Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and storage medium

Abstract

Compared with the case where a preceding command is described by a printer job language, a preparation operation of an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium is performed early. An MFP (1) includes: an image forming section (4) that forms an image on a sheet (S1); a USB interface (12) that performs USB connection with a PC (101) and receives a preceding command described in a manner that instructs a preparation operation of the image forming section (4) by a protocol of a control transfer that is a transfer mode of the USB connection; and a CPU (91) that performs the preparation operation of the image forming section (4) in accordance with reception of the preceding command by the USB interface (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In image forming apparatuses, techniques have been proposed to shorten the time from when printing is instructed until the rear end of the first sheet is ejected (the so-called first print time). For example, a system has been proposed in which a printing instruction device sends a prior command instructing a print preparation operation to the image forming apparatus before the print data is transmitted, and the image forming apparatus begins the print preparation operation according to the prior command before receiving the print data. This print preparation operation is, for example, the heating operation of the heater in the fixing unit.

[0003] The print data supply device in Patent Document 1 initiates a preheating process for the printer device in power-saving mode before spooling the print data for a print job. Additionally, the print data supply device generates start-up data for setting the printer to a printable state and spools it as a print job independent of the print data, sending it to the printer device first.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-150761 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] When an external terminal sends a pre-command to the image forming apparatus before the print data is generated, the pre-command is described by a Printer Job Language (PJL). When parsing the PJL sent from the external terminal, the image forming apparatus spends time processing the recognition that the PJL is a pre-command. Therefore, the image forming apparatus spends time before initiating print preparation actions based on the recognition that the PJL is a pre-command.

[0009] One objective of this invention is to perform the preparatory actions of the image forming unit for forming an image on the recording medium earlier than in cases where prior commands are written in the printer's operating language.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a receiving unit that is connected to an external terminal via USB and receives a prior command described in a manner indicating a preparation operation of the image forming unit by a control transmission protocol configured as a transmission method via USB; and a control unit that executes the preparation operation of the image forming unit based on the receipt of the prior command by the receiving unit.

[0012] The image forming apparatus receives a prior command, described by a control transmission protocol, instructing the image forming unit to prepare for operation. The data size of the prior command described by the control transmission protocol is smaller than the data size of the prior command described by the printer operating language. Therefore, compared to the case where the prior command is described by the printer operating language, the image forming apparatus can recognize the prior command earlier and execute the image forming unit's preparation operation earlier.

[0013] Alternatively, the control unit may perform parsing processing of received data described in Printer Job Language (PJL) sent from the external terminal and transmitted in batches. If the parsed received data is print data, the image forming unit may perform an image forming operation to form an image of the print data on the recording medium. If the parsed received data is not print data, processing may be performed according to the commands recorded in the received data and described in Printer Job Language, i.e., PJL commands.

[0014] The image forming apparatus can perform image forming operations by parsing the received data described in the printer job language in the batch OUT transmission, and can perform processing according to PJL commands.

[0015] Alternatively, the image forming unit may include a fixing unit with a heater, and the recording medium on which the image is formed may be heated using the heater. The prior command may include a heater drive command, which is a command that instructs the drive operation of the heater as a preparatory operation of the image forming unit.

[0016] Compared to situations where prior commands are described by the printer's operating language, the image forming apparatus can recognize prior commands earlier and execute the drive action of the heater, which serves as a preparatory action for the image forming unit, earlier.

[0017] The image forming unit may include: a photoreceptor; a polygon mirror for deflecting a light beam toward the photoreceptor; and a polygon mirror motor for rotating the polygon mirror. The prior command may include a motor drive command, which is a command that instructs the driving action of the polygon mirror motor as a preparatory action for the image forming unit.

[0018] Compared to situations where prior commands are described by the printer's operating language, the image forming apparatus can recognize prior commands earlier and execute the drive action of the multi-mirror motor, which serves as a preparatory action for the image forming unit, earlier.

[0019] One aspect of the present invention relates to an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and an external terminal. The image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium; a receiving unit for connecting to the external terminal via USB and receiving a prior command described in a manner indicating a preparation operation of the image forming unit by a control transmission protocol configured as a USB connection; and a control unit for executing the preparation operation of the image forming unit based on the receiving unit's receipt of the prior command. The external terminal, upon receiving a print instruction, sends the prior command to the image forming apparatus.

