JP3203171B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for recording, on a sheet, data obtained by reading an image of a document, and in particular for recording digitized data. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, particularly to an image forming apparatus that can record an image of read data using a printer unit and also can record external data transferred from an external device as necessary.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital copying machine, which is a type of image forming apparatus according to the present invention, reads an image of a document and records the read data as copy data on a sheet.
In recent years, it has been commercialized as a multifunction peripheral to which functions such as a print mode and a facsimile mode are added in addition to the mode.

[0003] Therefore, in addition to the case of operating as a copying machine, recording of image data by facsimile communication and recording of external data from other external devices such as a host computer, a personal computer, or a word processor. Is possible, and the operation rate in the printer unit as the image forming unit is increased. That is, the operation rate of only the printer unit is higher than that of a copier having only a function of reading an image of a document and recording the image on a sheet.

The digital copying machine includes a scanner unit for reading an image of a document, a printer unit for storing copy data obtained by performing image processing on data capable of recording data read by the scanner unit, and recording the copy data. And
An input / output interface for processing external data from the above-described external device, for example, a word processor or a personal computer, is provided. In this way, in addition to recording the data obtained by reading the image of the original, the printer unit receives external data from an external device during standby of the printer unit except during a series of recording operations of copy data by the printer unit, and receives the external data. Can be recorded.

Conventionally, the above-described digital copying machine uses a printer unit for reading an image of a document and recording the image, and records the external data required by another external device. One disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-130311 has been proposed. This is to record image data transferred from an external device when the printer unit is not operating in order to increase the operation rate of the printer unit.

[0006] To briefly explain the contents described in the above publication, the filing function 1005 and the facsimile are used because the printing unit of the digital copying machine 1000 connected via the communication line 1014 is shared as shown in FIG. Function 1006 and laser beam printer unit 1007
When the CPU 1010 inputs a print request from each of the functional units, the operation status of the printer unit of the copying machine 1000 is checked. Is transferred to the copying machine 1000 through the output selector 1009 and the selector 1002, and image recording is performed. Therefore, the image data from the facsimile machine or the personal computer is input to the above-mentioned functional units via the external interface 1011 by the input selector 1008.
And sends it to the facsimile function 1006 and the laser beam printer unit 1007 for storage. Therefore, when the CPU 1010 receives a print request, the facsimile function unit 1006 or the laser beam printer unit 10
07 is transferred to the printer unit of the copying machine 1000 as described above and recorded.

[0007]

According to the above arrangement,
This has the effect of increasing the operating rate of the printer unit of the digital copying machine 1000. In other words, if there is a print request for image data from another external device while the printer unit is not in operation, the printer unit can be operated, and the digital copying machine can be used effectively.

However, the image (external) data requested to be printed by the external device can be recorded only when the operation of the printer unit as the image forming apparatus is confirmed to be in a standby state. Even if the printer unit is not performing the recording operation in any way, the recording operation is disabled during the preparation, and the image data from the external device is recorded after the completion of the recording operation,
The operation rate of the printer unit cannot be further increased. At the same time, the time for recording and outputting the external data of the external device is delayed.

In other words, recording of external data from a conventional external device is performed by performing a series of copying operations of the printer unit, and at the end of this operation, the printer unit is maintained in a standby state. Could not be determined.

Therefore, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-130311, priorities of external data transferred from an external device are determined in advance. Is
It is specified that the recording of the external data is started by checking the state before the recording operation in the printer unit is started.

In the above points, since the external data forcibly transferred from the facsimile apparatus is recorded while the printer unit is operating, the image formation in the printer unit is continued and the next image formation is performed. Since the operation is interrupted before the operation is started, the start-up of the printer unit becomes a problem, the operation rate cannot be improved as expected, and the image recording is not efficient. That is, since the continuous operation of the printer unit is temporarily forcibly interrupted, it is more efficient to continue the operation of the printer unit as it is, and the operation rate is not significantly improved.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a printer capable of reading an image of a document and recording the image on a sheet, wherein the operation rate (operating efficiency) of the printer is improved. Is to provide.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming means, that is, a timing at which a continuous operation by a printer unit cannot be performed without recording image data from an external device when the printer unit is continuously operated. At this timing, the recording operation of the external data of the external device is started, and the operation efficiency of the printer unit is improved.

[0014]

An image forming apparatus for achieving the above object of the present invention comprises a scanner section for reading an image of a document, and data read by the scanner section recorded on a sheet as copy data. An image forming apparatus that can record external data transferred from an external device on a sheet as needed through the printer unit. While performing a series of recording operations of recording the read data as copy data on a sheet,
When the external data is transferred from the external device, the printer unit detects a pause period during which the recording operation cannot be continued and cannot be executed, and at the time of the detection, temporarily suspends the recording operation of the copy data. A data recording operation is performed.

Here, the pause period during which the printer unit cannot continuously execute the recording operation during the execution of the series of operation for recording the copy data is defined as the pause period when the original is exchanged for reading the image of the original. It is either a problem with the scanner unit or a problem with the document feeder that conveys the document to the reading position during image reading and image processing of the document, and it is impossible to forcibly stop the recording operation in the printer unit. Absent. Further, the recording operation of the copy data cannot be continued (copy mode). During the above-mentioned suspension period, the recording operation of the printer unit is temporarily suspended. Of course, the operation rate of the printer unit can be greatly improved.

Further, when external data is transferred from a plurality of external devices, the external data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus main body is prioritized among the external data, and the recording operation of the copy data is continued. By executing the recording operation of the external data at the time of the stop where the operation cannot be performed, another recording operation can be executed without interrupting the operation of the printer unit. For example, if the sheet size that can be processed by the image forming apparatus matches the sheet size specified by the external data, the printing operation on the sheet of the matching size can be executed without interrupting the operation of the printer unit. . This has the effect of increasing the operating rate of the printer unit.

In addition, when the printer unit continuously records the copy data, it is detected that a pause period in which the recording operation of the copy data cannot be performed is performed on condition that the sheet for the recording is lost. However, when executing the recording operation of the external data at the time of the detection, if it is confirmed that the external data is recorded on another sheet different from the lost sheet, the external data is compared with the case described above. Similarly, without interrupting the operation of the printer unit,
A recording operation can be performed. In this case, it is a quiescent period particularly when the paper supply sheet in the printer unit is used up, and the recording operation of the copy data cannot be executed until the sheet is replenished, and the operation rate of the printer unit can be improved. Increase more.

