JP2000151935A - Device and method for picture copying and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To copy a picture without deteriorating the productivity of a printer by periodically and frequently shading an optical system when time between generated pictures is long. SOLUTION: Since a stop is not permitted when an intermediate transfer body is continuously operated, a picture is transmitted to a second area 3802 after time when the intermediate transfer body rotates for a distance 3804 to the second area 3802 is waited for after the transmission of the picture of a first area 3801 terminates. Scan sequence is constituted so as to deal with two pictures or paper and can deal with one picture. Sequence executing shading by adjusting it to pictures which a reader outputs, namely, between first time 3804 and a longer one between second time 3805-1 and 3805-2 against a printer which cannot stop a print control process midway, is generated. Then, a copying operation is realized without deteriorating the productivity of the printer. Thus, shading frequency can stably be improved while an allowance is given to a scan operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image copying apparatus, an image copying method and a storage medium, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus for an image output apparatus having an image forming process for forming one image or two images in one process. Are suitably used for an image copying apparatus in which are driven in synchronization with each other.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital color copying machine uses a stable light source such as a halogen lamp as a light source for irradiating a document surface, and a fluorescent lamp has hardly been used.

[0003]

The reason for this is that, in the case of fluorescent lamps, the amount of light gradually changes with time, so that there is a problem that frequent shading operations to remove the light distribution characteristics of the light source must be performed. This is because the.

On the other hand, in a color printer of the type in which one image or two images are simultaneously formed in one process, the copying process cannot be stopped halfway, and the reader for reading the image is driven in accordance with the operation of the printer. Otherwise, there is a problem that productivity of the printer is greatly reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image copying apparatus without lowering the productivity of a printer.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image copying apparatus comprising: a first image forming mode for forming one image in a single image forming process; and a second image forming mode for forming two images simultaneously. An image copying apparatus comprising a combination of an image output device having two image forming modes and an image reading device for sending image information to the image output device,
When the time between images generated by the first image forming mode and the second image forming mode of the image output device is longer, control is performed so that the shading operation of the optical system is periodically performed. It is characterized by comprising shading control means. Another feature of the image copying apparatus of the present invention is that the first image forming mode for forming one image in a single image forming process and the second image forming mode for forming two images simultaneously. An image output device having two image forming modes and a position where optical system shading is performed, with respect to an image reading start position,
In an image copying apparatus that is combined with an image reading device in the direction of a stop position for acceleration, a plurality of back scan stop positions are provided, and the plurality of stop positions are determined according to whether or not to perform the shading operation of the optical system. And a stop position control means for switching between the two. Another feature of the image copying apparatus of the present invention is that the back scan stop position in performing the optical system shading is the same as the normal stop position of the optical system carriage. Another feature of the image copying apparatus of the present invention is that, when a scanning request is generated in the image copying apparatus, a predetermined time after a series of scanning operations started from the scanning request is completed, A light source lighting control unit for turning on a light source for performing a scanning operation is provided.

The image copying method according to the present invention has two image forming modes: a first image forming mode for forming one image in a single image forming process, and a second image forming mode for forming two images simultaneously. Image output processing for forming processing;
An image reading method for transmitting image information to an image output device that performs the image output process.
The shading operation of the optical system is periodically performed when the time between images generated by the first image forming mode and the second image forming mode in the image output process is longer. I have. Another feature of the image copying method of the present invention is that the first image forming mode for forming one image in a single image forming process and the second image forming mode for forming two images simultaneously. Image output processing for performing image formation processing in one image formation mode, and image reading performed by disposing an image reading device in a direction of a stop position for accelerating an image reading start position with respect to an image reading start position. In the image copying method including the processing, a plurality of stop positions of the back scan for performing the shading operation of the optical system are prepared, and the plurality of stop positions are switched according to whether or not to perform the shading operation of the optical system. It is characterized in that a stop position control process is performed. Another feature of the image copying method of the present invention is that the back scan stop position when performing the optical system shading is as follows.
It is characterized in that it is the same as the normal stop position of the optical system carriage. Another feature of the image copying method of the present invention is that, in the image copying process, when a scanning request is generated, a predetermined time after a series of scanning operations started from the scanning request is completed, A light source lighting control process for lighting a light source for performing a scanning operation is performed.

[0008] A storage medium according to the present invention is characterized in that a program for causing a computer to function as a means constituting the above-mentioned image copying apparatus is stored so as to be readable from the computer. Another feature of the storage medium of the present invention is that a program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the above image copying method is stored so as to be readable from the computer.

[0009]

Since the present invention has the above technical means, the shading operation of the optical system is periodically performed when the time between images to be generated is longer, so that
It is possible to perform image copying without reducing the productivity of the printer while performing optical shading as frequently as possible.

According to another feature of the present invention, a scan request is generated in the image reading apparatus, and a series of scan operations (scan JOB) started from the request is completed (a series of motor operations is completed or When shading is performed thereafter, the light source for performing the scan operation is turned on for a predetermined time after (after the shading), so that the next scan request is generated within the light source lighting continuation time. At this time, the light source for performing the scanning operation is turned on, and the image can be read earlier by the time required for stabilization, so that the productivity of the printer can be improved.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the image copying apparatus, image copying method and storage medium of the present invention will be described. The image copying apparatus according to the present embodiment combines an image reading device (reader) and an image output device (printer) so that the reader and the printer can be processed independently as well as an image forming device (copier). The description will be made in a form that can be operated integrally.

(Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus used in the present embodiment, and is a view best representing the features of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a leader frame.
102 is a document table, 103 is a light source, 104 is photoelectric conversion means, 105
Is analog-to-digital conversion means. Reference numeral 106 denotes a reader controller. 2001 is the printer body, 20
Reference numeral 02 denotes a DC controller that controls paper transport and image formation of the printer, and 2003 denotes an image forming unit.

Reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller, which is built in the printer main body 2001, as shown in FIGS. Reference numeral 2104 denotes a host computer, which is connected to the printer controller 2103 one-to-one or via a network 2105. 2004 is
A paper cassette deck that can be added as an option.
05 is a sorter that can be added as an option, 2006 is the above optional cassette deck 2004 and the above optional sorter
An optional controller that controls 2005.

The reader controller 106 includes a means for processing a digital image output from the analog-to-digital conversion means 105, a motor control means (not shown) for reading a document, the DC controller 2002, and the printer controller. It has a function of controlling communication with the 2103 and the like.

In the present embodiment, the reader controller 106 is arranged in the printer
It does not have an external cable for controlling communication with the DC controller 2002 and the printer controller 2103.

[Configuration of Printer Controller and Printer] In this embodiment, a reader controller 106 is connected between the printer controller 2103 and the printer 2102,
Processing is performed between the printer controller 2103 and the printer 2102. Here, the configurations of the printer controller 2103 and the printer 2102, which are the premise thereof, will be described.

First, an overall outline will be described with reference to FIG. In FIGS. 17A and 17B, reference numeral 2101 denotes a video I / F for communicating between a printer 2102 and a printer controller 2103, which will be described later. The details of each signal of the video I / F 2101 will be described later.

The printer 2102 forms an electric image signal received via the video I / F 2101 into a visible image, transfers the image to a recording sheet, and thereafter fixes and outputs the image. To realize these image forming sequences,
Control various loads. In addition, the function of detecting the state of the printer 2102 and notifying the printer controller 2103 is also performed.

Further, it receives data transmitted via the printer controller 2103, the host computer 2104, or the network 2105. It is sent in various formats, such as bitmap data and PDL (Page Description Language) description data. This data is expanded in memory and converted to raster format data by the printer.
Transfer data to 2102. In this manner, data created by the host computer 2104 can be output by the printer 2102.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, a video I / O connecting the printer controller 2103 and the printer 2102 will be described.
Details of F 2101 will be described. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller 2103. Also, 2002
Is an engine control unit (DC controller) for controlling the engine inside the printer 2102 shown by 2102 in FIG. Signals are exchanged between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 as shown in the figure.

FIG. 3 shows a list of signals of the video I / F 2101. Here, only the representative signals shown in FIG. 2 will be described. First, the / PPRDY signal 203 is
Is a signal indicating that communication with the printer controller 2103 has become possible after processing such as initialization has been completed after power has been supplied to the printer controller 2103.

The / CPRDY signal 204 is
A signal indicating that communication with the engine control unit 2002 has become possible after power is supplied to the 2103 and processing such as initialization has been completed. The / RDY signal 205 is transmitted by the engine control unit 2002 from the printer controller 2103 as a print start instruction (described later).
/ PRNT signal) indicating that the printing operation is enabled. The condition that this signal becomes true depends on whether the temperature inside the fixing unit has reached a predetermined temperature, or whether the recording paper is
It is only when each part of the printer 2102 is operating normally, for example, whether it remains in the printer 02 or whether the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed.

The / PRNT signal 206 is
2103 requests the engine control unit 2002 to start a printing operation,
Alternatively, it is a signal instructing continuation. / TOP signal 207 is
This is a synchronization signal that is passed from the engine control unit 2002 to the printer controller 2103 and serves as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. This signal is output a fixed time after the / PRNT signal 206 is output from the printer controller 2103.

The / LSYNC signal 208 is a printer controller
2103 is a synchronization signal used as a reference for horizontal scanning, and a / TOP signal
Like the 207, the / PRNT signal 206 is
After output from 03, it is output to the printer controller 2103 after a certain period of time.

The / VCLK signal 209 is a synchronous clock for the / VDOEN signal and the / VDO signal, which will be described later, and generates a clock having a frequency corresponding to the image signal from the printer controller 2103. The / VDOEN signal 210 is a signal for controlling the capture of the image signal output by the printer controller 2103 into the engine control unit 2002.

The engine control unit 2002 detects whether this signal is TRUE / FALSE in synchronization with the / VCLK signal 209, and
In the case of, capture the image signal. In the case of FALSE, do not capture. The / VDO signal 211 is image data.

The printer controller 2103 outputs a / TOP signal 207 in the vertical direction and a / LSYNC signal in the horizontal direction.
Outputs in synchronization with the / VCLK signal 209 with reference to 208.

[0029] The / CCLK signal 212 is
A synchronous clock when the serial control 2103 transmits a serial command to the engine control unit 2002 and when the engine control unit 2002 returns a serial status to the printer controller 2103, and is output from the printer controller 2103.

The / CBSY signal 213 is
Reference numeral 2103 denotes a signal indicating to the engine control unit 2002 that a serial command is transmitted using a / CMD signal 214 described later.

The / CMD signal 214 is a signal used when the printer controller 2103 transmits serial information to the engine control unit 2002, and the serial information will be referred to as a command. The / SBSY signal 215 is
02 is a signal indicating to the printer controller 2103 that the serial status is returned using the / STS signal 216.

The / STS signal 216 is transmitted to the engine control unit 2002
Is a signal used when replying serial information to the printer controller 2103, and the serial information is called a status. / CCRT signal 217 is
02 is a signal for reporting to the printer controller 2103 when the internal status changes. When the printer controller 2103 receives this report signal, the / CMD signal 21
Issue a command to inquire about what has changed in the engine state using
2002 announces its status with the / STS signal 216.

Next, the printer 2102 controlled by the engine control unit 2002 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the printer 2102 viewed from the front. In FIG. 4, 40
Reference numeral 1 denotes a scanner which receives the image signal / VDO signal 211 sent from the printer controller 2103, converts it into a laser beam, irradiates the photoconductor 402, and irradiates the photoconductor 402 with the laser beam.
An image is formed thereon.

The photosensitive member 402 reaches the color developing device 403 and the black developing device 404 while rotating counterclockwise. Developing unit 40
Reference numerals 3 and 404 serve to deposit (develop) the toner on the photoconductor 402 in accordance with the electric charge charged on the photoconductor 402. When the image is black and white, only the black developing device 404 operates, and when the image is color, both the developing devices 403 and 404 are used.

Next, the image generated on the photosensitive member 402 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 405 rotating clockwise. The intermediate transfer member 405 forms a black and white image by rotating once in the case of black and white, and forms a color image on the intermediate transfer member 405 by rotating four times in the case of color.

The following is a detailed description of forming a color image on the intermediate transfer member 405. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 420 denotes a yellow developing machine. 421 is a magenta developing machine. Reference numeral 422 denotes a cyan developing device, and 423 denotes a black developing device.

Of these developing machines, a black developing machine 40
3 can rotate clockwise, yellow developing machine
420 to cyan developing machine 422 for each color developing machine 402
Can be connected to This makes it possible to form toner of each color on the intermediate transfer member 405 via the photoreceptor 402.

FIG. 24 is a development view of the intermediate transfer member 405. The printer 2102 of the present embodiment includes an intermediate transfer body 405
A large size A3 or the like has almost twice the length in the sub-scanning direction, for example, for a small size image of A4. In FIG. 24, if 3803 is an area for forming a large-size image, 3801 is the first small-size image area.

Here, by forming the second small-sized image in the second area 3802, the number of images generated by the number of rotations of the image of the intermediate transfer body 405 is doubled.
If you find that two or more small sizes are output,
At the same time, two identical images are generated on the intermediate transfer member 405.

In this apparatus, a color image is formed in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black at positions 3801 to 3803 selected according to the output paper and the number of images to be created. The case where two images are created in a small size will be described below.

When the yellow developing device 420 is connected to the photoconductor 402, the separated yellow image is emitted from the scanner 401 to the photoconductor of the photoconductor 420 by a laser. The photoconductor 402 picks up yellow toner from the yellow developing device 420 in accordance with the received pattern, and places an image on a predetermined position of the intermediate transfer body 405, in this case, a first area indicated by 3801 in FIG.

