JPH11355520A - Image forming device, image reader and image reading control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of suppressing the reduction of productivity of the device as a whole caused by light source stabilizing time as little as possible. SOLUTION: When a copy start key is depressed while a light source is turned off (time point 3100), after the lapse of light quantity stabilizing time T4 from /RSTART rising time 3101, shading correction, first and second scan operation are successively performed. When the second scan operation is finished, a carriage is stopped at HP (time point 3108; second horizontal line from the bottom in the figure). The light source is continuously turned on during the period for prescribed time T5 from the time point 3108. When the carriage is completely located at the HP with the next depression of copy start key (time point 3109) during such a light source ON period (time point 3112), since the light source is continuously turned on, the next copy job can be started before the /RSTART rise (time point 3110).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an input image on a transfer material, an image reading apparatus, and an image reading control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, in a copying machine for forming an input image on a transfer material, a document and a light irradiating means for irradiating the document with light from a light source are relatively moved by a driving means. And an image reading apparatus for performing a scanning operation for reading the image of the document and outputting an image of the document read by the scanning operation. During this scanning operation, it is necessary to stabilize the light amount of the light source. For example, when the light source is a fluorescent lamp, it is necessary to preheat the filament of the light source to a predetermined temperature or higher before the light source is turned on.

Specifically, when a copy operation start instruction is issued, preheating of the filament of the light source is started, and when the filament of the light source reaches a predetermined temperature, the light source is turned on. At this time, the duty of the energizing time of the lamp current is set to 100% in order to minimize the time required for the light amount of the light source to reach the predetermined amount. When the light amount of the light source reaches a predetermined amount, a scanning operation for actually reading an image of a document is started. Therefore, during the copy operation, a light source stabilization time is secured from the start of filament preheating of the light source until the light amount reaches a predetermined amount and the image can be read, and the scanning operation is started after waiting for the light source stabilization time. Will be.

[0004]

Although the above-mentioned light source stabilization time does not necessarily lower the productivity of the entire apparatus, the light source stabilization time depends on the performance of the light source and the means for driving the light source and the configuration thereof. Time may limit the productivity of the entire device and may reduce the productivity of the entire device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image reading apparatus, and an image reading control method capable of minimizing a decrease in productivity of the entire apparatus due to a light source stabilization time. is there.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Image reading means for performing a scanning operation for reading an image on the document by relatively moving the document and light irradiating means for irradiating the document with light from a light source by the driving means; In an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image of the document read by an operation on a transfer material and outputting the same, while performing control related to the scan operation according to a scan request command requesting the scan operation,
A lighting continuation control for continuing lighting of the light source of the light irradiating means for a predetermined time or more after the scanning operation is completed can be executed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the scanning operation ends when the driving unit stops.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is claim 1 or 2.
In the above-described image forming apparatus, the lighting continuation control is performed when the document is manually supplied to the image reading unit.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
In the above image forming apparatus, a setting unit for setting whether to perform the lighting continuation control is provided.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic document feeder configured to automatically feed the document to the image reading unit, wherein the automatic document feeder automatically feeds the document to the image reading unit. Automatic mode, and a manual mode for manually supplying the document to the image reading means, are configured to be selectively executable. In the manual mode, the lighting continuation control is performed, and in the automatic mode, the lighting continuation control is performed. Is canceled.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a scanning operation for reading an image on the original is performed by relatively moving the original and light irradiating means for irradiating the original with light from a light source by the driving means. In an image reading apparatus that outputs an image of the document read by a scanning operation, the image reading device controls the scanning operation according to a scan request command requesting the scanning operation, and performs the light irradiation for a predetermined time or more after the scanning operation is completed. The lighting continuation control for continuing the lighting of the light source of the means can be executed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image reading method according to the sixth aspect, the scanning operation is terminated when the driving unit stops.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 6 or 7.
In the above-described image reading apparatus, the lighting continuation control is performed when the document is manually supplied.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 6 or 7.
In the above-described image reading apparatus, a setting unit for setting whether to perform the lighting continuation control is provided.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect, an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding the original is mounted, and the original is fed by the automatic document feeder. The automatic mode for automatically feeding the document and the manual mode for manually supplying the document are configured to be selectively executable.In the manual mode, the lighting continuation control is performed, and in the automatic mode, the lighting continuation is performed. The control is released.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the scanning operation for reading the image on the original is performed by relatively moving the original and the light irradiating means for irradiating the original with light from the light source by the driving means. In an image reading control method used in an image reading apparatus that outputs an image of the document read by a scan operation, control is performed on the scan operation according to a scan request command requesting the scan operation, and the scan operation is terminated. Lighting continuation control for continuing lighting of the light source of the light irradiating means for a predetermined time or more can be executed later.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading control method according to the eleventh aspect, the scanning operation ends when the driving unit stops.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading control method according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, when the document is manually supplied, the lighting continuation control is performed.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading control method according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, setting means for setting whether to perform the lighting continuation control is provided.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading control method according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding the document is mounted. An automatic mode for automatically feeding a document and a manual mode for manually feeding the document are configured to be selectively executable, the lighting continuation control is performed in the manual mode, and the lighting is controlled in the automatic mode. The continuation control is released.

[0021]

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

(First Embodiment) In this embodiment, an image reading device (reader) and an image output device (printer) are combined to provide a combined function of a scanner function, a printer function, and a copy function. The image forming apparatus will be described.

First, a basic configuration of an image output device used in the configuration of the present combined image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a basic configuration of an image output device for constituting an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a use mode of the image forming device of FIG. is there.

As shown in FIG. 1, an image output device for constituting the present image forming apparatus executes a series of processes relating to image formation for conveying a sheet and forming an image indicated by image data on the sheet. A DC controller 2002 that drives an image forming mechanism (engine) 2003, a data processing for processing print data transferred from a host computer (referred to as a host in the drawing) 2104 to generate image data, and an operation setting for the DC controller 2002 are performed. The image data is transmitted to the DC controller 2002 at a predetermined timing, and the image data is transmitted.
A printer controller 2103 for sending a command related to the operation setting of the C controller 2002 is built in. An option controller 2006 is mounted on the main body 2001, and an optional paper feed cassette 2004 and a sorter 2005 are additionally mounted. The option controller 2006 controls the driving of the optional sheet cassette 2004 and the sorter 2005 based on a command from the printer controller 2103.

This image output device can be used as a dedicated printer of the host computer 2104 as shown in FIG. 2A, or as a shared printer in a network as shown in FIG. 2B. . Specifically, this image output device is connected to the host computer 21.
FIG. 2 (a) when used as a dedicated printer
As shown in FIG. 7, a printer controller 2103 is communicably connected to a host computer 2104, analyzes print data (bitmap data, PDL description data) supplied from the host computer 2104, and outputs image data that can be printed by the analysis. It generates (raster-format data) and sends it to the printer engine 2102, and outputs a control command related to print output by the printer engine 2102. The image data and the control command are sent to the printer engine 2102 via the video I / F 2101. Here, the printer engine 2102 is a unit including the image forming mechanism (engine) 2003, the DC controller 2002, the optional sheet cassette 2004, the sorter 2005, and the option controller 2006 shown in FIG.

The printer engine 2102 prints out the image data sent from the printer controller 2103 based on a control command from the printer controller 2103, and executes various processes executed in accordance with the printout, for example, a sheet feeding process and a printing process. Processing and paper discharge processing are performed by the DC controller 2002 and the optional controller 200.
6 is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when used as a shared printer on a network, a printer controller 2103 is communicably connected to the network 2105 and sent from the host computer on the network 2105 to the network 2105. Captured print data. The acquired print data is printed out in the same manner as when it is used as a dedicated printer described above.

Next, the above-described image forming mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming mechanism in the image output device of FIG.

The image forming mechanism forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum by scanning with a laser beam, visualizes the electrostatic latent image,
An optical processing mechanism for transferring the visible image to printing paper, a fixing processing mechanism for fixing the toner image transferred to the printing paper, a paper feeding processing mechanism, and a printing paper transport processing mechanism Have been.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser driver 401 has a laser driver that turns on and off laser light emitted from a semiconductor laser in accordance with an image signal supplied from a printer controller. The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser is swung in the main scanning direction by a polygon mirror (rotating polygon mirror). The laser light oscillated in the main scanning direction passes through the reflection mirror to the photosensitive drum
Then, the photosensitive drum 402 is exposed to light in the main scanning direction.

An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 402 by scanning exposure with laser light, and the latent image is visualized as a toner image by toner supplied from the developing units 403 and 404. The toner supplied from the developing device 403 is a toner of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), and the toner supplied from the developing device 404 is K (black). When the image to be printed is a black and white image, development processing is performed only by the developing device 403,
When the image to be printed is a color image, each developing device 40
A development process is performed by 3,404.

The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 402 is transferred to an intermediate transfer member 405 that rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum 402. When the image to be printed is a black and white image, the transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 402 onto the intermediate transfer member 405 is completed by one rotation of the intermediate transfer member 405. When the image to be printed is a color image, the intermediate transfer member 405 rotates four times, so that the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 402 to the intermediate transfer member 405.
The transfer of the toner image to the upper side is completed.

The toner image on the intermediate transfer body 405 is transferred to a printing paper fed in synchronization with the sub-scanning direction by a paper feeding mechanism. Specifically, the printing paper is the intermediate transfer body 4
Paper is fed between the transfer belt 05 and the transfer belt 406, and the transfer belt 406 conveys the printing paper in synchronization with the sub-scanning direction. During this conveyance, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 405 is transferred to printing paper. When the transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer member 405 to the printing paper is completed, the surface of the intermediate transfer member 405 is cleaned by the cleaner 402b.

The fixing processing mechanism has a fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to the printing paper by heat and pressure.
The fixing device includes a fixing roller 407a and a pressure roller 407b. The fixing roller 407a is provided with a heater for heating the toner image, and the heater is controlled by the DC controller 2002 so as to obtain a predetermined fixing temperature. The printing paper on which the image has been fixed is discharged to the outside of the fixing device by a pair of discharge rollers 407c.

The printing paper feed mechanism has upper cassettes 408 and lower cassettes 409 for accommodating the printing paper and a manual feed tray, and selects the printing paper of each cassette or the printing paper of the manual feed tray. It is configured to feed paper in a targeted manner.

Upper cassette 408 and lower cassette 4
Each cassette 09 is mounted in the printer main body. Each cassette has a size detecting mechanism for electrically detecting the size of the printing paper according to the moving position of the partition plate (not shown) and detecting the absence of the printing paper. Sensor S8-S11 (S8,
S9 is provided with an upper cassette 408, and S10 and S11 are provided with a lower cassette 409). From the upper and lower cassettes 408 and 409, the printing paper on the uppermost side is conveyed to the paper feeding roller 415 by the rotation of the pickup rollers 411 and 412 and the paper feeding rollers 413 and 414 one by one. Each pickup roller 41
Each of the pickup rollers 411 and 412 is intermittently driven to rotate by a driving unit (not shown) for each paper feed.
One print sheet is fed each time the 412 makes one rotation.

The paper feed roller 415 conveys the printing paper until its leading end reaches a position corresponding to the registration roller 420. The leading end of the printing paper is a registration roller 420
Is reached by the registration sensor S
4 is determined based on the output. Registration roller 420
Stops and cancels the feeding of the fed printing paper, and the operation of the registration roller 420 is controlled so as to synchronize with the sub-scanning of the laser beam.

On the other hand, the manual feed tray is provided in the printer main body, and the printing paper loaded on the manual feed tray by the user is fed by the paper feed roller 416 toward the registration roller 420. The detection of the printing paper fed from the manual feed tray toward the registration roller 420 is performed based on the output of the paper sensor S3.

The printing paper transport processing mechanism transfers the printing paper transported by the registration rollers 420 to the intermediate transfer member 405.
And a transfer belt 406 for transporting the print paper discharged from the fixing device to the paper discharge tray 418 (face-down tray) formed at the upper portion of the printer main body along the transport path R4. Transport rollers 421, 4
22, 423, transport rollers 423 for guiding the print paper discharged from the fixing device to a sorter 2005 (shown in FIG. 1) or a connection port 418 for a face-up tray along the transport path R3, and printing of the print paper. A reversing roller 425 for switching the surface from one surface to the other surface; and a reversing roller 425 for guiding the printing paper, the printing surface of which has been switched from one surface to the other surface, to the paper feed roller 415 again along the duplex conveyance R2. Each transport roller 426, 427 and each transport roller 42
Driving means (not shown) for driving 1,422,423,424,426,427 and reversing roller 425
And

A paper sensor S5 for detecting the presence or absence of a print sheet on the transport path R1 is provided on the transport path R1 from the intermediate transfer member 405 to the fixing device. Discharge sensor S1 for detecting discharge of print paper is provided on transport path R4.
4, a detection sensor S15 is provided at the entrance of the discharge tray 418 to detect the mounting state of the discharged print paper on the discharge tray 418. Discharge roller 4
A paper sensor S13 that detects a print sheet on which a print surface is to be switched is located in the middle of the transport path from the print sheet 07c to the reversing roller 425.
Is provided. A double-sided sensor S for detecting printing paper on the double-sided conveyance path R2 is provided on the double-sided conveyance path R2.
7 are provided.

Next, the above-described printer controller 210
3 and the DC controller 2002
The signals exchanged via the signal 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing signals exchanged between the printer controller and the DC controller in the image output device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing names and signals of signals exchanged between the printer controller and the DC controller of FIG. This is a table for displaying a list of the directions.

As shown in FIG. 3, signals exchanged between the printer controller 2103 and the DC controller 2002 include / PPRDY 203 and / CPR
DY204, / RDY205, / PRNT206, / T
OP207, / LSYNC208, / VCLK209,
/ VDOEN210, / VDO211 and / CCLK21
2, / CBSY213, / CMD214, / SBSY2
15, / STS216 and / CCRT217, and the names of these signals are as shown in FIG.

A / PPRDY 203 is a signal output after processing such as initialization after power-on is completed, and indicates that the DC controller 2002 is in a standby state in which the DC controller 2002 can communicate with the printer controller 2103. / CPRDY 204 is a signal that is output after processing such as initialization after power-on is completed.
002 indicates that communication is possible.

/ RDY 205 is the DC controller 20
02 is a signal indicating whether or not the apparatus is in a standby state in which printout is possible. This signal is “TRUE” when the state relating to each process associated with the printout satisfies a preset condition. ". For example, the state of each process associated with the print output may be such that the temperature in the fixing device has reached a predetermined temperature, the paper does not remain in the printer main body 2001, or the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed. It becomes "TRUE" when the condition is satisfied.

/ PRNT 206 is a signal for the printer controller 2103 to request the DC controller 2002 to start or continue the printing operation. / T
An OP 207 is a synchronization signal transmitted from the DC controller 2002 to the printer controller 2103 and serving as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. The synchronization signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the output of / PRNT 206. / LSYNC2
08 is the printer controller 2 which is sent from the DC controller 2002 to the printer controller 2103.
Reference numeral 103 denotes a synchronization signal used as a reference for horizontal scanning. This signal is output after a certain period of time has elapsed from the output of / PRNT 206, similarly to / TOP 207.

The / VCLK 209 is generated by the / VDOEN 210 and / V generated by the printer controller 2103.
This is a synchronous clock for the output of the DO 211, and the synchronous clock has a frequency corresponding to the image signal. / VD
OEN 210 is a signal output from printer controller 2103 for controlling the capture of image signals by DC controller 2002. / VDO211 is image data, and the image data is supplied from the printer controller 2103 to / VCLK using / TOP207 as a vertical scanning reference and / LSYNC208 as a horizontal scanning reference.
209 is output in synchronism.

A / CCLK 212 is a synchronous clock signal for synchronizing serial communication performed by the printer controller 2103 with the DC controller 2002. / CBSY 213 is a command signal / CMD
214 is the strobe signal for the output of
Reference numeral 214 denotes a command signal for the printer controller 2103 to instruct the DC controller 2002.

/ SBSY 215 is a signal for outputting / STS 216, and / STS 216 is a signal for / CMD 21.
4 is a signal output in response to No. 4 and indicating the internal status of the DC controller 2002.

/ CCRT 217 is a DC controller 2
002 is a signal for reporting a change in the internal status to the printer controller 2103 when the internal status changes. For example, the printer controller 21
03, upon receiving the / CCRT 217, issues a command inquiring about the contents of the state change of the DC controller 2002, and responds to the command to
02 notifies the printer controller 2103 of the contents of the state change using / STS215.

Next, the printer controller 2103 and D
The timing of signals exchanged with the C controller 2002 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing transmission timing of image data in the image output device of FIG. 1, and FIG.
6 is a timing chart showing the timing of serial communication in the image output device of FIG.

When the printer controller 2103 is ready to send image data, as shown in FIG.
First, / PRNT 206 of Low (TRUE) is transmitted to the DC controller 2002, and at the same time, / VCLK 209 used for transferring image data is generated.

In response to these signals, the DC controller 2002 makes various settings inside the printer, and when image data is ready to be accepted, / TOP 207, / L
The SYNC 208 is output to the printer controller 2103. The printer controller 2103 has a / TOP20
7, the / VDOEN210 and the / VDOEN210 are connected to the DC controller 2002 together with the / VDO211 based on the / LSYNC208.
Transfer to

Next, the timing of serial communication performed during the printing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a case where the signal of / CCRT217 is not used will be described. Printer controller 2103
Issues a command to the DC controller 2002, as shown in FIG.
w (TRUE) and synchronize with / CCLK212
The MD 214 is sent to the DC controller 2002. /
DC controller 2002 receiving CMD 214
After confirming that / CSBY213 is High (FALSE), / SBSY215 is set to Low (TR
UE) and sends out the status data on the engine side corresponding to the command as / STS216 in synchronization with / CCLK212. The printer controller 2103 that has received the / STS 216 continues or interrupts the print control according to the content indicated by the / STS 216.

Next, the case where / CCRT217 is used will be described. / CCRT 217 is a signal that becomes Low (TRUE) when a change occurs in the state of the engine specified by the printer controller 2103 in advance. For example, the printer controller 2103 may enable the / CCRT 217 when a paper-out condition occurs, so that the / CMD
It is assumed that the setting has been made in advance using 214.

Under this setting condition, if the printer controller 2103 issues a request for two printouts when there is only one remaining print sheet, the print processing is normally executed without any problem in the first printout. However, in the second printout, since the second print sheet does not exist, the DC controller 2002 detects a state change at the stage when the second image formation is started, and the / CCRT217
Is changed from High to Low. Printer controller 2
002 receives this low / CCRT217,
In order to recognize which cassette is out of paper, a command is issued to the DC controller 2002 requesting a paper presence status. In response to the command, the DC controller 2002 returns to the printer controller 2103 a / STS 216 indicating a status of a cassette without paper. At the timing when / SBSY215 becomes Low, / CCRT217 is cleared to High.

Next, a printing operation for color output will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a timing chart of commands / status exchanged between the printer controller and the DC controller during the color output printing operation of the image output apparatus of FIG.

When a print start request is issued, as shown in FIG. 8, the printer controller 2103 performs DC data conversion while performing image data conversion processing.
2 for printer status, and in response, the DC controller 2002 returns a status indicating a ready state.

When the ready state is confirmed, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for designating a paper feed cassette (for example, a lower cassette), and subsequently, a command for requesting the size of the recording paper contained in the designated cassette. Is issued. In response to these series of commands, the DC controller 2002 returns a corresponding status (for example, a specified sheet feeding state and sheet size information).

Next, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for specifying a paper discharge port (for example, a face-up (FU) discharge tray). In response to this command, the paper discharge at the discharge port specified by the DC controller 2002 is performed. A status indicating the status is returned. Subsequently, a page mode designation command for designating the number of pages to be printed is issued, and the status of the designated page mode setting is returned in response to this command. Finally, a command specifying monochrome / color is issued, and a corresponding status is returned in response to the command. In this description, it is assumed that color output is specified. Thus, all the settings for the DC controller, that is, the printer, are completed.

Next, the printer controller 2103
Issues a / PRNT 206 of Low (TRUE) to the DC controller 2002, and in response to this, the DC controller 2002 sends / TOP2
07 is returned. The printer controller 2103 is
When receiving TOP207, / VDO211 is replaced with / TO
P207 is output to the DC controller 2002 in synchronization with / VCLK2209 using / LSYNC208 as the horizontal scanning reference and / LSYNC208 as the horizontal scanning reference. Here, since the color mode is set, / TOP 207 is generated four times, and an image for four colors of CMYK is formed.

After the last occurrence of / TOP 207, / PRN
T206 is returned to High (FALSE) and this / P
The DC controller 2002 detects the end of the print request by the RNT 206 and detects an intermediate transfer member 405 (shown in FIG. 5).
The processing shifts to post-processing such as the cleaning operation of. Almost simultaneously with the transition to the post-processing, the printing paper on which the toner image has been transferred passes through the fixing device and is discharged to the designated discharge port.

When the printer controller 2103 confirms from the DC controller 2002 that the paper is not being conveyed, that is, the end of paper ejection, the printing is completed, and the printer controller 2103 waits in a ready state until the next printing starts.

If an abnormal state such as a paper jam, no paper, or a user opening the door occurs during the above operation, the DC controller 2002 causes the / CCRT 217 to operate.
Is used to notify the printer controller 2103 of the occurrence of an abnormality, and the printer controller 2103 performs processing corresponding to the occurred abnormality.

Next, an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment having both a printer function and a copy function, which is constituted by incorporating an image reading device into the above-described image output device, is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. I will explain while. FIG. 9 is a view schematically showing the configuration of an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 10 shows a state in which an optional automatic document feeder is mounted on the image reading apparatus of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus having a copy function as well as a printer function carries out a series of processes related to image formation for conveying a sheet and forming an image indicated by image data on the sheet. Mechanism (engine) 2
003 and a host computer (referred to as a host) 2104 to process print data transferred from a host computer 2104 to generate image data, perform data processing, and set operation of the DC controller 2002. DC controller 200
And a printer controller 2103 for transmitting image data transmitted at a predetermined timing corresponding to the image data 2 and a command relating to the operation setting of the DC controller 2002, and controlling the reading operation of the image reading device 102 and controlling the image data output from the image reading device 102. A predetermined process is performed and the image data is transferred to the DC controller 2002.
And a reader controller 901 for sending image data to be sent at a predetermined timing corresponding to the printer controller 2103 which is directly connected to a normal image output device (shown in FIG. 1).
They are communicably inserted between the controller and the controller 2002. The image forming mechanism (engine) 200
3, the configurations of the DC controller 2002, the printer controller 2103, the option controller 2006, the optional sheet cassette 2004, and the sorter 2005 are the same as those shown in FIG.

The image reading apparatus 101 has a document table 102 on which a document to be read is placed, and emits light while moving a light source 103 to a reading surface of the document placed on the document table 102.
Reading scanning is performed by guiding the reflected light from the reading surface of the document to the photoelectric conversion unit 104. Photoelectric conversion means 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes an image pickup device such as a CCD. The light image guided to the photoelectric conversion means 104 is converted into an electric signal by photoelectric conversion.
After being converted into a digital signal by the above, it is output to the reader controller 901.

The image reading apparatus 101 has the configuration shown in FIG.
0, an automatic document feeder 8 for sequentially transporting the read documents loaded on the document loading tray to the document table 102.
01 can be attached to the automatic document feeder 8
In step 01, the document is transported to the document table 102 in synchronization with the scanning timing of the optical scanning unit 802, and when the scanning is completed, the document on the document table 102 is returned to the document mounting tray.

Next, the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 901 and the DC
11 and 12 show the electrical connection with the controller 2002 and the configuration of the reader controller 901.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an electrical connection among a printer controller, a reader controller, and a DC controller in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9;
12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the reader controller of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the reader controller 901 captures image data output from the image reading device 2501 via an image input unit 906, and transfers the captured image data to an image signal processing unit in the reader controller 901. 902. The image signal processing unit 902 performs a predetermined process on the captured image data, and the processed image data is output to the DC controller 2002 at a predetermined timing. The reader controller 901 controls the reading operation of the image reading device 2501 and the conveying operation of the automatic document feeder 801 attached to the reading operation. Specifically, in the control for the reading operation of the image reading device 2501, a signal related to this control is generated, and the signal is given to the document scanning optical system control unit 903. The document scanning optical system control unit 903 The optical system scanning unit of the image reading device 2501 is driven based on the control signal. In the control for the conveyance operation of the automatic document feeder 801, a signal relating to this control is generated, and the signal is given to the document feed control unit 904. The document feed control unit 904 automatically generates a signal based on a control signal from the reader controller 901. The document feeder 801 is driven. Instructions from the user such as mode setting are input to the reader controller 901 from the operation unit 905.

The reader controller 901 is disposed between the printer controller 2103 and the DC controller 2002 so as to be able to communicate with each other.
01 and the printer controller 2103, and the signal exchanged between the reader controller 901 and the DC controller 2002 are transmitted between the printer controller 2103 and the DC controller 2002 in a normal image output apparatus (printer). Consists of signals with the same function as the signals exchanged between them,
Reader controller 901 and printer controller 21
3 and the signals exchanged between the reader controller 901 and the DC controller 2002 are physically different signals from each other. Therefore, as the signal name, the former signal is the signal shown in FIG. Are indicated with a C at the beginning, and the latter signal is indicated with a P at the beginning of the signal shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of the reader controller 901 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, the reader controller 901 has an image signal processing section 902 for performing a predetermined process on the image data taken in from the image input section 906, and the image data output from the image signal processing section 902. Is input to the selector 2201. The selector 2201 receives the image data from the image signal processing unit 902 and the printer controller 2
The image data output from the terminal 103 is selected and output. Specifically, the signals selected and output from the selector 2201 are image data / PVDO, / PV
CLK and / PVDOEN, and each signal is supplied to the DC controller 2002.

Serial communication with the printer controller 2103 is performed via the serial communication controller 2205, and the serial communication controller 2205 receives / CCCLK and / CC from the printer controller 2103.
Import MD and send to printer controller 2103 / C
Output STS. Serial communication controller 2205
The exchange of signals for supplementing the serial communication is performed via the input / output port 2206. The signals exchanged via the input / output port 2206 are / CPPRDY, / CC
PRDY, / CRDY, / CPRNT, / CCBSY,
/ CSBSY.

Serial communication with the DC controller 2002 is performed via the serial communication controller 2202. The serial communication controller 2202 outputs / PCCLK and / PCMD to the DC controller 2002, and outputs / PSTS from the DC controller 2002. take in. Signal exchange for supplementing serial communication by the serial communication controller 2202 is performed via the input / output port 2203. The signals exchanged via the input / output port 2203 are / PPPRDY, / PCPRDY, /
PRDY, / PPRNT, / PCBSY, / PSBSY
Of each.

The / PTOP output from the DC controller 2002 is input to the interrupt controller 2204 and one gate 2207. The interrupt controller 2204 receives / PCCRT together with / PTOP and notifies the CPU 2209 that an interrupt event has occurred.

One gate 2207 receives the input / PT
Printer controller 2103 with OP as / CTOP
An opening / closing operation for selecting whether or not to output the data is performed, and the opening / closing operation is controlled by the CPU 2209.

The signal / PCCRT output from the DC controller 2002 is input to the control circuit 2208, and the control circuit 2208 outputs the signal / P based on the instruction from the CPU 2209.
Printer controller 21 of CCRT (/ CCCRT)
03, and controls the / CCCR directly without involving the DC controller 2002 by setting a flag.
T is issued to the printer controller 2103.

The signal / PLSYNC output from the DC controller 2002 is input to the other gate 2207.
The other gate 2207 outputs the input / PLSYNC /
An opening / closing operation for selecting whether or not to output to the printer controller 2103 as CLSYNC is performed, and this opening / closing operation is controlled by the CPU 2209.

The CPU 2209 controls each block in addition to the above control.

Next, lighting control of the light source 103 of the image reading apparatus 101 by the reader controller 901 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a timing chart of control signals related to light source lighting control in the image forming apparatus of FIG.

In this embodiment, since the light source 103 is a fluorescent lamp, in order to prevent the light source 103 from being blackened,
Before turning on the light source 103, it is necessary to preheat the filament of the light source 103 to a predetermined temperature or higher. Accordingly, in the lighting control of the light source 103 of the image reading apparatus 101 by the reader controller 901, as shown in FIG. 13, first, the filament preheating signal for starting the preheating of the filament of the light source 103 is turned on, and the preheating of the filament is started. I do. Here, when the filament of the light source 103 reaches a predetermined temperature after the elapse of the time T1 from the on time of the filament preheating signal, the fluorescent lamp lighting signal is turned on. At this time, the duty of the energizing time of the lamp current is set to 100% in order to minimize the time required for the light intensity of the lamp of the light source 103 to reach the predetermined amount. The light intensity of the lamp is detected by a dimming sensor (not shown), and it is determined from the detection result whether or not the light intensity of the lamp has reached a predetermined amount. The time until the lamp light amount reaches a predetermined amount is T2, and when the lamp amount reaches the predetermined amount, the duty of the lamp current conduction time (usually 40%) is changed to start PWM dimming control by an inverter, and a PWM signal is output. Is done. The light quantity of the light source 103 is stabilized by the PWM dimming control. After the start of the PWM control, the light source 1
Assuming that the time from when the light amount 03 becomes stable and the image can be read is T3, the time T4 from when the filament preheating signal is turned on to when the image can be read is expressed by the following equation (1). become.

T4 = T1 + T2 + T3 (1) Here, in practice, the time T1 is several seconds and the time T3 is about 0.5 seconds.
Becomes longer in accordance with the cumulative lighting time of, and becomes a time of about 0.5 seconds to several seconds.

Next, the color output copying operation will be described.

When a copy start key is input from the operation unit 905, the reader controller 901 causes each gate 220
7 and the control circuit 2208 are closed, and the selector 2201 is controlled so as to select a signal from the image input unit 906.

Next, the reader controller 901
The C controller 2002 checks / PPRDY, that is, checks the ready state of the printer.
3 and in response to this, the DC controller 20
02 returns a status indicating a ready state.

When the ready state is confirmed, various settings are made on the DC controller side, that is, on the printer side.

More specifically, a command for designating a paper feed cassette (for example, a lower cassette) is issued from the reader controller 901, and a command for requesting the size of recording paper contained in the designated cassette is subsequently issued. .
In response to these series of commands, the DC controller 2002 returns a corresponding status (for example, a specified sheet feeding state and sheet size information).

Next, a command for specifying a paper discharge port (for example, a face-up (FU) discharge tray) is issued,
In response to this command, the DC controller 2002 returns a status indicating the discharge state at the specified discharge port. Subsequently, a page mode designation command for designating the number of pages to be printed is issued, and the status of the designated page mode setting is returned in response to this command. Finally, a command to specify monochrome / color is issued,
The corresponding status is returned in response to this command.

When all settings on the DC controller side, that is, on the printer side are completed, the reader controller 901 controls the automatic document feeder 801, and the document is fed onto the document table 102 by this control.

Next, the reader controller 901 sets Lo
/ PPRNT of w (TRUE), that is, a print request is issued to the DC controller 2002, and in response to this, the DC controller
PTOP is returned. Due to this / PTOP, an interrupt event is generated from the interrupt controller 2204, and the CPU 2209 causes the interrupt controller 2204
The document scanning optical system control unit 903 is instructed to perform reading scanning of the image reading apparatus 101 in synchronization with / PTOP based on an event generated from. In response to the input of / PTOP, the selector 2201 outputs / PVDO from the image input unit 902 and / PTOP with / PTOP as a vertical scanning reference.
The signal is output to the DC controller 2002 in synchronization with / PVCLK using PLSYNC as a horizontal scanning reference. Here, since the color mode is set, image reading is performed four times, and / PTOP generated four times is performed.
As a result, images for four colors of CMYK are formed.

After the last occurrence of / PTOP, / PPRNT
Is returned to High (FALSE) and this / PPRNT
Accordingly, the DC controller 2002 detects the end of the print request and shifts to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer body 405 (shown in FIG. 5). Almost simultaneously with the transition to the post-processing, the printing paper on which the toner image has been transferred passes through the fixing device and is discharged to the designated discharge port.

When the reader controller 901 confirms from the DC controller 2002 that the paper is not being conveyed, that is, the end of the paper discharge, the printing is completed, and the reader controller 901 waits in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

Next, a printing operation for color output will be described.

When the copying operation is completed as described above,
The reader controller 901 enters a ready state. At this time, the reader controller 901 opens each gate 2207 and the control circuit 2208 for the next job to be generated.

When a print start request is input, the reader controller 901
The selector 2201 is controlled so as to select the signal from.

Next, the reader controller 901
The C controller 2002 checks / PPRDY, that is, checks the ready state of the printer.
3 and in response to this, the DC controller 20
02 returns a status indicating a ready state.

When the ready state of the DC controller 2002 is confirmed, the reader controller 901 sets / CRDY to TRUE via the input / output port 2206. Next, the printer controller 2103 performs communication with the reader controller 901 for performing various settings on the DC controller side, that is, the printer side. Specifically, commands for various settings output from the printer controller 2103 are received via the serial communication controller 2205, and the content of the received command is interpreted by the CPU 2209. A command indicating the same content is issued via the serial communication controller 2202 in accordance with the content of the interpreted command, and various settings on the DC controller side are performed by the command.
For a series of commands, a corresponding status is returned from the DC controller 2002, and the returned status is received via the serial communication controller 2202. After the received status is interpreted by the CPU 2209, it is transmitted to the printer controller 2103 via the serial communication controller 2205.

Next, the printer controller 2103 issues a Low (TRUE) / CPRNT, that is, a print request to the reader controller 901, and the reader controller 901, upon receiving the request, issues / PPRNT to the DC controller 2002. This / PPRNT
DC controller 2002 after a predetermined time elapses in response to
Returns / PTOP. This / PTOP passes through the gate 2207 and is returned to the printer controller 2103 as / CTOP.

On the printer controller 2103 side,
Gate 2 using CVDO and / CTOP as vertical scanning reference
The signal / CLSYNC that has passed through 207 is transmitted to the reader controller 901 in synchronization with / CVCLK as a horizontal scanning reference. Each signal including / CVDO transmitted from the punlitir controller 2103 is output as / PVDO, / PVCLK, / PVODEN through the selector 2201 as DC.
It is transmitted to the controller 2002.

There is a difference in image data transmission timing between the printing operation and the copying operation, and this difference will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a difference in image data transmission timing between a printing operation and a copying operation in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9.

The printer controller 2103 has an image memory for storing image data, and the image data is sent out after being once stored in the image memory. Accordingly, when the printer controller 2103 receives / CTOP, it sends out the image data / CVDO to the DC controller 2002, so that the time required from the reception of / CTOP to the output of / CTOP becomes an electrical delay time.

On the other hand, during the copy operation, when the reader controller 901 receives / PTOP, control is performed so that the reading scan of the image reading apparatus 101 is started. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, an extra time is required from when the print operation is performed until the light source 103 is turned on and an image can be read. The extra time DT2 is a time corresponding to the time T4 shown in the above equation (1).

Next, the lighting continuation control for continuing the lighting of the light source 103 for a predetermined time or more after the image reading operation is completed will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the movement state of the carriage during the reading operation of the image reading unit 101 of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the movement position of the carriage of FIG. 15 in a table format, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a timing chart at the time of a copy operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9, and FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a difference between the lighting control of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9 and the conventional lighting control.

In the image reading apparatus 101, as shown in FIG.
1 (same as 102 shown in FIG. 9), and the platen 3001 is supported by a stay 3002. The stay 3002 is provided with a standard white plate 3003, and the standard white plate 3003
It is used for shading correction for maintaining a constant relationship between the variation between the elements of the D sensor and the light amount characteristics of the light source 103 in the line direction.

On the back side of the original table 3001, a carriage mounted with a light source 103 for irradiating the reading surface of the original and reciprocating in the sub-scanning direction is arranged.
The movable range of the carriage is between a position 3004 and a position 3008 in FIG.
Is a reading position of the standard white plate 3003. When the carriage moves at a constant speed while irradiating the light from the light source 103, the reflected light from the original 3000 is guided to the photoelectric conversion unit 104, and the original 3000 is scanned. Here, the reading range of the original 3000 by the carriage is between the position 3006 and the position 3007.

When a copy start key (not shown) is pressed to start a copy operation, a copy job is created. The copy job is created in consideration of the setting conditions by the user, for example, the number of scans, and the image reading apparatus 101 performs a reading operation according to the created copy job and outputs the image data.

Next, for example, the operation of moving the carriage when the number of scans is two is shown in FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, HP in the figure represents the home position of the carriage and corresponds to the position 3004 in FIG. In addition, SP is located at a position 3005 in FIG.
5 corresponds to the position 3008.

With the start of the copy job, as shown in FIG. 16, the carriage first moves slightly from the HP, then returns to the HP again and stops. This operation is called home position determination of the carriage, and is an operation of initializing the position of the carriage. After this initialization operation, the standard white plate 3003 is read on the HP, and shading correction is performed. Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the setting is made so that the scanning operation is not started until the light amount of the light source 103 reaches a state in which the image can be read stably at a predetermined amount. Sometimes, the light amount of the light source 103 needs to be stable. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, / RST accompanying pressing of copy start key
The standard white plate 3003 is read on the HP after waiting until a time T4 from when the ART rises until the light amount of the light source 103 stabilizes has elapsed.

After the shading correction, the carriage moves toward the SP while accelerating to a predetermined speed. When the carriage reaches the SP, the moving speed becomes a predetermined speed, and the carriage moves from the SP at the predetermined speed. The carriage moves at a predetermined speed to a position 300 shown in FIG.
While moving from 6 to position 3007,
The image of the original 3000 is read, and the image data is output. When the carriage reaches the position 3007 shown in FIG. 15, that is, the final end of the document area, the carriage decelerates and stops at the EP position. In this example, since the scanning operation is set to be performed twice, the carriage temporarily returns to SP, moves again toward EP, and stops to perform the second reading. When the second reading is completed, the carriage returns to the HP via the SP and stops. Here, for example, after the second reading is completed, the carriage
Or when the carriage returns to the HP after the end of the second reading and the reading of the standard white board for the next copy job is completed, the light source 103 does not need to be turned on, and is normally turned off. In the present embodiment, control is performed so that the light source 103 is not turned off. That is, after the scanning operation is completed, the lighting continuation control for continuing the lighting of the light source 103 for a predetermined time or longer (for example, one second or longer) is performed, and the scanning continuation request is generated by the start of the next copy job. Even in this case, the scanning operation can be started without waiting for the waiting time for stabilizing the light amount of the light source 103. For example, after the first copy job is completed, the standard white board for the next copy job is read in the HP,
If the lighting of the light source 103 is continued for more than a second,
Even if the copy start key is pressed during the lighting period of, and a scan operation request is generated, the scan operation can be started immediately in response to the scan operation request.

Next, the difference between the lighting control in the present embodiment and the conventional lighting control will be described with reference to FIG. Here, in the figure, those related to the conventional method are denoted by (A), and those related to the present embodiment are (B).
And are respectively indicated. In this description, it is assumed that two scan operations are performed in the first copy job.

First, when the copy start key is pressed with the light source 103 turned off (time point 3100), the HP position of the carriage is determined as described above, and / RSTAR is set.
When T rises (time 3101), the movement of the carriage from the HP is started after a time T4 from when this time elapses until the light amount of the light source 103 stabilizes (time 3103). Then, the shading correction, the first scan operation, and the two scan operations are sequentially performed. 2
When the first scanning operation is completed, the carriage returns to SP (time 3104) and stops at HP (conventional;
Time point 3106, the present embodiment; time point 3108). The operation timing up to this point is the same for both the conventional method and the method of the present embodiment.

Here, in the conventional method, at time 31
At about the same time point 3107 as at 06, the light source is turned off, and a transition is made to a standby state waiting for pressing of the next copy start key. Then, when the next copy start key is pressed (time 3109), the HP position of the carriage is similarly set, and when / RSTART rises (time 3110),
The time T from this point until the light amount of the light source 103 is stabilized
After the elapse of the time 4, the movement of the carriage from the HP is started (time 3111).

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, at time 31
After 08, the lighting of the T5 light source 103 is continued for a predetermined time.
Next, when the next copy start key is pressed (at time 31).
09), the HP position of the carriage is determined. This H
When the time 3112 after the end of the P position is included in the period from the time 3108 to the elapse of the predetermined time T5, the lighting of the light source is continued, and / RSTAR
Before T rises (time 3110), the carriage H
Movement from P is started, and reading of a standard white board for shading correction is performed. That is, by continuing to turn on the light source 103 for a predetermined time after the end of the previous copy job, the next copy job can be started without waiting until the time T4 until the light amount of the light source 103 becomes stable. In addition, at the time point 3 after the end of the HP
When 112 is not included in the period from the time 3108 to the elapse of the predetermined time T5, that is, when the light source is turned off, wait until the time T4 until the light amount of the light source 103 stabilizes, and wait for the carriage to move. The movement from the HP will be started.

Next, the printer controller 2103 and D
Reader controller 9 with the C controller 2002
19 and FIG. 20 for communication performed via
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a communication operation regarding a paper cassette change request performed between the printer controller and the DC controller.
9 is a flowchart showing a communication operation of the reader controller in response to a paper cassette change request from the printer controller during a copying operation. In this description, as an example of communication performed between the printer controller 2103 and the DC controller 2002 via the reader controller 901, a communication operation related to a paper feed cassette change request will be described.

First, the printer controller 2103 and D
Reader controller 9 between the C controller 2003
Referring to FIG. 19, a communication operation regarding a paper feed cassette change request performed between the printer controller 2103 and the DC controller 2003 in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 when 01 is not inserted will be described. In this description, it is assumed that the printer controller 2103 issues a paper cassette change request from the printer controller 2103 to the DC controller 2002 when the DC controller 2002 is in a ready state, and that the reader controller 901 does not control the copy operation. I do.

When the printer controller 2103 issues a paper cassette change request to the DC controller 2002 when the DC controller 2002 is in the ready state, first, as shown in FIG.
At step 1, a paper cassette change command is issued. This paper cassette change command is transmitted to the reader controller 901.
To the DC controller 2002.

Next, the process proceeds to step S102, where the printer controller 2103
Wait for a response returned from the reader controller 901. When there is a response from the DC controller 2002,
Proceeding to step S103, it is determined whether or not the change of the sheet cassette has been successful based on the contents of the response.

If the change of the sheet cassette is successful, the process is terminated. If the change of the sheet cassette is unsuccessful, step S1 is executed.
Proceed to step 04 to execute error processing.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19B, the DC controller waits for a command to be issued from the printer controller 2103 in step S105, and when a command is issued from the printer controller 2103, the process proceeds to step S106. Use to determine the contents of the command. If the command is a paper cassette change command,
Proceeding to step S107, the paper feed cassette is changed, and in step S108, the fact that the cassette change was successful is notified.

On the other hand, if the command is a command other than the paper cassette change command, the processing shifts to execution of the command corresponding to the command.

When the printer controller 2103 issues a command such as a paper cassette change request to the DC controller 2002, that is, the communication operation of the reader controller 901 in the configuration of FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

In the reader controller 901, FIG.
As shown in (b), first, in step S207, a command (/ CCM) is sent from the printer controller 2103.
It is determined whether or not D) has been issued. If it is determined that a command (/ CCMD) has been issued from the printer controller 2103, the command from the printer controller 2103 is received by the serial communication controller 2205, and then the process proceeds to step S208.

In step S208, the reader controller 901 itself is not affected by the
The command received from the DC 103
02 is determined to be ready for issuance. If the command can be issued, the process proceeds to step S209, and the same command (/ PCMD) as the command sent from the printer controller 2103 is sent to the DC controller 2103.
002.

Next, the process proceeds to step S210, and waits for a response from the DC controller 2002. When a response from the DC controller 2002 is received, the process proceeds to step S211.
To determine whether or not the command execution was successful based on the response from the DC controller 2002. If the command execution is successful, the process advances to step S213 to notify the printer controller 2103 of the command execution success. For example, when the command is a paper feed cassette change command, if the paper feed cassette change is successful, notification of the paper feed cassette change success is given. If the command execution has failed, the process proceeds to step S214, and error processing is performed.

In step S208, the command is not in a state in which a command can be issued.
Is determined to be in a state in which the control relating to the copy operation is being performed by designating the paper cassette, the command received from the printer controller 2103 is issued to the DC controller 2002 so that the operation currently being executed is normal. It is determined that the operation may not be performed again, and the process proceeds to step S212. In step S212, the commands received from the printer controller 2103 are not issued to the DC controller 2002, but the commands issued from the printer controller 2103 to the DC controller 2002 are stored in the engine command queue in the order of issuance.

Next, the process proceeds to step S 213, in which the printer controller 2103 is notified of the command execution success in a pseudo manner. The pseudo notification of the command execution success to the printer controller 2103 is because the printer controller 2103 is waiting for a response to the issued command.

Next, when the control relating to the copy operation and the like by the reader controller 901 is completed, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19, first, in step S201, the state of the reader controller 901 is not affected by the command received from the printer controller 2103.
It is determined whether or not the C controller 2002 can be issued. If the command can be issued, the process proceeds to step S202, and the command having the lowest issue order among the commands stored in the engine command queue is issued first.

Next, the process proceeds to step S203, and waits for a response from the DC controller 2002. When a response from the DC controller 2002 is received, the process proceeds to step S204.
To determine whether or not the command execution was successful based on the response from the DC controller 2002. If the command has been successfully executed, the process proceeds to step S205, and the issued command is deleted from the engine command queue. If the command execution fails, step S206
To execute error processing.

As described above, the reader controller 901 is connected to the printer controller 2103 and the DC controller 20.
By performing control for relaying communication performed between the printer controller 2103 and the DC controller 2002, the printer controller 2103, D
Communication between the C controllers 2002 can be established, and the command processing sequence can be performed while maintaining consistency.

Next, a process in the case where a state change on the engine side is transmitted from the DC controller 2002 to the reader controller 902 using / PCCRT will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process when a state change on the engine side is transmitted from the DC controller to the reader controller using / PCCRT.

In the engine-side state change, the engine-side state change that the printer controller 2103 wants to recognize may be different from the engine-side state change that the reader controller 901 wants to recognize. For example, if a jam occurs during a copy operation, the state change due to the jam is a state change that needs to be recognized by the reader controller 901, but is not a state change that needs to be recognized by the printer controller 2103. Even if the status change is recognized by the printer controller 2103, the printer controller 2103 cannot execute post-processing corresponding to the status change.

Therefore, the state change occurring on the engine side during the copy operation may be transmitted to the reader controller 901, and the state change occurring on the engine side during the print operation may be transmitted to the printer controller 2103. Reader controller 9 regardless of mode
01, there is also a state change to be notified to both the printer controller 2103. For example, a change in the state of the paper cassette, such as a change in the size of the paper cassette or no paper, can be performed by the reader controller 901,
It is necessary to notify both of the printer controller 2103. Therefore, according to the contents of the state change, the state change is transmitted to the reader controller 901 and the printer controller 21.
The control is performed so as to notify at least one of the control signals S.03.

Next, the control related to the notification of the above-mentioned state change will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

At the time of a copy operation in which the reader controller 901 controls the DC controller 2002, FIG.
As shown in (1), first, in step S301, while the / PCCRT is masked for the printer controller 2103 by the gate function of the control circuit 2208, /
The interrupt controller 2204 monitors whether the PCCRT is "TRUE" or not, and checks the "/ PCC"
When the RT is received by the interrupt controller 2204,
Proceeding to step S302, a command for inquiring the details of the strange state is issued to the DC controller 2002.

Then, the flow advances to step S303 to wait for a response from the DC controller 2002 to the command, and when there is a response from the DC controller 2002,
Proceeding to step S304, the state change on the engine side is grasped from the response status.

In a succeeding step S305, it is determined whether or not the grasped state change is to be recognized by the printer controller 2103. When the grasped state change is not what the printer controller 2103 should recognize,
Proceeding to step S310, processing for the state change grasped by the reader controller 901 is executed, and the processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that the state change grasped is to be recognized by the printer controller 2103, the process proceeds to step S306 if the state change is a state change such as a change in the size of the sheet cassette. The control circuit 2208 sets a flag, and issues “TRUE” / CCCRT to the printer controller 2103.

In the following step S307, the printer controller 2103 waits for an inquiry about a state change issued in response to / CCCRT of "TRUE".
If there is this inquiry, the process proceeds to step S308, and D
The status change received from the C controller 2002 is returned to the printer controller 2103 as a status.

Next, the flow advances to step S309, where / CC
The CRT is set to “FALSE”, and this processing ends.

Next, the control of the execution command will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the location and exchange of data when a print request occurs during a copy operation. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the location and exchange of data when a copy request occurs during a print operation. Is a timing chart for interrupt copying. In the present embodiment, a control method of the reader controller 901 when the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 request the use of the DC controller together will be described.

First, the case where a print request occurs during a copy operation will be described. During this copy operation, the DC controller receives the image data / PVDO sent from the reader controller 901 and executes image formation. The setting items relating to the image forming operation, such as the specification of the paper feed cassette and the specification of the paper discharge port, are performed by the reader controller 9.
01 and the printer controller 2103 have already been set by serial communication. The setting values for these items are written in a buffer 1301 in the reader controller 901 as shown in FIG. In the buffer 1301, the reader controller 901
Along with the value set for the controller 2002, the value set for the DC controller 2002 by the printer controller 901 is written. These values are rewritten to the values set for each operation.

If a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103 during this copy operation, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of usability to perform a printout by interrupting the pudding operation during the copy operation. In the embodiment, the control is performed such that the execution of the print request is postponed until the end of the currently executed copy operation. However, since the printer controller 2103 waits for a response to the print request,
It is necessary to return / CSTS to / CCMD from 103. Therefore, among the set values in the buffer 1301,
As the PDL setting value, a setting value only from the printer controller 2103 is set as required. When the set value for the reader is different from the set value for the PDL, the reader controller 901 may set the DC controller 2002 before the copy operation is completed and the print operation is started.

More specifically, if a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103 during the copy operation of the set color output for feeding paper from the upper cassette and discharging the paper to the face-up discharge port, execution of the print operation is postponed. However, various settings can be made. Here, assuming that the print request is to feed the paper from the upper cassette, discharge the paper to the face-down discharge port, and set black-and-white image formation.
Since both 01 and the printer controller 2103 specify the upper cassette, it is not necessary to specify the upper cassette to the DC controller 2002 when the copy operation is completed and the operation is switched to the pudding operation. On the other hand, the setting of the discharge paper and the setting of the image forming mode are different between the copy operation and the print operation, respectively. Therefore, when the copy operation is completed, the reader controller 901 sends the DC controller 2002
Therefore, it is necessary to set the discharge paper and the image forming mode again.

As described above, the reader controller 901 controls the command from the printer controller 2103 so that the execution of the command by the DC controller 2002 is postponed, and the reader controller 901 has already set the command to the DC controller 2002. For items, control is performed so as not to be set repeatedly.

Next, a case where a copy request is issued during a printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. If a copy request is issued during a print operation, it is considered preferable to interrupt the copy operation during the print operation from the viewpoint of usability, and in the present embodiment, the print request that is currently executing the copy request is considered. Is controlled so as to be interrupted.

During this printing operation, the image data / CVO from the printer controller 2103 is selected by the selector 2201 and
The image data output as VDO is sent to the DC controller. For this printing operation, it is assumed that the paper is fed from the upper cassette, the paper is discharged to the face-down discharge port, and the monochrome image forming mode is set.

The DC controller 2002 determines that / PPRNT from the printer controller 2103 is High (F
Since the end of image formation is detected only after the ALSE (ALSE), it is not possible to recognize the number of pudding-out sheets.

For example, if the print operation is started on the assumption that the number of sheets to be printed out is four, and if there is no interruption of the copy request from the reader controller 901 during the print operation, the DC controller 2002 sends the / PTOP signal at the timing described above. Is generated four times and / PTOP
, Image data is transferred from the printer controller 2103 to the DC controller 2002 via the reader controller 901.

On the other hand, a case where an interrupt copy request for copying one color original for a color original during the second printout will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24.

Referring to FIG. 24, in response to / CPRNT from printer controller 2103, reader controller 901 issues / PPRNT to the DC controller, and in response, / PTOP is sent from DC controller 2002 to reader controller 901. Via / CT
It is supplied to the printer controller 2103 as OP. In this manner, the printing operation for the first image data 1501 and the printing operation for the second image data 1502 are executed.

When an interrupt copy request occurs during the printing operation of the second sheet, the reader controller 901 issues / CCCRT to the printer controller 2103. This / CCCRT is connected to the control circuit 22 as described above.
08, the occurrence of / CCCRT is not for indicating an actual state change, but for requesting the printer controller 2103 to open the DC controller 2002 in order for the reader controller 901 to acquire the DC controller 2002. is there.

In response to the / CCCRT, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for inquiring the DC controller 2002 of a change in the state of the engine, and the DC controller 2002 indicates "copying" in response to the command. Status is returned.

Upon receiving this status, the printer controller 2103 sets / CPRNT to Low (TRU).
In the state held in E), the DC controller 2002 detects that the copying operation is being performed, and continues to wait for the transmission of / CTOP. This waiting for / CTOP is permanently continued by canceling the timeout by the printer controller 2103. "Copying"
If not, the printer controller 2103 uses / CP
/ CTO with RNT held Low (TRUE)
While waiting for transmission of P, the waiting for / CTOP is processed as a timeout error after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The DC controller 2002 outputs / PTO
P is sent out, and this / PTOP is used for the copy operation control by the reader controller 901, and / PTOP to the printer controller 2103, ie, / CTOP, is sent to the printer controller 2103.
1505 will be masked.

When the printing operation for the second sheet is completed in this manner, the reader controller 901 outputs the image data / PVDO 1506 obtained by reading the original as a DC.
Sent to the controller 2002 and / PVDO1506
Is executed.

When this one interrupt copy is completed,
The mask for / PTOP is removed again, and / PTOP is sent to the printer controller 2103 as / CTOP. By sending this / CTOP, the printer controller 2103 sends / CVD 1503, 1504
Are sequentially transferred to the DC controller 2002, and / CVD
Printouts for O1503 and 1504 are obtained.

As described above, the printer controller 210
3 or the state of the reader controller 901, the reader controller 901 determines which one of the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 acquires the DC controller 2002, and at what timing the command is issued, etc. D
C controller 2002, printer controller 21
03. Requests from the two controllers of the reader controller 901 can be realized.

Next, control when the printer controller 2103 issues a setting content confirmation command will be described.

When the printer controller 2103 wants to confirm the contents set to the DC controller 2002, the printer controller 2103 issues / CCMD as a setting contents confirmation command. Upon receiving this command, the reader controller 901
The setting value stored in 01 is searched, and when the content to be confirmed is stored in the buffer 1301, the content is read, and the content is notified to the printer controller 2103 as / CSTS.

On the other hand, when the content to be confirmed is not stored in the buffer 1301, the reader controller 901 issues a setting content confirmation command to the DC controller 2002 as / PCMD. The DC controller 2002 reads the content to be confirmed based on / PCMD, and notifies the reader controller 901 of the content as / PSTS. Reader controller 9
01 is notified to the printer controller 2103 as / CSTS with the notified content.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
5 is a diagram showing an example of a basic input screen of the operation unit in the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of an extension mode selection screen of the operation unit of FIG.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to set whether or not the lighting continuation control is to be performed by a user's operation input, and to set the lighting continuation time within a predetermined range. The difference is that the time can be set. Note that this embodiment has the same configuration as the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, an input for setting whether or not to perform the lighting continuation control and an input for setting the lighting continuation time to a time within a predetermined range are performed from an operation unit 905 having a touch panel.

More specifically, when the lighting continuation control is set, as shown in FIG. 25, the extended mode button 3200 is pressed on the basic input screen displayed on the operation unit 905. By pressing the extension mode button 3200, the screen of the operation unit is switched to the screen shown in FIG. On the screen after this switching, a plurality of buttons related to the function extension mode including a light source extinguishing mode button 3201 and a book copy mode button 3202 are displayed. Here, when the light source extinguishing mode button 3201 is pressed, the button is highlighted and the lighting continuation control is set. With the setting of the lighting continuation control, the next copy job is started without waiting until the time T4 from the end of the previous copy job until the light amount of the light source 103 stabilizes has elapsed, as in the first embodiment described above. can do.

A book copy mode button 3202
Is pressed, the lighting continuation control is automatically executed, and if the start of the next copy job is instructed during a period in which the light source 103 is kept lit for a predetermined time after the end of the previous copy job, the previous The next copy job can be started without waiting until the time T4 until the light amount of the light source 103 becomes stable after the end of the copy job.

Further, by providing a button for setting the lighting duration, that is, the time T5 shown in FIG. 18, an appropriate lighting duration according to the copying operation can be set, and the copying operation can be performed efficiently. Can be.

[0169]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the control relating to the scan operation is performed in accordance with the scan request command for requesting the scan operation, and the control is performed for a predetermined time or more after the scan operation is completed. Since the lighting continuation control for continuing the lighting of the light source of the light irradiating means can be executed, a decrease in productivity of the entire apparatus due to the light source stabilization time can be suppressed as small as possible.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the end of the scanning operation can be the time when the driving means stops.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, when the original is manually supplied to the image reading means, the lighting continuation control is performed. The scanning operation for the next image reading can be started without waiting, and the productivity of the entire apparatus when the document is manually supplied to the image reading means can be improved.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, since the setting means for setting whether or not to perform the lighting continuation control is provided, the setting according to the user's intention can be performed.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image reading means is provided with an automatic document feeding device for automatically feeding the document, and the automatic document feeding device automatically feeds the document to the image reading means. Automatic mode to manually feed, and a manual mode to manually supply the original to the image reading means is configured to be selectively executable, in the manual mode, performs lighting continuation control,
Since the lighting continuation control is canceled in the automatic mode, it is possible to easily obtain a state in which the productivity of the entire apparatus in the manual mode can be improved.

According to the image reading apparatus of the sixth aspect, the control relating to the scan operation is performed in accordance with the scan request command for requesting the scan operation, and the light source of the light irradiation means is kept turned on for a predetermined time or more after the scan operation is completed. Since the lighting continuation control for causing the light emission to be performed can be executed, the decrease in the productivity of the entire apparatus due to the light source stabilization time can be suppressed as small as possible.

According to the image reading apparatus of the seventh aspect, the end of the scanning operation can be set to the time when the driving means stops.

According to the image reading apparatus of the eighth aspect, when the original is supplied manually, the lighting continuation control is performed.
If the original is supplied during the lighting continuation control, the scanning operation for the next image reading can be started without waiting for the light source stabilization time, and the entire apparatus when the original is manually supplied to the image reading means is controlled. It is possible to improve productivity.

According to the image reading apparatus of the ninth aspect, since the setting means for setting whether or not to perform the lighting continuation control is provided, the setting according to the user's intention can be performed.

According to the image reading apparatus of the tenth aspect,
Equipped with an automatic document feeder that automatically feeds documents, and selectively executes an automatic mode in which documents are automatically fed by the automatic document feeder and a manual mode in which documents are manually fed. The lighting continuation control is performed in the manual mode, and the lighting continuation control is released in the automatic mode.
It is possible to easily obtain a state in which the productivity of the entire apparatus in the manual mode can be improved.

According to the image reading control method of the present invention, control relating to the scan operation is performed in accordance with the scan request command requesting the scan operation, and the light source of the light irradiation means is turned on for a predetermined time or more after the scan operation is completed. Since the lighting continuation control for continuing can be executed,
A decrease in productivity of the entire apparatus due to the light source stabilization time can be suppressed as small as possible.

According to the image reading control method of the twelfth aspect, the end of the scanning operation can be the time when the driving means stops.

According to the image reading control method of the thirteenth aspect, when the original is manually supplied, the lighting continuation control is performed. Therefore, if the original is supplied during the lighting continuation control, it is necessary to wait for the light source stabilization time. Thus, the scanning operation for the next image reading can be started, and the productivity of the entire apparatus when the document is manually supplied to the image reading means can be improved.

According to the image reading control method of the present invention, it is possible to set whether or not to perform the lighting continuation control, so that the setting according to the user's intention can be performed.

According to the image reading control method of the present invention, there is provided an automatic document feeding apparatus for automatically feeding a document, and an automatic mode for automatically feeding the document by the automatic document feeding apparatus. And a manual mode for manually supplying a document manually, the lighting continuation control is performed in the manual mode, and the lighting continuation control is released in the automatic mode. It is possible to easily obtain a state in which the degree of activity can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a basic configuration of an image output device for configuring an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a usage pattern of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing signals exchanged between a printer controller and a DC controller in the image output device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a table showing a list of names and directions of signals exchanged between the printer controller and the DC controller in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming mechanism in the image output device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing transmission timing of image data in the image output device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the timing of serial communication in the image output device of FIG. 1;

8 is a timing chart of commands / status exchanged between a printer controller and a DC controller during a color output printing operation of the image output apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an optional automatic document feeder is mounted on the image reading apparatus of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

11 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection among a printer controller, a reader controller, and a DC controller in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the reader controller of FIG. 11;

13 is a timing chart of control signals related to light source lighting control in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9;

14 is a diagram for explaining a difference in image data transmission timing between a printing operation and a copying operation in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a movement state of a carriage during a reading operation of an image reading unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a movement position of the carriage in FIG. 15 in a table format.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart at the time of a copy operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9;

18 is a timing chart showing a difference between the lighting control of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9 and the conventional lighting control.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a communication operation regarding a paper feed cassette change request performed between the printer controller and the DC controller.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a communication operation of the reader controller in response to a paper cassette change request from the printer controller during a copy operation.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing when a state change on the engine side is transmitted from the DC controller to the reader controller using / PCCRT.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the location of data and the exchange of data when a print request is issued during a copy operation.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the location of data and the exchange of data when a copy request occurs during a print operation.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart at the time of interrupt copying.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic input screen of an operation unit according to the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an extension mode selection screen of the operation unit in FIG. 25.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Image reading device 103 Light source 901 Reader controller 2002 DC controller 2003 Image forming mechanism 2103 Printer controller 2104 Host computer 2201 Selector 2202, 2205 Serial communication controller 2203, 2206 Input / output port 2204 Interrupt controller 2207 Gate 2208 Control circuit 2209 CPU

Claims (15)

[Claims] An image reading unit for performing a scanning operation for reading an image on the original by relatively moving the original and a light irradiating unit for emitting light from a light source to the original by a driving unit; In an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image of the document read by a scanning operation of an image reading unit on a transfer material and outputting the image, a control regarding the scanning operation is performed according to a scan request command requesting the scanning operation, and An image forming apparatus capable of executing lighting continuation control for continuing lighting of a light source of the light irradiation unit for a predetermined time or more after a scanning operation is completed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanning operation ends when the driving unit stops. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lighting continuation control is performed when the document is manually supplied to the image reading unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit for setting whether to perform the lighting continuation control. 5. An automatic document feeder for automatically feeding the document to the image reading means, and an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding the document to the image reading means by the automatic document feeder. Mode and a manual mode for manually supplying the document to the image reading means are configured to be selectively executable. In the manual mode, the lighting continuation control is performed, and in the automatic mode, the lighting continuation control is released. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 6. A scanning operation for reading an image on the original by relatively moving the original and light irradiating means for irradiating the original with light from a light source by a driving unit, and performing a scanning operation for reading an image on the original. In the image reading device that outputs the image of the original, while controlling the scan operation according to a scan request command requesting the scan operation, turning on the light source of the light irradiation unit for a predetermined time or more after the scan operation is completed. An image reading apparatus capable of executing lighting continuation control for continuing. 7. The image reading method according to claim 6, wherein the scanning operation ends when the driving unit stops. 8. The lighting continuation control is performed when the document is supplied manually.
The image reading device according to claim 1. 9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a setting unit for setting whether to perform the lighting continuation control. 10. An automatic mode in which an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding the original is mounted, and an automatic mode for automatically feeding the original by the automatic document feeder, and manual feeding of the original. 8. The image reading device according to claim 6, wherein a manual mode is selectively executable, the lighting continuation control is performed in the manual mode, and the lighting continuation control is released in the automatic mode. apparatus. 11. A scanning operation for reading an image on the original by relatively moving the original and a light irradiating unit for irradiating the original with light from a light source by the driving unit, and performing a scanning operation for reading the image on the original. In the image reading control method used in the image reading apparatus that outputs the image of the original, the control related to the scan operation is performed according to a scan request command requesting the scan operation, and the light control is performed for a predetermined time or more after the scan operation is completed. An image reading control method capable of executing lighting continuation control for continuing lighting of a light source of an irradiation unit. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the end of the scanning operation is a point in time when the driving unit stops.
The image reading control method described in the above. 13. The image reading control method according to claim 11, wherein the lighting continuation control is performed when the document is manually supplied. 14. A system according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting whether to perform said lighting continuation control.
13. The image reading control method according to 1 or 12. 15. An automatic document feeder for automatically feeding the document, an automatic mode for automatically feeding the document by the automatic document feeder, and manually feeding the document. 13. The image reading apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a manual mode is selectively executable, the lighting continuation control is performed in the manual mode, and the lighting continuation control is released in the automatic mode. Control method.