JP7238543B2 - IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD, AND IMAGE FORMING PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and the like.

Patent Document 1 discloses a facsimile machine having a copy function. In this facsimile apparatus, when copying, (i) memory copy is performed in black-and-white mode and direct copy is performed in color mode, or (ii) memory copy is performed in both black-and-white mode and color mode. .

JP-A-7-203223

However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a function of setting the number of copies according to the number of presses of the start key. Therefore, of course, Patent Document 1 does not disclose problems that may occur when switching between direct copy and memory copy, assuming this function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and the like capable of performing memory copying without reading images again.

To solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a key for inputting a start operation for starting copying, and recording a read image on paper in response to pressing of the key. (1) part of the image data relating to the image is sequentially stored in the memory, and the image is stored in the order in which it is stored; Direct copy for reading and recording a portion of the data from the memory, or (2) memory copy for sequentially reading and recording a portion of the saved image data after storing the entire image data in the memory. and a copy control unit for causing the recording unit to record the image on the paper, wherein the copy control unit receives a recording execution instruction for the first copy as the number of copies by pressing the key. Sometimes, a process for generating first image data having a first resolution for direct copy is executed, and second image data having a second resolution for memory copy, which is lower in resolution than the first resolution, is executed. and executing processing for starting storage in the memory.

Further, in order to solve the above-described problems, a control method for an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a key for inputting a start operation for starting copying, and A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a recording unit for recording an image on a sheet of paper and a memory, wherein the number of recording copies is set according to the number of times the key is pressed, and (1) image data relating to the image. are sequentially stored in the memory, and a part of the image data is read and recorded from the memory in the order in which they were stored, or (2) the entire image data is stored in the memory and then stored. a copy control step for recording the image on the paper in the recording unit by executing a memory copy for sequentially reading and recording a part of the image data that has been obtained; and performing processing for generating first image data having a first resolution for direct copying when receiving a recording execution instruction for a first set as the number of recording copies, and performing processing for generating first image data having a resolution lower than the first resolution. , generating second image data having a second resolution for said memory copy, and executing processing for starting storage in said memory.

According to the above-described image forming apparatus and its control method, when receiving the recording execution instruction for the first set, the first image data for direct copy is generated and the second image data for memory copy is saved. Start. Therefore, when a start operation for adding the number of recording copies is received after direct copy is started, it is not necessary to read the image again for memory copy. That is, according to the image forming apparatus and the control method thereof, memory copying can be performed without reading the image again.

According to one aspect of the present invention, memory copying can be performed without reading an image again.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an operation panel. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of direct copy and memory copy processing; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a CPU; 8 is a flowchart showing another example of processing by the CPU;

[Configuration of Image Forming System]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 1 includes an image forming device 2 that reads an image of a document and records it on paper, and a PC 3 that can control the image forming device 2 .

The image forming apparatus 2 is realized by, for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine. The PC 3 is connected to the image forming apparatus 2 wirelessly or by wire. For example, when the PC 3 transmits an instruction related to user input to the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 2 executes processing based on the instruction.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a reading section 10, a recording section 20, an operation panel 30, and a control section 40. As shown in FIG.

The reading unit 10 reads an image of a document and generates image data related to the image. The reading unit 10 is, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) image sensor. Further, the reading unit 10 may be capable of color reading or monochrome reading.

The recording unit 20 records an image based on the image data generated by the reading unit 10 on paper. The image forming method by the recording unit 20 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. In the case of electrophotography, an image is recorded on paper by transfer. In the case of the inkjet method, an image is recorded on paper by ejecting ink. Further, the recording unit 20 can selectively form a color image and a monochrome image, but may be dedicated to forming either one of them.

Operation panel 30 accepts user input. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation panel 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 30 includes a start key 31 capable of inputting a start operation for starting copying, a stop key 32 capable of inputting a stop operation for stopping copying, power on and off. A power key 33 for inputting a switching operation for switching off is provided. The recording unit 20 records an image on paper when the start key 31 is pressed, and stops the recording when the stop key 32 is pressed. The start key 31 is an example of a key.

The above keys do not have to be realized by the physical start key 31 . For example, when the operation panel 30 is composed of a touch panel, the start key 31 is realized by a virtual key displayed on the touch panel. The same applies to the stop key 32 as well.

Note that "copying" refers to reading and recording operations in which an image is read, the paper is conveyed to the recording position, the image is recorded while the paper is conveyed, and the paper is ejected after recording is completed. refers to a series of actions related to Also, the copy start process refers to the initial preparation process related to the above series of operations, such as the start of the image reading operation and the conveyance of the paper to the recording position.

In FIG. 2, the start keys 31 include a color start key 311 for starting color copying and a monochrome start key 312 for starting monochrome copying. If the image forming apparatus 2 is dedicated to color copying or monochrome copying, one start key 31 may be provided. In addition to the start key 31, an operation key for selecting color copy or monochrome copy may be provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 30 does not have a number of copies input key for inputting the number of copies to be printed before starting the image reading operation. In the image forming apparatus 2, the start key 31 is used as a substitute for inputting the number of copies. Specifically, the number of copies to be recorded is set according to the number of times the start key 31 is pressed. For example, when the start key 31 is pressed once, "1 copy" is set as the number of recording copies, and when it is pressed twice, "2 copies" is set as the number of recording copies. Since the operation panel 30 can be simplified by not providing the number of copies input key, the image forming apparatus 2 can be manufactured at low cost.

The control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 . The CPU 41 controls each component of the image forming apparatus 2 while storing the processing results in the RAM 43 according to the control program read from the ROM 42 .

The RAM 43 has a line data storage area 431 and a compressed data storage area 432 . The line data storage area 431 and the compressed data storage area 432 are each an example of memory. The RAM 43 may be an example of memory.

The line data storage area 431 is an area in which part of the image data generated by the reading unit 10 that is actually recorded on paper is written. The part of the image data is image data (line data) for several lines in the image data generated from the image of one document. Compressed data storage area 432 is an area in which compressed data obtained by compressing image data generated by reading unit 10 is stored.

The CPU 41 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 2 . The CPU 41 is an example of a copy control section. Specifically, the CPU 41 sets the number of copies according to the number of times the start key 31 is pressed. Further, the CPU 41 causes the recording unit 20 to record an image on paper by executing direct copy or memory copy.

Direct copy is a process of sequentially saving line data in the line data saving area 431 and reading and recording the line data from the line data saving area 431 in the order in which they were saved. Memory copy is a process of storing compressed data obtained by compressing the entire image data in the compressed data storage area 432 and then sequentially reading and recording part of the stored image data as line data.

The CPU 41 switches between direct copy and memory copy depending on the number of times the start key 31 is pressed. In the present embodiment, when the start key 31 is pressed first and the instruction to execute recording for the first copy is accepted, the CPU 41 starts the processing related to direct copying. Further, when the start key 31 is pressed and an instruction to add the number of copies is received, the process relating to direct copy is stopped and switched to the process relating to memory copy.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of direct copy and memory copy processing. In the case of direct copy, the CPU 41 generates first image data having a first resolution for direct copy. In the example of FIG. 3 , the first image data is 600 dpi (Dots Per Inch) RAW image data generated by the reading unit 10 . That is, the first image data generation process by the CPU 41 is the image data generation process by the reading unit 10 .

As shown in FIG. 3, in the case of direct copy, the CPU 41 sequentially saves part of the first image data from the line data saving area 431 as line data, and transfers the line data from the line data saving area 431 to the recording unit 20 in the saved order. and send. The recording unit 20 records an image related to the received line data on paper.

On the other hand, in the case of memory copy, the CPU 41 generates second image data having a second resolution for memory copy, which is lower than the first resolution. The CPU 41 performs resolution conversion processing on the image data generated by the reading unit 10 to generate image data with a resolution lower than the first resolution. In the example of FIG. 3, the second image data generated by the resolution conversion process is 300 dpi RAW image data. After that, the CPU 41 stores the second image data in the compressed data storage area 432 after performing the image compression processing. In the example of FIG. 3, RAW image data of 300 dpi is compressed to generate JPEG image data of 300 dpi.

Thus, the CPU 41 saves the entire second image data generated from the image of one document in the compressed data saving area 432 by performing the resolution conversion process and the image compression process. Since it is necessary to store the entire second image data in the compressed data storage area 432 in the memory copy, the data size is reduced by executing the resolution conversion process and the image compression process.

