is expanded by the image expansion means, the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory are stopped, the image data already stored in the printer memory is printed, and the printer memory The image forming apparatus is configured to cancel the stop of the functions of the image developing unit and the scanner memory after the image data is deleted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the suspension of the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory is released, and thereafter, the remaining image information input operation, the image data expansion by the image expansion means, and the image data for the printer memory 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the image storage is performed, only a part of the print is executed regardless of the setting of the number of copies to be printed by the user.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the suspension of the functions of the image developing means and the scanner memory is canceled, and thereafter, the remaining image information input operation, the development of image data by the image developing means, and the image data for the printer memory 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to perform printing for all the number of copies desired by the user after the storage is performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory are stopped, the image data already stored in the printer memory is printed, and the image data on the printer memory is deleted, and then the user Whether to cancel the suspension of the functions of the image development means and the scanner memory, and whether to cancel the suspension of the functions of the image development means and the scanner memory according to the judgment of the user. it provides an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that is configured to perform the operation.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, image expansion means for expanding the input image information into image data of a predetermined format in units of pages, a scanner memory for storing the image data, and image data transferred from the scanner memory A printer memory that stores and stores the image data, and a printing unit that prints an image corresponding to the image data. The input image data for a plurality of pages is rearranged in order for each page, and in units of copies. An image forming method using an image forming apparatus having a function capable of performing print output, wherein an amount of image data obtained by developing input image information is less than a data free space of the printer memory. whether excess either, as judged by comparison with the data space of said printer memory and the determination threshold for storing image data of one page, is excessive If the determination is made, the step of stopping the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory before expansion of the input image information by the image expansion means, and then the image data already stored in the printer memory An image forming method comprising: a step of printing the image data; a step of erasing the image data on the printer memory; and a step of releasing the suspension of the functions of the image development means and the scanner memory. To do.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system comprising the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and an input device for transmitting image information to the image forming apparatus.

In the invention of claim 7, the image expansion means for expanding the input image information into image data of a predetermined format in page units, the scanner memory for storing the image data, and the image data transferred from the scanner memory A printer memory that stores and stores the image data, and a printing unit that prints an image corresponding to the image data. The input image data for a plurality of pages is rearranged in order for each page, and in units of copies. An image formation control program applied to an image forming apparatus having a function capable of performing print output, wherein the amount of image data obtained by developing input image information is the data free capacity of the printer memory. It is determined by comparing the determination threshold value for storing the image data for one page and the data memory free space of the printer memory. If it is determined that the image information is excessive, the functions of the image expanding means and the scanner memory are stopped before the input image information is expanded by the image expanding means, and then stored in the printer memory. A command system for canceling the suspension of the functions of the image development unit and the scanner memory after the image data is printed by the printing unit and the image data on the printer memory is erased. An image forming control program is provided.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information recording medium in which the image formation control program according to the seventh aspect is stored.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus including a memory having a relatively small storage capacity, even when handling image data that is highly likely to cause a memory full state, while reducing the operation burden on the user as much as possible, The page requested by the user can be output in a desired format.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of an example of a network system 10 to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied.
The network system 10 of FIG. 1 has a configuration in which an image forming apparatus 12, an information processing apparatus 14, a server 26, and the like are interconnected by a local area network (LAN) 28.
The LAN 28 physically connects the image forming apparatus 12, the server 26, the information processing apparatus 14, and the like via the hub 16, and performs mutual communication using a medium access control (MAC) address and an IP address.
The hub 16 is further connected to a router 18. The router 18 connects the MFP 12, the information processing apparatus 14, and the server 26 to a wide area network 20 such as the Internet or a wide area network (WAN).
The wide area network 20 is connected to a POP server 22, and enables transmission of electronic mail using the SMTP protocol between the image forming apparatus 12, the information processing apparatus 14, and the server 26.
The wide area network 20 may be connected to a web server or the like in addition to the components shown in FIG.
The POP server 22 may be a mail server provided by an ISP or the like, or may be implemented as a dedicated mail server installed in the company.

  The image forming apparatus 12 is a complex apparatus such as a facsimile, a copy, a printer, and an ARDF (Auto Reverse Document Feeder). The image forming apparatus 12 is a direct command from a user, a predetermined job request by the information processing apparatus 14 or the like, or a public telephone network 24. For example, a function of processing facsimile data received from a network and the like to form a predetermined image.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus 12.
The image forming apparatus 12 has various functions such as a printer, a copy, and a facsimile. This will be described in detail below.
First, an ARDF 30 for performing optical reading from a document having desired image data and an operation panel 34 including an LCD panel that enable various settings for the user are provided.
The ARDF 30 sends a predetermined document set on the platen to a scanner 36 that activates a motor 32 and optically reads image information, and drives an irradiation optical system, a drive motor, a CCD, etc. Expand and convert to image data.

Further, the image forming apparatus 12 includes a controller 38 and a printer engine 52 in charge of image formation.
The controller 38 includes a CPU (not shown) that operates various operating systems (hereinafter referred to as OS).
Furthermore, the controller 38 executes an application program or a server program written in a predetermined programming language under the OS environment, and provides a web server function.

The controller 38 further includes a storage management unit 40, a communication processing unit 42, and an image conversion unit 44.
The storage management unit 40 performs input / output management of information in the storage device 56 such as an SDRAM or a hard disk device.
The communication processing unit 42 receives the ITU-T recommendation T.264 received from the fax modem 58 having a communication rate of, for example, 56 Kbps or 126 Kbps. 6 has a function of decoding data by using a coding method such as run length coding, MR, MMR, etc., and encoding digital data for facsimile transmission from the image forming apparatus 12 ing.
The communication processing unit 42 has a function of managing data transmission using the IP protocol suite and TCP / IP or UDP / IP.

Furthermore, the communication processing unit 42 receives a data transmission request from an application program included in the controller 38, creates an IP packet or a frame, and transmits the data from the network interface card (NIC) 60 to the wireless LAN. In addition, it has a function of transmitting incoming data to an application program.
The communication processing unit 42 executes PPP (Point to Point) in order to execute the various processes described above.
Data connection protocols such as Point Protocol) and PPPoE (PPP on Ethernet (registered trademark)) are supported.

  The image conversion unit 44 converts the data acquired by the image processing device 12 into image data such as GIF, BMP, JPEG, JPEG2000, TIFF, PNG, and uses the converted image data to generate a PDL (Page Description Language) is created, and the created PDL is transferred to the printer engine 52 where image formation is performed.

In addition, the controller 38 includes image data storage means such as a flash ROM 50, and manages setup data when the image forming apparatus 12 is started up, color conversion data used for image formation, and the like.
In addition, the controller 38 is provided with a USB control unit 48, and manages a bus connection with a USB host (not shown) and the printer engine 52 via the USB connector 62.
The USB control unit 48 may support the UWB protocol defined by IEEE 802.15 or the like. The image forming apparatus 12 has a PSU 54 mounted thereon, and the PSU 54 performs power management of the image forming apparatus 12.

The printer engine 52 has a function of performing image formation using an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method, and a photoconductor, a semiconductor laser, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, or ink depending on the function as appropriate. It has a configuration including a container, an inkjet nozzle, and the like.
The printer engine 52 supports PJL (Printer Job Language) and executes printing corresponding to a print request from the outside.

The storage device 56 such as SDRAM connected to the controller 38 described above has a function of managing a plurality of image data sets.
Data sets managed by the storage device 56 are transmission source registration data (SUC_ADDR: source_Address) 64, notification destination registration data (ACK_ADDR: Acknowledge_Address) 66, and MIB (Management Information Base) 68.
The transmission source registration data 64 is data that designates whether or not to receive notification of received facsimile data set in advance by the user.
The transmission source registration data 64 is data registered in a facsimile number format.
The notification destination registration data 66 is data for registering the notification destination address of the user.
The notification destination registration data 66 can be registered in various formats. For example, using email address, MAC address, IP address (local domain defined by private address / subnet mask), or terminal name to send notification message as email using mailer 46 it can.
When using the MAC address or IP address as the notification destination registration data 66, it is preferable to implement a correspondence table between the terminal name or user identification value and the MAC address or IP address in order to save the user input. .
In addition, when the network infrastructure is not TCP / IP but NETBIOS is used, a destination name is used, and a lookup table or the like registered by associating the terminal name with the IP address and the MAC address is notified. Registration data 66 may be used.

  The MIB is a data set for registering network management information, and has a function of managing a state in association with an image forming apparatus to be managed as an object identification value (OID) and its status data.

Further, the information processing apparatus 14 and the server 26 illustrated in FIG. 1 are information processing apparatuses dedicated to servers such as personal computers, workstations, blade servers, and thin servers.
The information processing apparatus 14 transmits the processing result by the application software to the image forming apparatus 12 via the printer driver, and causes the image forming apparatus 12 to output the processing result.
When the server 26 is provided as a printer server, the server 26 receives a print request from the information processing apparatus 14 and instructs a print job to an appropriate image forming apparatus 12.

Next, the software configuration of the controller 38 in the multifunction image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, the hatched portions indicate essential application software.
<Description of software in FIG. 3>
Portal Software: Set and delete application software for each function.
TWAIN driver: Converts image data input from an image scanner into a format that can be used on a PC.
PC-FAX driver: Converts image data input / output via FAX into a format that can be used on a PC.
RPCS driver: Converts image data into a format that can be printed.
PCL driver: Converts PCL (page description language) format print data into a printable format.
SMU (System Management Unit): Manages AIO device information and stores device information such as the data size of each driver and the RAM / ROM capacity information of FIG.
MIB: Device information database.
LSD: Register / change device settings from PC via USB.

Next, a printing operation using the multifunction image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described.
First, a predetermined document is set on a flat bed or an ARDF unit.
Since the ARDF unit includes a document reversing mechanism (not shown), the document can be reversed and the back side of the document can be read, and automatic scanning of double-sided documents is supported.
From the operation panel, select function settings such as recording paper size, recording paper type, paper feed tray, document type (photo, text), scanning resolution, density, enlargement / reduction, duplex document / duplex printing, consolidation, and sorting. And press the start key.
Parameters set from the operation panel are subjected to calculation processing of setting conditions by the MFP controller, and sent to the scanner unit as document reading conditions.
In the scanner unit, the CCD sensor driving motor or the ARDF document transport motor is driven in accordance with the read reading conditions, and the image data is read from the document according to the copy settings by the CCD sensor.
The read image data is sent from the scanner unit to the MFP controller, and image processing is performed according to the copy settings set on the operation panel.

Next, the copy mode when printing using the image forming apparatus will be described with various examples.
(Normal copy)
In this method, image data of one page of a document is scanned with set copy parameters, and the image is not subjected to special processing and is laid out based on the center standard of the recording paper size to be printed.
(Consolidated copy)
In this method, image data for two pages is scanned with the set copy parameters, and the image is reduced and rotated so that it can be printed on one page of recording paper to be printed, and laid out within one page. is there.
(Poster copy (function for flatbed only))
In this case, the document is pre-scanned once and the image size is detected. The detected image is divided into four areas, and each divided area is scanned with a preset copy parameter, and each scanned image is enlarged and laid out over the entire recording paper to be printed.
(Repeat copy (function only for flat bet))
In this case, the document is pre-scanned once and the image size is detected. It is calculated how many of the detected images are arranged vertically and horizontally in the size of the recording paper to be printed. Subsequently, an image of the detected area is scanned with a preset copy parameter, and is repeatedly arranged on a recording sheet to be printed and laid out.
(Automatic scaling (function for flatbed only))
In this case, the document is pre-scanned once and the image size is detected. The image of the detected area is scanned with a preset copy parameter, and the image size is adjusted by enlargement / reduction processing so that the image just fits in the recording paper size to be printed. To lay out.
(Mirror copy)
In this method, the image data of the first page of the document is scanned with copy parameters set in advance, the scanned image is inverted (mirror image), and laid out with the center reference of the recording paper size to be printed.

In the various copy modes described above, an image laid out by the MFP controller and created as image data for each page is transferred to the printer engine unit as data in TIF format format via USB communication in accordance with the USB 2.0 standard. It is transmitted and stored in the image data storage means for printing.
In this way, the image data stored in the image data storage means is sequentially converted into print data for one scan of the print head of the printer engine unit, printed on the recording paper by ejecting ink from the print head, and the desired data. Image formation is performed.

Next, the basic operation of storing image data read in units of pages as described above, outputting the data appropriately, and printing will be specifically described.
First, in order to make the feature points of the present invention easy to understand, basic printing functions provided in a conventional image forming apparatus will be described with reference to reverse order printing and sort printing.
(Reverse printing)
Printing is performed in the reverse order of the read page order.
(Sort printing)
Print the scanned image in copies.

  FIG. 4A shows an example of reading an image of pages 1 to 4, FIG. 4B shows an example of reverse printing, and FIG. 4C shows an example of two sorts of printing.

Problems of basic operations performed in the conventional image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 5A, reading is performed from the first page, and the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus is insufficient on the third page, so that all image data cannot be stored. Assuming that
As shown in FIG. 5B, since there is no data from the third page, nothing can be output in reverse order printing. Even in the sort printing of FIG. 5C, it is impossible to print all pages.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the following measures are taken in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
<Countermeasure 1>
First, as shown in FIG. 6A, reading is performed from the first page, and when the memory shortage of the image forming apparatus occurs on the third page, the functions of the read image developing unit and the memory unit are canceled. Then, only the already read image data (in this case, the first and second pages) is transferred to the printing means and printed (FIG. 6B). After releasing the image data of the first and second pages from the memory, the third and subsequent pages are similarly printed.
The same applies to the sort printing in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a memory full determination flow.
First, in response to a copy start command from an input key on a predetermined operation panel, image reading is started (701).
The image data read by the scanner is stored in the memory (702).
The read image data is compared with the remaining memory on the printer.
If there are many (when the memory is full), go to (1).
When the number is small (when the memory is not full), image data is transferred to the printer (703). The printer stores the image data in the storage unit.
If the reading object still remains, scanning is resumed (704). If no reading object remains, printing is executed and the process is terminated (705).

Next, a countermeasure example in the case where the above-mentioned memory full has occurred (when proceeding to (1) in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG.
(Countermeasure 1)
After the memory full occurs, the image reading operation is stopped by the scanner (801). At this time, the image data remaining in the memory is retained.
The fact that the memory is full is displayed on the LCD on the operation panel (802).
The copy setting is switched to partial copy (804).
A print instruction is issued to the printer, and the image data remaining on the printer memory is output. At this time, even if multiple copies are set, a partial output is made.
The image data held in the printer memory is deleted (805). As a result, there is room in the memory, and the image is newly read by the scanner, the data is stored in the memory, and the print output is performed.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the memory full determination flow (alternative example of FIG. 7).
In this example, a determination threshold for storing image data for one page is set in advance. As the determination threshold, a maximum value or an average value of necessary image data is estimated in advance, and that value is used.
A copy start operation is performed from the input key of the operation panel, and subsequently, the set determination threshold value is compared with the remaining memory capacity (901).
If there are many (when the memory is full), the process proceeds to (1) to stop reading.
When the number is small (when the memory is not full), image reading is started (902). Image data read by the scanner is stored in a memory.
Subsequently, the image data is transferred to the printer, and the image data is stored in the printer (903).
If the reading object still remains, scanning is resumed (904).
If no reading object remains, printing is executed and the process ends (905).

(Countermeasure 2)
In this example, as shown in FIG. 10A, it is assumed that reading is performed from the first page, and the memory of the image forming apparatus (memory full) occurs on the third page. At this time, the functions of the read image developing means and the memory means are stopped, and only the already read image data (in this case, the first and second pages) are transferred to the printing means for printing (FIG. 10B). )).
Also in the sort printing, only a predetermined number of copies of image data that has already been read when the memory is full is printed (FIG. 10C).

FIG. 11 shows an execution flow of the above (Countermeasure 2).
When memory full occurs ((1) in the figure), reading of an image by the scanner is stopped (1101).
The fact that the memory is full is displayed on the LCD on the operation panel, and the user is notified (1102).
Subsequently, the data is transferred to the printer and the image data is output.
At this time, even if multiple copies are set, one copy is output (1103).
Thereafter, printing is terminated (3).

(Countermeasure 3)
In this example, as shown in FIG. 12A, when reading is performed from the first page and the image forming apparatus has a memory shortage (memory full) on the third page, Then, the function of the memory is canceled, and only the already read image data (in this case, the first and second pages) is transferred to the printing means, and reverse printing is performed (FIG. 12B). After releasing the image data of the first and second pages from the memory, reverse order printing is performed in the same manner for the third and subsequent pages. It is assumed that a predetermined separator page is sandwiched between the printed materials of the first and second pages and the third and fourth pages.
Even when the sort printing of FIG. 12C is performed, the desired number of copies, the first and second pages are printed, and before the third and fourth pages are printed, the separator pages are sandwiched between them. To do.
Thereby, when the user finally obtains the printed matter for all the pages, the operation of rearranging in order of the page numbers can be simplified.

FIG. 13 shows an implementation flow of (Countermeasure 3).
When memory full occurs ((1) in the figure), reading of an image by the scanner is stopped (1301). At this time, the image data remaining in the scanner memory is retained.
The fact that the memory full state has occurred is displayed on the LCD on the operation panel (1302).
A print instruction is issued to the printer, and image data on the printer memory is output (1303).
Thereafter, the image data held in the printer memory is released (1304).
A separator page is printed (1305).
Thereafter, the process proceeds to operation (2), reading is started again, and scanning of the remaining printed matter is resumed.

FIG. 14 shows a flow of another example of the above (Countermeasure 3) after the memory full state has occurred.
First, reading of an image by the scanner is stopped in a state where the scanner memory is full (1401). At this time, the image data on the scanner memory is held.
The fact that the memory is full is displayed on the LCD on the operation panel (1402).
A print instruction is issued to the printer, and image data on the printer memory is output (1403).
Subsequently, the image data held in the printer memory is released (1404).
A message asking whether to continue the copy operation is displayed on the LCD of the operation panel (1405).
If YES is selected from the input key on the operation panel, the separator page is printed, reading is resumed, and the separator page is also printed (1406).
If NO is selected from the input key on the operation panel, the process ends as it is ((3) in the figure).
Thereafter, the process proceeds to (2) in the figure, and the same operation as described above is performed, and the remaining image data is read and printed.

  Note that as the user's selection, the image forming apparatus may be set in advance so that the above-described (Countermeasure 1) to (Countermeasure 3) are appropriately combined.

(Countermeasure 4)
Here, a countermeasure for a case where it is assumed that the scanner memory is already over is shown as a stage before the image reading by the scanner.
The measures described below can be implemented in combination with the measures 1 to 3 described above.
For example, when an operation selection for executing double-sided copying is performed in the reading setting, it is necessary to secure image data for two pages in the scanner memory. The basic operation of reading and printing is shown in FIG.
For each reading mode (resolution), a necessary memory capacity is estimated in advance, and when the image data for two pages exceeds the capacity of the scanner memory, the reading mode is adjusted. Specifically, the resolution is changed, the amount of image data is reduced, and copying is performed (FIG. 15B).

FIG. 16 shows an example flow of the measure 4.
The user gives an instruction to start copying from the input key on the operation panel.
Based on information such as the required number of copies to be printed and the required reading resolution, a judgment threshold for print settings is set in advance as a step before starting copying, and the required memory capacity is estimated and the remaining amount of scanner memory. Are compared (1601).
If there is a high possibility that the memory full will occur, the fact that the memory is full is displayed (1602).
Thereafter, in accordance with this, the reading resolution is adjusted, the data amount is reduced, and the reading operation is performed (1603).
If it is determined that the memory is not full, image reading by the scanner (1604) is performed, and printing (1605 to 1606) is performed.
Note that the maximum value or average value of necessary image data is estimated in advance and the value is applied as the threshold value for determination.

FIG. 17 shows another example of the operation flow in the above (Countermeasure 4).
In response to an instruction to start copying from an operation panel input by the user, in accordance with the set information such as the number of copies to be printed and the reading resolution, a threshold value of image data for determining occurrence of memory full is set in advance before starting copying, The required memory capacity is compared with the remaining memory capacity (1701).
If there is a high possibility that the memory is full, a display indicating that the memory is full is displayed (1702). Further, a message asking whether to continue copying is displayed on the LCD on the operation panel (1703).
If YES is selected from the input key on the operation panel, the reading resolution is adjusted, the image data is reduced, and reading is performed (1704). On the other hand, if NO is selected from the input key, the copying is finished as it is.
If it is determined that the memory is not full, the image data is read (1705) and then printed (1706).

  Note that the image forming apparatus described above has a function of printing an image on a predetermined printing sheet, but an input device that transmits predetermined image information is combined with this to form an image forming system. You can also.

The image forming process of the present invention described above is executed by a control program for driving the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
That is, the amount of image data developed from the input image information is compared with the available data capacity of the printer memory, and when it is determined that the amount of image data is excessive, the functions of the image development means and the scanner memory are stopped. After that, an image formation control program having a command system for causing the printing means to output the image data already stored in the printer memory is applied.
The determination of whether the amount of image data is excessive can be made as appropriate by comparing the real time data free space in the printer memory simultaneously with the input of image information and the development of the image data. A threshold value of a data capacity required in advance may be calculated according to desired printing condition information, and this threshold value may be compared with the data free capacity of the printer memory.

The control program may be added with an instruction system for releasing the suspension of the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory after releasing the image data on the printer memory. The release of the function stop may be automatically performed, or it may be set so that a message asking whether to cancel the function stop is displayed to the user after the image data is released.
In addition, when the user performs the sort printing after the functions of the scanner memory, etc. are resumed, the remaining image information is input, the image data is expanded by the image expansion means, and the image data is stored, the user initially requests / sets Whether to print the entire number or to switch to printing only a part can be included as a command system of the control program.
Furthermore, it may be set so that a predetermined separator page is output before and after the function restart of the scanner memory or the like.

  This control program may be incorporated in advance in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, or may be read from an information recording medium storing the control program and executed.

Next, a printing recording paper transport unit in the above-described image forming apparatus and image forming system of the present invention will be described in detail.
As the conveyance unit, a conveyance belt can be used, and an endless endless shape or a combination of end portions may be used.
In order to bring the recording paper into close contact with the conveying belt, static electricity may be applied to the belt to attract it, or it may be pressed from above the recording paper with a predetermined pressing roller.

FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrostatic adsorption type recording medium conveyance unit.
The conveyance unit is wound around the driving roller 112 and the driven roller 113 and is elastic by an elastic member such as a spring in order to prevent slippage between the rotatable conveyance belt 114 and the drive roller 112 and the conveyance belt 114. A pressing roller 115 pressed against the conveying belt 114 by the driving roller 112, a conveying guide 116 provided on the recording head 103 side between the driving roller 112 and the driven roller 113, and a recording sheet stacked on the sheet feeding tray 105. 117 contacts with the conveying belt 114 at a position upstream of the rotation direction of the driving roller 112 from the position where it contacts the conveying belt 114 separated and sent by the separation unit 118 and wound around the driving roller 113, and faces the driving roller 112. The belt charging roller 119 is provided.
The driving roller 112 is connected to the ground.

The transport belt 114 may have a single layer structure as shown in the sectional view (a) of FIG. 19 or may have a two layer structure as shown in FIG. 19 (b).
The side that contacts the recording paper 117 and the belt charging roller 119 is formed by the insulating layer 120. In the case of the two-layer structure, the side that does not contact the recording medium 117 and the belt charging roller 119 is formed by the conductive layer 121. It is assumed that
The insulating layer 120 is made of, for example, a resin such as PET, PEI, PVDF, PC, ETFE, PTFE, or an elastomer and does not include a conductive control material so that the volume resistivity is 10 ¹² Ωcm or more, preferably 10 ¹⁵ Ωcm or more. Is formed.
The conductive layer 121 is formed such that the resin or elastomer contains carbon and has a volume resistivity of 10 ⁵ to 10 ⁷ Ωcm.

As shown in the top view of FIG. 20A and the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 20B, the conveyance belt 114 is formed with a width narrower than the width of the recording paper, and the center of the driving roller 112 and the driven roller 113. It is wound around the club.
The conveyance guide 116 is provided on both sides in the width direction of the conveyance belt 114, and alternately includes a plurality of ribs 122 and relief grooves 123 provided along the conveyance direction of the recording paper 117.
As shown in FIG. 19, the belt charging roller 119 is connected to an AC bias supply unit 124 that applies an AC bias of 2 kV to 3 kV, for example.

When there is an image output instruction to the serial type ink jet printer configured as described above, the driving roller 112 of the recording paper conveying device 108 is rotated by a driving motor (not shown) to rotate the conveying belt 114 counterclockwise. At the same time, an AC bias is applied from the AC bias supply unit 124 to the belt charging roller 119.
The AC bias applied to the belt charging roller 119 causes the insulating layer 120 of the transport belt 114 to alternately charge positive and negative charges in the moving direction of the transport belt 114 as shown in FIG. .
The insulating layer 120 of the conveying belt 114 that charges the positive and negative charges is formed so that the volume resistivity is 10 ¹² Ωcm or more, preferably 10 ¹⁵ Ωcm or more. And negative charges can be prevented from moving at the boundary, and positive and negative charges can be alternately and stably charged in the insulating layer 120.

When the recording paper 117 separated and sent by the separation unit 118 comes into contact with the transport belt 114, as shown in FIG. 21, the minute charge guided from the positive charge charged on the insulating layer 120 of the transport belt 114 to the negative charge. An electrostatic force acts on the recording paper 117 by the electric field 125, and the central portion of the recording paper 117 is attracted to the conveyance belt 114 by this electrostatic force.
In this way, the belt charging roller 119 that applies positive and negative charges to the conveyance belt 114 in order to attract the recording sheet 117 to the conveyance belt 114 is driven in the vicinity of the position where the supplied recording sheet 117 contacts the conveyance belt 114. Since the belt charging roller 119 applies positive and negative charges to the conveyance belt 114 at a position upstream of the roller 112 in the rotation direction, the minute electric field 125 is reliably generated at a position where the recording paper 117 contacts the conveyance belt 114. The recording paper 117 can be stably adsorbed to the transport belt 114.
The recording paper 117 attracted to the conveyance belt 114 is conveyed to the printing unit 107 while being pressed by the pressing roller 115 by the rotation of the conveyance belt 114.
When the leading end of the image forming area of the recording paper 117 reaches directly below the recording head 103, the rotation of the driving roller 112 is stopped and the conveying belt 114 is stopped. In a state where the recording paper 117 is conveyed and stopped in this manner, the recording head 103 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the carriage to eject ink droplets to form an image on the recording paper 117.
When the image formation at the leading end of the image forming area of the recording paper 117 is completed, the driving roller 112 is driven again to rotate the conveying belt 114, and the recording paper 117 is conveyed so that the next image forming area is directly below the recording head 103. When it comes, the rotation of the driving roller 112 is stopped to stop the conveying belt 114, and image formation on the recording paper 117 is repeated.
An image is formed on the recording paper 117 by repeatedly conveying and stopping the recording paper 117 by the conveying belt 114.

As described above, when the recording paper 117 is repeatedly transported and stopped to form an image, the recording paper 117 is attracted and fixed to the transport belt 114 by the electrostatic force generated by the minute electric field 125 and is fixed to the transport belt 114. The electrostatically adsorbed recording paper 117 can be stably conveyed to the position of the recording head 103 by pressing the recording paper 117 against the conveying belt 114 with a pressing roller 115 with a constant force and bringing it into close contact with the conveying belt 114.
In addition, the conveying belt 114 is pressed against the driving roller 112 with a constant force to increase the frictional force between the driving roller 112 and the conveying belt 114, and slippage occurs between the driving roller 112 and the conveying belt 114. By preventing this, the recording paper 117 can be accurately conveyed and stopped.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the static electric field 125 generated by the micro electric field 125 intermittently generated by the positive charge and the negative charge alternately charged on the conveying belt 114 at a constant pitch, for example, 4 mm pitch. Since the recording paper 117 is attracted to the conveyance belt 114 with electric power, the influence of the electrostatic force on the ink droplet ejected from the recording head 103 can be eliminated, and the ink droplet can be ejected to a predetermined landing position. . As a result, a high-quality image without positional deviation can be stably formed on the recording paper 117.

When an image is formed by ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 103 onto the recording paper 117, the ejected ink droplets permeate the recording paper 117, and the recording paper 117 extends to cause cockling.
As shown in FIG. 20B, the extended recording sheet 117 falls into the escape groove 123 in a region other than the rib 122 while maintaining its height by the rib 122 of the conveyance guide, and the ink droplet soaks. The entire recording paper 117 is prevented from floating.
Accordingly, the landing position of the ink droplets on the recording paper 117 is prevented from being shifted due to cockling, and the recording paper 117 comes into contact with the nozzle surface of the recording head 103 so that the nozzle surface of the recording head 103 and the recording paper 117 are moved. It is possible to avoid fouling and to stably form a high-quality image.

The recording paper 117 on which the image is formed as described above is conveyed to the downstream side of the recording head 103 by the movement of the conveying belt 114.
When the traveling direction of the conveyance belt 114 is changed by the driving roller 112, the recording sheet 117 is separated from the conveyance belt 114 by the rigidity of the recording sheet 117 and guided to the discharge unit.
When the recording paper 117 is separated from the conveying roller 114, the recording paper 117 is moved by the electrostatic force generated by the minute electric field 125 intermittently generated by the positive charge and the negative charge alternately charged on the conveying belt 114 at a constant pitch. Since the sheet is adsorbed to the conveying belt 114, the recording sheet 117 can be easily separated from the conveying belt 114 without providing a complicated recording sheet separating mechanism.
In addition, since a minute electric field 125 that is generated intermittently is applied to the discharged recording paper 117, static electricity can be prevented from remaining on the discharged recording paper 117.
Further, when the transport belt 114 is formed in a two-layer structure of the insulating layer 120 and the conductive layer 121, the insulating layer 120 is charged before the transport belt 114 moves from the recording head 103 to the position of the driven roller 113. Since the positive charge and the negative charge are discharged to some extent, the recording paper 117 can be more easily separated from the transport belt 114.

In the above, the belt charging roller 119 is also AC connected to the belt charging roller 119 even when the conveyance belt 114 is stopped in order to form an image on the recording paper 117 by ejecting ink droplets by reciprocating the recording head 103 in the scanning direction. Although the case where the bias is applied has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the AC bias applied to the belt charging roller 119 may be stopped when the conveyance belt 114 is stopped.
When the conveying belt 114 is stopped in this way, the AC bias applied to the belt charging roller 119 is stopped, so that the charge applied to the portion of the conveying belt 114 in contact with the belt charging roller 119 is changed to AC. It can be prevented from being removed by a bias or an electric charge in an unintended direction can be prevented, and the recording paper 117 can be stably adsorbed when the conveyor belt 114 is subsequently rotated.
In addition, the current that flows when the conveyor belt 114 is charged is very small, but by continuously applying a charge to a part of the conveyor belt 114, heat is generated in the conveyor belt 114 to induce a pinhole and develop a leak. Although there is a possibility, this can be prevented and damage to the conveyor belt 114 can be prevented.

In the above example, the press roller 115 is formed of an insulating material, an image output instruction is given to the inkjet printer 1, and an AC bias is applied to the belt charging roller 119 when the recording paper 117 is fed. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and when an image output instruction is given to the inkjet printer 101, an AC bias is applied to the belt charging roller 119 while the conveyor belt 114 is continuously rotated in advance. The recording paper 17 is fed after the AC bias applied to the belt charging roller 119 is stopped in a state where positive and negative charges are applied to the belt 114 and positive and negative charges are applied to the entire conveyance belt 114. Anyway.
Thus, positive and negative charges can be stably applied to the conveyor belt 114 by applying positive and negative charges while continuously rotating the conveyor belt 114.

  Further, the recording paper can be fed after AC is applied to the charging roller while the belt is continuously rotated, or can be charged by applying AC to the charging roller immediately before feeding the recording paper. However, when the recording paper feed is stopped, the AC application to the charging roller can be stopped. The operation sequence in each case is shown in FIGS.

There are cases where the amount (line feed amount) for driving the conveyance belt for line feed during image formation is not an integral multiple of the charging pitch, or an integer multiple.
As shown in FIG. 35, when the amount (line feed amount) for driving the conveyor belt for a line feed at the time of image formation is not an integral multiple of the charge pitch, or when the charge pitch is shorter than one line feed amount, Switch between plus and minus of high voltage output while driving, and if the line feed ends without fully charging the desired charging pitch during one line break, the remaining charge will be fully charged at the next line break The remaining charge is charged.
In this way, a desired charging pitch is formed even when a line feed stops during the formation of a charging pitch having a constant width.
By forming the charging pitch stably, the adsorption force of the paper can be obtained stably.

On the other hand, FIG. 36 shows a case where the charging pitch is set so that the amount of driving the conveyance belt for line feed (line feed amount) at the time of image formation is an integral multiple of the charging pitch, and is preferably not an integral multiple.
The amount of line feed is determined by the pixel density of the image to be formed, the nozzle pitch of the head, and the number of nozzles used.
Usually, in a serial type image forming apparatus using IJ, a plurality of pixel densities that can be formed can be selected. When the charging pitch is 1 / n (n = integer) of the greatest common divisor for all line feed amounts of the image forming apparatus, the formation of the charging pitch is always completed during one line feed as shown in FIG.
In this way, it is not necessary to perform charging in an extremely short time as shown in FIG. In charging in an extremely short time, even if the output of the high-voltage power supply rises to a desired potential, it does not mean that the desired charging potential is formed on the conveyance belt via the charging roller.
That is, a situation where the charging potential is only lower than the desired level is avoided, and the potential level is stabilized.

As described above, when the recording belt 117 of the serial type ink jet printer 101 is sucked by the conveying belt 114 and conveyed to the position of the recording head 103, and the stopping and moving of the conveying belt 114 are repeated intermittently, printing is performed. In order to stabilize the line feed accuracy to be performed, it is necessary to accurately control the stop position of the conveyor belt 114.
For this reason, the feed speed or feed amount of the transport belt 114 may be detected directly or indirectly, and the transport amount of the transport belt 114 may be controlled by the detected feed speed or feed amount.

  For example, when the feed speed or feed amount of the transport belt 114 is directly detected, as shown in the front view of the transport belt 114 in FIG. 22A and the enlarged view of FIG. Alternatively, a binary scale 126 provided on a part of the back surface at a pitch corresponding to the maximum resolution of the ink jet printer and a portion that does not affect the conveyance of the recording paper 117 of the conveyance belt 114 as shown in FIG. It is preferable to use the transmission type or reflection type reading sensor 127 provided or an encoder 128 having a transmission type reading sensor 127 provided in the vicinity of the printing unit 107 as shown in FIG.

A schematic diagram of the transmissive read sensor is shown in FIG. 30, and a schematic diagram of the reflective read sensor is shown in FIG.
In FIG. 30, the detection light 229 is transmitted from the detection light transmitter 227 toward the encoder 223, and the reflected light is detected by the light receiving unit 228.
In FIG. 31, the detection light 226 is transmitted from the detection light transmitter / light receiving unit 225 toward the encoder 223, and the reflected light is detected by the detection light transmitter / light receiving unit 225.

Then, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 24, a pulse signal output from the reading sensor 128 is sent to the arithmetic processing circuit 130 that calculates the rotational speed of the servo motor 129 that rotates the drive roller 112 when the drive command signal is sent. The arithmetic processing circuit 130 calculates the feed speed of the conveyor belt 114, and sends the calculated feed speed signal to the servo motor drive circuit 131 that drives the servo motor 129 to control the rotation speed of the servo motor 129 at a constant speed. The rotor 112 is rotated.
In this way, by controlling the rotation speed of the servo motor 129 that rotates the drive roller 112, the conveyance amount of the recording paper 117 that is attracted and held by the conveyance belt 114 can be controlled with high accuracy.
The pitch of the binary scale provided on the conveyor belt 114 of the encoder that detects the feed amount of the conveyor belt 114 is the unit of paper feeding accuracy as it is.
When the recording paper 117 is conveyed and printed, the line feed amount for paper feed is an amount in which the highest resolution that can be output by the inkjet printer 101 is the minimum unit.
For example, if the highest resolution of the inkjet printer 101 is 1200 dpi, the minimum unit of paper feed determined by the highest resolution is 25.4 mm / 1200 = 21.2 μm. Therefore, the binary scale pitch, that is, the control unit is set to 21.2 μm / n. However, n is an integer of 1 or more. For example, when n = 2, the pitch of the binary scale is 10.6 μm. Even when the feed amount of the conveyor belt is controlled by a pulse signal obtained by reading this binary scale, even if the deviation is caused by one pulse, the recording paper Therefore, it is possible to stably form a high-quality image without affecting the image formed on 117.

  Further, in the case of indirectly detecting the feed speed or feed amount of the transport belt 114, as shown in FIG. 25, the disc 132 provided on the rotating shaft of the drive roller 112 that transports the transport belt 114 is placed on the disc 132 shown in FIG. As shown in the front view of (a) and the enlarged view of FIG. 26 (b), from a scale 133 provided at a constant pitch along the circumferential direction, and from a transmissive or reflective read sensor 134 that reads the scale 133 It is preferable to calculate the feed speed or feed amount of the conveyor belt 114 by detecting the rotation amount of the drive roller 112 using a rotary encoder.

In general, the scale pitch P of the rotary encoder includes 100 LPI, 150 LPI, 200 LPI, 300 LPI, and the like.
This rotary encoder is known to output a pulse four times the actual scale pulse.
For example, in the case of a scale 133 of 2400 lines per revolution, 9600 pulses can be obtained by using the reading sensor 134 capable of quadruple output.
When the recording paper is conveyed and printed, the line feed amount for paper feed is such that the highest resolution that can be output by the inkjet printer is the smallest unit.
For example, when the maximum resolution is 600 dpi, 25.4 mm / 600 = 42.3 μm is the minimum unit of feed amount. Actually, an amount that is an integral multiple of 42.3 μm is sent.
In the ink jet printer, the feed amount of the conveyor belt 114 is determined according to the maximum resolution.
For example, if the drive roller 112 that conveys the conveyor belt 114 is controlled based on a signal output by quadruple output by the rotary encoder 135 having a scale 133 of 2400 pitches per revolution, the number of output pulses per revolution of the rotary encoder is 2400 × 4. = 9600 pulses.
When the maximum resolution of this ink jet printer is 1200 dpi, the feed amount of one output pulse is 25.4 mm / 21200 = 21.2 μm.
When the drive roller 112 rotates once, the disk 132 having the scale 133 also rotates once, so (drive roller diameter × π) /9600=21.2 μm.
From the above relational expression, the diameter of the driving roller 112 is 64.5 mm.
That is, by using the driving roller 112 having a diameter of 64.5 mm and providing the rotary encoder 135 having the scale 133 of 2400 pitch on the rotating shaft, the feed amount is 21.2 μm per pulse for control.
Although the feed amount of 21.2 μm obtained by this maximum resolution may be output for each pulse, the diameter of the drive roller 112 is set to n (the feed amount per pulse of the rotary encoder 135 is the maximum image density n ( It is good to set so that it may become a value divided by an integer of 2 or more. For example, when n = 2,
(Driving roller diameter × π) /9600=10.6 μm
From the above relational expression, the diameter of the drive roller 112 is 32.4 mm, the drive roller 112 having a diameter of 32.4 mm is used, and a rotary encoder 135 having a scale 133 of 2400 pitch is provided on the rotating shaft for control purposes. The feed amount is 10.6 μm per pulse.
Therefore, even if the feed amount of the drive roller 112 is deviated by 1 pulse in the control, it is possible to stably form a highly accurate image without affecting the image formed on the recording paper 117.

  Further, an anti-slip mechanism may be provided between the driving roller 112 and the conveyor belt 114. As the anti-slip mechanism, as shown in FIG. 27A, both the driving roller 112 and the driven roller 113 or the driving roller 112 are formed by a grip roller 136 having a plurality of protrusions 135 on the surface, or FIG. As shown in b), by forming the conveying belt 114 with the timing belt 137, the slippage between the driving roller 112 or the driven roller 113 and the conveying belt 114 can be surely prevented, and the image on the recording paper 117 can be prevented. It is possible to accurately control the stop position when forming the belt, and to transport the conveyor belt 114 with high accuracy when transporting it in the reverse direction.

  In the above description, the serial type ink jet printer has been described. However, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 28A and the front view of the nozzle row in FIG. Uses a line head 143 that has nozzle rows 140 in the entire direction and ejects ink supplied from the ink supply pipe 141 over the entire print width of the recording paper 117 by a drive signal output from the head drive signal line 142. As shown in the configuration diagram of FIG. 29, the recording paper transport device 108 is similarly applied to the line type ink jet printer, and the recording paper 117 is electrostatically adsorbed to the transport belt 114 and transported. The paper 117 can be stably conveyed by the printing unit, and the accuracy of the line feed speed can be increased to stably form a good image.

Although the electrostatic adsorption type has been described above, the method for closely attaching the recording paper is not limited to this.
For example, a suction hole may be provided in the belt, and air may be sucked and brought into close contact with the belt, or may be configured to be pressed by a roller from above the recording paper.

1 shows a configuration diagram of an example of a network system to which an image forming apparatus is applied. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a configuration diagram of software of a controller of the image forming apparatus. FIG. (A) An example of reading an image of pages 1 to 4 is shown. (B) An example of reverse order printing is shown. (C) An example of two-part sort printing is shown. (A) An example of reading an image of pages 1 to 4 is shown. (B) An example of reverse order printing is shown. (C) An example of two-part sort printing is shown. (A) An example of reading an image of pages 1 to 4 is shown. (B) An example of reverse order printing is shown. (C) An example of sort printing is shown. An example of a memory full determination flow is shown. The flow of the countermeasure example when memory full occurs is shown. Another example of a memory full determination flow is shown (alternative example of FIG. 7). (A) An example of reading an image of pages 1 to 4 is shown. (B) An example of reverse order printing is shown. (C) An example of sort printing is shown. The execution flow in Measure 2 is shown. (A) An example of reading an image of pages 1 to 4 is shown. (B) An example of reverse order printing is shown. (C) An example of sort printing is shown. The execution flow in Measure 3 is shown. The other Example flow of the countermeasure 3 is shown. In measure 4, (a) basic printing operation and (b) post-measurement operation are shown. The example flow of the countermeasure 4 is shown. The other Example flow of the countermeasure 4 is shown. The schematic block diagram of an electrostatic adsorption type recording medium conveyance part is shown. (A), (b) The schematic sectional drawing of a conveyance belt is shown. (A) The top view of a conveyance belt is shown. (B) Side surface sectional drawing of a conveyance belt is shown. (A), (b) The charged state of a conveyance belt is shown. (A) The schematic front view of a conveyance belt is shown. (B) The bad enlarged view in which the principal part of a conveyance belt exists is shown. (A), (b) The example of installation of a reading sensor is shown. A block diagram of the drive system is shown. The schematic block diagram of a driving roller periphery is shown. (A) The schematic of the reading sensor which detects the rotation amount of a drive roller is shown. (B) A schematic enlarged view of the scale is shown. (A) The schematic perspective view of a grip roller is shown. (B) The schematic perspective view of the conveyance belt used as the timing belt is shown. (A) The schematic perspective view of a line-type inkjet printer is shown. (B) The schematic of a line head is shown. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a transmissive read sensor. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a reflective read sensor. An operation sequence in the case of feeding a recording sheet after AC is applied to the charging roller and then charged is shown. An operation sequence in the case where charging is performed by applying AC to the charging roller immediately before feeding the recording paper is shown. An operation sequence in the case where AC application to the charging roller is stopped when the recording paper feed is stopped is shown. The relationship between the driving amount of the conveying belt (line feed amount) and the charging pitch is shown. Indicates the relationship between the drive amount of the conveyor belt (line feed amount) and the charging pitch

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Network system 12 Image forming apparatus 14 Information processing apparatus 26 Server 28 Local area network (LAN)
16 Hub 18 Router 20 Wide area network 22 POP server 24 Public telephone network 30 ARDF
34 Operation Panel 32 Motor 36 Scanner 38 Controller 40 Storage Management Unit 42 Communication Processing Unit 44 Image Conversion Unit 56 Storage Device 58 Fax Modem 60 Network Interface Card (NIC)
52 Printer Engine 50 Flash ROM
48 USB control unit 62 USB connector 64 transmission source registration data (SUC_ADDR: source_Address)
66 Notification destination registration data (ACK_ADDR: Acknowledge_Address)
68 MIB (Management Information Base)

Claims (8)

Image expansion means for expanding the input image information into image data of a predetermined format in units of pages ;
A scanner memory for storing the image data;
A printer memory for storing and storing image data transferred from the scanner memory;
Printing means for printing an image according to the image data,
An image forming apparatus having a function of rearranging the order of image data for a plurality of input pages for each page and performing print output in units of copies,
It is determined whether or not the amount of image data obtained by developing the input image information is excessive with respect to the data memory capacity of the printer memory. When it is determined by comparison with the free space and it is determined that it is excessive, before expanding the input image information by the image expanding means,
Stop the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory,
After the image data already stored in the printer memory is printed and the image data on the printer memory is erased, the function of the image expansion means and the scanner memory is canceled. An image forming apparatus.   After the suspension of the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory is released, the user then inputs the remaining image information, expands the image data by the image expansion means, and stores the image data in the printer memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only a part of the printing is executed regardless of the setting of the number of copies to be printed.   After the suspension of the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory is released, the user then inputs the remaining image information, expands the image data by the image expansion means, and stores the image data in the printer memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to perform printing for all the desired number of copies. After stopping the functions of the image development means and the scanner memory, printing the image data already stored in the printer memory, and erasing the image data on the printer memory,
The user is prompted to cancel the suspension of the functions of the image development means and the scanner memory,
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation of whether to cancel the suspension of the functions of the image development unit and the scanner memory is performed according to a user's judgment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Image expansion means for expanding the input image information into image data of a predetermined format in units of pages ;
A scanner memory for storing the image data;
A printer memory for storing and storing image data transferred from the scanner memory;
Printing means for printing an image according to the image data,
An image forming method using an image forming apparatus having a function capable of rearranging the order of image data for a plurality of input pages for each page and performing print output in units of copies. ,
It is determined whether or not the amount of image data obtained by developing the input image information is excessive with respect to the data memory capacity of the printer memory. When it is determined by comparison with the free space and it is determined that it is excessive, before expanding the input image information by the image expanding means,
Stopping the functions of the image expansion means and the scanner memory;
Thereafter, printing the image data already stored in the printer memory;
Erasing the image data on the printer memory;
And a step of canceling the suspension of the functions of the image developing means and the scanner memory.   An image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus according to claim 1; and an input device that transmits image information to the image forming apparatus. Image expansion means for expanding the input image information into image data of a predetermined format in units of pages, a scanner memory for storing the image data, and a printer memory for storing and storing the image data transferred from the scanner memory A printing unit that prints an image according to the image data, and the order of the input image data for a plurality of pages can be rearranged for each page, and can be printed out in units of copies. An image formation control program applied to an image forming apparatus having a function,
It is determined whether or not the amount of image data obtained by developing the input image information is excessive with respect to the data memory capacity of the printer memory. Judgment is made by comparison with the free space, and when it is determined that it is excessive, before the image development means develops the input image information, the functions of the image development means and the scanner memory are stopped,
Thereafter, printing of the image data already stored in the printer memory is performed by the printing means, and the image data on the printer memory is deleted, and then the suspension of the functions of the image developing means and the scanner memory is released. ,
An image forming control program comprising an instruction system.   An information recording medium storing the image formation control program according to claim 7.