JPH1152659A - Color image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the working efficiency of a copy by reducing the noise and electric power consumption of a motor in a scanning section and moreover shortening a time untill a first copy is obtained. SOLUTION: A color image forming device is composed of an image data input section 30, an image processing section 31, an image data output section 32 and a hard desk device, and has an image memory 33, a central processing device(CPU) 34, an image editing section 35, an outer interface section 36 and a mode management section 37. The document identifying section 31h of the image processing section 31 distinguishes the kind of document color (colored or black and white). The laser control unit(LCU) 32a of the image data output section 32 is also a mirror motor control means to control a mirror motor for driving a rotary polygon mirror to carry out laser polarization. A mode management section 3-7 controls the first processing mode for image formation processing inputted image information as color image information and the second processing mode for image formation processing the inputted image information as a black and white image information in their used frequency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser scanning type color image forming apparatus for forming a color image by a plurality of laser scanning units based on a color digital image signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a color image forming apparatus, for example, a color digital copying machine, generally, an image of a color original input from a scanner is subjected to predetermined image processing, and is subjected to color separation and color conversion. An image is reproduced for each data, and the color printer unit outputs an image of a color original.
In recent years, a color digital copier equipped with an image forming apparatus using laser recording scanning has been commercialized in order to reproduce a high-resolution color image at high speed.

In this color digital copying machine, a laser deflection scanning unit is provided for each recording unit, and a laser beam modulated in accordance with a digital image signal is guided on a photosensitive member and scanned to form a latent image. To form an image. The main components that make up the laser deflection scanning unit are polygon mirrors,
In addition, a motor for rotating the polygon mirror at high speed is incorporated.

[0004]

However, in such a color digital copying machine, since the polygon mirror of the laser deflection scanning unit is rotated at high speed, the life of the motor and the noise due to the wind noise of the polygon mirror and the like are increased. Is a problem.

In order to solve these problems, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-49688, when laser recording is not performed, the motor for rotating the polygon mirror is set at a higher speed than the recording speed. To a lower speed,
Alternatively, there is a method of making the motor stand by in a state where the motor is completely stopped. However, when returning the laser recording unit to a state where image recording is possible under such a standby state,
It is necessary to return the motor startup control to the predetermined number of revolutions in a short time and surely.

Further, in recent color digital copying machines, in order to improve the reproducibility of black to improve the color reproducibility of the entire color image, a recording section of Y: yellow, M: magenta, and C: cyan is used. In addition, it is common to mount a Bk: black recording unit. For this reason, in addition to the color mode, a black-and-white mode is provided, and a color digital copying machine or the like capable of performing color copying and monochrome copying has been commercialized.

In such a color digital copying machine, if each mirror motor of the laser deflection scanning unit in each recording unit is rotated every copying operation regardless of the color / monochrome mode, copying in the monochrome mode is not possible. In addition, the mirror motor for the color is rotated at the same time, so that the life of the mirror motor, the noise and the like remain unsolved.

The present invention provides a color image forming apparatus in which the life of a mirror motor, noise, wasteful power consumption, etc. are reduced, the time until a first copy is obtained is shortened, and the work efficiency of the copy is improved. The purpose is to do.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image information input means for inputting image information, a laser,
A rotary polygon mirror, a laser recording unit in which a plurality of laser scanning units each having a drive motor that rotationally drives the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color, and the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information. Laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation, and image generating means in which a plurality of image generating sections for generating an image from the latent image recorded on the photoconductor by the laser scanning section are arranged in parallel for each image forming color; A color image forming apparatus comprising: image identification means for identifying a color characteristic of an image based on image information input by the image information input means. The laser scanning control means controls the rotation of the drive motor of each laser scanning unit according to the image forming color to be used, based on the identification result by the image identification means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the color image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the image identification unit determines whether the image is color or black and white based on the image information input by the image information input unit. The laser scanning control means stops or decelerates the drive motor of the laser scanning unit for recording a color image when the image identification means identifies that the original is black and white. It is characterized by performing control.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the color image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the image identification unit determines whether the image is color or black and white based on the image information input by the image information input unit. When the image identification unit identifies that the image is black and white, the laser scanning control unit rotates the drive motors other than the laser scanning unit for recording a color image in a predetermined state. The control is performed so that

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laser scanning unit having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating the rotary polygon mirror. A plurality of laser recording means arranged in parallel for each laser scanning; a laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information; and a laser scanning section for recording on the photosensitive member Image generating means for arranging a plurality of image generating units for generating an image from the latent image obtained for each image forming color; and a first processing mode for processing image information input by the image information input means as color image information. , Processing as black and white image information
And a mode management means for managing the frequency of use of each processing mode executed in the past. When forming an image by the image generating unit, the laser scanning control unit sets each drive motor of the laser scanning unit in a predetermined state based on a frequency of use of each processing mode managed by the mode management unit. It is characterized in that it is controlled to rotate with.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the mode management means manages the frequency of use of each processing mode executed in the past at a predetermined number of times. And

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the image information input means comprises a plurality of input means, and the mode management means comprises:
The processing mode is managed for each of the image information input units, and when forming an image, the laser scanning control unit controls the drive motor based on the frequency of use of the processing mode in the selected image information input unit. And

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laser scanning unit having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating the rotary polygon mirror. A plurality of laser recording means arranged in parallel for each laser scanning; a laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information; and a laser scanning section for recording on the photosensitive member And a plurality of image generating units for generating an image from the latent image thus arranged in parallel for each image forming color. When image information is formed by the image generation unit, the laser scanning control unit controls the drive motors other than the laser scanning unit that records a color image to rotate at a predetermined rotation speed. I do.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a laser scanning unit having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating the rotary polygon mirror is used to form an image forming color. A plurality of laser recording means arranged in parallel for each laser scanning; a laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information; and a laser scanning section for recording on the photosensitive member Image generating means for arranging a plurality of image generating units for generating an image from the latent image obtained for each image forming color; and a first processing mode for processing image information input by the image information input means as color image information. , Processing as black and white image information
And a selection unit for selecting any one of the processing modes. Then, in accordance with the processing mode selected by the selection means, the laser scanning control means controls the drive motors of the plurality of laser recording means arranged in parallel to rotate in a predetermined state.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the second processing mode is selected by the selection means, the driving motor of the laser scanning unit for recording a color image is controlled by the laser scanning. It is characterized in that the control means controls to stop or decelerate.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit is controlled in accordance with the type of the input image. The features can be automatically extracted, and the motor of the laser scanning unit required for image generation can be rotated to start up in a short time, thereby shortening the time of the first copy. Further, unnecessary rotation of the motor of the laser scanning unit, which is not necessary for recording the input image, can be prevented, so that the life of the motor, noise prevention, and power consumption can be suppressed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when all the driving motors of the laser recording means arranged in parallel are rotating, if the original is a monochrome original, the motor of the color laser scanning unit is stopped. Alternatively, since the motor is decelerated, useless rotation of the motor of the color laser scanning unit which is not necessary for recording an image can be prevented, so that the life of the motor is reduced.
Noise prevention and power consumption can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when all the driving motors of the plurality of laser recording units arranged in parallel are stopped, if the original is a monochrome original, the driving motor other than the color laser scanning unit is used. , So that only the drive motor of the black and white recording section required to record an image is rotated, and the drive motor of the color laser scanning section is not rotated, thereby reducing motor life, preventing noise, and reducing power consumption. Can be.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the drive motor is designed so that the copier knows the mode frequently used in the past and can record in the frequently used processing mode when the apparatus is operated. Is rotated, so that there is an effect that the recording waiting time can be reduced when copying is performed in the same processing mode as a frequently used processing mode.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the processing mode is grasped a predetermined number of times immediately before the apparatus has been used, for example, the last several processing modes. Rotate the drive motor used. Therefore, there is a high probability that the processing mode that has been frequently used recently is used, and when an image is generated in the same processing mode, there is an effect that the recording waiting time can be reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if there are a plurality of image information input means, the mode management means manages the use frequency of the processing mode for each of the plurality of image information input means. And the waiting time in image generation can be reduced.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the drive motor other than the color laser scanning unit is rotated, there is an effect that the recording waiting time can be reduced in the case of the frequently used black and white recording mode. In addition, there is an effect of noise prevention.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the drive motor in the processing mode selected by the user by the selection means is controlled, so that only the drive motor of the laser scanning unit necessary for each image generation is driven at a predetermined speed. Because it is controlled at a constant speed,
Not only the waiting time can be reduced, but also the useless rotation of the drive motor can be prevented, and the life, noise and power consumption of the motor can be reduced.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the monochrome mode is set by the selection means, the driving motor of the laser scanning unit corresponding to the color is stopped, so that the color laser which is not necessary for recording an image is provided. Useless rotation of the motor of the scanning unit can be prevented, the life of the motor can be maintained long, noise can be prevented, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Configuration of Color Digital Copying Machine) FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing a configuration of a color digital copying machine which is an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. A document table 2 and an operation panel are provided on the upper surface of the copying machine body 1.
The automatic document feeder 3 is mounted on the upper surface of the document table 2 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 2, and has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the surface of the document table 2. Further, inside the copying machine main body 1, a document scanning body 4 and an image forming unit 10 as image reading units are configured.

First, the automatic document feeder 3 is mounted on the document table 2 on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1 and is a double-sided automatic document feeder 3 for two-sided originals. The document is conveyed such that one side of the document faces document table 2 at a predetermined position. After the image reading on one side is completed, the original is turned over so that the other side faces the original table 2 at a predetermined position, and is conveyed toward the original table 2.

After the reading of both sides of one original is completed, the original is discharged, and a double-sided conveying operation is performed for the next original. Note that the above-described document conveyance and reverse operation are controlled in relation to the operation of the entire copying machine. In order to read the image of the original conveyed onto the original platen 2 by the double-sided automatic original feeder 3, an original scan that moves back and forth in parallel along the lower surface of the original platen 2 below the original platen 2. The body 4 is located.

The original scanning body 4 includes a first scanning unit 5, a second scanning unit 6, an optical lens 7, and a photoelectric conversion element 30. The first scanning unit 5 includes an exposure lamp for exposing the document image surface and a first mirror for deflecting a reflected light image from the document in a predetermined direction. , And reciprocate in parallel at a predetermined scanning speed. The second scanning unit 6 is composed of second and third mirrors that reciprocate in parallel with the first scanning unit 5 at a constant speed relationship. The second scanning unit 6 is configured to scan a document deflected by the first mirror of the first scanning unit 5. The reflected light image is further deflected in a predetermined direction. The optical lens 7 reduces the reflected light image from the document deflected by the third mirror of the second scanning unit and forms an optical image at a predetermined position. The color CCD 30a, which is a photoelectric conversion element, forms an optical image reduced by the optical lens 7, sequentially converts the optical image, and outputs a reflected light image from the document as an electric signal. The document image information converted into an electric signal by the color CCD 30a is further transferred to an image processing unit 31, which will be described later, and subjected to predetermined processing as image data.

Next, the image forming section 10 located below the copying machine main body 1 will be described. Image forming unit 1 shown in FIG.
A paper feed mechanism 11 is provided below 0, and separates the sheets stacked and accommodated in the sheet tray one by one and feeds them toward the recording unit. The sheets separated and supplied one by one are conveyed under timing control by a pair of registration rollers 12 arranged in front of the image forming unit 10. In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet is re-supplied and conveyed at a timing with the image forming unit 10.

Below the image forming section 10, a transfer / conveying belt mechanism 13 extending substantially in parallel is arranged. The transfer and transport belt mechanism 13 includes a driving roller 14 and a driven roller 1.
Transfer conveyance belt 1 stretched between a plurality of rollers such as 5
6, the paper is conveyed by electrostatically attracting the paper.

Further, a fixing device 17 for fixing the toner image transferred and formed on the sheet to the sheet is disposed downstream of the transfer and transport belt mechanism 13. The paper passes between the fixing roller nips of the fixing device 17, and is discharged by a discharge roller 19 through a conveyance direction switching gate 18 onto a discharge tray 20 attached to the outer wall of the device.

The switching gate 18 selectively switches the paper transport path between discharging the fixed paper out of the apparatus and re-supplying it to the image forming unit 10 again. The transport direction of the sheet is switched again toward the image forming section 10 by the switching gate 18, and after the sheet is turned over via the switchback transport path 21, the sheet is again supplied to the image forming section 10.

On the upper side of the transfer conveyance belt 16 stretched substantially in parallel by the driving roller 14 and the driven roller 15 and the like, the first and second transfer conveyance belts 16 are arranged in order from the upstream of the conveyance path in the vicinity of the transfer conveyance belt 16. Second, third, and fourth image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are provided side by side. Then, the transfer conveyance belt 16 is driven by the driving roller 14.
In FIG. 1, the sheet is driven by friction in a direction indicated by an arrow Z, and carries a sheet as a transfer material fed through the sheet feeding mechanism 11 as described above. Then, the sheet is sequentially conveyed to the above-described image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.

Each image station Pa, Pb, Pc, P
d denotes photosensitive drums 22a, 22b, and 22 having substantially the same configuration and driven to rotate in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG.
c, 22d. Each photosensitive drum 22a,
Chargers 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d for uniformly charging the photosensitive drums are provided around 22b, 22c, 22d.
And developing devices 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, and transfer dischargers 25a and 25 for transferring the developed toner image to paper.
b, 25c, 25d, and cleaning means 26a, 26b, 26 for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum.
c, 26d are the photosensitive drums 22a, 22b, 22
They are sequentially arranged along the rotation directions of c and 22d.

Each photosensitive drum 22a, 22b, 2
Above 2c and 22d, a semiconductor laser device that emits dot light modulated in accordance with image data, a deflecting device for deflecting light from the semiconductor laser device in the main scanning direction, and a deflecting device. Laser beam scanner units 27a, 27b, 27c, 2 each composed of an fθ lens for forming an image of the laser beam on the surface of the photoreceptor.
7d are provided. The deflecting device incorporates a rotating polygon mirror and a mirror motor for rotating the rotating polygon mirror at high speed.

A pixel signal corresponding to the yellow component image of the color original image is input to the laser beam scanner 27a, and a pixel signal corresponding to the magenta component image of the color original image is input to the laser beam scanner 27b. A pixel signal corresponding to the cyan component image of the color original image is input to 27c, and a pixel signal corresponding to the black component image of the color original image is input to the laser beam scanner 27d.

Thus, the photosensitive drum 22 of each recording unit
Electrostatic latent images corresponding to the color-converted original image information are formed on a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. The developing device 27a of each recording unit contains yellow toner,
7b stores magenta toner, the developing device 27c stores cyan toner, and the developing device 27d stores black toner. It is reproduced as a toner image of each color.

Further, between the first image forming station Pa and the paper feeding mechanism 11, a paper suction (brush) charger 2 is provided.
The transfer charging belt 28 charges the surface of the transfer / conveying belt 16 so that the transfer material supplied from the paper feed mechanism 11 is reliably adsorbed on the conveying belt 16. Then, the first image forming station Pa and the fourth image forming station Pd are transported without shifting.

On the other hand, a static eliminator (not shown) is provided almost directly above the drive roller 14 between the fourth image station Pd and the fixing device 17. An alternating current for separating the sheet electrostatically attracted to the sheet 16 is applied.

In the color digital copying machine having the above-described structure, cut sheet-shaped paper is used as a transfer material, and this transfer material is sent out from a paper feed cassette and fed to a paper feed mechanism 11.
Is fed into the guide of the paper feed conveyance path, the leading end of the transfer material is detected by the sensor (not shown),
The transfer material is temporarily stopped by the registration roller pair 12 according to the detection signal output from this sensor. The transport belt 1 rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow Z in FIG. 1 is synchronized with the image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.
It is sent to the 6 side. At this time, the suction charger 28 described above is used.
As a result, the transport belt 16 is charged at a predetermined level, so that the transport belt 16 is stably transported and supplied while passing through the image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.

Each image station Pa, Pb, Pc, P
In (d), toner images of the respective colors are formed by the above-described configuration, and are superimposed on the support surface of the transfer material electrostatically conveyed and conveyed by the conveyance belt 16. When the transfer of the image by the fourth image station Pd is completed, the transfer material is separated from the transport belt 16 by the discharging device from the leading end of the transfer material and guided to the fixing device 17. Finally, the transfer material on which the toner image has been fixed is discharged from the transfer material discharge port onto the discharge tray 20.

(Explanation of Image Processing Circuit) Next, the configuration and functions of an image processing circuit for color image information mounted on a color digital copying machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing circuit of the color digital copying machine. An image processing circuit included in the digital copying machine includes an image data input unit 30, an image processing unit 31, and an image data output unit 3.
2. Image memory 3 composed of a hard disk device, etc.
3, a central processing unit (CPU) 34, an image editing unit 35, an external interface unit 36, and a mode management unit 37.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image data input unit 30 can read a color original image and output line data obtained by color separation into RGB color components.
A line matching unit 3 such as a color CCD 30a for a line, a shading correction circuit 30b for correcting a line image level of line data read by the color CCD 30a, and a line buffer for correcting a deviation of the line data.
0c, a sensor color correction unit 30d that corrects the color data of the line data of each color, an MTF correction unit 30e that corrects the change in the signal of each pixel so as to have a sharp edge, and a visibility correction by correcting the brightness of an image. And a gamma correction unit 30f that performs the above.

The image processing unit 31 includes a color space correction circuit 31
a, masking circuit 31b, black detection circuit 31c, under color removal / black addition circuit (UCR / BP) 31d, density processing circuit 31e, scaling processing circuit 31f, separation / screen circuit 3
1g and a document identification unit 31h.

Here, the color space correction circuit 31a converts the color gamut of a color image signal input via the image data input section 30 or the external interface section 36 to be described later into a color gamut by color toner in the recording apparatus. to correct. The masking circuit 31b converts the RGB signals of the input image data into YMC signals corresponding to the respective recording units of the recording apparatus.
Convert to a signal. The black detection circuit 31c detects a black component from an RGB signal of a color image input via the image data input unit 30 or the interface unit 36 described later. The under color removal / black addition circuit 31d performs a black addition process of adding a black component signal output from the black detection circuit 31c based on the YMC signal output from the masking circuit 31b. The density processing circuit 31e adjusts the density of the color image signal based on the density conversion table. The magnification processing circuit 31f performs magnification conversion of the input image information based on the set magnification. Separation / screen circuit 31g
Detects a character / photo / halftone dot region in image information from input image data, separates the region, and determines an image output pattern. The document identification unit 31h identifies the type of the document (color or black and white).

The image data output unit 32 includes a laser control unit 32a for performing pulse width modulation based on image data of each color, and a laser control unit (LCU).
Laser scanner units (LSU) 27a, 27b, 27c, 27 for each color that perform laser recording based on a pulse width modulation signal corresponding to an image signal for each color output from 32a.
d. Laser control unit (LCU) 3
2a is a mirror motor control unit that also controls a mirror motor that drives a rotary polygon mirror that performs laser deflection.

The image memory 33 sequentially receives the 8-bit 4-color (32-bit) image data output from the image processing unit 31 and temporarily stores the 8-bit 4-color (32-bit) image data from the 32-bit data into the 8-bit 4-color image data. And a hard disk control unit (HDCU) 33a for outputting the divided data to the hard disk for division management, and four hard disks (HD) 33b, 33c for storing and managing the image data of 8 bits and 4 colors as image data for each color.
33d and 33e.

The central processing unit (CPU) 34 includes an image data input unit 30, an image processing unit 31, and an image data output unit 3.
2, an image memory 33, and an image editing unit 35 described later,
And the external interface unit 36 is controlled based on a predetermined sequence.

The image editing unit 35 performs predetermined image editing on the image data once stored in the image memory 33 via the image data input unit 30, the image processing unit 31, or the interface unit 36 described later. belongs to. Further, the interface unit 36 is a communication interface means for receiving image data from an external image input processing device provided separately from the digital copying machine. The external input is, for example, as shown in FIG.
X, input of image data from an image reader, an external scanner, video, a network, or the like.

The image data input from the interface unit 36 is also once input to the image processing unit 31 and subjected to color space correction and the like, so that the image data can be handled by the image memory 33 of the digital copying machine. After conversion, the hard disks 33b, 33c, 33d, 33
e will be stored and managed.

The mode management section 37 manages the frequency of use of the first processing mode in which the input image information is formed as color image information and the second processing mode in which the image information is formed as monochrome image information. That is, the use frequency of the processing mode executed in the past is stored and managed in a storage unit such as a hard disk.

(Explanation of the control structure of the entire digital copying machine)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an apparatus of the digital copying machine, showing a state in which the operation of each unit is managed by the CPU 34. Image data input unit 30, image processing unit 31, image data output unit 32, image memory 33, and CPU 3
4 is the same as that of FIG.

The CPU 34 includes the ADF 40 and the sorter unit 4
1. Each of the driving mechanism units constituting the digital copying machine, such as the scanner unit 42, the laser printer unit 43, and the desk unit 44, is managed by sequence control, and a control signal is output to each unit. Further, an operation board unit 38 including an operation panel is connected to the CPU 34 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The CPU 34 transfers a control signal to the CPU 34 in accordance with a recording mode set and input by the operator to operate the digital copier. It operates according to the recording mode.

Further, a control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copying machine is transferred from the CPU 34 to an operation board unit 38 which is an operation panel. On the operation board unit 38 side, the operation state is displayed on a display unit or the like so as to show the operator what state the apparatus is currently in by the control signal. The external interface 36, which is an image data communication unit, is provided to enable information communication with other digital image devices such as image information and image control signals as described in FIG.

(Description of Operation Panel) Next, the operation panel of the color digital copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

A touch panel liquid crystal display device 51 is arranged at the center of the operation panel 38, and various mode setting keys are arranged therearound. On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 51, there is a screen switching instruction area for constantly switching to a screen for selecting an image editing function. By directly pressing this area with a finger, various image editing functions can be selected. A list of various image editing functions is displayed on the liquid crystal screen. From among the various displayed image editing functions, an editing function is set by touching a region where a function desired by the operator is displayed with a finger.