Thereafter, the CPU 41 performs image decompression processing while reading part of the second image data stored in the compressed data storage area 432 as line data, and stores the line data in the line data storage area 431 . The image decompression process converts the resolution back to the original resolution. Then, the CPU 41 transmits part of the second image data as line data from the line data storage area 431 to the recording unit 20 in the order in which they were stored. The recording unit 20 records an image related to the transmitted line data on paper.

[Specific processing of CPU]
Next, specific processing of the CPU 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the CPU 41. As shown in FIG. This process is an example of a control method for the image forming apparatus 2 .

As shown in FIG. 4, when the CPU 41 receives a recording execution instruction for the first set by pressing the start key 31 (S1), the above-described initial preparation process, that is, the copying start process is performed (S2). Specifically, the CPU 41 causes the reading unit 10 to start reading the image of the document (S3) and start generating first image data related to the image (S4).

After that, the CPU 41 starts generating second image data by starting resolution conversion processing for the first image data (S5). After the resolution conversion process, the CPU 41 executes the image compression process and starts saving the second image data in the compressed data saving area 432 (S6).

The CPU 41 monitors pressing of the start key 31 to determine whether or not an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded has been received (S7). As long as the instruction to add the number of copies to be printed is not received (NO in S7), the CPU 41 executes the operation of printing the image related to the first image data onto paper. That is, the CPU 41 executes the recording operation by direct copy.

Further, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the recording operation is completed by monitoring the recording operation (S8). When the recording operation is completed without receiving an additional instruction for the number of copies to be recorded (YES in S8), the CPU 41 completes the image reading and recording process (S9). On the other hand, during execution of the recording operation (NO in S8), the determination process of S7 is executed.

In S7, when the CPU 41 determines that an instruction to increase the number of copies has been received (YES in S7), it determines whether or not the direct copy recording operation has already started (S10). When the CPU 41 determines that the recording operation has not started (NO in S10), the CPU 41 waits for the start of the recording operation by memory copy (S11). Further, the CPU 41 stops the recording operation by direct copy by stopping the saving process of the first image data in the line data saving area 431 (S12).

After that, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the entire second image data has been saved in the compressed data saving area 432 (S13). When the CPU 41 determines that the storage is completed (YES in S13), it starts recording the image of the second image data on paper. That is, the CPU 41 executes a recording operation by memory copy (S14). On the other hand, the CPU 41 waits for the recording operation by memory copy to start until the storage of the second image data is completed.

By monitoring the recording operation started in S14, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the recording operation for the designated number of copies (designated number of copies) has been completed (S15). The CPU 41 maintains the recording operation until the recording operation for the designated number of copies is completed (if NO in S15). On the other hand, when the CPU 41 determines that the recording operation for the specified number of copies has been completed (YES in S15), the recording process is completed (S16).

In S10, when the CPU 41 determines that the recording operation by direct copy has already started (YES in S10), it stops the recording operation by direct copy and ejects the paper in the middle of recording (S21). Then, the CPU 41 waits for the start of the recording operation by memory copying to the next sheet (S22), and shifts to the process of S13.

In this manner, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 41 implements a copy control step for executing direct copy or memory copy according to the number of times the start key 31 is pressed. In other words, the CPU 41 executes the recording operation by direct copy when the start key 31 is pressed once (S8). On the other hand, when the start key 31 is pressed twice or more, the CPU 41 executes a recording operation by memory copy (S14).

[Summary of the above processing]
Generally, in an image forming apparatus, switching between direct copy and memory copy is performed by setting the number of copies to be printed before starting an image reading operation. However, in an image forming apparatus that does not have a number of copies input key and sets the number of copies according to the number of times the start key is pressed like the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the number of copies to be printed cannot be known in advance. Therefore, in such an image forming apparatus, when an instruction to add the number of recording copies is received by further pressing the start key after starting direct copying by pressing the start key, the started direct copying is canceled and memory copying is performed. will be executed. In other words, it is necessary to perform the image reading operation again for the memory copy.

As described above, in S4 to S6, the CPU 41 executes the process of generating the first image data for direct copying when receiving the recording execution instruction for the first copy. In addition, the CPU 41 generates second image data for memory copying and executes processing for starting saving in the compressed data saving area 432 .

Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives an instruction to add the number of copies after starting the direct copy, it is not necessary to read the image again for the memory copy. That is, in the image forming apparatus 2, memory copying can be performed without reading the image again.

Further, the CPU 41 executes a process of compressing the second image data and storing it in the compressed data storage area 432 in S6.

