JP4011672B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus. In place Related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic document feeder that feeds a document to a reading position, a document having an image only on one side (hereinafter referred to as a single-sided document) and a document having images on both sides (hereinafter referred to as a double-sided document) , The single-sided original and the double-sided original are sorted, and image processing is performed on each original bundle.
[0003]
For image processing, for example, one-sided mode copy in which an image on one side of a document is formed on one side of a transfer paper, one-sided mode copy in which an image on one side of a document is formed on both sides of a transfer paper, and images on both sides of a document are There are two-sided mode copying that forms images on both sides of a transfer sheet.
[0004]
Also, a conventional image processing apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder has a mode for processing an image from the last page of a bundle of documents such as copying, and an image from the first page of a bundle of documents such as facsimile transmission. There is something that has a mode to do. In such an image processing apparatus, depending on the mode, an image of the entire original is read in advance and stored in the memory and then processed, or the image is read from the last page when the original image is read and the first page. The image reading mode was switched to the image reading mode, and the image was processed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional image forming apparatus cannot determine whether an image exists only on one side of the document or on both sides of the document until the image of the document is read at the image reading position. Each copy mode was determined in advance.
[0006]
For this reason, even if a single-sided original and a double-sided original are mixed, image formation processing is performed according to the selected copy mode, so it is necessary to read a double-sided image even with a single-sided original (double-sided, double-sided mode copying). On the other hand, there is a case where an image is read only on one side even with a double-sided document (single-sided or single-sided mode copying). As a result, there are problems that it takes a long time to read an image, or that only one side is read and a part of the image is not copied.
[0007]
Further, since there is only one image reading unit, when reading a double-sided original, it is necessary to invert the original and read both sides, which requires more time than a single-sided original copy.
[0008]
Further, when a user designates an image forming mode of a single-sided original for a document bundle in which a single-sided original and a double-sided original are mixed, a so-called miscopy has occurred.
[0009]
On the other hand, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when storing the image data of all the originals read in advance in the memory, a large capacity memory is required, which makes the apparatus expensive.
[0010]
Also, when reading and processing an image for each page, for example, when transporting a document from the bottom sheet of a bundle of documents, in the mode of reading an image from the last page, set the document surface with the image facing up on the document tray Then, the document is conveyed to the reading position, and after the image is read, the document is discharged. On the other hand, in the mode of reading from the first page, the document surface with the image is placed on the document tray and conveyed to the position to read the document, and then the document is reversed and the document is set again at the image reading position. Later, after reading the image, and further inverting the original, the original had to be discharged, which required a lot of time.
[0015]
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that can shorten the document conveyance time without needless document conveyance. Place The purpose is to provide.
[0022]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Claim 1 The image processing apparatus described in Loaded on the loading means An image processing apparatus that includes an automatic document feeder that feeds a document to a reading position, reads an image of the document fed to the reading position, and forms the image on a transfer sheet, while the document is being fed to the reading position. A first image reading unit that reads an image of a document; and a second image reading unit that reads an image of a surface of the document that has been fed to the reading position and that is opposite to the surface of the document read by the first image reading unit. , Set on the stacking means with the image side with the image facing down Process images from the first page of the document First Mode, Set on the stacking means with the document side with the image facing up Process images from the last page of the document Second A selection means for selecting a mode; When the first mode is selected by the selection unit, the image of the original is read by the first image reading unit, and when the second mode is selected by the selection unit, the second image reading unit To scan the original image And a reading control means for controlling the first and second image reading means.
[0023]
In the image processing apparatus according to claim 2, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, when the selection unit performs facsimile transmission, First When selecting a mode and making a copy, Second A mode is selected.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Image processing apparatus of the present invention Set Embodiments will be described. The image processing apparatus of this embodiment is applied to an image forming apparatus as a copying machine.
[0030]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes an automatic document feeder (ADF), which feeds placed documents one by one or two consecutively to a predetermined position (document reading position) on the platen glass 102.
