JPH11338200A - Image forming device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize rapid and high-efficiency operation by storing image information until a series of copying operation is completed when the copying operation is interrupted in the process of a series of copying operation and is restarted after changing the setting of some functions. SOLUTION: In this image forming device; an original image is read and specified printing operation is performed on a medium to be printed based on an image signal related to the original image. The device is provided with a page memory 109 storing the image signal and a main CPU 101 controlling so that the image which should be formed on a front surface and a back surface may be held on the memory 109 until a series of execution process is completed in the process of executing a series of double-sided copying operation that the image is formed on the front surface of a medium where the image should be formed, which is reversed inside and outside and ejected, and the image is formed on the back surface of the medium.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a composite image forming apparatus having at least a digital copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function and the like, and an image forming method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus reads an original by optical means, converts the image into an electric signal, performs various image processings, and stores image data in a memory. It has a configuration and a function of forming an image again using a laser electrophotographic process while processing.

Since such a digital copying machine has the above-described configuration and functions, in addition to a copying function equivalent to a conventional analog copying machine, an image can be transmitted by connecting to a public line,
Alternatively, a facsimile function for printing received images and a printer function for receiving and printing print data by providing image communication means with a host computer,
It is said that it can be realized by one laser electrophotographic process (that is, a laser engine).

In such an image forming process of a digital copying machine, an original is first read by an optical means such as a scanner, and then an optical signal of the image is electrically converted using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). Convert to a signal. After that, it performs various image processing such as analog / digital conversion processing, various linear / nonlinear filter processing, frequency conversion processing using line memory for one image line, enlargement / reduction processing, gradation processing, etc. An image is formed again using an electrophotographic process.

In addition to this, as a function utilizing the features of the digital copying machine, an image signal subjected to image processing is stored in a two-dimensional memory (PM) for one page of an image.
PM, abbreviated as a memory copy function that repeatedly reads and prints the image, and further encodes the image signal accumulated on the PM into a data file, and treats the image as a file, Advanced functions such as an electronic sort function that rearranges the order in which files are restored to images and outputs them, and a memory editing function that freely cuts and pastes and edits files are also possible.

As described above, in a digital copying machine, since images can be temporarily stored in a PM, various image editing operations which cannot be performed by a conventional analog copying machine can be performed. By performing possible operations, various paper handling options (automatic document feeder, automatic duplexer, sorter / finisher, etc.) can be effectively operated.

Here, a description will be given of the control mechanism of the memory copy function and the problems which the present situation has.

First, when copying three copies of three originals by the memory copying function, the digital copying machine performs the following processing / operation.

First, in the case of manual copying, the following process is repeated for each document (hereinafter, this process is referred to as a first prior example).

FIG. 18 shows the operation of the copying machine when the process is executed.

When the copy button is pressed, the start of the copy job is accepted, the PM area is secured, the PM is set to the write mode, and scanning is started. Next, the sheet feeding is started, and the completion of the writing of the PM is waited. When the writing of the PM is completed (at this time, the scanning is already completed), the PM is set to the reading mode, and the printing (PM) is performed.
Readout). Then, the images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, the completion of the writing of the PM is waited, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, and the printed paper is printed. Discharge paper.

Thus, the copying of the first copy is completed. Thereafter, through the same process as above, the second copy, the third copy
The copy of the fourth copy is made. When the desired number of copies are completed, the PM area is released, and the process waits for the next copy button press.

On the other hand, second, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as an automatic document feeder)
When copying four copies of a four-page document using "ADF", the following processing / operation is performed (hereinafter, this process is referred to as a second prior example).

FIG. 19 shows the operation of the copying machine when the process is executed.

When the copy button is pressed, the start of the copy job is accepted, the PM area is secured, the PM is set to the write mode, one document is fed by the ADF, and scanning is started. Next, the sheet feeding is started, and the writing of the PM is waited. When the writing of the PM is completed (at this time, the scanning has already been completed), the PM is set to the reading mode, and the printing (PM reading) is started. I do.

In this manner, printing of the first copy is started, and
Since the printing of the first copy has started, the ADF
And start scanning, and the second PM (hereinafter referred to as P
B2), and waits until the writing is completed.

During this time, printing of the first copy (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, and the end of writing of the PM is awaited. The latent image is transferred and fixed on the sheet, and the sheet on which printing has been completed is discharged, thus completing the first copy.

Next, feeding of the second copy sheet is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, and the end of writing of the PM is completed. After waiting, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the sheet, the printed sheet is ejected, and the copy of the second copy is completed in this manner (hereinafter referred to as “2.
The process of copying a copy is referred to as process A). After that, 3
Copies of the fourth copy and the fourth copy are made through a process similar to the process A.

When the copying of the fourth copy is completed,
By this time, the scanning of the second sheet and the writing of the PM have been completed, so that the PM is set to the reading mode and printing (PM reading) is started.

When the copying of the first copy of the second image is started, the printing of the first copy has started. Therefore, the third document is fed by the ADF, scanning is started, and the second image is printed. Feed the paper for the first copy of
(Hereinafter referred to as PB1), and waits for the end of writing. Next, scanning of the third document is started, and
Start printing the second copy (read out the second PM)
The image in the PM is read out sequentially, drawn on the photoconductor drum with a laser scanner, the writing of the PM is completed, the latent image on the photoconductor drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, and the printed paper is completed. And the copy of the first copy of the second image is completed.

Next, feeding of paper for the second copy of the second image is started, and printing (PM reading) is started.
The images in the second PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, the completion of writing of the PM is waited, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on paper, and printing is completed. The sheet is discharged, and the copying of the second copy of the second image ends. Thereafter, the third and fourth copies are made through the same process as in the process A.

When the copying of the fourth copy of the second image is completed, the scanning of the third image and the writing of the PM have been completed by this time. Readout) is started, and printing of the first copy of the third image is started. That is, since the printing of the first copy has started, the fourth document is fed by the ADF, scanning is started, and the first copy of the third image (total 5th)
Paper for the second empty PM (PB
Start writing to 2) and wait for the end of writing.

Then, scanning of the fourth document is started, the images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, and the completion of writing the PM is waited for.
The latent image on the drum is transferred and fixed on the sheet, and the sheet on which printing has been completed is discharged. Thus, the first copy of the third image is completed.

Subsequently, the feeding of the paper for the second copy is started, the printing (PM reading) is started, and the second PM is read.
Sequentially read the images inside, draw on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, wait for the end of PM writing, transfer and fix the latent image on the photosensitive drum to paper, discharge the printed paper, The copying of the second copy of the third image is completed. Thereafter, copying of the third copy and the fourth copy is performed through a process similar to the process A.

When the copying of the fourth copy of the third image is completed, since the scanning of the fourth image and the writing of the PM have been completed by this time, the PM is set to the reading mode and printing (PM reading) is performed. Is started, paper for the first copy of the fourth image (fifth copy in total) is fed, and printing of the first copy of the fourth image is started. That is, the images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum by a laser scanner, the completion of the PM writing is awaited, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, and the printed paper is discharged. Then, the copying of the first copy of the fourth image is completed.

Next, feeding of the paper for the second copy is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the second PM are sequentially read, and drawn on the photosensitive drum by a laser scanner. Wait for the end of PM writing. Then, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the sheet, and the sheet on which printing has been completed is ejected. Thus, the copying of the second copy of the fourth image is completed. Thereafter, copying of the third copy and the fourth copy is performed through a process similar to the process A. When the copy of the fourth copy of the fourth image is completed, the PM area is released, and the process waits for the next copy button.

As can be seen from the above-mentioned problem case, if the memory copying function of the digital copying machine is used, once the image is once stored in the PM, only the printing operation is performed thereafter. Scanning originals in parallel to achieve high-productivity printing that could not be achieved with conventional analog copiers, because scanning and printing had to be performed synchronously because there was no PM can do.

In the case of four originals and four copies as described above, the difference between analog and digital is not so remarkable, but the difference becomes more remarkable as the number of copies increases. In a case where a large number of originals are copied, a digital copying machine exhibits higher productivity than an analog copying machine.

[0029]

However, although the digital copying machine can exhibit the above-mentioned excellent productivity, it has problems on the other hand. A particular problem is that when using a copier, such as when a copy job is started, a job in progress is temporarily interrupted from the operation panel, settings are changed, and the job is restarted. This is a case where a typical operation is performed.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of an example of such a problem in which, in the case of “single-sided → one-sided” copy using the ADF, the setting is changed to “single-sided → double-sided” copy while being interrupted halfway.

For example, in the process A of the above-mentioned second prior example, if the setting is changed from "one-sided to two-sided" copy after the paper feed is started and the C / S is interrupted,
Even if the C / S interruption instruction is issued, the operation is not stopped immediately, and if there is a fed sheet, the operation is not stopped until the printing of the sheet is successfully completed. Therefore, the operation is performed after discharging the printed sheet. It becomes a movement to stop. That is, the operation is stopped after all the processes of the above-described process A are completed.

At this time, the original has already been scanned for both the first and second sheets. However, if the setting is changed to “single-sided → double-sided” copy and restarted, the operation itself is performed on the first sheet. , And stacking of sheets on an automatic duplexer (hereinafter abbreviated as “ADU”) is started. After printing the third copy and the fourth copy, printing of the second image is started. However, since “single-sided → double-sided” copy is set at the time of interruption, this printing is performed on the back side of the first sheet. Will be. Originally, it is desired to complete the operation by printing on the back of four copies. However, since only two sheets of paper are stacked after the interruption and resumption, a contradiction arises.

In this case, conventionally, two methods have been considered as means for resolving this contradiction.

That is, first, in the solution of the conventional digital copying machine equipped with the memory copying function, the operation is temporarily stopped after printing two copies, and the two-sided printing is originally provided in the two-sided printing apparatus. Because there is no paper to be printed, a warning that there is no paper in the duplex printer is displayed, and in order to perform the necessary copy back to the user in order to print the short side, The guide display prompting the user to return to the ADF for the required number of copies and start copying again is performed.

However, in the case of the first solution, the problem is that when the image is once read on the PM, it is found that there is a shortage when the image is printed, and the scanning is performed again. there were.

In the conventional analog copying machine, when the setting is changed in the middle as described above, the second image is printed for the number of copies stacked in the ADU, and the first image is printed. Only the copy set that forms the front and back sides of the image and the second image is matched, and then the double-sided copy is correctly performed from the third image by the previously set number of copies.

However, this is a means in the analog system, and it is not clear how to use the original image already read in the digital copying machine.

As described above, the memory copying function performs so-called "preceding input" of a document by using the PM, thereby greatly improving the productivity. On the other hand, scanning and printing are performed in synchronization. , Start / interrupt / operation /
In a sense, there is a serious problem that the operability is inferior to a conventional analog copying machine in which a user can perform a setting change / restart operation without a sense of incongruity.

Under the circumstances described above, the advantage of the memory copying function that allows the so-called "preceding input" of a document by using the PM cannot be utilized.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to interrupt the copying operation in the course of a series of copying operations. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that realize a quick and efficient operation by storing image information until a series of copying operations is completed even when the operation is restarted.

[0041]

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an original image is read and an image is formed on an image forming medium based on an image signal of the original image. In the image forming apparatus, an image accumulating means for accumulating the image signal, and after forming an image on the surface of the image forming medium, ejecting the image forming medium upside down to discharge the image forming medium Control means for controlling to hold an image to be formed on the front and back surfaces of the image forming medium on the image storage means until a series of double-sided printing operations of forming an image on the back surface of the image forming medium are completed. An image forming apparatus is provided.

In the second embodiment, a scanning means for optically scanning a document, a photoelectric conversion means for converting light scanned by the scanning means into an image signal, and an image obtained by the photoelectric conversion conversion means Image reading means for storing signals, output means for reading and outputting the image signals stored by the image storing means, and independently executing the image reading means and the output means, Image forming means for reading an image and forming an image on the image forming medium, reversing conveyance means for loading and transporting the image forming medium in reverse, and discharging the image forming medium with its front and back reversed, After forming an image on the surface of the image forming medium, the image forming medium is stacked using the reverse stacking means, and the image forming medium is ejected with its front and back reversed and discharged. Control means for controlling to hold an image to be formed on the front surface and the back surface of the image forming medium on the image storage means until a series of double-sided printing operations of forming an image on the back surface are completed. An image forming apparatus is provided.

Further, in a third aspect, in the second aspect, there is further provided an operation instruction means for instructing to stop at least one of the image reading by the image reading means and the image output operation by the output means. The control means, when restarting the series of double-sided printing operations when the stop is instructed by the operation instruction means, reads out the image held on the image storage means, and reads the image by the image forming means. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on an image forming medium is provided.

According to a fourth aspect, in the second aspect, the first counting means for counting the number of copies printed on the image forming medium, and the second counting means for counting the number of unprinted copies are provided. And the control unit determines whether or not the series of double-sided copying operations has been completed based on the counting result of at least one of the first counting unit and the second counting unit. An image forming apparatus is provided.

Further, in a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, the control means determines whether or not the series of double-sided copying operations has been completed by the first counting means and the second counting means.
When it is determined that the count is not completed as a result of performing the counting based on the counting result of at least one of the counting means, the counting result by the second counting means is set as the number of copies, and the execution of the double-sided printing operation is restarted. An image forming apparatus is provided.

According to a sixth aspect, in the second aspect, the setting means for setting the number of copies desired by the operator, and the first means for counting the number of printed copies out of the number of prints
Counting means, and calculating means for calculating the difference between the number of copies set by the operator by the setting means and the count result by the first counting means, wherein the control means performs the series of double-sided printing operations And determining whether or not to restart the series of double-sided printing operations based on at least one of the counting result by the first counting means and the calculation result by the calculating means. An image forming apparatus is provided.

Further, in a seventh aspect based on the sixth aspect, the control means determines whether or not to restart the series of double-sided printing operations, based on the result of counting by the first counting means and the determination result. And performing a series of double-sided printing operations by using the calculation result of the calculation unit as the number of prints when it is determined that the printing operation is to be resumed, based on at least one of the calculation results obtained by the calculation unit. An apparatus is provided.

According to an eighth aspect, in an image forming method for reading a document image and performing a predetermined printing operation on an image forming medium based on an image signal related to the document image,
After forming an image on the front surface of the image forming medium, a series of double-sided printing operations of forming the image on the back surface of the image forming medium after discharging the image forming medium upside down is completed. An image forming method for holding images to be formed on the front and back surfaces of the image forming medium until the image forming method.

In a ninth aspect, the step of optically scanning the original, the step of converting the scanned light into an image signal, the step of storing the obtained image signal, Reading and outputting the read image signal, independently reading and outputting the image signal, reading an original image and forming an image on the image forming medium, and inverting the image forming medium. Transporting and stacking, discharging the image forming medium upside down and discharging, and forming an image on the surface of the image forming medium, and then using the reversal stacking unit to transfer the image forming medium Stacked, ejecting the image forming medium upside down and ejecting the image forming medium to form an image on the back side of the image forming medium, until the series of double-sided printing operations is completed, Image forming method characterized by a step of controlling so as to hold the image to be formed on the surface is provided.

In a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the method further comprises the step of instructing at least one of reading and outputting the image signal,
When the stop is instructed, when the series of double-sided printing operations is restarted, the stored image is read out and an image is formed on an image forming medium.

In an eleventh aspect, in the ninth aspect, the method further comprises a step of counting the number of copies printed on the non-image forming medium and a step of counting the number of unprinted copies. An image forming method is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the series of double-sided copying operations has been completed based on the counting result.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, a determination is made as to whether or not the series of double-sided copying operations has been completed based on the result of the counting, and as a result, it is determined that the operation has not been completed. Further, there is provided an image forming method, characterized in that execution of the double-sided printing operation is started with the result of counting the number of unprinted copies as the number of printed copies.

In a thirteenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the step of setting the number of copies desired by the operator, the step of counting the number of printed copies out of the number of prints, Calculating a difference between the set number of printed copies and a count result related to the number of printed copies, and determining whether to restart the series of double-sided printing operations when the series of double-sided printing operations is completed. An image forming method is provided, wherein the determination is made based on a difference between the number of printed copies set by the operator and a count result relating to the number of printed copies.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the determination as to whether or not to restart the series of double-sided printing operations is made based on the result of counting the number of printed copies and the number of printed copies set by the operator. And the result of the calculation based on the difference between the count results related to the number of printed copies, and when it is determined to restart, the calculation result of the difference is set as the number of copies, and the series of double-sided printing operations is restarted. An image forming method is provided.

[0055]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As described above, in the memory copying function, the so-called "preceding input" of the original can be performed by using the page memory, thereby greatly improving the productivity. Since this is not performed, even if the user interrupts the job in the middle and performs any operation / resetting, it is not reflected on the image that has been "preceding input", so the start / stop / operation / setting change / resetting is not performed. There is a big problem that, in a sense, the operability is extremely inferior to that of a conventional analog copying machine in which a user can perform a usual operation such as starting without a sense of incongruity.

According to the present invention, such a problem is solved by holding the image data of the front surface and the back surface until the printing of the back surface is completed during the double-side printing.

In the following description, “interruption of a copy job” means, as described above, not only a case where a copy job is started but a job in progress is temporarily interrupted from an operation panel, None, jam, finisher full, toner supply, and other operating conditions are included.

"Securing PM" means that before starting the copy operation, the memory area for storing images is not used for other jobs.

On the other hand, "release of PM" means that a memory area for storing an image used so far can be used by another job.

For example, considering the case where a fax image is transmitted during copying, the copy job operates while “securing” PM at the start of the copy job. Here, in order to receive the fax image, the PM reception job also “secures” the PM even if the fax reception job tries to use the memory area. At this time, since the memory area used by the copy job is “secured”, the fax reception job cannot be used. When the copy operation is completed and the copy job “releases” the PM, the fax reception job can “reserve” the area. Operations such as writing, deleting, and overwriting image data can be performed on the “secured” area.

In the present invention, it is assumed that the copy operation is interrupted for some reason after the copy is started. The interruption factors include the following.

That is, "stop key pressed by user", "interrupt key pressed by user", "no paper in paper feed stage", "jam", "finisher full", "toner supply", and the like. Here, if the "stop key pressed by the user" is the cause of the interruption, the "copy operation after resumption" in the following description is a copy operation after interruption copy return.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus and method of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital copying apparatus as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus, that is, the digital copying apparatus 2
An image reading unit 4 that reads image information corresponding to an image of a document, an image forming unit 6 that forms an image corresponding to the image data read by the image reading unit 4 and outputs the image to a recording sheet, and an image reading unit 4 An automatic document feeder 8 feeds the documents to be copied one by one and stocks the copied documents.

The image reading section 4 has a document D to be read placed thereon, that is, a document table 20 for holding the document D and an openable and closable table with respect to the document table 20. A document holder 22 for bringing a document into close contact with a document table 20 is provided.

At one end of the document table 20, when the document D is set on the document table 20, a position (magnification reference position) in the first direction in which the document D is to be set is indicated. A document indicating plate 24 for defining a reference (tip) position in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is arranged. The document indicating plate 24 is a document indicator 2 for detecting a position where the document D is to be placed on the document table 20.
6 are integrally provided. Also, on the back of the document indicating plate 24,
That is, on the image forming unit 6 (opposite to the document holder 22), a reflecting plate (white plate) 24w and a blackboard 24b used for calibrating the white reference and black reference outputs of the CCD sensor described below.
Are integrally formed.

Below the document table 20, ie, the apparatus main body 1
On the inside of the first carriage 30, the first carriage 30 is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the original table 20 and movable along the original table 20, and takes out information displayed on the original as light and dark. , First carriage 3
A second carriage 40 is provided for transmitting information extracted by 0, that is, reflected light from the document to a recording medium (photosensitive drum) described later. The first carriage 30
The document is moved along the original table 20 in the left-right direction along the document table 20 by a scan motor 38 driven at a predetermined speed corresponding to a copying (reading) magnification input from an operation panel described below.

The first carriage 30 has an illumination lamp 32 for illuminating the original D, and a slit 3 for shielding a part of the reflected light from the original D illuminated by the light from the illumination lamp 32.
A first mirror 36 that reflects the reflected light from the document D that has passed through the document 4, that is, the image light, toward the second carriage 40 is provided.

The second carriage 40 has a first mirror 36
A second mirror 42 that folds the image light reflected and transmitted by the mirror 90 degrees and a third mirror 44 that folds the image light returned by the second mirror 42 further 90 degrees.

Below the first carriage 30, the third
In the plane on which the image light turned back by the mirror 44 is guided, there is provided a C for receiving the image light passing through the imaging lens 45 for providing the image light with convergence corresponding to the copy magnification and photoelectrically converting the image light.
A CD sensor unit 46 is provided. The CCD sensor unit 46 photoelectrically converts the image light by a CCD sensor housed therein, and supplies an image signal corresponding to the document image to an image memory (not shown). An image signal of a document image stored in an image memory (not shown) is intensity-modulated in accordance with the image signal by an exposure unit 48 that irradiates a laser beam required for recording toward a photosensitive drum described below. Exposure is performed as a laser beam.
A laser beam from an exposure unit 48 is provided below the image reading unit 4 and approximately in the center of the copying apparatus main body 10.
A photosensitive drum 50 on which an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed is arranged.

The photosensitive drum 50 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow at a predetermined speed by a motor (not shown). Around the photoconductor drum 50, a charging device 52 for charging the photoconductor drum 50 with a predetermined charge along a direction in which the photoconductor drum 50 is rotated, a paper size or an image input from an operation panel (not shown). An erasing LED 54 for erasing charges on the photosensitive drum 50 corresponding to the outside of the image forming area corresponding to the formation magnification; a developing device 56 for supplying and developing toner to a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 50; Body drum 5
On the other hand, the toner image (toner) formed by the developing device 56 on the photosensitive drum 50 is transferred onto the sheet, and the sheet adsorbed on the photosensitive drum 50 when the toner image is transferred is transferred to the photosensitive drum 5.
A transfer / separation device 58 for separating the toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 50 and a cleaning / elimination device 60 for scraping off the toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 50 and removing the charge remaining on the surface of the drum 50 are arranged in this order. I have.

A predetermined size is set at a position corresponding to the direction in which the photosensitive drum 50 is rotated and corresponding to the upstream side in the direction in which the toner image developed by the developing device 56 is conveyed by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 50. The paper cassettes Cn... Having a size display mechanism (not shown) for displaying the size of the recording paper contained therein are inserted into the first paper cassette. , Second and third slots 62a, 62b and 62c are formed.

Each of the slots 62a to 62c has a cassette Cn based on a size display (not shown) set in accordance with the size of the sheet stored in the cassette Cn.
The first to third size detection sensors 64 notify the control unit (not shown) of the size of the recording paper accommodated in.
a, 64b and 64c are arranged.

Further, on the right side above the second slot 62a, a manual passage 66 for feeding a recording material other than a fixed type is provided.
Are formed. In the manual passage 66, a paper guide 66a that prevents the paper guided in the passage from being inclined with respect to the direction in which the paper is transported is disposed. Paper guide 6
Reference numeral 6a denotes a manual passage 53 which is movable in accordance with the size (width) of the sheet and detects the position of the sheet guide 66a.
The paper size is formed so that the size of the paper can be input to a paper sensor (not shown) that detects the size (width) of the paper inserted into the printer.

The photosensitive drum 50 and each of the slots 62a, 62
2b and 62c, the respective slots 62a and 6c
2b, 62c, and any one of paper feed rollers 68a, 68b, 68c, and paper feed rollers 68a, 68b, 68c that pull out sheets one by one from each of the cassettes Cn... Inserted into each slot. Rollers 70a, 70b and 70c for sending out the sheet pulled out through the photoreceptor drum 50, and the transport rollers 70a and 7
0b and 70c to temporarily stop the sheet directed to the photosensitive drum 50 to correct the inclination of the sheet with respect to the direction in which the sheet is conveyed, and to fix the tip of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 50 to the sheet. An aligning roller 72 that feeds the sheet at a speed equal to the speed at which the surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is moved while being aligned with the leading end of the photosensitive drum 50 is disposed. The sheet supplied from the manual feed passage 66 is guided toward the transport roller 70a.

In order to stop the sheet via the aligning roller 72 near the aligning roller 72,
An aligning switch 72a for detecting the leading edge of the sheet being conveyed is provided.

The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 50 is transferred to a position corresponding to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 50, and is transported to transport the paper on which the toner is electrostatically attached. A belt 74, a fixing device 76 including a heat roller pair having roller surfaces pressed against each other, and fixing the paper by pressing the paper while heating the toner transferred to the paper when the paper passes between the rollers; and A paper discharge roller 78 for discharging the paper on which the toner image has been fixed toward the finisher 80 outside the copying apparatus main body 10 is provided. In the vicinity of the paper discharge roller 78, a fixing device 76 is provided.
A paper discharge switch 78a for detecting whether or not a sheet exists between the paper discharge roller 78 and the paper discharge roller 78 is provided. The paper discharge switch 78a detects the trailing edge of the paper, thereby terminating the image formation on the currently conveyed paper and fixing the fixing device 76.
Alternatively, paper jam (jam) in the vicinity thereof is detected.

The automatic document feeder 8 includes a document tray 201 on which a document D is placed, an empty sensor 202 for detecting the presence or absence of a document, a pickup roller 203 for taking out documents one by one from the document tray 201, Roller 204 that transports the original, an aligning roller 205 that aligns the leading edge of the original, an aligning sensor 206 that is provided upstream (tray 201) of the aligning roller 205, and detects the arrival of the original, and the original table 20.
And a transport belt 207 that transports the document fed from the tray 201 to a predetermined position on the document table 20 and discharges the document whose image has been read.

The automatic document feeder 8 also includes a reversing roller 210 for reversing the document D transported by the transport belt 207, and a document guided by the reversing roller 210.
The flapper 2 switches between returning to the transport belt 207 and discharging to a predetermined discharge position (on a body cover described later).
11. When the flapper 211 is switched to the discharge side, a paper discharge roller 212 for discharging the document D conveyed by the reversing roller 210, a jam sensor 213 for detecting a document jam near the reversing roller 210, and the like. Are located. The conveyance belt 207 of the automatic document feeder 8, the pickup roller 203, and the paper feed roller 20
4. Many rotating / driving elements such as the aligning roller 205, the reversing roller 210, the flapper 211, and the paper discharge roller 212 are covered by the main body cover 220 so that the user does not touch it carelessly. Have been done.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an operation panel applied to the digital copying apparatus as viewed from the top. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 90 includes a numeric keypad 91 for setting a number of copies or inputting a number for facsimile transmission, a numeric keypad 91, a copy condition, an image editing operation, and a function operation. A plurality of input keys capable of inputting a destination name and the like, and an input device 92 provided with a touch sensor panel integrated with a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying an operation state or an operation procedure in the copying device, and instructing the start of copying Print key 93
Etc. Various display patterns and input key areas are displayed on the touch panel 92 based on display data stored in the ROM 101a corresponding to a copy mode or a facsimile mode described later.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the electrical connection of the digital copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the flow of signals for control.

As shown in FIG. 3, the copying apparatus 2
Is a main control unit 100 including a main CPU 101, which is a main control device, and an image reading unit 4 connected to the main control unit 100.
And a mechanism control unit 110 for controlling the image forming unit 6.

The main CPU 101 of the main control unit 100
Panel CPU 102 provided in operation panel 90
And connected to a mechanical controller (mechanical controller) CPU 103 provided in the mechanism control unit 110,
It outputs a signal between the PUs or outputs permission for predetermined control. The mechanical control CPU 103 is also connected to an ADF CPU 222 of the automatic document feeder (ADF) 8.

The main CPU 101 is connected to an image bus line 104 for controlling the transfer of image signals. Note that, in response to an operation instruction from the main CPU 102, the mechanical control CPU 103 performs an operation based on the instruction and returns a status. Thereby, the mechanism control unit 1
The operation states of the respective components of the image reading unit 4, the image forming unit 6, and the automatic document feeder 8 are returned to the main CPU 101 as a status status. As described above,
The main CPU 101 grasps the operation states of the mechanism control unit 110 and judges the contents thereof and the input contents from the operation panel 90 to control the entire copying apparatus.

The main CPU 101 has a ROM 101a in which a control program is stored, a RAM 101b in which data is temporarily stored, and a backup in a battery.
NVM (non-volatile) 105 that does not lose data even when power is cut off, shared R used for bidirectional communication between main CPU 101 and mechanical control CPU 103
The AM 106, the image processing device 107, the page memory control device 108, the page memory 109 and the like are connected.

The panel CPU 102 has a main CPU in accordance with an input signal input from the operation panel 90 described above.
101, a command for operating each of the image forming unit 6 and the image reading unit 4 is output.
Based on a control signal from the PU 101, a predetermined display is displayed or the next input is temporarily prohibited.

The ROM 113 for storing the control program and the RAM 114 for temporarily storing data are connected to the mechanical control CPU 103.

The mechanical control CPU 103 also includes a laser driver 115 for controlling the emission of a semiconductor laser (not shown) of the exposure unit 48, a polygon motor driver 116 for controlling the rotation of the polygon motor of the exposure unit 48, the photosensitive drum 50, A main motor driver 117 that controls the rotation of a main motor (not shown) that controls the rotation of a paper conveyance system including a heat roller (not shown) of the device 56 and the fixing device 76 is connected.

The mechanical control CPU 103 supplies a predetermined voltage to the charging device 52 to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 50 to a predetermined surface potential and to transfer and separate the transfer / separation device 5.
8, a power supply circuit 118 for supplying a predetermined voltage to the fixing device 7,
6, a heater lamp control circuit 119 for controlling lighting of a heater lamp (not shown), and a CCD for driving the CCD sensor 46
Driver 121, first and second carriages 30, 40
A scan motor driver 122 that controls the rotation of a scan motor 38 that moves at a predetermined speed, turns on an exposure lamp 32 that irradiates a document or the like to be read,
A lamp regulator 123 that controls the amount of light emitted by the lamp 32 so as to have a predetermined value, a drive circuit 124 that drives the finisher device 80, and an empty sensor (not shown) that detects the remaining amount of paper in each cassette And a size sensor (not shown) of each cassette and an input circuit 125 for receiving signals output from many detection switches inside the apparatus, a mechanism control circuit 126 for driving many solenoids or clutches inside the apparatus, and the like. A predetermined control signal is output to each of the mechanisms and circuits, and the status returned from each of the mechanisms and circuits is monitored. The status returned from each mechanism and circuit is returned to the main CPU 101 as described above as the operation state of the mechanism control unit 110, that is, each unit of the image reading unit 4 and the image forming unit 6.

Hereinafter, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the above configuration.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, in the case of “single-sided → single-sided” copy using the ADF, the present invention is applied when the setting is changed to “single-sided → double-sided” copy in the middle.

For example, in the process A of the second preceding example, after the user starts feeding the second copy of paper, the user presses the stop key to interrupt the operation, and then sets “one-sided → two-sided” copy. Suppose you change it. At this time, the operation is stopped after completing the process of discharging the printed paper as described above. At this time, the images of the first and second originals are accumulated on the PM. Therefore, when the user instructs a restart, the printing operation of the image data of the first sheet of the document is restarted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the first embodiment will be described in detail.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG.
When the operation of “single-sided to single-sided” copying of four originals is started, a PM area is secured (step S1), one original is fed by the ADF (step S2), scanning is started, and P
The image data is stored in B1 (step S3). Next, feeding of the first copy is started (step S4), the first document is printed, the first copy is printed (step S5), and the second document is fed by the ADF (step S6). Scans the original and stores the image data in PB2 (step S
7) Feeding of the second copy sheet is started (step S8).
Here, when C / S is pressed (step S9), the first and second copies of the original are printed (step S10).
The copying operation is interrupted (step S11). The above operation is the same as the second to fourth embodiments described later.

Hereinafter, the operation at the time of restart will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When “single-sided → double-sided” copying is set and copying is restarted (step S101), the start of a continuous job is accepted, and the remaining number of copies is automatically set to two (step S102). Next, the first sheet of paper is fed (step S103). Since the writing of the PM of the first document has already been completed, the PM is set to the reading mode, printing (PM reading) is started, and the PM is read. Are sequentially read out and drawn on the photosensitive drum by a laser scanner, and the PM
After completion of the writing, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the sheet, and the sheet on which the printing has been completed is discharged to the ADU (step S104). Thus, the front copy of the first copy of the image of the first document is completed.

Subsequently, the feeding of the second copy sheet is started (step S105), the PM is set to the reading mode, the printing is started (PM reading), the images in the PM are sequentially read, and the laser scanner is read. To draw on the photoconductor drum, wait for the end of PM writing, transfer and fix the latent image on the photoconductor drum to paper, and print the completed paper on ADU.
(Step S106). By the above process,
The front copy of the second copy of the image of the first document is completed.

Next, since the image of the first document is front side printing, the next processing is performed without releasing the PM area and holding the PM area, and the writing of the PM of the second document has already been completed. Therefore, the PM is set to the read mode. Also,
As the number of print copies, “2 copies” which is the number of prints on the front side is automatically set because the present job is back side print. And ADF
, Paper feed is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, and the completion of writing the PM is waited for. The image is transferred and fixed to the sheet, the printed sheet is discharged, and the copy of the back side of the first copy of the image of the second document is completed (steps S107 and S1).
08).

Subsequently, feeding of the second copy sheet from the ADU is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum by the laser scanner, and written in the PM. Waiting for the completion, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the back copy of the second copy of the image of the second document is completed (steps S109 and S110). ).

The copying operation for the third and subsequent sheets is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

This operation is the same as in the second to fourth embodiments described later.

That is, since the printing on the back side has been completed, the original 1
Release the PM area (PB1 and PB2) of the first and second sheets, secure the PM area (PB1), and execute AD
F, start scanning, start feeding paper,
After the writing of the PM is completed, the writing of the PM is completed, the PM is set to the reading mode, printing is started, and printing of the first copy of the image of the third original document is started (steps S21 to S24). Here, since the printing of the first copy has started, the fourth document is fed by the ADF, and the
An area (PB2) is secured, scanning is started, paper for the first copy of the third image is fed, and the PM area (PB2) is
2) Start writing, wait for the end of writing, start scanning the fourth document, sequentially read the images in the PM, draw the image on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner,
Waiting for the completion of the writing, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the copying of the first copy of the third image is completed (step S).
25, S26).

Next, feeding of the paper for the second copy is started, printing (PM reading) is started, and the second PM is read.
Sequentially read the images inside, draw on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, wait for the end of PM writing, transfer and fix the latent image on the photosensitive drum to paper, discharge the printed paper, The copying of the second copy of the third image is completed (steps S27 and S28).

Subsequently, the third sheet of paper is started to be fed, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum by a laser scanner, and writing of the PM is completed. , The latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the third copy of the third image is completed (steps S29 and S30).

Next, the feeding of the fourth copy sheet is started, the printing (PM reading) is started, the images in the PM are sequentially read, and drawn on the photosensitive drum by the laser scanner.
Waiting for the end of PM writing, transferring and fixing the latent image on the photosensitive drum to the paper, discharging the printed paper,
The copying of the fourth copy of the image is completed (step S3).
1, S32).

Subsequently, since the image of the third sheet of the original is front side printing, the next processing is performed without releasing the PM area and holding the PM area. By this time, the scanning of the fourth sheet and the writing of the PM have been completed, so the PM is set to the reading mode, printing (PM reading) is started, and the first copy of the fourth image (total of the fifth sheet) ), Start printing the first copy of the third image, sequentially read out the images in the PM, draw them on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, and wait for the end of writing of the PM. Then, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed to the sheet, the printed sheet is discharged, and the copying of the first copy of the fourth image is completed (steps S33 and S34).

Next, feeding of the paper for the second copy is started, printing (PM reading) is started, and the second PM is read.
Sequentially read the images inside, draw on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, wait for the end of PM writing, transfer and fix the latent image on the photosensitive drum to paper, discharge the printed paper, The copying of the second copy of the fourth image is completed (steps S35 and S36).

Subsequently, feeding of the third sheet is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum by a laser scanner, and PM writing is performed. Waiting for completion, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the third copy of the fourth image is completed (steps S37, S38).

Next, feeding of the fourth copy sheet is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, and writing of the PM is completed. , The latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, the fourth copy of the fourth image is completed, and the PM areas (PB1 and PB2) Is released, and waits for the next press of the copy button (steps S39 and S40).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the case of the problem described above, the image data once read into the PM is effectively used to perform a useless rescan operation. In addition, a function change to double-sided printing can be realized.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing processing of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

The second embodiment is effective even when the copy is interrupted again during the restart copy operation in the first embodiment.

For example, it is assumed that the user presses the stop key and interrupts the process (“user presses the stop key”) after step S105 in the process (FIG. 5) after restarting the first embodiment. In this case, the operation is stopped after completing step S106 as described above. At this time, since the images of the first and second originals are stored in the PM, when the user instructs a restart, the printing operation of the image data of the first original is restarted again.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing and operation after the restart will be described.

When the start of the continuation job is accepted, copying is restarted, the number of remaining copies is automatically set to two, and the feeding of the first sheet is started. Here, even if C / S is pressed, the PM is set to the reading mode, printing (PM reading) is started, the images in the PM are sequentially read, drawn on the photosensitive drum by the laser scanner, and the PM is written. Wait for the end,
The latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the sheet, the printed sheet is discharged to the ADF, and the front copy of the first copy of the image of the first document is completed (steps S201 to S201).
205).

Here, the copying operation is interrupted for the first time, and when the user removes the paper in the double-sided printing apparatus, copying is restarted. Since the image of the first document is front side printing, the next processing is performed without releasing the PM and holding the PM. Since the writing of the PM of the second document has already been completed, the PM is switched to the read mode. Set. As the number of print copies, one copy, which is the number of prints on the front side, is automatically set because the present job is back side printing (steps S206 to S209).

Next, paper feeding from the ADU is started,
Printing (PM reading) is started, the images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, the completion of PM writing is waited, and the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on paper, The printed sheet is discharged, and the back copy of the first copy of the image of the second document is completed (steps S210 to S213). Thereafter, the same double-sided copy operation as that of FIG. 9 is performed for the third and fourth originals.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, even when the restart copy operation is interrupted again, the image data once read on the PM is effectively used.
The operation can be continued without performing a useless rescan operation.

In the second embodiment, an example in which the user resumes copying after removing the paper from the duplex printing apparatus has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the paper is removed from the duplex printing apparatus. Copying can be resumed without the need. In this case, one copy (front) of the first document and two copies (back) of the second print of the original are copied after copying is resumed. In this case, the number of copies finally obtained is the one desired by the user.

Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13, a description will be given of a flow of control for starting copying and securing PM, which is common to the first and second embodiments.

When the copy start / PM securing sequence starts, the main CPU 101 detects whether or not the printing has been interrupted (step S51). If the printing has been interrupted, the main CPU 101 detects whether or not the scanning has been completed (step S52). If scanning has been completed, it is detected whether the job is a duplex printing job,
If the job is a two-sided print job, the print job is restarted and the PM is released (steps S53 and S5).
4, S55).

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing processing of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

The third embodiment is effective in the case of “single-sided → single-sided” copy using the ADF, and in the case where the setting is changed to “single-sided → double-sided” copy on the way.

For example, in the process A described as the second prior art in the prior art, after the feeding of the second copy of paper is started, the user presses the stop key and interrupts the operation (the above-described “user presses the stop key”). )) And then change the setting to “single-sided → double-sided” copy. At this time, the operation is stopped after the paper on which printing has been completed is discharged as described above. At this time, the images of the first and second originals are accumulated on the PM. Therefore, when the user instructs a restart, the printing operation of the image data of the first sheet of the document is restarted.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation at the time of restart will be described.

When “single-sided → double-sided” copy is set, and the copy button is pressed again to resume copying (step S301), the start of a continuation job is accepted, and the remaining number of copies is automatically set (step S302). . Then 1
The feeding of the sheet of the copy is started (step S304), and the PM
To read mode and print (PM read)
, The images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, the writing of the PM is waited for, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on paper, and printing is completed. The paper is discharged to the duplex printer, and the original 1
The front copy of the first copy of the image is completed (step S305).

Subsequently, the feeding of the second sheet is started (step S306), the PM is set to the reading mode, printing (PM reading) is started, and the images in the PM are sequentially read, and the laser scanner is read. Draws the image on the photosensitive drum, waits for the end of writing the PM, transfers and fixes the latent image on the photosensitive drum to the paper, and prints the printed paper on the AD
F, and the front copy of the second copy of the image of the first document is completed (step S307).

Next, since the image of the first sheet of the original is front side printing, the next processing is performed without releasing the PM and holding the PM. Since the writing of the PM of the second sheet of the original has already been completed, , PM to read mode. The number of copies is automatically set to two, which is the previous number of copies printed on the front side, since this job is back side printing. Then, paper supply from the ADU is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read, drawn on the photosensitive drum by a laser scanner, and the end of writing of the PM is waited for.
The latent image on the photoreceptor drum is transferred and fixed to the sheet, the printed sheet is discharged, and the back copy of the first copy of the second image of the document is completed (steps S308 to S30).
9).

Subsequently, feeding of the second copy of paper from the ADF is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum by the laser scanner, and the PM is read out. , The latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the front copy of the second copy of the image of the second original is completed (step S310, S311).

Since the printing on the back side has been completed, the original 1
In order to determine whether to release the PM area of the image of the second sheet and the second image of the document, the original number of copies set by the user is compared with the number of copies printed after resuming. If the number of user-set copies is larger, the process proceeds to the next process; if smaller, the PM area is released (step S312).

Next, if the number of copies set by the user is larger than the number of copies printed after resumption, the difference is set to the number of copies, in this example, 2
The print operation is automatically started for the missing part.

First, paper feeding is started, the PM is set to the reading mode, printing (PM reading) is started, the images in the PM are sequentially read, and drawn on the photosensitive drum by the laser scanner. Wait for the end of PM writing.
Then, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on paper,
The printed paper is discharged to the ADU, and the front copy of the first copy of the image of the first document is completed (step S313,
S314).

Next, the feeding of the second sheet is started, and the PM
To read mode and print (PM read)
, The images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, the writing of the PM is waited for, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on paper, and printing is completed. The paper is discharged to the ADU, and the front copy of the second copy of the image of the first document is completed (step S31).
5, S316).

Subsequently, since the image of the first sheet of the original is front side printing, the next processing is performed without releasing the PM and holding the PM. Since the writing of the PM of the second sheet of the original has already been completed, , PM to read mode. The number of print copies is automatically set to 2 copies, which is the number of prints on the front side since this job is back side print, paper feeding from the duplex printing apparatus is started, printing (PM reading) is started, and PM Are sequentially read out, drawn on a photosensitive drum by a laser scanner, the completion of PM writing is awaited, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the original 2 is printed. The back copy of the first copy of the image is terminated (steps S317 and S318).

Next, feeding of the second sheet from the ADU is started, printing (PM reading) is started, the images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum by the laser scanner, and the PM is read out. Waiting for the completion of the writing, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the back copy of the second copy of the image of the second original is completed (steps S319 and S320). ).

Since the printing on the back side has been completed, the PM areas (PB1 and PB2) of the images of the first and second originals are released. Thereafter, the same double-sided copy operation as that of FIG. 9 is performed for the third and fourth originals.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, in the case of a problem, the image data once read into the PM is effectively used, and the double-sided printing is performed without performing unnecessary rescanning operation. Function can be realized. Further, the first set after the interruption / resumption can provide the number of copies specified by the user.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing processing of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

The fourth embodiment is effective even when the copy is interrupted once again during the restart copy operation in the third embodiment.

For example, in the sequence of the third embodiment (FIG. 7), it is assumed that after step S306, the user presses the stop key to interrupt (the above-mentioned "user pressed the stop key"). In this case, the operation is stopped after step S307 is completed as described above. The first and second original images are stored on the PM. Here, it is assumed that, for example, a frame erase setting has been made. Since the frame erasing process is realized by narrowing the printing range at the time of printing,
Since the image data on the PM is usable, it is automatically determined that the job is a continuation job. When the user instructs a restart, the printing operation of the image data of the first sheet of the document is restarted again.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation at the time of restart will be described.

When "single-sided" copy is set and the copy button is pressed, the start of the continuous job is accepted.
The remaining two copies are automatically set, and paper feeding is started. Here, even if the C / S is pressed, the PM is set to the reading mode, printing (PM reading) is started, and the PM is read.
The images inside are read out sequentially, drawn on the photoconductor drum with a laser scanner, waiting for the completion of PM writing, the latent image on the photoconductor drum is transferred and fixed on paper, and the printed paper is discharged to the ADF. Then, the front copy of the first copy of the image of the first document is completed (steps S401 to S40).
3).

Since the image of the first document is front side printing,
Without releasing the PM, the process proceeds to the next processing while holding the PM. Since the PM writing of the second image of the document has already been completed, the P
Set M to read mode. The number of copies is automatically set to one copy, which is the number of copies printed on the front surface last time because the present job is back-side printing. Then, feeding of paper from the duplex printing apparatus is started, printing (PM reading) is started, and PM
Sequentially read out the images in the image, draw them on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, wait for the end of writing the PM, transfer and fix the latent image on the photosensitive drum to paper, and discharge the printed paper, The back copy of the first copy of the image of the second document is completed (steps S404 to S411).

Next, since the printing of the back side has been completed, the original number of copies set by the user and the resumption are normally performed in order to determine whether to release the PM area of the image of the first document and the second document. Compare the number of copies printed later. If the number of user-set copies is larger, go to the next process; if smaller, P
Release the M area. If the number of copies set by the user is larger than the number of copies printed after resuming, the difference is set to the number of copies, in this example, three copies, and the printing operation for the shortage is automatically started. Then, paper feeding is started, the PM is set to the reading mode, printing (PM reading) is started,
The images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, the completion of PM writing is awaited, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on paper, and the printed paper is printed on a duplex printer. And the front copy of the first copy of the image of the first document is completed (steps S412 to S416).

Subsequently, the feeding of the second copy sheet is started, and P
M is set to the reading mode, printing (PM reading) is started, the images in the PM are sequentially read, drawn on the photosensitive drum by the laser scanner, and the completion of the PM writing is waited, and the latent image on the photosensitive drum is waited. Is transferred and fixed on paper,
The printed paper is discharged to the ADU, and the front copy of the second copy of the image of the first document is completed (step S4).
17, S418).

Subsequently, the feeding of the third copy sheet is started, and the PM
To read mode and print (PM read)
, The images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, the completion of PM writing is awaited, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on paper, and the printed paper is completed. Is discharged to the duplex printing apparatus, and the front copy of the third copy of the image of the first document is completed (step S).
419, S420).

Since the image of the first document is front side printing,
Without releasing the PM, the process proceeds to the next process while holding the PM. Then, since the writing of the PM of the second original has already been completed, the PM is set to the reading mode. The number of print copies is automatically set to three, which is the number of prints on the front surface last time, because the present job is back-side printing. Then, paper feeding from the ADU is started, printing (PM reading) is started,
The images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, the completion of the PM writing is awaited, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, and the printed paper is discharged. The back copy of the first copy of the image of the second document is completed (steps S421 and S422).

Next, feeding of the second sheet from the ADF is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum with a laser scanner, and written in the PM. Waiting for the completion, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the front copy of the second copy of the image of the second original is completed (steps S423 to S424). .

Subsequently, feeding of the third copy of paper from the ADF is started, printing (PM reading) is started, images in the PM are sequentially read out, drawn on the photosensitive drum by the laser scanner, and written in the PM. Waiting for the completion, the latent image on the photosensitive drum is transferred and fixed on the paper, the printed paper is discharged, and the front copy of the third copy of the image of the second original is completed (steps S425 to S426). .

Since the printing of the back side is completed, the PM areas of the images of the first and second originals are released. Thereafter, the same double-sided copy operation as that of FIG. 9 is performed for the third and fourth originals.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even when the restart copy operation is interrupted again, the image data once read on the PM is effectively used, and the unnecessary rescan operation is performed. The operation can be continued without performing. Further, the first set after the suspension / resumption can also provide the number of copies specified by the user.

In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the user resumes copying after removing the paper from the two-sided printing apparatus has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 16, the paper is removed from the two-sided printing apparatus. Copying can be resumed without the need. In this case, one copy (front) of the first document and two copies (back) of the second print of the original are copied after copying is resumed. In this case, the number of copies finally obtained is the one desired by the user.

Here, the control flow common to the image forming apparatuses according to the third and fourth embodiments will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When the copy start / PM reservation sequence starts, the main CPU 101 detects whether or not the copy has been interrupted (step S61). If the copy has been interrupted, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the scan has been completed. Is detected (step S62). Here, if the scan has been completed, the main CPU 101 detects whether the job is a double-sided print job (step S63), and if it is a double-sided print job, restarts the print job (step S6).
4).

Next, the main CPU 101 detects whether or not printing on the back side has been completed (step S65). If the printing is on the front side, the process returns to step S62, and the same processing as described above is executed. If yes, it is detected whether the designated number of copies have been printed (step S66). If the printing has not been completed, the number of copies for double-sided printing is set (step S67), and the process returns to step S64. On the other hand, if the operation has been completed, the PM is released (step S68), and all operations are completed.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the user interrupts the middle of a job and sets double-sided printing after resuming, the image data already stored in the image memory is reduced by the remaining number of copies. Performs double-sided printing and controls to hold both the front and back image data until the back side printing is completed, without re-scanning the "preceding input" document, and without warning display of no paper on duplex printing device Thus, the copying operation can be continued efficiently.

Further, when “single-sided → double-sided” copy is set by interruption, two images for “preceding input”, one for front side printing and the other for back side printing, are held until the two-sided printing operation is completed. Useless rescanning can be omitted, and the image data that has been "precedingly input" can be effectively used. Further, by holding the image data of the front and back sides until the completion of the double-sided printing operation, it is possible to solve the problem that the number of copies of the first set is insufficient after interruption / resumption.

[0164]

As described in detail above, even when the copying operation is interrupted in the course of a series of copying operations and the copying operation is restarted after the setting of various functions is changed, the series of copying operations can be performed. By storing the image information until the operation is completed, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that realize a quick and highly efficient operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an operation panel applied to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from a plane direction.

3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a flow of signals for electrical connection and control of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation from the start to the interruption of a copy operation common to the first to fourth embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a copying operation after resumption according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a copy operation after resumption according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a copy operation after restart according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a copying operation after resumption according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a state after interruption common to the first to fourth embodiments.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a copying operation for the third and subsequent originals.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process performed by an image forming apparatus according to an improvement of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of control of copy start and PM reservation common to the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a process of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a process of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a processing process of an image forming apparatus according to an improved example of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow common to the image forming apparatuses according to the third and fourth embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a basic operation of manual copy according to the related art.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a basic operation of ADF copy according to the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Digital Copier 4 Image Reading Unit 6 Image Forming Unit 8 Automatic Document Feeder 100 Main Control Unit 101 Main CPU 108 Page Memory Control Device 109 Page Memory

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus that reads a document image and forms an image on a medium on which an image is formed based on an image signal related to the document image, wherein: an image storage unit that stores the image signal; After an image is formed on the surface of the image forming medium, the image forming medium is ejected upside down and discharged, and the above-described image forming medium is formed until a series of double-sided printing operations of forming an image on the back side of the image forming medium are completed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls an image to be formed on a front surface and a back surface of an image forming medium to be stored in the image storage unit. 2. A scanning device for optically scanning a document, a photoelectric conversion device for converting light scanned by the scanning device into an image signal, and an image storage device for storing an image signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion conversion device. Means for reading an image signal stored by the image storage means, and output means for reading and outputting the image signal. The image reading means and the output means are independently executed to read a document image and read an image to be read. Image forming means for forming an image on a forming medium; reversing loading means for inverting and transporting and stacking the image forming medium, discharging the image forming medium upside down, and discharging the image forming medium; After forming an image on the front surface, the image forming medium is stacked using the reversing stacking means, and the image forming medium is discharged upside down, and the image is formed on the back surface of the image forming medium. form Control means for controlling to hold the images to be formed on the front and back surfaces of the image forming medium on the image storage means until a series of double-sided printing operations of forming the image forming medium are completed. Image forming apparatus. 3. Image reading by said image reading means,
And operation instruction means for instructing at least one of the image output operations by the output means, wherein the control means performs the series of double-sided printing operations when the operation instruction means instructs the suspension. When resuming
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image stored on the image storage unit is read out, and the image is formed on the image forming medium by the image forming unit. 4. The image forming apparatus further comprises: first counting means for counting the number of copies printed on the image forming medium; and second counting means for counting the number of unprinted copies. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein whether the series of double-sided copying operations is completed is determined based on a counting result of at least one of the counting unit and the second counting unit. 5. The control means determines whether or not the series of double-sided copying operations has been completed based on the counting result of at least one of the first counting means and the second counting means. 5. As a result, when it is determined that the printing has not been completed, the execution of the double-sided printing operation is resumed by using the counting result of the second counting unit as the number of copies.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 6. A setting means for setting the number of copies desired by the operator, a first counting means for counting the number of printed copies out of the number of prints, and a number of prints set by the operator by the setting means. Calculating means for calculating the difference between the counting results by the first counting means, wherein the control means determines whether to restart the series of double-sided printing operations when the series of double-sided printing operations are completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination is made based on at least one of a count result by the first counting unit and a calculation result by the calculation unit. 7. The control unit determines whether or not to restart the series of double-sided printing operations based on at least one of a counting result by the first counting unit and a calculation result by the calculating unit. As a result, when it is determined to resume, the calculation result by the calculation means is used as the number of print copies,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the series of double-sided printing operations is restarted. 8. An image forming method for reading an original image and performing a predetermined printing operation on an image forming medium based on an image signal related to the original image, the method comprising: forming an image on a surface of the image forming medium; The image is formed on the front and back surfaces of the image forming medium until a series of two-sided printing operations of discharging the image forming medium upside down and forming an image on the back surface of the image forming medium are completed. An image forming method characterized by holding an image to be formed. 9. A step of optically scanning a document, a step of converting the scanned light into an image signal, a step of storing the obtained image signal, and a step of reading and outputting the stored image signal. Reading and outputting the image signal independently, reading the original image, forming an image on the image forming medium, and loading the image forming medium by reversing and transporting the image forming medium, Discharging the image forming medium upside down, forming an image on the surface of the image forming medium, loading the image forming medium using the reverse stacking means, and loading the image forming medium; The image to be formed on the front and back surfaces of the image forming medium is discharged until a series of two-sided printing operations of discharging the forming medium upside down and forming an image on the back surface of the image forming medium are completed. Controlling the image to be held. 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of instructing at least one of reading and output of the image signal to be stopped, and when the stop is instructed, when the series of double-sided printing operations is restarted, the holding is performed. The image forming method according to claim 9, wherein the read image is read to form an image on the image forming medium. 11. A method of counting the number of copies printed on the non-image forming medium and a step of counting the number of unprinted copies, wherein the series of two-sided copying is performed based on the counting result of at least one of the above. The image forming method according to claim 9, wherein it is determined whether the operation is completed. 12. A determination as to whether or not the series of two-sided copying operations has been completed based on the counting result. If it is determined that the printing has not been completed, the counting result relating to the unprinted copy number is printed. 12. The image forming method according to claim 11, wherein execution of the double-sided printing operation is started. 13. A step of setting the number of printed copies desired by the operator, a step of counting the number of printed copies among the number of printed copies, and a counting result relating to the number of printed copies set by the operator and the number of printed copies. And calculating a difference between the two-sided printing operation,
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the determination as to whether or not to restart the series of double-sided printing operations is performed based on a difference between the number of printed copies set by the operator and a count result relating to the number of printed copies.
2. The image forming method according to 1., 14. A determination as to whether or not to restart the series of double-sided printing operations is performed by calculating a result of counting the number of printed copies and a difference between the number of printed copies set by the operator and a counting result relating to the number of printed copies. 14. The image forming method according to claim 13, wherein when it is determined that the printing operation is to be resumed based on the result, the calculation result of the difference is used as the number of copies to restart the series of double-sided printing operations.