Facsimile and static presentation processing – Static presentation processing – Communication
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-07
2001-10-02
Coles, Edward (Department: 2722)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Static presentation processing
Communication
C358S001130, C358S442000, C358S468000, C399S070000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06297887
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a method for controlling the apparatus, and a memory medium storing a control program for carrying out the method. More particularly, the invention relates to a printing apparatus which moves from a resting state to a printable state by starting image forming means every time image information has been received, a method for controlling such an apparatus, and a memory medium storing a control program for carrying out the method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In laser-beam printers which execute printing based on image data transmitted from a host computer (an external apparatus), a printer engine (image forming means) is started upon completion of reception of all image data relating to a page to be printed, thereby starting rotation of a scanner, heating of a heater, conveyance of a recording sheet to a position to start printing, and the like. After each of these operations has reached a predetermined condition, and it has become possible to perform a scanning operation by a laser beam, formation of an image to be output is started.
The above-described method has a disadvantage in that, although reception of image data may have been completed and transmission of a video signal to the printer engine can be started, printing cannot be started until the start of the printer engine is completed. That is, in the above-described method, a time obtained by adding a time to transmit image data and a time to start the printer engine is required until printing is started after starting the transmission of image data from the host computer to the printer.
In laser-beam printers which execute printing based on compressed image data (hereinafter abbreviated as “compressed data”)transmitted from a host computer (an external apparatus), a printer engine (image forming means) is started upon completion of reception of all compressed data for a page to be printed, thereby starting rotation of a scanner, heating of a heater, conveyance of a recording sheet to a position to start printing, and the like.
This method has a disadvantage in that, although reception of the compressed data may have been completed and transmission of a video signal to the printer engine can be started, printing cannot be started until the start of the printer engine is completed. That is, in the above-described method, a time obtained by adding a time to transmit the compressed data and a time to start the printer engine is required until printing is started after starting the transmission of the compressed data from the host computer to the printer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-described disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to shorten a time required until printing is started.
According to one aspect of the present invention, these objectives may be achieved by providing a printing apparatus including reception means for receiving image information supplied from an external apparatus, image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium, transfer-rate confirmation means for confirming a transfer rate of the image information transferred from the external apparatus, and starting means for determining a timing to start the image forming means before completion of reception of a group of image information by the reception means, based on the transfer rate of the image information, and for starting the image forming means at the determined timing.
In this printing apparatus, the transfer rate of the image information is preferably confirmed based on an amount of dummy data transferred from the external apparatus and a time required for the transfer.
The printing apparatus of the present invention preferably further includes transfer-time confirmation means for confirming a transfer time of the image information transferred from the external apparatus based on the transfer rate of the image information. The starting means preferably determines the timing to start the image forming means based on a relationship between a starting time required for shifting the image information means from a resting state to a printable state, and on the transfer time of the image information.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the starting means immediately start the image forming means when it has been determined that the starting time of the image forming means is longer than a transfer time of a group of image information.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that, when it has been determined that the starting time of the image forming means is shorter than the transfer time of the group of image information, the starting means starts the image forming means with a timing such that the image forming means attains a printable state at substantially the same time as when the reception of the group of image information is completed.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that, when it has been determined that the starting time of the image forming means is shorter than the transfer time of the group of image information, the starting means starts the image forming means after a transfer time of remaining image information in the group of image information becomes substantially the same as the starting time of the image forming means, in accordance with the reception of the image information by the reception means.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming means form an image on a recording medium according to an electrophotographic method, and that the apparatus include a scanner for performing scanning of a beam for exposing a photosensitive drum, and that the scanner shift from a stopped state to a predetermined operating state in response to a start command from the starting means.
In the printing apparatus, the image information received by the reception means is preferably image data.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the above-noted objectives are achieved by providing a method for controlling a printing apparatus, where the apparatus includes reception means for receiving image information supplied from an external apparatus, and image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium. The method includes the steps of confirming a transfer rate of the image information transferred from the external apparatus; determining a timing for starting the image forming means before completion of reception of a group of image information by the reception means based on the transfer rate of the image information; and starting the image forming means in accordance with the determined timing.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the above-described objectives are achieved by providing a memory medium storing a control program for a printing apparatus, where the apparatus includes reception means for receiving image information supplied from an external apparatus and image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium. The control program causes the apparatus to operate as a printing apparatus which includes transfer-rate confirmation means for confirming a transfer rate of the image information transferred from the external apparatus and starting means for determining a timing for starting the image forming means based on the transfer rate of the image information; the starting means starts the image forming means at the determined timing, and performs control so that the image forming means starts before completion of reception of a group of image information by the reception means.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a printing apparatus including reception means for receiving image information supplied from an external apparatus, image a forming means for forming an image corresponding to the received image information on a recording medium, and starting means for starting
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Coles Edward
Fitzpatrick ,Cella, Harper & Scinto
Wallerson Mark
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