JPH0454065A - Picture forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain picture read processing consecutively by a picture read means by selecting a transfer destination of picture information outputted from the picture read means to a large capacity storage means storing picture information sequentially in a desired timing independently of the processing by a picture forming section. CONSTITUTION:When a setting means selects a transfer destination of picture information outputted from a read means in a desired timing independently of the processing of a picture forming section PRINT, the picture information outputted from a picture read section READ is being stored sequentially in a large capacity storage means (external storage section DISK) to attain the consecutive picture read independently of the picture forming section (picture forming section PRINT).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium based on image information output from an image reading means.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, this type of image forming apparatus photoelectrically converts and reads a document, transfers the image information converted to a digital signal to an image forming section, stores it in units of pages, and develops it into a bitmap. In many cases, the printer is configured to perform printing processing while

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the ability of the image forming unit to record images is limited by each device that constitutes the image forming unit, such as a paper jam in a feeding system,
This varies depending on the environmental conditions, such as running out of toner in the developing unit or running out of paper in the paper feed section, so when these situations occur, communication processing between the image reading section and the image forming section may cause trouble in the image reading section's ability to read the document. The situation was forcibly suspended until it was resolved.

Therefore, even if the image reading means itself is capable of reading,
There is a problem in that the reading process is interrupted depending on the state of the image forming section, making it impossible to read the document efficiently.

This invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the image reading means stores read information in a rewritable manner regardless of the state of the image forming section. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can selectively continue document reading processing and output data at arbitrary timing.

[Means to solve the problem]

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a large-capacity storage means that sequentially stores image information output from the image reading means, and a transfer destination of the image information output from the image reading means, which is independent of the processing of the image forming section. A setting means is provided for switching to and setting the large capacity storage means at a desired timing.

Further, a prompting means is provided for determining the processing state of the image forming section and prompting the setting means to set the transfer destination switching.

[Function] In the present invention, when the setting means switches the transfer destination of the image information output from the image reading means at a desired timing independent of the processing of the image forming section, the image information is output from the image reading means. Image information is sequentially stored in a large capacity storage means, making it possible to continue reading images independently of the image forming section.

Further, the prompting means determines the processing state of the image forming section and prompts the setting means to set the transfer destination, so that the image information output from the image reading means is sequentially stored in the mass storage means, and the image information is sequentially stored in the mass storage means. It is possible to continue reading images independently of the forming section.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a document feeding device, and stacked documents are sequentially conveyed one by one onto two surfaces of the document table glass. be done. Reference numeral 3 denotes a lamp constituting the scanner, which is turned on when the document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the document table glass 2, and illuminates the document as the scanner unit 4 moves. Reflected light from the original passes through lens 8 via mirrors 5 to 7, and the passed light is input to image sensor section 9. The image signal input to the image sensor unit 9 is converted into image information via the image processor 19, and is stored in a rewritable magneto-optical disk or hard disk, which constitutes a large-capacity storage means.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an exposure control section, which converts the converted optical signal into an optical signal based on an image signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor section 9 and digitized by an image processing section, which will be described later. Form an image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 11 is developed by developing devices 12 and 13. 14
．． Reference numeral 15 denotes a transfer paper stacking section (cassette) for feeding transfer paper of a predetermined size. Reference numeral 16 denotes a transfer section that transfers the toner image developed on the photoreceptor 11 onto a fed transfer paper. 1
A fixing device 7 fixes the toner image transferred to the transfer paper. Reference numeral 18 denotes a paper discharge section for discharging the transfer paper on which image formation has been completed to the outside of the machine. Although detailed description is omitted, the image forming apparatus shown in this embodiment is provided with a loop conveyance system for forming multiple images on the transfer paper or on both sides of the transfer paper. The control member is configured so that the transfer paper that has undergone the fixing process can be transported again to the position where the photoreceptor 11 is disposed. 2o is a disk device that records a large amount of image information.

21 is a controller section, which includes a CPU section 21a shown in FIG.
9, includes an image processing section 21b, which collectively controls each device according to a control program stored in the ROM of the CPU section 21a, and includes an image reading section READ and an image forming section PRINT shown in FIG.

External storage unit DISK (disk device 20 shown in FIG.
), etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller section 21 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel provided in the image reading section READ shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

In this figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a tit source switch that controls power supply to the image forming apparatus. A reset key 102 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. 103 is a copy key. Reference numeral 104 denotes a developing device selection switching key, and this developing device selection switching key 10
4, the selection of the developing units 12 and 13 is switched. 105
The number of copies is mainly input using the numeric keypad. Reference numeral 136 is a PIN entry key. This PIN entry key 136 enables a specific operator to perform the copying operation. For operators other than the above, the PIN entry key 136 allows the PIN number to be entered. Copying operations can be prohibited unless input.

106 is a key for selecting one of the cassettes 14 and 15. 107 is a copy density adjustment key 108 is a key for selecting 1-size copying. 109 is a zoom key for specifying the copy magnification in 1% increments, for example. 130 is a key for selecting transfer paper. Auto magnification key that automatically enlarges or reduces according to the size 1
10 indicates standard reduction or standard enlargement rate. Standard magnification key 111 specifies border erasure of transfer paper. Key 112 specifies binding of one end of copy paper and offset printing. Key 113 indicates halftone image such as a photo original. 125 is a mode specification key constituting a setting means according to the present invention, and is used to select the processing status of the image forming unit PRINT (paper jam, no toner, 1 sheet out, etc.) or other originals. The document reading mode is set at any timing such as during output, and thereafter, image information from the image reading section READ is stored in the external storage section DI independently of the operation of the image forming section PRINT.
Allow SK to continue transferring.

126 is an area call key for partially modifying the contents of the area. 117 is a guide key for knowing the contents of each function.
131 is a preheating mode key for setting the preheating mode.

114 is a multiplex key for selecting multiplex mode. 115 is a multiplex key that divides the copying area on the platen glass surface 2 into two on the left and right, and automatically selects the multiplex mode.
Quick copy key 116 for specifying continuous copying to make multiple copies
119 and 120 are keys for specifying the operation of a sorter (not shown). 12
Reference numerals 2,123 and 124 are keys for specifying a mode for writing predetermined character data on a copy image, and specify the date write mode, memo write mode, and number write mode, respectively. Reference numerals 127 to 129 indicate mode memory keys for storing the set copy mode, and store three copy modes M, to M3.

Further, 138 is a liquid crystal display section (display device) for displaying the number of copies, transfer paper, set magnification, message, etc., and is composed of a liquid crystal display element. 139-150 are LED (
First, 139 is an LED for indicating the use of the sorter when the sorter is used.
sort mode.

Display group mode etc.

140 is an automatic exposure adjustment display that lights up when the automatic exposure adjustment (AE) key 137 is pressed; 141 is a density display corresponding to the copy density adjustment key 107; 142 is a color developer selection switch key 104 that is pressed; When a developer in the main body or an optional developer storage device is selected, a color display corresponding to the color of the developer turns on.

143 is an auto magnification display that indicates that the auto magnification key 130 has been pressed; 144 is a photo mode display; 1
45 is a date writing mode display, 146 is an area specification display, 147 is a binding margin mode display, 148 is a memo writing mode display, 149 is a frame erasing mode display, 15
0 is the number write mode indicator. 132 is an asterisk key, 133 and 134 are selection keys, and 135 is a confirmation key.

Note that the liquid crystal display section 138 displays the external storage section DISK according to instructions from the 020 section 20a (the prompting means in this embodiment).
The information storage status of the information is displayed as a reminder, such as whether it exists or not, or the number of output sheets, etc., and the user is notified of this.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the transfer destination of the image information output from the image reading means (image reading section READ) can be switched by the setting means (in this embodiment, the mode specifying key 125) of the image forming section PRINT. When this is done at a desired timing independent of the processing, the image information output from the image reading section READ is sequentially stored in the large capacity storage means (external storage section DISK), and is then stored in the image forming section (image forming section PRINT). This makes it possible to continue reading images independently of the

Further, the prompting means determines the processing state of the image forming section and prompts the setting means to set the transfer destination, so that the image information output from the image reading means is sequentially stored in the mass storage means, and the image information is sequentially stored in the mass storage means. It is possible to continue reading images independently of the forming section.

Hereinafter, the image information storage process according to the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image information accumulation processing procedure related to the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (14) indicate each step.

The CPU section 21a operates using the mode designation key 125 on the operation panel.
It is determined whether or not the copy key 103 is pressed (11), and if NO, the copy key 103 is waited for (2) to be pressed, and if it is pressed, the image reading scan is started (3), the transfer paper is fed and the image is formed. (4) Next, during the image forming sequence, it is determined whether any trouble has occurred from various sensor outputs (not shown). 51 If NO, it is determined whether multiple copying is specified. 6) YES Then step (3
), and if the answer is No, the paper discharge process is executed (7) and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is YES, image formation is temporarily interrupted (8). At this time, the CPU unit 21a again determines whether the mode designation key 125 on the operation panel has been pressed (9). If no, trouble avoidance processing (for example, toner replenishment, etc.) is performed (10). Next, it is determined whether the reset key 102 has been pressed 11)
, if YES, return to step (1).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) (91 is YES), the process waits for the copy key 103 to be pressed.
2) When pressed, the information read by the image reading unit READ is written to the external storage unit DISK (13), and data writing processing to the external storage unit DISK is executed until the reading is completed (14).

Note that the output processing time is calculated from the amount of data accumulated in the external storage section DISK through the above processing, and the output processing time is calculated from the amount of data accumulated in the external storage section DISK.
The configuration may be such that the output end time is displayed at 8.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention includes a large-capacity storage means for sequentially storing image information outputted from an image reading means, and a transfer destination of the image information outputted from the image reading means in an image forming section. Since a setting means is provided for switching to and setting the mass storage means at a desired timing independent of processing, even if some trouble occurs in the image forming section, the image reading means can continue to perform image reading processing. I can do it. Furthermore, if the image reading means is capable of reading when the power is turned on, image reading can be performed in advance before the wait-up process of the image forming section is completed. Therefore, the image information to be output from the image forming section can be pre-read in a short time and output at a desired timing. Furthermore, the timing of reading processing and image formation output can be adjusted and managed independently.

In addition, we have provided a prompting device that determines the processing status of the image forming unit and prompts the setting device to change the transfer destination, so that it is possible to recognize the presence or absence of stored image information, and also to optionally change the transfer destination as necessary. The image output processing of the accumulated image information can be started at the timing of , and the reading order and the image formation output order can be easily changed depending on the usage environment.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel provided in the image reading section shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image information storage processing procedure related to the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a controller section, 1a is a CPU section, and 1 is an image processing section. Figure PRI N '1] Figure Controller section

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus comprising an image reading means for reading a document image, and an image forming section for forming an image on a recording medium based on image information output from the image reading means, the image reading means A large-capacity storage means for sequentially storing outputted image information, and a transfer destination of the image information outputted from the image reading means is set to be switched to the large-capacity storage means at a desired timing independent of the processing of the image forming section. An image forming apparatus comprising a setting means for setting the image forming apparatus. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a prompting means for determining the processing state of the image forming section and prompting the setting means to set the transfer destination switching.