[0020] One aspect of the present invention relates to a storage medium that may be a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling the image forming system, wherein the program stores a step of causing the external terminal to send the prior command to the image forming apparatus.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where prior commands are written in the printer's operating language, preparation actions for forming an image on the recording medium can be performed earlier. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of the MFP and PC of the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the MFP.

[0025] Figure 3 It is used to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the processing flow of the image forming system using a time-based approach.

[0026] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the data transmission and processing flow of the PC.

[0027] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown is for the data reception and processing flow of the MFP.

[0028] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5The flowchart shown is for the USB receiving process in step S14.

[0029] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 The flowchart shown is for the data receiving and parsing process in step S37.

[0030] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the process of image formation control in an MFP (Multi-Functional Photonics).

[0031] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the MFP according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the process of image formation control in an MFP (Multi-Functional Photonics). Detailed Implementation

[0033] [Implementation Method 1]

[0034] <Structure of Image Forming System 100>

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of the MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 1 and PC 101 of the image forming system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the MFP1. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 100 is a system equipped with an MFP1 and a PC (Personal Computer) 101. The PC 101 is an example of an external terminal. In addition to the PC 101, the external terminal can also be a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The MFP1 shown is an example of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet S1 such as recording paper or an OHP (Over Head Projector) film. The MFP1 is a laser printer that forms a monochrome developer image on the sheet S1, but is not limited thereto. For example, the MFP1 could also be a laser printer that forms a multicolor developer image on the sheet S1. The sheet S1 is an example of a recording medium. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, as... Figure 2 As shown by the arrow, the up-down and front-back directions of MFP1 are defined.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the MFP1 includes a main housing 2, a sheet feeding unit 3, an image forming unit 4, an discharge roller 5, a discharge tray 6, an operation panel 7, a display unit 8, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 9, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 12, a buffer 12B, and a LAN (Local Area Network) interface 13. The main housing 2 houses all of the above components.

[0038] The sheet supply unit 3 feeds out sheet S1. The sheet supply unit 3 includes a tray 31, a feed roller 32, a sheet pressing plate 33, a transport roller 34, and an alignment roller 35. The tray 31 is a sheet tray that holds sheet S1. The feed roller 32 is a feed roller that feeds the sheet S1 held in the tray 31 out.

[0039] When sheet S1 is fed out, sheet S1 on tray 31 is brought closer to feed roller 32 by sheet pressing plate 33, and is fed to transport roller 34 as feed roller 32 rotates. Transport roller 34 transports sheet S1 toward alignment roller 35. After alignment roller 35 aligns the top of sheet S1, it transports sheet S1 toward image forming unit 4.

[0040] The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the sheet S1 fed by the sheet supply unit 3. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the image forming unit 4 includes an exposure unit 41, a transfer unit 42, a charging unit 43, a developing unit 44, a fixing unit 45, and a photosensitive element 46. The exposure unit 41 includes a laser light source (not shown), a faceted mirror 41G, a scanning lens 41L, a faceted mirror motor 41M, and a reflecting mirror 41R.

[0041] The polygon mirror 41G is a rotating polygon mirror that makes the sides of a regular hexagonal prism have six reflective surfaces. The polygon mirror 41G is used to deflect the laser beam L1 emitted from the laser source towards the photoreceptor 46. The polygon mirror motor 41M drives the rotation of the polygon mirror 41G. The exposure unit 41 is equipped with… Figure 1 The motor driver 41D drives the multifaceted mirror motor 41M.

[0042] The exposure unit 41 uses a polygon mirror 41G to deflect the light beam L1, and the light beam L1 is emitted from the polygon mirror 41G through the scanning lens 41L and the reflecting mirror 41R onto the surface of the photoreceptor 46. The exposure unit 41 uses the light beam L1 to scan the surface of the photoreceptor 46 to perform exposure. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 46. The polygon mirror motor 41M is a brushless DC motor.

[0043] The transfer section 42 is a transfer roller that clamps the sheet S1 between itself and the photoreceptor 46. The charging section 43 is a corona-type charger with a charging wire and a gate portion (not shown). Corona discharge is generated by applying a charging voltage to the charging wire and a gate voltage to the gate portion through a high-voltage generation circuit (not shown), and the surface of the photoreceptor 46 is uniformly charged. The developing section 44 includes a developing roller 44R and a developer receiving section 44A.

[0044] In the image forming unit 4, after the surface of the photoreceptor 46 is uniformly charged by the charging section 43, an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the photoreceptor 46 by the light beam L1 from the exposure section 41. Meanwhile, the developing roller 44R supplies developer from the developer containing section 44A to the photoreceptor 46 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. Thus, the electrostatic latent image is visualized, and a developer image is formed on the photoreceptor 46. Then, a sheet S1 supplied from the sheet supply section 3 is transported to the transfer position between the photoreceptor 46 and the transfer section 42, and the developer image formed on the photoreceptor 46 is transferred onto the sheet S1.

[0045] The sheet S1, on which the developer image has been transferred, is conveyed from the photoreceptor 46 and the transfer section 42 to the fixing section 45. The fixing section 45 heat-fixes the developer image on the sheet S1 conveyed from the photoreceptor 46 and the transfer section 42. The fixing section 45 includes a heating roller 45HR, a pressure roller 45PR, and a heater 45H. The fixing section 45 uses the heater 45H to heat the sheet S1 on which the image is formed.

[0046] A heating roller 45HR heats the sheet S1. A pressure roller 45PR clamps the sheet S1 between the heating roller 45HR and the pressure roller 45PR. A heater 45H is disposed inside the heating roller 45HR to raise its temperature. The heater 45H is, for example, a halogen lamp. At the fixing section 45, the sheet S1, onto which a developer image has been transferred, is transported between the heating roller 45HR and the pressure roller 45PR, and the developer image is heat-fixed onto the sheet S1. After heat fixing, the sheet S1 is discharged from the discharge roller 5 onto the discharge tray 6.

[0047] The fixing unit 45 is not limited to a structure comprising a heating roller 45HR, a heater 45H for raising the temperature of the heating roller 45HR, and a pressure roller 45PR. The fixing unit may also comprise a heater, a clamping plate receiving radiant heat from the heater, a heating belt rotating around the clamping plate, and a pressure roller. The fixing unit may also comprise a substrate with a heating pattern, a belt rotating around the substrate, and a pressure roller, with the substrate and belt in contact. The fixing unit may also comprise a heating roller, a heater for raising the temperature of the heating roller, and a pressure belt.

[0048] return Figure 1In ASIC9, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91 is built-in as a control unit. The control unit can also be an ASIC 61 with logic circuitry. ASIC9 is electrically connected to the motor driver 41D, transfer unit 42, charging unit 43, developing unit 44, fixing unit 45, operation panel 7, display unit 8, ROM 10, RAM 11, USB interface 12, and LAN interface 13.

[0049] CPU 91 performs overall control of all parts of MFP1. ROM 10 stores various control programs and settings for controlling MFP1. RAM 11 includes buffer 11B and page memory 11M. Buffer 11B temporarily stores data received from PC 101. Page memory 11M stores raster data generated by CPU 91 based on print data.

[0050] Print data represents the content of the image formed by the MFP1. Print data includes, for example, PDF data using a file format called PDF (Portable Document Format). In PDF data, images are described using a page description language based on PostScript (registered trademark), and multiple operators related to the depiction of strings, graphics, images, etc., are arranged in processing order.

[0051] USB interface 12 is a receiving unit. A USB cable is connected to USB interface 12. USB interface 12 is connected to USB interface 102 of PC 101 in a communicative manner via USB. CPU 91 can receive data sent from USB interface 102 of PC 101 via USB cable. USB interface 12 has a buffer 12B. USB interface 12 receives data from USB interface 102 of PC 101. The data received by USB interface 12 is temporarily stored in buffer 12B.

[0052] Connect a LAN cable to LAN interface 13. CPU 91 can receive data sent from LAN interface 103 of PC 101 via the LAN cable. The data received from LAN interface 13 is stored in buffer 11B.

[0053] It should be noted that the CPU91 can also receive data from the PC101 via wireless LAN. In this case, the CPU91 receives data from the PC101 via LAN interface 13 using wireless LAN. The operation panel 7 accepts user operations and sends the content of the user-received operations to the CPU91. The display unit 8 displays the processing content of the MFP1.

[0054] <Processing of Image Forming System 100>

[0055] Figure 3 It is used to Figure 1 The processing flow of the image forming system 100 shown is illustrated in a time-based diagram. Figure 3 Reference numeral 201 in the accompanying drawings indicates the processing flow of a conventional image forming system. Figure 3 The reference numeral 202 in the attached figure indicates Figure 1 The processing flow of the image forming system 100 shown is described below. Here, the processing flow of a conventional image forming system will be explained first.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown by reference numeral 201 in the accompanying drawings, in conventional image forming systems, PC 203 sends a prior command to MFP 204. This prior command is a PJL command described in Printer Job Language (PJL). The PJL command is described in a way that instructs the preparatory actions of the image forming unit. If MFP 204 receives a PJL command from PC 203, it parses the PJL command. After the PJL command is parsed, MFP 204 recognizes that the PJL command is a prior command that describes the preparatory actions of the image forming unit, and executes the preparatory actions of the image forming unit.

[0057] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown by reference numeral 202, in an image forming system 100 according to one aspect of the present invention, the PC 101 sends a prior command described by a control transmission protocol, which is one of the transmission methods of USB connection, to the MFP1. Hereinafter, the prior command will be described as being sent by the PC 101 to the MFP1 before the transmission of print data, and will be described in a manner that instructs the image forming unit 4 to perform preparation operations. If the MFP1 receives the prior command from the PC 101, it parses the prior command. Then, as in conventional image forming systems, the MFP1 performs the preparation operations of the image forming unit 4.

[0058] The data size of the prior command described by the control transmission protocol is smaller than the data size of the PJL command. Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown, compared to the case where the PJL command is received in the previous MFP204, the MFP1 can complete the parsing of the prior command earlier. The prior command described by the control transfer protocol is stored in the buffer 12B of the USB interface 12, and the CPU 91 parses the prior command stored in the buffer 12B. Since the buffer 12B of the USB interface 12 is upstream of the RAM 11, the CPU 91 can parse the prior command earlier than if the prior command is stored in the buffer 11B of the RAM 11.

[0059] It should be noted that, in Figure 3At reference numeral 202 of the drawings, there is shown Figures 4-6 , Figure 8 a part of the numbers of the respective steps shown. Hereinafter, the processing of the image forming system 100 according to one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0060] <Data transmission processing of PC101>

[0061] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing Figure 1 the flow of the data transmission processing of the PC101 shown. It should be noted that Figure 3 the time chart shown by reference numeral 202 and Figures 4-8 the flowchart shown are examples and are not limited thereto.

[0062] As Figure 4 shown, the PC101 stands by before the print start button is pressed by the operation of the user (No in S1). When the PC101 presses the print start button by the operation of the user (Yes in S1), it accepts the print instruction based on the operation of the user and determines whether to send a previous command from the USB interface 102 (S2).

[0063] Consider the case where the PC101 determines to send a previous command from the USB interface 102 (Yes in S2). In the control transfer of the USB connection, there is a method of exchanging various commands called standard requests, class requests, and vendor requests. In this case, the PC101 describes the previous command in the vendor request of the control transfer and sends the vendor request from the USB interface 102 to the USB interface 12 of the MFP1 by control transfer (S3). The previous command sent from the USB interface 102 to the USB interface 12 in step S3 is described by the protocol of the control transfer.

[0064] On the other hand, consider the case where the PC101 determines not to send a previous command from the USB interface 102 (No in S2). In this case, the PC101 describes the previous command in the printer job language and sends the previous command from the LAN interface 103 to the LAN interface 13 of the MFP1 (S4). It should be noted that in step S4, the PC101 may also use a wireless LAN to send the previous command to the LAN interface 13 of the MFP1.

[0065] After the processing in step S3 or S4, PC101 starts generating print data (S5). The print data includes a print instruction sent by PC101 to MFP1 and image data. After starting the generation of print data, PC101 starts sending the print data (S6). At this time, PC101 sends the print data from the USB interface 102 to the USB interface 12 of MFP1, or sends the print data from the LAN interface 103 to the LAN interface 13 of MFP1.

[0066] PC101 determines whether the generation and sending of all print data have been completed (S7). If PC101 determines that the generation and sending of all print data have been completed (yes in S7), it ends the data sending process. If PC101 determines that the generation and sending of all print data have not been completed (no in S7), it continues the processing in step S7.

[0067] <Data reception process of MFP1>

[0068] Figure 5 Is shown Figure 1 The flowchart showing the process flow of the data reception process of MFP1 shown. As Figure 5 shown, MFP1 stands by before receiving data from PC101 (no in S11). When MFP1 receives data from PC101 (yes in S11), it starts storing the received data in buffer 11B or 12B (S12).

