Copying device

Abstract

To provide a copying device that suppresses heat generation in a motor of a moving mechanism of a scanner mechanism.SOLUTION: A copying device includes an imaging mechanism, a moving mechanism, a printing mechanism, and a control unit that controls the imaging mechanism, the moving mechanism, and the printing mechanism, and the control unit executes a reading process and a printing process in parallel as a copying process, and the copying process is executed under first copying conditions C1 or second copying conditions C2, and at least one of the following is satisfied: the resolution RD of the original image under the second copying conditions C2 is higher than the resolution RD of the original image under the first copying conditions C1, and the resolution RP of the printed image under the second copying conditions C2 is higher than the resolution RP of the printed image under the first copying conditions C1, and when the copying process is executed under the second copying conditions C2, the duration of one stop process is longer than when the copying process is executed under the first copying conditions C1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to reproduction devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses that when scanning a large number of documents continuously, the temperature of the scanner motor can become very high, and that a cooling fan is rotated to cool the motor when it is running. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-185710 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a known problem of heat generation in the scanner motor, as described in Patent Document 1. On the other hand, when measures against heat generation are taken by controlling the drive of the motor, the time required for copying may become longer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A copying machine according to one aspect for solving the above-described problems includes an imaging mechanism, a moving mechanism, a printing mechanism, and a control unit that controls the imaging mechanism, the moving mechanism, and the printing mechanism, wherein the control unit executes a reading process and a printing process in parallel as a copying process, the reading process including a moving process that moves the imaging mechanism and an original relative to the moving mechanism, a stopping process that stops the relative movement with respect to the moving mechanism, and an imaging process that, in synchronization with the moving process, causes the imaging mechanism to capture an image of the original and generate an original image, and the printing process includes a moving process that moves the imaging mechanism and an original relative to the moving mechanism, and a stopping process that stops the relative movement with respect ... The copying device includes a process of printing a print image corresponding to the original image, the copying process being executed under first copying conditions or second copying conditions, and at least one of the following is satisfied: the resolution of the original image under the second copying conditions is higher than the resolution of the original image under the first copying conditions, and the resolution of the print image under the second copying conditions is higher than the resolution of the print image under the first copying conditions; and when the copying process is executed under the second copying conditions, the duration of one of the stop processes is longer than when the copying process is executed under the first copying conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between image resolution and threshold value. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a reading process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process. [Figure 6] 6 is a graph showing an example of the operation of a copying machine of a comparative example. [Figure 7] 6 is a graph showing an example of the operation of the copying machine of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] First, the configuration of a copying machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a copying machine 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine 1 includes a control unit 11, an operation mechanism 12, a display mechanism 13, a printing mechanism 15, and a scanner mechanism 16. The control unit 11 controls the operation of each unit of the copying machine 1. Each of the operation mechanism 12, the display mechanism 13, the printing mechanism 15, and the scanner mechanism 16 is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 11.

[0009] The control unit 11 includes a processor 11A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 11B such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 11B stores a control program PG.

[0010] The processor 11A may be configured with multiple processors or may be configured with a single processor. The processor 11A may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. That is, the processor 11A may be configured with the control program PG installed as a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor 11A may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like. In the following description, the processor 11A executes the control program PG to realize various functions of the control unit 11.

[0011] The memory 11B has a nonvolatile storage area that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The memory 11B may include, for example, a ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) as the nonvolatile storage area. The memory 11B may also include a volatile storage area that constitutes a work area that temporarily stores programs executed by the processor 11A and data to be processed. The memory 11B may also include, for example, a random access memory (RAM) as the volatile storage area.

[0012] The memory 11B also includes a document buffer memory 11C and a print buffer memory 11D. The document buffer memory 11C temporarily stores the document image DM. The capacity of the document buffer memory 11C is, for example, 2 MB or less. In this embodiment, the capacity of the document buffer memory 11C is, for example, 800 KB. The print buffer memory 11D temporarily stores the print image PM. In this embodiment, the capacity of the print buffer memory 11D is, for example, 1.5 MB.

[0013] The operation mechanism 12 includes input means such as operation switches and a touch panel provided on the copying machine 1, detects user operations on the input means, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 executes processing corresponding to the user operation based on the input from the operation mechanism 12. The user is, for example, a user of the copying machine 1.

[0014] The display mechanism 13 includes a display panel such as a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and, under the control of the control unit 11, turns on, turns off, and blinks the LEDs in a predetermined manner, displays information on the display panel, and so on.

[0015] Printing mechanism 15 executes a printing function in accordance with instructions from control unit 11 (printing control unit 114). Printing mechanism 15, under the control of control unit 11, prints print images PM such as characters and figures on a printing medium such as printing paper using ink, for example. The printing mechanism 15 includes a recording head 151, a transport motor 152, and a transport roller 153 as components related to printing. The recording head 151 is an inkjet type, and ejects ink supplied from an ink supply unit (not shown) toward the printing medium. The recording head 151 is made up of, for example, multiple line heads. A transport motor 152 rotates and drives a transport roller 153. The transport roller 153 transports the printing medium in the transport direction.

