JP4091727B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a so-called digital image forming apparatus that inputs image data such as a document image, temporarily stores the image data, reads the image data, and forms an image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A digital type image forming apparatus capable of forming an image after inputting image data such as a document image and temporarily storing the image data in a storage unit such as a memory or a hard disk and performing various image processing is known. It has been.
[0003]
For example, in a facsimile apparatus, in order to perform processing such as memory transmission and memory copy, after inputting an image memory such as a document image, memory transmission for transmitting image data and memory copy function for copying image data (image formation) The image memory for storing a plurality of document image data is necessary.
[0004]
For example, in the case of a digital copying machine, a product capable of electronic sort processing that electronically realizes sort (booking) processing has appeared, and an image memory for storing a plurality of document image data is necessary. is there. Here, the electronic sort processing means that when a plurality of copies of a plurality of documents are copied, when inputting a document image, the image data of each of the plurality of documents is sequentially stored in a storage unit such as a memory or a hard disk, The stored image data is sequentially read at the time of image formation, and this reading process is repeated in a predetermined order by a predetermined number of copies, and the sorting process can be performed without the conventional sorter mechanism.
[0005]
However, the storage capacity that can be stored in the storage unit is physically limited. When image data is temporarily stored, if the process of reading the image data exceeding the storage capacity is attempted, the capacity is exceeded during the process (so-called memory full state). ), The image forming process or the like cannot be continued, or the image data stored so far may be wasted.
[0006]
Further, when inputting image data to the apparatus, if the image data is stored as it is, a large-capacity image memory is required. Therefore, it is a general practice not to store the image data as it is, but to temporarily compress the image data and store it in the image memory, and expand (restore) it in accordance with the processing to form an image.
[0007]
As a method for compressing image data, there are many methods for improving the compression efficiency by utilizing the correlation between each pixel, and a representative one is a two-dimensional method using the correlation between lines. As an encoding method, there is an MMR encoding method. The MMR encoding method encodes a change pixel on the encoding line based on the change pixel of the immediately preceding line (reference line).
[0008]
In particular, when compressing and storing image data, various compression methods, such as those with a high compression ratio but a long time for compression, and conversely those with a low compression ratio but a short time for compression, etc. There is a method.
[0009]
In this way, even when image data is temporarily stored, the storage capacity required varies greatly depending on conditions such as whether or not to compress, compression method, number of pixels, black and white, and color. In addition, it is difficult for the user to recognize exactly how much image data can be stored, and it is difficult to accurately recognize the remaining storage capacity. It is possible to use the storage capacity appropriately and efficiently, causing the memory capacity to be exceeded on the way, or conversely, the remaining storage capacity is large, but there is not enough room and reading is abandoned. There is a problem that it is difficult.
[0010]
Therefore, although the application fields are different, there is a conventional technique described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-85176, and recording is possible even if the recording length per image changes depending on the mode in which the image data is stored in the storage unit. In an image file device that inputs information such as images and stores them in a write-once recording medium and files the images for the purpose of grasping the remaining number of images, an image that can be stored in the image data length from the remaining storage capacity An image file device that can calculate and display the remaining number of images is disclosed.
[0011]
Further, as a conventional technique, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-122408 discloses that when the image data storage memory overflows at the time of electronic sorting in order to ensure electronic sorting regardless of the number of documents and the number of copies, the data is already stored in the memory. An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which the image data is output and copied, and the remaining document is copied as it is without going through the memory.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the one described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-85176, the remaining number of images that can be stored in the image memory can be displayed. However, depending on the type of the image, the compression efficiency is deteriorated and the memory becomes full, which is desired. The copy process cannot be performed.
[0013]
Furthermore, a method of preventing the memory from becoming full by comparing the remaining number of sheets with the number of documents to be read can be considered, but it is extremely troublesome to start the reading operation after counting all the number of documents. Conversely, if the scanning operation is started without counting the number of documents when the number of documents is large, the memory becomes full on the way as described above, and the data already read up to that point must be released and the scanning operation must be performed again. The problem of not becoming.
[0014]
In the case of the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-122408, when the image memory is full, the copying operation can be performed without going through the memory. Since an automatic document feeder is required, the apparatus becomes complicated and large, and it is disadvantageous in terms of cost.
[0015]
Furthermore, when storing compressed image data, it is possible to select a compression method according to the application. However, the maximum compression that can be stored in the image memory depends on the compression efficiency of each compression method. There is a problem that the number of sheets (apparent remaining storage capacity) changes. Therefore, if the user cannot recognize the apparent remaining storage capacity that changes depending on the compression method, an appropriate compression method cannot be selected, and the storage unit cannot be used efficiently. For example, when the number of originals is large, depending on the image forming mode, the image cannot be stored in the image memory, the image cannot be formed, or a sufficient memory capacity remains, but the compression method requires a high compression ratio and requires processing time. There is a problem of selecting.
[0016]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to efficiently store image data and to specify the amount of data that can be stored. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that does not waste read data even if the memory becomes full during input.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a document image Read Image input means, and the image input means For each scanned original Image data from multiple compression formats Arbitrarily Data compression means for compressing in one of the selected compression formats, compressed data storage means for storing the compressed image data, data restoration means for restoring the stored compressed image data, and restored image An image forming apparatus for image forming data,
By image input means For one scanned original image The image data is compressed by the data compression means. Arbitrarily selected Compressed in compression format After Image data compression efficiency and the compressed data storage means Current amount of remaining memory A stored number calculating means for calculating the number of documents that can be stored in the compressed data storing means based on the remaining storage capacity; Storable in the compressed data storage means Boundary value storage means for storing the boundary value of the number of sheets,
The image input means With the original images of multiple originals being read sequentially, Of the original image 1 sheet But Read Every To the compressed data storage means Memorable Manuscript When the number of sheets is calculated and the calculation result falls below the boundary value, With image input means Stop reading the original image, All of the compressed image data stored in the compressed data storage means; An image forming apparatus comprising a control means for starting image formation.
[0018]
Further, the present invention provides a notifying means for notifying the user of the calculation result of the stored number calculating means, and when the calculation result falls below the boundary value, interrupts reading of the original image and starts image formation or reads the original. Selection operation means for allowing the user to select whether to continue the operation.
[0019]
Further, the present invention provides an image-formed image data stored in the compressed data storage means after forming an image based on the image data stored until the calculation result of the stored number calculation means falls below the boundary value. The remaining document image may be stored in the compressed data storage means and image formation may be continued.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, a case where a digital copying machine 30 is employed as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. An embodiment in which a digital copying machine adopting an electrophotographic system as an image forming apparatus is applied to the present invention will be described below, but the image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied is not limited thereto. Alternatively, for example, another image forming method such as an ink jet method or a thermal transfer method, or a facsimile machine instead of a digital copying machine may be used.
[0026]
The main body of the digital copying machine 30 is roughly composed of a scanner unit 31 as an image input unit and a laser recording unit 32 as an image forming unit. First, the scanner unit 31 includes a document placing table 35 made of transparent glass, and a double-sided automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RADF: Recirculating Automatic Document Feeder) for automatically feeding and conveying the document onto the document placing table 35. 36) and a document image reading unit for scanning and reading an image of the document placed on the document placement table 35, that is, a scanner unit 40.
[0027]
The document image read by the scanner unit 31 is sent as image data to an image data input unit described later, and predetermined image processing is performed on the image data.
[0028]
The RADF 36 is a device that sets a plurality of documents at once on a document tray (not shown) provided, and automatically feeds the set documents one by one onto the document placement table of the scanner unit. is there.
[0029]
Further, the RADF 36 passes through a conveyance path for a single-sided document, a conveyance path for a double-sided document, a conveyance path switching unit, and each unit so that the scanner unit 40 reads one side or both sides of the document according to an operator's selection. It is composed of a sensor group that grasps and manages the state of the document, a control unit, and the like. Since many applications and commercialization of this RADF 36 have been made, further explanation will be omitted.
[0030]
A scanner unit 40 that constitutes a scanner unit 31 for reading an image of a document on the document table 35 includes a lamp reflector assembly 41 that exposes the document surface, and a photoelectric conversion element (CCD: Charge) that reflects a reflected light image from the document. -Coupled Devices) The first scanning unit 40a on which the first reflecting mirror 42a for reflecting the reflected light from the original to be guided to the (Coupled Devices) and the reflected light image from the first scanning unit 40a are guided to the CCD. A second scanning unit 40b on which the second and third reflecting mirrors 42b and 42c are mounted, and an optical lens 43 for forming a reflected light image from the original on the CCD via each of the reflecting mirrors described above. , And the above-described CCD 44 for converting the reflected light image from the document into an electrical image signal.
[0031]
The scanner unit 31 moves the scanner unit 40 along the lower surface of the document placing table 35 while sequentially placing the document to be read on the document placing table 35 by the operation related to the RADF 36 and the scanner unit 40. It is configured to read an image.
[0032]
In particular, the first scanning unit 40a travels from the left to the right along the document placement table at a constant speed V, and the second scanning unit 40b is parallel to the speed V at a speed of V / 2 in the same direction. The scanning is controlled. As a result, the image of the document placed on the document placement table 35 is sequentially formed on the CCD element 44 for each line, and the image is read.
[0033]
Image data obtained by reading a document image with the scanner unit 40 is sent to an image processing unit to be described later, subjected to various processes, temporarily stored in the memory of the image processing unit, and according to an output instruction. The image in the memory is read out, transferred to the laser recording unit 32, and recorded and reproduced as an image on the recording sheet P.
[0034]
Next, the laser recording unit 32, which is an image forming unit, is composed of, for example, a sheet conveying system that is a recording material on which an image is recorded, a laser writing unit 46, and an electrophotographic process unit 47 for forming an image. .
[0035]
The laser writing unit 46 is a semiconductor laser light source that emits laser light in accordance with image data read from the memory after being read by the scanner unit 40 described above or image data transferred from an external device. A polygon mirror that deflects the angular velocity, an f-θ lens that corrects the laser beam deflected at the uniform angular velocity so as to be deflected at a uniform angular velocity on the photosensitive drum 48 constituting the electrophotographic process unit 47, and the like. .
[0036]
The electrophotographic process unit 47 includes a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, a peeling device, a cleaning device, and a static eliminator around a known photosensitive drum 48.
[0037]
On the other hand, the sheet conveyance system is selected as the supply conveyance unit 33 for supplying and conveying the sheet P to the transfer position where the transfer unit is arranged in the electrophotographic process unit 47 that performs the image formation described above, and the supply conveyance unit 33. Cassette sheet feeding devices 51, 52, and 53 for sequentially feeding sheets P sequentially (these constitute a multi-stage sheet feeding unit 50), and a manual sheet feeding device 54 for feeding sheets of a required size as appropriate. A fixing device 49 for fixing an image formed on the sheet P after the transfer, particularly a toner image, and a resupply for resupplying the sheet P to form an image again on the back surface of the sheet P after the fixing. And a conveyance path 55.
[0038]
A post-processing device 34 that receives a sheet P on which an image is recorded and performs a predetermined process on the sheet P is disposed on the left side of the drawing of the apparatus downstream of the fixing device 49.
[0039]
The digital copying machine 30 configured as described above stores an image of an original in the image memory as image data by the scanner unit 31 and is read from the image memory by the laser writing unit 46 and the electrophotographic process unit 47. The obtained image data is formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 by scanning the laser beam with the laser writing unit 46, and the toner images visualized with the toner are the paper feeding devices 51 to 54. Is electrostatically transferred and fixed onto the sheet P conveyed from either of the above.
[0040]
The sheet P on which the image is formed in this manner is guided again to the electrophotographic process unit 47 through the refeed conveyance paths 55 and 56 if the image is to be formed again on the back surface, and the apparatus is left in the state as it is. In the case of discharging to the outside, the sheet is guided from the fixing device 49 to the post-processing device 34 through the paper discharge roller 57, and a predetermined post-processing is performed on the sheet P after image formation as necessary.
[0041]
Next, the configuration and function of an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the read image data in the digital copying machine 30 will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram of various units and image processing units constituting the digital copying machine 30 of FIG. 1, and a main central processing unit (CPU) 401 located substantially at the center. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which operation management is performed while cooperating with a sub central processing unit (CPU) mounted for each unit unit.
[0043]
As can be seen from this block diagram, an operation panel board 100 for managing and controlling the operation panel 103 located substantially at the upper right of the drawing and a machine control for managing and controlling each unit constituting the digital copying machine 30 located at the upper left of the drawing. A board 200, a CCD board 300 that electrically reads a document image located substantially at the lower left of the drawing and uses it as electronic data, and a document image converted into electronic data by the CCD board 300 located substantially in the center of the drawing A main image processing board 400 that performs image processing, a sub image processing board 500 that further performs predetermined image processing on image information processed by the main image processing board 400, and the sub image board that is positioned substantially at the lower right of the drawing. Other expansion board group 60 connected to the image processing board 500 via an interface (Printer board 601, function expansion board 602) and a like. The contents managed and controlled for each board will be described below.
[0044]
(Operation panel board)
The operation panel board 100 is basically controlled by the sub CPU 101, is arranged on the operation panel 103, and displays a display screen of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit 104 corresponding to notification means and selection operation means, and various modes. It manages the operation input from the operation key group 105 for inputting an instruction regarding the operation.
[0045]
A memory 102 for storing various control information on the operation panel 103 such as data input from the operation key group 105 and information to be displayed on the LCD display unit 104 is provided.
[0046]
In this configuration, the sub CPU 101 performs control data communication with the main CPU 401 and instructs the digital copying machine 30 to operate. Also, the control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copying machine 30 is transferred from the main CPU 401 to the sub CPU 101, so that the operator can determine what state the apparatus is currently in via the LCD display unit 104 of the operation panel 103. The status is displayed.
[0047]
The LCD display unit 104 of the operation panel 105 is configured by a touch panel method, and corresponds to the notification unit and the selection operation unit of the present invention.
[0048]
(Machine control board)
The machine control board 200 is entirely controlled by the sub CPU 201 and reads an original image by an automatic document feeder 203 (corresponding to the RADF 36 in FIG. 1) such as RADF (ADF: Automatic Document Feeder). A reading scanner unit 204 (corresponding to the scanner unit 31 in FIG. 1), a process unit 205 for reproducing image information as an image (corresponding to the electrophotographic process unit 47 in FIG. 1), and a sheet on which an image is recorded from the storage unit A sheet feeding / conveying unit 206 (corresponding to the sheet feeding devices 51 to 54 in FIG. 1) that sequentially conveys the sheet toward the process unit, reverses the sheet on which the image is recorded, and forms a sheet on both sides of the sheet. A double-sided unit 207 (corresponding to the refeed conveyance path 55) that reversely conveys paper, and performs post-processing such as stapling on the paper on which the image is recorded Inissha 208 (corresponding to the post-processing apparatus 34 in FIG. 1) manages the like.
[0049]
The automatic document feeder 203 and the finisher 208 are provided with sub CPUs 203a and 208a, respectively, for performing control data communication with the sub CPU 201, reducing wiring with the sub CPU 201, and reducing the burden of control. I am letting.
[0050]
(CCD board)
The CCD board 300 includes a CCD 301 for electrically reading a document image (corresponding to the CCD 44 in FIG. 1), a circuit (CCD G / A: CCD Gate Array) 302 for driving the CCD 301, and analog data output from the CCD 301. An analog circuit 303 that performs gain adjustment and the like, and an A / D converter (analog to digital converter) 304 that converts the analog output of the CCD 301 into a digital signal and outputs it as electronic data, are controlled by the main CPU 401. ing.
[0051]
(Main image processing board)
The main image processing board 400 is controlled by the main CPU 401, and based on the electronic data of the original image sent from the CCD board 300, shading correction, so that the gradation of the image can be expressed in a desired state. A multivalued image processing unit 402 that performs processing in the state of multivalued image data such as density correction, region separation, filter processing, MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) correction, resolution conversion, electronic zoom (magnification processing), and gamma correction, Memory 403 that stores various control information such as processed image data or processing procedure management, and data transfer control to the laser writing unit 46 side to reproduce an image with the processed image information Laser control 404 and the like. The CPUs 101, 201, 203a, 208a, 401 correspond to the control means and the stored number calculation means of the present invention.
[0052]
(Sub image processing board)
The sub image processing board 500 is connected to the main image processing board 400 by a connector, and is controlled by the main CPU 401 on the main image processing board 400. The binary image processing unit 501, binary image information subjected to image processing, or A memory G / A 502 for storing and managing processing control information and the like, a memory G / A 502 for controlling the memory, a plurality of document image information are stored and managed, and a plurality of document images are repeatedly read out in the desired number of copies. A hard disk (Hard Disk) for realizing electronic sort processing for generating a copy of the hard disk, a G / A 503 for controlling the hard disk, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) as an external interface, and a G / A 504 for controlling the SCSI Is done. Here, the main CPU 401 and the G / A 503 for controlling the hard disk and the hard disk constitute the electronic sorting means of the present invention. Further, the memories 102, 202, 403, 502, 503, and 601 constitute the compressed data storage means of the present invention.
[0053]
The binary image processing unit 501 described above is a processing unit that converts multi-valued image information into a binary image, a processing unit that rotates an image, and a binary scaling (zoom) process that performs scaling processing of a binary image. And a compression / expansion unit that compresses / decompresses image data and constitutes a data compression unit and a data restoration unit, and further includes a fax interface so that a fax image can be transmitted / received via a communication unit. .
[0054]
(Expansion board group)
The expansion board group 600 includes a printer board 601 for enabling data sent from a network-connected personal computer or portable information terminal to be output as a printer mode from the process unit 205 of the digital copying machine 30, a digital copying machine And a function expansion board 602 for effectively utilizing the features of the digital copying machine. Although not shown in the figure, a facsimile board for controlling fax transmission / reception with the outside may be provided.
In the following, the image processing apparatus of the digital copying machine 30 will be described in more detail with respect to copying, processing of image data as a printer mode, and flow of image data.
[0055]
(Copy mode)
Documents set at predetermined positions on the RADF 36 of the digital copying machine 30 are sequentially supplied one by one onto the document placement table 35 of the scanner unit 40, and images of the documents are sequentially read by the configuration of the scanner unit 40 described above. (Input) and transferred to the main image processing board 400 as 8-bit electronic data.
The 8-bit electronic data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing on the multi-value image processing unit 402 as 8-bit electronic image data. The 8-bit electronic image data is subjected to processing such as gamma correction and sent to the laser writing unit 46 via the laser control 404.
[0056]
As a result, the document image read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 30 is output from the laser recording unit 32 as a copy image having gradation.
[0057]
(Electronic RDH function and electronic sort function in copy mode)
Similarly, the originals set at predetermined positions of the RADF 36 of the digital copying machine 30 are sequentially supplied one by one onto the original placement table 35 of the scanner unit 40, and the images of the originals are sequentially supplied according to the configuration of the scanner unit 40 described above. It is read and transferred to the main image processing board 400 as 8-bit electronic data.
[0058]
The 8-bit electronic data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing on the multi-value image processing unit 402 as 8-bit electronic image data. The 8-bit electronic image data is then sent from the connector 405 on the main image processing board 400 side to the sub image processing board 500 side via the connector 505 on the sub image processing board 500 side, and a binary image processing unit. The multi-value binary conversion unit 501 converts 8-bit electronic image data into 2-bit electronic image data together with processing such as error diffusion.
[0059]
The reason why 8-bit electronic image data is converted into 2-bit electronic image data including processing such as error diffusion is that there is a problem in image quality just by performing multi-value binary conversion. This is because consideration is given to reducing deterioration in image quality. The reason why the 8-bit electronic image data is converted into 2-bit electronic image data is that the storage capacity of the image is taken into consideration. The 2-bit electronic image data converted in this way is the hard disk 503 or the memory 502 (preferably the memory 502, which is a compressed data storage unit) for each original document, but the other memories 102, 202, 403, and 601. And the storage management is temporarily performed.
[0060]
When all of the originals set on the RADF 36 of the digital copying machine 30 are read, the gate array control is performed after the 2-bit electronic image data stored in the hard disk 503 is decompressed temporarily and decompressed. The two-bit electronic image data read out by the number of copies designated by the above is sent to the main image processing board 400 through the connectors 405 and 505 again, and subjected to processing such as gamma correction and laser control. It is sent to a laser writing unit (LSU) 46 via 404.
[0061]
In the above description, a case has been described in which all the original group images have been read and then the image group is repeatedly read by the desired number of copies. For example, the first copy of the image output is a stage where a predetermined number of images have been prepared. It is also possible to configure so as to output sequentially.
[0062]
As a result, the document image read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 30 is output from the laser recording unit 32 as a copy image having gradation.
[0063]
(Printer mode)
An image sent from an external device connected to a network such as a personal computer is developed on the board 601 as a page unit image on the printer board 601, and then temporarily passes from the SCSI 504 as an interface to the sub image processing board 500 side. The data is transferred and stored in a memory such as the hard disk 503.
[0064]
Note that an image developed as a page image on the printer board 601 is sent to the sub-image processing board 500 side, but binary image processing is not performed on the page image, but only temporarily stored in the hard disk 503. Also, when a page image once stored is read from the hard disk 503, binary image processing is not performed on the page image.
[0065]
Next, the image information temporarily stored in the hard disk 503 is sent to the main image processing board 400 while being read from the hard disk 503 so as to be in a predetermined page order, and is subjected to gamma correction. The image writing is controlled to reproduce the above.
[0066]
(Explanation of operation panel)
FIG. 3 is an external view of an operation panel in the digital copying machine 30. An embodiment in which a touch panel type LCD display unit is employed as the LCD display unit 104 described above will be described below.
[0067]
In FIG. 3, a touch panel liquid crystal display device (LCD display unit) 104, which is a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, is disposed at a substantially central portion of the operation panel 103, and an operation key group 105 is disposed on the right side. Has been.
[0068]
As shown in the figure, the operation key group 105 includes a ten key group 16 for setting numerical values such as the number of copies, and a clear key 17 for clearing setting contents such as the number of copies and interrupting continuous copying in the middle. A start key 18 for instructing the start of a copy operation, etc., an all cancel key 19 for canceling all the set modes and returning to the standard state, and copying for another document during continuous copying For example, an interrupt key 20 for instructing interrupt processing when the user wants to perform the operation, and a copy printer switching key for switching between the copy processing mode and the printer processing mode in the digital copying machine 30.
[0069]
As will be described later, since the LCD display unit 104 is a touch panel system, a key corresponding to an operation status, a setting status, or the like can be displayed in the LCD display unit 104 and the key can be pressed directly.
[0070]
That is, a screen switching instruction area for switching to a setting screen for setting various conditions is provided on the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 104 when selecting an image editing function or setting conditions for printing. By directly pressing with a finger or the like, various image editing functions are displayed in a list, and various image editing functions can be selected. Next, the editing function is set by touching or pressing an area where the function desired by the operator is displayed with a finger or the like from among the various editing functions displayed.
[0071]
Note that the arrangement and types of the operation panel and various keys described above are merely illustrative of one embodiment, and the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on various functions mounted on the digital copying machine 30. It goes without saying.
[0072]
(Explanation about display screen)
Next, the display screen will be described below by taking the operation in the copy mode in the digital copying machine having the above-described configuration as an example.
[0073]
First, when the copy mode is selected, the top screen on the LCD display unit 104 is displayed as shown in FIG. The screen display area of the LCD display unit 104 is roughly divided into a message display area 22 located at the uppermost part in the figure, a copy number display area 23 located at the upper right part in the figure, and a mode display area 24 located at the upper left part in the figure. The external view display area 25 located on the left side of the figure, the finished form display area 26 located on the right side of the figure, and the setting key display area 27.
[0074]
A message for the user is displayed in the message display area 22, the set number of copies is displayed in the copy number display area and the remaining amount is displayed when the copy process is executed, and the mode display area 24 is displayed in the mode display area 24. The currently set mode (copy mode, printer mode) is displayed.
[0075]
In the external view display area 25, the apparatus main body of the digital copying machine 30, installed options, for example, RADF 36, post-processing apparatus 34 (sorter, finisher), refeed conveyance path 55 (double-sided tray), multi-stage sheet feeding unit 50 (Multi-stage desk) etc. are displayed as an external view. Here, in each tray of the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 50, the sheet (paper) type (thick paper, OHP sheet, etc.), size (A series, size in B series, etc.), set direction (vertical, horizontal, etc.) Is displayed, and the tray that is the discharge destination of the sheet printed under the current setting conditions is displayed active so that it can be distinguished from other trays (for example, as shown in FIG. It is displayed with a thicker line than the other tray, so it can be distinguished from other trays).
[0076]
The finished form display area 26 is displayed for visually recognizing the setting conditions set by condition keys to be described later, which can be expressed in a diagram, and the output result is displayed in any form. The user can know in advance whether this is the case, and it is possible to prevent problems such as output with incorrect settings.
[0077]
The setting key display area 27 displays condition keys and setting items for setting printing conditions (output conditions) and changing settings. That is, the setting key display area is roughly divided into a setting content display line 28 that displays the current setting content that is positioned in the upper row and is set by the user, and a setting item that is positioned in the lower row and is set by the user. A setting item display line 29 is displayed at the lower end of the LCD display unit 104.
[0078]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the setting item display line 29 corresponds to mode selection means. From the left side, a size selection key 29a, a magnification selection key 29b, a density selection key 29c, a single-sided surface copy key 29d, and a post-processing key 29e, sorting key 29f, and special function key 29g are arranged in this order. In the setting content display line 28, the size selection is APS, the magnification selection is 100%, and the density selection is AE (corresponding to each setting item). Auto exposure), no post-processing, no sorting, and no special function.
[0079]
In the above-described first screen, when changing the setting conditions, the settings related to paper size selection, magnification selection, and density setting are switched by operating the condition keys. Desired conditions can be selected and set.
[0080]
(First embodiment of the present invention)
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As described above, in the digital copying machine 30, an image read by the scanner unit 31 is stored in a storage unit such as the hard disk 503 or the memory 502, and the output order of the stored image data is controlled, whereby a plurality of images are read. The electronic sort function (electronic RDH (Recirculating Document Handler) function) for electronically copying the original document in an arbitrary number of copies is realized.
[0081]
At this time, the read data is not stored as it is, but the read data is compressed and stored by the image compression / decompression unit in the binary image processing unit 501 in FIG. Can be used. The original image is compressed by a compression method such as the MMR (Modified Modified READ) method or the JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image Expert Group) method proposed as an international standard proposal as a binary image encoding method. By temporarily storing the data in the storage unit and manipulating the image output order, copy sets corresponding to the set number of copies are output in order, and an electronic sorting operation can be realized.
[0082]
In the present embodiment, the CPU 401 or the like calculates and inputs how many pieces of image data can be stored (stored) based on the remaining storage capacity (hereinafter abbreviated as the remaining memory amount) and the compression efficiency. Depending on the comparison result between the remaining number of image data and the calculated storable number, a message or the like is displayed in the message display area 22 to notify the user. That is, strictly speaking, the compression efficiency changes for each image, but the number of sheets is displayed assuming the compression efficiency as a guide for calculating the number of sheets.
[0083]
In the present embodiment, when the image forming mode (density selection) is the character mode, the compression is performed by the MMR method using the run length, while in the case of the photo mode, the arithmetic coding method is used. You may make it compress by a good JBIG system.
[0084]
The MMR compression method is capable of high-speed processing by compressing / decompressing in units of one line. However, the compression efficiency is lower than that of the JBIG method. Yes. On the other hand, the JBIG method has relatively good compression efficiency and is suitable for compressing / decompressing binary images with shading as in the photo mode, etc., but since processing is performed in units of blocks, the time required for compression / decompression It becomes longer than the MMR method.
[0085]
Although the MMR method and the JBIG method have been described as compression methods, the compression method applicable in the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that other compression methods can be applied in the same manner. Absent.
[0086]
First, when the total number of dots when an A4 size document (297 mm × 210 mm) is read at 600 dpi (dot per inch) with a binary limit is calculated, ((297 / 25.4) × 600) × ((210/25 .4 × 600)) = 7015 × 4960 dots. Further, when this total number of dots is converted into the number of bytes, it becomes (7015 × 4960) /8=4.349 MB, and if there is no compression, this value becomes the necessary amount of memory as it is. If the cutout size is defined as A4 and the resolution is set to 600 dpi by limiting to two values, the capacity does not change, and the capacity further increases when the value is other than binary.
[0087]
Here, if the compression efficiency is automatically estimated to be 33%, as described above, a memory capacity (area) of about 4.35 MB is required without compression, so if the remaining memory capacity is 32 MB, (32 /4.35)/0.33=about 22 sheets, and this number is displayed in the message display area 22 of FIG. 4 to display “22 more sheets can be electronically sorted” to notify the user. The remaining storage capacity of each storage unit may be ascertained sequentially when reading and writing data.
[0088]
Further, as the reading process further proceeds, the display content may be dynamically rewritten by calculating the number of memory storable sheets based on the compression efficiency at each time. This makes it possible to check the remaining memory amount of the storage unit and the number of originals that can be read, which change from moment to moment, and avoid the inconvenience of generating memory full only by the initial display.
[0089]
In the above description, the compression efficiency is estimated to be 33%. However, even if the estimated compression efficiency is estimated to a value other than this, the compression efficiency changes, so that the number of documents that can be electronically sorted varies. Needless to say. Further, it is preferable to display to the user, but not only that, but in some cases, a speaker or the like may be connected to the apparatus and notified by voice or the like.
[0090]
Next, when the calculated storable number of sheets (corresponding to the remaining number of sheets of the present invention) becomes smaller than the specific number of sheets (corresponding to the boundary value of the present invention), the LCD display unit 104 displays “the number of documents that can be electronically sorted. Now that there are about 3 sheets, do you want to start printing now?
[0091]
If YES (= 1) is selected with the numeric keypad group 16, the original reading operation is interrupted, image formation is started, and image formation is performed for the set number of image data stored in the storage unit. Release (discard or clear) the image data stored in. On the other hand, if NO (= 2) is selected, the reading of the original is continued, and the display of the number of storable sheets is updated after the reading.
[0092]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing contents according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, when reading of a document is started in the process of S501 (hereinafter abbreviated as S501), it is determined in S502 whether the image forming mode (density selection) designated by the user is the character mode. If the character mode is selected (Y in S502), compression is performed by the MMR method in S503, while if not in the character mode (N in S502), compression by the JBIG method is performed in S504. Do.
[0093]
In step S505, completion of the compression process is waited. When the compression process is completed (Y in step S505), the compression efficiency M is obtained in step S506, and the number of originals (remaining number of sheets) N that can be stored with the current remaining memory amount is calculated. To do. If it is determined in S507 that N is smaller than the boundary value (4 in the present embodiment), the storage unit may become full of memory. In S508, “the number of originals that can be electronically sorted is about N. Do you want to start printing 1. YES 2. NO ”is displayed and a message prompting the user to print is displayed.
[0094]
On the other hand, if N ≧ 5 and N is larger than the boundary value 4 (in the case of N in S507), the process proceeds to S509 to display “The number of originals that can be electronically sorted is about N.” Display only the number of images that can be stored.
[0095]
When the user selects “YES” in the messages of S508 and S510, the reading of the original is interrupted and then printing is started (S511). Although not shown, the original can be read again after the printing is completed. It is displayed and it moves on to the next processing.
[0096]
By controlling as described above, it is possible to notify the user in advance in an easy-to-understand manner that the memory is full by electronic sorting, so the image memory becomes full and the read image is discarded, and the copy operation is performed. It is possible to avoid problems that cannot be completed in advance. In addition, it is possible to flexibly cope with a copy operation by appropriately changing the optimum image quality mode, or by canceling the copy operation while avoiding memory full according to the remaining memory capacity.
[0097]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the type of the original to be read is only A4 has been described. However, even if the image forming mode is set, the type of the original is not A4 but an original of another size such as A3 or B5. It may be changed. Therefore, the information to be notified to the user is not only the number of documents themselves but also the size of the document, but it is converted by a reference document size (for example, A4) and the like (how many sheets) the storage capacity is. What is necessary is to notify the back calculation from the compression efficiency.
[0098]
In addition to the size of the original, the storage capacity required for reading one original varies depending on various conditions such as resolution, black and white, and color. By displaying these conditions together in the message display area, Detailed conditions can also be recognized, and the storage capacity that can be accurately stored can be recognized.
[0099]
Further, a document size detecting means is disposed on the document table of the RADF 36, and the size of the placed document is detected and the number of documents that can be stored is displayed based on the document size. If the number of documents that can be stored is displayed according to the document size specified by the user, the number of documents that can be stored changes according to the detected size, and the number of documents that can be stored is accurately recognized. can do.
[0100]
Furthermore, the storable data amount to be notified to the user is preferably the number of documents, but is not limited to this, and it is only necessary to be able to specifically notify the user of the storable data amount. .
[0101]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 4 is set as the boundary value to be compared in S507, but the boundary value may be a value other than 4, or the boundary value may be set and changed. Of course, when the boundary value is equal (for example, the boundary value is 3) or below the boundary value (for example, the boundary value is 3), the process may proceed to S508 or S509. is there.
[0102]
(Second embodiment of the present invention)
In this embodiment, when the storage unit is in a memory full state or a state close to the memory full, image formation is first performed on the document image data for the number of sheets stored so far, and when the image formation is completed, The image data stored in the storage unit is released (abandoned, overwritten with other data, other data can be overwritten, etc.), and subsequent document image data is stored in the storage unit after release, Image formation relating to image data is performed, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining the present embodiment.
[0103]
First, when reading of a document is started in S601, it is determined in S602 whether the image forming mode designated by the user is the character mode. If the character mode is selected (Y in S602). In the case of (2), compression by the MMR method is performed in S603, while when not in the character mode (in the case of N in S602), compression by the JBIG method is performed in S604.
[0104]
In step S605, the process waits for completion of the compression process. When the compression process is completed (Y in step S505), the compression efficiency M is obtained in step S506, and the number of originals (the number of remaining sheets) N that can be stored with the current remaining memory amount is calculated. To do. In S607, it is determined whether or not the memory is full (memory full). If the memory is not full (N in S607), it is determined that the original can be continuously read, and the process proceeds to S609. Then, a message indicating the number N of storable sheets is displayed as “The number of originals that can be electronically sorted is about N.”
[0105]
On the other hand, if it is detected in S607 that the memory is full (at least the data for one more sheet cannot be stored), in S608, “Memory is full. Electronic sorting is not possible. 1. “YES 2. Cancel” is displayed, and a message is displayed to the user to indicate that the user is full and at the same time whether or not to form an image for the current read image.
[0106]
If 1 (YES) is selected in S610, electronic sorting is performed with the set number of copies on the current read image in S611, and image formation (printing) is started. At the same time, the message “The memory is full. When the image formation for the set number of copies is completed in S613 (in the case of Y in S613), the memory portion which has become unnecessary after printing is released is released in S614, and “electronic sorting is incomplete. The message indicating that the electronic sort has not been completed is displayed, and a message prompting to read the remaining manuscript is displayed.
[0107]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a loading situation when a copy (image formation result) completed by continuation of image formation (job) after the memory is full is discharged in the present embodiment.
[0108]
If the total number of originals is P, and memory full occurs in the nth (<P) th original, first, the first to (n-1) th copies are set on the paper discharge tray as the set number M. Copies, sorts, and is ejected. Therefore, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 8, specifically, (1,..., N-1) (1, 1,. ..., n-1) x M parts are to be placed.
[0109]
After the entire number is discharged, reading of the remaining originals is resumed. When reading of all the originals is completed, copying is resumed, and the remaining n to P copies are discharged by the set number M. Therefore, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 8, specifically, (n,..., P) of (n,. Only M parts are placed.
[0110]
By controlling in this way, even if the memory becomes full when electronic sorting is performed, the remaining job can be continued without releasing the read image data. Electronic sorting can be performed and accurate copy work can be realized.
[0111]
In this embodiment, the memory fullness is detected in S607 of FIG. 6. However, when the boundary value is determined and becomes smaller than the boundary value as in S507 (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment, S608 is executed. Alternatively, the process may proceed to S609.
[0112]
(Third embodiment of the present invention)
In the second embodiment, when the above-described job division is performed in the second embodiment, a copy group (image formation result) before the memory is full and a copy group (image formation result) restarted after the memory is full are displayed. As distinguished, the separator sheet is discharged to be inserted.
[0113]
Here, the separation sheet may be any sheet that can be distinguished from the discharged sheet after image formation. For example, sheets with different appearances such as size, hue, or thickness may be discharged, and even if the same type of sheet is used, titles or marks that can be easily distinguished from the discharged sheets are printed, or the discharge direction May be changed (for example, from vertical to horizontal).
[0114]
In the present embodiment, in S614 in FIG. 7, the processing contents are shown in a description method in which a separator sheet is inserted when electronic sorting of a document read before full is completed.
[0115]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the discharge state of a completed copy by continuing the job after full as in FIG. 8. When the total number of originals is P, the memory full is n (< When the error occurs in the P) th original, first, the first to (n-1) th copies are copied and sorted by the set number of copies M and discharged to the discharge tray. Therefore, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 9, specifically, only (1,..., N-1) (1, 1,. ..., n-1) x M parts are to be placed.
[0116]
Thereafter, in order to distinguish each job, a separator sheet is fed from a designated paper feed tray and discharged. As described above, as long as the sheets are of the same type, characters, patterns, marks, etc. for distinguishing may be printed.
[0117]
After the separator sheet is discharged, reading of the remaining originals is resumed. When reading of all the originals is completed, copying is resumed, and the remaining n to P copies are discharged by the set number M. Therefore, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 9, specifically, (n,..., P) of (n,. Only M parts are placed.
[0118]
By controlling in this way, even if the memory becomes full when electronic sorting is performed, the remaining jobs can be continued without releasing the read image data. Since the sorting of the copies becomes easy, electronic sorting can be performed more reliably, and an accurate copy work can be realized.
[0119]
The above is the description of each embodiment of the present invention. However, each embodiment may be implemented independently, and of course, a part or all of each embodiment may be combined.
[0120]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention includes a control unit that calculates the remaining number of sheets that can be stored each time an original image is read, and interrupts reading of the original image and starts image formation when the calculation result falls below a boundary value. Because of the feature, even when the remaining memory amount is lost in the storage unit, it is possible to avoid the problem that the reading of the document image is continued and the read image data is wasted.
[0121]
Further, the present invention provides a notification means for notifying the user of the calculation result of the stored number calculation means, and when the calculation result falls below the boundary value, interrupts reading of the original image and starts image formation or continues reading of the original. And a selection operation means for the user to select and display the change of the processing method based on the calculated storable number, and the electronic sort is continued at the user's discretion. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to determine whether or not the image is formed, and thus it is possible to realize an accurate and error-free image forming process and to input data while sequentially checking the number of sheets that can be electronically sorted.
[0122]
Further, the present invention releases the image-formed image data stored in the compressed data storage means after forming an image based on the image data stored until the calculation result of the stored number calculation means falls below the boundary value. Since the remaining document image is stored in the compressed data storage means and the image formation is continued, unnecessary storage data is released while avoiding the problem of wasting the read image data. The subsequent document image can be read and the subsequent processing can be continued. Further, even when the memory is full, it is possible to complete a job by dividing it, and a desired copy can be obtained in any case. Furthermore, since continuous copying is performed with the same hardware resource, it is not necessary to add a special device such as RDH.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall sectional view of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining processing contents of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation panel according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining display contents of an operation panel according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a process flowchart according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a process flowchart according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a processing flowchart according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a discharge method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a discharge method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
22 Message display area
23 Copy number display area
24 mode display area
25 External view area
26 Form display area
27 Setting key display area
28 Setting contents display line
28a Size selection item
28b Magnification selection item
28c Density setting item
28d Single-sided surface copy item
28e Post-processing items
28f Sorting items
28g special function items
29 Setting item display line
29a Size selection key
29b Magnification selection key
29c Density selection key
29d Single-sided surface copy key
29e Post-processing key
29f Sorting key
29g special function key
30 Digital copier (image forming device)
31 Scanner unit (image input means)
32 Laser recording unit
33 Feeding and conveying section
34 Post-processing equipment
35 Document placement table
40 Scanner unit (image input means)
46 Laser writing unit
47 Electrophotographic process department
100 Operation panel board
101, 401 CPU (control means, electronic sort means, stored number calculation means)
102, 202, 403, 502, 601 Memory (compressed data storage means, boundary value storage means)
103 Operation panel (notification means)
104 Touch panel liquid crystal display device (notification means, selection operation means)
105 Operation keys
200 Machine control board
203 Automatic document feeder
204 Reading scanner unit
205 Process Department
206 Paper Feeding Unit
207 Duplex unit
208 Finisher
400 Main image processing board
404 Laser control
500 Sub image processing board
501 Binary image processing unit (data compression means, data restoration means)
503 Hard disk (compressed data storage means, electronic sort means)
601 Printer board

Claims (3)

An image input means for reading an original image, and a second compression format image data of each document sheet read by said image input means for the first compression format and gray with many images for an image with little gray Data compression means for compressing in any compression format arbitrarily selected by the user from a plurality of compression formats including, compressed data storage means for storing compressed image data, and restoring stored compressed image data An image forming apparatus that forms an image of the restored image data;
Compression efficiency of image data when the image data of one original image read by the image input means is compressed by the data compression means in the arbitrarily selected compression format, and the current remaining memory in the compressed data storage means Based on the remaining storage capacity, which is a quantity, a stored number calculation means for calculating the number of originals that can be stored in the compressed data storage means, and a preset boundary value for the number of sheets that can be stored in the compressed data storage means. Boundary value storage means for storing,
In a state where the original image of the plurality of originals are sequentially read by the image input means, the storable number of documents to the compressed data storage means in its loaded point for each of one sheet of the document image is read When the calculation result falls below the boundary value, reading of the original image by the image input unit is interrupted, and image formation of all the compressed image data stored in the compressed data storage unit is started. And an image forming apparatus.   Notification means for notifying the user of the calculation result of the stored number calculation means, and if the calculation result falls below the boundary value, whether reading of the original image is interrupted and image formation is started or reading of the original is continued The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising selection operation means for a user to perform a selection operation.   After image formation based on the image data stored until the calculation result of the stored number calculation means falls below the boundary value, the image-formed image data stored in the compressed data storage means is erased, and the remainder 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original image is stored in the compressed data storage means and image formation is continued.

Images