Then, when the scanner 401 outputs the first small yellow image, after a certain period of time,
The photoreceptor 420 is irradiated with the second small yellow image. The received pattern picks up yellow toner from the photoconductor 420 similarly to the first sheet, and forms an image at a predetermined position of the intermediate transfer member 405, in this case, the second area 3802 shown in FIG. When the supply of the toner to the second image is completed, the toner rotates clockwise, and the magenta developing device 421 is connected to the intermediate transfer member 405 of the photoconductor 420.

Then, similarly, the scanner 401 irradiates the photoconductor 420 with an image image divided into magenta. Similarly, magenta is overlaid on the intermediate transfer member 405 in the first area 3801 and the second area 3802 on which yellow is already on, without any difference.

By repeating the above process, the cyan developing device 422 is connected to the photoconductor 420, and the cyan and black developing devices 423 are
By superimposing all the color-separated images on the first area 3801 and the second area 3802, a full-color image can be created on the intermediate transfer member 405.

On the other hand, the recording paper fed from the upper cassette 408 or the lower cassette 409 by the first pickup roller 411 or the second pickup roller 412 is conveyed along the paper feed roller 413 or 414, and is conveyed by the conveyance roller 415. Is further transported to the front of the cash register.

Then, at the timing when the image formation on the intermediate transfer member 405 is completed, the intermediate transfer member 405 and the transfer belt
406 is controlled.
Here, when the recording paper arrives, the transfer belt 406 contacts the intermediate transfer body 405, and the toner is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper by applying heat and pressure by the fixing roller 407.

The recording paper on which the image has been fixed is conveyed to one of the face-up discharge port 417 and the face-down discharge port 418 specified in advance by the printer controller 2103 and discharged. As described above, the image information sent from the printer controller 2103 can be output.

Next, the timing of signals exchanged between the video I / Fs 2101 is shown in FIG. This shows the signal description of the video I / F 2101 described above over time.

First, when the preparation of image information by the printer controller 2103 is completed, the / PRNT signal 206 is set to low (true) and transmitted to the engine control unit 2002. At the same time, an image synchronizing signal / VCLK signal 209 used for transferring the image signal is generated.

The engine control unit 2002 performs various settings inside the printer 2102 in response thereto, and when the image can be received, the / TOP signal 207 and the / LSYNC signal 20 are output.
8 to the printer controller 2103.

The / TOP signal 20 synchronized with the vertical synchronizing signal
7 and the horizontal synchronization signal / LSYNC208, the printer controller 2103 transfers the image signal / VDO211 and the / VDOEN signal 210, which is an image valid signal, to the engine control unit 2002.

Next, what commands and status are exchanged by serial communication during these printing operations will be described. FIG. 6 shows the printer controller 21.
12 shows the timing of serial communication between the engine controller 03 and the engine control unit 2002.

First, the case where the lowermost / CCRT signal 217 is not used will be described. When the printer controller 2103 wants to issue a command to the engine control unit 2002, the / CBSY signal 213 is set to low (true) and the clock signal
Send command data to / CMD signal 214 in synchronization with / CCLK 212.

The engine control unit 2002 that has received it receives
After confirming that the / CBSY signal 213 is high (false),
Set the / SBSY signal 215 to Low (true) and print the engine-side status data corresponding to the command to the printer controller.
The / STS signal 216 is sent in synchronization with the / CCLK signal generated from 2103. This status data is received by the printer controller 2103, and print control is continued or interrupted depending on the state.

Next, the / CCRT signal 217 will be described.
The / CCRT signal 217 is a signal that goes low (true) when a change occurs in the engine state specified by the printer controller 2103 in advance.

For example, it is assumed that the printer controller 2103 has been set in advance by the / CMD signal 214 so that the / CCRT signal 217 is made effective when the paper runs out. Thus, it is assumed that there is only one remaining recording sheet, and the printer controller 2103 has issued a printout request for two sheets. 1
The print sequence operation is normally processed on the first sheet without any problem.

However, since the second recording sheet does not exist, the printer 21 starts printing when the second image formation is started.
02 The engine detects the change in status and outputs the / CCRT signal 217.
Change from High to Low. This signal is transmitted to the printer controller 2103.

Upon detecting this, the printer controller 2103 issues a command to the engine control unit 2002 requesting a paper feeder paper presence / absence status to know which paper feed cassette is out of paper. . In response, the engine control unit 2002 returns the status of the paperless cassette to the controller. The / CCRT signal 217 is cleared to High when the status is returned and the / SBSY signal 215 goes Low.

More specifically, a printer controller
The exchange of the command / status between the engine control unit 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 will be described with reference to FIG. This assumes color output.

When a print start request is issued, the printer controller 2103 checks the ready state of the printer 2102 with the engine control unit 2002 while performing image data conversion processing and the like.

Next, a command for designating the paper feed stage of the recording paper is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status.

Next, a paper discharge port is determined by a command for specifying the paper discharge port, and a page mode designation command for specifying how many page images are to be formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for specifying monochrome / color, all settings on the printer 2102 side are completed.

Thereafter, the printer controller 2103 sends a print request / PRNT signal 206 to the engine control unit 2002.
Occurs. In response to this, a / TOP signal 207 is returned from the engine control unit 2002 for a predetermined time. This / TOP signal
207 and the / LSYNC signal 208
/ VDO signal 211 and / VCLK signal 209
The image is transferred to the engine control unit 2002 in accordance with.

Here, since the color mode is set,
The / TOP signal 207 is generated four times to form an image for four colors of CMYK. After the last / TOP signal 207 is generated, / P
Return the RNT signal 206 to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed,
The process proceeds to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer member 405.

Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller and is discharged to a designated discharge port. Finally, the printer controller 2103 confirms to the engine control unit 2002 that the recording paper is not being conveyed (paper ejection is completed), and then the printing is completed.

During the operation as described above, the recording paper jams,
When an illegal state occurs, such as the absence of the recording paper or the opening of the door by the user, the / CCRT signal 21
7 to the printer 2102 from the engine control unit 2002 immediately.
Is reported to the printer controller 2103. The printer controller 2103 performs corresponding processing. The above is the printer controller 2103 and the printer 21
02 (engine control unit 2002).

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an overview of a printing apparatus having the above-described electrical configuration. In FIG. 16, 20
Reference numeral 01 denotes a printer main body, reference numeral 2002 denotes a DC controller that controls paper conveyance and image formation of the printer, and reference numeral 2003 denotes an image forming unit. Reference numeral 2103 denotes the printer controller 2103 in FIG. 17, which is built in the printer main body 2001 as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 2104 denotes a host computer connected to the printer controller 2103 via a one-to-one or network 2105, as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 2004 denotes a paper cassette deck that can be added as an option, 2005 denotes a sorter that can be added as an option, and 2006 denotes an option controller that controls the optional cassette deck 2004 and the optional sorter 2005.

FIG. 8 shows a printer controller based on data transferred from a computer to the printing apparatus described above.
FIG. 10 is an external view of a case where a reader controller that optically reads an original image on a sheet, converts the digital image into digital signals, and outputs the digital signals as well as the image data output from 2103 is mounted.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a document feeder for conveying a document to a portion where the document is optically read;
Is an optical reader. 805 is a platen glass. The document feeding device 801 is provided with the optical reading device 80.
When the original image is transferred onto the original platen glass 805 by the feeding device 801, the optical reading device 802 scans the image while moving in the left and right direction in FIG. The reflected light after optical processing
Send to 804. Reference numeral 803 denotes a printer main body.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the connection between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG. 2 and a reader controller 901 for reading an original image.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an electrical connection when the device is mounted, and is a diagram that best illustrates the contents of the present exemplary embodiment.

That is, the reader controller 901 comprises the printer controller 2103 shown in FIG.
It is located halfway between 2002 and electrical. Between the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901;
And the engine controller 2002 and the reader controller
The types of signal lines between the signal lines 901 and 901 have the same functions as the types of signal lines shown in FIG.

However, since the signals between the printer controller 2103 and the signals between the engine control units 2002 are physically different, the signal name is prefixed with “C” and the latter is prefixed with “P”. Are distinguished.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 902 denotes an image signal processing unit. Reference numeral 903 denotes a document scanning optical system control unit that controls the optical reading device 802, and reference numeral 904 denotes a document feeding control unit that controls the document feeding device 801. Also,
Reference numeral 905 denotes an operation unit, and 906 denotes an image input unit. An image signal converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 804 is input from the image input unit and transferred to an image signal processing unit 902 inside the reader controller 901. You.

Next, each block in the reader controller 901 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, 901
Numeral denotes the reader controller shown in FIG. 9, 902 denotes the image processing unit shown in FIG. 9, and 906 denotes the image input unit shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 2201 denotes a selector, which selects either the output of the image processing unit or the signal sent from the printer controller 2103 to select the engine control unit 2002.
Output to

The signal system switched by the selector 2201 is as follows.
The three signals are an image clock / VCLK signal 209, an image enable / VDOEN signal 210, and an image data / VDO signal 211. Reference numeral 2202 denotes a first serial communication controller that communicates with the engine control unit 2002. Reference numeral 2203 denotes an input / output port for exchanging signals for supplementing communication in the communication controller.

Reference numeral 2204 denotes an interrupt controller. An image leading end request signal / PTOP and a printer state change signal / PCCRT are input to the interrupt controller. Reference numeral 2205 denotes a second serial communication controller that communicates with the printer controller 2103.

Reference numeral 2206 denotes an input / output port for exchanging signals for supplementing communication in the communication controller. A gate 2207 controls whether a signal sent from the printer 2102 is sent to the printer controller 2103.
The gate control is performed only when the image top request signal / TOP
And the line synchronization signal / LSYNC.

Reference numeral 2208 denotes a control circuit having a gate function and a flag setting function.
Control the 217. By opening and closing the gate, controls whether to transmit the printer state change signal / PCCRT issued by the engine control unit 2002 to the printer controller 2103,
By setting a flag, the reader controller 901 can issue a printer status change signal / CCRT to the printer controller 2103. 2209 is a CPU that controls the whole.

[Light Source Lighting Control] Here, control when the light source 103 is a fluorescent lamp will be described. FIG. 20 is a timing chart of the fluorescent lamp lighting control signal. In order to prevent the fluorescent lamp from blackening, the filament must be preheated to a predetermined temperature before the lamp is turned on.

For this purpose, first, the filament preheating signal is turned on, and then the process waits until the filament reaches a predetermined temperature (this waiting time is defined as T1), and then the fluorescent lamp lighting signal is turned on. At this time, in order to minimize the time required for the lamp light amount to reach a desired value, the duty of the lamp current conduction time is set to 100%.

The time from when the fluorescent lamp lighting signal is turned on until the lamp light quantity reaches a desired value is defined as T2. The dimming sensor detects that the lamp light amount has reached a desired value, and changes the duty of the lamp current conduction time (normally 40%) to start PWM dimming control by the inverter. After this duty change, the time until the light amount becomes stable and image reading becomes possible is defined as T3.

That is, from the start of the lamp lighting control, it takes a time T4 = T1 + T2 + T3 until the lamp is actually turned on with a desired stable light amount and an image can be read.
Here, T1 requires several seconds and T3 requires about 0.5 seconds, but T2
It becomes longer according to the cumulative lighting time of the lamp, and it takes about 0.5 to several seconds.

[Operation at Copying] A method for reading a full-color original image using these and outputting the image from the image forming apparatus will be described. When a copy start key (not shown) on the operation unit 905 is operated and a start signal is input, the reader controller 901 closes the gate unit 2207 and the control circuit 2208 for the copy mode. The selector 2201 is set so that the output of the image processing unit 902 is selected. Next, the ready state signal / PRDY of the printer 2102 is checked for the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203.

Next, various settings are made using the first serial communication controller 2202. First, a command for designating a paper feed stage for recording paper is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued.
The engine control unit 2002 responds to these series of commands.
Returns the corresponding status.

Next, a paper discharge port is determined by a command for specifying the paper discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many page images are to be formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for specifying monochrome / color, all settings on the printer 2102 side are completed.

After the original is fed onto the original platen by the original feeder 801, the reader controller 901 is controlled by the engine controller 200.
For 2, print request / PPRNT signal is generated. In response to this, after a predetermined time, the image control request signal / PTOP is returned from the engine control unit 2002.

This is processed by the interrupt controller 2204, and the optical reading device 802 is operated so as to be synchronized with the image leading end request signal / PTOP. The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with this image tip request signal / PTOP, and / PLSYN
The / PVDO signal is synchronized with / PVCLK by synchronizing the C signal in the horizontal direction, and the signal input from the photoelectric conversion device 804 to the image processing unit 902 is transferred to the engine control unit 2002. Here, since the color mode is set, the optical reading device 80
22002 is operated four times, and an image for four colors of CMYK is formed for the / PTOP signal generated four times.

After the last / PTOP signal is generated, / PPR
Return the NT signal to High (false). Accordingly, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer body 405.
Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller, and is discharged to a designated discharge port.

Finally, the reader controller 901 confirms to the engine control unit 2002 that the recording paper is not being conveyed (paper ejection is completed), and then the printing is completed. stand by.

[Operation at the time of printing] A method for outputting an image from the printer controller 2103 from the image forming apparatus by using these will be described. At the stage when the copy operation is completed, the reader controller 901 enters a ready state. At this time, the reader controller 901 opens the gate unit 2207 and the control circuit 2208 for the operation at the time of printing.

The reader controller 901 sends a printer to the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203.
The ready state signal / PRDY of 2102 is checked, and if OK, the ready state signal / CRDY of the printer 2102 is set to the printer controller 2103 using the input / output port 2206.

Next, the printer controller 2103 performs communication for performing various settings, and the reader controller 901 receives it using the second serial communication controller 2205, and the CPU 2209 interprets it. According to the content, the reader controller 901 performs various settings using the first serial communication controller 2202.

The engine control unit responds to a series of commands.
2002 returns the corresponding status to the reader controller 901, and the reader controller 901 receives the status using the first serial communication controller 2202. The received content is interpreted by the CPU 2209, and this time, the printer controller 2103 is used by using the second serial communication controller 2205.
Communicate.

Next, the print controller generates a print request / CPRNT signal to the reader controller 901, and the reader controller 901 receives the signal to generate a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, the engine control
The / PTOP signal is returned from 2002. This is passed through the gate control unit 2208, and the signal is sent to the reader controller as the / CTOP signal.
Return to 901.

In the reader controller 901, / CTOP
The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the signal, the / PLSYNC signal is horizontally synchronized with the / CLSYNC signal that has passed through the gate control unit 2207, the / CVDO signal is synchronized with / CVCLK, and the Forward.

In the reader controller 901, the selector 2201 is set so as to select the signal sent from the controller, and the signal sent from the controller is output as / PVCLK, / PVDOEN and / PVDO as the engine. It is sent to the control unit 2002.

[Difference between Print Operation and Copy Operation] Here, the difference between the print operation and the copy operation will be described with respect to the image transmission timing.

Although a detailed description of the configuration of the print controller 2103 is omitted, an image memory is provided therein, and image data for printing is prepared in advance there. Accordingly, the time required for outputting the print data / VDO 211 in response to the image leading end request signal / TOP signal 207 sent from the engine control unit 2002 is only the electrical delay time.

On the other hand, in the copy mode,
The original is read while moving the optical reading device 802 and image data is output. As shown in FIG. 19, when the time from when the reading device lamp is turned off and stopped to when the image leading end request signal / TOP signal 207 is output is DT1, the lamp is turned on and moving. It takes time for the lamp to light up, for example, a few seconds to about 10 seconds (this time
DT2). This time DT2 is the same as in FIG.
The time T4 = T1 + T2 + T3 from the start of the lamp lighting control at 0 to the time when the lamp is actually turned on with a desired stable light amount and image reading becomes possible.

[Reader Control for Copy Output] FIG. 21 is a detailed view of the image reading section in the reader frame 101 of FIG. FIG. 21 is a view of the main body viewed from the front in cross section.

In FIG. 21, reference numeral 3000 denotes an original which is an object to be copied. Reference numeral 3001 denotes a platen glass on which a copy 3000 is placed. Reference numeral 3002 denotes a stay for fixing the platen glass 3001.

Reference numeral 3003 denotes a standard white plate, and the photoelectric conversion means 104,
For example, variations between elements such as line CCD sensors and light sources
It is used to perform shading to make the light amount characteristic in the line direction 103 constant.

Reference numerals 3004 to 3008 denote carriages each having a light source 103 inside.
This is the first unit to communicate to 104. Although the carriage has only one unit, the first carriage 30 is used in order to specify the movement position when the carriage reciprocates in the horizontal direction.
04 to the fifth carriage 3008.

In FIG. 21, the range in which the carriage can read the original 3000 is between the third carriage 3006 and the fourth carriage 3007, and is indicated by a dotted line in the reader frame 101 while moving at a constant speed. The image is transmitted to the photoelectric conversion unit 104 via the optical path, and the image can be read.

When a copy button (not shown) is pressed, the image forming apparatus performs a copy job for performing a copy operation.
Is created, and the copy JOB creates a scan JOB in consideration of the operating conditions at that time, for example, the number of scans.
The reader frame 101 scans according to the scan job and outputs an image to the printer 2102.

Although it depends on the characteristics of the light source 103, it is desirable that the shading of the light source 103 be performed as frequently as possible. However, such control that the productivity and stability of the device are reduced by performing the shading is not preferable.

According to the main scan sequence, two regions in FIG. 24, that is, a first region 3801 and a second region
The shading process is performed only when the time that can be made between the region 3802 and the region 3802 is longer. By doing so, it is possible to stably increase the shading frequency while having a margin for the scanning operation.
At this time, for example, scanning when the number of prints is set to 2
FIG. 22 shows a typical carriage operation performed by a JOB.

In the HP row in FIG. 22, the position of the first carriage 3004 in FIG. 21 is defined as HP. Similarly, the position of the second carriage 3005 is referred to as SP, and the position of the fifth carriage 3008 is referred to as EP. The row described as 1 is in the first column.
There are eight rows up to this point, and the arrows in the figure show the position where the carriage starts moving and the position where it stops.

The scan JOB operates the motors in the order from the first row to the eleventh row. The first line stops when going from HP to just before SP. The second line moves from the position stopped at the first line to the location of HP again.

This is generally called home position positioning, and is an operation for initializing the HP position. In the tree embodiment, the HP position is the above-mentioned shading position, and 3003 is within the stop time between the second and third rows.
The shading process is performed with reference to the standard white plate.

Since the place where the vehicle stopped at the first line has no particular meaning, no name is given to the stop position. The third line moves from HP to SP. From now on, the original 3000 is actually read, but an acceleration area for increasing the moving speed of the carriage to the target speed is required.

Therefore, the position where the acceleration area is subtracted from the third carriage 3006 is the SP position of the second carriage 3005. Therefore, as the vehicle accelerates from the position of the second carriage 3005, it is guaranteed that the vehicle can be accelerated to a desired speed when it reaches the point of the third carriage 3006.

Similarly, the original 3000 is moved to the fourth carriage 3007
Although the reading ends at the position, the deceleration area for stopping the carriage driven at a constant speed is required. The deceleration area added to the fourth carriage 3007 is the position of the fifth carriage 3008, which is the EP position.

The acceleration region and the deceleration region change depending on the motor torque, the target speed for operating the carriage, and the like. Therefore, the third carriage 3006
The minimum required moving distance of the carriage to be driven to read an image at a target speed between the fourth carriage 3007 and the fourth carriage 3007 is referred to as the EP position of the fifth carriage 3008 from the SP position of the second carriage 3005. Will be. In the present embodiment, since the useless movement is not performed as much as possible during the scanning operation, the carriage movement for reading the image is controlled so as to perform the minimum movement.

The fourth line starts accelerating from the SP position and stops at the EP position while reading an image of the document area at a constant speed. This completes the first reading of the yellow image. In FIG. 24, the reader has transmitted an image to be placed on the first area 3801.

As shown in the developed view of FIG. 24, the intermediate transfer member 405 of FIG. 4 is not allowed to stop when it is operated continuously. Therefore, after the image of the first area 3801 has been sent, It is necessary to send the image in the second area 3802 after waiting for the distance 3804 by the time during which the intermediate transfer member 405 rotates. In the present embodiment, the distance 3804 is set to the intermediate transfer member.
The rotation time of the 405 is about 380 ms.

In the fifth line, the operation returns to the SP position in preparation for reading the second image. In the sixth line, the second image is read in accordance with the image timing of the distance 3804, and stops at the EP position.

Next, the timing at which an image must be output is the time during which the intermediate transfer member 405 is rotated by the total distance of 3805-1 and 3805-2 in FIG. 24, which is collectively referred to as the second time. 3805. In the present embodiment,
The second time 3805 is 980 ms, and the reader has a margin before outputting the next image.

Therefore, the seventh line moves directly to the HP position. Then, the above-mentioned shading process is performed.
Move to the SP position and wait for the next scan timing. When a predetermined time comes, a scan for outputting the magenta image of the second rotation of the intermediate transfer member 405 to the first area 3801 in FIG. 24 is performed on the ninth line.

These operations are repeated, and for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, the first region in FIG.
Scan to put on 3801 and the second area 3802,
At line 10, return to the HP position and end the job.

Next, a scan sequence when the number of copies is 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, the scan sequence according to the present embodiment is not limited to the case where the number of copies is one, and when the copy paper is half-size and the number of copies is odd, two copies are used in the middle from the beginning. , And the scan sequence of the present embodiment is performed only for the last process.

If the copy paper is of a large size, two scans cannot be created at the same time, so the main scan sequence is used. In addition, when performing special processing, 3804 in FIG.
When it is not possible to make a time for the first time indicated by the symbol, printing is performed one by one in one process using the scan sequence of the present embodiment.

Next, a scan sequence according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 23 in the same format as in FIG.
Note that the first to fourth lines in FIG. 23 are the same as those described in FIG.

On the fifth line, the time until the next image is output by the scanner is a sufficient time for performing the above-mentioned shading. Therefore, the scanner directly moves to the HP position for performing the shading.

The shading operation is performed between the fifth line and the sixth line, the carriage is moved to the SP position on the sixth line, the next image output timing is awaited, and the second magenta color is displayed on the seventh line. Scan to put on. By repeating these operations, a single full-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 405 by adding colors of yellow and black.

As described above, as in the scan sequence according to the present embodiment, two images or paper can be handled at the same time, and one image can be handled, so that the print control process can be stopped halfway. For a printer 2102 having a configuration that cannot be performed, create a sequence for performing shading in accordance with the longer one of the first time 3804 and the second time 3805 in FIG. 24 during an image output by the reader. Thus, the copying operation of the copying machine can be performed without lowering the productivity of the printer 2102.

[Control for Setting Command] Next, control for the setting command will be described. Since the reader controller 901 is connected between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002, the printer controller
Communication between 2103 and engine control unit 2002 is as follows.

[0130] The reader controller 901 is an engine control unit.
A case where a document image is read and output using the 2002 (copier mode) and a setting command, for example, a paper cassette change command, is issued from the printer controller 2103 to the printer 2102 will be described.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a command issuing sequence in the case where the reader controller 901 does not intervene, that is, in the configuration of FIG. FIG. 10A shows a processing sequence in the printer controller 2103. (B) is a processing sequence in the engine control unit 2002.

As shown in FIG. 10, after the printer controller 2103 issues a paper feed cassette change command in step S101, the printer controller 2103 issues an instruction to the engine controller 20 in step S102.
Wait for a response from 02, and when a response comes, step S1
Proceeding to step 03, the success of the command is determined, and a series of command issuing sequences ends.

On the other hand, the engine control unit 2002 determines in step S
At 121, it is determined whether or not a command has been received from the controller. When the command is received, the process proceeds to step S22 to determine the content of the command. If the received command is a paper cassette change command, the process proceeds to step S123,
Change the paper cassette. Next, at step S124, when the change of the paper feed cassette has been successful, the printer controller 2103 is notified of the successful command execution.

On the other hand, in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the reader controller 901 enters, that is, in FIG.
3 is a control flow in the reader controller 901 in the configuration of FIG. It should be noted that the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 perform exactly the same control as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows reception of a command from the printer controller 2103,
It is a flow of control for returning a status to 03. The reader controller 901 is a printer controller 2103
From the second serial communication controller 2205 through the / CCMD signal line shown in FIG.
In step S111, it is determined whether the command can be issued to the engine control unit 2002 as it is.

For example, if there is no command currently being executed by the reader controller 901 to the engine controller 2002 in order to perform the copy mode operation, the printer controller The same command as the command sent from 2103 is sent to the engine control unit 20
02 is issued through the signal line / PCMD using the first serial communication controller 2202 (step S112).

On the other hand, for example, the paper feed cassette change command sent from the printer controller 2103 is sent to the engine control unit 2002, for example, when the reader controller 901 designates a paper feed cassette to perform a copying operation. If the copy operation cannot be performed normally if the command is issued as it is, the command issued from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 without issuing the command to the engine control unit 2002 is issued. The command is stored in the engine command queue stored in the order of issue (step S112).

Next, it is determined in step S113 whether or not a response has been received from the engine. If a response has been received, it is determined in step S114 whether or not the command execution has been successful.

If the command has been successfully executed, the command is deleted from the engine command queue (step S115). If it is determined at this point that the engine has failed in executing the command, it is processed as an error occurrence state (step S11).
6).

Next, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The case where the reader controller 901 is ready to issue the command received from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 without affecting the state of the reader controller 901 (after the processing of step S121, step S122, and step S124) explain.

In such a state, the reader controller 901 uses the first serial communication controller 2202 to send a signal line / PCM signal to the engine control unit 2002.
The command stored in the engine command queue is issued through D (step S123), and a response is waited for (step S125). The command issued by the reader controller 901 itself is also transmitted to the engine control unit 2002 through this / PCMD signal line.

If the result of determination in step S125 is that there is a response from the engine, the flow advances to step S126 to determine whether or not command execution has succeeded. As a result of this judgment,
When the command execution is successful, the command execution success is notified to the controller (step S127).

If the result of the determination in step S126 is that the command execution has not succeeded, the flow advances to step S128 to process the state as an error occurrence state.

As described above, the reader controller 90
Even if the configuration contains 1, the printer controller 21
When issuing a normal command from 03 to the engine control unit 2002, the command processing sequence can be operated without causing inconsistency in the operation.

[Control for State Change Signal] Next, in the configuration in which the reader controller 901 is interposed, the state change on the engine side, for example, the occurrence of some kind of error is detected by the engine control unit 2002 using the / PCCRT. The processing when the information is transmitted from the side to the reader controller 901 will be described.

In the case of a configuration in which the reader is interposed, the reader controller 901 side and the printer controller 2103 side
The changes in the state you want to know may be different. For example, there is a case where a state change occurs such that the paper being transported is jammed.

If a jam occurs while the engine is performing a copying operation under the control of the reader controller 901, this state is a state that only the reader controller 901 wants to know. Since the printer controller 2103 is not the jam during the output of the printer controller 2103 itself, the printer controller 2103 cannot execute appropriate post-processing even if notified of this state.

If a control system equivalent to that of the reader controller 901 is to be mounted, both controllers also have software for jam processing control which should be provided by the other controller. Moreover, a lot of waste occurs in the capacity of software.

Therefore, it is basically necessary to notify the printer controller 2103 in the print mode and notify the reader controller 901 in the copy mode. However, even in the copy mode, the printer controller 2103 may want an engine state change signal.

For example, it is necessary to notify the printer controller 2103 of information such as a change in the cassette size and the absence of paper. These do not strictly question the time from when the state change signal is issued by the engine control unit 2002 to when the processing is performed by each controller.

Therefore, the following processing is performed. That is, in the copy mode in which the reader controller 901 controls the engine control unit 2002, the engine control unit 20 is controlled by using the gate function of the control circuit 2208.
The state change signal / PCCRT notified from 02 is masked for the printer controller 2103, and only the reader controller 901 receives the signal via the interrupt controller 2204.

The reader controller 901 performs processing according to the control flow shown in FIG. That is, it is determined whether the / PCCRT signal has become true (step S131). When the / PCCRT signal becomes true, the reader controller 901 issues a command for acquiring a state change to the engine control unit 2002. (Step S132).

Thereafter, in step S133, the atmosphere is maintained until there is a response from the engine control unit. If there is a response, in step S134, the returned status is checked to understand the details of the engine state change. Then, it is determined whether the content is a content to be notified also to the printer controller 2103 (step S135).

For example, a state change such as a change in the size of the sheet cassette is notified. If it is determined to notify, by using the control circuit 2208, set a flag,
Generates a status change signal / CCCRT
2103 is notified (step S136).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S135, if it is determined that there is no need to notify, step S14
The process proceeds to 0, and processing corresponding to the state change is performed inside the read controller.

In step S136, the state change signal / CCC
After the RT is generated, it is determined in step S137 whether the notification is from the printer controller. If the notification is from the printer controller, the process proceeds to step S137.
At 138, the status change received from the engine control unit is returned as a status. Then, step S139
Then, a process of setting the state change signal / CCCRT to "imaginary" is performed.

In the print mode in which the printer controller 2103 controls the engine control unit 2002, the gate function of the control circuit 2208 is released and the engine control unit 2208 is opened.
The status change signal / PCCRT notified from 2002 is notified to the printer controller 2103 as the status change signal / CCCRT.

[Control for Execution Command] Next, control of the execution command will be described. For example, how the reader controller 901 controls when the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 simultaneously issue a use request to the engine control unit 2002 will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the location of data and the exchange of data when a print request is issued during a copy operation. At this time, the engine control unit 2002 receives the image signal / PVDO sent from the reader controller 901 and forms an image.

In the operation, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the settings such as the sheet cassette designation, the sheet ejection port designation, and the image forming mode have already been set by serial communication between the reader controller 901 and the engine control unit 2002. Reference numeral 1301 denotes a buffer for various setting values. The value set by the reader controller 901 in the engine control unit 2002 and the printer controller 21
03 stores the value set in the engine control unit 2002.

Of the various setting values shown in the buffer 1301, the above-mentioned designated value is stored in the setting value for the reader. Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103 during the copy operation, the interruption of the copy operation and the printout are performed.
It's hard to think about usability.

Therefore, the print request in this situation is postponed until the copying operation is completed. However, the / CSTS signal must be returned in response to the / CCMD signal from the printer controller 2103.

Therefore, among the set values of the buffer 1301, PD
Only the set value from the printer 2102 as the set value for L is set as required. When the setting value for the reader is different from the setting value for the PDL, the setting may be performed from the reader controller 901 to the engine control unit 2002 after the copying operation is completed and before the printer operation is started.

The following is a description of a specific example. Currently, copying is in progress, and paper is fed from the upper cassette,
It is assumed that the paper is set to be discharged to the face-up discharge port, and that the image forming mode is set to the color mode based on the determination that the document is in color.

Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103, the print execution itself is postponed, but various settings can be made. Here, it is assumed that the print request is a request for feeding paper from the upper cassette, discharging the paper to the face-down discharge port, and further outputting a monochrome image. For the paper cassette designation, refer to the reader controller
901 and the printer controller 2103 also specify the upper cassette.

Therefore, when the copy operation is completed and the operation is switched to the print operation, it is not necessary to issue the paper feed cassette designation command to the engine control unit 2002. Regarding the discharge port and the image forming mode, since the designation is different between the copy operation and the print operation, when the copy operation is completed, the reader controller 901 re-specifies the discharge port designation and the image formation mode designation to the engine control unit 2002. You need to issue a command.

As described above, the reader controller 901
Does not judge that the command from the printer controller 2103 is only to postpone execution of the command to the engine control unit 2002, but that the reader controller 901 has already set the command to the engine control unit 2002. Is determined such that duplicate settings are not made.

Next, a case where a copy request occurs during a printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, contrary to the case of FIG. 14, from the viewpoint of usability,
Even if an attempt is made to press the copy button in front of the copy machine, it is better to be able to execute the copy operation in an interrupted manner than to be able to copy during the print operation.

In this case, the / CVDO signal sent from the printer controller 2103 is selected by the selector 2201,
An O signal is sent to the engine control unit 2002. It is assumed that the settings are exactly the same as those described with reference to FIG. 14, and the settings from the printer controller 2103 are the upper cassette, the face-down discharge port, and the monochrome image mode. The engine control unit 2002 receives the / PPRNT from the printer controller 2103.
Since the end can be detected only when the signal becomes high (false), it is not known how many sheets are to be printed out.

Here, it is assumed that the printer 2102 is going to print out four images. If the copy operation request is not made by an interrupt from the reader, as shown in the image timing as shown in FIG.
Four P signals are generated, and in response, an image is generated from the printer controller 2103 via the reader controller 901.
Sent to engine control unit 2002.

Therefore, it is assumed that an interrupt copy request for copying one color document is issued to the reader controller 901 during the second printout. In response to the / CPRNT request from the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 901 issues a / PPRNT request to the engine control unit 2002, and the / PTOP signal is sent from the engine control unit 2002 to the print controller as the / CTOP signal via the reader controller 901. Supplied. In this way, the printing operation of the first image 1501 and the second image 1502 is executed.

Here, a case will be described in which the reader controller 901 generates an interrupt copy request during the printout operation of the second sheet. The reader controller 901 generates a / CCCRT signal for the printer controller 2103. This is not that the state of the engine has actually changed, but the reader requests the printer controller 2103 to open the engine in order to acquire the printer engine.

The method of generation is as described above.
Use 2208. In response to the / CCCRT signal, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for checking the status status of the engine, and the reader controller 901 returns a status indicating "copying" to the printer controller 2103.

Then, the printer controller 2103
Detects that the engine is performing a copy operation while keeping the / CPRNT signal low (true), and waits for the / CTOP signal to come. If not in copy state, / CPRNT
If / CTOP does not come while the signal remains low (true), a timeout error will occur after a certain period of time. In the case of copy status, the printer controller 2103 releases the timeout and waits for the / CTOP signal forever. Set to.

This time, the / PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 is for performing a copy operation, and the reader controller 901 uses the / PTOP signal. Also, as shown by 1505, / PTO sent from the engine side
The P signal is masked by the printer controller 2103. The image signal actually generated by the reader controller 901 is only the image signal of 1506.

Then, after one interrupt copy is completed, the / PTOP signal is unmasked again and sent to the printer controller 2103 as the / CTOP signal, whereby the images 1503 and 1504 from the printer controller 2103 are engine-controlled. It can be printed out to Part 2002. According to the above description, the interruption copy operation during the print operation can be realized.

As described above, according to the state of the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901, the reader controller 901 determines which of the printer engine is to be acquired and the timing at which the command is to be issued, depending on the case. By doing so, requests from two controllers can be realized for one engine.

[Control for Setting Content Confirmation Command] 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 state set in the engine control unit 2002, the printer controller 2103 issues a setting content confirmation command through / CCMD. The reader controller 901 that has received it receives the
Is checked, and if the content to be confirmed by the printer controller 2103 exists in the buffer, the content is read out and notified to the printer controller 2103 through / CSTS.

If the contents do not exist in the buffer, the reader controller 901 issues a setting content confirmation command to / PCMD.
Issued through The engine control unit 2002 reads the contents and reads the setting contents via / PSTS to the reader controller.
901 and the reader controller 901 sends the content to / C
The printer controller 2103 is notified via the STS.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but can be applied to an apparatus composed of one device. You may.

Further, the functions of the above-described embodiment are implemented in a device connected to the above-described various devices or a computer in a system so that various devices are operated so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. The present invention also includes programs implemented by supplying the program code of the software described above and operating the various devices according to programs stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

In this case, the program code of the software implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer are provided.
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, R
OM or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other operating system running on the computer. Needless to say, even when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with application software or the like, such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is specified based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the first embodiment performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0185]

As described above, the present invention provides a first image forming mode for forming one image in a single image forming process,
When performing image copying by combining an image output device having two image forming modes of a second image forming mode for simultaneously forming two images and an image reading device for sending image information to the image output device, First image output device
The shading operation of the optical system is periodically performed between an image generated by the second image forming mode and the image generated by the second image forming mode, and an image having a long time is provided. Therefore, it is possible to copy an image without reducing the productivity of the printer and performing optical shading as frequently as possible.

According to another feature of the present invention, a scan request is generated in the image reading device, and the scan operation is performed for a predetermined time after a series of scan operations created from the request is completed. Since the light source is turned on, when the next scan request occurs within the light source lighting duration time, the light source for performing the scanning operation is turned on, and the image is read as soon as the stabilization time. Is possible, and the productivity of the printer can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a controller and a printer.

FIG. 2 is a connection diagram between a printer controller and a printer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of video I / F signals.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a paper conveyance state when the printer is viewed from the front.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart of an image signal.

FIG. 6 is a serial communication timing chart.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of communication during a printing operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an appearance when a reader unit is mounted.

FIG. 9 is a connection diagram in a configuration in which a reader controller is interposed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication sequence when a reader is not mounted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication sequence when a reader is mounted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication sequence when a reader is mounted.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control example of a reader controller when a reader is mounted.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating processing of a print request during a copy operation.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating processing of a copy request during a printing operation.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a printer.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of system connection of a printer.

FIG. 18 is a detailed block diagram inside a reader controller.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing a timing difference between copying and printing.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing an example of a fluorescent lamp lighting control signal.

FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of a reader.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a scan sequence when the printer performs one process and two images.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a scan sequence when the printer is printing one process and one image.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a development example of an intermediate transfer member.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 reader frame 102 platen 103 light source 104 photoelectric conversion means 105 analog-to-digital conversion means 106 reader controller 2001 printer body 2002 DC controller 2003 image forming unit 2103 printer controller 2104 host computer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/04 107 F-term (Reference) 2H027 DA07 DA40 EA02 EC04 EC09 ED04 ED11 EF12 EG04 FA16 FA35 2H076 AB16 AB83 BA56 BA67 DA17 DA31 EA01 2H108 AA01 CB01 FA01 FA07 FA17 5C072 AA05 BA08 BA19 CA12 DA12 FB12 FB13 FB23 KA01 MB02 MB04 MB09 QA01 SA06 UA02 WA03 XA01

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image output apparatus having two image forming modes, a first image forming mode for forming one image in a single image forming process, and a second image forming mode for forming two images simultaneously. An image copying apparatus comprising an image reading device for sending image information to an image output device, wherein an image generated between the first image forming mode and the second image forming mode of the image output device is interposed between the images. An image copying apparatus, comprising: a shading control unit that controls a shading operation of the optical system to be performed periodically when the time is longer. 2. An image output apparatus having two image forming modes, a first image forming mode for forming one image by a single image forming process, and a second image forming mode for forming two images simultaneously, and an optical device. In an image copying apparatus in which a system shading position is combined with an image reading device in a stop position direction for acceleration with respect to an image reading start position, a plurality of back scan stop positions are provided, and An image copying apparatus comprising: stop position control means for switching the plurality of stop positions according to whether or not to perform a system shading operation. 3. The image copying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a back scan stop position in performing the optical system shading is the same as a normal stop position of the optical system carriage. 4. When a scan request is generated in an image copying apparatus, a light source for performing the scan operation is turned on for a predetermined time after a series of scan operations started from the scan request is completed. An image copying apparatus comprising light source lighting control means. 5. An image output for performing image forming processing in two image forming modes, a first image forming mode for forming one image in a single image forming process and a second image forming mode for forming two images simultaneously. An image reading method for transmitting image information to an image output device for performing the image output processing, wherein the first and second image forming modes in the image output processing are generated by the first image forming mode and the second image forming mode. An image copying method characterized in that a shading operation of an optical system is periodically performed when a time between images to be reproduced is longer. 6. An image output for performing image forming processing in two image forming modes, a first image forming mode for forming one image in a single image forming process and a second image forming mode for forming two images simultaneously. In an image copying method, an image reading process is performed by arranging an image reading device in a direction of a stop position for acceleration with respect to an image reading start position. An image characterized by preparing a plurality of back scan stop positions for performing a shading operation, and performing a stop position control process for switching the plurality of stop positions according to whether or not to perform the shading operation of the optical system. Copy method. 7. The image copying method according to claim 6, wherein a back scan stop position in performing the optical system shading is the same as a normal stop position of the optical system carriage. 8. In the image copying process, when a scan request is generated, a light source for performing the scan operation is turned on for a predetermined time after a series of scan operations started from the scan request is completed. An image copying method characterized by performing a light source lighting control process. 9. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the means for configuring the image copying apparatus according to claim 1 so as to be readable from the computer. 10. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the image copying method according to claim 5 so as to be readable from the computer.