JPH11344907A - Image copying device, image copying controlling method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the load of a user by shortening entire copying time even in the case of executing successive copying or the like. SOLUTION: This device is provided with an original cover opening/closing detecting means 123 detecting the opening/closing of an original cover, an original detecting means 122 detecting the existence of an original on an original platen and a reader controller 110 discriminating whether copying needs to use an original feeding means 121, whether copying start by the original cover is set or not and whether a specific copying mode to copy a binded original such as a book is set or not and permitting the copying start by the original cover in the case that the copying start by the original cover or the specific copying mode is set and also in the case that the original cover is closed and the original exists on an original platen 102.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image copying apparatus, an image copying control method, and a storage medium, and more particularly, to an image copying apparatus suitable for shortening the copying time when performing continuous copying. The present invention relates to an image copy control method and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a system for performing printing by transmitting image data from a host computer. This type of system has realized a printing function with a configuration as shown in FIG. 26, for example. FIG. 26A shows a host computer 2604, a printer (printer engine unit) 2602, and a printer controller 2603 for sending image data sent from the host computer 2604 in accordance with the operation of the printer engine unit 2602.
The configuration including the video I / F 2601 is shown. FIG.
(B) shows an example of connection to a host computer via a network 2605. Further, FIG.
6 (a), an image reading device 2701 is added,
FIG. 27B shows an example in which the image reading device 2701 is directly connected to a host computer, and FIG. 27B shows an example in which the image reading device 2701 is connected to the host computer via a network 2605.

Conventionally, a print function and a copy function have been realized by changing the configuration as shown in FIG. 28, for example. FIG. 28 shows a reader unit (image reading device) 2701 for reading a document, a controller unit 2802 capable of communicating with the reader unit 2701, a selector unit 2803 for selecting one of the reader unit 2701 and the controller unit 2802, and a reader unit. 2701 and controller part 2
A configuration including a communication line 2801 for performing communication of 802 is shown.

FIG. 29 is an external view of the reader section 2701. The outline of the reader unit will be described with reference to FIG. The reader unit 2701 includes a document table 2901 on which a document is placed, an operation unit 2902 provided with a copy button 2903 and the like, a pressure plate 2904 for pressing the document, and a switch 2905 which is turned on when the pressure plate 2904 is closed. ing.
When a copy button 2905 is pressed, a scanner inside the document table 2901 operates and a document is read. The switch 2905 is turned off when the pressure plate 2904 is open.
F, ON when closed. Switch 2905
At the moment when is changed from OFF to ON, that is, when the pressure plate 2904 is closed, the document detection sensor inside the document table 2901 operates to detect whether or not there is a document and its size.

Conventionally, in the above configuration, when the document feeder cannot be used like a bound document such as a book, an operator opens the pressure plate and places the document on the document table. Then, the user closes the pressure plate and presses the copy button to start copying.

[0006]

However, in the above-described prior art, the user has to press the copy button of the operation unit to start copying, and thus has given the following inconvenience to the user. After opening the platen and placing the original on the platen and closing the platen, the user should start copying without fail.However, there is one procedure since the copy button on the operation unit must be pressed to start copying. For this reason, there is a problem that the operation time becomes long when a large number of copies are made, and the burden on the user may increase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances. It is an object to provide a copy control method and a storage medium.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to an image copying apparatus capable of performing copying by a document feeding means or copying by a pressure plate, wherein the image feeding apparatus uses the document feeding means. Copy determining means for determining whether copying is to be started or copying by the pressure plate is set or a specific copy mode is set; and when the copy start by the pressure plate or the specific copy mode is set, and Copy control means for permitting the start of copying by the pressure plate when the pressure plate is closed and there is a document on the platen.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure plate opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the pressure plate, and a document detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of a document on a document table. I do.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 3 is characterized in that the specific copy mode is a mode for copying a bound original such as a book.

In order to achieve the above object, a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it is possible to set to always start copying using a pressure plate.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the copy control means prohibits the start of copying by the pressure plate in the case of copying using the document feeding means. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image copying control method applied to an image copying apparatus capable of performing copying by a document feeding unit or copying by a pressure plate. A copy determination step of determining whether copying using the press plate or the start of copying by the press plate is set or a specific copy mode is set; and a case where the copy start by the press plate or the specific copy mode is set. And a copying control step of permitting the start of copying by the pressure plate when the pressure plate is closed and there is a document on the platen.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure plate open / close detecting step for detecting whether the pressure plate is open or closed, and a document detecting step for detecting the presence or absence of a document on a platen. I do.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 8 is characterized in that the specific copy mode is a mode for copying a bound original such as a book.

In order to achieve the above object, a ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it is possible to always set the start of copying using a pressure plate.

In order to achieve the above object, a tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the copy control step, in the case of copying using the document feeding means, the start of copying by the pressure plate is not permitted. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for executing an image copying control method applied to an image copying apparatus capable of copying using a document feeding means or copying using a pressure plate. A computer-readable storage medium storing the image copy control method, wherein the image copy control method determines whether a copy using the document feeding unit, a copy start by the pressure plate, or a specific copy mode is set. A copy determination step for determining, and a copy control step for permitting the start of copying by the pressure plate when the copy by the pressure plate or the specific copy mode is set and the pressure plate is closed and there is a document on the platen. And characterized in that:

[0019]

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

[Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention when a reader mechanism is mounted. The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a document table 102, a light source 103, a photoelectric conversion unit 104, an analog / digital conversion unit 105,
A reader frame 101 including a document feeding unit 121, a document detection unit 122, and a pressure plate open / close detection unit 123, an image forming unit 107, an option controller 108, a DC controller 109, a reader controller 110, and a printer controller (PDL (Page Description)).
An image forming apparatus main body 106 including a language controller 111, a sheet cassette deck 112,
And a sorter 113. In the figure, reference numeral 114 denotes a host computer, a broken line in the figure denotes reflected light from a document, and a solid line in the figure denotes a signal line. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example,
The configuration is not limited to the illustrated one.

The configuration of each section will be described.
An original is placed on 2. The light source 103 is
2. Illuminate the original on top. The photoelectric conversion unit 104 converts light reflected from the document into an electric signal. The analog / digital converter 105 converts an analog signal output from the photoelectric converter 104 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the reader controller 110. Document feeding means 121 (8 in FIG. 8)
(Corresponding to 01) feeds the document to the reading position. The document detection unit 122 detects the presence or absence of a document on the document table 102. The pressure plate opening / closing detection means 123 detects opening / closing of a pressure plate (not shown). The image forming unit 107 forms an image on recording paper. The option controller 108 controls the sheet cassette deck 112 and the sorter 113. The DC controller 109 controls paper conveyance and image formation in the image forming apparatus main body 101.

The reader controller 110 has an analog /
It has a function of processing a digital image signal output from the digital conversion unit 105, controlling a motor (not shown) for reading a document, and controlling communication with the DC controller 109 and the PDL controller 111. In this case, the reader controller 110 has a function of a copy determination unit and a copy control unit in the claims. A printer controller (PDL controller) 111 performs control as described later. Paper cassette deck 112,
The sorter 113 is configured to be added to the image forming apparatus main body 106 as an option. The host computer 114 is connected to a printer controller (PDL controller) 111 of the image forming apparatus main body 106 one-to-one or via a network.

In the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the reader controller 110 is disposed in the image forming apparatus main body 106 and controls communication with the DC controller 109 and the printer controller (PDL controller) 111. It does not have a cable.

[Configuration of Printer Controller and Printer] In the embodiment of the present invention, a reader controller is connected between the printer controller and the printer, and processing is performed between the printer controller and the printer. Here, the configuration of the printer controller and the printer, which are the premise thereof, will be described first.

First, the overall outline will be described with reference to FIG. 2601 is a video I / F,
The communication between the printer 2602 and the printer controller 2603 (corresponding to the printer controller 111 in FIG. 1) is performed. Details of each I / F signal will be described later. Reference numeral 2602 denotes a printer, which is a video I / O.
An electric image signal received via F2601 is formed in a visible form, transferred to a recording sheet, fixed, and output. To realize these image sequences, various loads are controlled. In addition, the function of detecting the state of the printer and notifying the printer controller 2603 is also performed.

Reference numeral 2603 denotes a printer controller.
It receives data sent directly from the host computer 2604 or via the network 2605. This is sent in various formats such as bitmap data and PDL description data. The data is developed in a memory and transferred to the printer 2602 as raster data. In this way, the data created by the host computer can be output to a printer.

Next, the video I / F connecting the printer controller and the printer will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 111 in FIG. 2 denotes the printer controller shown in FIG. Reference numeral 109 denotes the printer 26 shown in FIG.
An engine control unit (corresponding to the DC controller 109 in FIG. 1 described above) that controls the engine inside 02.
Printer controller 2603 and engine control unit 109
Between the signals shown in the figure (/ PPRDY203- / C
CRT 217) is being exchanged.

FIG. 3 shows a list of video I / F signals.
Here, only the representative signals shown in FIG. 2 will be particularly described. First, the / PPRDY signal 203 is a signal indicating that communication with the printer controller is enabled after power is supplied to the printer and processing such as initialization is completed. The / CPRDY signal 204 is a signal indicating that communication with the engine control unit has been enabled after power is supplied to the printer controller and processing such as initialization is completed. The / RDY signal 205 is transmitted from the printer controller by the engine control unit to a print start instruction (/
PRNT signal 206) is a signal indicating that the printing operation is enabled. The condition for this signal to be true is
Each part of the printer is operating normally, such as whether the temperature inside the fuser has reached a predetermined temperature, whether recording paper has remained in the printer, and whether the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed. Only.

The / PRNT signal 206 is a signal for the printer controller to instruct the engine control unit to start or continue the printing operation. The / TOP signal 207 is
This is a synchronization signal which is passed from the engine control unit to the printer controller and serves as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. The / TOP signal 207 is output after a certain period of time after the / PRNT signal 206 is output from the printer controller. The / LSYNC signal 208 is a synchronization signal used as a reference for horizontal scanning by the printer controller.
Like the signal 207, the / PRNT signal 206 is output from the printer controller and then output to the printer controller after a certain period of time.

The / VCLK signal 209 is a signal / VD
This is a synchronous clock for the OEN signal and the / VDO signal, and generates a clock having a frequency corresponding to the image signal from the printer controller. / VDOEN signal 210 is
This is a signal for controlling capture of an image signal output from the printer controller into the engine control unit. The engine control unit synchronizes this signal with the / VCLK signal
It detects whether it is UE / FALSE, and if TRUE, captures an image signal, and if FALSE, does not capture. The / VDO signal 211 is image data. The printer controller outputs a / TOP signal 207 in the vertical direction and a / LSYNC signal 208 in the horizontal direction.
Are output in synchronization with the / VCLK signal 209 with reference to

The / CCLK signal 212 is a synchronous clock used when the printer controller sends a serial command to the engine controller and when the engine controller returns a serial status to the printer controller. The / CCLK signal 212 is output from the printer controller. You. / CBSY
The signal 213 is output by the printer controller in the / CM
This signal indicates to the engine control unit that the serial command is transmitted using the D signal. / CMD signal 214
Is a signal used when the printer controller transmits serial information to the engine control unit, and the serial information is referred to as a command.

The / SBSY 215 signal is a signal indicating to the printer controller that the engine control unit has returned a serial status using the / STS signal. /
The STS signal 216 is a signal used when the engine control unit returns serial information to the printer controller, and the serial information is called a status. The / CCRT signal 217 is a signal for reporting to the printer controller when the status inside the printer has changed. When the printer controller receives this report signal, it issues a command inquiring about what has changed in the state of the engine using the / CMD signal 214, and the engine controller responds to the / STS signal 21.
At 6 the status is reported.

Next, a printer controlled by the engine control unit will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 401 denotes a scanner, which receives an image signal /
After receiving the VDO and converting it into a laser beam, the photoconductor 402
To form an image on the photoconductor 402. Photoconductor 40
2 reaches the color developing unit 403 and the black developing unit 404 while rotating counterclockwise. Color developing device 403, black developing device 40
Reference numeral 4 functions to deposit (develop) the toner on the photoconductor 402 in accordance with the electric charge charged on the photoconductor 402.
When the image is black and white, only the black developing device 404 operates, and when the image is color, both the color developing device 403 and the black developing device 404 are used. The image generated on the photoconductor 402 is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 405 rotating clockwise. The intermediate transfer body 405 rotates once in the case of black and white,
In the case of color, the image is generated by rotating the intermediate transfer member 405 four times.
Complete on.

On the other hand, the pickup roller 411 or 41 from the upper cassette 408 or the lower cassette 409.
The recording paper fed in 2 is fed to the feed rollers 413 or 41
4 and is further conveyed by a conveying roller 415 to a position before the registration. The recording paper is the same as the intermediate transfer member 405 described above.
At the timing when the image formation ends, the timing is controlled so as to be between the intermediate transfer body 405 and the transfer belt 406. When the recording paper reaches between the intermediate transfer body 405 and the transfer belt 406, the transfer belt 406 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer body 405, and the toner is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper by heat and pressure by a fixing roller 407. The recording paper on which the image has been fixed
The sheet is conveyed to one of the face-up discharge port 417 and the face-down discharge port 418 specified in advance by the printer controller, and is discharged. As described above, the image information sent from the printer controller can be output.

Next, FIG. 5 shows timings of signals exchanged between the video I / Fs. This is the video I
The signal description of / F is shown over time.
First, when the preparation of the image information of the printer controller is completed, the / PRNT signal is set to Low (true) and transmitted to the engine control unit. At the same time, an image synchronizing signal / VCLK signal used for transferring the image signal is also generated. In response, the engine control unit performs various settings inside the printer, and when the image can be received, the / T
An OP signal and a / LSYNC signal are output to the printer controller. In accordance with the vertical synchronizing signal / TOP and the horizontal synchronizing signal / LSYNC, the printer controller transfers the image signal / VDO and the image valid signal / VDOEN to the engine control unit.

Next, what commands and status are exchanged by serial communication during these printing operations will be described. FIG. 6 shows the timing of communication between the print and the engine control unit. First, a case where the lowermost / CCRT signal is not used will be described. When the printer controller wants to issue a command to the engine control unit, the / CBSY signal is set to Low.
(True) and in synchronization with the clock signal / CCLK /
Sends command data to the CMD signal. After confirming that the / CBSY signal is High (false), the engine control unit that has received the signal sets the / SBSY signal to Low (true) and generates the engine-side status data corresponding to the command from the printer controller. / CCLK
Send to / STS in synchronization with signal. This status data is received by the printer controller, and print control is executed or interrupted depending on the status.

Next, the / CCRT signal will be described.
This signal is Low (true) when a change has occurred to the state of the engine specified by the printer controller in advance.
This is the signal. For example, if no paper occurs /
It is assumed that the printer controller has set in advance / CMD so that the CCRT signal is made valid. Therefore, it is assumed that there is only one remaining recording sheet, and the printer controller issues a printout request for two sheets. For the first sheet, the print sequence operation is normally processed without any problem. However, 2
Since the second recording sheet does not exist, at the stage when the second image formation is started, the printer engine detects a change in the state and changes the / CCRT signal from High to Low.

This signal is transmitted to the printer controller. Upon detecting this, the printer controller issues a command requesting a paper feed unit paper presence status to the engine control unit immediately to know which paper feed cassette is out of paper. Accordingly, the engine control unit returns the status of the paperless cassette to the printer controller. The / CCRT signal becomes Hi at the timing when the status is returned and the / SBSY signal becomes Low.
gh is cleared.

Now, the exchange of commands / status between the printer controller and the engine control unit will be described more specifically, and the printing operation will be described. This assumes color output. When a print start request is issued, the printer controller checks the ready state of the printer with respect to the engine control unit while performing image data conversion processing. Next, a command for designating the paper feed stage of the recording paper is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit returns a corresponding status. Next, the discharge port is determined by a command for specifying the discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many page images are formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for specifying monochrome / color, all settings on the printer side are completed.

Thereafter, the printer controller generates a print request / PRNT signal to the engine control unit. In response to this, the engine control unit returns a / TOP signal for a predetermined time. The image is transferred to the engine control unit by synchronizing the vertical scanning direction with the / TOP signal and further synchronizing the horizontal scanning direction with the / LSYNC signal so that the / VDO signal is synchronized with the / VCLK signal. here,
Since the color mode is set, the / TOP signal is generated four times, and C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow),
An image for four K (black) colors is formed.

After the last / TOP signal is generated,
Return the PRNT signal to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit detects that the print request has been completed, and
The process proceeds to a post-process such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer member. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller and is discharged to a designated discharge port. Finally, the printer controller confirms that the recording paper is not being conveyed (discharge completion) to the engine control unit, and then the printing is completed, and waits in a ready state until the next print request is generated.

During the operation as described above, recording paper jams,
When an illegal state such as the absence of the recording paper or the door opening by the user occurs, the engine controller immediately notifies the printer controller of the abnormality of the printer by using the / CCRT signal. The printer controller performs corresponding processing accordingly. The above is the processing performed between the printer controller and the printer (engine control unit).

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus without a reader mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described electrical configuration. An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus main body 106 including an image forming unit 107, an option controller 108, a DC controller 109, a reader controller 110, and a printer controller (PDL controller) 111; Deck 112
And a sorter 113. In the figure, reference numeral 114 denotes a host computer. In FIG. 20, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in FIG.

The configuration of each unit will be described. The image forming unit 107 forms an image on recording paper. The option controller 108 controls the sheet cassette deck 112 and the sorter 113. The DC controller 109 controls paper conveyance and image formation in the image forming apparatus main body 101. Printer controller (PDL controller)
111 performs the control as described above. The paper cassette deck 112 and the sorter 113 are provided in the image forming apparatus main body 106.
It is configured so that it can be added to the option. The host computer 114 is connected to a printer controller (PDL controller) 111 of the image forming apparatus main body 106 one-to-one or via a network.

[Configuration when Reader Controller is Attached] FIG. 8 shows the image forming apparatus described above in which not only the image data output from the printer controller based on the data transferred from the host computer but also the paper FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal structure when a reader controller that optically reads an original image, converts the image into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal is mounted. Reference numeral 801 denotes a document feeder for transporting a document to a portion for optically reading the document; 802, an optical reading device; 803, an image forming apparatus main body; 804, a photoelectric conversion unit; Document feeder 8
01 is driven in synchronization with the optical reading device 802, and when the original is transferred onto the original platen glass 803 by the original feeding device 801, the optical reading device 802 scans an image while moving in the left and right direction in the drawing. The reflected light subjected to appropriate optical processing is sent to the photoelectric conversion unit 804.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the connection between the printer controller and the engine control unit shown in FIG. 2 and shows the contents of the present invention showing the electrical connection when a reader controller for reading a document image is provided. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram best represented. This configuration includes an engine control unit 109, a reader controller 110, a printer controller 111, an image signal processing unit 902, a document scanning optical system control unit 903, a document feed control unit 904, an operation unit 905, and an image input unit 906. Has become.

The configuration of each of the above components will be described. The reader controller 110 is disposed at an electrical intermediate point between the printer controller 111 and the engine control unit 109 in FIG. The signal lines between the printer controller 111 and the reader controller 110 and between the engine control unit 109 and the reader controller 110 have the same functions as the signal lines shown in FIG. However, signals between the printer controller 111 and the reader controller 110, the engine controller 109 and the reader controller 1
Since the signals are physically different from the signals between the ten signals, the former is distinguished by adding C to the former and the latter to P.

The image signal processing section 902 is provided inside the reader controller 110 and performs image signal processing. An original scanning optical system control unit 903 controls the optical reading device 802 shown in FIG. Document feed control unit 904
Controls the document feeder 801 shown in FIG. The operation unit 905 includes various keys such as a copy start key.
The image input unit 906 inputs the image signal photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 804 in FIG. 8 and transfers the image signal to the image signal processing unit 902 inside the reader controller 110.

Next, the internal structure of the reader controller 110 is shown in FIG. The reader controller 110
The image signal processing unit 902 and the selector 21 shown in FIG.
01, serial communication controllers 2102, 2105,
The configuration includes input / output ports 2103 and 2106, an interrupt controller 2104, gates 2107A and 2107B, a control circuit 2108, and a CPU 2109.
In the figure, reference numeral 906 denotes the image input unit shown in FIG.

The structure of the main part will be described.
101 selects either an output of the image signal processing unit 902 or a signal sent from the printer controller 111 and outputs the selected signal to the engine control unit 109. Selector 2
The signal system switched at 101 is the image clock / VCL
K, image enable / VDOEN, image data / VDO
It is three. The serial communication controller 2102
The communication with the engine control unit 109 is performed. I / O port 2
103 exchanges signals that supplement the communication in the serial communication controller 2102. Interrupt controller 2
An image leading end request signal / TOP and a printer state change signal / PCCRT are input to 104. The serial communication controller 2105 is a printer controller 111
Communication with the

The input / output port 2106 exchanges signals for supplementing communication in the serial communication controller 2105. Gates 2107A and 2107B control whether or not a signal sent from the printer is sent to the printer controller 111. The gate control is performed because
Image top request signal / TOP and line synchronization signal / LSYN
C. The control circuit 2108 has a gate function and a flag setting function, and controls the printer state change signal / CCRT. By opening and closing the gate, the engine control unit 109
By controlling whether or not the printer status change signal / PCCRT issued by the printer controller 111 is transmitted to the printer controller 111, and by setting a flag, the reader controller 110 can issue the printer status change signal / CCRT to the printer controller 111. CPU 21
09 controls the entire reader controller.

[Operation at Copying] A method for reading a full-color original image using these and outputting the image from the image forming apparatus will be described. When a copy start key (not shown) arranged on the operation unit 905 of the image forming apparatus is pressed, the reader controller 110 switches the gates 2107A and 2107B and the control circuit 2108 for the copy mode.
Is closed, and the selector 2101 is set so that the output of the image signal processing unit 902 is selected. Next, the engine control unit 1 is
In step 09, the ready state signal / PRDY of the image forming apparatus (printer) is checked.

Next, various settings are made using the serial communication copy 2102. First, a command for designating a paper feed stage for recording paper is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. The engine control unit 109 returns a status corresponding to the series of commands. Next, the discharge port is determined by a command for specifying the discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many page images are formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command to specify monochrome / color,
All the settings on the image forming apparatus (printer) side are completed.

When a document is fed onto the document table by the document feeder 801, the reader controller 110 generates a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 109. In response to this, a / PTOP signal is returned from the engine control unit 109 after a predetermined time from the control unit 109. This is processed by the interrupt controller 2104, and the optical reading device 802 is operated so as to be synchronized with the / TOP signal. The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the / TOP signal, the horizontal direction is further synchronized with the / PLSYNC signal, the / PVDO signal is synchronized with the / PVCLK signal, and the signal is input from the photoelectric conversion unit 804 to the image signal processing unit 902. The signal is transferred to engine control unit 109. Here, since the color mode is set, the optical reading device 802 is operated four times, and an image corresponding to four colors of CMYK is formed for the / PTOP signal generated four times.

After the last / PTOP signal is generated,
Return the / PPRNT signal to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit 109 detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as an intermediate transfer body cleaning operation. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller and is discharged to a designated discharge port. Finally, the reader controller 110 confirms to the engine control unit 109 that the recording sheet is not in the transporting state (end of paper discharge),
Printing ends, and the printer waits in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

[Operation at the Time of Printing] A method for outputting an image from the printer controller 111 from the image forming apparatus by using these will be described. When the copy operation is completed, the reader controller 110 enters a ready state. At this time, the reader controller 110 releases the gate functions of the gate 2107 and the control circuit 2108 for the printing operation. The reader controller 110 checks the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer to the engine control unit 109 using the input / output port 2103, and
If it is K, the printer ready state signal / CR is sent to the printer
Set DY.

Next, the printer controller 111 performs communication for performing various settings, and the reader controller 11
0 is received by the serial communication controller 2105 and interpreted by the CPU 2109. According to its contents,
This time, the reader controller 110 performs various settings using the serial communication controller 2102. In response to a series of commands, the engine control unit 109 returns a corresponding status to the reader controller 110, and the reader controller 110 receives the status using the serial communication controller 2102. The received content is interpreted by the CPU 2109, and this time, the serial communication controller 2105 is used to communicate with the printer controller 111.

Next, the printer controller 111 sends a print request / CPR to the reader controller 110.
An NT signal is generated, and the reader controller 110 receives the signal and sends a print request / PP to the engine control unit 109.
Generate an RNT signal. In response to this, the engine control unit 109 returns a / PTOP signal after a predetermined time. This is passed by the gate function of the control circuit 2108, and / C
It is returned to the reader controller 110 as a TOP signal. The reader controller 110 synchronizes the vertical scanning direction with the / CTOP signal, further synchronizes the / PLSYNC signal through the control circuit 2108 with the / CLSYNC signal in the horizontal scanning direction, and synchronizes the / CVDO signal with the / CVCLK signal. , To the reader controller 110.
In the reader controller 110, the selector 210
1 is set to select the signal sent from the printer controller 111, and the signals sent from the printer controller 111 are / PVCLK, / PV
It is transmitted to the engine control unit 109 as DOEN, / PVDO.

[Difference Between Printing Operation and Copying Operation] Here, the difference between the printing operation and the copying operation will be described with respect to the image transmission timing. Although a detailed description of the configuration of the printer controller 111 is omitted, an image memory is provided therein, and image data to be printed is prepared in advance there. Therefore, the time required for outputting the print data / VDO in response to the image leading end request signal / TOP signal sent from the engine control unit 109 is only the electrical delay time.

On the other hand, in the copy mode,
The original is read while moving the optical reading device 802, and image data is output. As shown in FIG. 23, from when the optical reading device 802 is stopped to when it is moving at a high speed for reading a document,
It takes time to accelerate, for example, several hundred
It takes about ms. Therefore, the engine control unit 10
9 is that when the image leading end request signal / TOP signal in the copy mode is sent at the same timing as the signal in the print mode, the print image data / VDO arrives at the engine several hundred ms in the copy mode. You will be late. There are the following two plans to address this.

1. 1. Send / TOP at the time of copying earlier than at the time of printing. Providing Separate Signal (RSTART) for Copy Mode In order to carry out the above-mentioned one proposal, the configuration of the reader controller 110 may be the same as that shown in FIG.
Start the movement of 2. In order to carry out the above two proposals,
The configuration shown in FIG. That is, the engine control unit 10
9 is a signal required only when the printer controller 111 performs printing, and need not be input to the interrupt controller 2104 of the reader controller 110. The optical reading device movement start request signal / RSTART sent from the engine control unit 109 is a signal required only in the copy mode, and need not be sent to the printer controller 111.

[Control for Setting Command] Next, the characteristic control of the present invention will be described. Since the reader controller 110 is connected between the printer controller 111 and the engine control unit 109, communication between the printer controller 111 and the engine control unit 109 is as follows. The reader controller 110 is the engine control unit 1
A case where a document image is read and output using the image processing apparatus 09 (copier mode), and a setting command, for example, a paper cassette change command is issued from the printer controller 111 to the printer will be described.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a command issuing sequence in the case where the printer controller 111 does not enter between them, that is, in the configuration of FIG. FIG. 10 shows a processing sequence in the printer controller 111.
Is a processing sequence in the engine control unit 109.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the printer controller 111 issues a paper cassette change command (step S1001), waits for a response from the engine control unit 109 (step S1002). A determination is made (step S1003), and the series of command issuing sequences ends. When receiving the command from the printer controller 111 (step S1101), the engine control unit 109 determines the content of the command. In the case of the paper cassette change command, when the change is successful (step S1102), the engine controller 109 sends the command to the printer controller 111. A command execution success is notified (step S1103).

On the other hand, FIGS. 12 and 13 show the control flow of the reader controller 110 in the case where the reader controller 110 is interposed, that is, in the configuration of FIG. Note that the printer controller 111 and the engine control unit 109 perform exactly the same control as described above with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 shows reception of commands from the printer controller 111 and the printer controller 1.
11 is a flowchart of a control for returning a status to S11.

In FIG. 13, the reader controller 11
0, the command is received by the serial communication controller 2105 from the printer controller 111 through the / CCMD signal line shown in FIG. 9 (step S130).
1) The current command is used as is in the engine control unit 10
Then, it is determined whether or not it is in a state in which it can be issued to the user No. 9 (step S1302). For example, if there is no command currently being executed to the engine control unit 109 in order for the reader controller 110 to perform the copy mode operation, the same command as the command sent from the printer controller 111 first is used. , Signal line / PCMD using serial communication controller 2102 to engine control unit 109
(Step S1303). Thereafter, when a response is received from the engine control unit 109 (step S
If the command execution is successful (YES in step S1305), the command execution success is notified to the printer controller 111 (step S13).
06), if a response is received from the engine control unit 109 (YES in step S1304), and if the command execution fails (NO in step S1305), processing is performed as an error occurrence state (step S1307).

On the other hand, a paper cassette change command sent from the printer controller 111 is sent to the engine control unit 109 as it is, for example, when the reader controller 110 specifies a paper cassette and performs a copying operation. If the copy operation is not normally executed if issued, the command is not issued to the engine control unit 109 and the printer controller 111 is issued.
The commands to be issued to the engine control unit 109 are stored in an engine command queue that stores the commands in the order of issue (step S1308). Since a response to the command must be returned to the printer controller 111,
The command is successfully returned from the reader controller 110 to the printer controller 111 via the / CSTS signal line using the serial communication controller 2105 as a pseudo command (step S1306).

Next, referring to FIG. 12, the reader controller 110 receives a command received from the printer controller 111 without affecting its own state, and
9 will be described. If such a state occurs (step S120)
1 and YES), the reader controller 110 sends the serial communication controller 210
2, the command stored in the engine command queue is issued via the signal line / PCMD and a response is waited (step S1202). The command issued by the reader controller 110 itself is also transmitted to the engine control unit 109 via the / PCMD signal line. When the command execution is completed from the engine control unit 109,
Reader controller 110 via PSTS signal line
Is returned (YES in step S1203).
If the command execution is successful (step S1204)
YES), this command is deleted from the engine command queue (step S1205). If it is determined at this point that the engine has failed in executing the command (NO in step S1204), the command is processed as an error occurrence state (step S1206).

As described above, the reader controller 1
Even when the printer controller 1 has
When issuing a normal command from the engine control unit 109 to the engine control unit 109, the command processing sequence can be performed without causing inconsistency in the operation.

[Control for State Change Signal] Next, in a configuration in which the reader controller 110 is interposed, the state change on the engine side, for example, a state where some error has occurred is detected by using the / PCCRT.
The processing when the information is transmitted from the ninth side to the reader controller 110 will be described. In the case of a configuration in which the reader controller 110 is interposed, there is a possibility that the reader controller 110 side and the printer controller 111 side have different changes in a desired state. For example, this is a case where a state change occurs such that the paper being transported is jammed.

If a jam occurs while the engine is performing a copying operation under the control of the printer controller 111, this state is a state that only the reader controller 110 wants to know. Since the printer controller 111 is not in the process of outputting a jam while itself, the printer controller 111 cannot execute appropriate post-processing even if notified of this state. In addition, if a control system equivalent to the reader controller 110 is to be mounted, the two systems will have the same jam processing control software as the other controller. A lot of waste will occur on the capacity of the wear.

Therefore, it is basically necessary to notify the printer controller 111 in the print mode and notify the reader controller 110 in the copy mode. However, even in the copy mode, the printer controller 111 may want an engine state change signal. For example, it is necessary to notify the printer controller 111 of information such as a change in the cassette size and the absence of paper. These do not strictly question the time from when the state change signal is issued by the engine control unit 109 to when the processing is performed by each controller.

Therefore, the following processing is performed. That is, in the copy mode in which the reader controller 110 controls the engine control unit 109, the engine control unit 1 is controlled using the gate function of the control circuit 2108.
09 is masked for the printer controller 111 from the status change signal / PCCRT notified from the
4. The reader controller 110 is shown in FIG.
Processing is performed according to the control flow of FIGS.

That is, when the / PCCRT signal becomes true (YES in step S1401), reader controller 110 issues a command to acquire a state change to engine control unit 109 (step S1402). After that, the status of the engine is checked by checking the returned status (step S1403, step S1403).
1404). Then, it is determined whether the content is a content to be notified also to the printer controller 111 (step S1405). For example, a state change such as a change in the size of the sheet cassette is notified. If it is determined to notify, a flag is set using the control circuit 2108,
A state change signal / CCCRT is generated and notified to the printer controller 111.

That is, in the processing after step S1405, / CCCRT is set to "true" (step S14).
08) If there is a status change inquiry from the printer controller 111 (YES in step S1409)
S), after returning the status change received from the engine control unit 109 as a status (step S1410),
/ CCCRT is set to “false” (step S141)
1), end (step S1412). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1405 that the printer controller 111 is not notified, the reader controller 110
Processing for the state change is performed internally (step S140)
6), and end (step S1407).

[Control for Execution Command] Next, control of the execution command will be described. For example, how the reader controller 110 controls when the printer controller 111 and the reader controller 110 simultaneously issue a use request to the engine control unit 109 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the location of data and the exchange when a print request is issued during a copy operation. At this time, the engine control unit 1
09 receives the image signal / PVDO sent from the reader controller 110 and forms an image.

As described in FIG. 7, the operation of the reader controller 110 and the engine controller 10 is performed by setting the paper cassette, the paper outlet, and the image forming mode.
9 has already been set by serial communication. 1701 in the figure
Is a buffer for various setting values, and the reader controller 1
10 stores the value set in the engine control unit 109 by itself and the value set in the engine control unit 109 by the printer controller 111. Among the various setting values shown in the buffer 1701, the above-mentioned designated value is stored in the setting value for the reader.

Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 111 during a copy operation, it is difficult to think that the printout is performed by interrupting the copy operation from the viewpoint of usability. Therefore, the print request in this situation is postponed until the copy operation is completed. However, the printer controller 1
/ CSTS must be returned for / CCMD from 11. Therefore, among the set values of the buffer 1701, only the set value from the printer is set as the set value for PDL.
Set as required. Reader settings and PDL
If the setting values for the printers are different, the settings may be performed from the reader controller 110 to the engine control unit 109 after the copying operation is completed and before the printer operation is started. The following is a description of a specific example.

At present, the copying operation is in progress, the paper is fed from the upper cassette, and the paper is discharged to the face-up discharge port. The image forming mode is set to the color mode based on the determination that the original is color. Suppose that Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 111, the print execution itself is postponed, but various settings can be made. Here, it is assumed that the print request is a request to feed paper from the upper color, discharge it to the face-down discharge port, and further output a monochrome image. Regarding the sheet cassette designation, both the reader controller 110 and the printer controller 111 designate the upper cassette.

Therefore, it is not necessary to issue the paper feed cassette designation command to the engine control unit 109 even when the copy operation is completed and the operation is switched to the print operation.
As for the discharge port and the image forming mode, the designation is different between the copy operation and the print operation. Therefore, when the copy operation is completed, the reader controller 110 sends a new instruction to the engine control unit 109 to specify the discharge port and the image forming mode. You need to issue a command.

As described above, the reader controller 110
Does not judge that the command from the printer controller 111 is only postponed to the engine control unit 109, but that the reader controller 110 has already set the command to the engine control unit 109. Is determined such that duplicate settings are not made.

Next, a case where a copy request occurs during a printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, contrary to the case of FIG. 17, from the viewpoint of usability, it is better to be able to execute the copy operation in an interrupted manner than to be able to copy during the print operation even if the user presses the copy button in front of the copy machine. Good.

In the case of FIG. 18, the printer controller 11
1 is selected by the selector 2101 and sent to the engine control unit 109 as / PVDO. It is assumed that the settings are exactly the same as those described with reference to FIG. 17, and the settings from the printer controller 111 are the upper cassette, the face-down discharge port, and the monochrome image mode. Since the engine control unit 109 can detect the end only when the / PPRNT signal from the printer controller 111 becomes High (false), it does not know how many sheets are to be printed out. Here, it is assumed that the printer is going to print out four images. If the copy operation request is not made by interruption from the reader controller 110, four / PTOP signals are generated from the engine control unit 109 as in the image timing as shown in FIG. It is sent to the engine control unit 109 via the controller 110.

Therefore, it is assumed that an interrupt copy request for copying one color document has been issued to the reader controller 110 during two printouts. This will be described with reference to FIG. In response to a / CPRNT request from the printer controller 111, the reader controller 110
Issues a / PPRNT request to the engine control unit 109, and the / PTOP signal is supplied from the engine control unit 109 to the printer controller 111 via the reader controller 110 as a / CTOP signal. In this way, the printing operation of the first image shown by 1901 and the printing operation of the second image shown by 1902 are executed.

Here, a case will be described in which the reader controller 110 generates an interrupt copy request during the second printout operation. Reader controller 110
Is / CCCRT to the printer controller 111
Generate a signal. This does not mean that the state of the engine has actually changed, but the reader controller 110 requests the printer controller 111 to open the engine in order to acquire the printer engine. The generation method uses the control circuit 2108 as described above. This / CCC
In response to the RT signal, the printer controller 111 issues a command for checking the status status of the engine, and the reader controller 110 returns a status of “copying” to the printer controller 111 in response thereto.

Accordingly, the printer controller 111
Detects that the engine is performing a copy operation while keeping the / CPRNT signal Low (true),
Continue waiting for the CTOP signal to come. If not in a copy state, / CPRNT remains Low (true) / CTO
If P does not come, a timeout error occurs after a certain period of time.
On the 11th side, the time-out is released, and the setting is made to wait forever for the / CTOP signal. This time, the engine control unit 1
The / PTOP signal sent from the communication controller 09 is for performing a copy operation.
Use the PTOP signal. Also, as indicated by reference numeral 1905 in the figure, the / PTOP signal sent from the engine side is masked to the printer controller 111. The image signal actually generated by the reader controller 110 is only the image signal 1906.

Then, after one interrupt copy is completed, the mask of the / PTOP signal is removed again and transmitted as / CTOP to the printer controller 111, whereby the images 1903 and 1904 from the printer controller 111 are sent to the engine control unit 109. Can be printed out. As described above, the interrupt copy operation during the print operation can be realized.

As described above, the printer controller 111
The reader controller 110 determines and controls who acquires the printer engine and at what timing the command is issued, depending on the status of the printer controller and the status of the reader controller 110. Requests from the two controllers can be realized.

[Control for Setting Content Confirmation Command] Next, control when the printer controller 111 issues a setting content confirmation command will be described. When the printer controller 111 wants to confirm the state set in the engine control unit 109, the printer controller 111 issues a setting content confirmation command to / CCMD.
Issued through The reader controller 110 which has received it checks the setting value storage buffer 1701 in FIG. 17 described above, and if the content to be confirmed by the printer controller 111 is in the buffer 1701, the content is read out, and the printer controller 111 is read through / CSTS. Notify.

If the content does not exist in the buffer 1701, the reader controller 110 issues a setting content confirmation command through / PCMD. Engine control unit 10
9 reads the contents and notifies the reader controller 110 of the setting contents via / PSTS, and the reader controller 110 notifies the printer controller 111 of the contents via / CSTS.

[Characteristics of Embodiment of the Present Invention] The characteristic contents of the present invention will be described based on the above description. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to change the copy start instruction method depending on the type of the document to be copied. For a normal document, the copy start is performed by the operation unit 90.
5 is performed by pressing the copy start key.
On the other hand, as in the case of a bound original such as a book,
In the case of an original that cannot be used, the copy is started when the original is placed on the original platen and the pressure plate is lowered to a certain position. The following flowcharts shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 are executed by the reader controller 110 shown in FIG.

The flow for judging the start of copying by the pressure plate will be described with reference to FIG. The user can set so as to always start copying using the pressure plate by using the user setting of the image forming apparatus (copier). When this is not performed, the copy start using the pressure plate is performed by automatic discrimination. The following two algorithms are used for automatic discrimination. First, a copy start using a pressure plate is enabled in a specific copy mode such as a book mode. The second is that the original feeder 801 is not used regardless of the mode, and when copying is performed, it is possible to start copying using a pressure plate.

That is, in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not there is a user setting (step S2401). If there is a user setting, copy start using the pressure plate is permitted (step S2402). If there is no user setting, it is determined whether to use the document feeder 801 (step S240).
3), it is always determined whether or not the copy is started by the pressure plate (step S2405), and whether or not a specific mode such as a book mode is performed (step S2406).
In the case of YES in 2403 and in the case of NO in step S2406, copy start using the pressure plate is not permitted (step S2407).

Next, an operation flow at the time of copy start using the pressure plate will be described with reference to FIG. At the start of the operation (step S2501), it is first determined whether or not copying is currently being performed (step S2502). If copying is in progress, wait until copying is completed. Next, it is determined whether the pressure plate is open (step S2503). If the platen is not open, wait until the platen opens. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the next copy from starting after the copy is completed. When the pressure plate is opened, it is next determined whether or not the pressure plate is closed (step S2504), and the process waits until the pressure plate is closed. Next, document detection is performed at the timing when the pressure plate is opened (step S2505). This is the same as that performed in a normal copying operation. When the document is detected and the document is placed on the document table, copying is started (step S2506). When the document is not placed on the platen, the process returns to the start state. After the copy is started, the process returns to the start state and prepares for the next copy operation.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pressure plate open / close detection means 123 for detecting the opening / closing of the pressure plate, and the document detection means for detecting the presence / absence of a document on the document table It is determined whether the copy using the document feeder 122 and the copy using the document feeder 121, the copy start using the pressure plate, or the specific copy mode for copying the bound document such as a book is set. When the start or a specific copy mode is set and the press platen is closed and there is an original on the platen 102, the reader controller 110 that permits the copy start by the press platen has the following effects.

With the above configuration, even if the original cannot be fed by the original feeding unit 121, the copying operation is started when the original is placed on the original platen and the pressure plate is closed, so that the copying operation can be performed continuously. Since it is not necessary to reach the copy start key of the operation unit 905, the copy interval is shortened, and the entire copy time can be reduced. In addition, this reduces the number of user operations, which reduces the load on the user and is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing the reading.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and CD.
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instructions of the program codes. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0102]

As described above, according to the image copying apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image copying apparatus capable of performing copying by a document feeding unit or copying by a pressure plate. Copy determination means for determining whether copying using means, copy start by the pressure plate, or a specific copy mode is set, and when copy start by the pressure plate or the specific copy mode is set And the copy control means for permitting the start of copying by the pressure plate when there is a document on the platen with the pressure plate closed, has the following effects. Even for documents that cannot be fed by the document feeder, the copy operation starts when the document is placed on the platen and the pressure plate is closed. Since it is not necessary to extend, the copying interval is shortened, and the entire copying time can be shortened. In addition, this reduces the number of user operations, which reduces the load on the user and is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

According to the image copying apparatus of the present invention, a pressure plate opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the pressure plate;
Since the apparatus has the document detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a document on the document table, the following effects are obtained. In the same manner as above, even for a document that cannot be fed by the document feeder, the copy operation is started when the document is placed on the platen and the pressure plate is closed, so that the copy of the operation unit can be performed even when copying continuously. Since it is not necessary to reach the start key, the copying interval is shortened, and the entire copying time can be reduced. In addition, this reduces the number of user operations, which reduces the load on the user and is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

According to the image copying apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, since the specific copying mode is a mode for copying a bound original such as a book, the following effects are obtained. In the same manner as above, even for a document that cannot be fed by the document feeder, the copy operation is started when the document is placed on the platen and the pressure plate is closed, so that the copy of the operation unit can be performed even when copying continuously. Since it is not necessary to reach the start key, the copying interval is shortened, and the entire copying time can be reduced. In addition, this reduces the number of user operations, which reduces the load on the user and is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

According to the image copying apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to always set the start of copying using the pressure plate, so that the following effects can be obtained. In the same manner as above, even for a document that cannot be fed by the document feeder, the copy operation is started when the document is placed on the platen and the pressure plate is closed, so that the copy of the operation unit can be performed even when copying continuously. Since it is not necessary to reach the start key, the copying interval is shortened, and the entire copying time can be reduced. In addition, this reduces the number of user operations, which reduces the load on the user and is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

According to the image copying apparatus of the present invention, in the case of copying using the document feeding means, the copying control means does not permit the start of copying by the pressure plate. It has the following effects. In addition to providing the same effects as above, in the case of copying using the document feeding means, by not permitting the start of copying with the press platen, copying by the press plate
It is possible to cope with each copy by the document feeding means, and to improve the usability of the image copying apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image copying control method applied to an image copying apparatus capable of performing copying by a document feeding means or copying by a pressure plate. A copy determining step of determining whether copy using a feeding unit, start of copying by the pressure plate, or a specific copy mode is set; and start of copy by the pressure plate or the specific copy mode. A copy control step of permitting the start of copying by the pressure plate when the pressure plate is closed and there is a document on the platen. Even for documents that cannot be fed by the document feeder, the copy operation starts when the document is placed on the platen and the pressure plate is closed. Since it is not necessary to extend, the copying interval is shortened, and the entire copying time can be shortened. In addition, this reduces the number of user operations, which reduces the load on the user and is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

According to the image copying control method of the present invention, since there is provided a press platen open / close detecting step for detecting the open / close state of the press platen and a document detecting step for detecting the presence / absence of a document on the platen. The following effects are obtained. As described above, even for documents that cannot be fed by the document feeding means,
By starting the copying operation when the original is placed on the platen and the platen is closed, the copying interval can be shortened because it is not necessary to reach the copy start key of the operation unit even when copying continuously. , The overall copying time can be reduced. In addition, this reduces the number of user operations, which reduces the load on the user and is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

According to the image copy control method of the present invention, since the specific copy mode is a mode for copying a bound original such as a book, the following effects are obtained. In the same manner as above, even for a document that cannot be fed by the document feeder, the copy operation is started when the document is placed on the platen and the pressure plate is closed, so that the copy of the operation unit can be performed even when copying continuously. Since it is not necessary to reach the start key, the copying interval is shortened, and the entire copying time can be reduced. In addition, this reduces the number of user operations, which reduces the load on the user and is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

According to the image copy control method of the ninth aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to always set the start of the copy using the pressure plate, the following effects are obtained. In the same manner as above, even for a document that cannot be fed by the document feeder, the copy operation is started when the document is placed on the platen and the pressure plate is closed, so that the copy of the operation unit can be performed even when copying continuously. Since it is not necessary to reach the start key, the copying interval is shortened, and the entire copying time can be reduced. Also,
As a result, the number of user operations is reduced, the load on the user is reduced, and this is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

According to the image copy control method of the present invention, in the copy control step, in the case of copying using the original feeding means, the start of copying by the pressure plate is not permitted. The effect is as follows. In addition to the same effects as described above, in the case of copying using the document feeding means, by not permitting the start of copying by the pressure plate, it is possible to cope with copying by the pressure plate and copying by the document feeding means. There are effects such as improvement in usability of the device.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, a program for executing an image copying control method applied to an image copying apparatus capable of copying using a document feeding means or copying using a pressure plate is provided. A computer-readable storage medium storing the image copy control method,
A copy determining step of determining whether copying using the original feeding means or copying by the press plate is set or a specific copy mode is set; and starting copying by the press plate or the specific copy mode is set. And a copy control step of permitting the start of copying by the pressure plate when the pressure plate is closed and there is a document on the platen. Therefore, the following effects are obtained. Even for documents that cannot be fed by the document feeder, the copy operation starts when the document is placed on the platen and the pressure plate is closed. Since it is not necessary to extend, the copying interval is shortened, and the entire copying time can be shortened. This also gives
Since the number of user operations is reduced, the load on the user is reduced, which is effective from the viewpoint of usability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus when a reader according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a connection state between a printer controller and an engine control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of video I / F signals according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration inside the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart of an image signal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart of serial communication according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing communication during a print operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus provided with the reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a connection state of a printer controller, a reader controller, and an engine control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence when the reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention is not mounted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence when the reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention is not mounted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence when the reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence when the reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a state change process in / CCRT when the reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a state change process in / CCRT when the reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a state change process in / CCRT when the reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating processing of a print request during a copy operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating processing of a copy request during a printing operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart at the time of interrupt copying according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus when the reader according to the embodiment of the present invention is not mounted.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration inside a reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration inside a reader controller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing a timing difference between copying and printing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a copy start determination using a pressure plate according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart at the time of starting copying using a pressure plate according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a general print system, in which (a) is a block diagram illustrating a configuration including a host computer, a printer controller, and a printer;
(B) is a block diagram showing an example of connection via a network.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are block diagrams showing a general print system, in which FIG. 27A is a block diagram showing a configuration including an image reading device, a host computer, a printer controller, and a printer, and FIG. FIG.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for realizing a general print function and a copy function.

FIG. 29 is an external view of a general reader unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 102 Document Plate 107 Image Forming Unit 110 Reader Controller 121 Document Feeding Unit 122 Document Detection Unit 123 Pressure Plate Open / Close Detection Unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image copying apparatus capable of performing copying by a document feeder or copying by a pressure plate, wherein a specific copy mode is set to whether copying using the document feeder or copying by the pressure plate is set. Copy determination means for determining whether the setting is set, and starting copying by the pressure plate or starting copying by the pressure plate when the specific copy mode is set and the pressure plate is closed and there is a document on the platen. An image copying apparatus comprising: copying control means for permitting. 2. The image copying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressure plate opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the pressure plate; and a document detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a document on a document table. 3. The image copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific copying mode is a mode for copying a bound original such as a book. 4. The image copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a setting to always start copying by a pressure plate is possible. 5. The image according to claim 1, wherein the copy control unit prohibits the start of copying by the pressure plate in the case of copying using the document feeding unit. Copying equipment. 6. An image copying control method applied to an image copying apparatus capable of copying by a document feeding means or copying by a pressure plate, wherein the copying using the document feeding means or the start of copying by the pressure plate is set. A copy determination step of determining whether a copy mode has been set or a specific copy mode has been set; and a copy start by the pressure plate or when the specific copy mode has been set and the pressure plate has been closed and there is a document on the platen. A copying control step of permitting the start of copying by the pressure plate in any case. 7. The image copy control method according to claim 6, further comprising a pressure plate open / close detection step of detecting whether the pressure plate is open or closed, and a document detection step of detecting the presence or absence of a document on a platen. 8. The image copy control method according to claim 6, wherein the specific copy mode is a mode for copying a bound original such as a book. 9. The image copying control method according to claim 6, wherein a setting for starting copying with a pressure plate is always possible. 10. The image according to claim 6, wherein in the copy control step, in the case of the copy using the document feeding means, the start of the copy using the pressure plate is not permitted. Copy control method. 11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an image copying control method applied to an image copying apparatus capable of copying using a document feeding means or copying using a pressure plate. The image copy control method includes: a copy determination step of determining whether a copy using the document feeding unit, a copy start by the press platen, or a specific copy mode is set; and a copy start by the press platen. Or a copy control step of permitting a start of copying by the pressure plate when the specific copy mode is set and the pressure plate is closed and there is a document on the platen.