As described above, the CPU 41 writes part of the first image data in the line data saving area 431 and saves the second image data in the compressed data saving area 432 when receiving the recording execution instruction for the first set. do. In this way, even when the first image data and the second image data are saved at the same time, the capacity increase of the RAM 43 can be suppressed by compressing and saving the second image data.

Further, in S11 to S14 and S22 to S14, when the CPU 41 receives an instruction to add the number of copies to be printed, the CPU 41 waits until the storage of the second image data in the compressed data storage area 432 is completed. Execute processing to wait for the recording operation to

According to the above process, when an instruction to add the number of copies to be printed is received, the operation of recording the second image data onto paper is started after the second image data is completely stored in the compressed data storage area 432 . Therefore, at least for the second and subsequent copies, memory copying can be performed without reading images again.

Further, the process of S11 is a process that is executed when an instruction to add the number of copies to be printed is received in a state in which the operation of printing an image related to the first image data onto paper is not started.

According to the above process, when an instruction to add the number of copies to be printed is received before the start of the recording operation by direct copy, memory copying can be performed from the first copy without performing the recording operation by direct copy. Therefore, memory copying can be performed from the first set without reading images again. In this case, memory copying can be performed from the first set, so that recording can be performed with uniform image quality.

On the other hand, the process of S22 is executed when an instruction to add the number of copies to be printed is received while the image related to the first image data is being printed on paper. Specifically, in S21, the CPU 41 executes the first process of stopping the recording operation and ejecting the paper.

According to the first process, the recording operation by the direct copy can be stopped, the paper can be discharged, and the recording operation by the memory copy can be put on standby. Therefore, memory copying can be performed from the first copy. In other words, it is possible to preferentially perform recording with uniform image quality.

[Modified example of image reading/number of copies setting]
Note that the reading unit 10 may separately read an image for generating the first image data and read an image for generating the second image data. In this case, reading of both images is started in S3. In S12 and S21, the recording operation by direct copy is stopped by stopping the reading of the image for generating the first image data. On the other hand, the reading of the image for generating the second image data is maintained until the entire second image data to be stored is read in S13.

Also, although the number of presses and the set number of recording copies have been described as matching, they do not necessarily have to match. For example, the number of copies to be printed may be set to increase by one each time the button is pressed several times.

Also, although the description has been given assuming that the first set is a direct copy and the second and subsequent sets are a memory copy, the direct copy is executed for the first plurality of sheets, and the memory copy is executed for the remaining number of recorded copies. I don't mind. In other words, the instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is not limited to the instruction to execute recording for the second copy, and may be an instruction to execute recording for the third copy or later.

[Another example of direct copy and memory copy switching]
Next, another example of specific processing of the CPU 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of processing by the CPU 41. As shown in FIG. This process is an example of a control method for the image forming apparatus 2 .

As shown in FIG. 5, when the CPU 41 has received an instruction to add the number of copies to be printed (YES in S7) and has already started the recording operation by direct copy (YES in S10), Execute the process. In S31, the CPU 41 monitors the recording operation to determine whether or not the recording operation for the first set has been completed (S31).

The CPU 41 maintains the recording operation until the recording operation for the first copy is completed (if NO in S31). On the other hand, when the CPU 41 determines that the recording operation for the first copy is completed (YES in S31), the CPU 41 proceeds to S14 and starts the recording operation by memory copy.

Note that the time taken to complete the storage of the second image data in the compressed data storage area 432 is shorter than the time taken to complete the recording operation for the first set by direct copy, so the answer to S31 is YES. At this point in time, the storage of the second image data has been completed. Therefore, in the case of YES in S31, the process proceeds to S14 instead of S13. However, considering the case where the storage of the second image data is not completed before the recording operation of the first set is completed, it is possible to proceed to S13 if YES in S31.

As described above, in S31 to S14, when the CPU 41 receives an instruction to add the number of recording copies while the image related to the first image data is being recorded on the paper, the processing differs from the first processing. Execute the second process. The second process is a process of starting the recording operation of the image related to the second image data on paper after the completion of the recording operation.

According to the second process, the recording operation by the memory copy can be performed from the next sheet after the completion of the direct copy being executed. Therefore, there is no need to cancel the direct copy in progress and then redo the memory copy. In other words, it is possible to execute processing that gives priority to shortening the processing time. Moreover, paper is not wasted.

[User setting example]
As described above, in the processing of FIG. 4 and the processing of FIG. 5, when an instruction to add the number of copies to be printed is received (YES in S7), and the recording operation by direct copy has already started ( YES in S10), different processes are being executed.

Specifically, in the process of FIG. 4, the CPU 41 executes the above-described first process (S21), and waits for the recording operation by memory copy (S22). As a result, uniform image quality is realized in printing a plurality of sheets. On the other hand, in the process of FIG. 5, the CPU 41 executes the above-described second process (S31-S14). As a result, although the image quality differs between the first set and the second and subsequent sets, the processing time is shortened and waste of paper is eliminated.

The user may be allowed to select the above two processes. That is, when the result of S10 is YES, the CPU 41 may execute the first process or the second process selected by the user. In this case, it is possible to reflect the user's preference by (1) executing processing that gives priority to image quality, or (2) executing processing that prioritizes reduction in processing time and eliminates waste of paper.

Selection of the first process and the second process may be realized by initial setting, for example. Also, it may be set via the PC 3 at any timing (eg, before or during the recording operation).

[Example of realization by software]
A control block (especially the CPU 41) of the image forming apparatus 2 may be implemented by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be implemented by software.

In the latter case, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a computer that executes program instructions, which are software for realizing each function. This computer includes, for example, one or more processors, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. In the computer, the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes it, thereby achieving the object of the present invention. As the processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used. As the recording medium, a "non-temporary tangible medium" such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. In addition, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for developing the above program may be further provided. Also, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program. Note that one aspect of the present invention can also be implemented in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Additional notes]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

2 image forming apparatus 10 recording unit 31 start key 41 CPU (recording execution unit)
43 RAM (memory)
431 line data storage area (memory)
432 compressed data storage area (memory)

Claims (9)

a key capable of inputting a start operation for starting copying;
a recording unit for recording the read image on paper according to the depression of the key;
memory;
Depending on the number of times the key is pressed,
Along with setting the number of copies,
(1) a direct copy in which part of the image data relating to the image is sequentially stored in the memory, and the part of the image data is read out and recorded from the memory in the order in which it was stored;
(2) After storing the entire image data in the memory, the image is recorded on the paper in the recording unit by executing a memory copy for sequentially reading and recording a part of the stored image data. a copy control unit,
The copy control unit
When receiving a recording execution instruction for the first copy as the number of recording copies by pressing the key,
performing a process of generating first image data having a first resolution for direct copying;
generating second image data having a second resolution for memory copy, which is lower than the first resolution, and starting to store it in the memory ;
When an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is received by pressing the key in a state in which the operation of recording the image related to the first image data onto the paper is not started, the recording of the second image data to the memory is performed. An image forming apparatus that waits for a recording operation of an image related to the second image data onto the paper until saving is completed. a key capable of inputting a start operation for starting copying;
a recording unit for recording the read image on paper according to the depression of the key;
memory;
Depending on the number of times the key is pressed,
Along with setting the number of copies,
(1) a direct copy in which part of the image data relating to the image is sequentially stored in the memory, and the part of the image data is read out and recorded from the memory in the order in which it was stored;
(2) After storing the entire image data in the memory, the image is recorded on the paper in the recording unit by executing a memory copy for sequentially reading and recording a part of the stored image data. a copy control unit,
The copy control unit
When receiving a recording execution instruction for the first copy as the number of recording copies by pressing the key,
performing a process of generating first image data having a first resolution for direct copying;
generating second image data having a second resolution for memory copy, which is lower than the first resolution, and starting to store it in the memory;
When an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is received by pressing the key, the recording operation of the image related to the second image data on the paper is continued until the storage of the second image data in the memory is completed. Execute the process to wait,
A first process of stopping the recording operation and discharging the paper if an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is received while an image related to the first image data is being recorded on the paper. An image forming apparatus that executes a key capable of inputting a start operation for starting copying;
a recording unit for recording the read image on paper according to the depression of the key;
memory;
Depending on the number of times the key is pressed,
Along with setting the number of copies,
(1) a direct copy in which part of the image data relating to the image is sequentially stored in the memory, and the part of the image data is read out and recorded from the memory in the order in which it was stored;
(2) After storing the entire image data in the memory, the image is recorded on the paper in the recording unit by executing a memory copy for sequentially reading and recording a part of the stored image data. a copy control unit,
The copy control unit
When receiving a recording execution instruction for the first copy as the number of recording copies by pressing the key,
performing a process of generating first image data having a first resolution for direct copying;
generating second image data having a second resolution for memory copy, which is lower than the first resolution, and starting to store it in the memory;
When an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is received by pressing the key, the recording operation of the image related to the second image data on the paper is continued until the storage of the second image data in the memory is completed. Execute the process to wait,
When an instruction to add the number of copies is received while an image related to the first image data is being recorded on the paper, the image related to the second image data is printed after the recording operation is completed. image forming apparatus that executes a second process of starting a recording operation on the sheet of paper. Selected by the user, the copy control unit
the first processing, or
When an instruction to add the number of copies is received while an image related to the first image data is being recorded on the paper, the image related to the second image data is printed after the recording operation is completed. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , which executes a second process of starting a recording operation on said paper. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein said copy control unit executes processing for compressing said second image data and storing it in said memory. a key capable of inputting a start operation for starting copying;
a recording unit for recording the read image on paper according to the depression of the key;
A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a memory,
Depending on the number of times the key is pressed,
Along with setting the number of copies,
(1) a direct copy in which part of the image data relating to the image is sequentially stored in the memory, and the part of the image data is read out and recorded from the memory in the order in which it was stored;
(2) After storing the entire image data in the memory, the image is recorded on the paper in the recording unit by executing a memory copy for sequentially reading and recording a part of the stored image data. including a copy control step,
In the copy control step,
When receiving a recording execution instruction for the first copy as the number of recording copies by pressing the key,
performing a process of generating first image data having a first resolution for direct copying;
generating second image data having a second resolution for memory copy, which is lower than the first resolution, and starting to store it in the memory ;
When an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is received by pressing the key in a state in which the operation of recording the image related to the first image data onto the paper is not started, the recording of the second image data to the memory is performed. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus , comprising: waiting for a recording operation of an image related to the second image data onto the paper until saving is completed . a key capable of inputting a start operation for starting copying;
a recording unit for recording the read image on paper according to the depression of the key;
A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a memory,
Depending on the number of times the key is pressed,
Along with setting the number of copies,
(1) a direct copy in which part of the image data relating to the image is sequentially stored in the memory, and the part of the image data is read out and recorded from the memory in the order in which it was stored;
(2) After storing the entire image data in the memory, the image is recorded on the paper in the recording unit by executing a memory copy for sequentially reading and recording a part of the stored image data. including a copy control step,
In the copy control step,
When receiving a recording execution instruction for the first copy as the number of recording copies by pressing the key,
performing a process of generating first image data having a first resolution for direct copying;
generating second image data having a second resolution for memory copy, which is lower than the first resolution, and starting to store it in the memory;
When an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is received by pressing the key, the recording operation of the image related to the second image data on the paper is continued until the storage of the second image data in the memory is completed. Execute the process to wait,
A first process of stopping the recording operation and discharging the paper if an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is received while an image related to the first image data is being recorded on the paper. A control method for an image forming apparatus, which executes a key capable of inputting a start operation for starting copying;
a recording unit for recording the read image on paper according to the depression of the key;
A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a memory,
Depending on the number of times the key is pressed,
Along with setting the number of copies,
(1) a direct copy in which part of the image data relating to the image is sequentially stored in the memory, and the part of the image data is read out and recorded from the memory in the order in which it was stored;
(2) After storing the entire image data in the memory, the image is recorded on the paper in the recording unit by executing a memory copy for sequentially reading and recording a part of the stored image data. including a copy control step,
In the copy control step,
When receiving a recording execution instruction for the first copy as the number of recording copies by pressing the key,
performing a process of generating first image data having a first resolution for direct copying;
generating second image data having a second resolution for memory copy, which is lower than the first resolution, and starting to store it in the memory;
When an instruction to add the number of copies to be recorded is received by pressing the key, the recording operation of the image related to the second image data on the paper is continued until the storage of the second image data in the memory is completed. Execute the process to wait,
When an instruction to add the number of copies is received while an image related to the first image data is being recorded on the paper, the image related to the second image data is printed after the recording operation is completed. A control method for an image forming apparatus, which performs a second process of starting a recording operation on the paper. 4. An image forming program for causing a computer to execute each process of the copy control section in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and for causing the computer to function as the copy control section.

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