The various setting key groups arranged on the operation panel will be described. Reference numeral 52 denotes an adjustment dial for adjusting the brightness of the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 51. Reference numeral 53 denotes an automatic magnification setting key for setting a mode for automatically selecting a magnification, and reference numeral 54 denotes a copy magnification of 1
A zoom key for setting in increments of%.
Reference numerals 56 and 56 denote fixed magnification keys for reading and selecting the fixed magnification, and reference numeral 57 denotes an equal magnification key for returning the copy magnification to the standard magnification (actual magnification).

Reference numeral 58 denotes a density switching key for switching the copy density adjustment from automatic to manual or to the photo mode, and reference numeral 59 denotes a density for finely setting the density level in the manual mode or the photo mode. An adjustment key 60 is a tray selection key for selecting a desired paper size from paper sizes set in a paper feeding unit of the color digital copying machine 1.

Reference numeral 61 denotes a copy number setting key for setting the number of copies, reference numeral 62 denotes a clear key which is operated when clearing the number of copies or stopping continuous copying halfway, and reference numeral 63 denotes a copy key. Is a start key for instructing the start of printing, reference numeral 64 is an all release key for releasing all of the currently set modes and returning to the standard state, and reference numeral 65 is another original during continuous copying. Reference numeral 66 denotes an operation guide key for operating the color digital copier 1 to display a message indicating an operation method of the copier by not operating the color digital copier 1 when the user does not know the operation. Is a message forward key for displaying the continuation of the message displayed by operating the operation guide key 66. Code 6
Reference numeral 8 denotes a double-sided mode setting key for setting a double-sided copying mode, and reference numeral 69 denotes a post-processing mode setting key for setting an operation mode of a post-processing device for sorting copies discharged from the color digital copying machine body 1. It is.

Reference numerals 70 to 72 are setting keys for the printer mode and the facsimile mode.
Reference numeral 70 denotes a memory transmission mode key for temporarily storing a transmission original in a memory and then transmitting the same, and reference numeral 71 denotes a copy / fax / printer mode switching key for switching the mode of the color digital copying machine body 1 between copy, fax and printer. Numeral 72 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.

The above-described operation panel and various keys arranged on the operation panel are only one embodiment,
It goes without saying that the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on various functions mounted on the color digital copying machine 1.

Next, first to ninth embodiments using the color digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIGS.

(First Embodiment) The first embodiment has a configuration in which the mode management unit 37 is not provided in the block diagram shown in FIG. 2 (or the mode management unit 37 is not used). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

The document set on the automatic document feeder 3 is set on the document table 2 by pressing the start button 63 of the operation panel 38 by the operator, and
Are read by the scanning unit 5 and the second scanning unit 6 (step S50). Also, the start button 63
Is pressed, the CPU 34 starts the operation of each unit, and the laser beam scanners 27a, 27b, 27c, 2
The 7d mirror starts rotating (step S51). The image data obtained by this reading is sent to the image processing unit 3
The first document identification unit 31h determines the color type of the document (color document or black and white document) (step S52), and determines whether or not the result of the determination is a color document (step S53). .

LCU 32a as mirror motor control means
In the case of a color original, all mirrors (rotating polygon mirrors) are controlled to rotate at a constant speed (step S54). On the other hand, in the case of a black and white original, the rotation of mirrors other than black is reduced or stopped (step S55). ), The black mirror is controlled to rotate at a constant speed (step S56). That is, when the original is a black-and-white original, the laser beam scanner 2 corresponding to black component image creation
The rotation of the mirror 7d is continued, and the rotation of the other mirrors is reduced or stopped. In either case, after the mirror has reached the predetermined number of rotations (step S57), copying is started (step S58).

In this manner, the LCU 32a controls the rotation of the mirror motors of the laser beam scanners 27a to 27d according to the color type (color original or black-and-white original) of the read original. The characteristics of the image can be automatically extracted, and the mirror motor required for image formation can be rotated to start up in a short time. Therefore, the time of the first copy is reduced,
Further, it is possible to prevent unnecessary rotation of the motor of the recording unit, which is not necessary for recording the input image, so that the life of the motor, noise prevention, and power consumption can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but differs in the method of controlling the mirror rotation of the laser beam scanner. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the start button 63 of the operation panel is pressed, the original is read by the first scanning unit 5 and the second scanning unit 6 (step S60). From the image data obtained by this reading, the document discriminating unit 31h of the image processing unit 31 discriminates the type of the document (color or black and white) (step S61). It is confirmed whether or not the determination result is a color (step S62). That is, when the original is black and white, the LCU 3 rotates only the mirror of the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to the black component image formation.
A rotation start signal is given from 2a (step S6).
3) The constant speed rotation control of the mirror is performed (step S64). On the other hand, if it is color, rotation of all mirrors is started (step S65), and constant-speed rotation control is performed (step S66). After the number of rotations of the mirror reaches a predetermined value (step S67), copying is started (step S68).

As described above, the laser beam scanner 27a
If the original is a black-and-white original in a state where all the mirror motors of .about.27d are rotating, the mirror motor used for color recording is stopped or decelerated. Since rotation can be prevented, motor life, noise prevention, and power consumption can be reduced.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the block diagram shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the mode identification unit 3 uses the mode management unit 37.
1h is not provided (the document identification unit 31h is not used).
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

When the operation panel 38 is operated (step S70), the mode management section 37 refers to the past use frequency data of each mode (step S71), and selects the mode with the highest frequency from the count. For example, assume that attention is paid to a color image and a monochrome image. These frequencies are compared (step S72). If the count of the use frequency data is larger in the black-and-white copy mode, the CPU 34 sends a rotation start signal to the LCU 32a so as to rotate only the mirror of the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to the black component image creation (step S73). Constant speed rotation control is performed (step S7)
4).

On the other hand, if the number of counts of the use frequency data is larger in the color copy mode, not only the laser beam scanner 27d but also the laser beam scanners 27a, 27b, and 27b corresponding to the creation of yellow, magenta, and cyan component images.
A rotation start signal is given from the CPU 34 to the LCU 32a so as to rotate all mirrors 27c (step S75), and more constant speed rotation control is performed (step S76). After the rotation of the mirror reaches a predetermined number of revolutions (step S77), copying is started (step S78).

In this manner, the processing mode frequently used by the color digital copying machine is grasped by the mode management section 37,
When the copier is operated, the mirror motor is rotated so that recording can be performed in a frequently used processing mode. Therefore, when copying is performed in the same recording mode as a frequently used recording mode, there is an effect that the recording waiting time can be reduced.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the mode management unit 37 not only manages the frequency of use of the processing mode executed in the past as in the third embodiment, but also manages the frequency of use at the latest predetermined number of times. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

When the operation panel 38 is operated (step S80), the mode management section 37 refers to the use frequency data of each mode in the past n times (step S81), and, based on the counted number, the number of times in the past n times. Select the most frequently used mode. For example, if attention is paid to a color image and a black and white image, the frequencies are compared (step S82). If the count number of the use frequency data in the past n times is larger in the black and white copy mode, the CPU 34 causes the LCU 32a to rotate only the mirror of the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to the black component image creation.
Is supplied with a rotation start signal (step S83), and constant speed rotation control is performed (step S84).

On the other hand, if the count number of the use frequency data in the past n times is larger in the color copy mode, not only the laser beam scanner 27d but also yellow, magenta,
Laser beam scanner 27 corresponding to cyan component image creation
A rotation start signal is supplied from the CPU 34 to the LCU 32a so as to rotate all the mirrors a, 27b and 27c (step S85), and constant speed rotation control is performed (step S86). Next, after the mirror reaches a predetermined number of rotations (step S87), copying is started (step S88). The mode management means can store the mode history up to n times. When the latest history information is stored, the history information n times before is automatically deleted.

In this way, since the mirror motor control is performed in the processing mode with the largest number of uses based on the frequency of use of the processing mode in the latest predetermined number of times, the probability that the expected processing mode matches the actual processing mode increases. When copying is performed in the same recording mode as a frequently used recording mode, there is an effect that the recording waiting time can be reduced.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the processing mode is set by the operation panel 38 instead of determining the processing mode by the document identification unit 31h and the mode management unit 37 as in the above-described embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

When the operation panel 38 is operated (step S90), first, regardless of the past mode history information, the laser beam scanner 27 corresponding to the black component image creation is first used.
The CPU 34 sets L to rotate only the mirror d.
A rotation start signal is given to the CU 32a, and only this mirror rotates (step S91). Thereafter, the processing mode is input through the operation panel 38 (step S9).
2) The input mode is determined (step S9)
3). It is determined whether the determination result is color (step S94).

In the case of a monochrome mode instead of a color mode, the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to the formation of a black component image
Is controlled at a constant speed (step S9).
5). On the other hand, in the color mode, the remaining yellow,
A rotation start signal is supplied from the CPU 34 to the LCU 32a so as to rotate all mirrors of the laser beam scanners 27a, 27b, and 27c corresponding to the magenta and cyan component image formation (step S96), and constant speed rotation control is performed (step S96). S97). Next, after the rotation of the mirror reaches a predetermined number of revolutions (step S98), copying is started (step S99).

When the processing mode is set from the operation panel, the mirror motor for the black and white processing mode, which is likely to be used, is rotated first, so that the recording waiting time can be shortened and the noise can be reduced. Has the effect.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the mode management unit 37 manages the processing mode for each of the image information input from the image input unit 30 and the image information input from the external interface 36. The mirror motor is controlled based on the frequency of use.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

In this embodiment, the image data input unit 30
A copy mode in which image information is input from and image formation is performed;
There are two types of recording modes, printer mode and image formation by inputting image information using the external interface 36. The mode management unit 37 can record the past use frequency of the processing mode in each mode.

When the processing mode is designated from the operation panel 38 (step S100), the recording mode is determined (step S101), and it is confirmed whether the mode is the copy mode (step S102). If the mode is the copy mode, the mode management unit 37 refers to the count of the frequency of use of each processing mode in the past (step S103). For example, if attention is paid to a color image and a monochrome image (step S
104) If the use frequency of the monochrome mode is higher, the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to the black component image creation
The rotation start signal of the mirror of LCU3
2a (step S107), and constant-speed rotation control is performed (step S108). On the other hand, if the frequency of use of the color mode is high, the laser beam scanners 7a and 7b corresponding to the remaining yellow, magenta, and cyan component images
To rotate all mirrors of 27b and 27c, C
A rotation start signal is provided from the PU 34 to the LCU 32a (step S109), and constant speed rotation control is performed (step S110). Starting copying after the mirror reaches a predetermined number of rotations is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

If the mode is the print mode, the count number of the use frequency data of each processing mode in the past by the mode management means is referred to (step S105). The frequency of use of the monochrome mode and the color mode is compared (step S10).
6) If the frequency of use of the black and white mode is high, a rotation start signal of the mirror of the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to the black component image creation is given from the CPU 34 to the LCU 32a (step S111), and constant speed rotation control is performed (step S111). S112). On the other hand, if the use frequency of the color mode is high, the laser beam scanners 27a and 27a corresponding to the creation of the remaining yellow, magenta, and cyan component images are used.
CPU to rotate all mirrors b and 27c
The rotation start signal is given to the LCU 32a from 34 (step S113), and constant speed rotation control is performed (step S114). Starting copying after the mirror reaches a predetermined number of rotations is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

In this manner, the processing mode frequently used in the copy mode and the processing mode frequently used in the printer mode are managed by the mode management unit 37, and the rotation of the mirror motor is controlled according to the selected mode. Control. Therefore, there is an effect that the waiting time can be reduced when copying or printing in a processing mode often used in each recording mode.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment,
As in the sixth embodiment, the mode management unit 37 operates in a copy mode based on image information input from the image input unit 30 and in a print mode based on image information input from the external interface 36. Is managing. Then, the mirror motor is controlled on the basis of the frequency of use of the processing mode executed in the past at the latest predetermined number of times (n times). FIG. 11 shows a seventh example of the color digital copying machine.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the embodiment.

When the mode is designated from the operation panel 38 (step S120), the recording mode is determined (step S121), and it is determined whether or not the mode is the copy mode (step S120).
122).

In the case of the copy mode, the count number of the use frequency data of each mode in the past n times of this mode management means is referred to (step S123). It is determined whether the color image or the monochrome image is used more frequently (step S1).
24). If the monochrome mode is frequently used, the CPU 34 gives the LCU 32a the rotation start signal of the mirror of the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to the black component image creation (step S127), and performs constant speed rotation control (step S128). On the other hand, if the use frequency of the color mode is high, the laser beam scanners 27a, 27b,
The CPU 34 rotates all the mirrors 27c.
Then, a rotation start signal is given to LCU 32a (step S129), and constant speed rotation control is performed (step S130). Starting copying after the mirror reaches a predetermined number of rotations is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

If the mode is the print mode, the mode management means refers to the count number of the use frequency data of each mode in the past n times (step S125). Compare the frequency of use of the color image and the black and white image (step S12)
6). If the black-and-white mode is frequently used, a rotation start signal of the mirror of the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to black component image creation is given from the CPU 34 to the LCU 32a (step S131), and constant-speed rotation control is performed (step S132). . On the other hand, if the use frequency of the color mode is high, the laser beam scanners 27a and 27a corresponding to the creation of the remaining yellow, magenta, and cyan component images are used.
CPU to rotate all mirrors b and 27c
The rotation start signal is given from the LCU 32a to the LCU 32a (step S133), and constant speed rotation control is performed (step S134). Starting copying after the mirror reaches a predetermined number of rotations is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

In this embodiment, the frequency of use in the past n times in each of the copy mode and the printer mode can be recorded. When the copy mode is set, the copy recording memory is counted up, and when the printer mode is set, the print recording memory is counted up, and in each of the recording memories, data n times earlier is automatically and sequentially erased. It has become.

In this manner, the history of the last n processing modes in the copy mode and the frequency of use of the n processing modes in the printer mode are managed by the mode management unit 37, respectively. Since the rotation of the mirror motor is controlled, there is an effect that the recording waiting time can be reduced when copying or printing in the same recording mode as the recording mode frequently used several times.

(Eighth Embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment,
The user selects from the operation panel 38 whether to process the input image information as color image information or black and white image information. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the color digital copying machine according to the eighth embodiment.

The operation panel 38 is operated (step S1).
40) The user selects between monochrome copying and color copying. It is determined whether the copying is a monochrome copying or a color copying (step S141), and it is confirmed whether or not the copying is a monochrome copying (step S141).
142). In the case of black-and-white copying, a rotation start signal is supplied from the CPU 34 to the LCU 32a so as to rotate only the mirror of the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to black component image creation (step S143), and only this mirror is determined at a predetermined rotation speed. High-speed rotation control is performed (step S144). On the other hand, when the color mode is set, the CPU 34 causes the LCU 32a to rotate not only the laser beam scanner 27d but also all the mirrors of the laser beam scanners 27a, 27b, and 27c corresponding to the creation of yellow, magenta, and cyan component images. Is supplied with a rotation start signal (step S145), and the mirrors of all the laser beam scanners are controlled to rotate at a constant speed at a predetermined rotation speed (step S146). Starting copying after the mirror reaches a predetermined number of rotations is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

As described above, the rotation of the mirror motor is controlled in accordance with the processing mode set by the manual setting key on the operation panel 38. Therefore, immediately after setting the processing mode, only the mirror motor of the laser scanner necessary for each recording is set. ,
Since the rotation is controlled at a predetermined speed at a constant speed, not only can the recording waiting time be shortened, but also the useless rotation of the mirror motor can be prevented.
Power consumption can be reduced.

(Ninth Embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment has the same configuration as that of the above-described eighth embodiment, but differs in the control method. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ninth embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

The operation panel 38 is operated (step S1).
50) When the user selects black and white copying or color copying, all mirrors start rotating. Next, it is determined whether the copy is a monochrome copy or a color copy (step S151).
It is confirmed whether or not it is a monochrome copy (step S152). For black and white copying, the CPU 34 sends yellow, magenta,
Laser beam scanner 27 corresponding to cyan component image creation
The rotation of the mirrors a, 27b, and 27c is decelerated or stopped (step S153), and only the black mirror is controlled to rotate at a constant speed (step S154). On the other hand, when color copying is set, all mirrors of the laser beam scanners 27a, 27b, and 27c corresponding to creation of yellow, magenta, and cyan component images, as well as the laser beam scanner 27d corresponding to creation of a black component image, are driven at a constant speed. The rotation is controlled (step S155). Starting copying after the mirror reaches a predetermined number of rotations is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

Since this effect is the same as that of the eighth embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0101]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit is controlled in accordance with the type of the input image. By automatically extracting the features of the image and rotating the motor of the laser scanning unit necessary for image generation, it is possible to start up in a short time, and the time of the first copy is reduced. Further, unnecessary rotation of the motor of the laser scanning unit, which is not necessary for recording the input image, can be prevented, so that the life of the motor, noise prevention, and power consumption can be suppressed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when all the drive motors of the plurality of laser recording units arranged in parallel are rotating, if the original is a monochrome original, the motor of the color laser scanning unit is stopped. Alternatively, since the motor is decelerated, useless rotation of the motor of the color laser scanning unit which is not necessary for recording an image can be prevented, so that the life of the motor is reduced.
Noise prevention and power consumption can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when all the driving motors of the laser recording means arranged in parallel are stopped, if the original is a monochrome original, the driving motor other than the color laser scanning unit is used. , So that only the drive motor of the black and white recording section required to record an image is rotated, and the drive motor of the color laser scanning section is not rotated, thereby reducing motor life, preventing noise, and reducing power consumption. Can be.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the mode in which the apparatus is frequently used in the past is known, and when the apparatus is operated, the drive motor is rotated so that the frequently used mode can be recorded. Therefore, when copying is performed in the same processing mode as a frequently used processing mode, the recording waiting time can be shortened.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the processing mode is grasped a predetermined number of times, for example, the last several times, in which the apparatus has been used. Rotate the drive motor. Therefore, there is a high probability that the processing mode that is frequently used recently will be used,
When an image is generated in the same processing mode, there is an effect that the recording waiting time can be reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if there are a plurality of image information input means, the mode management means manages the use frequency of the processing mode for each of the plurality of image information input means. Can be controlled to reduce the waiting time in image generation.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the drive motors other than the color laser scanning unit are rotated, there is an effect that the recording waiting time can be reduced in the case of the frequently used black and white recording mode. In addition, there is an effect of noise prevention.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the drive motor in the processing mode selected by the user by the selection means is controlled, so that only the drive motor of the laser scanning unit required for each image generation is driven at a predetermined speed. Because it is controlled at a constant speed,
Not only the waiting time can be reduced, but also the useless rotation of the drive motor can be prevented, and the life, noise and power consumption of the motor can be reduced.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the monochrome mode is set by the selecting means, the driving motor of the laser scanning unit corresponding to the color is stopped, so that the color laser which is not necessary for recording an image is provided. Useless rotation of the motor of the scanning unit can be prevented, the life of the motor can be maintained long, noise can be prevented, and power consumption can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing a configuration of a color digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing circuit of the color digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of operation management by a CPU of the color digital copying machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the color digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ninth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

27a, 27b, 27c, 27d Laser beam scanner unit 30a Color CCD 31 Image processing unit 31h Document discriminating unit 32 Image data output unit 32a Laser control unit 33 Image memory 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e Hard disk 34 Central processing unit 35 Image editing unit 36 External interface unit 38 Operation board unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. Image generating means for arranging a plurality of image generating units for generating image data in parallel for each image forming color; and image identifying means for identifying color characteristics of an image based on image information input by the image information input means. The laser scanning control means controls the rotation of the drive motor of each laser scanning unit according to the image forming color to be used, based on the identification result by the image identification means. That color image forming apparatus. 2. The image identification means identifies whether an image is color or black and white from the image information input by the image information input means. 2. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the document is identified as black and white, the drive of the laser scanning unit for recording a color image is stopped or decelerated. 3. The image identification means identifies whether an image is color or black and white from the image information input by the image information input means, and the laser scanning control means determines the image by the image identification means. 2. A color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the color image is identified as black and white, the driving motor other than the laser scanning unit for recording a color image is controlled to rotate in a predetermined state. apparatus. 4. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating and driving the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. Image generating means for arranging a plurality of image generating units for each image forming color in parallel, a first processing mode for processing image information input by the image information input means as color image information, and black and white image information There is a second processing mode for processing, comprising: mode management means for managing the frequency of use of each processing mode executed in the past; and the laser scanning control means, When forming an image by the forming means, based on the frequency of use of each processing mode managed by the mode management means, controls to drive each drive motor of the laser scanning unit in a predetermined state. Color image forming apparatus. 5. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said mode management means manages the frequency of use of each processing mode executed in the past at a predetermined number of times. 6. The image information input means comprises a plurality of input means, and the mode management means manages a processing mode for each of the image information input means, and selects an image information input when forming an image. 6. A color image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said laser scanning control means controls a drive motor based on a frequency of use of a processing mode in said means. 7. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating and driving the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. Image generation means for arranging a plurality of image generation units for generating image data in parallel for each image forming color, wherein image information is image-formed by the image generation means.
The color image forming apparatus, wherein the laser scanning control means controls a driving motor other than a laser scanning unit for recording a color image to rotate at a predetermined number of rotations. 8. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating and driving the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. Image generating means for arranging a plurality of image generating units for each image forming color in parallel, a first processing mode for processing image information input by the image information input means as color image information, and black and white image information Selecting means for selecting any of the second processing modes to be processed, and the laser scanning control means according to the processing mode selected by the selecting means. Color image forming apparatus and controls to rotate the driving motor of the laser recording means for several parallel arranged in a predetermined state. 9. When the second processing mode is selected by the selection means, the driving motor of the laser scanning section for recording a color image is controlled to be stopped or decelerated by the laser scanning control means. 9. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: