JP3354681B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine equipped with an editor (image area specifying device), and more particularly, to display an original image on an editor when an original is set. Conversely, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of deleting an image displayed on an editor when there is no original.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a reference technical document relating to a method of preventing a document from being forgotten, for example, there is a "copy mode control method" disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-309367. In this method, the presence or absence of a document is determined from the opening and closing of the platen cover and the timing of starting copying, and the ADF copy mode and the platen copy mode are used properly to cope with forgetting the document.

There are many known devices that judge the presence or absence of a document and issue a warning that the document is forgotten. For example, as described above, the timing of opening / closing the platen and the copying operation is used, or the document is placed under the document surface. Place a size sensor to detect the size,
When the size is determined, it is determined that there is a document, and when the size is undetermined, it is determined that there is no document. If the original remains after the specified time at the end of copying,
The operator is warned by displaying a warning for forgetting the original on the operation panel, restricting the press of the print key, and the like.

[0004]

However, in the conventional document set forgetting prevention function as described above, when the warning when the document is forgotten is difficult to understand, the AD
When a document is set on F, it is only known that the document has been forgotten, so that there is a problem that it is bothersome. In addition, in order to check whether the original is correctly set at a desired position, it is necessary to perform a copy process once and try it, and the work efficiency is not improved in a copying operation requiring positional accuracy. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and enables a user to confirm that a document has been forgotten without performing a new operation, and realizes visual recognition of a document set state to eliminate erroneous copying. And to improve the efficiency of copying work.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 comprises a document detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a document, a document reading means for reading a document image, and a read image information. Image processing means for processing the image, image output means for outputting image information after the image processing,
After reading the image in advance of interest by the document reading unit, the image forming apparatus and an image region specifying means for specifying the area of the image to be processed by the image processing unit, there is no document by the document detecting means That
When the image is detected, the image displayed on the image area specifying means is displayed.
There is provided an image forming apparatus and control means you erase.

[0007]

[0008]

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claim 1), the control means detects that a document does not exist by the document detection means.
Is detected, the image displayed on the image area specifying means is detected.
Just erase the image and look at the image area designation means
To confirm that the manuscript has been removed .

[0009]

[0010]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an editor according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes an editor, which is mainly composed of the following elements. That is, 101 is a VRAM, 102 is an LCD controller,
103 is an LCD panel, 104 is a ROM, 105 is an SR
AM and 106 are a CPU (+ DMAC), 107 is a DRAM for storing image data, 108 is a FIFO line buffer, 109 is a keyboard, 110 is a serial level converter, and 111 is an image data level converter. Also, 1
Reference numeral 12 denotes a host PPC, and a CPU (b) 602 (FIG. 7)
) Is controlled by the electrical control unit mainly.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the editor 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a start key for starting an image reading process, and reference numeral 202 denotes a screen for designating a display magnification. Magnification designation key, 204 is a cursor movement key, 205 is a coordinate input key, 206 is an area decision key for deciding (ending, closing) the designated area,
Reference numeral 207 denotes a clear key for canceling an input, and 208 denotes an all clear key for canceling all image data and edited data. 209 is a scale display, 210
Is a cursor.

Next, the operation of the editor configured as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. First, when the start key 201 is pressed, the editor 100 issues a read start request via the command line to the host PPC 11.
Output to 2. The host PPC 112 (CPU 602)
Receives the signal of the reading start request, and starts the original reading operation by the scanner. At this time, the gate array 621 for signal switching (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is switched to the editor 100, and the read image data is transmitted from the scanner control circuit 623 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) to the editor 100 via the data line. Can be

On the editor 100 side, the sent image data is stored in a DRAM 107 for storing image data via a FIFO line buffer 108. The data transfer is performed using a DMAC built in the CPU 106.
The determination of the start and end of the image data is performed based on the FGATE signal sent from the scanner control circuit 623 (see FIG. 7) via the data line.

The image data stored in the DRAM 107 is transferred to the VRAM 101 and displayed on the LCD panel 103 through the LCD controller 102. Note that the transfer from the DRAM 107 to the VRAM 101 is also executed by the DMAC of the CPU 106, and by transferring an arbitrary portion of the image data, enlarged / reduced display and partial display can be performed.

Next, an area designation process using the editor 100 will be described. LCD panel 1
A cursor 210 is displayed on the screen 03. The cursor 210 is moved by the cursor movement key 204, and an arbitrary position on the document can be designated by pressing the coordinate input key 205. Also, a scale display 209 is shown on the upper and right sides of the read image. In the image display area, a grid (point group) is displayed at a position corresponding to the memory of the scale display 209.

The grid can be switched between display and non-display by setting. The display magnification of the image can be set to 100%, 150%,
It can be switched to three stages of 300%. Further, the display of the magnification change is executed around the position where the cursor 210 is displayed on the screen before the magnification change, and in particular, the display position when the magnification is increased can be easily specified.

A case where a polygonal area is designated by using the editor 100 will be described. First, each vertex of the area to be designated is designated using the cursor movement key 204 and the coordinate designation key 205. When the start point is input first, a + mark indicating the designated coordinate position is displayed on the LCD panel 103. When the second and subsequent points are specified, a line is drawn between the + mark of the point specified immediately before and the + mark. The area is the area confirmation key 206
Is depressed, and a line is also drawn between the start point and the end point. Thereafter, the coordinate data of the designated area is sent to the host PPC 112 via the command line, and is used as edit data at the time of image formation.

The editor 100 can display an image after trimming or masking the set area. At this time, the display magnification automatically returns to 100% (total display), and returns to the original magnification when the image display is stopped. This allows the operator to test-output the edited copy result without wasting the recording paper and check it on the screen.

When only one area is designated and the trimming mode is set, the optimum magnification and the display range on the document are calculated so that the area fills the screen of the editor 100. Can be displayed.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a digital copying machine suitable for applying the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the digital copier includes a copier body 301, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 302,
3 and a 304 double-sided reversing device (DPX).

Referring to FIG. 3, the detailed configuration of the unit will be described below. The copier main body 301 includes a scanner unit 305, an optical writing unit 306, an image forming unit 307 and a developing unit 308 and a paper feeding unit 309 around the photoconductor and its surroundings.

First, the configuration of the scanner unit 305 will be described. Reference numeral 310 denotes a contact glass made of transparent glass on which a document (not shown) is placed. Reference numeral 311 denotes an exposure lamp using a fluorescent lamp or a halogen lamp for illuminating the document on the contact glass 310. Reference numeral 312 denotes light of the exposure lamp 311. A reflection plate 313 for reflecting light toward the document is a first reflection mirror 3 for refracting light reflected from the document and guiding it to a second reflection mirror 314.
Reference numeral 14 denotes a second reflection mirror that guides the light reflected from the first reflection mirror 313 to the next third reflection mirror 315, and 315 receives the light reflected from the second reflection mirror 314 and receives a color filter 316.
316, a color filter that transmits light of a required color, 317, an imaging lens for forming the reflected light on the next CCD image pickup device 318, and 318, which photoelectrically converts the reflected light of the original. The CCD image sensor 319 that converts the signal into an electric signal performs predetermined image processing (shading correction,
This is an image processing board that performs MTF correction, binarization processing, multi-value processing, gradation processing, scaling processing, image editing processing, and the like.