[0016] The scanner mechanism 16 includes an imaging mechanism 161 and a moving mechanism 162 . The imaging mechanism 161 includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging mechanism 161 reads images such as characters and figures formed on a document in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11 (scanner control unit 113) and generates a document image DM. The imaging mechanism 161 outputs the generated document image DM to the document buffer memory 11C. The movement mechanism 162 moves the imaging mechanism 161 and the document relative to each other in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11 (scanner control unit 113). For example, the movement mechanism 162 moves the document relative to the imaging mechanism 161. Then, in synchronization with the relative movement of the imaging mechanism 161 and the document by the movement mechanism 162, the imaging mechanism 161 reads images such as characters and figures formed on the document and generates a document image DM.

[0017] 1, the control unit 11 includes a resolution setting unit 111, a threshold setting unit 112, a scanner control unit 113, a print control unit 114, and a threshold storage unit 115. Each of these units is realized by software and hardware working together, for example, when the processor 11A executes a control program PG. In other words, by executing the control program PG, the processor 11A functions as a resolution setting unit 111, a threshold setting unit 112, a scanner control unit 113, and a print control unit 114. In addition, by executing the control program PG, the processor 11A causes the memory 11B to function as a threshold storage unit 115.

[0018] The threshold storage unit 115 stores the resolution RD of the original image DM, the resolution RP of the print image PM, and the thresholds TH in association with each other. The thresholds TH include a first threshold TH1 and a second threshold TH2. The second threshold TH2 is greater than the first threshold TH1. The threshold TH is further explained with reference to FIG.

[0019] The resolution setting unit 111 receives an operation from the user via the operation mechanism 12, and sets the resolution RD of the original image DM in accordance with the received operation. The resolution setting unit 111 also receives an operation from the user via the operation mechanism 12, and sets the resolution RP of the print image PM in accordance with the received operation.

[0020] The threshold setting unit 112 sets the threshold TH based on the resolution RD of the original image DM and the resolution RP of the print image PM set by the resolution setting unit 111. The threshold setting unit 112 sets the threshold TH by referring to, for example, a table TBL shown in FIG.

[0021] The scanner control unit 113 controls the scanner mechanism 16. In other words, the scanner control unit 113 causes the scanner mechanism 16 to execute a reading process SR. The reading process SR constitutes a part of the copying process SC. The reading process SR also includes a moving process SR1, a stopping process SR2, and an imaging process SR3. The reading process SR is a process of reading images such as characters and figures formed on a document, generating a document image DM, and outputting the generated document image DM to the document buffer memory 11C. The movement process SR1 is a process of moving the imaging mechanism 161 and the document relative to the movement mechanism 162. The stop processing SR2 is processing for causing the moving mechanism 162 to stop the relative movement between the imaging mechanism 161 and the document. The imaging process SR3 is a process that is synchronized with the movement process SR1 and causes the imaging mechanism 161 to capture an image of the document and generate a document image DM. When the scanner control unit 113 executes the imaging process SR3, the scanner control unit 113 stores the document image DM generated by the imaging process SR3 in the document buffer memory 11C.

[0022] When the free space in the document buffer memory 11C changes from less than the threshold value TH to equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, the scanner control unit 113 switches the process to be executed by the movement mechanism 162 from the stop process SR2 to the movement process SR1. In addition, when the free space in the document buffer memory 11C changes from equal to or greater than a third threshold TH3, which is smaller than the first threshold TH1, to less than the third threshold TH3, the scanner control unit 113 switches the process to be executed by the movement mechanism 162 from movement process SR1 to stop process SR2. In this embodiment, the third threshold value TH3 is, for example, approximately zero. In other words, when the free space in the document buffer memory 11C changes from equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 to less than the third threshold value TH3, this is when the document buffer memory 11C becomes full. In the following description, "when the free space in the document buffer memory 11C changes from equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 to less than the third threshold value TH3" may be referred to as "when the document buffer memory 11C becomes full." The third threshold TH3 is, for example, 1%. The third threshold TH3 may be, for example, 0.1%. The processing of the scanner control unit 113 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0023] The print control unit 114 controls the print mechanism 15. In other words, the print control unit 114 causes the print mechanism 15 to execute a print process SP. The print process SP is a process that causes the print mechanism 15 to print a print image PM corresponding to the original image DM. The print process SP constitutes part of the copy process SC. In other words, the copy process SC is made up of a reading process SR and a print process SP.

[0024] The print control unit 114 performs a process of converting the original image DM into a print image PM. For example, if the resolution RD of the original image DM and the resolution RP of the print image PM are different, a process of converting the resolution is performed. Also, a process of converting the pixel values ​​(R, G, B) that make up one pixel of the original image DM into the pixel values ​​(C, M, Y, K) that make up one pixel of the print image PM is performed. For example, when the original image DM is moved from the original buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D, the print control unit 114 performs a process of converting the original image DM into a print image PM.

[0025] Note that "R" indicates red, "G" indicates green, and "B" indicates blue. Furthermore, "C" indicates cyan, "M" indicates magenta, "Y" indicates yellow, and "K" indicates black. The pixel values ​​(C, M, Y, K) correspond to the ink colors ejected onto the printing medium from the recording head 151 of the printing mechanism 15. The recording head 151 is composed of, for example, four line heads: a line head that ejects cyan ink, a line head that ejects magenta ink, a line head that ejects yellow ink, and a line head that ejects black ink.

[0026] The print control unit 114 reads out the print image PM stored in the print buffer memory 11D band by band and outputs it to the recording head 151. The recording head 151 has a memory that stores one band of print image PM. One band is, for example, 64 lines. A "line" extends in a direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the transport direction in which the transport roller 153 transports the print medium. The length of one line in the transport direction corresponds to the size of one pixel. The length of one line in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction corresponds to the length of the recording medium in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0027] When one or more bands of print image PM are stored in the print buffer memory 11D and the recording head 151 has completed printing one band, the print control unit 114 reads out only one band of the print image PM stored in the print buffer memory 11D and outputs it to the recording head 151. If the print buffer memory 11D does not store one or more bands of print image PM, and the recording head 151 has completed printing one band, the print control unit 114 stops the print process SP.

[0028] The copy process SC is executed under the first copy condition C1 or the second copy condition C2. Each of the first copy condition C1 and the second copy condition C2 includes a resolution RD of the original image DM and a resolution RP of the print image PM.

[0029] In addition, at least one of the following is satisfied: the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is higher than the resolution RD of the original image DM under the first copying condition C1; and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is higher than the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the first copying condition C1. When the copy process SC is executed under the second copy condition C2, the duration of one stop process SR2 is longer than when the copy process SC is executed under the first copy condition C1. The duration of one stop process SR2 refers to the time from when the stop process SR2 starts to when the stop process SR2 ends.

[0030] Next, the relationship between the resolution RD of the original image DM, the resolution RP of the print image PM, and the threshold value TH will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the image resolution and the threshold value TH. The table TBL shown in Fig. 2 is stored in advance in the threshold value storage unit 115. The threshold setting unit 112 sets a first threshold TH1 and a second threshold TH2 by referring to the table TBL according to the resolution RD of the original image DM and the resolution RP of the print image PM. The second threshold TH2 includes a second threshold TH21 and a second threshold TH22.

[0031] The resolution RP of the print image PM is shown in the left column of Fig. 2. The resolution RD of the original image DM is shown in the center column of Fig. 2. The threshold value TH is shown in the right column of Fig. 2. 2, when the resolution RP of the print image PM is 360 dpi and the resolution RD of the document image DM is 300 dpi or less, the threshold setting unit 112 sets the threshold TH to the first threshold TH1, which is, for example, 50%.

[0032] 2, when the resolution RP of the print image PM is 360 dpi and the resolution RD of the document image DM is 600 dpi or 1200 dpi, the threshold setting unit 112 sets the threshold TH to the second threshold TH21. The second threshold TH21 is, for example, 75%. 2, when the resolution RP of the print image PM is 720 dpi and the resolution RD of the document image DM is 300 dpi or less, the threshold setting unit 112 sets the threshold TH to a second threshold TH21. The second threshold TH21 is, for example, 75%.

[0033] 2, when the resolution RP of the print image PM is 720 dpi and the resolution RD of the document image DM is 600 dpi or 1200 dpi, the threshold setting unit 112 sets the threshold TH to the second threshold TH22. The second threshold TH22 is, for example, 90%.

[0034] The first copying condition C1 corresponds to a case where the resolution RP of the print image PM is 360 dpi and the resolution RD of the original image DM is 300 dpi or less, for example. The second copying condition C2 corresponds to, for example, a case where the resolution RP of the print image PM is 360 dpi and the resolution RD of the original image DM is 600 dpi or 1200 dpi, and a case where the resolution RP of the print image PM is 720 dpi.

[0035] In the second copying condition C2, if the resolution RP of the printed image PM is 360 dpi and the resolution RD of the original image DM is 600 dpi or 1200 dpi, the condition that the resolution RP of the printed image PM in the second copying condition C2 is higher than the resolution RP of the printed image PM in the first copying condition C1 is met. In the second copying condition C2, when the resolution RP of the print image PM is 720 dpi, the condition that the resolution RP of the print image PM under the second copying condition C2 is higher than the resolution RP of the print image PM under the first copying condition C1 is met.

[0036] The threshold setting unit 112 changes the second threshold TH2 in stages according to the resolution RD of the document image DM and the resolution RP of the print image PM under the second copying condition C2. For example, the threshold setting unit 112 increases the second threshold TH2 as the resolution of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 increases, and increases the second threshold TH2 as the resolution RP of the print image PM increases. 2, the threshold setting unit 112 increases the second threshold value TH2 as the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 increases. That is, when the resolution RP of the print image PM is 720 dpi, the threshold setting unit 112 sets the second threshold value TH2 to 75% when the resolution RD of the original image DM is 300 dpi or less, and sets the second threshold value TH2 to 90% when the resolution RD of the original image DM is 600 dpi or more. "75%" corresponds to the second threshold value TH21. "90%" corresponds to the second threshold value TH22.

[0037] Furthermore, when the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the first resolution R1 and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the second resolution R2, the threshold setting unit 112 increases the second threshold TH2 compared to the following two cases: when the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the first resolution R1 and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is less than the second resolution R2, and when the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is less than the first resolution R1 and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the second resolution R2.

[0038] 2, for example, the first resolution R1 is greater than 300 dpi and less than 600 dpi, the first resolution R1 is 500 dpi, and the second resolution R2 is greater than 300 dpi and less than 720 dpi. In Figure 2, when the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the first resolution R1 and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the second resolution R2, the threshold setting unit 112 increases the second threshold TH2 compared to when the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is less than the first resolution R1 and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the second resolution R2.

[0039] In other words, when the resolution RP of the print image PM is 720 dpi, the threshold setting unit 112 sets the second threshold TH2 to 75% when the resolution RD of the original image DM is 300 dpi or less, and sets the second threshold TH2 to 90% when the resolution RD of the original image DM is 600 dpi or more. "75%" corresponds to the second threshold TH21. "90%" corresponds to the second threshold TH22.

[0040] Next, the processing of the control unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the control unit 11. First, in step S101, the resolution setting unit 111 receives an operation from the user via the operation mechanism 12, and sets the resolution RD of the document image DM in accordance with the received operation. Next, in step S103, the resolution setting unit 111 receives an operation from the user via the operation mechanism 12, and sets the resolution RP of the print image PM in accordance with the received operation.

[0041] Next, in step S105, the threshold setting unit 112 sets a threshold TH based on the resolution RD of the original image DM set by the resolution setting unit 111 and the resolution RP of the print image PM. Next, in step S107, the control unit 11 receives an operation from the user via the operation mechanism 12, and determines whether or not an instruction to execute a copy process SC has been received in response to the received operation. The copy process SC includes a reading process SR and a printing process SP. If the control unit 11 determines that an instruction to execute the copy process SC has not been received (step S107; NO), the process then returns to step S101. If the control unit 11 determines that an instruction to execute the copy process SC has been received (step S107; YES), the process proceeds to step S109.

[0042] Then, in step S109, the scanner control unit 113 causes the scanner mechanism 16 to execute the reading process SR. The reading process SR will be further explained with reference to FIG. Next, in step S111, the print control unit 114 causes the print mechanism 15 to execute the print process SP. Next, in step S113, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the copy process SC is completed. If the control unit 11 determines that the copy process SC is not complete (step S113; NO), the process returns to step S109. If the control unit 11 determines that the copy process SC is complete (step S113; YES), the process then ends.

[0043] Next, the reading process SR will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the reading process SR. The reading process SR is executed in step S109 of Fig. 3. First, in step S201, the scanner control unit 113 determines whether or not the moving mechanism 162 of the scanner mechanism 16 is executing the moving process SR1. When the moving mechanism 162 is executing the moving process SR1, the scanner control unit 113 causes the imaging mechanism 161 to execute the imaging process SR3 in synchronization with the moving process SR1. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the movement process SR1 is being executed (step S201; YES), the process proceeds to step S213. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the movement process SR1 is not being executed (step S201; NO), the process proceeds to step S203.

[0044] Next, in step S203, the scanner control unit 113 determines whether the free space in the document buffer memory 11C is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the free space in the document buffer memory 11C is not equal to or greater than the threshold value TH (step S203; NO), the process returns to step S201. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the free space in the document buffer memory 11C is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH (step S203; YES), the process proceeds to step S205. Then, in step S205, the scanner control unit 113 causes the moving mechanism 162 to execute the moving process SR1, and causes the imaging mechanism 161 to execute the imaging process SR3 in synchronization with the moving process SR1.

[0045] Next, in step S207, the scanner control unit 113 determines whether the print buffer memory 11D is full. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the print buffer memory 11D is not full (step S207; NO), the process proceeds to step S209. Then, in step S209, the scanner control unit 113 transfers the original image DM stored in the original buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D. When the original image DM is transferred from the original buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D, the print control unit 114 performs processing to convert the original image DM into a print image PM. Then, the processing returns to step S101. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the print buffer memory 11D is full (step S207; YES), the process proceeds to step S211. Then, in step S211, the scanner control unit 113 stops the transfer of the original image DM from the original buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D, and then the process returns to step S101.

[0046] If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the movement process SR1 is being executed (step S201; YES), then in step S213, the scanner control unit 113 determines whether the document buffer memory 11C is full or not. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the document buffer memory 11C is not full (step S213; NO), the process proceeds to step S217. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the document buffer memory 11C is full (step S213; YES), the process proceeds to step S215. Then, in step S215, the scanner control unit 113 causes the moving mechanism 162 to execute the stop process SR2.

[0047] Next, in step S217, the scanner control unit 113 determines whether the print buffer memory 11D is full. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the print buffer memory 11D is not full (step S217; NO), the process proceeds to step S219. Then, in step S219, the scanner control unit 113 transfers the original image DM stored in the original buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D. When the original image DM is transferred from the original buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D, the print control unit 114 performs processing to convert the original image DM into a print image PM. Then, the processing returns to step S101. If the scanner control unit 113 determines that the print buffer memory 11D is full (step S217; YES), the process proceeds to step S221. Then, in step S221, the scanner control unit 113 stops the transfer of the original image DM from the original buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D, and then the process returns to step S101.

[0048] Next, the printing process SP will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process SP. The printing process SP is executed in step S111 of Fig. 3. First, in step S301, the print control unit 114 determines whether or not one or more bands of print image PM are stored in the print buffer memory 11D. One band is, for example, 64 lines. If the print control unit 114 determines that one or more bands of print image PM are stored in the print buffer memory 11D (step S301; YES), the process proceeds to step S307. If the print control unit 114 determines that one or more bands of print image PM are not stored in the print buffer memory 11D (step S301; NO), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0049] Then, in step S303, the print control unit 114 determines whether the print mechanism 15 is currently executing the print process SP. If the print control unit 114 determines that the print mechanism 15 is not executing the print process SP (step S303; NO), the process returns to step S301. If the print control unit 114 determines that the print mechanism 15 is executing the print process SP (step S303; YES), the process proceeds to step S305. Then, in step S305, the print control unit 114 stops the print process SP for the print mechanism 15. After that, the process returns to step S301.

[0050] If the print control unit 114 determines that one or more bands of print image PM are stored in the print buffer memory 11D (step S301; YES), in step S307, the print control unit 114 determines whether the print mechanism 15 is currently executing the print process SP. If the print control unit 114 determines that the print mechanism 15 is executing the print process SP (step S307; YES), the process proceeds to step S311. If the print control unit 114 determines that the print mechanism 15 is not executing the print process SP (step S307; NO), the process proceeds to step S309. Then, in step S309, the print control unit 114 causes the print mechanism 15 to start executing the print process SP.

[0051] Next, in step S311, the print control unit 114 causes the print mechanism 15 to execute the print process SP for one band. That is, the print control unit 114 causes the print mechanism 15 to execute the print process SP for one band of print image PM output from the print buffer memory 11D to the recording head 151. Next, in step S313, the print control unit 114 determines whether the print process SP for one band of print image PM output from the print buffer memory 11D to the recording head 151 has been completed. If the print control unit 114 determines that the print process SP for one band of print image PM output from the print buffer memory 11D to the recording head 151 is not complete (step S313; NO), the process returns to step S311. If the print control unit 114 determines that the print process SP for one band of print image PM output from the print buffer memory 11D to the recording head 151 is complete (step S313; YES), the process proceeds to step S315. Then, in step S315, the print control unit 114 outputs one band of print image PM from the print buffer memory 11D to the recording head 151. After that, the process returns to step S301.

[0052] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of the operation of a copying machine of a comparative example. Figure 7 is a graph showing an example of the operation of copying machine 1 of this embodiment. Figures 6 and 7 describe a case where the resolution RD of the original image DM is, for example, 240 dpi, and the resolution RP of the print image PM is, for example, 720 dpi. As described with reference to Fig. 2, when the resolution RD of the original image DM is 240 dpi and the resolution RP of the print image PM is 720 dpi, the threshold value TH is set to 75%. That is, in Fig. 7, the threshold value TH is 75%. In contrast, in Fig. 6, for example, the threshold value TH is 50%.

[0053] In each of Figures 6 and 7, the horizontal axis represents time T, and from top to bottom, the graphs show scanner operation, free space (%) in the document buffer memory 11C, free space (%) in the print buffer memory 11D, and printing operation.

[0054] First, the operation of the copying machine of the comparative example will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The copying machine of the comparative example has the same configuration as the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, but differs from the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment in that the threshold value TH is 50%. In Fig. 6, as shown by graph G2, a case where one or more bands of print images PM are stored in the print buffer memory 11D is described. In Fig. 7, as shown by graph G4, a case where one or more bands of print images PM are stored in the print buffer memory 11D is described. In this case, the print control unit 114 executes the print process SP continuously, as shown by "GO" next to each printing operation in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

[0055] Next, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C and the scanner operation in the copying machine of the comparative example will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Graph G1 shows the change in the free space in the document buffer memory 11C. As shown in graph G1, at time T11, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C is 50%, which is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, so the scanner control unit 113 executes the reading process SR, as indicated by "GO" in the scanner operation. In other words, the scanner control unit 113 executes the movement process SR1 and the imaging process SR3.

[0056] As the reading process SR is performed, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C decreases. Then, at time T12, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C becomes 0%. In other words, the document buffer memory 11C becomes full. Therefore, as shown by "STOP" in FIG. 6, the scanner control unit 113 stops the execution of the reading process SR. In other words, the scanner control unit 113 performs the stop process SR2. Next, at time T13, the print control unit 114 reads one band of print image PM stored in print buffer memory 11D and outputs it to the recording head 151. As a result, the free space in print buffer memory 11D increases. Therefore, the print control unit 114 transfers the original image DM stored in document buffer memory 11C to print buffer memory 11D. As a result, the free space in document buffer memory 11C increases, as shown in graph G1.

[0057] Then, at time T14, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C reaches 50% and exceeds the threshold value TH, so the scanner control unit 113 starts executing the reading process SR, as indicated by "GO" in the scanner operation. As the reading process SR is performed, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C decreases. Then, at time T15, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C becomes 0%. In other words, the document buffer memory 11C becomes full. Therefore, as shown by "STOP" in FIG. 6, the scanner control unit 113 stops the execution of the reading process SR.

[0058] Next, at time T16, the print control unit 114 reads one band of print image PM stored in print buffer memory 11D and outputs it to the recording head 151. As a result, the free space in print buffer memory 11D increases. Therefore, the print control unit 114 transfers the original image DM stored in document buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D. As a result, the free space in document buffer memory 11C increases, as shown in graph G1.

[0059] Then, at time T17, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C reaches 50% and exceeds the threshold value TH, so the scanner control unit 113 starts executing the reading process SR, as indicated by "GO" in the scanner operation. As the reading process SR is performed, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C decreases. Then, at time T18, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C becomes 0%. In other words, the document buffer memory 11C becomes full. Therefore, as shown by "STOP" in FIG. 6, the scanner control unit 113 stops the execution of the reading process SR.

[0060] Next, at time T19, the print control unit 114 reads one band of print image PM stored in print buffer memory 11D and outputs it to the recording head 151. As a result, the free space in print buffer memory 11D increases. Therefore, the print control unit 114 transfers the original image DM stored in document buffer memory 11C to print buffer memory 11D. As a result, the free space in document buffer memory 11C increases, as shown in graph G1.

[0061] Next, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C and the scanner operation in the copying machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Graph G3 shows the change in the free space in the document buffer memory 11C. As shown in graph G3, at time T21, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C is 75%, which is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, so the scanner control unit 113 executes the reading process SR, as indicated by "GO" in the scanner operation. In other words, the scanner control unit 113 executes the movement process SR1 and the imaging process SR3.

[0062] As the reading process SR is performed, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C decreases. Then, at time T22, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C becomes 0%. In other words, the document buffer memory 11C becomes full. Therefore, as shown by "STOP" in FIG. 7, the scanner control unit 113 stops the execution of the reading process SR. In other words, the scanner control unit 113 performs the stop process SR2. Next, at time T23, the print control unit 114 reads one band of print image PM stored in print buffer memory 11D and outputs it to the recording head 151. As a result, the free space in print buffer memory 11D increases. Therefore, the print control unit 114 transfers the original image DM stored in document buffer memory 11C to print buffer memory 11D. As a result, the free space in document buffer memory 11C increases, as shown in graph G3.

[0063] Then, at time T24, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C reaches 75%, exceeding the threshold value TH, so the scanner control unit 113 starts executing the reading process SR, as indicated by "GO" in the scanner operation. As the reading process SR is performed, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C decreases. Then, at time T25, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C becomes 0%. In other words, the document buffer memory 11C becomes full. Therefore, as shown by "STOP" in FIG. 7, the scanner control unit 113 stops the execution of the reading process SR.

[0064] Next, at time T26, the print control unit 114 reads one band of print image PM stored in print buffer memory 11D and outputs it to the recording head 151. As a result, the free space in print buffer memory 11D increases. Therefore, the print control unit 114 transfers the original image DM stored in document buffer memory 11C to print buffer memory 11D. As a result, as shown in graph G3, the free space in document buffer memory 11C increases.

[0065] Then, at time T27, the free space in the document buffer memory 11C reaches 75%, exceeding the threshold value TH, so the scanner control unit 113 starts executing the reading process SR, as indicated by "GO" in the scanner operation.

[0066] 6 and 7, the copying machine 1 of this embodiment has a longer duration of one stop process SR2 than the copying machine of the comparative example. Assuming that the comparative example copying machine shown in FIG. 6 is a conventional copying machine, the copying machine 1 of this embodiment can suppress heat generation in the motor that constitutes the moving mechanism 162 because the duration of one stop process SR2 is longer than that of the conventional copying machine. Furthermore, by comparing FIG. 6 with FIG. 7, the copying machine 1 of this embodiment executes the stop process SR2 less times for the same document than the copying machine of the comparative example. Assuming that the comparative example copying machine shown in Figure 6 is a conventional copying machine, the copying machine 1 of this embodiment performs the stop process SR2 less times for the same document than the conventional copying machine, and therefore can suppress deterioration of the motor that makes up the moving mechanism 162.

[0067] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the copying machine 1 according to this embodiment is a copying machine 1 including an imaging mechanism 161, a moving mechanism 162, a printing mechanism 15, and a control unit 11 that controls the imaging mechanism 161, the moving mechanism 162, and the printing mechanism 15. The control unit 11 executes a reading process SR and a printing process SP in parallel as a copying process SC. The reading process SR includes a moving process SR1 that moves the imaging mechanism 161 and the document relative to the moving mechanism 162, a stop process SR2 that stops the relative movement with respect to the moving mechanism 162, and an imaging process SR3 that, in synchronization with the moving process SR1, causes the imaging mechanism 161 to capture an image of the document and generate a document image DM. 3, the printing process SP includes a process of causing the printing mechanism 15 to print a print image PM corresponding to the original image DM, the copying process SC is executed under first copying conditions C1 or second copying conditions C2, and at least one of the following is satisfied: the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying conditions C2 is higher than the resolution RD of the original image DM under the first copying conditions C1, and the resolution RP of the print image PM under the second copying conditions C2 is higher than the resolution RP of the print image PM under the first copying conditions C1, and when the copying process SC is executed under the second copying conditions C2, the duration of one stop process SR2 is longer than when the copying process SC is executed under the first copying conditions C1.

[0068] According to this configuration, when the copying process SC is performed under the second copying condition C2, the duration of one stop process SR2 is longer than when the copying process SC is performed under the first copying condition C1, and therefore, heat generation in the motor constituting the moving mechanism 162 can be suppressed when the second copying condition C2 is performed. For example, as explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7, when the document buffer memory 11C becomes full, the process switches from the movement process SR1 to the stop process SR2, and when the document buffer memory 11C reaches the threshold value TH, the process switches from the stop process SR2 to the movement process SR1. This operation is repeated. Therefore, if the threshold value TH is small (for example, 50%), the motor of the movement mechanism 162 will generate heat. To prevent this, the threshold value TH is set high (for example, 75%) in the second copying condition. As a result, the duration of one stop process SR2 is extended, and heat generation by the motor of the movement mechanism 162 can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the threshold value TH is set high (for example, 75%) for the first copy condition C1 as well as for the second copy condition C2, it will take a long time for the document buffer memory 11C to become full because the resolution RD of the document image DM is low. As a result, although the number of stop processes SR2 is small, the time required for each stop process SR2 is long. This means that printing may stop during this time. Therefore, the threshold value TH is set lower for the first copy condition C1 than for the second copy condition C2. In other words, the duration of each stop process SR2 is shorter than for the second copy condition C2.

[0069] Furthermore, in the copying device 1 according to this embodiment, when the copying process SC is performed under the second copying condition C2, the number of times the stop process SR2 is performed for the same document is reduced compared to when the copying process SC is performed under the first copying condition C1.

[0070] According to this configuration, when the copy process SC is performed under the first copy condition C1, the stop process SR2 is performed more frequently for the same document than when the copy process SC is performed under the second copy condition C2, thereby reducing the possibility that the print process SP will be stopped. For example, if the threshold value TH is set high (e.g., 75%) for the first copy condition C1, which has a lower resolution RP of the print image PM compared to the second copy condition C2, the print process SP is executed in a short time because the resolution RP of the print image PM is low. This makes it easy for free space to be generated in the print buffer memory 11D. As a result, there is a risk that the amount of data transferred from the document buffer memory 11C to the print buffer memory 11D will be insufficient, causing the print process SP to stop. For this reason, the threshold value TH is set low (e.g., 50%) under the first copy condition C1 to increase the amount of data stored in the document buffer memory 11C. This prevents the print process SP from stopping.

[0071] In addition, the copying device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an original buffer memory 11C that receives and temporarily stores an original image DM from the imaging mechanism 161, and a print buffer memory 11D that temporarily stores a print image PM, and when the free space in the original buffer memory 11C changes from less than the threshold value TH to greater than or equal to the threshold value TH, the scanner control unit 113 of the control unit 11 switches the process to be executed by the movement mechanism 162 from stop process SR2 to movement process SR1, and the second threshold value TH2, which is the threshold value TH under the second copying condition C2, is greater than the first threshold value TH1, which is the threshold value TH under the first copying condition C1.

[0072] According to this configuration, when the free space in the document buffer memory 11C changes from less than the threshold value TH to equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, the process executed by the movement mechanism 162 is switched from the stop process SR2 to the move process SR1, so that the process can be switched from the stop process SR2 to the move process SR1 at an appropriate timing. Also, since the second threshold value TH2, which is the threshold value TH in the second copying condition C2, is greater than the first threshold value TH1, which is the threshold value TH in the first copying condition C1, heat generation in the motor constituting the movement mechanism 162 can be suppressed.

[0073] Furthermore, in the copying machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the free space in the document buffer memory 11C changes from equal to or greater than a third threshold TH3, which is smaller than the first threshold TH1, to less than the third threshold TH3, i.e., when the document buffer memory 11C becomes full, the scanner control unit 113 of the control unit 11 switches the process to be executed by the moving mechanism 162 from moving process SR1 to stopping process SR2.

[0074] According to this configuration, when the document buffer memory 11C becomes full, the process to be executed by the movement mechanism 162 is switched from the movement process SR1 to the stop process SR2, so that the process can be switched from the movement process SR1 to the stop process SR2 at an appropriate timing.

[0075] In the copying machine 1 according to this embodiment, the capacity of the document buffer memory 11C is 2 MB or less.

[0076] According to this configuration, since the capacity of the document buffer memory 11C is 2 MB or less, it is necessary to appropriately set the timing of switching from the movement process SR1 to the stop process SR2 and the timing of switching from the movement process SR1 to the stop process SR2, thereby making it possible to realize the effects of the present invention.

[0077] Furthermore, in the copying machine 1 according to this embodiment, the threshold setting unit 112 of the control unit 11 changes the second threshold TH2 in stages according to the resolution RD of the original image DM and the resolution RP of the print image PM under the second copying condition C2.

[0078] According to this configuration, the second threshold value TH2 is changed in stages according to the resolution RD of the original image DM and the resolution RP of the print image PM under the second copy condition C2, so that the second threshold value TH2 can be set to an appropriate value.

[0079] Furthermore, in the copying machine 1 according to this embodiment, the threshold setting unit 112 of the control unit 11 increases the second threshold TH2 the greater the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2, and increases the second threshold TH2 the greater the resolution RP of the printed image PM.

[0080] According to this configuration, the higher the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2, the higher the second threshold value TH2 is increased, and the higher the resolution RP of the printed image PM, the higher the second threshold value TH2 is increased, so that the second threshold value TH2 can be set to an appropriate value.

[0081] Furthermore, in the copying device 1 according to this embodiment, when the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the first resolution R1 and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the second resolution R2, the threshold setting unit 112 of the control unit 11 increases the second threshold TH2 compared to when the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the first resolution R1 and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is less than the second resolution R2, and when the resolution RD of the original image DM under the second copying condition C2 is less than the first resolution R1 and the resolution RP of the printed image PM under the second copying condition C2 is equal to or greater than the second resolution R2.

[0082] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the first resolution R1 and the second resolution R2, the second threshold TH2 can be set to an appropriate value.

[0083] This embodiment shows one mode, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0084] In this embodiment, the "copying device" is the copying device 1, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the "copying device" may be a multifunction device, a so-called MFP (Multifunction Peripheral).

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the case where the threshold setting unit 112 sets the threshold TH in three stages, namely, a first threshold TH1 (for example, 50%), a second threshold TH21 (for example, 75%), and a second threshold TH22 (for example, 90%), will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the threshold setting unit 112 may set the threshold TH in two stages. Also, for example, the threshold setting unit 112 may set the threshold TH in four or more stages.

[0086] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the processor 11A included in the copying machine 1 executes the control program PG stored in the memory 11B, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The control program PG may be configured as a recording medium on which the control program PG is recorded so as to be readable by a computer, or as a transmission medium for transmitting the control program PG. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device, including portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The recording medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, or a HDD, which is an internal storage device provided in the copying machine 1.

[0087] The functions of the control unit 11 of the copying machine 1 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The control unit 11 may further include a co-processor such as an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), or an FPGA. The control unit 11 may perform various controls by using both the CPU and the co-processor in cooperation with each other, or by selectively using one of the two.

[0088] The processing units in the flowcharts of Figures 3 to 5 are divided according to the main processing content to make the processing of the copying device 1 easier to understand, and are not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing units in the flowcharts may be divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. One processing unit may also be divided so that it includes more processes. The order of the processing may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the intent.

[0089] Each functional unit shown in FIG. 1 indicates a functional configuration, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. It is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually; it is also possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. The specific detailed configurations of the other units of the copying device 1 may also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1...copying device, 11...control unit, 11A...processor, 11B...memory, 11C...original buffer memory, 11D...print buffer memory, 111...resolution setting unit, 112...threshold setting unit, 113...scanner control unit, 114...print control unit, 115...threshold memory unit, 12...operation mechanism, 13...display mechanism, 15...printing mechanism, 151...recording head, 152...transport motor, 153...transport roller, 16...scanner mechanism, 161 ...imaging mechanism, 162...movement mechanism, C1...first copying condition, C2...second copying condition, DM...original image, PG...control program, PM...printed image, R1...first resolution, R2...second resolution, RD, RP...resolution, SC...copying process, SP...printing process, SR...reading process, SR1...movement process, SR2...stopping process, SR3...imaging process, TBL...table, TH...threshold, TH1...first threshold, TH21, TH22...second threshold, TH3...third threshold.

Claims

1. A copying machine comprising an imaging mechanism, a moving mechanism, a printing mechanism, and a control unit that controls the imaging mechanism, the moving mechanism, and the printing mechanism, the control unit executes a reading process and a printing process in parallel as a copying process; The reading process includes: a movement process for moving the imaging mechanism and the document relative to the movement mechanism; a stopping process for stopping the relative movement of the moving mechanism; an imaging process for causing the imaging mechanism to capture an image of the document and generate a document image in synchronization with the movement process; Including, the printing process includes a process of causing the printing mechanism to print a print image corresponding to the document image; the copying process is performed under a first copying condition or a second copying condition, At least one of the following is satisfied: the resolution of the original image under the second copying conditions is higher than the resolution of the original image under the first copying conditions; and the resolution of the print image under the second copying conditions is higher than the resolution of the print image under the first copying conditions. When the copying process is performed under the second copying condition, the duration of one stop process is longer than when the copying process is performed under the first copying condition. Copying equipment.

2. When the copying process is performed under the second copying conditions, the number of times the stopping process is performed for the same document is smaller than when the copying process is performed under the first copying conditions.

2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1.

3. a document buffer memory that receives the document image from the imaging mechanism and temporarily stores it; a print buffer memory for temporarily storing the print image; Equipped with the control unit switches the process to be executed by the movement mechanism from the stop process to the movement process when the free space in the document buffer memory changes from less than a threshold value to equal to or greater than the threshold value; the second threshold value, which is the threshold value under the second copying condition, is greater than the first threshold value, which is the threshold value under the first copying condition; 3. The copying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control unit switches the process to be executed by the movement mechanism from the movement process to the stop process when the free space in the document buffer memory changes from equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value to less than the third threshold value.

4. The copying apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The capacity of the document buffer memory is 2 MB or less.

4. The copying apparatus according to claim 3.

6. the control unit changes the second threshold value in a stepwise manner in accordance with the resolution of the document image and the resolution of the print image under the second copy condition.

4. The copying apparatus according to claim 3.

7. the control unit increases the second threshold value as the resolution of the document image under the second copying condition increases, and increases the second threshold value as the resolution of the print image increases; 7. The copying apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The control unit If the resolution of the original image under the second copying conditions is equal to or greater than the first resolution and the resolution of the print image under the second copying conditions is equal to or greater than the second resolution, increasing the second threshold value when the resolution of the original image under the second copying conditions is equal to or greater than the first resolution and the resolution of the printed image under the second copying conditions is less than the second resolution, and when the resolution of the original image under the second copying conditions is less than the first resolution and the resolution of the printed image under the second copying conditions is equal to or greater than the second resolution; 7. The copying apparatus according to claim 6.

Images