[0031]
A scanner 104 includes a lamp 103, a scanning mirror 105, and the like, and reciprocates in a predetermined direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) with respect to the document placed on the platen glass 102 by the ADF 500. Reflected light from the original passes through the lens 303 </ b> A via the scanning mirrors 105 to 107 and forms an image on the CCD sensor 304. An exposure control unit 110 modulates based on image data image-processed by a controller (control unit) (CONT), and irradiates the photoconductor 111 with the modulated light beam.
[0032]
Reference numerals 112 and 113 denote developing units that visualize the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 111 with a developer (toner) of a predetermined color. Reference numerals 114 and 115 denote transfer paper stacking units which store a fixed-size storage medium in a stacked state. The storage medium is fed by the paper feed roller to the position where the registration roller is disposed, and is fed again in a state where the image leading edge alignment timing with the image formed on the photoconductor 111 is taken.
[0033]
A transfer separation charger 116 transfers the toner image developed on the photoconductor 111 onto a transfer paper, and then separates the transfer paper from the photoconductor 111. Reference numeral 117 denotes a fixing unit that fixes a toner image on a transfer sheet sent via a conveyance belt. Reference numeral 118 denotes a paper discharge roller that discharges the transfer paper on which image formation has been completed on the tray 120.
[0034]
Reference numeral 119 denotes a direction flapper, which switches the transport direction of the transfer paper on which image formation has been completed from the tray 120 to the internal transport direction, and prepares for a multiple or double-sided image formation process.
[0035]
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a power switch for turning on / off power to the apparatus. A reset key 202 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. Reference numeral 203 denotes a copy start key.
[0036]
A clear key 204 is used to clear a numerical value. Reference numeral 205 denotes an ID key. This key allows a specific user to perform a copying operation, and other users can prohibit the copying operation unless an ID is input using the ID key.
[0037]
Reference numeral 206 denotes a stop key, which is used when copying is interrupted or stopped. Reference numeral 207 denotes a guide key, which is used when it is desired to know each function. Reference numeral 208 denotes an up cursor key, which is a key for moving the pointer up on each function setting screen. Reference numeral 209 denotes a down cursor key, which is a key for moving the pointer down on each function setting screen. A right cursor key 210 is a key for moving the pointer to the right in each function setting screen. A left cursor key 211 is a key for moving the pointer to the left on each function setting screen.
[0038]
Reference numeral 212 denotes an OK key which is pressed when this is acceptable on each function setting screen. Reference numeral 213 denotes an execution key which is pressed when executing a function output to the lower right of a display screen described later on each function setting screen. A standard reduction key 214 is used to reduce the standard size to another standard size. Reference numeral 215 is used to select the same size copy.
[0039]
A standard enlargement key 216 is used to enlarge the standard size to another standard size. A cassette selection key 217 selects a cassette stage to be copied. A copy density adjustment key 218 reduces the density. An AE key 219 automatically adjusts the copy density with respect to the density of the original.
[0040]
A copy density adjustment key 220 increases the density. Reference numeral 221 denotes a key for designating sorter operations such as sorting, stapling position, number of stapling locations, punching (drilling), and the like. A preheat key 222 is used to turn on / off the preheat mode. An interrupt key 223 is used when it is desired to interrupt and copy during copying. Reference numeral 224 denotes a numeric keypad, which is used when it is desired to input numerical values.
[0041]
A marker processing key 225 is used to set trimming and masking (contour processing, halftone processing, shadowing processing, and negative / positive processing). Reference numeral 226 denotes a patterning processing key, which is used when a color is expressed by patterning or a color is expressed by a density difference. A color processing key 227 is used when it is desired to delete a specific color. An image quality key 228 is used to set image quality. A negative / positive key 229 is used when negative / positive processing is performed. An image create key 230 is used when performing outline processing, shadowing processing, halftone processing, italics, mirror processing, and repeat processing.
[0042]
A trimming key 231 is used when trimming is performed by designating an area. A masking key 232 is used when masking is performed by designating an area. A partial processing key 233 designates partial processing (contour processing, halftone processing, shadowing processing, negative / positive processing) after designating an area.