[0069] CPU91 determines whether the data reception in step S11 is from the USB interface 102 of PC101 (S13). Consider the case where CPU91 determines that the data reception in step S11 is not from the USB interface 102 (that is, it is from the LAN interface 103) (no in S13). In this case, CPU91 stores the data received from the LAN interface 103 via the LAN interface 13 in the buffer 11B of RAM11, and executes PJL parsing for parsing the printer job language of the data described in the buffer 11B. Regarding PJL parsing, since it is well-known, the description is omitted.

[0070] After the PJL parsing is completed, CPU91 determines whether the data for which the PJL parsing has been executed is a prior command (S16). If CPU91 determines that the data for which the PJL parsing has been executed is a prior command (yes in S16), it executes the prior command (S17). After the execution of the prior command is completed, CPU91 ends the data reception process.

[0071] When the CPU 91 determines that the data for which PJL parsing has been performed is not a previous command (No in S16), it determines whether the data for which PJL parsing has been performed is print data (S18). When the CPU 91 determines that the data for which PJL parsing has been performed is print data (Yes in S18), it determines whether the print data is accumulated print data (S19).

[0072] Accumulated printing is as follows: The CPU 91 accumulates the print data received from the PC 101 in the buffer 11B of the RAM 11, and executes the accumulated print data of the user after login by the user logging in to the MFP 1. When the CPU 91 determines that the print data is accumulated print data (Yes in S19), it executes RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing (S20).

[0073] The RIP processing includes, for example, a parsing process for sequentially parsing multiple operators of PDF data, a construction process for sequentially constructing drawing objects such as strings, graphics, and images represented by the operators in a one-page image space through the parsing process, and a process for writing the one-page image constructed by the construction process as raster data to the page memory 11M. After executing the RIP processing, the CPU 91 stores the raster data in the page memory 11M (S21).

[0074] When the CPU 91 determines that the print data is not accumulated print data (No in S19), it identifies a RIP start command that indicates the start of RIP processing (S22). When the CPU 91 determines that the data for which PJL parsing has been performed is not print data (No in S18), it executes PJL processing, which is processing according to a PJL command that is a command described in a printer job language (S23).

[0075] When the data for which PJL parsing has been performed is not print data, for example, the data for which PJL parsing has been performed is the capability information of the MFP 1 or the like. In step S23, the PJL processing is, for example, a process in which the CPU 91 sends the capability information of the MFP 1 or the like to the PC 101 using the USB interface 12 or the LAN interface 13.

[0076] When the CPU 91 determines that the reception of the data in step S11 is from the USB interface 102 (Yes in S13), it executes USB reception processing at the USB interface 12 (S14). Regarding the USB reception processing at the USB interface 12, use Figure 6 to explain.

[0077] <USB Reception Processing>

[0078] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 The flowchart shown is for step S14 of the USB receive processing. Figure 6 As shown, CPU91 determines the transmission mode of data reception from USB interface 12 in step S11 (S31).

[0079] If the CPU91 determines in step S31 that the transmission mode is control transmission (yes in S32), it determines whether the data received in step S11 is a vendor request (S33). A vendor request is a command described by the control transmission protocol, which is a command that the vendor can define independently.

[0080] If the condition is true in step S32, the USB interface 12 receives the prior command described by the control transmission protocol via control transmission. MFP1 can recognize the reception of the prior command earlier by receiving it through the USB interface 12, and therefore MFP1 can recognize the prior command earlier in step S34 described later.

[0081] If the CPU91 determines that the data received in step S11 is a manufacturer request (yes in S33), it identifies the prior command recorded in the manufacturer request as a command instructing the image forming unit 4 to perform preparation operations, i.e., a print preparation start command (S34). Since the manufacturer request is a command that the supplier can define independently, the manufacturer request can include a prior command that records the print preparation start command.

[0082] The print preparation start command includes instructions to begin heating the heater 45H of the fixing unit 45 and to begin driving the multi-mirror motor 41M. In other words, the print preparation start command includes a heater drive command, which instructs the heater 45H to drive as a preparation action for the image forming unit 4. Additionally, the print preparation start command includes a motor drive command, which instructs the multi-mirror motor 41M to drive as a preparation action for the image forming unit 4.

[0083] Therefore, MFP1 can identify the prior command earlier than when the prior command is described by the printer operation language, and execute the drive action of the heater 45H and the drive action of the multi-faceted mirror motor 41M as preparation actions for the image forming unit 4 earlier.

[0084] If the CPU91 determines that the data received in step S11 is not a manufacturer request (not in S33), it executes the processing of standard requests and class requests for control transmission as defined by the USB standard (S35). As a standard request-based processing, the CPU91 executes the process of obtaining the product name and manufacturer name of MFP1 and sending them to PC101.

[0085] Additionally, CPU91 performs a process based on class requests to obtain the capability information and current status of MFP1 and send it to PC101. Standard requests and class requests are commands whose content is defined by the USB standard; therefore, prior commands cannot be recorded in standard requests and class requests. Consequently, prior commands are recorded in manufacturer requests.

[0086] If the CPU91 determines in step S31 that the transmission mode is not a control transmission (or not in S32), it begins storing the data received in step S11 into buffer 12B (S36). If the transmission mode determined in step S31 is not a control transmission, the transmission mode is a bulk OUT transmission. After the CPU91 begins storing the data received in step S11 into buffer 12B, it performs received data parsing processing (S37). Regarding the received data parsing processing, it uses... Figure 7 To illustrate.

[0087] <Received Data Parsing and Processing>

[0088] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 The flowchart shown is for the received data parsing and processing in step S37. Figure 7 As shown, CPU91 performs parsing processing (S41) on the received data received in step S11 via bulk OUT transmission. Hereinafter, the data received from the USB interface 102 of PC101 in step S11 and described in the printer job language during bulk OUT transmission will be referred to as received data.

[0089] If the CPU 91 determines that the received data parsed in step S41 is print data (yes in S42), it determines whether the print data is accumulated print data (S43). If the CPU 91 determines that the print data is accumulated print data (yes in S43), it performs RIP processing in the same way as in step S20 (S44). After performing RIP processing, the CPU 91 stores the raster data in the page memory 11M in the same way as in step S21 (S45).

[0090] If the CPU 91 determines that the print data is not the data to be accumulated for printing (that is, the print data is the data to be printed normally) (no in S43), it recognizes the RIP start command in the same way as in step S22 (S46). Normal printing is an image forming operation as follows: if the CPU 91 receives print data from the PC 101, it performs RIP processing based on the received print data and forms an image on the sheet S1 using the image forming unit 4.

[0091] If the CPU91 determines that the received data parsed in step S41 is not printed data (not in S42), it performs PJL processing according to the PJL command recorded in the received data, just like in step S23 (S47).

[0092] In this way, the MFP1 can perform image forming actions by parsing the received data described in the printer job language in the batch OUT transmission, and can perform processing according to PJL commands.

[0093] <Image Formation Control>

[0094] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the image formation control process of the MFP1. Figure 8 As shown, the CPU 91 is in standby mode before recognizing the print preparation start command in step S34 (no in S51). If the CPU 91 recognizes the print preparation start command in step S34 (yes in S51), it starts heating the heater 45H of the fixing section 45 (S52).

[0095] Additionally, CPU 91 starts driving the multi-faceted mirror motor 41M via motor driver 41D (S53). In steps S52 and S53, CPU 91 simultaneously sends drive signals to motor driver 41D and heater 45H. On the other hand, not limited to this, CPU 91 may also send drive signals to motor driver 41D and heater 45H separately.

[0096] In this way, the CPU91 receives the prior command described by the control transmission protocol according to the USB interface 12, and performs the driving operation of the heater 45H and the multi-faceted mirror motor 41M as a preparation operation for the image forming unit 4.

[0097] Next, the CPU 91 waits in standby mode before recognizing the RIP start command in step S22 or S46 (no in S54). If the CPU 91 recognizes the RIP start command in step S22 or S46 (yes in S54), it starts RIP processing (S55). The CPU 91 transforms the print data into raster data by executing RIP processing.

[0098] CPU 91 stores raster data into the page memory 11M of RAM 11 (S56). After storing the raster data into the page memory 11M, CPU 91 waits in standby mode until the preparation operation of the image forming unit 4 is completed (no in S57). If CPU 91 determines that the preparation operation of the image forming unit 4 has been completed (yes in S57), it uses the image forming unit 4 to perform an image forming operation to form an image of the printing data on the sheet S1 (S58).

[0099] Through the above, the MFP1 receives prior commands described by the control transmission protocol in a manner that instructs the image forming unit 4 to perform preparation operations. The data size of the prior commands described by the control transmission protocol is smaller than the data size of the prior commands described by the printer operation language. Therefore, compared with the case where the prior commands are described by the printer operation language, the MFP1 can identify the prior commands earlier and execute the preparation operations of the image forming unit 4 earlier.

[0100] It should be noted that, within the technical scope of one aspect of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling the image forming system 100 is also included. This storage medium stores a program that causes the PC 101 to execute steps to send prior commands, as described in the control transmission protocol, to the MFP1 via control transmission.

[0101] [Implementation Method 2]

[0102] The following describes Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It should be noted that, for ease of explanation, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are not repeated. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the MFP1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, the difference between MFP1A and MFP1 is that the fixing section 45 is changed to the fixing section 50 and that it has a transport roller 60.

[0103] The fixing unit 50 includes a spray unit 51 and a recovery tray 52. ​​The spray unit 51 is a device for spraying fixing solution FL, which is used to fix the developer formed on the sheet S1 towards the sheet S1. The spray unit 51 includes a housing 53, a plurality of nozzles 54, nozzle electrodes 55, and opposing electrodes 56.

[0104] The fixing solution FL is contained in the housing 53. The fixing solution FL contained inside the housing 53 is supplied to a plurality of nozzles 54, and voltage is applied by the nozzle electrodes 55. The voltage-applied fixing solution FL is sprayed from the plurality of nozzles 54 toward the developer image formed on the surface of the sheet S1.

[0105] The opposing electrode 56 has multiple protrusions and is arranged on the upper part of the recovery tray 52 in a manner opposite to the nozzle 54. A voltage is applied to the opposing electrode 56. A recovery tray 52 is provided below the spray unit 51 to receive and contain the fixing fluid FL sprayed from the nozzle 54. The recovery tray 52 is formed using an insulating material.

[0106] The transport roller 60 is located downstream of the fixing section 50 in the transport direction, and transports the sheet S1, which has formed a developer image through the spray unit 51, toward the discharge roller 5. After being transported by the transport roller 60, the sheet S1 is transported by the discharge roller 5 and discharged onto the upper surface of the discharge tray 6.

[0107] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the image formation control process of the MFP1A. Steps S61-S65, S67, and... Figure 8 Steps S51, S53-S56, and S58 are the same, therefore their explanation is omitted. It should be noted that... Figure 10 The flowchart shown is an example and is not limited to this.

[0108] Since the MFP1A does not have a heater 45H, the print preparation start command includes a motor drive command but not a heater drive command. Therefore, the CPU91 does not execute the process of starting the heater 45H's heating in step S52. After the process in step S65, the CPU91 goes into standby mode until the driving of the multifaceted mirror motor 41M is complete (no in S66). If the CPU91 determines that the driving of the multifaceted mirror motor 41M has been completed (yes in S66), it proceeds to the process in step S67.

[0109] [Software-based implementation example]

[0110] The control blocks of MFP1 (especially ASIC9) and PC101 can be implemented by logic circuits (hardware) formed on integrated circuits (IC chips), or by software.

[0111] In the latter case, MFP1 and PC101 are equipped with a computer that executes commands for software, i.e., programs, to implement various functions. This computer has, for example, one or more processors and a computer-readable storage medium storing the aforementioned program. Furthermore, in the aforementioned computer, the purpose of this invention is achieved by the processor reading and executing the program from the storage medium. For example, a CPU can be used as the processor. As the storage medium, a "non-transitory tangible medium" can be used, for example, in addition to ROM, tapes, disks, cards, semiconductor memories, programmable logic circuits, etc. Additionally, RAM for deploying the program may also be included. Furthermore, the program can be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.). It should be noted that one aspect of this invention can also be implemented as a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, where the program is electronically transmitted.

[0112] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this invention.

[0113] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0114] 1.1A MFP (Image Forming Apparatus)

[0115] 4 Image forming section

[0116] 12 USB ports (receiver unit)

[0117] 41G Multifaceted Mirror

[0118] 41M Multifaceted Mirror Motor

[0119] 45, 50 Fixing Section

[0120] 45H heater

[0121] 46 Photoreceptors

[0122] 91CPU (Control Unit)

[0123] 100 Image Forming System

[0124] 101PC (External Terminal)

[0125] L1 beam

[0126] S1 sheet (the recording medium).

