Patent ID: 6342949
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: B41J,G06K,H04N

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus that forms an image based on data received from a plurality of data sources of different kinds, including a data source of a first kind, said apparatus comprising:a receiver for receiving data from each of the plurality of data sources, said receiver normally being enabled to receive data from each kind of data source; a memory for storing data received by said receiver; a recording unit, in which one of a plurality of printing modes is set, for forming an image based on data read from said memory; a determination unit, responsive to a print request received from one of the plurality of data sources, for determining whether or not image formation by said recording unit is currently being performed, based on data previously received from another one of the plurality of data sources, said receiver being enabled, in response to a determination by said determination unit that image formation is currently being performed, to receive data from the first kind of data source and to refuse receipt of data from a data source of another kind; and an output unit, responsive to a determination by said determination unit that image formation is not currently being performed and to receipt and storage of data from the one data source in said memory, for generating a command for setting said recording unit in a specific one of the plurality of printing modes, wherein any of the plurality of printing modes can be set as a specific printing mode in accordance with the command generated by said output unit.