[0043]
Reference numeral 234 denotes a frame erase key which is used when performing frame erase according to the mode. Modes include sheet frame erase (create a frame for the sheet size), document frame erase (create a frame to match the document size, with document size specified), and book frame erase (match the book spread size) To create a blank in the center of the frame, with book spread size specified). A binding margin key 235 is used to create a binding margin on one end of the paper. Reference numeral 236 denotes a movement key which is used when a movement is desired. The movement includes parallel movement (up / down / left / right), center movement, corner movement, and designated movement (point designation).
[0044]
A zoom key 237 can set the copying magnification in increments of 1% from 25% to 400%, and can independently set main scanning and sub scanning. Reference numeral 238 denotes an auto scaling key which automatically enlarges / reduces according to the size of the copy paper. In addition, the main scanning and the sub-scanning can be automatically changed automatically. Reference numeral 239 denotes an enlargement continuous shooting key, which is used when one original is enlarged to a plurality of sheets for copying. A reduction layout key 240 is used when a plurality of originals are enlarged and reduced to be copied.
[0045]
Reference numeral 234 denotes a continuous key, which is used when the copy area on the platen glass surface is divided into left and right parts and two continuous copies are automatically made (page continuous shooting, double side continuous shooting). A double-sided key 244 is used to output both sides (single-sided double-sided, page continuous double-sided, double-sided double-sided). Reference numeral 245 denotes a multiplex key which is used when multiplexing is desired (multiplexing, page continuous shooting multiplexing). A memory key 246 is used when a mode using a memory is desired (memory synthesis, area synthesis, watermark synthesis).
[0046]
Reference numeral 247 denotes a project key, which is used for setting at the time of printer. An original mixed key 250 is used when copying using a feeder or when different original sizes are mixed. Reference numeral 251 denotes a mode memory key, which is used when a copy mode set for copying is registered or a registered copy mode is called. Reference numeral 252 denotes a display screen that displays the state of the apparatus, the number of copies, the copy magnification, and the copy paper size, and displays the mode to be set while the copy mode is set.
[0047]
An output key 249 is used as it is, and is used when it is desired to optimize the image formation control depending on which side of the document has an image.
[0048]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus. An operation unit 314 is connected to the control unit.
[0049]
After the original 301 is automatically fed to the platen glass 102 by the ADF 500 and illuminated by the lamp 103, the reflected light is condensed by the lens 303A and imaged on the CCD sensor 304, and then the A / D conversion circuit 305. Analog-to-digital conversion is performed, and the digital signal is subjected to shading correction by the shading correction circuit 306 and stored in the image memory 307 as image data of a document.
[0050]
The image memory 307 can also store image data of a document read by an image reading unit 550 of the ADF 500 described later, and serves as a common area for storing image data read on the image forming apparatus side and the ADF 500 side. .
[0051]
Next, the image recognition unit 308 performs image recognition on the image data of the document stored in the image memory 307. The image recognition unit 308 calculates the density of the image data. If the density of the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined ratio, it is determined that there is no image data on the document surface.
[0052]
Then, the CPU 311 in the control unit determines the presence / absence of the document image based on the image recognition result, and determines whether the read document image is output as it is or not to be output based on the determination result. The image recording unit 310 includes a control circuit such as a motor that conveys transfer paper, a laser storage circuit unit that writes a video signal from the image editing unit 309 to a photosensitive drum, and a development restriction circuit that performs development. The video signal from the image editing unit 309 in the unit is stored, and an image is output.
[0053]
The ROM 312 stores an image forming processing program executed by the CPU 311 and control data. The RAM 313 is a memory in which a work area and various tables used when the CPU 311 executes the image forming processing program are defined.
[0054]
Next, the configuration of the ADF 500 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ADF 500. As shown in FIG. 6A, the ADF 500 is equipped with a stacking tray 510 as a first document tray on which the document bundle S is set.
[0055]
Further, the stacking tray 510 is equipped with a feeding unit constituting one part of the document feeding unit. The feeding means includes a half-moon roller 531, a separation and conveyance roller 532, a separation motor SPRMTR (not shown), a registration roller 535, a full belt 536, a belt motor BELTMTR (not shown), a large conveyance roller 537, and a conveyance motor FEEDMTR. (Not shown), a paper discharge roller 540, a flapper 541, a recycle lever 542, a paper feed sensor ENTS, a reverse sensor TRNS, a paper discharge sensor EJTS (not shown), and the like.
[0056]
Here, the half-moon roller 531 and the separation conveying roller 532 are rotated by a separation motor SPRMTR to separate the originals one by one from the lowermost part of the original bundle S on the stacking tray 510. Further, the registration roller 535 and the entire surface belt 536 are rotated by a belt motor BELTMTR, and convey the separated document to the exposure position (sheet path c) of the platen glass 102 via the sheet paths a and b.
[0057]
The large conveying roller 537 is rotated by a conveying motor FEEDMTR to convey the original on the platen glass 102 from the sheet path c to the sheet path e. The original conveyed to the sheet path e is returned onto the original bundle S on the stacking tray 510 by the paper discharge roller 540.
[0058]
The recycle lever 542 detects the circulation of the document. When the document feed is started, the recycle lever 542 is placed on the top of the document bundle S, the documents are sequentially fed, and the rear end of the final document is the recycle lever 542. Detects one cycle of the document by falling with its own weight when exiting.
[0059]
In such a feeding unit 530, when a double-sided document is used, the document is once guided from the sheet paths a and b to c, and then the large conveying roller 537 is rotated and the flapper 541 is switched to guide the leading edge of the document to the sheet path d. Then, the registration roller 535 passes the sheet path b, and thereafter, the entire surface belt 536 conveys the document to the platen glass 102 and stops, thereby inverting the document.
[0060]
That is, the original is reversed along the sheet paths c to d and b. The originals in the original bundle S are conveyed one by one through the sheet paths ab to c to de until the circulation of the original is detected by the recycle lever 542, thereby counting the number of originals. be able to.
[0061]
Further, in the ADF 500, a document image reading unit 550 having a function equivalent to that of the image reading unit 303 of the main body is disposed in the sheet path b, and a lamp 551 is used while the document is being conveyed to the platen glass 102. After being illuminated, the reflected light is collected by a lens 552, imaged by a CCD sensor 553, then analog-digital converted by an A / D conversion circuit 554, and the digital signal is subjected to shading correction by a shading correction circuit 555. Then, it is stored in the image memory 307 as image data of a document. As described above, the CPU 311 of the main body control unit can determine the presence or absence of image data based on the recognition result of the document image, and can optimize the control during image formation.
[0062]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an image forming process procedure. When a document is set on the ADF 500, a copy mode is set from the operation unit 314 shown in FIG. 2, and the copy key 203 is pressed, feeding of the document placed on the ADF 500 is started. While the ADF 500 feeds the document to a predetermined position on the platen glass 102, the image reading unit 550 in the ADF 500 reads the image on the back side of the document, and transfers the read image to the image memory 307 (step S501).
[0063]
Waiting for the completion of document feeding (step S502), after the document feeding is completed, the image reading unit 303 on the image forming apparatus side similarly reads the image on the surface of the document and transfers it to the image memory 307 (step S503). . At this time, the image data on both the front and back sides of the document is stored in the image memory 307.
[0064]
It is determined whether or not the output mode is designated as it is (step S504). If the output mode is not designated as it is, image formation is performed according to the designated image formation mode regardless of the presence or absence of a document image.
[0065]
On the other hand, if the output mode is designated as it is, the presence / absence of image data on the back side of the document is determined (step S505). If there is no image data, the process proceeds to step S508, which will be described later. The process of S507 is skipped. If there is image data on the back side of the document, an image on the back side of the document is formed on the transfer paper (step S506).
[0066]
Thereafter, the transfer paper is sent to the double-sided path (step S507), and preparations for refeeding are made. The presence / absence of image data on the surface of the original is determined (step S508). If there is no image data, the process proceeds to step S510, which will be described later, and step S509 relating to the formation of the surface image is skipped to end the image formation.
[0067]
On the other hand, when there is image data on the surface of the document, an image on the surface of the document is formed on the transfer paper. Thereafter, the transfer paper is sent to the paper discharge path (step S510), and the image formation is completed.
[0068]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the surface on which the image of the document to be copied is present is the image forming apparatus and the image reading unit of the ADF 500, that is, the image on the surface of the document on the image forming apparatus side. Since the ADF 500 can read the image on the back side of the original without reversing the original, not only can the reading speed of the double-sided original be increased, but also when a single-sided original and a double-sided original are mixed, Side control can be performed freely.
[0069]
Therefore, the user can save the trouble of aligning the image surfaces of the document set on the ADF 500 before copying and sorting according to the type of the document, thereby eliminating unnecessary work.
[0070]
[Second Embodiment]
An image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus of the second embodiment has the same hardware configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the output key 249 is not provided as it is in the operation unit 314 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted by using the same number.
[0071]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming process procedure according to the second embodiment. The same step number is attached | subjected about the same step process as the said 1st Embodiment.
[0072]
When a document is set on the ADF 500, a copy mode is set from the operation unit 314 shown in FIG. 2, and the copy key 203 is pressed, feeding of the document placed on the ADF 500 is started. While the ADF 500 feeds the document to a predetermined position on the platen glass 102, the image reading unit 550 in the ADF 500 reads the image on the back side of the document, and transfers the read image to the image memory 307 (step S501).
[0073]
Waiting for the completion of document feeding (step S502), after the document feeding is completed, the image reading unit 303 on the image forming apparatus side similarly reads the image on the surface of the document and transfers it to the image memory 307 (step S503). . At this time, the image data on both the front and back sides of the document is stored in the image memory 307.
[0074]
It is determined whether or not the single-sided original mode is set (step S504A). If the single-sided original mode is not set, images for both the front and back sides of the original are formed in the double-sided original mode (step S517), and the process is terminated.
[0075]
On the other hand, if the single-side original mode is selected in step S504A, the presence / absence of image data on the back side of the original is determined (step S505). S516), the process ends.
[0076]
If there is image data on the back side of the document in step S505, a warning display indicating that there is a back side image is displayed on the display screen 252 and the image forming operation is temporarily stopped (step S512).
[0077]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to resume image formation (step S513). If there is an instruction to resume image formation, the instructed restart mode is determined (step S515). If the instructed restart mode is the double-sided document mode, an image is formed in the double-sided document mode (step S517), and the process ends. If the designated restart mode is the single-sided original mode, an image is formed in the single-sided original mode (step S516), and the process ends.
[0078]
On the other hand, if there is no restart instruction in step S513, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S514). If there is no restart instruction even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the original one-side original mode is maintained. The image forming operation is continued (step S516).
[0079]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the original image and the original mode are inconsistent even when the single-sided original mode is designated for the original bundle in which the single-sided original and the double-sided original are mixed. By displaying a warning to the user, it is possible to prevent so-called miscopying.
[0080]
[Third Embodiment]
An image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, instead of providing the “output key” function as a key 249 of the operation unit 314 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, a “double-sided key” function is provided. Except for this point, the hardware configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted by using the same numbers.
[0081]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image forming process procedure according to the third embodiment. The same number is attached | subjected about the same step process as the said 1st Embodiment. When a document is set on the ADF 500, a copy mode is set from the operation unit 314 shown in FIG. 2, and the copy key 203 is pressed, feeding of the document placed on the ADF 500 is started. While the ADF 500 feeds the document to a predetermined position on the platen glass 102, the image reading unit 550 in the ADF 500 reads the image on the back side of the document, and transfers the read image to the image memory 307 (step S501).
[0082]
Waiting for the completion of document feeding (step S502), after the document feeding is completed, the image reading unit 303 on the image forming apparatus side similarly reads the image on the surface of the document and transfers it to the image memory 307 (step S503). . At this time, the image data on both the front and back sides of the document is stored in the image memory 307.
[0083]
It is determined whether or not the all duplex mode is designated (step S518). If the full duplex mode is not designated, an image is formed according to the designated image formation mode regardless of the presence or absence of the document image (step S520), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the all-side duplex mode is designated, it is determined whether or not there is an image on the back side of the document (step S519).
[0084]
If there is no image on the back side of the document, the process is terminated. If there is an image on the back side of the document, the document image is formed on the continuous surface of the transfer paper (step S521). Here, forming an image on the continuous surface of the transfer paper means that, for example, if an image was previously formed on the back side of the transfer paper, an image is formed on the front surface of the transfer paper this time.
[0085]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, when continuous image formation is performed on both sides of a transfer sheet with respect to an original bundle in which single-sided originals and double-sided originals are mixed, it is easily performed without reducing the copying speed. be able to.
[0086]
[Fourth Embodiment]
An image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, instead of providing the “output key” function as the key 249 of the operation unit 314 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the “all one side key” function is provided. Except for this point, the hardware configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted by using the same numbers.
[0087]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image forming process procedure according to the fourth embodiment. The same step number is attached | subjected about the same step process as the said 1st Embodiment.
[0088]
When a document is set on the ADF 500, a copy mode is set from the operation unit 314 shown in FIG. 2, and the copy key 203 is pressed, feeding of the document placed on the ADF 500 is started. While the ADF 500 feeds the document to a predetermined position on the platen glass 102, the image reading unit 550 in the ADF 500 reads the image on the back side of the document, and transfers the read image to the image memory 307 (step S501).
[0089]
Waiting for the completion of document feeding (step S502), after the document feeding is completed, the image reading unit 303 on the image forming apparatus side similarly reads the image on the surface of the document and transfers it to the image memory 307 (step S503). . At this time, the image data on both the front and back sides of the document is stored in the image memory 307.
[0090]
It is determined whether or not the all one-side mode is designated (step S522). If the single-sided all mode is not designated, an image is formed according to the designated image forming mode regardless of the presence or absence of the document image (step S527), and the process ends.
[0091]
On the other hand, if the single-sided mode is designated in step S522, the presence / absence of an image on the back side of the document is determined (step S523). If there is no image on the back side of the document, the process proceeds to step S525, which will be described later. If there is an image on the back side of the document, an image on the back side of the document is formed on the surface of the transfer paper (step S524).
[0092]
Then, it is determined whether or not there is an image on the surface of the document (step S525). If there is an image on the surface of the document, an image of the surface of the document is formed on the surface of the transfer paper (step S526), and the process ends.
[0093]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, when continuous image formation is performed on one side of a transfer sheet with respect to an original bundle in which single-sided originals and double-sided originals are mixed, it is easily performed without reducing the copying speed. be able to.
[0094]
[Fifth Embodiment]
An image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the operation unit 314 of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, no function is set for the key 249, but a function as a mode switching key for switching between the COPY mode and the FAX mode is set for the key 253. Each time the mode switching key 253 is pressed, the COPY mode and the FAX mode are switched.
[0095]
In addition to the state of the apparatus, the display screen 252 displays the number of copies, the copy magnification, and the copy paper size in the COPY mode, and the mode to be set while the copy mode is set. In the FAX mode, FAX information such as a FAX number is displayed.
[0096]
Since the configuration of the other operation unit 314 is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted by using the same number.
[0097]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. An operation unit 314, a facsimile unit 315, and a staple sorter 400 are connected to a control unit having a CPU 311, a ROM 312 and a RAM 313.
[0098]
First, in the COPY mode, after the original 301 is automatically fed to the platen glass 102 by the ADF 500 and illuminated by the lamp 103, the reflected light is condensed by the lens 303A and further imaged by the CCD sensor 304. The A / D conversion circuit 305 performs analog-digital conversion, and the digital signal is subjected to shading correction by the shading correction circuit 306 and stored in the image memory 307 as image data of a document. The image memory 307 can also store image data of a document read by an image reading unit 505 of the ADF 500 described later, and serves as a common area for storing image data on the image forming apparatus side and the ADF 500 side. .
[0099]
Next, the image recognition unit 308 recognizes the image of the document based on the image data of the document stored in the image memory 307. The image recognition unit 308 calculates the density of the image data. If the density of the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined ratio, the image recognition unit 308 determines that there is no image on the document surface.
[0100]
In the COPY mode, the CPU 311 in the control unit determines the presence / absence of the document image based on the image recognition result, and determines whether the read document image is output as it is or not to be output based on the determination result. To do.
[0101]
The image recording unit 310 is formed of a control circuit such as a motor that conveys transfer paper, a laser storage circuit unit that writes a video signal from the image editing unit 309 in the image processing unit to a photosensitive drum, and a development restriction circuit that performs development. The video signal from the image editing unit 309 in the image processing unit is stored and output as an image.
[0102]
In the FAX mode, the facsimile unit 315 connected to the communication line (telephone line) transmits the video signal from the image editing unit 309 in the image processing unit by facsimile.
[0103]
The ROM 312 stores a mode switching control processing program executed by the CPU 311 and control data. The RAM 313 is a memory in which a work area and various tables used when the CPU 311 executes the mode switching control processing program are defined.
[0104]
The ADF 500 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4). The ADF 500 is equipped with a stacking tray 510 as a first document tray on which the document bundle S is set, and the stacking tray 510 is equipped with a feeding unit constituting one part of the document feeding unit.
[0105]
In the COPY mode, the original surface is set up, and in the FAX mode, the original surface is set down. In the COPY mode, an image is read from the last page of the original, and in the FAX mode, an image is read from the first page of the original.
[0106]
This feeding means includes a half-moon roller 531, a separation and conveyance roller 532, a separation motor SPRMTR (not shown), a registration roller 535, a full belt 536, a belt motor BELTMTR (not shown), a conveyance large roller 537, and a conveyance motor. It includes a FEEDMTR (not shown), a paper discharge roller 540, a flapper 541, a recycle lever 542, a paper feed sensor ENTS, a reverse sensor TRNS, a paper discharge sensor EJTS (not shown), and the like.
[0107]
Here, the half moon roller 531 and the separation conveying roller 532 are rotated by a separation motor SPRMTR to separate the documents one by one from the lowermost portion of the document bundle S on the stacking tray 510. Further, the registration roller 535 and the entire surface belt 536 convey the original separated by rotation by the belt motor BELTMTR to the exposure position (sheet path c) of the platen glass 102 via the sheet paths a and b.
[0108]
The large conveying roller 537 is rotated by a conveying motor FEEDMTR to convey the original on the platen glass 102 from the sheet path c to the sheet path e. The document conveyed to the sheet path e is returned to the document bundle S on the stacking tray 510 by the paper discharge roller 540.
[0109]
The recycle lever 542 detects the circulation of the document. When the document feed is started, the recycle lever 542 is placed on the top of the document bundle S, the documents are sequentially fed, and the rear end of the final document is the recycle lever 542. Detects one cycle of the document by dropping by its own weight when exiting.
[0110]
In the feeding means, when a double-sided document is used, the document is once guided from the sheet paths a and b to c, and then the conveying large roller 537 is rotated and the flapper 541 is switched to guide the leading edge of the document to the sheet path d. The registration roller 535 passes the sheet path b, and then the entire surface belt 536 conveys the document to the platen glass 102 and stops the document. That is, the original is reversed along the sheet paths c to d and b.
[0111]
Note that the number of documents is counted by conveying the documents in the document bundle S one by one through the sheet paths ab to c to d until it is detected by the recycle lever 542. be able to.
[0112]
Further, in the ADF 500, a document image reading unit 550 having a function equivalent to that of the image reading unit 303 of the main body is disposed in the sheet path b, and while the document is being conveyed to the platen glass 102 in the FAX mode. After being illuminated by the lamp 551, the reflected light is condensed by the lens 552, imaged on the CCD sensor 553, then analog-digital converted by the A / D conversion circuit 554, and the digital signal is converted to the shading correction circuit 555. And is stored in the image memory 307 as image data of the original.
[0113]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a mode switching control processing procedure. First, it is determined whether or not the start key 203 has been pressed (step S551). If the start key 203 has been pressed, feeding of a document set on the ADF 500 is started (step S552).
[0114]
The ADF 500 reads the image of the document while feeding the document, and stores the image data in the image memory 307 (step S553). The ADF 500 waits until the document is transported to the image reading position and the paper feed is completed (step S554). When the paper feed is completed, it is determined whether or not it is the COPY mode (step S555).
[0115]
In the COPY mode, the original image is read by the scanner 104 on the main body side, and the image data is stored again in the image memory 307, thereby invalidating the image data read by the ADF 500 in step S553 (step S556).
[0116]
On the other hand, if it is not the COPY mode in step S555, the facsimile unit 315 transmits the image data read by the ADF 500 by facsimile (FAX) (step S557).
[0117]
It is determined whether or not the document fed by the ADF 500 is the last sheet (step S558). If it is not the last sheet, the process returns to step S552 to return to the next document while discharging the already fed document. Start feeding paper.
[0118]
On the other hand, if the document fed by the ADF 500 in step S558 is the last sheet, the document is discharged (step S559), the process returns to step S551, and the process waits until the start key is pressed again.
[0119]
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, an image of a document to be copied is read from the last page by the image reading unit 303 on the image forming apparatus side, and an image of the document to be facsimile-transmitted is ADF500. By reading from the first page with the image reading unit 550 on the side, it is not necessary to carry out wasteful document conveyance, and the document conveyance time can be shortened. Further, since it is not necessary to accumulate all the original images, the capacity of the image memory 307 for storing image data can be minimized.
[0120]
The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention by reading the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus.
[0129]
【The invention's effect】
According to the image processing apparatus of claim 1 of the present invention. ,Nothing It is not necessary to carry out a wasteful document and the document transportation time can be shortened. Further, since it is not necessary to accumulate all the original images, the capacity of the memory for storing the image data can be minimized. In this way, by providing an image reading unit also on the side of the automatic document feeder, an image can be read without requiring a large-capacity memory and without changing the document transport mode. It can be performed.
[0130]
According to the image processing apparatus of claim 2. , The speed of the P mode and the facsimile mode can be increased, and the convenience for the user can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an appearance of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus.
4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ADF 500. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming processing procedure.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming process procedure according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming process procedure according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming process procedure according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a mode switching control processing procedure.
[Explanation of symbols]
303, 550 Image reading unit
307 Image memory
311 CPU
312 ROM
314 Operation unit
500 Automatic document feeder (ADF)

Claims (2)

In an image processing apparatus that includes an automatic document feeder that feeds a document loaded on a stacking unit to a reading position, and that reads an image of the document fed to the reading position and forms it on transfer paper,
First image reading means for reading an image of the document while being fed to the reading position;
A second image reading means for reading an image of the surface of the original fed to the reading position opposite to the original surface read by the first image reading means;
A first mode in which an image is processed from the first page of the document set on the stacking unit with the document side having an image facing down; and the document set on the stacking unit with the document side having an image facing up Selecting means for selecting a second mode for processing an image from the last page of
When the first mode is selected by the selection unit, the image of the original is read by the first image reading unit, and when the second mode is selected by the selection unit, the second image reading unit An image processing apparatus comprising: a reading control unit that controls the first and second image reading units so as to read an image of a document . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the first mode when performing facsimile transmission, and selects the second mode when performing copying.

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