In the above description, the exposure lamps 311,
The reflection plate 312 and the first reflection mirror 313 are integrally formed and are a first scanner that moves at a constant speed, and the second reflection mirror 314 and the third reflection mirror 315 are called a second scanner. It is configured to move following the first scanner at a speed of / 2.

The scanner unit 305 configured as described above
Optically scans the original set on the contact glass 310 by the first scanner and the second scanner,
The reflected light is first reflected mirror 312 to third reflection mirror 3
15 to allow the light to pass through the color filter 316 and form the imaging lens 3
At 17, an image is formed on the CCD image sensor 318. The reflected light formed on the CCD image pickup device 318 is converted into an analog electric signal, and further converted into a digital image signal by an A / D converter (not shown). Next, the image processing board 319
Performs a series of image processing, and outputs a digital image signal.

Next, the configuration of the optical writing unit 306 shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 will be described. FIG. 4 shows the optical writing unit 30.
6 is a plan view, and FIG.
Is shown in a side view. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 320 denotes a polygon mirror provided on the side surface of the regular polyhedron, which rotates at a high speed to scan a laser beam, 321 denotes a polygon motor serving as a driving source for rotating the polygon mirror 320 at a high speed, and 322 denotes a polygon motor. An fθ lens 323 for converting and correcting a laser beam polarized at an equal angular pitch so as to linearly scan the surface of the photosensitive drum 307 at an equal linear pitch;
Is a reflection mirror for guiding the laser beam passing through the fθ lens 322 to the photosensitive drum 307, and 324 is dust-proof glass for preventing foreign matter from entering the optical writing unit 306.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a semiconductor laser which oscillates a laser beam having an emission wavelength of about 780 nm;
Numeral 02 denotes a collimator lens for converting a laser beam oscillated from the semiconductor laser 401 into a parallel light beam, 403 denotes an aperture for shaping the laser beam to a predetermined size, and 40
Reference numeral 4 denotes a first cylinder lens that compresses the laser beam passing through the aperture 403 in the sub-scanning direction. Reference numeral 405 denotes a synchronization detection mirror that receives the laser beam outside the image area that has passed through the fθ lens 322 and guides the laser beam to the synchronization detection light input unit 406. Reference numerals 406 denote a sync detection light input section which receives the laser beam guided by the synchronization detection mirror 405 and guides the laser beam to a synchronization detector (not shown).

The operation of the optical writing unit 306 configured as described above will be described. The semiconductor laser 401 oscillates a laser beam by modulating according to an image signal output after image processing by the image processing substrate 319. The laser beam having this certain angle is converted into a parallel light beam by the collimator lens 402, further shaped by the aperture 403, compressed in the sub-scanning direction by the first cylinder lens 404, and irradiated to the polygon mirror 320.

Thereafter, the laser beam applied to the polygon mirror 320, which is already rotating at a predetermined speed by the polygon motor 321, is scanned at an equal angle as shown in FIG.
After being corrected by the fθ lens 322 so as to have a uniform linear pitch on the photosensitive drum 307, the photosensitive drum 307 is exposed and irradiated by the reflection mirror 323. At this time, the laser beam outside the image area is received by the synchronization detection mirror 405 and guided to the synchronization detection light input unit 406 to detect the writing start position in the main scanning direction. Based on the synchronization detection, the writing in the main scanning direction is performed. Is performed.

Next, each configuration for forming an electrostatic latent image around the photosensitive drum 307 of FIG. 3 will be described. The photoconductor drum 307 has a photoconductor layer formed on its surface. For example, an organic photoconductor (OPC) of a photoconductor layer having a sensitivity characteristic corresponding to an emission wavelength of the semiconductor laser 401 of 780 nm, α-Si, Se In this embodiment, an organic photoreceptor (OPC) is used among the embodiments such as -Te. Also,
The image forming process according to the present embodiment employs a negative / positive (N / P) process in which light is applied to an image portion. In FIG.
325 uniformly corona discharges the surface of the photosensitive drum 307,
(-) This is a charging charger for performing the charging process of the pole, and employs a scorotron method having a grid on the photosensitive drum 307 side.

In the above-described configuration, the surface of the photosensitive drum 307 is charged by the charging charger 325, and then the laser beam is irradiated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 307 by the optical writing unit 306. Potential drops. As a result, the background potential on the surface of the photosensitive drum 307 is -750 to -800 V, and the image potential is -500.
The value becomes about V, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 307.

Next, the configuration of the developing unit 308 will be described. In this embodiment, the first developing unit 326 for black toner and the second developing unit 327 for color toner
08 is configured. Reference numeral 328 denotes a black toner cartridge that stores and supplies black toner, and 329 denotes a color toner cartridge that stores and supplies color toner.

The developing unit 308 configured as described above is
The developing roller of the first developing device 326 and the second developing device 3 are applied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 307.
(−) Charged toner by applying a bias voltage of −500 to −600 V to the developing roller
It is visualized by attaching it to the electrostatic latent images on the seven surfaces. In the case of color copying, during the development of one color, the development is selectively performed by making settings such as changing the main pole position of the developing roller of the developing device of the other color. As a result, color information of the original is read by switching the color filter 316 in the scanner unit 305, and multifunctional color copying and color image editing can be performed in combination with the multiple transfer by paper conveyance and the double-sided copying function. Further, development of three or more colors can be performed by a method in which three or more developing devices are arranged around the photosensitive drum 307 or a revolver method in which three or more developing devices are rotated to switch.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 330 denotes a transfer charger for transferring a visual image on the photosensitive drum 307 to the conveyed recording paper, and 331 is integrally formed with the transfer charger 330 and is in close contact with the photosensitive drum 307. This is a separation charger that separates recording paper by AC static elimination. 3
Reference numeral 32 denotes a cleaning blade for removing the residual toner after the transfer process on the surface of the photosensitive drum 307, reference numeral 333 denotes a collection tank for collecting and storing waste toner removed by the cleaning blade 332, and reference numeral 334 denotes a residual charge of the photosensitive drum 307. A static elimination lamp 335 that is removed by light irradiation is a separation claw that contacts the photosensitive drum 307 with a small force to assist the separation of the recording paper.

Reference numeral 336 denotes a density sensor using a photosensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. A predetermined latent image pattern is formed on the photosensitive drum 307 by an optical writing unit 306, and the latent image pattern is formed. After development, the reflection density is read by a photo sensor. In this case, the density of an image is determined from the ratio of the reflectance of the pattern portion after the development process to the reflectance of the photosensitive drum 307 other than the pattern portion, and a toner replenishment signal is output when the image is light. When the density does not reach the predetermined density within a predetermined time after the replenishment, it is determined that the toner has run out, and a detection signal to that effect is output.

Next, the paper feed unit 309 in FIG. 3 will be described. Reference numerals 337a, 337b, and 337c denote paper cassettes 338 for accommodating and setting recording paper for each size.
Reference numerals a, 338b, and 338c denote paper feed rollers for feeding recording paper one sheet at a time; 339, registration rollers for conveying the fed recording paper to the transfer unit at a predetermined timing;
A transport belt 341 for transporting the separated recording paper, a fixing roller 341 having a built-in heater and heated to a predetermined temperature;
Reference numeral 42 denotes a pressure roller that is disposed to urge the fixing roller 341 to a predetermined pressure.

The photosensitive drum 30 constructed as described above
The operation of the image forming unit 7 and the paper feed unit 309 around 7 will be described. In the copying machine main body 301, paper feed cassettes 337a and 337a are provided.
37b and 337c are detachably loaded. The recording paper fed by the paper feed rollers 338a, 338b, 338c is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 307 by the registration roller 339 at a predetermined timing.

The photosensitive drum 307 is driven to rotate clockwise. At this time, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 307 is transferred by the transfer charger 330 onto the recording paper conveyed to the photosensitive drum 307. Then, the recording paper in close contact with the photosensitive drum 307 is electrostatically separated by the separation charger 331. Thereafter, the recording paper is conveyed to the nip between the fixing roller 341 and the pressure roller 342 by the conveyance belt 340, whereby the unfixed toner on the recording paper is fixed (fixing process). On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 307 after the transfer process is the cleaning blade 3
32 removes the residual toner, the residual charge is removed by the charge removing lamp 334, and the apparatus enters a standby state in preparation for the next copying process.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 343 denotes a switching claw for switching the conveyance direction of the recording paper after the fixing process, 344 a switching claw for allowing the recording paper to enter the double-side reversing device (DPX) 304, and 345 a refeeding unit 346. A switching claw for allowing the recording paper to enter the recording paper; a refeeding unit 346 for re-feeding the recorded recording paper; 347 a tray for reversing the recording paper;
Reference numeral 348 denotes a transport roller for transporting the recording paper to the tray 347 and then rotating in the reverse direction to re-feed the recording paper from the rear end.

A case where double-sided copying is performed in the above configuration will be described. The recording paper guided downward by the switching claw 343 is further guided downward by the switching claw 344, and is sent to the transport roller 348 by the next switching claw 345. The transport roller 348 transports the recording paper onto the tray 347, re-sends the recording paper in the reverse direction when it reaches the rear end of the recording paper, and sends the recording paper to the re-feeding unit 346 by switching the switching claw 345. After that, the sheet is fed to the registration roller 339.

Next, the automatic document feeder (A) shown in FIG.
The configuration of the DF) 302 will be described. In the figure, 3
Reference numeral 49 denotes a document feeder plate on which a plurality of originals to be copied can be set; 350, a side guide adapted to the size of the original; and a side guide for aligning the side edges thereof; 351, one original set on the original plate 349; Paper feed roller, 352
Reference numeral 353 denotes a transport belt that transports the document sent by the feed roller 351 to a predetermined position on the contact glass 310.
Reference numeral denotes a paper discharge tray from which the original after the copying process is discharged.

The operation of the automatic document feeder (ADF) 302 configured as described above will be described. A plurality of documents set on the document feed table 349 are aligned in the width direction of the documents by the side guide 350. The set documents are fed one by one by the rotation of the feed roller 351, and the contact glass 3 is rotated by the rotation of the transport belt 352.
It is conveyed to a predetermined position on 10 and stops. Thereafter, the exposure operation is performed as described above, and the image formation is performed.
When a predetermined number of copy processes have been completed, the original on the contact glass 310 is discharged to the discharge tray 353 by the rotation of the transport belt 352. The side guide 35
The size of the original is detected by counting the set position of 0 and the original feeding time. As described above, the automatic document feeder (ADF) 302 automatically conveys a document one by one onto the contact glass 310 in each copy cycle to automatically perform a copy processing operation.

Next, the configuration of the sorter 303 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. In the drawing, reference numerals 354a to 354x denote bins for discharging the recording paper after the copying process in page order, page by page, or at a preset position, and 355 denotes a drive motor for rotating a plurality of transport rollers.

The sorter 303 configured as described above
The recording paper discharged from the copying machine main body 301 is discharged, for example, in a page order (sort), per page (stack), or at a selected position of a preset bin 354a to 354x (mail box) according to a method. This is a device for selectively discharging recording paper to bins 354a to 354x. The recording paper fed by the plurality of transport rollers rotated by the drive motor 355 is guided to the selected bin 354 by switching the pawls near the entrance of each bin 354.

Next, the configuration of the double-side reversing device 304 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. In the drawing, reference numeral 356 denotes a conveying roller for accumulating recording paper sent from the copying machine main body 301;
Reference numeral 7 denotes a tray on which the recording paper sent from the transport roller 356 is accumulated, 358 denotes an alignment guide for aligning the recording paper,
359 is a transport roller for aligning and transporting the recording paper, 36
Reference numeral 0 denotes a re-feed roller for re-feeding the recording paper.

The double-side reversing device 30 constructed as described above
4 will be described. When two-sided copying is performed collectively on a plurality of sheets, the recording paper is sent to the two-sided reversing device 304 by switching the switching claw 343. The fed recording paper is accumulated on the tray 357 by the transport roller 356. At this time, the vertical and horizontal sides of the recording paper are aligned by the transport roller 359 and the alignment guide 358. Tray 35
The recording paper accumulated on the recording paper 7 is sent to the re-feeding unit 346 by the re-feeding roller 360, and is sent to the registration roller 339 to transfer the toner image to the back surface of the recording paper as described above. As described above, the re-feeding unit 346 of the copier main body 301 can perform only two-sided copying one by one. However, by attaching the two-side reversing device 304, a plurality of two-sided copying can be collectively performed.

Further, reference numeral 361 in FIG.
01 is a main motor that rotationally drives each roller and the like.
Reference numeral 362 denotes a fan motor for maintaining an increase in the temperature inside the copying machine main body 301 at a certain value or less.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are circuit diagrams showing the electrical control unit of the digital copying machine according to the present invention. In the figure,
Reference numeral 601 denotes a CPU (a) for controlling sequence relations, 6
02 is a CPU that executes overall control of the operation.
(B), the CPU (a) 601 and the CPU (b) 60
2 is connected by a serial interface (RS232C).

Reference numeral 603 denotes a paper size sensor for detecting the size of the recording paper in the paper feeding unit 309; 604, sensors such as a registration sensor and a discharge sensor; and 605, setting of various conditions (for example, recording by the registration roller 339). Dip switches 606 provided for the amount of paper loops and the amount of blank space at the leading edge of the recording paper apply high voltage power to the charging charger 325, the transfer charger 330, the separation charger 331, and the developing bias electrode (not shown). High voltage power supply, 607
608 is a relay driver for driving and controlling a power relay, 608
A solenoid driver for driving and controlling solenoids such as a toner supply solenoid, a paper feed clutch, and clutches;
Reference numeral 09 denotes a motor driver that drives and controls motors such as the main motor 361 and the fan motor 362.

An analog input unit 610 receives the fixing temperature of the fixing roller 341, a photo sensor input of the density sensor 336, a monitor input of the semiconductor laser 401, and a reference voltage of the semiconductor laser 401. A key card unit for reading a key card for use, etc., 612 is a ROM storing a program for each control condition, etc., 613 is an address decoder for the CPU (a) 601, and 614 is connected to each sensor (603 to 605) RAM, I / O port, timer, and 615 are double-sided reversing device 304, I / O port for high-voltage power supply 606, 616
Is a relay driver 607, a solenoid driver 608,
An I / O port 617 for the motor driver 609 is a US connected to the sorter 303 by a serial interface.
ARP, 618 is an A / D converter for converting analog data into digital data and outputting it to the optical writing unit 306;
Reference numerals 19a to 619c denote timer counters for executing processing based on the set time widths, and 620 denotes an address latch.

A gate array 621 outputs image data (DATA0 to DATA7) in three directions of the image processing board 319, the scanner control circuit 623, and the application circuit 624 and a synchronizing signal in response to a select signal from the CPU (b) 602. 622, an address decoder for the CPU (b) 602; 623, a scanner control circuit; 624, an external device (facsimile device, printer, etc.) and CPU
(B) An interface 602, which is an application circuit that outputs a signal based on preset information.

An operation unit 625 includes a key input unit for inputting a copy mode and the like and a display unit for displaying the status of the copying machine. An editor 626 performs image editing processing (corresponding to the editor 100 in FIG. 1). , 627, a calendar IC for storing the date and time and outputting the data to the CPU (b) 602 as needed; 628, a ROM for storing a program for the CPU (b) 602; 629, an R for the CPU (b) 602;
AM, 630 is a USARP connected to the operation unit 625 via a serial interface, 631 is a scanner control circuit 6
USAR to be connected with the serial interface 23
P, 632 is a USARP connected to the application circuit 624 via a serial interface, and 633 is a USA connected to the editor 626 via a serial interface.
RP and 634 are address latches for the calendar IC 627.

The operation of the electronic control unit of the digital copying machine configured as described above will be described. The sequence-related control is performed by the CPU (a) 601 and controls such as paper conveyance and image forming conditions. For example, the paper feed cassette 33
The size and feed direction of the recording paper set in 7 are detected by a paper size sensor 603, and based on the detection signal, paper conveyance, image control, and the like are performed. In addition, each signal of sensors 604 such as a registration sensor and a paper ejection sensor and setting conditions of a dip switch 605 are input to the CPU (a) 601 to perform jam detection, paper interval control and image forming control. Will be

The double-side reversing device 304 is a motor for adjusting the width of the recording paper, a paper feed clutch, a solenoid for switching the conveyance path, a solenoid for moving the roller for moving the recording paper to the leading end up and down, a paper presence / absence sensor, and the paper width. Input / output by a home position sensor of the side fence for the recording and a sensor related to the conveyance of the recording paper. The high voltage power supply 606 applies a predetermined value of high voltage power to the charging charger 325, the transfer charger 330, the separation charger 331, and the developing bias electrode (not shown) at a predetermined timing. Drivers such as a relay driver 607, a solenoid driver 608, and a motor driver 609 are connected to a paper feed clutch, a resist clutch, a drive motor, and the like.
(A) On / off control is performed based on the control signal of 601.

The sorter 303 is connected by a serial interface, and conveys the recording paper at a predetermined timing according to a control signal of the CPU (a) 601 and discharges the recording paper to each bin 354. The analog input unit 610 receives the fixing temperature of the fixing roller 341, the photosensor input of the density sensor 336, the monitor input of the semiconductor laser 401, and the reference voltage of the semiconductor laser 401. The fixing temperature is determined by the fixing roller 34.
The heater in the fixing roller 341 is controlled so as to keep the temperature of the fixing roller 341 in a certain range by an input from a thermistor (not shown) arranged in contact with or close to the surface of the fixing roller 341. The photo sensor input of the density sensor 336 is performed by inputting a photo sensor pattern formed at a predetermined timing by a photo transistor, detecting the pattern density, and performing on / off control of a toner supply clutch to perform toner density control.

An A / D converter as an adjustment mechanism for keeping the output value of the laser beam from the semiconductor laser 401 constant.
The converter 618 and the analog input of the CPU (a) 601 are used. This is controlled so that the monitor voltage during oscillation of the semiconductor laser 401 coincides with a preset reference voltage of the semiconductor laser 401 (for example, the output value is set to be 3 mW).

The image processing board 319 generates timing signals for masking, trimming, erasing, and photosensor patterns of the density sensor 336 for image data, and outputs a video signal to the semiconductor laser 401. The gate array 621 transmits image data continuously transmitted in 2-bit parallel from the scanner unit 305 to the synchronization signal P from the optical writing unit 306.
Synchronize with MSYNC, and furthermore, image writing position signal RGA
The signal is converted into a 1-bit serial signal synchronized with TE and output to the image processing board 319.

Next, operation-related control will be described below. CPU (b) 602 (main CPU)
Controls a plurality of serial ports and a calendar IC 627. A CPU (a) 601 for sequence control is connected to the plurality of serial ports, and an operation unit 62
5, scanner control circuit 623, application circuit 6
24, an editor 626 and the like are connected.

The operation unit 625 serially transmits the key input information by the operator to the CPU (b) 602,
The display unit is turned on by serial reception from U (b) 602. The scanner control circuit 623 performs serial transmission processing of information on drive control of the scanner servomotor, image processing and image reading to the CPU (b) 602,
An interface process between the F 302 and the CPU (b) 602 is performed.

The application circuit 624 exchanges preset information with an external device (such as a facsimile machine or a printer) through an interface.
Further, the editor 626 serially transmits image editing data (masking, trimming, image shift, etc.) input from the operation unit 625 to the CPU (b) 602 and inputs processing contents of the image editing. The calendar IC 627 reads out the stored date and time from the CPU (b) 602 at any time, and displays the current time on the display of the operation unit 625 and sets the on-time and off-time of the copying machine by timer control. Etc. are executed.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system in a digital copying machine according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes a main control board for performing overall control of the digital copying machine, and reference numeral 702 denotes an AD for controlling the ADF 302.
F control board, 703 is a sorter control board for controlling the sorter 303, 704 is a two-sided control board for controlling the two-side reversing device 304, 705 is a paper feed control board for performing various controls of the paper feed unit 309, and 706 is an application system , 707 are sensors such as a fixing sensor, a density sensor 336, a resist sensor, and 708 are fans such as an APL fan and an exhaust fan,
Reference numeral 709 denotes counters such as a total counter and a key counter, and 710 denotes a fixing thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the fixing roller 341.

Reference numeral 711 denotes an LD control plate for controlling the semiconductor laser 401, 712 a PWM control plate, 713 a drive plate for driving the polygon motor 321, 714 a drive plate for driving the main motor 361, and 715 a fixing roller 341. 716 is an AC drive plate serving as an AC power supply for the fixing heater and the like, 716 is a DC power supply serving as a drive source for each DC drive component by rectifying AC from the AC driver 716 to DC. , 71
8 is a toner supply SOL (solenoid) of the developing unit 308,
A blade SOL (solenoid) for performing contact and separation operations of the cleaning blade 332 with respect to the photosensitive drum 307, first to third pickups SOL (solenoid),
First and second lock SOLs (solenoids) 719 are registration CLs (clutches) for transmitting drive to registration rollers 339, ascending relays CL (clutches), and first to third sheet feeding CLs
(Clutch), 720 are sensors related to the paper feeding unit 309,
Reference numeral 721 denotes an intake fan, and 722 denotes a transport fan for sucking the recording paper of the transport unit 340.

Reference numeral 723 denotes each sensor of the sorter 303; 724, a drive motor for rotating each roller of the sorter 303; 725, solenoids for switching the entry of the recording paper into each bin 354 of the sorter 303; Solenoids of the reversing device 304, 727 are clutches of the two-side reversing device 304, 728 is a jogger motor for aligning the paper of the two-side reversing device 304, 729 is each sensor of the two-side reversing device 304, and 730 is each sensor of the ADF 302. 731 are solenoids of the ADF 302, 73
Reference numeral 2 denotes motors for rotating and driving the respective transport rollers of the ADF 302; 733, a switch for detecting the set state of the ADF 302 and a switch for switching the thickness of the document; and 734, a display unit for displaying the number of documents in the ADF 302, a jam situation, and the like. .

Reference numeral 735 denotes a scanner motor for scanning and driving the scanner unit 305, and reference numeral 736 denotes a scanner motor 735.
Rotary encoder 73 connected to the drive shaft of
7 is a lamp control circuit for controlling the lighting of the exposure lamp 311;
738, an HP sensor for detecting the reference position of the sub-scanning drive mechanism; 739, ADFSOL (solenoid); 740, APSSOL (solenoid); 741, a fluorescent lamp heater and a thermistor for temperature control.

Reference numeral 742 denotes an image preprocessor (IPP) having functions of shading correction, black level correction, and light amount correction; 743, an MTF correction function (spatial frequency high-frequency emphasis); a speed conversion function (magnification); , An image processing unit (IPU) having a data depth conversion function (8 bit / 4 bit / 1 bit conversion), 744 is a memory device (MEM) for receiving an output of the IPU 743,
An external storage device 745 inputs and outputs data to and from the memory device 744.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the scanner unit 305 in the digital copying machine according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes a timing control circuit for outputting each signal based on an instruction from a scanner control circuit 623; 802, a signal processing circuit for performing image signal amplification and light amount correction processing; and 803, converting analog data to digital data. An A / D converter 804 is a shading correction circuit for correcting distortion of image data.

The scanner unit 305 configured as described above
Will be described. The scanner control circuit 623 includes a lamp control circuit 737, a timing control circuit 801 and an IPU 7 based on an instruction from a printer control unit (not shown).
43, and controls the electric zooming circuit 43 and the scanner motor 735. The lamp control circuit 737 includes a scanner control circuit 623.
On / off of the exposure lamp 311 and the light amount control are performed based on the instruction from. The electrical scaling circuit of the IPU 743 performs electrical scaling processing based on main-scanning-side magnification data set by the scanner control circuit 623.

The timing control circuit 801 outputs each signal based on an instruction from the scanner control circuit 623. That is, when the reading of the original starts, the CCD
A transfer signal for transferring one line of data to the shift register and a shift clock pulse for outputting the shift register data one bit at a time are output to the image sensor 318. Further, a pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK and a main scanning synchronization pulse LSY are supplied to an image reproduction system control unit (not shown).
An NC and a main scanning valid period signal LGATE are output.

This pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK is C
The signal is almost the same as the shift clock pulse input to the CD imaging element 318. In addition, the main scanning synchronization pulse LS
YNC is substantially the same as the main scanning synchronization signal PMSYNC output by the synchronization sensor of the optical writing unit 306, but is output in response to the pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK. The main scanning valid period signal LGATE is output data DATA0 to DATA0.
It goes to the H level at the timing when DATA7 is regarded as valid data. In this case, the CCD image sensor 318
Outputs valid data of 4800 bits per line.

When receiving a reading start instruction from a printer control unit (not shown), the scanner control circuit 623 turns on the exposure lamp 311, starts driving the scanner motor 735, controls the timing control circuit 801, and Reading by the CCD image sensor 318 is started. Further, the sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to the H level. The sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE becomes L level when the time required to scan the maximum reading length (in this case, the size of the A size in the longitudinal direction) in the sub-scanning direction after being set to H level.

An analog signal output from the CCD image pickup device 318 is output to an image preprocessor (IPP).
The signal is subjected to amplification processing and light amount correction in a signal processing circuit 802 inside the signal processing circuit 741, and is converted into a digital multilevel signal by an A / D converter 803. The converted image signal is subjected to distortion correction by a shading correction circuit 804, and is input to the next image processing unit (IPU) 743.

FIG. 10 shows an image processing unit (I
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of a (PU) 743. In the figure, reference numeral 901 denotes an MTF correction unit that corrects blurring or deterioration of an image signal; 902, a magnification processing unit that electrically scales an image signal based on a designated magnification; 903, an image input / output characteristic of an image signal; A gamma conversion unit 904 for correcting the characteristics of the process so as to be optimal is a data depth switching mechanism unit including a 4-bit conversion circuit 905, a binarization circuit 906, a dither circuit 907, a changeover switch 908, and a changeover switch 909. is there.

The data processing operation of the image processing unit (IPU) 743 configured as described above will be described. An image signal input from an image preprocessor (IPP) 741 is subjected to high-frequency enhancement by an MTF correction unit 901. Next, the variable magnification processing unit 902 electrically scales the image to a predetermined magnification, and the γ conversion unit 903 optimizes the input / output characteristics of the image signal with respect to the image forming process characteristics. γ conversion unit 9
The image signal output from the input unit 03 is input to the data depth switching mechanism unit 904 and is converted into a predetermined quantization level.

The data depth switching mechanism 904 is 4 bi
The 4-bit DATA is output by the t conversion circuit 905.
The binarization circuit 906 converts the input 8-bit multi-valued data into binary data using a preset fixed threshold and outputs 1-bit DATA. The dither circuit 907 is 1
An area gradation is formed by bitDATA. At this time, the changeover switch 909 selects and outputs the output of the binarization circuit 906 or the dither circuit 907. Then, the changeover switch 908 operates these three data (8-bit DAT).
A, 4DATA, 1bitDATA) data format 1
And outputs DATA0 to DATA7. The output data format of the image process unit (IPU) 743 is shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a memory system according to the present invention. In the figure, 1101 to 110
3 is a multiplexer MUX1, MUX2, MUX3 for selecting and switching a plurality of input data.
XTIN indicates an external image data input signal,
EXTOUT indicates an output signal to the outside.

An operation example of the memory system configured as described above will be described. For example, a plurality of image processing units (IP
U) When outputting a copy in which the parameter of 743 is changed, first, MUX1 is set to A, MUX2 during scanner scanning.
Is set to B and MUX3 is set to A, and one copy is output. The raw data at this time is input to the memory device (MEM) 744 via the MUX2.

Next, for the second and subsequent sheets, MUX1 is set to B, data from the memory device (MEM) 744 is input to the image processing unit (IPU) 743, and
Output to the printer (PR) via X3. At this time 1
Process unit (IP
U) Change the parameter of 743. Also, 1bitD
When storing compact data such as ATA,
MUX2 is set to A, and the output of the image processing unit (IPU) 743 is stored in the memory device (MEM) 744.
Take in. At this time, the printer (PR) switches to the binary data (1 bit) mode and executes the copying process.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of an image signal according to the present invention, and shows the flow of data by the processing described with reference to FIG. In this manner, both the data processed by the image processing unit (IPU) 743 and the raw data can be loaded into the memory device (MEM) 744.

FIG. 14 shows the memory device (MEM) 74
4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes a compressor (COM) for compressing data.
P) and 1302 are image processing units (IPUs)
Multiplexor MUX4,1 for selecting and switching data inputted from a compressor 743 and a compressor (COMP) 1301
303, a memory unit for storing compressed data processed by a compressor (COMP) 1301 in addition to actual data;
04 is an expander (EXP) for expanding data, 13
05 is a memory unit 1303 and an expander (EXP) 13
Multiplexers MUX5 and 1306, which select and switch data input from the device 04, are error detectors that monitor error signals of a compressor (COMP) and an expander (EXP) 1304.

The memory device (ME
M) 744 arranges a compressor (COMP) 1301 in front of the memory unit 1303, and expands (EXP) 130
4 after the memory unit 1303,
Multiplexer MUX4 and multiplexer MUX5
Are connected to the memory unit 1303, respectively, so that actual data and compressed data can be selectively stored. That is, when storing the actual data in the memory unit 1303, the multiplexer MUX4 and the multiplexer MUX5 are set to A respectively. The compressor (CO
MP) 1301 to the memory unit 1
When the data is stored in 303, the multiplexers MUX4 and MUX5 are set to B respectively. In the above configuration, the compressor (COMP) 1301 performs memory processing according to the scanning speed of the scanner unit 305, and the decompressor (EXP) 1304 executes processing according to the speed of the printer (PR).

FIG. 15 shows the memory unit 1303 described above.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the device. In the figure, reference numeral 1401 denotes an input data width converter for processing image data and code data as compressed data; 1402, a memory block for storing the number of packed data;
Reference numeral 3 denotes an output data width converter for processing image data and code data as compressed data. Reference numeral 1404 denotes data at a predetermined address of a memory block 1402 corresponding to the number of data packed by the input data width converter 1401 and the memory data width. A direct memory controller (DMC1) 1405 for performing a write / read operation of the data write / read at a predetermined address of the memory block 1402 corresponding to the number of data packed by the output data width converter 1403 and the memory data width. A direct memory controller (DMC2) that performs an operation.

The memory unit 1 configured as described above
303, an input data width converter 1401 and an output data width converter 1403 are provided on the input side and the output side of the memory block 1402, respectively, and three image data types (FIG.
5) and code data as compressed data from the compressor (COMP) 1301. The direct memory controller (DMC1) 1404 and the direct memory controller (DMC2) 1405 store data at a predetermined address of the memory block 1402 according to the number of data packed by the input data width converter 1401 and the output data converter 1403 and the memory data width. Write / read processing.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the format of the image data processed in FIG. (A) Type 1 is 1-bit data, (b) Type 2 is 4-bit data,
(C) Type 3 indicates 8-bit data. Normally, the speed of image data from a scanner or the speed of image data to a printer is constant irrespective of 8-bit data, 4-bit data, and 1-bit data because the period of one pixel is fixed in the apparatus.

In this embodiment, the MBS (Most Significant) of eight data lines is used.
Bit: 1 bi from the most significant bit of data)
It is defined by t data, 4-bit data, 8-bit data and MBS padding. This data is stored in memory block 1
Blocks to be packed and unpacked into a data width of 402 (16 bits) are an input data width converter 1401 and an output data width converter 1403, and a memory can be used according to the data depth by performing the packing process. (MEM) 744 can be effectively used.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which a pixel process unit (PPU) is connected to the memory unit 1303. In the figure, reference numeral 1601 denotes a logical operation between image data (for example, AND, OR, EOR,
NOT) (PP)
U) and 1602 are image processing units (IPU)
743 and pixel process unit (PPU) 1601
The multiplexers MUX6 and 1603 for selecting and switching data input from the memory MUX6 and 1603 for selecting and switching data input from the pixel process unit (PPU) 1601 and the memory unit 103.
7

As described above, the memory device 74 shown in FIG.
4, a pixel processing unit (PPU) 1601 is replaced by a memory unit 1303 instead of the compressor (COMP) 1301 and the decompressor (EXP) 1304.
It was configured to be installed outside In such a configuration,
The pixel output unit (PPU) 1601 performs a logical operation on the memory output data and the input data and outputs the result to the printer (PR). Also, a logical operation can be performed on the memory output and input data (for example, data from the scanner unit 305), and the result can be stored in the memory unit 1303 again. Switching between the output destination printer (PR) and the memory unit 1303 is performed by the multiplexer MUX6.
And the multiplexer MUX7. Such a function is generally used for image synthesis processing, for example, image synthesis processing such as overlaying scanner data on an overlay.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the external storage device 745 for executing a process of storing image data. In the figure, reference numeral 1701 denotes an interface (I / F) for controlling input / output of image data; 1702, a floppy disk controller (FDC) for controlling a floppy disk driver (FDD) 1703;
Denotes a floppy disk driver (FDD) for driving a floppy disk (FD) serving as a storage medium; 1704, a hard disk controller (HDC) for controlling writing / reading of a hard disk (HDD) 1705;
Is a writable / readable hard disk (HDD), 170
6 is a floppy disk controller (FDC) 170
2 and hard disk controller (HDC) 170
File controller (FC) for controlling PC4, 1707
Is a line drawer (LD) for controlling the interface (I / F) 1701.

An operation of storing image data in the external storage device 745 in the above configuration will be described. Image data on floppy disk (FD)
In the case of saving to a floppy disk controller (FDC) 1702 controlled by a file controller (FC) 1706 from the EXTOUT shown in FIG. 12 via an interface (I / F) 1701, a floppy disk driver (FDD) 1703 The data is stored in the upper floppy disk (FD). A hard disk controller (HDC) 1704 writes and reads data on and from a hard disk (HDD) 1705 based on the control of a file controller (FC) 1706. In addition,
A hard disk (HDD) 1705 stores format data and overlay data for general use, and can be used as needed.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of a case where recovery is possible when the processing speed of compression and decompression of image data is not enough. In the figure, reference numeral 1801 denotes a memory management unit (MMU) 181, which is capable of simultaneously inputting / outputting two input data and one output data to / from a memory unit 1804 and performing memory control;
02 is a memory unit 1804 and an expander (EXP) 18
A multiplexer (MUX8) for selecting and switching the data input from the input unit 05, a compressor (COMP) 1803 for performing a data compression process, and a compressed data processed by a compressor (COMP) 1803 in addition to the actual data 1804 1805 is an expander (EXP) that performs data expansion processing, and 1806 is a compressor (CO
An error detector that monitors error signals of the MP) 1803 and the expander (EXP) 1805.

In the above configuration, the memory unit 18
04 is a compressor (COMP) 18 simultaneously with scanner scanning.
03, the compressed data and image data are input. The data input to the memory unit 1804 is stored in different memory areas, and the compressed data is directly input to an expander (EXP) 1805 to perform expansion processing. Memory unit 180 for all data for one page
Compressor (COMP) 1 until input to 4 is completed
If the processing time by the 803 and the decompressor (EXP) 1805 is in time, and the processing ends normally, the memory area of the compressed data is left and the area of the raw data is released.

Here, the error detector 1806 controls the compressor (COMP) 1803 or the decompressor (EXP) 18
As soon as an error signal from 06 is detected, the data area of the compressed data is canceled and the raw data is adopted. Thus, the compressor (COMP) 1803 and the decompressor (EXP) 1
By performing the test processing at 805, high-speed and reliable data processing and effective use of the memory area can be realized.

Although the memory area can be dynamically allocated by the memory management unit (MMU) 1801 as described above, two memory units for raw data and compressed data are provided as another method. The same processing can be performed. Such a configuration is used in an application such as electronic sorting in which a plurality of pages are stored, and a condition for satisfying the condition of balancing the number of stored pages and printing speed, such as outputting to a printer (PR) in real time, is required. Then it is effective.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an application system according to the present invention.
This application system is based on the base unit 20
01, the file unit APL (1) 2002,
APL (2) 2003 for FAX unit, APL (3) 2004 for on / off printer unit, APL (4) 2005 for LAN, and T / S (touch switch)
And display unit 2006 including LCD (liquid crystal)
It is composed of Hereinafter, the detailed configurations and operations of these units will be described.

[Base unit] In the figure, 2007
Is an engine I / F, 2008 is a page memory, 2009
Is an SCI (small communication interface), 2010 is an image bus, 2011 is a system bus, 2012 is a CPU, 2013 is a variable magnification circuit using a DRAM, 2014 is a bus arbiter, 2015 is a timer having a function of generating a predetermined clock, 2016 Is the RTC that generates the current time, 2017 is the console, 20
An R 18 stores a basic function program such as an OS.
OM, 2019 is a RAM mainly used as a working memory, 2020 is a DMAC, 2021 is a rotation control unit, and 2022 is a CEP.

The base unit 2001 is a unit for executing the basic control of the present system. Engine I /
F2007 converts the image data into parallel data because the image data is transmitted as serial data, and conversely converts the parallel data from the page memory 2008 into serial data by the engine I / F 2007, and
Send to XTIN. Since the control signal is serial, it is connected to the system bus 2011 from the engine I / F 2007 via the SCI 2009.

In this embodiment, the page memory 2008 has a capacity for storing one page of size data in A3.
The arbitration between the data speed of TIN and EXTOUT and the processing speed of the CPU 2012 is also performed. Also, the scaling circuit 2013 uses the DMAC 2020 to perform high-speed data enlargement or reduction processing on the page memory 2008 without the intervention of the CPU 2012.

Further, the rotation control unit 2021, for example,
If the document transmitted by AX transmission is A4 portrait and the receiving side is A4 landscape, the transmitting side automatically reduces the size of the transmitted document by 71% and the receiving side reduces the size of the transmitted document by 9%.
The image is rotated 0 degrees, converted to A4 width, and transmitted at the same magnification. Further, when performing the reception output, when the reception size is A4 landscape and the cassette size is A4 portrait, the rotation control unit 2021 rotates the output image by 90 degrees and converts the output image to A4 portrait to output the cassette. The distinction between vertical and horizontal is unnecessary.

In the CEP 2022, compression, decompression, and through processing of image data are executed. The bus arbiter 2014 transfers data from the AGDC to the image bus 20.
10 and processing to be sent to the system bus 2011. Further, the timer 2015 generates a predetermined clock, and the RTC
Generates the current time. Further, the console 2017 connected as a control terminal is used to read and rewrite data in the system, and to perform processing by the internal OS.
It is also possible to execute software development using a debug tool which is one of the functions.

[APL (1)] This APL (1) 200
2 is a file unit. In FIG. 20, 202
Reference numeral 3 denotes a SCSI, and an HDD (hard disk) 202
4, ODD (optical disk) 2025, I / F for FDD (floppy disk) 2026. Also, 202
Reference numeral 7 denotes a ROM, which is stored in the HDD 2
024, an ODD 2025, and a filing system control program for controlling the FDD 2026 are stored.

[APL (2)] This APL (2) 200
Reference numeral 3 denotes a unit for fax control. In FIG.
Reference numeral 2030 denotes a G4 FAX controller, which is a unit that controls a protocol for G4 and supports Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 of G4. The G4FAX controller 2030 also supports ISDN,
In 64, 2B + 1D (64KB × 2p + 16K
G4 / G4, G4 / G3, G3
/ G3, G4 only or G3 alone is a selectable unit.

Reference numeral 2031 denotes a G3 FAX controller which controls a G3 protocol, and also includes a G3 FAX protocol via an analog line and a modem for converting a digital signal to an analog signal. 2032 is an NCU (Network Control Unit),
It is equipped with a dial function and the like when using an exchange to connect with a destination or receiving an incoming call from the destination.

Reference numeral 2033 denotes a SAF (Store-and-Forward), which stores image data (including image data, code data, etc.) when executing FAX transmission and reception. ODD
Are used. Reference numeral 2024 denotes ROMs 2 and 20 storing a program for controlling the APL (2).
Reference numeral 25 denotes a RAM used as a working memory, to which a nonvolatile battery is connected as a backup power source, which stores the telephone number of the other party, the name of the other party, data for controlling the FAX function, and the like.
/ S, the LCD can be easily set.

[APL (3)] This APL (3) 200
Reference numeral 4 denotes a control unit for an online printer and an offline printer. In FIG. 20, reference numeral 2040 denotes an FDC (floppy disk controller) for controlling the floppy disk 2041. Some recent floppy disks support SCSI, and here, SCSI and ST506 interfaces are supported. Reference numeral 2042 denotes an SCI (serial communication interface) used for connection to a HOST computer. Similarly, reference numeral 2043 denotes a HOST.
A Centro I / F used for connection with a computer.

Reference numeral 2044 denotes an emulation card having the following functions. That is, HO
When the specifications of the printer are viewed from the ST computer, the printers are currently sold by many manufacturers such as NEC and EPSON. Since the specifications are different from each other, the functions of these printers are the same when viewed from the HOST computer. Otherwise, the software used on the HOST computer will not operate. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an emulation card 2044 is mounted, and the software stored in the emulation card 2044 causes the HOST computer to operate as a printer of each maker when apparently viewed from the HOST computer.

Reference numeral 2015 denotes an AGDC (Advanced Graphics Display Controller), which decodes code data transmitted from the HOST computer into the CGROM 2046 and the FO in the CG card 2047.
The NT image is developed in the page memory 2008 at high speed. Reference numeral 2048 denotes a ROM 3 in which these control programs are stored. CGROM
(Character generator ROM) 2046 stores FONT data corresponding to the code data.
The CG card 2047 is an external CGFONT and has the same contents as the CGROM 2046.

[APL (4)] This APL (4) 200
A unit 5 controls the LAN. In the figure,
Reference numeral 2050 denotes a LAN controller which is currently operating.
It controls the Internet, omni, star run, etc. that are ANs. In addition, FAX, A of APL (2) 2003
The PL (4) LAN operates in the background even when another APL is operating.

[Display Unit] The display unit 200
At 6, the LCD and the touch switch are controlled. FIG.
0, 2060 is an LCD, a graphic,
Characters can be displayed, and CG 2061 in this
K, Kanji second level codes are stored. Also,
Reference numeral 2062 denotes a TSC (touch switch controller), which controls the T / S 2063. T / S2063
Are divided into X and Y grids, and the size of the switch used by the operator can be freely set by determining the number of grids for one key by the TSC 2062. In addition, LCD 2060 and T /
S2063 has a two-layer structure, in which the key size and the key frame of the LCD 2060 correspond.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure and mounting position of the APS sensor used as the document detecting means of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 2201 denotes an APS sensor, which uses an LED 2202 as a light emitting element and three light receiving elements 2
203 is arranged at a predetermined position. Also,
The APS sensor 2201 is disposed below the contact glass 310 as shown in the figure, and is attached to the positions of length 1 and length 2 and the width, respectively.

In the above configuration, the APS sensor 2
Reference numeral 201 is used to read the length and width of the original without performing prescan and detect the original size. That is,
A light receiving element 22 of a type that disperses light from the LED 2202 in the APS sensor 2201 into three beams and receives light at three locations.
The light receiving portion 03 receives light from the inside of the optical system, sees through the contact glass 310, and receives only light reflected from the document surface to detect the length and width of the document. The APS sensor 2201 is always in the ON state, and always reads the size data.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of determining the size data by the APS sensor. In the figure, reference numeral 2301 denotes a lift-up SW using a photo interrupter for detecting the opening and closing operation of the pressure plate or the opening and closing operation of the ADF.

In the above description, the sampling of the size data is always performed, and the following two methods are used to determine the document size. (1) After setting the original to be read on the contact glass 310, when the lift-up SW 2301 is changed from non-shielded to shielded by closing the pressure plate or the ADF, the size of the original is determined. (2) When the start key for starting copying is pressed while the pressure plate or the ADF is open, the document size is determined by the data immediately after the start key is turned on.

After the size of the document set by the APS sensor 2201 is determined as described above, the document image is read into the editor 100. The reading of an image is started by pressing a read key on the operation unit or a start key 201 on the editor 100, and the read image data is displayed on the LCD panel 103 of the editor 100, and the apparatus enters a standby state for area designation.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation processing according to the present invention. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not there is a document (S2101). This judgment, for example,
As shown in FIG. 22 and FIG.
When the ADF 2301 is in the ON state, the document is reset (the document is removed) because the ADF or the pressure plate is open, and the lift-up SW 2301 is set.
Is in the OFF state, the ADF or the pressure plate is in the closed state (the state in which the original is set). Therefore, the presence / absence of the original is determined from the ON / OFF state of the lift-up SW 2301.

If it is determined in step 2101 that there is a document, it is further determined whether or not the image reading flag of the editor 100 is ON (S21).
02). At this time, if it is determined that the image reading flag is ON, the image reading process is executed in the editor 100 (S2103), and thereafter, the image reading flag of the editor 100 is set to ON. In addition, step 210
If it is determined in step 2 that there is no original, or if it is determined in step 2102 that the image reading flag of the editor 100 has not been turned on, step 2
Proceed to 105.

Further, at step 2105, it is determined whether or not there is an original. If it is determined that there is no original,
Further, it is determined whether or not the image reading flag of the editor 100 is ON (S2106). At this time, if it is determined that the image reading flag is ON, the image data read and displayed in the editor 100 is reset and the display is turned OFF (S2107). Then, the image reading flag of the editor 100 is turned off (S210
8), end this processing. On the other hand, the above step 2105
Also, when it is determined that there is an original or when it is determined that the image reading flag has not been turned ON, the processing is terminated without executing the processing of steps 2107 and 2108.

Therefore, when the original is set, the original is automatically read, and the read image is displayed on the editor 100. On the other hand, when the original is removed, the image displayed on the editor 100 is cleared. When an image is displayed on the editor 100, there is a document. On the other hand, when no image is displayed, it can be determined at a glance that there is no document. It is possible to prevent erroneous copying such as mistaken copying. Editor 100
By checking the displayed image above, it is also possible to determine the setting state of the original, and it is possible to find out the wrong setting position, wrong setting direction, wrong front and back, etc. without performing opening and closing operations.
Miscopying due to this can be prevented beforehand.
Further, since the image reading instruction operation is omitted, the operability can be improved.

[0116]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the document detecting means detects that no document exists, the image area designation is performed.
Because the image displayed on the means is deleted,
You can immediately confirm that there is no document, so you can forget to take the manuscript
Is prevented, it increases the copying operation.

[0117]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an editor according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of an editor according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a digital copying machine to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a plane view of the optical writing unit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a side view of the optical writing unit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical control unit in the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

7 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical control unit in the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an image reading operation of the scanner of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing details of an image processing unit shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an output data format of the image processing unit shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a memory system according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of an image signal according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the memory device illustrated in FIG. 8;

15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the memory unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a format of image data processed by the memory device shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which a pixel process unit is connected to a memory unit according to the present invention.

18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the external storage device shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example that enables recovery in a case where the processing speed of image data compression and decompression is not enough according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an application system according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation processing example according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration and a mounting position of the APS sensor.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of determining the size data by the APS sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Editor 101 VR
AM 102 LCD controller 103 LC
D panel 104 ROM 105 SR
AM 106 CPU 107 DR
AM 108 FIFO line buffer 109 Keyboard 110 Serial level converter 111 Image data converter 112 Host PPC 602 CP
U (b) 305 Scanner unit 743 Image process unit (IPU) 2201 APS sensor 2301 Lift-up SW

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/36 G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/00 107 G03G 15/04-15/04 120 H04N 1 / 00-1/00 108 H04N 1/04-1/207 H04N 1/38-1/393

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An original detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an original;
Document reading means for reading a document image, image processing means for performing processing on the read image information, image output means for outputting image information after image processing, and an image which is previously targeted by the document reading means. After reading, in an image forming apparatus having an image area designating means for designating an area of an image to be processed by the image processing means, when the absence of a document is detected by the document detecting means ,
An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a control means you delete the image being displayed in the image area specifying means.