U.S. patent application number 11/647245 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for image forming apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. Invention is credited to Sachi Uchida.
Application Number | 20070103718 11/647245 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 16772483 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070103718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Uchida; Sachi |
May 10, 2007 |
Image forming apparatus
Abstract
A system CPU sets a storage area in a page memory when a copying
operation has been started. Where a clear/stop key, etc. is
depressed to suspend the copying operation, the system CPU checks
whether there is data in the page memory. If there is data in the
page memory, the system CPU displays a selection screen on a
message display section for selection as to whether the data in the
page memory should be retained or released. Where "HOLD" is
determined, the system CPU performs re-scanning and stores data in
the page memory at the time the setting has been changed and the
copying operation has been resumed. On the other hand, where
"RELEASE" is determined, the system CPU releases the data in the
page memory and performs re-scanning and stores data in the page
memory at the time the setting has been changed and the copying
operation has been resumed. Finally, the printing of the data in
the page memory is resumed by a printer.
Inventors: |
Uchida; Sachi; (Yamato-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER LLP;SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
|
Family ID: |
16772483 |
Appl. No.: |
11/647245 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11115260 |
Apr 27, 2005 |
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11647245 |
Dec 29, 2006 |
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09366961 |
Aug 4, 1999 |
6914690 |
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11115260 |
Apr 27, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.14 ;
358/1.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/50 20130101;
G03G 15/502 20130101; G03G 15/5012 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.14 ;
358/001.6 |
International
Class: |
G06K 15/00 20060101
G06K015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 5, 1998 |
JP |
10-221805 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a scanner that reads an
image of a document to generate image data; a memory that stores
said image data read by the scanner; an image forming unit that
forms an image using the image data stored in the memory; an
interrupt mechanism that interrupts an image forming operation; a
timer that measures time; and a controller configured to erase the
image data stored in the memory if the interrupt mechanism has
interrupted the image forming operation and at least one of the
following events occurs: (a) a predetermined time elapses, or (b) a
function clear key is depressed, wherein the controller is
configured to erase the image data stored in the memory after the
interrupt mechanism has interrupted the image forming operation and
the elapsed time measured by the timer exceeds the predetermined
time, and to indicate a ready state to scan another document after
the image data stored in the memory has been erased.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus
such as a digital copying machine, wherein an image on a document
is read and subjected to an image process, obtained image data is
accumulated on a memory, and an image is formed by using a laser
electrophotographic process.
[0002] A digital copying machine has the following structures and
functions. After a document is read by optical means, the read
image is converted to an electric signal and subjected to various
image processing. Then, image data is accumulated on a memory or
processed, and the image is reproduced from the data by using a
laser electrophotographic process.
[0003] Since the digital copying machine has the above structures
and functions, the following applications are possible, in addition
to the copying functions of a conventional analog copying machine.
For example, the digital copying machine may be connected to a
public line to perform facsimile functions. Specifically, it may
transmit images to the public line or may receive images from the
public line to print out them. Moreover, the digital copying
machine may be provided with image communication means for
communication with a host computer, whereby print data is received
and printed out by using a single laser electrophotographic process
(laser engine).
[0004] In an image forming process in the digital copying machine,
after a document is read by optical means, an optical signal of the
read image is converted to an electric signal by using a
photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD. The electric signal
is subjected to various image processes, such as an analog/digital
conversion process, linear/non-linear filtering processes, a
frequency conversion process using a line memory for a one-line
image component, an enlargement/reduction process, and a gray-scale
process. The image is them reproduced from the obtained data by
using a laser electrophotographic process.
[0005] Furthermore, using the features the digital copying machine,
the following functions can be performed. For example, a memory
copy function is performed, wherein the processed image signal is
stored in a two-dimensional memory (page memory) for a one-page
image and the content of the memory is repeatedly read out and
printed. An electronic sorting function is performed, wherein the
image signals stored in the page memory are encoded into data files
to treat images as files, and the images may be reproduced from the
data files in a changed order. A memory editing function is
performed, wherein files are freely edited.
[0006] As has been described above, since the digital copying
machine can temporarily store images in the memory, it can perform
various image editing operations which cannot be achieved by the
conventional analog copying machine. Using the functions which
cannot be performed by the analog machine, the digital copying
machine can efficiently use various paper handling options (an
automatic sheet feeder, an automatic double-side printer, a
sorter/finisher, etc.).
[0007] In the above-described memory copy function, a so-called
"advance-input" can be performed by using the page memory, thereby
to greatly enhance productivity.
[0008] In the memory copy function, however, scanning and printing
are not performed in a completely synchronous manner. Even if the
user suspends a current job and performs some operation/resetting,
this is not reflected on the "advance-input" image. In some cases,
operability is considerably degraded, compared to the conventional
analog copying machine wherein the user can smoothly perform the
operational routine of starting, suspending, operating, changing of
setting, and restarting.
[0009] In order to solve this problem, there is a method in which
prior to the operations of suspending/restarting, data in the page
memory is always erased and scanning is done once again with
updated setting. However, when some change is made during the
suspension, there are cases where the operation should and should
not be resumed, with the data in the page memory maintained without
erasing. For example, in a case where only the number of documents
to be placed is changed after C/S suspension, the printing has to
be resumed with use of the data remaining in the page memory.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an image
forming apparatus capable of enhancing operability after suspension
of a memory copy function.
[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an image forming apparatus, wherein image data of a
document is read, the read image data is stored in memory means,
and the stored image data is used to form an image, the apparatus
comprising:
[0012] interrupt means for interrupting a series of image forming
operations beginning with reading of an image of the document and
ending with completion of formation of an image;
[0013] discrimination means for determining, where image data is
stored in the memory means, whether the image data is to be
retained or erased, when the image forming operations have been
interrupted by the interrupt means;
[0014] first control means for retaining, when the retention of the
image data has been determined by the discrimination means, the
image data stored in the memory means and, after the interrupted
image formation operations are resumed, performing an image forming
control with use of the retained image data; and
[0015] second control means for erasing, when the erasure of the
image data has been determined by the discrimination means, the
image data stored in the memory means and, after the interrupted
image formation operations are resumed, reading image data of the
document, storing the read image data in the memory means and
performing an image forming control with use of the stored image
data.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided an image forming apparatus, wherein image data of a
document is read, the read image data is stored in memory means,
and the stored image data is used to form an image, the apparatus
comprising:
[0017] interrupt means for interrupting a series of image forming
operations beginning with reading of an image of the document and
ending with completion of formation of an image;
[0018] display means for showing, where image data is present in
the memory means, that the image data is present in the memory
means, when the image forming operations have been interrupted by
the interrupt means;
[0019] first control means for retaining, when the retention of the
image data displayed on the display means has been determined, the
image data present in the memory means and performing an image
forming control with use of the retained image data; and
[0020] second control means for erasing, when the erasure of the
image data displayed on the display means has been determined, the
image data stored in the memory means and, after the interrupted
image formation operations are resumed, reading image data of the
document, storing the read image data in the memory means and
performing an image forming control with use of the stored image
data.
[0021] According to still another aspect of the invention, there is
provided an image forming apparatus, wherein image data of a
document is read, the read image data is stored in memory means,
and the stored image data is used to form an image, the apparatus
comprising:
[0022] interrupt means for interrupting a series of image forming
operations beginning with reading of an image of the document and
ending with completion of formation of an image; and
[0023] control means for performing, where image data is stored in
the memory means, a control as to whether the image data is to be
retained or erased, when the image forming operations have been
interrupted by the interrupt means.
[0024] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an entire
structure of a digital copying machine serving as an image forming
apparatus according to the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an entire
structure of a digital copying machine serving as an image forming
apparatus according to the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a structure of an operation panel;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a control operation of a
digital copying machine to which the present invention is
applied;
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a memory copying operation
when one page memory is used;
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a memory copying operation
when a plurality of page memories are used;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a control operation in a
case where a function clear key has been depressed;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a control operation in a
case where an auto-clear timer has operated;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a control operation in a
case where a non-operation timer has operated;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a control operation in
a case where a preheat key has been depressed;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a control operation in
a case where there is no document on an automatic document feeder
and there is no sheet on a finisher; and
[0037] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating control operations for
displaying an alarm and deleting a message in a case where there is
data in a page memory.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0039] FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show the entire structure of a
digital copying machine 1 functioning as an image forming apparatus
according to the present invention. The digital copying machine 1
includes a scanner 2 and a printer 3 and it has an automatic
document feeder (ADF) 4 on an upper part of the machine body.