Further, the recording operation of the external data is performed by returning to the recording operation mode of the copied data at the time when all the external data is completed or when the recording operation by the copied data can be executed. When the temporarily stopped copy data is recorded, the operation stop period during which the recording operation of the printer unit cannot be performed can be shortened, and the printer unit can be operated substantially continuously.

On the other hand, another image forming apparatus for achieving the object of the present invention comprises a scanner section for reading an image of a document, and a printer section for recording data read by the scanner section as copy data on a sheet. An image forming apparatus which can record external data transferred from an external device on a sheet as needed through the printer unit, wherein the external data transferred from the external device is When the development to the data that can be recorded is completed, the recording of the external data in the printer unit is preferentially executed at the time when the recording of the external data is completed, and the mode is switched to the recording of the copy data when the recording of the external data is completed. And features.

While the external data is being recorded by the printer unit, reading of the image of the original by the scanner unit and image processing of the read data to obtain copy data are performed in parallel. By executing, when the recording of the copy data and the recording of the external data from the external device are parallel at the same time, especially the data recording of the external device side is given priority,
During this time, by reading the image and performing the image processing,
Immediately after the recording of the external data is completed, the recording operation of the copy data can be continued and executed. For this reason, the downtime of the printer unit can be eliminated, and the operation efficiency can be further improved. In particular, since the external data from the external device does not require reading of an image or the like unlike copy data, the processing is quick and the operation rate can be improved by giving priority to the external data.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image of a document according to the present invention is read, image processing is performed on copy data that can be recorded by a printer unit, the copy data is recorded on a sheet, and external data from an external device is read. An embodiment and the like of an image forming apparatus that records as necessary will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention will be described by taking as an example a digital copying machine having a copying mode, a printing mode, a facsimile mode, etc. FIG. 1 shows a digital copying machine according to the present invention connected to an external device via a communication line. FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing the state, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the digital copying machine in FIG.

Referring first to FIG. 2, a digital copying machine as a digital image forming apparatus will be described. This digital copying machine is mainly composed of a main body 1 and a scanner section 2 and a laser recording section 3, that is, a printer section.

The scanner section 2 includes a document table 2-0 made of transparent glass, and a double-sided automatic document feeder (ADF) 2 for automatically supplying and conveying a document onto the document table 2-0.
-1, and a document image reading unit for scanning and reading an image of a document placed on the document table 2-0,
That is, it is composed of the scanner unit 2-2.

The image (read) data of the document read by the scanner unit 2 is sent to an image data input unit, which will be described later, as copy data that can be recorded and processed by the printer unit 3. Image processing is performed.

The ADF 2-1 sets a plurality of documents on a document tray (not shown) provided at a time, and automatically sets the set documents one by one on the document table of the scanner unit 2-2. 2-0. The ADF 2-1 also includes a transport path for a one-sided original, a transport path for a two-sided original, and a transport path switching unit such that the scanner unit 2-2 reads one or both sides of the original according to an operator's selection. It is composed of A number of applications and commercializations of the ADF 2-1 have been filed, and no further description will be given.

A scanner unit 2-2 constituting a scanner unit 2 for reading an image of a document on the document table 2-0.
Is a lamp reflector assembly 2 for exposing the surface of the original.
-3 and a photoelectric conversion device (CCD)
A first scanning unit 2-6a equipped with a first reflection mirror 2-5a for reflecting the reflected light from the document for guiding to 2-4, and reflected light from the first reflecting mirror 2-5a A second for guiding an image to a photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 2-4;
A second mounting the third reflecting mirrors 2-5b and 2-5c
The scanning unit 2-6b forms a reflected light image from a document on an element (CCD) 2-4 which converts the reflected light image into an electric image signal via the above-described reflecting mirrors 2-5a, 2-5b and 2-5c. It comprises an optical lens body 2-7 for forming an image, and the above-mentioned CCD element 2-4 for converting a reflected light image from a document into an electric image signal.

The scanner unit 2 operates the RADF 2-1 and the scanner unit 2-2 in association with each other to sequentially place originals to be read on the original placing table 2-0.
A scanner unit 2 is provided along the lower surface of the document table 2-0.
2 is moved to read the original image. In particular, the first scanning unit 2-6a includes the document table 2
By traveling at a constant speed V from left to right along −0, the second traveling unit 2-6 b has V
The traveling is controlled in parallel in the same direction at a speed of / 2. As a result, the placed originals are sequentially scanned line by line by the CCD element 2.
The image is read by forming an image at -4.

The image data obtained by reading the original image by the scanner unit 2-2 is sent to an image processing unit, which will be described later, and after being subjected to various processes, stored in the memory of the image processing unit by the printer unit 3. The data is temporarily stored as recordable copy data, and the copy data in the memory is provided to the laser printer unit 3 in accordance with an output instruction, and an image is recorded on a sheet.

The (laser) printer unit 3 includes a sheet conveying system for forming a sheet for forming an image, a laser writing unit 30, and an electrophotographic processing unit 31 for forming an image.

The laser writing unit 30 includes a semiconductor laser that emits laser light and a laser that emits laser light in accordance with copy data read from the memory after reading by the above-described scanner unit 22 or external data transferred from an external device. A polygon mirror for deflecting light at a constant angular velocity, and f-correcting so that the laser light deflected at a constant angular velocity is deflected at a constant speed on a photosensitive drum constituting the electrophotographic process unit 32.
θ lens and the like.

The electrophotographic process unit 31 includes a charger, a developing device, a transfer device,
It has a peeling device, a cleaning device, and a static eliminator.

On the other hand, the sheet transport system includes a transport section 33 for transporting the sheet P to a transfer position where an electrophotographic processing section 31 for forming an image, in particular, a transfer unit is disposed, and the sheet to the transport section 33. Cassette feeders 34a and 34b for feeding P, or a manual feeder 35 for appropriately feeding sheets of a required size, and an image formed on the transferred sheet P, particularly for fixing a toner image. Fixing device 3
6. An image is formed again on the back surface of the sheet P after fixing, that is, a switchback conveyance path 37 for reversing the sheet P to form an image on both sides of the sheet P, and the sheet P passing through the conveyance path 37 is accommodated. And an intermediate tray 38.

On the downstream side of the fixing device 36, there is provided a switching claw 39 for switching the sheet P to the above-mentioned switchback conveyance path 37. The path for conveying the sheet to the sheet post-processing apparatus 5 is switched.

The sheet feeding system, in particular, the cassette sheet feeding devices 34a and 34b store sheets of a predetermined size desired by an operator, and the manual sheet feeding device 35 is desired by the operator. Used for multi-feeding a small number of sheets. Therefore,
The operator feeds a sheet of a desired size by selecting a paper size in the paper feed cassette or by selecting the manual paper feed device 35.

In the laser writing unit 30 and the electrophotographic processing unit 31, the bit data that is stored in a state where the copy data read from the image memory or the external data is expanded into data recordable by the printer unit 3 is
By causing the laser writing unit 30 to scan with a laser beam, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 32 and is visualized by toner. As for the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32, a sheet P of a size selected by the above-described sheet feeding device 34 or the manual sheet feeding device 35 is sent to the transfer device via the conveyance unit 33. . As a result, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 is transferred to the surface of the sheet P, and is sent to the fixing device 36. After the completion of the fixing, the image forming is completed. It is transported to the device 5.

(Description of Circuit of Image Processing Unit) Next, the configuration and functions of an image processing unit in the digital copying machine 1 that performs image processing on read document image information will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing section included in the digital copying machine 1 of FIG. An image processing unit included in the digital copying machine 1 includes an image data input unit 4
0, image processing unit 41, image data output unit 42, RAM
(Random access memory), a memory 43 including a hard disk, and a central processing unit (CPU) 44.

The image data input section 40 includes a CCD section 40a,
It includes a histogram processing unit 40b and an error diffusion processing unit 40c. The image data input unit 40 converts the image data of the original read from the CCD 2-4 into a binary value, processes the image data by an error diffusion method while obtaining a histogram as a binary digital amount, and stores the histogram in the memory 43. It is configured to store it once.

That is, in the CCD section 40a, after an analog electric signal corresponding to each pixel density of image data is A / D converted, MTF correction, monochrome correction or gamma correction is performed, and 256 gradations (8 bits) are performed. To the histogram processing unit 40b.

In the histogram processing section 40b, the digital signal output from the CCD section 40a is added for each of 256 gradation pixel densities to obtain density information (histogram data). The data is sent to the CPU 44 and sent to the error diffusion processing unit 40c as pixel data.

The error diffusion processing unit 40c outputs the 8 bits output from the CCD unit 40a by an error diffusion method, which is a kind of pseudo intermediate processing, that is, a method of reflecting a binarization error in the binarization determination of an adjacent pixel. The digital signal of bits / pixel is converted into one bit (binarization), and a redistribution calculation for faithfully reproducing the local area density in the document is performed.

The image processing section 41 includes multi-value processing sections 41a and 41b, a synthesis processing section 41c, a density conversion processing section 41d, a scaling processing section 41e, an image processing section 41f, an error diffusion processing section 41g, and a compression processing section 41h. Contains.

The image processing section 41 is a processing section which finally converts the input image data into image data desired by the operator, and is stored in the memory 43 as copy data of the finally converted output image. Until the processing is performed, the processing is performed by this processing unit. However, the image processing unit 4
The above-described processing units included in 1 function as needed, and may not function in some cases. That is, in the multi-value processing units 41a and 41b, the error diffusion processing unit 40c
The valued data is converted again into 256 gradations.

The synthesis processing unit 41c selectively performs a logical operation for each pixel, that is, a logical sum, a logical product, or an exclusive logical sum. The data to be subjected to this calculation is the pixel data stored in the memory 43 and the bit data from the pattern generator (PG).

The density conversion processing section 41d arbitrarily sets the relationship between the input density and the output density for the data signal of 256 tones based on a predetermined tone conversion table. The scaling processing section 41e performs interpolation processing with the input known data in accordance with the designated scaling factor, thereby obtaining pixel data (density value) for the target pixel after scaling and changing the sub-scanning. After the multiplication, the main scanning is scaled. In the pixel processing unit 41f, various image processing is performed on the input pixel data, and information collection on a data string such as feature extraction can be performed. The error diffusion processing unit 41g performs the same processing as the error diffusion processing unit 40c of the image data input unit 40. Compression processing unit 41h
In, binary data is compressed by encoding called run length. As for the compression of image data, compression functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed.

The image data output unit 42 is provided with a restoration unit 42
a, a multi-value processing section 42b, an error diffusion processing section 42c, and a laser output section 42d. Image data output unit 4
2 restores the image data stored in the memory 43 in a compressed state, converts the image data back to the original 256 gradations, and performs error diffusion of the quaternary data which is a smoother halftone expression than the binary data. It is configured to transfer data to the laser output unit 42d.

That is, in the decompression section 42a, the compression processing section 41
h, the compressed image data is restored. In the multi-value processing section 42b, the multi-value processing section 41 of the image processing section 41 is used.
The same processing as in a and 41b is performed. In the error diffusion processing unit 42c, the error diffusion processing unit 4 of the image data input unit 40
The same processing as in 0c is performed. In the laser output section 42d, the digital pixel data is turned on / off of the laser based on a control signal from a sequence control (not shown).
The signal is converted into an off signal, the semiconductor laser in the laser writing unit 30 is turned on / off, and an electrostatic latent image is written on the photosensitive drum 32.

The data handled by the image data input unit 40 and the image data output unit 42 is basically stored in the memory 43 in the form of binary data in order to reduce the capacity of the memory 43. It is also possible to perform processing in the form of quaternary data in consideration of the deterioration of image data.

(Explanation of Control Structure of Entire Digital Copier)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation of each unit of the entire apparatus of the digital copying machine 1 is managed by a central control unit (CPU) 44. CCD2-4, image data input unit 40,
The image processing unit 41, the image data output unit 42, the image memory 43, and the central processing unit (CPU) 44 are the same as those in FIG.

The central processing unit (CPU) 44 manages each drive mechanism constituting the digital copying machine 1 such as the ADF 2-1, the scanner 2 and the laser printer 3 described in FIG. Control signals are output to each part.

Further, an operation board unit 45 composed of an operation panel is connected to the central processing unit 44 in a mutually communicable state, and a control signal is sent to the central processing unit 44 in accordance with a copy mode set and inputted by an operator. Then, the digital copying machine 1 is controlled to operate according to various setting modes.

A control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copying machine is transferred from the central processing unit 44 to the operation board unit 45, and the operation board unit 45 uses the control signal to determine what state the apparatus is currently in. The operation state is displayed on a display unit or the like as shown to the operator as to whether there is.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a sorter control unit, which is a control unit for managing the operation of a post-processing device for sorting copies output from the digital copying machine 1. Reference numeral 47 denotes an image data communication unit provided to enable information communication with other digital image equipment such as image information and image control signals. That is, the external devices according to the present invention, in particular, as shown in FIG. 1, external devices A to C such as personal computers and word processors are connected to the main body of the digital copying machine 1 via the communication line 48, and Capture data. In the case where the communication unit 47 is connected to a facsimile apparatus, the communication unit 47 has a modem and is connected to the other party via a telephone line.

The CPU 44 described above includes a communication unit 47
The external data from the external devices A and B input via the external device A and B are stored in the image data storage unit 43 or the hard disk or the like. The data that has been developed and developed so that the printer unit 3 can operate and record is stored in the storage unit 43 again. Regarding the stored data, in the present invention, the printing is started during a period in which the continuous printing operation in the printer unit 3 is temporarily stopped, which will be described later in detail.

The CPU 44 outputs a control signal for driving the various loads 49 of the printer unit 3 in order to start the recording operation, and outputs various control signals for driving the various loads 50 of the scanner unit 2 in order to read the image of the document. And a control signal for driving various loads 51 for driving the ADF 2-1. Here, when the printer unit 3 is driven, the CPU 44 inputs a signal indicating the rotational position of the photoconductor (not shown) and a detection signal for detecting the conveyance status of the fed sheet, and thereby the printer unit 3 Grasp the operating status of
Detects printer troubles such as poor rotation of the photoconductor.

Further, in the scanner section 2, scanning is started in accordance with the detection state of the home position sensor of the support 2-6a, and a signal from the home position sensor indicating this state and a signal from the sensor for detecting the end of scanning. When the CPU 44 inputs the signal, the operation state of the scanner unit is grasped, and it is determined whether or not the operation is normal. In particular, it takes a fixed time from the start of scanning to the end of scanning, and if it is later than that time, it can be easily detected that there is a trouble in the scanner unit.

Further, in the ADF 2-1, signals from various sensors for detecting the jam of the original in the conveyance system such as conveying the original to the image reading position and discharging the original after reading are input to the CPU 44. ADF2
The trouble on the -1 side, for example, a document conveyance jam or the like is easily grasped. In particular, in the CPU 44, before the image recording is started, particularly, when the power supply rises, the ADF 2
(1) Whether or not the operation of the printer unit and the scanner unit is normal is grasped in advance by self-diagnosis. This is because self-diagnosis can be easily performed by inputting signals from the above-described various sensors. This is well known in the related art, and details thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the CPU 44 grasps the operation status of the printer unit 3 each time, and
It is possible to completely grasp the status of the operation of the 2-1 and the scanner unit 2 and the trouble state thereof. Especially CP
U44 is for controlling the image recording by the digital copying machine 1 as described above, and it is well known that the above-described respective controls and the sequential detection of the trouble state are omitted, and the details are omitted. .

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a specific example of the operation panel related to the above-mentioned operation board unit 45 in the digital copying machine 1. In the center of this operation panel,
A touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 is arranged, and various mode setting keys are arranged around it.

On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6, there is a screen switching instruction area for constantly switching to a screen for selecting an image editing function, and when this area is directly pressed with a finger, various image editing functions are selected. A list of various editing functions is displayed on the liquid crystal screen so that it can be performed. From among the displayed various editing functions, the operator sets the editing function by touching the area where the desired function is displayed with a finger.

The dial 7 for adjusting the brightness of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 6 will be briefly described based on the reference numerals attached to the various setting keys arranged on the operation panel.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an automatic magnification setting key for setting a mode for automatically selecting a magnification, 9 denotes a zoom key for setting a copying magnification in increments of 1%, and 10 and 11 read and select a fixed magnification. A fixed magnification key 12 is used to return the copy magnification to a standard magnification (actual magnification).

Reference numeral 13 denotes a density switching key for switching the copy density adjustment from automatic to manual or to the photo mode, 14 denotes a density adjustment key for finely setting the density level in the manual mode or the photo mode, and 15 denotes copying. A tray selection key for selecting a desired paper size from paper sizes set in a paper feeding unit of the apparatus.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a copy number setting key for setting the number of copies, 17 a clear key which is operated when clearing the number of copies or stopping continuous copying, 18 a start key for instructing the start of copying, Reference numeral 19 denotes an all release key for releasing all of the currently set modes and returning to the normal state, reference numeral 20 denotes an interrupt key operated when a copy of another document is desired during continuous copying, and reference numeral 21 denotes a copy machine. An operation guide key for displaying a message about the operation method of the copier by operating it when you do not understand the operation,
Reference numeral 22 denotes a message forward key for displaying a continuation of the message displayed by operating the operation guide key 21.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a double-sided mode setting key for setting a double-sided copying mode, and reference numeral 24 denotes a discharge processing mode setting for setting an operation mode of the sheet discharge processing unit 5 for sorting copies discharged from the copying machine. Is the key.

Reference numerals 25 to 27 denote setting keys for a printer mode and a facsimile mode. 25 is a memory transmission mode key for temporarily storing transmission originals in a memory and then transmitting them. 26 is a mode for copying and faxing a digital copying machine. A copy / fax / printer mode switching key 27 for switching between the telephone numbers is a one-touch dial key for storing a destination telephone number in advance and transmitting a telephone call to the destination by one-touch operation at the time of transmission.

FIG. 1 shows a digital image forming apparatus of the present invention,
1 is a system diagram showing a state in which the digital copying machine 1 is connected to an external device via a communication line 48. First,
The system configuration of various information devices in the office where the digital copying machine 1 is installed will be described.

Here, the external devices A to C, which are information devices existing in the office, are personal computers and word processors as shown in the figure, and are connected to the digital copying machine 1 via a communication line 48. When necessary, for example, image (external) data to be recorded is transferred, and when a recording command is sent from the external device A to C, the operation of the printer unit 3 is temporarily suspended on the digital copying machine 1 side. By confirming that, the recording operation is started. Each of these information devices is connected to the digital copying machine 1 by a general-purpose interface (I / F) such as SCSI so that data can be exchanged. The contents of the data are image (external) data for performing recording, including a control command, density data of a recorded image, a size of a recording sheet, and the like.

In FIG. 1, personal computers of external devices A to C, which are a plurality of information devices, are connected to one digital copying machine 1.
By sending a recording command from C to C, the digital copying machine 1 records the transferred external data from the external device. In the digital copying machine 1, the ADF
The image of the original sent by 2-1 or the like is read, and the read data is processed as copy data, and is usually preferentially recorded. Then, when the operation of the printer unit of the digital copying machine 1 cannot be continued and the operation is temporarily suspended, the recording of the external data transferred from the external device is started based on the recording command from the external device.

(Print Mode and Copy Mode) The digital copying machine 1 is normally set in the copy mode, and the ADF 2 is
When the original is set at -1 or the like, the image is read after the original is conveyed to the reading position, and the read data is transmitted to the printing unit 3 in the image processing apparatus as described with reference to FIG. The image processing is performed in such a state that the recording can be performed in the storage section 43, and the image data subjected to the image processing is stored in the storage section 43 as copy data. When the preparation for recording by the printing unit 3 is completed, the copy data stored in the storage unit 43 is sequentially read out, and the laser of the laser writing unit 30 is drive-controlled according to the processing of the image data output unit 42. This is irradiated on the photoconductor 32.

During execution of the recording operation in the normal copy mode, external data from the external devices A to C is transferred, and if there is a recording request command, the digital copying machine 1 side transmits the transferred external data. The data is stored, and this recording operation is temporarily suspended. In other words, the digital copying machine 1 gives priority to the recording operation in the copy mode during the recording operation for recording the image of the read original on a sheet as described above. Then, the operation of the printer unit 3 is not continued, and during the temporary suspension period, the external data from the external device described above is recorded according to the recording instruction. Therefore, in the printer section 3, even during recording in the copy mode, the CPU 44 grasps the state, that is, detects the state in a state where the operation is not continued and the printer is in a pause state. Therefore, recording of the transferred external data is started.

In this case, the external data transferred from the external device is developed into data that can be recorded on the printer unit 3 by the digital copying machine 1, and is ready for recording in a state where it is stored in the storage unit 43. Will be completed. When the preparation state is completed, the CPU 44 outputs the external data stored in the storage unit 43 to the laser writing unit via the image data output unit 42, on condition that the printer unit 3 is detected to be inactive as described above. 30 to control each load of the printer unit 3 to start the recording operation. Thus, the recording operation of the external data from the external device A or C is started.

When the digital copier 1 starts to read a document image and record copy data obtained by processing the read data, the CPU 44 detects this state, and accordingly, the image from the external device is read. The recording by the data is suspended, and the recording by the copy data is started. Alternatively, after the recording of the transfer external data of any of the external devices A to C is completed, the above-described copy data recording operation is restarted and executed.

Here, a detailed description will be given of the temporary suspension of the printer unit 3 according to the present invention. During the pause (pause period), for example, the original is transported by the ADF 2-1 to a position where the scanner unit 2 reads an image, and after the transport, the image is read by the scanner unit 2 and the read data is read. This is an image processing period until the image-processed copy data is recorded in the storage unit 43. In this period, the recording operation in the printer unit 3 is not performed, and the printer unit 3 is suspended. Therefore, the period from the time when the recording of the copy data by the previous document is completed to the time when the reading operation of the next document is performed and the process is completed by using the read data as the copy data is completed.

That is, a period from the time when the copying of the previous document is completed and the conveyance of the next document is started to the reading position to the time when the image processing of the read data is completed as described above,
The printer unit 3 temporarily suspends the recording operation and enters a pause state.

This period can be easily detected by the CPU 44. That is, when the recording of the copy data by the previous document is completed, the ADF2-
A command signal is output to the load 51 of the ADF in order to start the conveyance of the document by the ADF 1. From the output time of this command signal, after performing image processing using the read data as copy data, a signal for instructing the printer unit 3 to start recording is output, so that the period up to this time can be detected as a pause period of the printer 3. .

For this reason, the CPU 44 detects the above-mentioned pause period, in particular, the pause start point, and from this point on, external data is transferred from one of the external devices A to C and stored. If so, the recording of the external data is started. If all the external data of the external device is recorded during the suspension period of the printer unit 3, the recording of the copy data in the copy mode is started after the completion of the suspension period. However, the pause period is very short. That is, this is a period from the time when the document is conveyed, the time when the document is read, and the time when the image processing is performed.
In this case, it is preferable to record the remaining external data in the next pause period. Alternatively, while the recording of the copy data is suspended, the recording of the external data may be continued with priority, and the recording of the copy data may be started from the time when the recording of all the external data is completed.

On the other hand, as the suspension period of the printer unit 3,
Nothing is limited to the above-described paper feeding period. For example, AD
An image reading process cannot be performed due to a document conveyance problem in F2-1, that is, a jam or the like in which the document cannot be conveyed. For this reason, the user removes a transport trouble in the ADF 2-1 such as a jam document, and clears the trouble. In this case, if reading of the jammed document is completed, the recording operation can be continued in the printer unit 3 based on the copy data of this document, but since there is no copy data of the next document, the recording is not performed. Operation cannot be continued. However, the printer unit 3 can operate alone if data to be recorded exists,
A recording operation can be performed. Therefore, as described above,
If the trouble state in 2-1 is detected by the CPU 44,
When the continuous recording operation of the printer unit 3 is completed, the CPU 44 can detect that it is the pause period.

The rest period also applies to troubles in the scanner unit 2. The trouble of the scanner unit 2 is that normal image reading cannot be performed due to insufficient light quantity. That is, if the amount of light reflected from the document is detected and the amount of light is detected to be insufficient, it is possible to detect a problem due to, for example, replacement of an illumination lamp or a decrease in power supply voltage.

The scanner unit 2 is preferably provided with a support 2-6.
If “a” starts scanning from the home position, but scans in a state where the home position is not detected for some reason, a simulation for detecting the home position is executed as a trouble. Even in such a state, since there is no trouble in the printer unit 3, the recording operation is possible, and it is detected that the pause period is in the copy mode. At this time, when the home position is detected, the operation of the scanner unit is stopped, the fact that the trouble has been cleared is sent to the CPU 44, and if the preparation of the copy data is completed, the recording of the transfer image data is stopped. It is possible to temporarily stop recording at the time of a good break and start recording copy data in the copy mode.

The original may not be automatically conveyed as described above, but may be manually placed at the reading position. Even in such a case, the recording operation of the printer unit 3 is temporarily stopped. In this case, ADF
2-1 can be opened, and when the original is manually replaced with the original table 2-0, the point in time when the opening of the ADF 2-1 is detected can be easily detected as the start point of the pause period of the printer unit 3. Then, the CPU 44 can easily detect the opening timing. Moreover, from the start of the pause, the document is placed, the scanner unit 2-2 operates, the image of the document is read, and the read data is subjected to image processing as copy data.

Further, there is a pause period in the printer unit 3. In this case, there is a case where the recording operation currently being executed has to be temporarily suspended. For example, if there is no longer a sheet of the size in which printing is being performed, this printing operation cannot be continued and is temporarily stopped. However, the printer unit 3 can perform the recording operation using sheets of other sizes only because the recording operation using the copy data cannot be continued. Even in such a state, the CPU 44 detects the time of the start of the pause and confirms that the external data transferred from the external devices A to C is recorded on a sheet other than the temporarily interrupted size sheet. For example, recording with external data transferred from the external device can be performed.

As described above, while the digital copying machine 1 is recording a document in the copy mode in the copy mode, when the CPU 44 detects the pause start point of the pause period in the printer unit 3. The external data transferred from the external device from this point is recorded. Therefore,
The utilization efficiency, that is, the operation rate in the printer unit 3 is increased, and the recording of the image data from another external device can be executed together with the recording in the copy mode.

Next, various examples of the digital copying machine 1 in the above-described image recording will be sequentially described in each embodiment.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the operation status of the printer unit in the digital copying machine 1 for recording external data transferred from any of the external devices A to C. It is a chart. This is because while the recording of the copy data read by the digital copying machine 1 is being executed, the external data and the recording request command signal are received from any of the other external devices A to C. At t1, the point in time when the CPU 44 suspends the printer unit 3 is detected. Then, it is confirmed that the development of the external data transferred by the time t1, that is, the completion of the development to the image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 3 in the digital copying machine 1, is completed. At that point,
The recording of the transferred external data is performed in the printer unit 3 as a printout mode, and a recording operation is performed.

At time t2 when the CPU 44 confirms that the digital copying machine 1 has started up to a state where the recording operation of the copy data of the printer unit 3 can be continuously started, the copy data in the copy mode is confirmed. Is resumed, and this operation is continued until the start time t3 of the next pause period.

The recording of the external data transferred from the external device is started from a pause start time t1, which is a pause period of the printer unit 3 of the digital copier 1, and the recording of the copy data in the copy mode is started. At time t2 when the image recording becomes possible, the image recording is interrupted when the image recording is completed, that is, when the image recording for one page is completed. Alternatively, in order to further increase the operation rate of the printer unit 3, this recording is continued until recording of all the transferred external data is completed, and after this recording is completed, the recording of the copy data is started at time t2.
You may make it perform more.

Here, recording of external data in the printout mode is executed at times t1 and t3, and the recorded sheet and the sheet on which copy data is recorded are discharged to the discharge tray while being distinguished naturally. You. Therefore, the digital copying machine 1 is provided with a discharge tray for receiving a sheet on which an image is recorded in the copy mode and an external discharge tray for receiving a sheet on which external data is recorded by an external device.

The time t, which is the idle period of the printer unit 3,
As described above, the pause start time at 1 and t3 is the time when the document is replaced, the replaced document is read, and the image processing is performed, or a trouble occurs due to the ADF 2-1. Some are based on troubles. The start of the recording operation based on the copy data at the time t2 is a state in which the image reading by the exchange of the original and the processing thereof are completed and the recording of the copy data can be started, or the trouble of the ADF 2-1 or the scanner unit 2 is cleared. When the recording of the external data is completed in a state in which the recording of the copy data can be started, or when the recording operation with a good separation in the recording operation of the external data is completed, particularly when the sheet recording for one page is completed. is there.

(Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, priority is determined particularly for image data transferred from an external device, and recording of image data of a component device is performed. That is, in external data transferred from a plurality of external devices, for example, external devices A to C, the recording order of the external data is determined, and recording is performed in accordance with the priority.

The priority order is determined in order to improve the operation rate of the printer unit 3 of the digital copying machine 1.
During the pause period during which the continuous operation in the copy mode in the printer unit 3 cannot be executed, that is, as described above, the size of the paper fed in the copy mode during the image processing due to the exchange of the original and the trouble of the ADF 2-1 and the scanner unit. Priority is given to a sheet that performs printing that matches a sheet of the same size. In other words, if the sheets to be processed have the same size,
In the paper feeding unit, it is not necessary to continuously switch the paper feeding of that size, and the paper feeding can be performed as it is, so that it is possible to save the trouble of switching the sheet selection. Therefore, since sheets of the same size can be fed in advance to the registration roller position, recording of image data from an external device can be directly recorded by the printer unit 3 without the stop time of the recording operation.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the external data from the external device A is recorded on a sheet of, for example, B5 size, and the external data from the external device B is recorded on A4 paper.
It is assumed that recording on a sheet of a size is performed, and that external data from the external device C is recorded on a sheet of a B4 size. In the digital copying machine 1, it is assumed that the image recording on the B5 size sheet is continued in the copy mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, the digital copying machine 1 continues to record the copy data until time t1. Then, based on the detection of the start of the suspension period in the printer unit 3 (at time t1), the external data (A) transferred from the external device A is recorded with priority. This recording is continued until the recording of the data is completed in order to increase the operation rate of the printer unit 3. Then, at time t2 when the recording of the external data is completed, if the start-up to the recording operation preparation state is completed by the copy data, the recording operation in the copy mode is restarted.

Subsequently, at time t3 when the recording operation in the copy mode in the digital copying machine 1 is stopped again, recording of the external data (B) in the external device B is started. This is because, assuming that the sheets mounted on the digital copying machine 1 are B5 and A4 size sheets mounted on the sheet feeding device 34a or 34b, the recording operation in the external device C is executed as a matter of course. It cannot be done as it is. Therefore, the recording of the external data (B) transferred from the external device B is performed by the printer unit 3 of the digital copying machine 1. In this recording operation,
In a state where the recording of the external data (B) is completed, the image recording operation of the original in the copy mode is executed from time t4. The start of the recording operation at time t4 is a condition that the copy data of the document is ready to be recorded.

Here, even if the external device C receives external data, the recording operation is not started. Therefore, when the recording operation of the external device B is completed, the digital copying machine 1 notifies the user that a sheet size for recording by the external device C is to be mounted on the copying machine 1 body. In this notification, it is very disadvantageous to mount a B4 size sheet in place of the selected size B5 in the copy mode in the digital copying machine 1. That is, a continuous recording operation in the copy mode cannot be executed. Therefore, a message to attach a B4 size sheet is notified to the other side on which the size A4 is attached.

It should be noted that the external devices A to C receive the external data described above, and the external data (A) having the same size as the copy mode is determined as the highest priority for the start of the recording operation of the external data. It is determined by the existence of the size mounted on the digital copying machine 1. However, the determination may be made on the condition that not only the size but also the function that the digital copying machine 1 can process can be utilized. For example, if the digital copying machine 1 cannot process even if the stapling process is instructed, the recording of the external data is removed from the priority order. Give priority to those that can be processed correspondingly. In this way, the digital copying machine 1 can select and process necessary functions without interrupting the recording operation of the printer unit 3.

As described above, when external data transferred from an external device is recorded by the digital copying machine 1, the external device cannot fully grasp the functions that the digital copying machine 1 can process. That is, since the external device is apart from the digital copier 1, the external device may instruct a function that cannot be processed, and the recording of the data from the external device instructed will be postponed. Then, the fact that processing by the designated function cannot be performed is returned to the external device, and recording is started in accordance with the above-described priorities and the like with the function canceled.

Therefore, when the recording conditions in the external data from the external device A match the conditions that can be processed in the digital copying machine 1, the external data (A) is given the highest priority and the digital copying machine 1 The recording operation can be executed from the start of the suspension period of the printer unit 3. As a result, there is an effect that the downtime of the recording operation in the printer unit 3 is eliminated, and the operation rate is further solidified.

(Third Embodiment) Subsequently, in the digital copying machine 1, although there is no trouble in the printer unit 3,
A process of recording external data from an external device when the recording operation in the printer unit 3 cannot be continued during image recording in the copy mode will be described.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, as long as there is data to be recorded in the printer unit 3, the recording operation can be continued as it is, in particular, replacement of the original, trouble on the ADF 2-1 side, or scanner trouble. In the trouble of the section 2-2, recording of external data from the external device is performed at the start of the suspension period during which the recording operation in the copy mode cannot be continued. However, there is a case where the continuous operation in the printer unit 3 cannot be performed due to a problem other than the above-described pause period due to the problem of the printer unit 3. This is not a trouble of the printer unit 3,
This is a case where the fed sheet is lost during the continuation of the recording operation.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the recording operation is performed in the copy mode in the digital copying machine 1 as described above, external data is transferred from the external devices A to C, respectively, and the printer unit 3 The external data developed so as to be capable of recording is temporarily stored in the memory 43. Then, at time t5 when the sheet of size A4 executed in the copy mode runs out, for example, the external device A
The image recording of the external data (A) is executed.

That is, in the recording operation in the copy mode, the recording operation cannot be continued when there is no more sheet of the size A4 being fed. Therefore, the printer unit 3
Does not hinder the execution of the recording operation, and if there is data to be recorded, an image corresponding to the data can be recorded on a sheet. Therefore, the printer unit 3
Is determined by the CPU 44 at time t5 as a temporary suspension period. Accordingly, the recording operation of the external data (A) from the external device A is started from the time t5.

In the recording of external data by the external device A, the sheet size A4 to be processed in the external device B is lost at the time of recording in the copy mode, and recording using this size sheet cannot be performed. According to the data, the sheet size is B4, and a sheet of this size is not mounted on the digital copying machine 1.

As described above, when the recording of the external data (A) in the external apparatus A is completed, if a sheet of size A4 that has been lost during the recording is mounted on the copying machine 1, the recording on this sheet is not performed. The recording operation in the copy mode for performing is restarted. However, if a sheet of that size is not mounted, the printer unit 3 is in a pause state, and when a B4 or A4 size sheet is mounted, recording of data matching the mounted size is executed. Therefore, the stop time of the recording operation in the printer unit 3 can be reduced as much as possible, which leads to an improvement in the operation rate.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the above description, when the digital copying machine 1 is executing the recording operation using the image of the original read in the copy mode as the copy data, the external data transferred from the external device is transferred to the printer. The embodiment in which the image recording (printout) is performed using the start point of the suspension period of the unit 3 has been described.

However, the digital copying machine 1 does not always perform the recording operation at the timing described above, but performs image processing on the read image data and outputs it as copy data, which is stored in the memory 43. During an idle period during the period, external data is transferred from an external device, and a recording command of the external data may be issued.
In such a case, in any case, the printer unit 3 is in a sleep state in which the printing operation is not being performed. Therefore, in the external data from the external device, the printer unit 3
If development to data that can be processed by is completed first,
To record the external data, the printer unit 3 performs image recording in the print mode.

As shown in FIG. 9, the digital copying machine 1 reads an image of a document and, during a period in which the read data is subjected to image processing into copy data recordable by the printer unit 3, any one of the external The external data is received from the apparatus, and the external data is expanded into data that can be printed by the printer unit 3. During this period, the image recording operation is executed by the printer unit 3 with priority given to the earlier one.

Therefore, when an image such as a photograph is included in the original, it may take time to perform image processing on copy data that can be recorded by the printer unit 3. Therefore, when the development of the external data from the external device into the recordable data is completed, the development of the external data at this time, that is, at time t6, is earlier than the image processing on the copy data. First executes the image recording operation of the printer unit 3 as the printout mode. If the recording of the external data has been completed and the image processing has been completed using the read data of the copy original as the copy data, the recording operation of the read data in the copy mode is started from time t7 until the completion of the recording operation of the external data. Execute.

To expand the external data into data recordable by the printer unit 3 means to interpret a page description language (PDL) or the like sent from an external device and record the data in the printer unit 3 by the image processing unit. Refers to conversion to bit data. Also, compressed data is transferred from the external device in order to shorten the transfer time and the like. The compressed data may be demodulated and converted into bit data that can be recorded by the printer unit 3. Also, when recording characters, symbols, etc., to shorten the transfer time,
This includes converting what is sent as code data to bit data.

(Fifth Embodiment) Note that bit data that can be recorded in the printer unit 3 in advance, instead of the data described above, may be transferred from an external device as it is. In such a case, the recording operation can be performed via the printer unit 3 by storing the data as it is.

Therefore, in the digital copying machine 1, a considerable time is required until the image of the original is read, the read data is subjected to image processing, and converted into copy data, and this is performed for each copy original. On the other hand, since it is not necessary to read the image of the external data transferred from the external device,
It simply expands the transferred external data into recordable data. Therefore, in the digital copying machine 1, the operation rate in the printer unit 3 can be increased by preferentially recording the transfer data from the external device.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, during image recording in the copy mode (during copy execution), external data is transferred from the external device, and the external data is expanded. At time 8 when this development is completed, the mode is switched from the copy mode to the printout mode.
This switching is performed during the image recording in the copy mode.
The process is performed after the recording on the sheets is completed. In this state, the copy data recording operation is temporarily interrupted. Then, the recording operation of the external data is executed from time t8, and when the recording is completed, the mode is switched to the copy mode from time 9, and the recording operation of the copy data is resumed from the point of interruption.

During the recording operation in the copy mode, if external data is newly transferred from an external device, the external data is expanded, and when the expansion is completed, the external data is transferred as described above. The mode is switched to the printout mode for performing recording, and this operation is executed.

During execution of the external data recording operation in the printout mode, the digital copying machine 1 cannot perform image recording of the copy data, particularly from time t8 to t9. Therefore, the scanner unit 2 is operated to read the next document, perform image processing of the read data on the copy data, and sequentially store the read data in the storage unit 43, and the like. Therefore, when the recording of the external data in the printout mode is completed, the recording of the copy data obtained by image-processing the already read data can be continued.

Here, while the recording operation in the copy mode is interrupted, the reading of the image of the original is executed in parallel with the recording operation of the external data. Image reading. Therefore, A
The document is exchanged or the document is manually exchanged by the DF 2-1. The exchanged document is read, converted into copy data, and sequentially stored in the storage unit 43. Therefore, AD
By using F2-1, etc., the image of the original can be read and stored in advance, and each copy data that has been read is suspended from the time when the external data recording process is completed. The recording process can be continuously performed by the printer unit 3 without making a period.

As described above, during recording operation in any mode of the printer unit 3, external data development or image processing of original read data can be performed in parallel.
The operation rate in the printer unit 3 can be further increased. Moreover, when switching from the copy mode to the printout mode, as described in the first to third embodiments, when the recording operation is continued, the switching is performed after the continuous recording is completed. By doing so, the operation efficiency can be further improved. That is, the switching is not performed immediately when the development of the external data is completed, but when the recording operation in the copy mode is continued, the operation is continued, and the switching is performed when the recording operation is interrupted.

[0118]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the case of recording the read data of the original and the recording of the external data transferred from the external device can be effectively performed during the idle period of the printer unit. You can make use of it. Therefore, it is possible to increase the operation rate of the printer unit and process the copying of the original or the recording time of the external data in a short time.

Therefore, by prioritizing the execution of data related to the recording of copy data in the recording of external data, the downtime of the printer unit can be further reduced, so that the operation rate of the printer unit can be further improved. Will be possible.

In addition, when returning to the copy data recording operation mode, the recording operation of the printer unit is stopped by performing the recording when the recording of the external data is completed or when the recording of the sheet of the external data is completed. Without letting
The recording operation can be continued continuously, and the effect of improving the operation rate of the printer unit increases.

Also, by giving priority to recording of external data, image reading and image processing can be performed during recording of the external data, and processing such as development of the external data at the time of recording of copy data can be performed. The operation rate of the printer unit can be further increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall system diagram showing a state in which an image forming apparatus and an external device according to the present invention are connected via a communication line.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention, particularly, an image processing unit of a digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is an overall control block diagram of image processing and sheet discharge processing including an image processing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel portion in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a conventional technique of an image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital copier 2 Scanner part 2-1 ADF (automatic original feeder) 2-2 Scanner unit 3 Printer part 30 Laser writing unit 31 Image forming process 32 Photoconductor 40 Image data input part 41 Image processing part 42 Image data output part 43 storage unit (memory / hard disk) 44 CPU (control unit) 47 communication unit 48 communication line A to C external device (personal computer / word processor)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 R JP, A) JP-A-4-48858 (JP, A) JP-A-8-65441 (JP, A) JP-A-63-116549 (JP, A) JP-A-62-216468 (JP, A) JP-A-7-183982 (JP, A) JP-A-6-85897 (JP, A) JP-A-5-122429 (JP, A) JP-A-4-96565 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int .Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A scanner unit for reading an image of a document, and a printer unit for recording data read by the scanner unit as copy data on a sheet, and storing external data transferred from an external device on the sheet. An image forming apparatus capable of performing a recording process as needed via the printer unit. A series of recording operations of reading an image of a document by the scanner unit and recording the read data as copy data on a sheet When external data is transferred from the external device while the printer is executing, a pause period during which the printer unit cannot continue to perform the recording operation is detected, and the recording of the copy data is performed at the time of the detection. An image forming apparatus, wherein the operation is temporarily suspended and the recording operation of the external data is executed. 2. A pause period during which the printer unit cannot continuously perform a recording operation during a series of recording operations of copy data is defined as a pause period when a document for reading a document image is exchanged. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at the time of image reading and image processing, one of a trouble of a scanner unit and a trouble of a document conveying device for conveying a document to a reading position. 3. When external data is transferred from a plurality of external devices, the external data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus main body is prioritized among the external data, and the recording operation of the copy data is continued. At the time of a pause that can no longer be performed,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an external data recording operation is executed. 4. When the printer unit continuously records copy data, it is a pause period during which the recording operation of the copy data cannot be executed on condition that the sheet for the recording has run out. When detecting and performing the recording operation of the external data at the time of the detection, if the external data is recorded on another sheet different from the lost sheet, the recording of the external data is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 5. The recording operation of the external data is returned to a copy data recording operation mode when all the external data is completed or when a recording operation using the copy data can be executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 6. A scanner unit for reading an image of an original, and a printer unit for recording data read by the scanner unit as copy data on a sheet, and external data transferred from an external device is recorded on the sheet. In the image forming apparatus capable of performing a recording process as required via the printer unit, when the development of the external data transferred from the external device into the data recordable by the printer unit is completed, the printer unit An image forming apparatus characterized in that the recording of the external data is performed with priority and the mode is switched to a mode in which the recording of the copy data is performed when the recording of the external data is completed. 7. While the external data is being recorded by a printer unit, reading of an image of a document by a scanner unit and processing of image processing of the read data to obtain copy data are performed in parallel. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed.