JPH08167953A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] In the double-sided recording mode, the capacity of the storage means for storing the received image can be effectively used, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of sequentially outputting a double-sided printed sheet with the first page as a table. A first operation mode for printing a series of image data in a storage unit on one side of the recording medium and a second operation mode for printing on both sides of the recording medium are provided, and in the second operation mode, A storage unit that stores the image data, a reading unit that reads the image data from the storage unit, a paper feeding unit that feeds the storage medium, and a conveyance direction switching unit that reverses the conveyance direction of the recording medium according to the page order of a series of image data. The control procedures of the image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium and the re-feeding paper stacking unit that stacks the recording medium reversed by the switching unit are changed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a function of connecting an external device to a digital image processing section having a scanner section and a printer section, and having a function of inputting and outputting an image such as a copy, a printer, a fax, etc. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an external device is connected to a digital image processing section having a scanner section and a printer section, and copying,
An image forming apparatus having a function of inputting and outputting an image, such as a printer or a FAX, has been proposed.

Then, by using such an image forming apparatus and a document feeding apparatus, a plurality of originals are fax-transmitted,
When receiving both sides of the document, the document feeding device feeds the documents from the last document in order, reads them with the scanner unit, once stores them in the transmission data storage device of the FAX unit, and sequentially receives data from the first document data to the receiving side. Are being sent.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, the transmitted manuscript data is once stored in the storage device for reception, and the manuscript data transmitted last is sequentially printed on both sides.
The first page of the manuscript is output as a table in order.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, when the capacity of the reception data storage means on the FAX reception side becomes full, the reception side is notified that the reception cannot be performed, and the reception means is stopped. I could not receive it until the free space was available.

[0006] Also, without saving in the storage means of the receiving side,
When outputting in the order of received data, in the case of a plurality of document data, the first page of the document is at the bottom in the output section, so the user has to rearrange the order of the output paper.
It was complicated.

According to the present invention, in the double-sided recording mode, the capacity of the storage means for storing the received image can be effectively used, and the double-sided recorded paper can be output in order with the first page as a table. An object is to provide a forming device.

[0008]

The present invention is based on storage means for storing an image signal from an external device, reading means for reading out the image signal stored in the storage means, and based on the read image signal. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium, a paper feeding means for feeding the recording medium, a conveying direction switching means for reversing the conveying direction of the recording medium, and a recording medium reversed by the switching means. In the image forming apparatus having the re-feeding sheet stacking unit,
A first operation mode for printing a series of image data in the storage means on one side of the recording medium, and a second operation mode for printing on both sides of the recording medium, and a series of operations in the second operation mode. Control changing means for changing the control procedure of the storage means, the reading means, the paper feeding means, the switching means, the image forming means, and the re-feeding paper stacking means according to the page order of the image data. It is a thing.

[0009]

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the image forming system is
An image input device (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) 1 for converting a document into image data, and a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes,
A double-sided recordable image output device (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit) 2 that outputs image data as a visible image on a recording sheet in response to a print command, and an external device 3 electrically connected to a reader unit 1. is there.

The external device 3 has various functions. Specifically, the fax unit 4 for executing the facsimile communication function, the storage unit 4-1 for storing the data of the fax unit 4, and the various units are provided. A file unit 5 for storing a file, an external storage device 6 having a medium such as a magneto-optical disk connected to the file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a computer and a LAN, and information from the computer A formatter unit 8 for forming a visible image, an image memory unit 9 for accumulating information from the reader unit 1 or temporarily accumulating information sent from a computer, and controlling each of the above functions. The core unit 10 and the like are provided.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The structure and operation will be described below.

The originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original table glass surface 102. When the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the glass surface 102,
The lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to illuminate the document. The reflected light of the document passes through the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 108, and the CCD image sensor unit (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 1
The reflected light or transmitted light of the original which is applied to the CCD 109 and is irradiated on the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here. And
The converted electric signal is sent to the image processing unit 110.

In the image processing section 110, image processing set by various operating sections is performed. It also has an image memory,
It also has the function of rotating the image output direction. The rotation of the image is performed by the formatter unit 8 in the same manner as described later.

Further, the image processing section 110 is provided with an external switching circuit for switching a signal from the reader section 1 to the printer section 2 or the external device 3. In addition, the external switching circuit is provided with the signal from the reader unit 1 and the external device 3
It also functions to connect to the printer unit 2 by selecting one of the signals from.

The electric signal connected to the printer unit 2 by the external switching circuit of the image processing unit 110 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201, and the photoconductor 202.
Is irradiated. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by this irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit 204 or 205 at the same timing as the leading edge of the development, and the developed image is transferred at the transfer unit 206.

The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207 and then discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper output unit 208 is the sorter 22.
Passed to 0.

Next, regarding the control of the sorter 220, FIG.
It demonstrates using the sectional view of 2. When the sorting function is working, the flappers 2502 to 2508 are controlled so that the trays 2512 to 2516 are discharged in order, and the trays are output to each tray. Also, when the sorting function is not working, basically, the trays are discharged to the highest bin of the sorter, but by the user setting (not shown), by assigning trays 2509 to 2511 for each function to be operated. If the sorting function is not working, it can also be discharged to the assigned tray.

Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described. Fixing unit 20
The output paper sheet fixed at No. 7 is once conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208, and then the paper conveyance direction is reversed to be conveyed to the re-feed paper stacking unit 210 via the conveyance direction switching member 209. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as the above process, but since the transfer paper is fed from the re-feeding paper stacking unit 210, it is eventually printed on the front and back sides of the same output paper. Two original images can be output.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the structure of the operation panel in the reader unit 1.

In FIG. 3, the display unit 301 displays an operating state / message. In addition, the surface of the display unit 301 is a touch panel, and by touching the surface, it functions as a selection key. The numeric keypad 302 is a key for inputting numbers, and the start key 303 is for instructing to start execution of various operations.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall operation. First, after the power is turned on, initial setting is performed (S4
01). An operation mode selection key is displayed on the display unit 301 of the operation panel, and the mode is selected by touching the panel surface above the selection key.

Then, it is judged whether or not the selected mode is the copy mode (S402).
Fly to step A. Also, when the copy mode is not selected, it is judged whether or not it is the fax transmission mode (S
403), in the fax transmission mode, jump to step B.

When the fax transmission mode is not selected, it is judged whether it is the file mode (S40).
4) In file mode, jump to step C. If the file mode is not selected, it is determined whether the input mode is from the computer interface (S405). If the input mode is from the computer interface, the process jumps to step D.

When the input mode from the computer interface is not detected, it is judged whether it is the fax reception mode (S406), and if it is the fax reception mode, the process jumps to step E. Further, when the fax reception mode is not detected, the process returns to the determination S402 of the copy mode, and the selection mode determination of S402 to S406 is repeated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart when the copy mode is selected. First, initialization of the copy operation is performed (S501), the keys 301 and 302 input from the operation panel are read, and the copy conditions are set (S5).
02), waiting for the input of the start key 303 (S50
3).

When the start key 303 is pressed, the document is read by the reader unit 1 (S504) and the printer unit 2 prints (S505). And after printing
The process returns to the initial setting (S401).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart when the file mode is selected.

First, initialization setting of file operation is performed (S701), mode selection of file storage or search is displayed on the operation panel, and key input is awaited (S702). When the memory key is selected, the memory condition is set (S7
03), read the document from the reader unit 1 (S704),
The data is sent to the file section 5 and the file is recorded in the external storage device 6 (S705).

If the file search key is selected in S702, search condition setting is performed (S706),
The file is searched from the external storage device 6 (S70).
7), the result is output.

After the file storage or retrieval is completed, the process returns to the initial setting (S401).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation when command data is input to the computer interface section 7 from the outside.

First, the computer interface unit 7 receives the command (S801), sends the data to the formatter unit 8 via the core unit 10, interprets the data,
Information is expanded in the bitmap memory (S802).

Subsequently, in the processing of S803, it is determined whether or not the printer is operating, and the operation is awaited. Then, when the operation is completed, an appropriate sheet is selected and sheet feeding is started (S804). As a result, the paper is fed from the paper cassettes 204 and 205, and the transfer position 206
Go to

Here, the image developed in the bit map memory in the processing of S802 is rotated and read by a method described later according to the information such as the orientation and size of the paper.
Then, the read image information is sent to the exposure control unit 201 and printing is started (S805).

In addition, in the case of printing, if a paper discharge device capable of sorting by function is installed, information such as the paper discharge position of the printer designated in a predetermined user mode is sent to perform printing. The printing part is common to each operation described so far. Then, after outputting the data, the initial setting (S40
Return to 1).

Next, a method of rotating and reading an image will be described with reference to FIG. The image developed in the bitmap memory in the process of S802 is as shown in FIG. This development example is an example of A4 size, vertical 2
It is a bitmap memory having 4622 pixels for 97 mm and 3296 pixels for 210 mm wide.

First, when reading without rotating, as shown in FIG. 11A, 0,0 → 0,462.
Reading is performed in the order of 2,1,0 → 1,4622.

In the case of reading by rotating 180 degrees, as shown in FIG. 11B, contrary to the case of FIG. 11A, 3296, 4622 → 3296, 0, 329.
By sequentially reading out in the direction of 5,4622 → 3295,0, it is possible to rotate and output 180 degrees.

Further, in the case of reading by rotating by -90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), the reading directions are changed vertically and horizontally, and 0,4622 → 3296,4622,0,46.
By sequentially reading in the direction of 21 → 3296, 4621, it is possible to rotate and output by −90 degrees.

When reading by rotating 90 degrees,
As shown in FIG. 11 (d), the reading direction is changed vertically and horizontally, and by sequentially reading in the directions of 3296,0 → 0,0, 3296,1 → 0,1, it is possible to rotate and output 90 degrees. Although not shown, such a rotation control function is provided in the formatter unit 8.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation when the fax transmission mode is selected.

First, initialization settings for fax transmission are made (S601), and the key 30 input from the operation panel is set.
1 and 302 are read, fax transmission conditions are set (S602), and the input of the start key 303 is awaited (S6).
03). In the reader section 1, the originals are placed in order with the front side facing up, and when the start key 303 is pressed, the last original is sequentially read (S604) and the image data is sent to the fax section 4.

The fax unit 4 temporarily stores the data in the storage unit 4-1, and performs fax transmission in order from the data corresponding to the first page of the document according to the set format and the determined protocol (S605). After the transmission is completed, the process returns to the initial setting (S401).

9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the operation when a fax is received.

First, in FIG. 9, the fax section 4
It is judged whether the mode is the single-sided reception mode (S901), and if it is the single-sided mode, it is judged whether all the data are received (S901).
902), if all the data has not been received, the data is stored in the storage unit 4-1 (S904), and the process proceeds to S902.
Return to.

When all the data have been received, the data stored in the storage unit 4-1 is read in order from the last stored data, and this data is sent to the printer unit 2 for printing (S903).

If it is determined in S901 that the mode is not the single-sided reception mode, the process proceeds to the double-sided reception mode shown in FIG.

For example, if the manuscript data for 6 pages is sent, it is first judged whether all the data have been received (S905). Judge (S90
6), as shown in FIG. 13A, if the data is an odd-numbered data, the data is stored in the storage unit 4-1 (S909) and S905.
Return processing to.

If the data is an even-numbered data, the re-feed sheet stacking section 210 indicates the transport direction of the transport direction switching member 209.
Switching to (S908), the paper is fed from the paper feed unit and printed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13B, the re-fed paper stacking unit 210 stacks the paper on which the second page of the document has been printed, until the last odd document data is stored in the storage unit. , And the above processing is continued, resulting in the state shown in FIG.

Next, when it is determined in S905 that all the data has been received, the transport direction switching member 209 switches the transport direction to outside the machine (S907), and the odd page data stored in the storage unit 4-1 is set to the end. The data is read in order from the one stored in, and this data is sent to the printer unit 2 and at the same time, the sheets stacked in the re-feed sheet stacking unit 210 are fed and printed (S910) (FIG. 14 (5)).

When the above processing is repeated until the stacked sheets in the re-feed sheet stacking section 210 are exhausted,
As shown in (6), the first page is printed on both sides and is sequentially printed on both sides and discharged.

Further, in the case of printing as described above, when a paper discharge device capable of sorting by function is installed, information such as the FAX paper discharge position designated in the user mode (not shown) is sent, Print. After the printing is completed, the process returns to the initial setting (S401).

The above-described modes are selected by selecting key 3 on the operation panel.
The operation is performed by selecting 01, receiving by the fax unit 4, or detecting a command from the outside by the computer interface unit 7.

There are some operations that can be combined at the same time and ones that can operate independently at the same time, and the core unit 10 controls the setting of the priority order.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention,
During FAX reception, for example, odd pages are stored once, even page data is not stored, an image is output, this paper is ejected once in the refeed paper stacking device, and then in the refeed paper stacking device. By outputting the odd-numbered page data stored in the storage unit to the surface of the paper discharged to the side opposite to the surface on which the image is formed, the memory can be used effectively and the first page can be used as a table. Both sides can be sequentially output, and both sides can be sequentially output with the first page as a table.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an operation panel of the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system of the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a copy operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a fax transmission operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a file processing operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of print output from the external interface unit of the above embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a fax receiving operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fax reception operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an image rotation method of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the paper discharge device of the above embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a printing operation at the time of receiving a fax in the above embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a printing operation at the time of receiving a fax in the above embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Reader part, 2 ... Printer part, 3 ... External device, 4 ... Fax part, 4-1 ... Storage part, 5 ... File part, 6 ... External storage device, 7 ... Computer interface part, 8 ... Formatter part, 9 ... Image memory unit, 10 ... Core unit.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Isamu Sato 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tomofumi Nakayama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hisashi Tsuguhara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Noriyoshi Tazawa, 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Masafumi Kamei 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Akinobu Nishikata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Akio Ito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A storage means for storing an image signal from an external device, a reading means for reading the image signal stored in the storage means, and an image formed on a recording medium based on the read image signal. An image forming unit, a paper feeding unit for feeding a recording medium, a conveyance direction switching unit for reversing the conveyance direction of the recording medium, and a re-feeding sheet stacking unit for stacking the recording medium reversed by the switching unit. An image forming apparatus having: a first operation mode for printing a series of image data in the storage means on one side of the recording medium, and a second operation mode for printing on both sides of the recording medium; In the operation mode of No. 2, the storage unit, the reading unit, the paper feeding unit, the switching unit, the image forming unit, and the re-feeding paper depending on the page order of a series of image data. An image forming apparatus wherein the control changing means for changing the procedure of the control of the mounting means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the second operation mode, it is determined whether to store the image data in the storage unit according to a page order of a series of image data.
If it is determined not to store, the recording medium is fed from the paper feeding unit to form an image, and the switching unit is set to the re-feeding paper stacking unit side to be stored in the re-feeding paper stacking unit. When it is determined that the sheets are stacked and stored, the image data is stored in the storage unit, the sheet is fed from the re-feed sheet stacking unit to form an image, and the switching unit is set to the outside direction. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the recording medium is ejected outside the apparatus.