[0040] The digital copying machine 1 generally comprises two
blocks, i.e. a base unit 301 and a page memory unit 302. The base
unit 301 has an image processing section 314 connecting the scanner
and the printer 3 and constitutes the digital copying machine 1.
The page memory unit 302 functions as storage means for storing
image data received from the base unit 301 and transferring the
stored image data to the base unit 301 once again, thereby
achieving a memory copying function.
[0041] The base unit 301 and page memory unit 302 are connected by
a base unit system interface 316 for transmission of control data
and a base unit image interface 317 for transmission of image
data.
[0042] The base unit 301 comprises the scanner 2 serving as input
means, the printer 3 serving as output means, image processing
means (image processing section) 314, and control means (base unit
CPU) 311 for controlling these structural elements.
[0043] As is shown in FIG. 2, a system CPU 100 in the control means
(base unit CPU) 311 is connected to a ROM 102, a RAM 104, an image
memory 106, a timer memory 108, a password code memory 110, a timer
112, an internal interface 122 and an external interface 124.
[0044] The internal interface 122 is connected to an operation
panel 114, and the external interface 124 is connected to the
automatic document feeder (ADF) 4 and a finisher 126. A message
display 93, a start key 101, ten-keys 105, etc. are disposed on the
operation panel 114.
[0045] The page memory unit 302 will now be described with
reference to FIG. 1. The page memory unit 302 comprises the
following elements: system control means 304 which controls access
to a page memory 323 and includes a communication memory 305;
storage means (PM: page memory) 323 for temporarily storing image
data; an address control section 306 for generating addresses in
the page memory 323; an image bus 320 for data transfer among
devices in the page memory unit 302; a control bus 321 for
transferring control signals between each device in the page memory
section 302 and the system control means 304; data control means
307 for controlling data transfer via the image bus 320 between the
page memory 323 and other devices; image data I/F means 308 serving
as an interface for image data transferred to the base unit 301 via
the base unit image interface 317; resolution conversion/two-value
rotary means 325 for converting a resolution of image data to
resolutions of other devices at the time of transmitting the image
data to devices with different resolutions, converting a resolution
of image data received from other devices with different
resolutions to a resolution of the printer 3 of the base unit 301,
or executing a 90.degree. rotary process of two-value image data;
compression/extension means 324 for compressing input image data
for devices which transmit or store compressed image data, as in
cases of facsimile transmission and optical disk storage, and
extending compressed image data for visible printing; and a
multi-value rotary memory 309, connected to the image data I/F
means 308, for rotating image data over 90.degree. or -90.degree.
to be output from the printer 3.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of the operation
panel 114. Specifically, the operation panel 114 includes a message
display 93, which comprises a graphics liquid crystal and a touch
panel, a start key 101, a clear/stop key 103, an all-clear key 104,
ten-keys 105, an interrupt key 106, a preheat key 107, etc.
[0047] The control operation of the digital copying machine 1 with
the above structure, to which the present invention is applied,
will now be described with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 4.
[0048] A copying operation is started and a storage area is set in
the page memory 323.
[0049] When the copying operation has been suspended by the
clear/stop key 103, etc. (ST1), the system CPU 100 checks whether
there is data in the page memory 323 (ST2). If there is no data,
the control goes to step ST6.
[0050] If there is data in the page memory 323, the system CPU-100
causes the message display 93 to display a selection screen for the
user to select the holding or releasing of the data in the page
memory 323 (ST3).
[0051] Upon an operation by the user, the system CPU 100
discriminates the retention/release of image data. If the system
CPU 100 determines the retention of image data, the control goes to
step ST7 at the time the setting has been changed and the copying
operation resumed (ST4). If the system CPU 100 determines the
release of image data, the system CPU 100 releases (erases) data in
the page memory 323 (ST5) and shifts control to step ST7 at the
time the setting has been changed and the copying operation resumed
(ST6).
[0052] Since the copying operation is resumed, the system CPU 100
performs re-scanning by means of the scanner 2 and stores data in
the page memory 323 (ST7). If there is data held in step ST3, the
data in the page memory 323 including such data is printed out by
the printer 3 (ST8).
[0053] FIG. 5 shows an example of a memory copying operation when
one page buffer is used in a case where four copies of one document
are to be made. The system CPU 100 scans the document by the
scanner 2 and accumulates the scan data in the page memory (PM)
323. The system CPU 100 reads out data from the page memory 323 to
print the first, second, third and fourth copies of the document by
means of the printer 3.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows an example of the memory copying operation when
a plurality of page buffers are used in a case where four copies of
each of three documents are to be made. Two areas (double buffer)
PB1 and PB2 are provided in a storage area of the page memory 323,
and image data corresponding in amount to one document is stored in
each of the areas PB1 and PB2.
[0055] The system CPU 100 scans the first document on the ADF 4 by
means of the scanner 2 (S1) and accumulates the scan data in the
area PB1 in the page memory 323. Then, the system CPU 100 scans the
second document on the ADF 4 by means of the scanner 2 (S2) and
accumulates the scan data in the area PB2 in the page memory 323.
By reading out the data on the first document from the area PB1 in
the page memory 323, four copies of the first document are printed
by means of the printer 3.
[0056] After the four copies of the first document have been
printed, the system CPU 100 reads out the data on the second
document from the area PB2 in the page memory 323 and starts to
print four copies of the second document by means of the printer 3.
At the same time, the third document on the ADF 4 is scanned by the
scanner 2 (S3) and the scan data is accumulated in the area PB1 in
the page memory 323. In this manner, after the area PB1 in the page
memory 323 is cleared, the data on the third document is read
in.
[0057] After the four copies of the second document data have been
printed, the data on the third document stored in the area PB1 of
the page memory 323 is read out and four copies thereof are
printed.
[0058] A control operation in a case where a function clear key of
the digital copying machine 1 has been depressed will now be
described with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 7.
[0059] A copying operation is started and a storage area is set in
the page memory 323.
[0060] When the clear/stop key 103 has been depressed (ST11), the
system CPU 100 checks whether there is data in the page memory 323
(ST12). If there is no data, the control goes to step ST18.
[0061] If there is data in the page memory 323, the system CPU 100
releases the data in the page memory 323 (ST15, ST16) and clears
the set function (ST17) when the function key (FC) displayed on the
message display 93 has been depressed (ST13, ST14).
[0062] If the copying operation is resumed (ST18), the system CPU
100 performs re-scanning by means of the scanner 2 and stores data
in the page memory 323 (ST19) and resumes the printing of the data
in the page memory 323 (ST20).
[0063] A control operation in a case where an auto-clear timer in
the digital copying machine 1 has operated will now be described
with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 8.
[0064] An auto-clear time is set in the timer memory 108
(ST21).
[0065] The system CPU 100 starts the copying operation and sets a
storage area in the page memory 323 (ST22). If the copying
operation is suspended by the clear/stop key 103, etc. (ST23), the
timer 112 is notified without operation (ST232). For example, at a
time of a current value +5 (ST24), the timer 112 checks whether an
auto-clear time set in the timer memory 108 has passed (ST25).
[0066] If the timer 112 determines that the auto-clear time has
passed, the system CPU 100 checks whether there is data in the page
memory 323 (ST26). If there is no data, the control goes to step
ST29.
[0067] If there is data in the page memory 323, the system CPU 100
releases the data in the page memory 323 (ST27, ST28) and clears
the set function (ST29).
[0068] When the copying operation has been resumed (ST30), the
system CPU 100 causes the scanner 2 to perform re-scanning and
stores data in the page memory 323 (ST31) and resumes the printing
of data in the page memory 323 by means of the printer 3
(ST32).
[0069] Referring to a flow chart of FIG. 9, a description will now
be given of a control operation in a case where the non-operation
timer in the digital copying machine has operated.
[0070] A non-operation time is set in the timer memory 108
(ST41).
[0071] The system CPU 100 starts the copying operation and sets a
storage area in the page memory 323 (ST42). When the copying
operation has been suspended by the depression of the clear/stop
key 103, etc. (ST43), the system CPU 100 notifies the timer 112 at
every five seconds in the non-operation state (ST44) and the timer
112 checks in step ST46 whether the non-operation time set in the
timer memory 108 has passed at a time of a current value +5
(ST45).
[0072] If the timer 112 determines that the non-operation time has
passed, the system CPU 100 checks whether there is data in the page
memory 323 (ST47). If there is no data, the control goes to step
ST50.
[0073] If there is data in the page memory 323, the system CPU 100
releases the data in the page memory 323 (ST48, ST49) and sets the
operation state at "READY" state in which a background job is
acceptable (ST50).
[0074] When the copying operation has been resumed (ST51), the
system CPU 100 causes the scanner 2 to perform re-scanning and
stores data in the page memory 323 (ST52) and resumes the printing
of data in the page memory 323 by means of the printer 3
(ST53).
[0075] A control operation in a case where the preheat key 107 of
the digital copying machine 1 has been depressed will now be
described with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 10.
[0076] The copying operation is started and a storage area is set
in the page memory 323.
[0077] When the clear/stop key 103 has been depressed (ST61), the
system CPU 100 checks whether there is data in the page memory 323
(ST62). If there is no data, the control goes to step ST68.
[0078] If there is data in the page memory 323, the system CPU 100
releases (ST65, ST66) the data in the page memory 323 at the time
the preheat key 107 has been depressed (ST63, ST64), and sets the
machine in the preheat state and clears the setting (ST67).
[0079] When the copying operation has been resumed (ST68), the
system CPU 100 causes the scanner 2 to perform re-scanning and
stores data in the page memory 323 (ST69) and resumes the printing
of data in the page memory 323 by means of the printer 3
(ST70).
[0080] A control operation in a case where there is no document on
the ADF 4 of the digital copying machine 1 and there is no paper
sheet on the finisher 126 will now be described with reference to a
flow chart of FIG. 11.
[0081] The copying operation is started and a storage area is set
in the page memory 323.
[0082] Where the clear/stop key 103 is depressed and the document
on the ADF 4 is removed and also the sheet on the finisher 126 is
removed, the system CPU 100 checks (ST74) whether there is data in
the page memory 323 at the time the sheet on the finisher 126 has
been removed (ST73). If there is no data, the control goes to step
ST80.
[0083] If there is data in the page memory 323, the system CPU 100
checks whether there is a document on the ADF 4 (ST75). If there is
a document, the control goes to step ST80.
[0084] If there is no document on the ADF 4, the system CPU 100
checks whether there is a sheet on the finisher 126 (ST76). If
there is a sheet, the control goes to step ST80.
[0085] If there is no sheet on the finisher 126, the system CPU 100
determines that the copying operation has been finished (suspended)
(ST77) and releases the data in the page memory 323 (ST78,
ST79).
[0086] When the copying operation has been resumed (ST80), the
system CPU 100 causes the scanner 2 to perform re-scanning and
stores data in the page memory 323 (ST81) and resumes the printing
of data in the page memory 323 by means of the printer 3
(ST82).
[0087] Referring now to a flow chart of FIG. 12, a description will
now be given of a control operation for alarm display and message
deletion in a case where there is data in the page memory 323 of
the digital copying machine 1.
[0088] The copying operation is started and a storage area is set
in the page memory 323.
[0089] Where the clear/stop key 103 is depressed (ST91), the system
CPU 100 checks whether there is data in the page memory 323 (ST92).
If there is no data, the control goes to step ST99.
[0090] If there is data in the page memory 323, the system CPU 100
displays "DATA IS PRESENT IN PAGE MEMORY" on the message display 93
as well as a selection screen for prompting the user to decide
whether the data in the page memory 323 should be retained or
released (ST93, ST94).
[0091] where the user selected and depressed "HOLD" on the message
display 93, the system CPU 100 deletes the message "DATA IS PRESENT
IN PAGE MEMORY" on the message display 93 (step ST96) at the time
the setting has been changed and the copying operation has been
resumed (ST95). The control then goes to step ST101.
[0092] On the other hand, where the user selected and depressed
"RELEASE" on the message display 93, the system CPU 100 releases
the data in the page memory 323 (ST97) and deletes the message
"DATA IS PRESENT IN PAGE MEMORY" on the message display 93 (step
ST98). When the copying operation has been resumed, the system CPU
100 causes the scanner 2 to perform re-scanning and stores data in
the page memory 323. The control then goes to step ST101
(ST100).
[0093] In step ST101, the system CPU 100 causes the printer 3 to
resume the printing of data in the page memory 323.
[0094] As has been described above, according to the embodiments of
the present invention, when the user has suspended a job and
performed some operation/re-setting, the change of the setting
intended by the user can be smoothly effected at the time of
resuming the job even if image data is retained on the page
memory.
[0095] In addition, when the user has suspended a job and performed
some operation/re-setting, even if image data is retained on the
page memory, the memory copying function with high productivity can
be performed while the user smoothly perform operations.
[0096] Furthermore, since the user is positively notified that
there is data in the page memory, security can be provided on
information on the user's image formation medium.
[0097] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *