JPH04265762A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten the first printing time by indicating light quantity adjustment start at the scanning speed arrival time when a scanning speed of a scanning optical system rises up to a prescribed scanning speed. CONSTITUTION:There provided are a monitoring means (phase comparator 23) for monitoring prescribed state signals which change following the actuation of a scanning optical system (scanner motor 3), an indication means (control circuit 21) for judging and indicating whether or not the scanning speed of the system has reached a first scanning speed which is set to write images based on the output of said monitoring means or second scanning speed which is set at a speed lower than the first scanning speed, and an enabling means (CPU1) which permits the execution of light quantity adjustment of a light quantity adjustment means at the time of the second scanning speed arrival indication which is judged and indicated from said indication means.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a recording device that performs image formation by scanning a light source and irradiating light onto a photoreceptor, and more particularly to an image forming device equipped with a light amount adjusting means for adjusting the amount of light from a light source. It is related to.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, upon receiving a print start request signal (print signal PRINT), this type of recording apparatus first performs a print preparation operation, and then continues to perform a print operation. In particular, laser beam printers (LBPs) have been constructed as shown below. An image signal sending controller device (controller) sends a print signal when causing the LBP to perform a printing operation. and,
When an image signal transmission request signal (image signal transmission request signal VSNREQ) is received from the LBP, an image transmission synchronization signal (
It outputs an image transmission synchronization signal (VSYNC) and transmits an image signal in synchronization with a main scanning synchronization signal (main scanning synchronization signal BD) for image formation received from the LBP.

On the other hand, when the LBP receives a print signal, it starts a print preparation operation and also starts the print operation at a timing that does not affect the print preparation operation. In other words,
By applying high voltage as a print preparation operation, rotation control (pre-rotation control) of the photoconductor (photoconductor drum) is performed to keep the photoconductor in an electrostatically stable state, and laser Polygon mirror scanning, which is a light scanning device in a scanning optical system device, executes a light intensity adjustment means (laser APC) to set the light source to a predetermined light intensity, and also causes the light source to scan at a certain scanning speed. motor (scanner motor)
ramp up to the desired scanning speed. In addition to the print preparation operation, print paper is fed at a desired timing in accordance with the end timing of the print preparation operation for the print operation. Then, near the end timing of the print preparation operation, the image signal transmission request signal VSNREQ and the image transmission synchronization signal VSYNC are transmitted and received, and the image developed on the print paper and the photoconductor is synchronized (registration adjustment). there were.

[0004] Here, specific timing in this LBP will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart illustrating the registration adjustment process in this type of recording apparatus, in which the vertical axis represents the number of rotations (rpm) and the horizontal axis represents time (sec). In FIG. 14, when the print signal PRINT is received, first, pre-rotation control and startup of the set rotation speed of the scanner motor are executed. Thereafter, when both are completed, the light intensity of the laser light is increased and set to the desired light intensity. The timing of this light amount adjustment is important because, first, when adjusting the light amount, if the irradiation is concentrated on one point on the photoreceptor surface, the photosensitive characteristics of that area will deteriorate significantly, and the image quality will deteriorate. The amount of laser light must be increased when the laser is reliably scanned by rotating the laser. Secondly, if the light is irradiated by the laser startup, the photoreceptor drum will be exposed, and if left as it is, it will be developed by the development unit and the developer material will adhere to the transfer roller, causing the transfer This will cause dirt on the roller and eventually on the back of the print paper, significantly reducing print quality, so the development bias is turned off at the timing when the exposed drum surface reaches the development unit to prevent the development action. (This process is called post-processing control of laser light amount adjustment). However, since it is not possible to turn off the developing bias during the pre-rotation control, it is necessary to make the pre-rotation control period, the laser light amount step, and the processing control period different in phase. As described above, the print preparation operation is started at a timing when the scanner motor is rotating and the post-processing control for adjusting the amount of laser light does not intersect with the pre-rotation control. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the print paper feeding timing starts 3.3 seconds later than 5.5 seconds after receiving the end of print preparation operation (print signal PRINT). It was configured.

[0006]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the configuration of the conventional example described above, when calculating the time from receiving the print signal PRINT to ejecting the print paper (first print time), the actual LBP This ends up extending the print preparation operation time (approximately 2.2 seconds) from the paper conveyance time.

Therefore, for LBPs that perform more intermittent printing operations than continuous printing operations, the photoreceptor needs to rotate more times in proportion to the number of prints, and the life of the photoreceptor decreases accordingly. (It is said that the life of a photoreceptor is proportional to its rotation time).

On the other hand, in recent recording devices, the above-mentioned first print time occupies a very important position as an item for comparing the performance of recording devices. Sometimes it determines whether a recording device is good or bad. In other words, in the increasingly intense development competition, there is an urgent need to shorten the first printing time without sacrificing the performance, reliability, lifespan, etc. of recording devices.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is capable of starting the light amount control of the light source before the desired scanning speed of the scanning optical system device is completed. An object of the present invention is to obtain a recording device that can shorten sprint time.

0010

[Means for Solving the Problems] A recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a monitor means for monitoring a predetermined status signal that changes as the scanning optical system is driven, and an image writing device based on the output of the monitor means. an instruction means for determining and instructing whether the scanning speed of the scanning optical system has reached a first scanning speed set to or a second scanning speed set lower than the first scanning speed; and permission means for permitting the light amount adjusting means to execute the light amount adjustment at the time of the instruction to reach the second scanning speed determined by the means.

Further, a switching means is provided for switching and setting a plurality of first scanning speeds for the scanning optical system based on an instructed resolution, and the instruction means is configured to switch and set a plurality of first scanning speeds for the scanning optical system based on an instructed resolution, and the instruction means selects a plurality of first scanning speeds from the first scanning speed set by the switching means. The system is also configured to determine whether or not the second scanning speed has been reached at the time when any first scanning speed that can be set to a low speed is reached.

Furthermore, a signal generating means for receiving the light scanned by the scanning optical system and generating a synchronizing signal in the main scanning direction is provided, and the monitoring means monitors the synchronizing signal in the main scanning direction output from the signal generating means. It is configured to monitor the periodic changes of.

[0013]

[Operation] In the present invention, when the scanning speed information of the scanning optical system output from the scanning optical system device is monitored by the monitor means, the instruction means is set for image writing based on the output of the monitor means. A judgment instruction is given to determine whether the scanning speed of the scanning optical system has reached a first scanning speed or a second scanning speed set lower than the first scanning speed, and this judgment instruction determines whether or not the scanning speed of the scanning optical system has reached a desired second scanning speed. When the point at which the scanning speed is reached is specified, the permission means permits the light amount adjustment means to execute the light amount adjustment, and executes the light amount adjustment processing of the light amount adjustment means in parallel with the start-up of the scanning optical system to achieve the first print time. It is possible to shorten the .

Further, when a desired first scanning speed is set for the scanning optical system based on the resolution instructed by the switching means and the scanning optical system is started to be driven, the instruction means changes the switching setting by the switching means. It is determined whether or not the second scanning speed has been reached at the time when any first scanning speed that can be set lower than the first scanning speed is reached, and when the second scanning speed is reached, permission is given. The means permits the light amount adjustment means to execute the light amount adjustment, and executes the light amount adjustment processing of the light amount adjustment means in parallel with the start-up of the scanning optical system, thereby making it possible to shorten the first printing time.

Furthermore, when the signal generating means receives the light scanned by the scanning optical system and generates a synchronization signal in the main scanning direction, the monitor means monitors the synchronization signal in the main scanning direction output from the signal generating means. While monitoring the periodic change of the signal, the light amount adjusting means is allowed to perform the light amount adjustment when the second scanning speed, which is set lower than the first scanning speed set in the scanning optical system, is reached, and the scanning optical system is controlled. To make it possible to shorten first print time by executing light amount adjustment processing of a light amount adjusting means in parallel with startup.

[0016]

[Embodiment] [First Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of a recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. - A DC controller is constructed from the driver array 4, etc., and the CPU 1 is connected to the scanner motor rotation star for the scanner driver board 2.
Outputs a signal SCNON. Reference numeral 6 denotes a laser substrate, which is composed of a semiconductor laser (not shown) or the like. Note that the scanner driver board 2 includes a control circuit 21, a driver 22, a phase comparator 23, an amplifier 24, and the like. The gate array 4 includes a variable multi-stage frequency divider circuit 41 and a frequency divider switching circuit 42.
, video gate logic 43, etc.

[0017] In the recording device configured as described above,
When the scanning speed information (ready signal SCNRDY in this embodiment) of the scanning optical system output from the scanning optical system device is monitored by the monitor means (phase comparator 23 in this embodiment), the instruction means (in this embodiment A control circuit 21) controls the scanning of the scanning optical system at a first scanning speed set for image writing based on the output of the monitor means or at a second scanning speed set lower than the first scanning speed. A determination instruction is given as to whether or not the speed has been reached, and when the determination instruction indicates the time point at which the second scanning speed is reached, the permission means (CPU 1)
allows the light amount adjusting means to execute the light amount adjustment, and executes the light amount adjusting process of the light amount adjusting means in parallel with the start-up of the scanning optical system, thereby making it possible to shorten the first printing time.

In FIG. 1, CPU 1 is a DC controller.
When the print signal PRINT is received from the printer, the high voltage is turned on at preset timings in the high voltage unit (not specifically mentioned) and pre-rotation control is started. On the other hand, C.P.
U1 instructs the scanner driver board 2 to issue a scanner motor rotation start signal SCNON in addition to the pre-rotation control described above. The scanner driver board 2 is configured as shown below. The scanner driver adopted in this LBP is based on PLL control, and when it receives the scanner motor rotation start signal SCNON, it compares the basic clock and the tack signal period input from the scanner motor 3 and makes sure that they are in phase. The motor current is increased or decreased so that the desired rotation speed is achieved. In other words, by changing the basic clock, the rotation speed can be freely set. Then, when the rotation speed reaches a desired speed, a ready signal SCNRDY indicating a rotation lock state is generated. Note that this signal functions as a scanning rotation ready instruction signal. In addition, the ready signal SCNRDY is only generated when the basic clock and the tack signal cycle are compared and become in phase, so if the basic clock is changed, the state returns to the not-ready state and the changed rotation speed When it reaches , it becomes ready again. In other words, the ready conditions also change with the change. The gate array 4 transmits a basic clock to the scanner driver board 2 from the CPU 1.
It is configured to output at a desired cycle according to the settings instructed by. In other words, the clock obtained from the oscillator is C
The frequency division switching circuit 42 is controlled according to the contents instructed by the PU 1, and the variable multi-stage frequency division circuit 41 outputs a basic clock of a desired period. On the other hand, when the gate array 4 receives an image input signal from the controller device,
In order to add control signals necessary for LBP, they are synthesized by video gate logic 43 and output as image signal VIDEO.
output to the driver 5. The laser driver 5 is a CPU
1, the amount of laser light on the laser board 6 is set to a desired value. At that time, the desired light intensity can be set by turning on the laser drive current LD, detecting the feedback voltage PD from the light intensity detection pin photodiode, and controlling the amount of laser drive current. (This control method is light amount control using laser APC, which is already well known). Furthermore, when this laser APC is completed, the laser light is basically blinked in response to an image input signal from the controller device. Here, the contents of the image signal VIDEO synthesized by the video gate logic 43 will be explained.

The image signal VIDEO is first
The second is the lighting control signal when executing the laser APC, and the third is the horizontal synchronization timing signal (timing signal UNBL) for obtaining the BD signal.
signal), etc.

The light amount adjustment start timing control operation in the recording apparatus according to the present invention will be explained below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a series of flowcharts showing an example of the first light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention. In Figure 2, (a)
3 shows the main routine, (b) shows the print routine, in FIG. 3, (a) shows the pre-rotation routine, and (
b) indicates Lasaltin.

Note that this program format uses a monitor program that can process each sequential routine in parallel, so the program for each sequential routine is separated by ENTER/ESCP. Other programs (routine (a) shown in Figures 2 and 3 above)
, (b)). This parallel-processable monitor program is very common and is not particularly limited to the present invention. In this example, E
NTER starts the program from the address stored in the memory contents specified from the memory table (CALL statement from the specified address). ESCP is defined as storing the address at which the program is to be started in a specified table the next time the program is ENTERed, and returning to the location where the ENTER was pressed (RETURN statement).

When the print routine is ENTERed in step (1) of the main routine (a) shown in FIG.
Control is transferred to the print routine (b) shown in FIG. 2, where it is first determined whether there is a print request (print signal PRINT) (21), and if NO, the ESCP processing routine is executed (23). , return to step (21) and select YES
If so, feed the print paper (22) and set the pre-rotation flag, which is the pre-rotation control request flag, to "1" (24).
, the frequency division switching circuit 42 shown in FIG. Activate SCNON (26). Then, it is determined whether the ready signal SCNRDY at low speed rotation is detected (27), and if NO, the ESCP processing routine is executed (28), and the process returns to step (27).
ESCP processing rule until ready signal SCNRDY
As a result, the pre-rotation routine (b) is entered from the main routine (2), and the pre-rotation shown in FIG. 3 is executed. Start routine (a), check whether the request flag for pre-rotation control is "1" in step (41), and
If YES, execute the ESCP processing routine (42) and return to step (41); if YES (request flag is "1" during printing), start pre-rotation control (43), and execute the pre-rotation control. Upon completion, the pre-rotation control request flag is reset (44) and the print operation is executed. In addition,
In the present invention, the details of the pre-rotation control are not particularly relevant, so a description thereof will be omitted. Further, in the pre-rotation control of step (43), since the ESCP processing routine is entered in a certain unit, the system is configured to return to the main routine each time. next,
Step (3) of main routine (a) shown in Figure 2
When Lasertin (b) shown in FIG. 3 is entered, it is determined whether the request flag for forward rotation control is "1" (51), and if NO, the ESCP processing routine is executed (
52), return to step (51). However, the forward rotation rule
Until the pre-rotation process is completed in step (a), the ESCP process routine returns to the main routine. As described above, when a print signal is received, scanner motor rotation and pre-rotation control are started. In this LBP, when comparing the scanner motor rotation and the pre-rotation control, as shown in FIG. 4, the scanner motor rotation at low speed ends earlier, so in step (27) After receiving SCNRDY, the process moves to step (29), and the rotation speed is changed to the originally intended one. Then step (30
), the scanner rotation is confirmed, so a laser flag is set to permit adjustment of the laser light amount. Then, the conventional print sequence moves to steps (31) and (33). On the other hand, in the laser chin, when the pre-rotation process is completed, the process moves to step (53) of the laser chin (b) shown in FIG. Determine. Note that in the recording device (laser beam printer) according to the present invention, the pre-rotation processing time is relatively long, but in the LBP which can be made shorter,
In steps (51) and (53), it becomes necessary to compare the times of the pre-rotation process and the scanner low-speed rotation process. If the determination in step (53) is YES, the process moves to step (54), executes a startup sequence for adjusting the laser light intensity, and resets the laser flag (55). The ESCP processing routine returns to the main routine, and if NO, executes laser APC control (5
7) Proceed to step (56) and return to the main routine using the ESCP processing routine.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the control operation of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIG. 14 are given the same reference numerals.

By controlling in this way, as shown in FIG. 3, the printing preparation operation can be completed in a shorter time, and as a result, the first print time can be significantly shortened. [Second Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the scanner motor rotation is divided into low-speed rotation and set high-speed rotation, and laser light amount control is started using the start-up to the set low-speed rotation as the reference and timing. As described above, in a recording apparatus equipped with a resolution switching means that can easily switch the image density, the set resolution, for example 240, 300,
The present invention can also be easily applied to cases where image recording can be performed at a resolution corresponding to 400, 600 (DPI (dots per inch)) or the like. It is assumed that this resolution switching is configured such that the resolution in the main scanning direction can be easily switched by the CPU 1 changing the frequency division ratio configuration of the variable multi-stage frequency dividing circuit 41 shown in FIG.

[0026] In the recording device configured as described above,
Further, when the first scanning speed is set for the scanning optical system based on the resolution instructed by the switching means (CPU 1) and the scanning optical system starts driving, the instruction means (control circuit 21 etc.) switches The first switch set by the means
The CPU 1 is instructed to determine whether or not the second scanning speed is reached at the time of reaching any first scanning speed that can be set lower than the scanning speed of The CPU 1 (which also serves as CPU 1) allows the light amount adjustment means to execute the light amount adjustment, and executes the light amount adjustment processing of the light amount adjustment means in parallel with the start-up of the scanning optical system, thereby making it possible to shorten the first print time. .

In this case, as shown in the timing chart shown in FIG. By detecting that the minimum possible rotation speed D has been reached and controlling the laser light intensity adjustment process to start, the laser light intensity adjustment process can be completed when the desired rotation speed D is reached. It becomes possible. In addition, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which the rotation speed is started at the lowest rotation speed and the rotation speed is switched to the desired rotation speed after the ready signal SCNRDY, but it is sufficient to start the rotation speed at a rotation speed lower than the desired rotation speed. In particular, it does not have to be the lowest rotation speed. Also, if the desired rotation speed is the lowest rotation speed,
As shown in FIG. 4, the printing preparation operation can be realized in a shorter time without any special switching, so switching may not be performed during low speed rotation.

In each of the above embodiments, the ready signal SCNRDY output from the scanner driver board 2 is captured and read.
Although a case has been described in which the laser light amount adjustment control is started, a configuration may be adopted in which the laser light amount adjustment control is started by capturing the tack signal TAC of the scanner motor 3. This case will be explained below. [Third Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main structure of a recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

As shown in this figure, the difference from the first embodiment is that the tack signal T output from the amplifier 24
AC (tack signal for scanner motor rotation speed detection)
This is the point input to PU1, and this tack signal TAC is a signal detected by a Hall element etc. built into the scanner motor 3, and by capturing the change in the period of this tack signal TAC, it is determined that a predetermined period has been reached. When this is detected, start-up control of the amount of laser light is started. In this embodiment, the variable multi-stage frequency divider circuit 41, the frequency divider switching circuit 42, etc. of the gate array 4 are unnecessary in relation to the operation, but they may be provided for other operations.

The third light amount adjustment start timing control operation in the recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are a series of flowcharts showing an example of the third light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 6, (a) shows the main routine, (b) shows the print routine, and in FIG. 7, (a) shows the pre-rotation routine, and (b) shows the laser print routine. - indicates chin.

Note that this program format uses a monitor program that can process each sequential routine in parallel, so the program for each sequential routine is separated by ENTER/ESCP. Other programs (routine (a) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 above)
, (b)). This parallel-processable monitor program is very common and is not particularly limited to the present invention. In this example, E
NTER starts the program from the address stored in the memory contents specified from the memory table (CALL statement from the specified address). ESCP is defined as storing the address at which the program is to be started in a specified table the next time the program is ENTERed, and returning to the location where the ENTER was pressed (RETURN statement).

When the print routine is ENTERed in step (1) of the main routine (a) shown in FIG.
Control is transferred to the print routine (b) shown in FIG. 6, where it is first determined whether there is a print request (print signal PRINNT) (21), and if NO, the ESCP processing routine is executed.
Execute Chin (23), return to step (21), and press YE
If S, feed the print paper (22) and set the pre-rotation flag, which is the pre-rotation control request flag, to "1" (24).
), starts the activation of the scanner motor 3 (25), waits for input of the tack signal TAC in order to synchronize with the tack signal TAC (26), and if NO, executes the ESCP processing routine (27). ), return to step (26).

On the other hand, in step (26), the tack signal TA
If C is input, a predetermined time is set in the internal timer of the CPU 1 (28), and the timer is activated. Although the timer routine is not specifically described, it is a very general timer routine, and if the timer value is set, it will be decremented at the time of a timer interrupt, and the data value will be "
It will stop when it reaches "0". Next, it is determined whether the next tack signal TAC has been input (29), and N
If YES, execute the ESCP processing routine (30) and return to step (29); if YES, determine whether the timer counting operation has ended (31); if NO, return to step (26); If YES (operating when timer data value is not "0"), set laser flag to "
1” (32).

As a result, in the process of step (30), the main routine enters the pre-rotation routine (b) (2), starts the pre-rotation routine (a) shown in FIG.
In step (41), it is checked whether the request flag for pre-rotation control is "1", and if NO, the ESCP processing routine is executed (42), and the process returns to step (41). When the flag is "1"), pre-rotation control is started (43), and when the pre-rotation control is completed, the request flag for pre-rotation control is reset (44), and the print operation is executed. In addition, since the content of the pre-rotation control is not particularly relevant in the present invention, a description thereof will be omitted. Also, step (
43) In the pre-rotation control, the ESCP processing rule is
The system is configured to return to the main routine each time a change occurs. Next, the main routine (
In step (3) of a), laser tin (
When b) is ENTERed, it is determined whether the request flag for forward rotation control is "1" (51), and if NO, the ESCP
The processing routine is executed (52) and the process returns to step (51). However, until the pre-rotation process is completed in the pre-rotation routine (b), the process returns to the main routine using the ESCP processing routine.

When the pre-rotation process is completed, the process moves to step (53) of Laser Chin (b) shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the already set laser flag is "1", and if YES, the process moves to step (54) and executes a start-up sequence for adjusting the laser light intensity.
After resetting the laser flag (55), the main routine is returned to by the ESCP processing routine, and if NO, laser APC control is executed (57), and the process proceeds to step (56), where the ESCP processing routine is executed. - Return to the main routine by clicking.

In this way, steps (26) to (31)
Accordingly, the timing at which the motor tack signal reaches a predetermined cycle, the cycle of which decreases as the scanner motor rotates, can be detected. Therefore, the timing when optical scanning is possible after starting the scanner motor 3 can be detected before the desired scanning speed is reached, and the laser light intensity can be started up more quickly, shortening the first print time. can.

In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the CPU 1 directly monitors the input cycle of the tack signal TAC of the scanner motor 3 and starts the light intensity control of the laser light source at a predetermined cycle timing. 8, the tack signal detection circuit 7 may be provided as an external circuit. [Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main structure of a recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, 7 is a tack signal detection circuit which monitors the period of the tack signal TAC of the scanner motor 3, and when it detects that the period has reached a preset period, inputs the tack ready signal TACRDY to the CPU 1. It is configured to do this.

Note that in this embodiment, the gate array 4
Although the variable multi-stage frequency divider circuit 41, the frequency divider switching circuit 42, etc. are unnecessary in relation to the operation, they can be provided in cases where they are provided for other operations.

In this embodiment, the tack signal T detected by the tack signal detection circuit 7 by the Hall element etc. built into the scanner motor 3 as the scanner motor 3 rotates.
It detects that the AC cycle has reached a predetermined period and executes control to increase the amount of laser light. The tack signal detection circuit 7 is similar to a very general phase comparator built into the scanner driver board 2, and generates a tack ready signal TACRDY when a desired range is reached compared to the basic clock. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and other configurations may be used as long as the cycle of the tack signal TAC can be detected.

The third light amount adjustment start timing control operation in the recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are a series of flowcharts showing an example of the third light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 9, (a) shows the main routine, (b) shows the print routine, and in FIG. 10, (a) shows the pre-rotation routine, and (b) shows the laser print routine. −
Show chin.

When the print routine is ENTERed in step (1) of the main routine (a) shown in FIG.
Control is transferred to the print routine (b) shown in FIG. 9, where it is first determined whether there is a print request (print signal PRINT) (21), and if NO, the ESCP processing routine is executed (23). , return to step (21) and select YES
If so, feed the print paper (22) and set the pre-rotation flag, which is the pre-rotation control request flag, to "1" (24).
, starts the activation of the scanner motor 3 (25), waits for the tack ready signal TACRDY to be input from the tack signal detection circuit 7 (26), and if NO, executes the ESCP processing routine (27). ), return to step (26).

On the other hand, if the tack ready signal TACRDY is input in step (26), the laser flag is set to "
1” (28), and after that, the ready signal SCNRDY
Determine whether or not is "1" (29), if NO, ESC
Execute the P processing routine (30), return to step (29), and if YES, the image signal transmission request signal VSNREQ
(31) and continue the print routine.

As a result, in the process of step (30), the main routine enters the pre-rotation routine (b) (2), starts the pre-rotation routine (a) shown in FIG. 41), the request flag for forward rotation control is “1”
If it is NO, execute the ESCP processing routine (42), return to step (41), and select YES.
If so (the request flag is "1" during printing), the pre-rotation control is started (43), and when the pre-rotation control is completed, the request flag for the pre-rotation control is reset (44) and the print operation is executed. In addition, since the content of the pre-rotation control is not particularly relevant in the present invention, a description thereof will be omitted. Further, in the pre-rotation control of step (43), since the ESCP processing routine is entered in a certain unit, the system is configured to return to the main routine each time. Next, when laser chin (b) shown in FIG. 10 is ENTERed in step (3) of main routine (a) shown in FIG. (51), if NO, ES
Execute the CP processing routine (52) and step (51)
Return to However, until the pre-rotation process is completed in the pre-rotation routine (a), the process returns to the main routine using the ESCP processing routine.

[0049] When the pre-rotation process is completed, the process shown in FIG.
The process moves to step (53) of the laser chin (b) shown in FIG. Execute the start-up sequence to adjust the light intensity of
After resetting the laser flag (55), the main routine is returned to by the ESCP processing routine, and if NO, laser APC control is executed (57), and the process proceeds to step (56), where the ESCP processing routine is executed. - Return to the main routine by clicking. As a result, the timing at which optical scanning is reliably possible after starting the scanner motor 3 can be detected before the desired scanning speed is reached, and the amount of laser light can be increased more quickly.

Note that in each of the above embodiments, the scanner motor 3
The explanation has been made regarding the case where the laser light intensity start-up timing is controlled while processing the information caused by the tack signal TAC outputted from the tack signal TAC to capture the change in scanning speed.
1, a horizontal synchronizing signal B detects a laser beam scanned by a polygon mirror (not shown) driven by a scanner motor 3 and generates a synchronizing signal in the main scanning direction.
The configuration may be such that the laser light amount start timing is controlled while capturing the scanning speed fluctuation from the detection period D. [Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the main structure of a recording apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, reference numeral 8 denotes a BD signal detection circuit, which is equipped with a light receiving section composed of a photodiode (not shown), etc., and which detects a laser beam emitted from the laser board 6 and scanned by a polygon mirror (not shown). It is configured to output a horizontal synchronizing signal BD to the CPU 1 when the horizontal synchronizing signal BD is received. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the horizontal synchronizing signal BD is directly input to the CPU 1; good.

[0052] In the recording device configured as described above,
When the CPU 1 detects the period of the horizontal synchronization signal BD,
Since the monitor can detect whether the scanner motor 3 is rotating reliably, and the detection timing can be detected before the scanner motor 3 starts up, the laser light intensity can be started up more quickly, and the Can shorten sprint time. That is, the CPU 1 determines that the period of the horizontal synchronization signal BD has reached a predetermined period,
Start-up control is executed for the amount of laser light according to the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are a series of flowcharts showing an example of the fifth light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 12, (a) shows the main routine, (b) shows the print routine, and in FIG. 13, (a) shows the pre-rotation routine, and (b) shows the laser print routine. - indicates chin. When the print routine is ENTERed at step (1) of the main routine (a) shown in FIG. 12, control is transferred to the print routine (b) shown in FIG. ) is present (21), if NO, execute the ESCP processing routine (23) and return to step (21); if YES, feed the print paper (22) and perform the previous rotation. The pre-rotation flag, which is a control request flag, is set to "1" (24), and the scanner motor 3 is started (25).
In order to synchronize with the horizontal synchronizing signal BD, it waits and monitors the input of the horizontal synchronizing signal BD (26), but since the laser does not emit light immediately at the beginning of rotation, the ESCP processing routine is not executed. (27), returns to the main routine (a), executes the pre-rotation routine (b) shown in FIG. 13, and checks whether the pre-rotation control request flag is "1" in step (41). If NO, execute the ESCP processing routine (42) and return to step (41); if YES (request flag is "1" during printing), start pre-rotation control (43), and return to step (41). Set the flag to "0" (4
4) The laser is turned on to a very small amount of light (a light amount that does not affect the photosensitive drum and reaches the laser threshold current value, which is said to be the laser's light emission point) (45). Note that this start-up control is performed using the already well-known laser APC.
The details are omitted. And, Ray
When the printer starts up, it becomes possible to receive the horizontal synchronizing signal BD, so that it becomes possible to confirm the input of the horizontal synchronizing signal BD in step (26) of the print routine (b) shown in FIG. As a result, when the horizontal synchronization signal BD is input, a predetermined time value is set in the internal timer of the CPU 1 (28), and the timer is activated. Although there is no specific description of the timer timer, it is a very general timer and if the timer value is set, it will be decremented at the time of a timer interrupt and will stop when the data value reaches "0". It is something to do.

Next, it is determined whether the next horizontal synchronizing signal BD has been input (29), and if NO, the ESCP processing routine is executed (30), and the process returns to step (29).
If YES, it is determined whether the timer counting operation has finished (31), if NO, the process returns to step (26), and if YES (operating when the timer data value is not "0"), the register is - Set the flag to “1” (32
).

Next, the main routine (a) shown in FIG.
) in step (3) of laser tin (
When b) is ENTERed, it is determined whether the request flag for forward rotation control is "1" (51), and if NO, the ESCP
The processing routine is executed (52) and the process returns to step (51). However, until the pre-rotation process is completed in the pre-rotation routine (a) shown in FIG. 13, the process returns to the main routine using the ESCP processing routine.

[0057] When the pre-rotation process is completed, the process shown in FIG.
Proceeding to step (53) of laser chin (b) shown in FIG. 1, it is determined whether the already set laser flag is "1", and if YES, the process proceeds to step (54).
After executing the start-up sequence to adjust the laser light intensity and resetting the laser flag (55), the ESCP processing routine returns to the main routine, and if NO, the laser APC control is executed. Execute (57) and step (56)
Then, the ESCP processing routine returns to the main routine.

The print routine (b) shown in FIG.
) steps (26) to (31) make it possible to detect the timing at which the horizontal synchronizing signal BD reaches a predetermined period as the period of the rotational speed of the scanner motor 3 becomes shorter.

Therefore, the timing at which optical scanning is possible after starting the scanner motor 3 can be detected before the desired scanning speed is reached, and the amount of laser light can be increased more quickly, resulting in the first print. Time can be shortened. It goes without saying that in this embodiment as well, the horizontal synchronizing signal BD may be detected using a hardware phase comparator as in the fourth embodiment.

[0060]

As explained above, the present invention includes a monitor means for monitoring a predetermined status signal that changes as the scanning optical system is driven, and a setting for image writing based on the output of the monitor means. or this first scanning speed.
an instruction means for determining and instructing whether or not the scanning speed of the scanning optical system has reached a desired second scanning speed, which is set lower than the scanning speed of the second scanning speed;
Since a permission means is provided for permitting the light amount adjusting means to execute the light amount adjustment at the time of the instruction to reach the scanning speed of Taking into account that the scanning speed of 2 has been reached,
The light amount adjustment can be started in parallel with the start-up of the scanning optical system.

Further, a switching means is provided for switching and setting a plurality of first scanning speeds for the scanning optical system based on the instructed resolution, and the instruction means is configured to switch and set a plurality of first scanning speeds for the scanning optical system based on the instructed resolution, and the instruction means selects a plurality of first scanning speeds from the first scanning speed set by the switching means. Since the configuration is configured such that it is determined whether or not the second scanning speed has been reached at the time when the first scanning speed, which can be set to a low speed, is reached, it corresponds to the first scanning speed that is set based on the instructed resolution. A specific second scanning speed can be selected from the settable first scanning speeds, and whether or not the desired second scanning speed has been reached can be easily determined without significantly changing the hardware.

Furthermore, a signal generating means for receiving the light scanned by the scanning optical system and generating a synchronizing signal in the main scanning direction is provided, and the monitoring means detects the synchronizing signal in the main scanning direction outputted from the signal generating means. Since the configuration is configured to monitor periodic changes, the synchronization signal in the main scanning direction can be used as a predetermined status signal that changes as the scanning optical system is driven, and the scanning of the scanning optical system can be changed simply by changing the software. By recognizing that the speed has reached the desired second scanning speed, it is possible to start up the light amount adjustment in parallel with the start-up of the scanning optical system.

Accordingly, it is possible to instruct the start of light amount adjustment during the optical scanning system start-up processing, and the first print time can be significantly shortened.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a series of flowcharts showing an example of a first light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a series of flowcharts showing an example of a first light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the control operation of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of a recording apparatus showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a series of flowcharts showing an example of a third light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a series of flowcharts showing an example of a third light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of a recording apparatus showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a series of flowcharts showing an example of a third light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a series of flowcharts showing an example of a third light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of a recording apparatus showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a series of flowcharts showing an example of a fifth light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a series of flowcharts showing an example of a fifth light amount adjustment start timing control procedure in the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart illustrating registration adjustment processing in this type of recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU 2 Scanner driver board 3 Scanner motor 4 Gate array 5 Laser driver 6 Laser board

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of a light source to a desired value; a scanning optical system device for starting and driving a scanning optical system for scanning the light adjusted by the light amount adjusting means at a desired scanning speed; In a recording device that forms an image by irradiating the light scanned from the scanning optical system onto a photoreceptor by driving the scanning optical system and records the image by transferring it to a recording medium, the scanning optical system is driven. a first scanning speed set for image writing based on the output of the monitoring means, or a second scanning speed set lower than the first scanning speed; 2
an instruction means for determining and instructing whether or not the scanning speed of the scanning optical system has reached the scanning speed of the scanning optical system; and execution of the light amount adjustment of the light amount adjusting means at the time when the instruction means determines and instructs to reach the second scanning speed. A recording device characterized by comprising: permission means for permitting. 2. A switching means is provided for switching and setting a plurality of first scanning speeds for the scanning optical system based on an instructed resolution, and the instruction means is configured to switch between and set a plurality of first scanning speeds for the scanning optical system based on an instructed resolution, and the instruction means is configured to switch between and set a plurality of first scanning speeds for the scanning optical system based on an instructed resolution. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is configured to determine whether or not the second scanning speed has been reached at the time when one of the first scanning speeds, which can be set to a lower speed, is reached. 3. A signal generating means for receiving the light scanned by the scanning optical system and generating a synchronization signal in the main scanning direction;
2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the monitor means is configured to monitor periodic changes in the synchronization signal in the main scanning direction output from the signal generating means.