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, have: An image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium; The USB interface enables USB connection to external terminals and allows data reception via both control-based and bulk OUT transmission methods; and Control Department The control unit receives data from the external terminal using the USB interface. Upon receiving the data, the control unit determines whether the USB interface received the data via control transmission or via bulk OUT transmission. When the data is received from the external terminal using the control transmission method, and the data is a prior command recorded at the manufacturer's request to instruct the image forming unit to perform preparation operations, the control unit executes the image forming unit's preparation operations. If the data is received from the external terminal using the control transmission method, and the data is not part of the prior command requested by the manufacturer, the control unit performs processing based on the standard request and class request of the control transmission. When the data is received from the external terminal in the batch OUT transmission mode and is print data described using a printer job language, the control unit uses the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation that forms an image of the print data on the recording medium.

2. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, have: An image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium; The USB interface enables USB connection to external terminals and allows data reception via both control-based and bulk OUT transmission methods; and Control Department The control unit receives data from the external terminal using the USB interface. Upon receiving the data, the control unit determines whether the USB interface received the data via control transmission or via bulk OUT transmission. When the data is received from the external terminal using the control transmission method, and the command is described in a prior order using the control transmission protocol to instruct the image forming unit to perform preparation operations, the control unit executes the image forming unit's preparation operations. When the data is received from the external terminal via the batch OUT transmission method, the control unit performs parsing processing to parse the received data described in Printer Job Language (PJL) received from the external terminal via the batch OUT transmission. If the parsed received data is print data, the control unit uses the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation that forms an image of the print data on the recording medium. If the parsed received data is not the printed data, the control unit performs processing according to the commands recorded in the received data and described by the printer operation language, namely PJL commands.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The image forming unit includes a fixing unit, which has a heater, and the recording medium on which the image is formed is heated by the heater. The prior command includes a heater drive command, which is a command that instructs the drive action of the heater as a preparatory action for the image forming unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The image forming unit includes: Photoreceptor; A multi-faceted mirror is used to deflect a light beam toward the photoreceptor; and A multifaceted mirror motor drives the rotation of the multifaceted mirror. The prior command includes a motor drive command, which is a command that instructs the driving action of the multifaceted mirror motor as a preparatory action for the image forming unit.

5. An image forming system, characterized in that, Equipped with an image forming apparatus and an external terminal, The image forming apparatus includes: An image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium; The USB interface enables USB connection to the external terminal and allows data reception via control transmission methods and bulk OUT transmission methods; and Control Department The control unit receives data from the external terminal using the USB interface. Upon receiving the data, the control unit determines whether the USB interface received the data via control transmission or via bulk OUT transmission. When the data is received from the external terminal using the control transmission method, and the data is a prior command recorded at the manufacturer's request to instruct the image forming unit to perform preparation operations, the control unit executes the image forming unit's preparation operations. If the data is received from the external terminal using the control transmission method, and the data is not part of the prior command requested by the manufacturer, the control unit performs processing based on the standard request and class request of the control transmission. When the data is received from the external terminal via the batch OUT transmission method and is print data described using a printer job language, the control unit uses the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation that forms an image of the print data on the recording medium. Upon receiving a print instruction, the external terminal sends the prior command to the image forming apparatus, and then sends the print data to the image forming apparatus.

6. An image forming system, characterized in that, Equipped with an image forming apparatus and an external terminal, The image forming apparatus includes: An image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium; The USB interface enables USB connection to external terminals and allows data reception via both control-based and bulk OUT transmission methods; and Control Department The control unit receives data from the external terminal using the USB interface. Upon receiving the data, the control unit determines whether the USB interface received the data via control transmission or via bulk OUT transmission. When the data is received from the external terminal using the control transmission method, and the command is described in a prior order using the control transmission protocol to instruct the image forming unit to perform preparation operations, the control unit executes the image forming unit's preparation operations. When the data is received from the external terminal via the batch OUT transmission method, the control unit performs parsing processing to parse the received data described in Printer Job Language (PJL) received from the external terminal via the batch OUT transmission. If the parsed received data is print data, the control unit uses the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation that forms an image of the print data on the recording medium. If the parsed received data is not the printed data, the control unit performs processing according to the commands recorded in the received data and described in the printer operation language, namely PJL commands. Upon receiving a print instruction, the external terminal sends the prior command to the image forming apparatus, and then sends the print data to the image forming apparatus.

Images