JPH05208572A - After-treating method and device using margin - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To accurately and surely conduct a binding operation after image forming by a method wherein the maximum end face margin part in an image information page area is detected, and a binding position on paper on which image information is to be formed as an image is recognized from the detected data. CONSTITUTION:When this invention is applied to a digital copying machine provided with a sorter with a stapler as an after-treating device, a level recognized as white in pixels in a CCD 250 is selected by a comparator 511. In the presence of an output of the comparator 511, pixel clocks 512 are counted by a counter 510. Every time when the pixel signal turns to black from white, the count value is latched. The count value is stored in a counter latch 513. This processing is conducted with respect to four edges. The maximum end face margin part in an image information page area is detected based on respective count values. A binding position on paper on which image information is to be formed as an image is recognized from the detected maximum end face margin part data. A binding operation is controlled in accordance with the recognized result.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a post-processing method and a post-processing apparatus for determining the binding position of an image-formed sheet in a copying machine, facsimile, printer, OCR, etc. The present invention relates to a post-treatment method and a post-treatment device that utilize

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various document image processing apparatuses have been proposed. Among these, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-251818
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4 publication, a character image is cut out from image information of a document read by a scanner, a feature amount of the cut out character image is extracted, and the extracted feature amount is converted according to a rotation angle of the character to change. Recognize rotated characters by comparing and collating subsequent feature amounts with a dictionary, and if the rotation angle of a character is not known in advance, character images that have been cut out are recognized as rotated characters with two or more different angles. Has been proposed to determine the rotation angle of a character.

On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-105266, an appropriate number of character images are vertically cut out from the image information of a document read by an image scanner (from the line head to the line end of the read document image). (The width is cut out so that the width from the end of the line to the beginning of the line is equal), and at this time, the number of black pixels included in the specified width from the beginning of the line to the end of the line is within the specified width from the end of the line to the beginning of the line. By using the property that the number of black pixels is larger than the number of black pixels included in, the top and bottom (vertical relation) of the document image is determined, and when the top and bottom of the document image are determined to be reversed, the image rotation means A technique has been proposed in which an image is rotated to make the top and bottom normal.

[0004]

However, all of the above-mentioned conventional techniques disclose a character direction (document image direction) discriminating technique using character recognition. It has not been well known that it has been applied to, and applied to, and pursued convenience. In particular, as a field of application to which the technique of discriminating the character direction can be applied, there is a field of binding sheets on which images are formed, but this prior art has not been developed to such an area.

A point to be noted in the image forming operation involving binding is that the binding position on the sheet may be inappropriate depending on the set direction of the document (document image) with respect to the image reading unit.

In a general binding device, the binding position of the sheet with respect to the set position of the original is mechanically set in advance, so that if the original is set in the wrong direction, the position of the original will be wrong. For example, if a horizontally-oriented vertically long document is set upside down with respect to an appropriate set direction, it is actually bound at the lower right corner even though the regular binding position is at the upper left corner.

Since the above-described conventional character recognition method requires a wide variety of constituent elements, the processing steps and processing configurations are still complicated, resulting in high cost, and character recognition is used as a tool for improving processing speed. There was a limit.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing method for solving the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and for accurately and surely determining the image direction of a document image (document image) and determining an appropriate binding position. To aim. A second object is to provide a post-processing device that binds to a proper binding position after determining the binding position.

[0009]

A first object of the present invention is to detect a maximum end face margin part in a page area of image information, and to detect a paper on which image information is formed from the maximum end face margin part detection data. This is achieved by the first means which has a recognition step of recognizing the binding position with respect to the binding position, and sequentially executes these steps.

The second object is to detect a maximum end face margin in the page area of the image information, and a binding position for a sheet on which the image information is formed from the maximum end face margin detection data. It is achieved by the second means for performing the binding operation by having a recognition step of recognizing the binding position and a binding step of performing the binding operation on one side of the sheet corresponding to the determined binding position, and sequentially performing these steps. It

The first purpose is to identify the two end faces that are the reference of the image information from the image information size data and the image information set direction data, and detect the maximum end face margin area of the identified reference two end faces. And a recognition step of recognizing the binding position on the paper on which the image information is formed from the maximum end face margin detection data, and performing the binding position determination by sequentially performing these steps. This is achieved by the third means.

The second purpose is to identify the two end faces that are the reference of the image information from the image information size data and the image information set direction data, and detect the maximum end face margin area of the identified reference two end faces. And a recognition step of recognizing the binding position on the paper on which the image information is formed from the maximum end face margin detection data, and the binding that performs the binding operation on one side of the paper corresponding to the determined binding position. This is achieved by the fourth means that performs a binding operation by sequentially performing these steps.

The second object is to detect the maximum edge margin of the image information within the page area, and the binding position on the paper on which the image information is formed from the maximum edge margin detection data. This is achieved by the fifth means including a recognition means for recognizing the binding position and a binding means for performing a binding operation on one side of the sheet corresponding to the determined binding position.

[0014]

According to the first means, the maximum end surface margin portion in the page area of the image information is detected, and the binding position on the paper on which the image information is formed is recognized from the maximum end surface margin portion detection data.

In the second and fifth means, the maximum end face margin portion in the page area of the image information is detected, and the binding position on the sheet on which the image information is imaged is detected from the maximum end face margin portion detection data. The binding operation is performed on one side of the sheet corresponding to the recognized and determined binding position. In the third means, the two end faces which are the reference of the image information are identified from the image information size data and the image information set direction data, and the identified reference 2
The maximum end face margin area of the end face is detected, and the binding position on the sheet on which the image information is image-formed is recognized from the maximum end face margin part detection data.

In the fourth means, the two end faces serving as the reference of the image information are identified from the image information size data and the image information set direction data, the maximum end face margin area of the identified reference two end faces is detected, and the maximum end face is detected. The binding position on the paper on which the image information is formed is recognized from the margin detection data, and the binding operation is performed on one side of the paper corresponding to the determined binding position.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described by itemizing with reference to the drawings. In order to make the explanation easier to understand, the table of contents divided into items is shown first.

1. Schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment 1.1 Overall configuration 1.2 Scanner section 1.3 Writing section 1.4 Photoconductor section 1.5 Developing section 1.6 Paper feeding section 1.7 Automatic document feeder ( ADF) 1.8 Sorter stapler (III) 1.9 Electrical equipment control section 1.9.1 Sequence control 1.9.2 Image data processing 1.9.3 Application unit 1.9.3.1 About APL1 1. 9.3.2 About APL2 1.9.3.3 About APL3 1.9.3.4 About APL4 1.9.3.5 About APL5 1.9.3.6 About display 1.9.4 Fax operation 1.9.5 Image processing unit 1.9.5.1 Shift, variable magnification, rotation, reverse scan, mirroring 1.9.5.2 Shift 1.9.5.3 Variable magnification 1.10 Human body detection sensor 2 ． Image orientation judgment 3. Recognition of image direction by detection of edge blank area 3.1.1 Detection of maximum margin in page area of output image information and recognition of image direction from detected data 3.1.2 Original size and original setting direction (image information Direction) to determine the reference 2 end face and recognize the image direction from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face 3.1.3 When a large number of originals are detected, the maximum end face margin in the page area is detected regarding the image information of the second page transition, Confirm the matching of the image directionality with the start page image information 3.1.4 Recover when the image directionality NG is detected in the case of a large number of originals 3.1.4.1 Only the warning display after image formation 3.1.4. 2 Copy interruption and warning display when directionality is different in original scanning 3.1.4.3 Mismatch in edge margin area 3.1.5 Correspondence when identification is not possible 3.1.5.1 Predetermined predetermined Image formation / warning display in direction 3.1. 5.2 Image formation / warning display unified with the identified predetermined reference image information direction 3.1.5.3 Image interruption / warning display 3.1.6 Blank original support 3.1.7 Multiple originals Image directionality NG detection (when image processing cannot be performed when the edge margin area mismatch is detected by margin recognition) 3.2.1 Detects the maximum edge margin in the page area of the output image information, and detects it from the detected data Staple position determination 3.2.2 Staples on the detected maximum end face margin 3.2.3 Determine the reference 2 end face from the document size and the document setting direction (image information direction), and staple from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face Position determination 3.2.4 Image direction recognition from maximum edge margin data,
Check the image orientation consistency by comparing with the standard staple position data 3.2.5 Recognize the image orientation from the maximum edge margin data,
Image orientation N by comparison with reference staple position data
G Recover 3.2.6 When an image exists at the stapling position determined from the maximum end face margin data 3.3.1 Selection control of image direction identification detection according to the image forming mode 3.3.2 After completion of sorting operation , When the manual stapling instruction is input, the staple position N based on the end surface margin data
In case of G 1. Schematic Configuration of Digital Copier according to Embodiment 1.1 Overall Configuration FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the entire digital copier, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are a plan view and a side view of a writing unit in the digital copier.

First, the schematic construction of the digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the digital copying machine includes a copying machine body (I) and an automatic document feeder [ADF].
II, a sorter with a stapler, a sorter stapler (III), and a double-sided reversing unit (IV). The copying machine body (I)
Includes a scanner unit, a writing unit, a photoconductor unit, a developing unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like. The configuration and operation of each unit will be described below.

1.2 Scanner Unit The scanner unit is equipped with the first mirror that is equipped with the reflecting mirror 1, the light source 3, and the first mirror 2 and moves at a constant speed, and the second mirror 4 and the third mirror 5. Then, it has a second scanner which moves following the first scanner at half the speed of the first scanner. An original document (not shown) on the contact glass 9 is optically scanned by the first scanner and the second scanner, and the reflected image is guided to the lens 7 through the color filter 6 and then on the one-dimensional solid-state image sensor 8. Image.

A fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp or the like is used as the light source 3, and a fluorescent lamp is generally used because of its stable wavelength and long life. In this embodiment, the reflecting mirror 1 is attached to one light source 3, but two or more light sources 3 may be used. Since the solid-state image sensor 8 has a constant sampling clock, the fluorescent lamp will adversely affect the image unless it is lit at a higher frequency.

Generally, the solid-state image pickup device 8 is C
CD is used. Since the image signal read by the solid-state image sensor 8 is an analog value, it is analog / digital (A / D) converted, and various image processings (binarization, multi-value conversion, gradation processing, Magnification processing, editing processing, etc.) is performed and converted into a digital signal as a set of spots. In order to obtain color image information, in the present embodiment, a color filter 6 that transmits only necessary color information is arranged so that it can be taken in and out along the optical path guided from the document to the solid-state image sensor 8. Color filter 6 according to the scanning of the document
It is possible to make various kinds of copies by taking out and putting in and using the functions such as multiple transfer and double-sided copy each time. Also, R (red), G (green),
There is a case where a color original is read using a 3-line CCD or the like in order to obtain three pieces of B (blue) information at the same time.

1.3 Writing Unit Image information after image processing is written on the photoconductor drum 40 in the form of a set of light spots by raster scanning of laser light in the optical writing unit. 3 and 4 are a plan view and a side view showing the writing unit. The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 20 is converted into a parallel light flux by the collimator lens 21 and shaped into a constant light flux by the aperture 32. The shaped laser light enters the polygon mirror 24 in a form compressed by the first cylinder lens 22 in the sub-scanning direction. The polygon mirror 24 has an accurate polygonal shape and is rotated in a certain direction at a constant speed by a polygon motor 25. This rotation speed is determined by the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 40, the writing density, and the number of faces of the polygon mirror 24. The reflected laser light incident on the polygon mirror 24 is reflected by the polygon mirror 2.
It is deflected by the rotation of 4. The deflected laser light is f
The θ lenses 26a and 26b sequentially enter. fθ lens 2
Reference numerals 6a and 26b denote scanning lights with a constant angle for the photoconductor drum 40.
The photosensitive drum 40 is converted so as to scan at a constant speed.
An image is formed so that the light spot becomes the minimum light spot, and a face tilt correction mechanism is also provided.

The laser light that has passed through the fθ lenses 26a and 26b is guided to the synchronization detection light input section (synchronization detection plate) 30 by the synchronization detection mirror 29 outside the image area, propagated to the sensor section by the optical fiber, and then in the main scanning direction. Sync detection is performed as a reference for cueing, and a sync signal is output. The image data for one line is output after a fixed time after the synchronization signal is output, and one image is formed by repeating this process.

In FIG. 3, 27 is a mirror and 31 is a mirror.
Is a lens holding unit.

1.4 Photosensitive Member A photosensitive layer is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40.
As a photosensitive layer having sensitivity to a semiconductor laser (wavelength 780 nm), an organic photoconductor (OPC), α-Si, Se-T
e and the like are known, and the organic photoreceptor (OPC) is used in this embodiment. Generally, in the case of laser writing, there are two types, a negative / positive (N / P) process of shining light on the image part and a positive / positive (P / P) process of shining light on the background part. N / P process is adopted.

The charging charger 41 is of the scorotron type having a grid on the photoconductor side, and is a photoconductor drum 40.
The surface of the image forming device is uniformly (-) charged, and the image forming portion is irradiated with laser light to reduce the potential of the portion. Then, the background portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 40 has a potential of about −750 to −800 V and the image portion has a potential of about −500 V, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40. This is the developing device 42a, 4
In 2b, a bias voltage of -500 to -600 V is applied to the developing roller, and toner charged in (-) is attached to visualize the electrostatic latent image.

1.5 Developing Unit The apparatus of this embodiment includes two developing devices, a main developing device 42a and a sub developing device 42b. In the case of a single black color, the sub-developing device 42b and the toner replenishing device 43b are removed. In this embodiment having two developing devices, the main developing device 4
The black toner is put into the toner replenishing device 43a paired with 2a, and the color toner is put into the toner replenishing device 43b paired with the sub-developing device 42b. Selective development is performed by changing the position.

By using such a developing device, color information can be read by switching the color filter 6 of the scanner, and multiple transfer of the paper carrying system, double-sided copying function and the like can be combined to perform multifunctional color copying and color editing. Becomes Development of three or more colors can be achieved by a method of arranging three or more developing devices around the photosensitive drum 40, a revolver system of rotating and switching three or more developing devices, and the like.

The image visualized by the developing devices 42a and 42b is transferred onto the surface of the paper synchronously sent to the photoconductor drum 40 from the back surface of the paper by a (+) charge by the transfer charger 44. It The transferred paper is AC-eliminated by a separation charger 45 which is held integrally with the transfer charger 44, and separated from the photosensitive drum 40. The toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 40 without being transferred to the paper is scraped off from the photoconductor drum 40 by the cleaning blade 47 and collected in the attached tank 48. Further, the potential pattern remaining on the photoconductor drum 40 is erased by irradiating it with light from a charge eliminating lamp.

A photo sensor 50 is provided at a position immediately after the development. The photo sensor 50 is composed of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the reflection density on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40. This is a fixed pattern in the optical writing part (eg black or halftone dot pattern)
Is written in a position corresponding to the photosensor reading position, and the image density is judged from the ratio of the reflectance of the pattern portion after development and the reflectance of the photosensitive drum 40 other than the pattern portion. Give a signal. Further, it is possible to detect that the remaining amount of toner is insufficient by utilizing the fact that the density does not increase even after replenishment.

1.6 Paper Feeding Section In this embodiment, a plurality of cassettes 60a, 60b, 60c are provided, and the paper once transferred can be passed through the re-feeding loop 72 to perform double-sided copying or re-feeding. ..

When one of the cassettes 60a, 60b and 60c is selected and then the start button is pressed, the paper feed rollers 61 (61a, 61b and 61c) in the vicinity of the selected cassette 60 are selected. ) Rotates and is fed until the leading edge of the paper hits the registration roller 62. Although the registration roller 62 is stopped at this time, the registration roller 62 starts rotating at the timing of the image position formed on the photoconductor drum 40, and feeds the paper to the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 40. After that, the toner image is transferred to the paper at the transfer unit, suctioned and conveyed by the separation / conveyance unit 63, and the transferred toner image is transferred onto the paper surface by a fixing roller composed of a pair of a heat roller 64 and a pressure roller 65. Establish.

The paper thus transferred is guided by the switching claw 67 to the discharge port on the sorter (III) side during normal copying. On the other hand, during multiple copy, the switching claws 68, 69
The direction is changed by and the sheet passes through the lower sheet re-feeding loop 72 without being discharged to the sorter (III) side, and is guided to the registration roller 62 again.

The case of double-sided copying will be described. The switching claw 67 guides the paper downward, and the next switching claw 69 guides the paper to the tray 70 further below the re-feed loop 72. Then, by reversing the roller 71, it is fed again in the opposite direction, and the switching pawl 69
Is guided to the sheet re-feeding loop 72 and fed to the registration roller 62.

1.7 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) The original placed on the original table 100 is called by the calling roller 104. The called originals are pressed against each other, and pull-out rollers 105, 106 and a separation belt 1 wound around the pull-out rollers 105.
Double feeding is prevented by the action of 07, and the single guide plate 10
Sent along 8. The document fed along the guide plate 108 is fed to the contact glass 9 by the belt conveying device 125.
Is sent to a predetermined exposure position and stopped.

The belt transport device 125 is a drive roller 10.
The belt 10 is wound around the driven roller 110 and the driven roller 110, the insertion position of the document is set by the fixed roller 111, and the document is pressed against the contact glass 9 by the pressure roller.
Have two. Hereinafter, description of known operations will be omitted.

1.8 Sorter Stapler (III) Entrance guide plates 1101 and 1102 are provided at the receiving port A on the copy ejected from the copying machine, and in order to convey on the copy following the entrance guide plates 1101 and 1102. A switching claw 1103 is provided. The path above the switching claw 1103 has an inlet guide plate 1101 and a guide plate 111.
0, 1114, transport roller 1108, driven roller 1109,
The upper transport unit 1100 is provided with a discharge roller 1111, a driven roller 1115, and a proof tray 1116. Further, the path below the switching claw 1103 is a slanting portion guide plate 1205, a slanting portion driven guide plate 1217, a lower conveyance portion guide plate 1308, and driven guide plates 1309 and 131.
0, oblique receiving roller 1201, oblique roller 1202,
Oblique part discharge roller 1203, driven rollers 1214, 121
6, a ball 1215, conveyance rollers 1301 and 1302, driven rollers 1305 and 1306, and an inclined portion 1200 that follows the path of the deflection portion B.

At positions corresponding to the respective bins 1350 of the deflecting section B path, the deflecting claws 1312 and the deflecting section discharge rollers 130 are provided.
4 are provided respectively, and the driven roller 1307 is in pressure contact with the deflecting portion discharge roller 1304 and the copy vertical conveyance path. The transport roller 1108 and the discharge roller 1111 are driven by a proof motor 1117, and the oblique receiving roller 1201, the oblique roller 1202, and the oblique discharging roller 1 are provided.
A drive motor 1313 drives 203, the conveyance rollers 1301 and 1302, and the deflection portion discharge roller 1304.

The description of the post-processing unit such as the stapler mechanism and the punch mechanism and the double-sided reversing unit will be omitted. Further, 46 is a separation claw, 80 is a main motor,
81 is a fan motor.

1.9 Electrical Equipment Control Section FIGS. 5A and 5B are block diagrams showing the control unit of the copying machine, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are control block diagrams of the entire copying system. In FIG. 5, the control unit has two CPUs. The CPU (a) 200 controls the sequence and the CPU (b) 201 controls the operation. CPU (a) 200 and C
PU (b) 201 is a serial interface (R
S232C). 5, 202 is an image control circuit, 203 is a signal switching gate array, 204 is an operation unit, 205 is an editor, 206 is a scanner control circuit, 207 is a page memory, 208 is an image processing unit, and 209 is a calendar I.
C and 210 are application systems, and 211 is a laser beam scanner unit.

In FIG. 6, the same parts as those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, 220 is a main control plate, 221 is a paper feed control plate, 222 is a sorter control plate, 223 is a double-sided control plate, and 22.
Reference numeral 4 is an ADF control plate.

1.9.1 Sequence Control First, sequence control will be described. The sequence sets and outputs conditions related to the paper transport timing and image formation.The paper size sensor, paper transport sensors such as paper discharge detection and registration detection, duplex units, high-voltage power supply units, relays, solenoids, motors, etc. A driver, sorter unit, laser unit, scanner unit, etc. are connected.

Regarding the sensor, a paper size sensor that detects the size and orientation of the paper loaded in the paper feed cassette and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result, a sensor related to paper transportation such as registration detection and paper discharge detection, an oil end, and the like. There is input from a sensor that detects the presence or absence of supply such as toner end, and a sensor that detects machine abnormality such as door open and fuse blown.

In the double-sided unit, a motor for aligning the paper width, a paper feed clutch, a solenoid for changing the transport path, a paper presence / absence detection sensor, a side fence home position sensor for aligning the paper width, a paper There are sensors related to the conveyance of the.

The high-voltage power supply unit applies predetermined high-voltage power to the outputs of the charging charger, the transfer charger, the separation charger, and the developing bias electrode only by the duty obtained by the PWM control. The PWM control is controlled so that the feedback value of each high-voltage power output is converted into a digital value by A / D conversion and becomes equal to the target value. The drivers include a paper feed clutch, a registration clutch, a counter, a motor, a toner replenishing solenoid, a power relay, and a fixing heater. It is connected to the sorter unit via a serial interface, and the paper is conveyed at a predetermined timing by a signal from the sequence and discharged to each bin.

To the analog input, a fixing temperature, a photo sensor input, a laser diode monitor input, a laser diode reference voltage, a feedback value of an output value from various high-voltage power supplies, and the like are input. On / off control or phase control of the heater is performed by an input from a thermistor in the fixing unit so that the temperature of the fixing unit becomes constant. The photosensor input is a photopattern input at a predetermined timing by a phototransistor, and by detecting the density of the pattern, the toner replenishment clutch is turned on / off to control the toner density. The toner end is also detected based on this density.

The analog input of the A / D converter and the CPU is used as a mechanism for adjusting the power of the laser diode to be constant. This is a preset reference voltage (this voltage is controlled in this embodiment so that the monitor voltages when the laser diode is turned on are matched.

Next, the operation-related control will be described. The main CPU (b) 201 controls a plurality of serial ports and the calendar IC 209. In addition to the sequence control CPU (a) 200, the operation unit unit 204, the scanner control circuit 206,
The application system 210, the editor 205, etc. are connected. The operation unit unit 204 has a display for displaying the operator's key input and the status of the copying machine,
The key input information is notified to the main CPU (b) 201 by serial communication. Based on this information, the main CPU (b) 201 determines whether the indicator of the operation unit unit 204 is turned on, turned off, or blinks, and serially transmits to the operation unit unit 204. The operation unit CPU turns on, turns off, and blinks the display according to the information from the main CPU (b) 201. Furthermore, the CPU that performs the sequence control at the start of copying by determining the operating conditions of the machine from the obtained information
(A) The information is transmitted to 200.

In the scanner section (scanner control circuit 206), information relating to scanner servo motor drive control, image processing, and image reading is serially transmitted to the main CPU (b) 201, and ADF (ADF control board 224).
And the interface processing of the main CPU (b) 201 is performed.

The application (application system 210) is an external device (fax, printer,
Etc.) and the main CPU (b) 201 is an interface, and exchanges preset information contents. The editor 205 is a unit for inputting an editing function, and stores image editing data (masking, trimming, image shift, etc.) input by the operator in the main CPU (b).
Serial transmission to 201. Calendar IC209 is
It stores the date and time, and the main CPU (b) 201
Since it can be called at any time, it is possible to control the power on / off of the machine by a timer by displaying the current time on the operation unit display and setting the on / off time of the machine.

1.9.2 Image Data Processing Next, the flow of image data processing will be described. The gate array 203 receives image data (DATA0 to DATA0) in the following three directions in response to a select signal from the CPU (b) 201.
7) and a sync signal are output.

1) Scanner control circuit 206 → image control circuit 202 In this case, an image signal continuously transmitted by 8-bit data from the scanner (however, it can be 4 bits or 1 bit) is synchronized by the laser beam scanner unit 211. Signal PM
Synchronize with SYNC and output to the image control circuit.

2) Scanner control circuit 206 → application 210 In this case, the image signal continuously sent from the scanner as 8-bit data (however, it can be 4 bits or 1 bit) is output in parallel to the application 210. The application 210 outputs the input image data to an output device such as a printer connected to the outside.

3) Application 210 → image control circuit 202 In this case, the application 210 is continuously transmitted by 8-bit data (however, it can be 4 bits or 1 bit) from an externally connected input device (fax or the like). The image signal is synchronized with the synchronization signal PMSYNC from the laser beam scanner unit 211 and output to the image control circuit.
In this case, when the image signal from the outside is 1 bit or 4 bits, it is necessary to perform a process of converting it into 8-bit data.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the image scanner section. The analog image signal output from the CCD image sensor 250 is an image preprocessor (IPP) 2
The signal processing circuit 252 inside 51 amplifies and corrects the light amount, and the A / D converter 253 converts the signal into a digital multilevel signal. This signal is subjected to correction processing by the shading correction circuit 254, and the image processing unit (I
PU) 255.

Image process unit (IPU) 25
A schematic block diagram of No. 5 is shown in FIG. The image signal applied to the IPU 255 is high-frequency emphasized by the MTF correction circuit 270, electrically scaled by the scaling circuit 271, and the γ conversion circuit 272.
Applied to. The γ conversion circuit 272 optimizes the input characteristics according to the characteristics of the machine. γ conversion circuit 272
The image signal output from is converted into a predetermined quantization level by SW1 of the data depth switching mechanism. This switching mechanism switches to the three data types shown in FIG.
The 4-bit conversion circuit 273 outputs 4-bit data,
The binarization circuit 274 converts the input 8-bit multi-valued data into binary data by a preset fixed threshold value, and outputs 1-bit data. Dither circuit 275
Is 1-bit data and creates an area gradation. SW1 is 3
DATA0-DATA by selecting one of the two data types
Output as 7.

Returning to FIG. 7 again, the scanner control circuit 206
Controls the fluorescent lamp ballast (lamp control circuit) 256, the timing control circuit 257, the electric scaling circuit of the IPU 255, and the scanner drive motor 258 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU (b) 201. Fluorescent ballast 256
According to an instruction from the scanner control circuit 206, the fluorescent lamp 1 is turned on / off and the light amount is controlled. Scanner drive motor 2
A rotary encoder 259 is connected to the drive shaft of 58, and the position sensor 260 detects the reference position of the sub-scanning drive mechanism. The electric scaling circuit is the scanner control circuit 20.
According to the magnification on the main scanning side set by 6, the electrical scaling processing is performed.

The timing control circuit 257 outputs each signal according to the instruction from the scanner control circuit 206. That is, when reading is started, the CCD image sensor (C
The CD) 250 is supplied with a transfer signal for transferring data for one line to the shift register and a shift clock pulse for outputting the data in the shift register bit by bit. The pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK, the main scanning synchronization pulse LSYNC, and the main scanning effective period signal LGATE are output to the image reproduction system control unit.

This pixel synchronizing clock pulse CLK is C
The signal is almost the same as the shift clock pulse given to the CD image sensor 250. Also, the main scanning synchronization pulse L
SYNC is almost the same signal as the main scanning synchronization signal PMSYNC output from the beam sensor of the image writing unit, but is output in synchronization with the pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK. The main scanning effective period signal LGATE becomes the high level H at the timing when it is considered that the output data DATA0 to DATA7 are effective data.

In this example, the CCD image sensor 2
50 outputs valid data of 4800 bits per line. The scanner control circuit 206 is the main CPU
(B) When receiving the reading start instruction from 201, the fluorescent lamp for illumination 1 is turned on, the scanner driving motor 258 is started, the timing control circuit 257 is controlled, and the reading of the CCD image sensor 250 is started. Further, the sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to the high level H.
This signal FGATE becomes low level L after the time required to scan the maximum reading length (dimension in the A size longitudinal direction in this example) in the sub-scanning direction after being set to high level H.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the memory system of this apparatus. The image signal from the CCD 250 is output as 8-bit data through an image preprocessor (IPP) 251 having functions of shading correction, black level correction, and light amount correction. This data is selected by the multiplexer (1) (MUX1) 280, and the spatial frequency high-frequency emphasis (MTF correction) function, speed conversion function (magnification), γ
Conversion function, data depth conversion function (8 bits / 4 bits /
Image process unit (IP with 1-bit conversion)
U) 255 and output to the printer PR through the MUX (3) 282. 281 is MUX (2), 2
83 is a memory device (MEM).

In a system having a frame memory for image data, the image data from the IPU 255 is temporarily stored in the memory device (MEM) 283 as shown in FIG.
When necessary, it is taken out from the memory device (MEM) 283 and output to the printer (PR). Also,
Image data from IPU255 is printed by printer (PR)
To the memory device (MEM) 283 while simultaneously outputting to the memory device (MEM) 283 and outputting the second and subsequent copies.
The method using image data from 83 was also common.

The present apparatus is constructed so that the data flow shown in FIG. 12 is possible so that both the processed data and the raw data from the IPU 255 can be taken into the memory device 283. That is, the three multiplexers (MUX1, MUX2, MUX3) 280, 281, 2 of FIG.
The data flow can be changed by switching 82. For example, one scan of the scanner causes a plurality of I
When outputting a copy in which the parameters of the PU 255 are changed, it can be achieved by the following procedure. Set MUX (1) to A when scanning the scanner, and
(2) is set to B, MUX (3) is set to A, and the first sheet is output. At this time, the raw data enters the memory device (MEM) 283 through the MUX (2). For the second and subsequent sheets, MUX (1) is set to B, data from the memory device (MEM) 283 is put into the IPU 255, and is output to the printer (PR) through the MUX (3). At this time, the IPU parameter can be changed every time one copy is made.

When holding compact data such as 1-bit data, MUX (2) is set to A and I is set to I.
The output of the PU 255 is loaded into the memory device. In this case, the printer device switches to the binary data (1 bit) mode and copies. EXTIN and EXTOUT in FIG. 10 are image data input signals from the outside and output signals to the outside.

In FIG. 13, a compressor (COMP) 290 and an expander (EXP) 291 are arranged in a memory unit (Memory).
(Unit) 292 is inserted before and after so that compressed data other than the actual data can be stored. In this configuration, the compressor (COMP) 290 and the decompressor (EXP) 291 need to operate according to the speed of the scanner and the printer, respectively. Multiplexers MUX (4) 293 and MUX for storing actual data
(5) Set 294 to A and B to use compressed data. 295 is an error detector.

The inside of the memory unit 292 of FIG. 13 is shown in FIG.
It has a configuration like 4. Data width converters 300 and 301 are provided at the input and output of a memory block (Memory Block) 302 in order to handle the three image data types of FIG. 15 and code data that is compressed data. Direct memory controller (DMC1, DM
C2) 303 and 304 write data to a predetermined address of the memory block 302 according to the number of packed data and the memory data width, and perform a read operation.

FIG. 15 shows the data type of image data as described above. Usually from a scanner,
Alternatively, the speed of image data to the printer is constant regardless of 8-bit data, 4-bit data, or 1-bit data. That is, the period of 1 pixel is fixed in the device. In this device, M of 8 data lines
It is defined as 1-bit data, 4-bit data, 8-bit data and MSB-filled from the SB side. The blocks for packing and unpacking this data into the data width (16 bits) of the memory block are the input data width converter and the output data width converter. By packing, the memory can be used according to the data depth, and the memory device can be effectively used.

In FIG. 16, a pixel process unit (PPU) 310 is arranged outside the memory unit 292 instead of the compressor (COMP) 290 and the decompressor (EXP) 291. The function of the PPU 310 is to perform logical operations between image data (for example, AND, OR, EXOR, N
The unit realizing OT) can calculate the memory output data and the input data and output the same to the printer, and the memory output and the input data (for example, scan data) can be calculated and stored in the memory unit 292 again. Switching between output destination printer and memory unit 292 is MUX
(6) 311 and MUX (7) 312. This function is generally used for image synthesis, for example, the memory unit 2
It is used for putting overlay data on 92 and overlaying the scanner data with the overlay data.

FIG. 17 shows a structure for storing image data using an external storage device. When saving the image data to the floppy disk, a file controller (File Control) is provided from EXTOUT of FIG. 10 through an interface (I / F) 320.
output to a floppy disk controller (FDC) 322 controlled by the ller) 321 and stored in a floppy disk on a floppy disk drive (FDD) 323. Under the control of the file controller 321, there is a hard disk controller (HDC) 324 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 325, which can be read and written on the storage medium of the hard disk. A hard disk drive (HDD) 325 stores commonly used format data and overlay data so that they can be used as needed.
FIG. 18 shows a configuration in which 100% recovery can be performed when the processing speed of compression and expansion cannot be met in time. The memory unit 292 receives the compressed data and image data at the same time as the scanner scans. The incoming data is stored in different memory areas, but the compressed data remains as it is in the decompressor (EXP) 2
It enters 91 and is extended. Compressor (COMP) 290 before all data of one page is stored in the memory unit 292.
If the processing time of the decompressor (EXP) 291 ends normally in time, only the memory area of the compressed data remains,
The raw data area is canceled. If the error detection circuit (Error Detect) 295 is a compressor (CO
When an error signal from the MP) 290 or the decompressor (EXP) 291 is detected, the compressed data area is immediately canceled and raw data is adopted.

The memory management unit (MMU) 330 is
This is a unit for controlling the memory so that two input data and one output data can be simultaneously input / output to / from the memory unit 292. By testing the compression and decompression in real time, high speed and reliability and effective use of the memory area became possible. In this embodiment, the memory management unit (MMU) 330 enables dynamic allocation of the memory area.
You may have two memory units, one for raw data and one for compressed data.

The configuration of FIG. 18 is most suitable for applications such as electronic sorting in which a plurality of pages are stored and output to a printer in real time, in which both the number of stored pages and the printing speed must be compatible.

1.9.3 Application Unit A block diagram of the application unit will be described with reference to FIGS. This example is APL1 (file unit), APL2 (FAX unit), APL3
(ON / OFF printer unit), APL4 (LA
N), APL5 (image direction recognition unit), display (T /
S, LCD). First, the base part will be described. Since the engine I / F 340 sends the image data serially, the image data is converted into parallel here. Further, the parallel data in the page memory 341 is converted into serial data by the engine I / F 340 and sent to EXTIN. The control signal is serial and the engine I / F3
40 to the system bus via SCI (serial communication interface) 342. In this example, the page memory 341 has a size of one page of A3 and converts it into a BIT image, and also arbitrates the data speed of EXTIN and EXTOUT and the processing speed of the CPU. The scaling circuit 343 is a page memory 34.
In order to perform high-speed processing for enlarging or reducing the data on 1 in this circuit, the DMAC 344 is used to perform high-speed processing without going through the CPU 352. Rotation control is, for example, FAX transmission for A4 vertical document and A
In the case of 4 horizontal lines, the sending side automatically reduces the size by 71% and then sends it, which makes the receiving side difficult to see. In order to prevent this, when the size is the above, the transmission original is rotated by 90 degrees to be converted into A4 landscape and transmitted at the same size.

Another purpose is to rotate the output image by 90 degrees by the rotation control unit when the receiving size is A4 horizontal and the cassette size is A4 vertical when receiving and outputting, and convert it to A4 vertical and output. This eliminates the need to distinguish between vertical and horizontal cassettes.

The CEP 345 is a circuit having functions of image data compression, expansion, and through. Bus arbiter 3
Reference numeral 46 carries out processing of sending data from the AGDC 385 to the image bus and sending to the system bus. Timer 348
Has a function of generating a predetermined clock. RTC34
Reference numeral 9 is a clock that generates the current time. The console is a terminal for control, and in addition to reading and rewriting data inside the system, this terminal can also develop software using a debug tool which is one function of the internal OS. The ROM 350 has basic functions such as an OS. The RAM 351 is mainly used for working. This unit performs basic control of this system.

1.9.3.1 About APL1 SCSI 360 is HDD (hard disk) 325, O
It is an I / F for a DD (optical disk) 361 and an FDD (floppy disk) 323. ROM362 is SCSI
HDD 325, ODD361, FDD3 via 360
It contains software for controlling 23 and filing system.

1.9.3.2 About APL2 This is a unit for FAX control and consists of the following parts. G4
The FAX controller 370 is a unit that controls the protocol for G4, and this unit is a unit that supports class 1, class 2, and class 3 of G4. Needless to say, ISDN is also supported and 2 in NET64.
B + 1D (64KBx2 + 16KB) line, so G4 / G4, G4 / G3, G3 / G3, G4 only, G3
Only one of them can be selected. G3FA
The X controller 371 is a unit that controls the protocol for G3, and in this part, the G3F by analog line is used.
It also has a AX protocol, a modem that converts digital signals to analog signals. An NCU (Network Control Unit) 372 has a function of dialing or receiving an incoming call from the other party when connecting to the other party using an exchange. SAF (Store and Forward) 373
Stores image data (including merge data, code data, etc.) when transmitting and receiving a FAX.

This unit is a semiconductor memory or HDD 3
25, ODD361, etc. are used. The ROM 374 contains a program for controlling the APL2. Further, the RAM 375 is used for these works and at the same time is made non-volatile by a battery. In this, the other party's telephone number, the other party's name, data for controlling the FAX function, etc. are stored, and the T / S of the display unit, It can be easily set using the LCD.

1.9.3.3 APL3 This is a control unit for online and offline printers. FDC (floppy disk controller)
Reference numeral 380 controls the floppy disk 381. Recent floppy has SCSI support,
Here, SCSI and ST506 interfaces are supported. An SCI (Serial Communication Interface) 382 is used to connect to a HOST computer. The Centro I / F 383 is also similar to the SCI 382. The emulation card 384 performs the following functions. When looking at the printer from HOST, it is currently made by NEC,
It is sold by many manufacturers such as EPSON, and the specifications of each are slightly different. If the functions of these printers are not the same when viewed from the HOST, the HOS
The software used in T may stop running.
In order to eliminate such a problem, an emulation card 384 is attached so that the software contained in the emulation card 384 can operate as a printer of each manufacturer when viewed from the HOST.

An AGDC (Advanced Graphics Display Controller) 385 stores the code data sent from the HOST in the CGROM 386 and the CG card 3.
FONT image in 87 page memory 341 at high speed
It will be deployed to. The ROM 388 contains software for controlling these. CGROM (Character Generator ROM) 389 is an FO corresponding to code data.
It contains NT data. The FONT format contains data such as outline FONT. The CG card 387 is an external CGFONT, and the contents are CG
It is similar to the ROM 386. Reference numeral 395 is a RAM.

1.9.3.4 About APL4 This is a unit for controlling the LAN. Here, the LAN controller 390 controls the currently operating LANs such as the Ethernet, omni, and star run. Naturally A
The PL2 (FAX) and APL4 (LAN) work in the background even when other APLs are operating. Three
Reference numeral 91 is a CPU.

1.9.3.5 About APL5 This is a unit for identifying the image direction of the image read by the scanner. Reference numeral 400 is a page memory, 401 is an area memory, 402 is a database, 403 is a CPU, 404 is a ROM, and 405 is a RAM.

1.9.3.6 Display With this unit, LCD 410 and touch switch (T /
S) is controlled. The LCD 410 can display graphics and characters, and the CG 412 therein has ANK and kanji second-level codes built therein. The TSC 413 is a touch switch controller, which controls T / S. The T / S is divided by an X and Y grid, and the size of the switch used by the operator is TSC41.
It can be freely set by determining the number of grids for one key by 3. Further, the LCD 410 and the T / S have a two-layer structure, so that the key size and the key frame of the LCD 410 can correspond to each other. Also, 414 is a CP
U, 415 is SCI, 416 is ROM, 417 is RA
M, 418 are LCDC, and 419 is DPRAM.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the display. As fixed keys, there are a ten key 430 for setting the number of copies and the like, a start key 431 for starting copy, and user-settable function keys 432, 433, 434. This function key allows the user to freely set the mode. For example, the key 432 is assigned a sort mode, the key 433 is assigned a staple mode, the key 434 is assigned a double-sided mode, and the like. The display is the number of copies display 43
5 and the set number display 436 are fixed displays, and other displays are displayed on the LCD 410. Also, the LCD 41
Reference numeral 0 is a touch switch, and it becomes possible to select a mode by pressing an object displayed on the LCD 410.

Next, the operation of the APL will be described. 1.9.4 Fax Operation First, the fax operation will be described. This FAX is M
It has the functions of F, G2, G3 and G4 and the transmission density is 3.8.
5, 7.7, 15.4 lines / mm and 20 for G4
It is possible to perform density conversion with each other by supporting 0, 240, 300, 400 dpi and using the scaling function. Also, memory transmission / reception, relaying, confidential reception, polling, etc. can be realized by using the SAF memory, and further, memory transmission, memory reception, reception output, etc. can be performed simultaneously while storing transmission originals in the memory. Will be described. By setting the original and pressing the start key 431, the RAM 37 of the APL 2
Dial the other party in 5 and call the other party. When it is known that the other party is a FAX, the document reading operation starts. If there is no document, start key 43
When 1 is pressed, a display prompting to reset the original is displayed. By the document reading start operation, the scanner operates to read the document, and the data is output to the EXTOUT terminal through the individual circuits in FIG. At this time, MUX (1), MUX
By selecting (3), it is possible to select whether or not to use the IPU 255, and the internal function of the IPU 255 can be freely selected by a program. This signal enters the engine I / F 340 of FIG. 19 and stores it in the page memory 341 in accordance with the bit size of the page memory 341 (EXTOUT is sent in a multivalue of 8 bits per pixel. The memory 341 is compatible with 16 bits, and the bit configuration is different, so the settings are made here).

The data from the scanner is the page memory 34.
When entering 1, SA of APL2 while compressing this data
Accumulates in F memory. By transmitting the data from the scanner while accumulating in the SAF 373 in this way,
The following characteristics are obtained. Reading from the scanner is A4
One size can be read in about 2 seconds. In contrast,
It takes about 9 seconds to send an A4 size G3. Thus, the transmission time is about 4.5 times longer than the reading time. As in this embodiment, a copying machine, FA
X, a device that can be used in combination with a printer, etc.
For example, if the next person wants to make a copy while sending a fax,
I want to finish the job of fax transmission quickly. However, FAX transmission may be sent faster or slower depending on the performance of the partner machine. As in the present embodiment, the read data is SAF373.
By transmitting while accumulating, it is possible to increase the apparent transmission speed. Further, since the transmitted document is stored in the SAF memory, the image can be correctly sent by resending and re-calling when an error occurs during transmission, the line is disconnected, or the like. In this way, the data stored in the SAF 373 is transferred to the G3 fax,
Or it can be accessed from the G4 fax unit.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of the IPU 255 shown in FIG. 21. In addition to the circuit shown in FIG.
40, marker editing circuit 441, outline circuit 44
2. The error spreading circuit 443 and the like are provided.

Next, the reception of image information will be described. Figure 2
3 (a) and 3 (b), the received image data is the modem 4
At 50 it is converted to a digital signal. This is DCR45
The raw data is corrected via 1, and further compressed and stored in the SAF memory 452. At this time, the reason why the DCR 451 restores the raw data and then compresses it again is that the normal received data includes an error on the line.
This is because if the data is accumulated in 2, it is impossible to distinguish between a hardware error and a data error. When recompressing, a memory efficient method is used. The data stored in the SAF memory 452 is printed out for each page (it is also possible to output after storing one file by setting the mode).

In order to output from the SAF memory 452, it is necessary that the page memory 341 of FIG. 19 is not used by another APL and that a copying machine is available. When these conditions are met, the data in the SAF memory 452 is CEP3.
The data is expanded to the page memory while returning to the raw data via 45. Select the optimum paper size after the development is completed. At this time, the data in the page memory 341 is A4 portrait, and when the optimum paper is A4 landscape, the page memory 3 is controlled by rotation control.
The data of No. 41 is rotated 90 degrees and output to the selected paper. With this function, until now A4 landscape paper has been
It is now possible to display a vertical image and prevent margins from appearing. This function can rotate not only the received output but also the image information read by the other device by 90 degrees not only in the output mode but also in the transmission mode.
In the case of 4 portraits, up to now it was sent at 71% reduction, but by incorporating 90 degree rotation it is possible to send at the same size and it will be easier to see on the receiving side.

Here, instead of the SAF memory 452, H
When the DD 325 is used, it becomes possible by using the SAF memory 452 as a buffer and driving the HDD 325 via the SCSI interface of the APL1. The above is the basic operation of the FAX.

1.9.5 Image Processing Unit 1.9.5.5.1 Shift, Magnification , Rotation, Reverse Scan, Mirroring FIG. 24 shows the image processing function of the base portion of FIG. 19 in blocks. As shown in FIG. 24, the image processing unit 208 can access the bitmap page memory 207. In order to leave the original document image, it is desirable that the bitmap page memory 207 has a memory for two sheets of the maximum document size that can be copied. That is, the original image data of the original is set in A of the bitmap page memory 207 in FIG. 24, and the image data processed by the image processing unit 208 is set in B. The input to the image processing unit 208 is the image data (video) bus 50.
0 and the image processing command 501.

The image data bus 500 is an 8-bit data bus, and has 8 bits for each pixel, that is, 256 density gradations. Further, the image processing command is input through the system bus from a system controller [CPU (b) 201 in FIG. 5] that controls a system not shown in this figure. A code is determined for each function of image processing, and for example, in the case of image shift, a shift code, a shift direction, and a shift dimension are transmitted from the system controller. In addition, the scaling function, the scaling command,
The X-axis scaling factor and the Y-axis scaling factor are sequentially transmitted. Of course, in the case of normal scaling, the X-axis scaling code and the Y-axis scaling code have the same value. In addition, a rotation angle code is added to the rotation command.

When reverse scanning is performed by the scanner, image mirroring is required. In this case, the mirroring command or the reverse scan command and the reference axis information at the time of mirroring are transmitted.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the bitmap memory 207.
5 shows. In the read image data, 1 byte is assigned as an address for each pixel. The 1-byte data is the above-mentioned image density data. The byte size is
297m in the main scanning direction when the maximum document size is A3
m, the sub-scanning direction is 420 mm, and the resolution is 400 dpi, the main scanning direction is (297 / 25.4) × 400 = 46.
78 bytes In the sub-scanning direction, (420 ÷ 25.4) × 400 = 66
Therefore, in order to store the bitmap image for one A3 original, it is required to store 4678 × 6615 = approximately 30 Mbytes.

Here, for easy understanding, an array is defined for the main scanning direction, the sub scanning direction, and the density gradation of each bitmap, and the main scanning direction is X, the sub scanning direction is Y, and the density gradation is defined. Z and each bit is DIM (X, Y, Z). The point A shown in FIG. 25 is (0, 0, 0), and the point B is (46
78,0,0) and the point C is (6615,4678,0).

Next, the operation processing method of the image processing unit 208 in response to a command from the system controller will be described.

1.9.5.2 Shift When a shift command is received, the direction to shift and the mm size to shift are transmitted at the same time. Calculate the number of dots to shift from the mm dimension to shift. Based on the shift direction data, it is determined whether it is the forward direction in the main scanning X direction (direction in which the value of X in the array increases) or the backward direction, or the forward direction in the sub scanning Y direction, or the backward direction. When the above judgment is completed, the image processing operation is started. For example, main scan X
When a shift command of 25.4 mm is received in the forward direction, the number of shift dots is 400 dots. Then, the bit map data of the image is controlled by the DMA control in the image processing unit so that the bit map page memory A
To B. When transferred, the following processing is performed. A (X, Y, Z) = B (X + 400, Y, Z) X is processed from 0 to 4678-400, Y is 0
To 6615 are processed. Z is a byte DMA
In this case, since 0 to bit 7 are transferred at the same time, it need not be considered.

The shift amount from the system controller is determined as follows. In FIG. 29, when the image start position is X1, the X coordinate of the punch or staple position is 20 mm.
If the punch hole diameter is 6 mm, and if X1> (20 + 6/2) mm, the punch hole and the image do not overlap, so there is no need to shift. When X1 ≦ (20 + 6/2) mm 2, the punch hole and the image overlap. In this case, the image shift amount SFx is SFx = (20 + 6/2) −X1. This value is transmitted after the shift direction X-axis forward shift command. The same applies to staples.

On the other hand, when the image is spilled due to the SFx shift, that is, when the value of X2 in FIG. 29 is smaller than the shifted SFx. At this time, when the shift image is developed on the transfer paper, the image is cut off. In order not to cause image cutout, the original image must be reduced.

1.9.5.3 Scaling When a scaling process is received, for example, in the case of 50% reduction, both X and Y even bytes are thinned and transferred from A to B. In the case of 99%, 0 to 98 of X and Y of A are transferred to B, and then 100 to 198 of X and Y of A are transferred to B. By doing so, one pixel out of 100 pixels is thinned out, resulting in 99% reduction. Similarly 98%
At this time, one pixel out of 50 pixels may be thinned out.

When performing enlargement, if the bits are enlarged as they are, the pixels become rough and become a mosaic shape. Therefore, in order to make this smooth (smoothing), interpolation or a spatial low-pass filter (after two-dimensional Fourier transform) is performed. It is common to perform processing such as high frequency attenuation and inverse Fourier transform). In the case where an image is generated at the above-mentioned punch position and the image is cut off when the image is shifted and the image must be reduced, the magnification is determined as follows. Manuscript X
If the document length in the axial direction is Lx, then M (magnification) = (Lx− (20 + 6/2) / Lx. To guarantee the image, only the reduction in the X-axis direction is required, but the normal image In order to keep the vertical and horizontal ratios of X and Y constant, it is usual to change the magnification on both the X and Y axes.

1.9.5.4 Rotation Rotation angle is transmitted in units of 90 degrees. In the case of 90 ° clockwise rotation, the pixel data at point A becomes the pixel at point B,
The pixel data of the image may be transferred from the memories A to B so that the pixel data of the point B becomes the pixel data of the point (4678, 4678). However, in this state, the number of pixels differs in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, so that in the case of 90 ° rotation, the pixels in the longitudinal direction (sub-scanning direction) overflow from the memory. However, since it also overflows from the transfer paper, this state may be left as it is when the reduction processing is not performed. However, in the case of reduction, the memory for the sub-scanning direction × the sub-scanning direction is required for the B page memory. Is becoming.

When the rotation angle is 180 degrees, the pixel of A corresponds to the pixel of C. Therefore, the conversion is: A (X, Y, Z) = B (6615-X, 4678-Y,
Z).

1.9.5.5 Reverse Scan and Mirroring With mirroring, it is possible to obtain an image in which the image is mirror-finished with respect to a normal copy. This is useful in the design department as one application of image processing, but the following applications are also possible.

Normally, the scanner reads the original data from the original reference position and develops it in the memory, but if the original size is known, the original is read from the opposite side of the original reference and developed in the memory. FIG. 26 shows the image information developed in the memory in the above-described normal scan (a, b). The diagonal lines and arrows from the left to the right of the document indicate the main scanning direction. FIG. 27
In the figure, (a) and (b) are diagrams when a document is reverse-scanned and developed in a memory. Both of the pixels scanned first are (0, 0, 0) of the page memory 207 shown in FIG.
Expanded to 0). When the M line in FIG. 27 is assumed to be a mirror and mirroring is performed on the memory, the result is (c) in FIG. This is performed by the mirror axis information received at the same time when the mirroring command or the reverse scan command is received. For example, in the case of Y axis information, the memory shown in FIG.

A (X, Y, Z) = B (4678-X,
Y, Z) In the case of mirroring on the X axis, A (X, Y, Z) = B (X, 6615−Y, Z).

Originally placed upside down, the original is reverse-scanned and mirrored, which is shown in FIGS. 28 (a) to 28 (c).

In this description, the data is once taken into the memory and mirrored, but it is also possible to output the M line as a mirror axis simultaneously with reading in real time.
Even in a low-cost device that does not have a page memory, the image can be rotated by 180 degrees by a simple process.

1.10 Human Body Detection Sensor As shown in the overall block diagram of FIG.
A human body detection sensor 225 is connected to the. This detects whether the operator of the copier is in front of the copier. The installation location is the operation section of the copier,
Or near the display unit, the document table, and the front side surface. The sensor 225 is a reflective sensor that is combined with an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor. This sensor 2
25 is used, for example, to turn on / off control of preheating of the copying machine (to lower the fixing temperature to save power when the machine is not used), guidance explanation control, voice guidance on / off, and machine operation control judgment. Be seen.

The determination as to whether or not there is an operator is made as follows. The reflection type human body detection sensor 225 is configured such that the reflection object is turned on within about 1 m from the sensor. When the output of the sensor 225 is directly used as an operator presence signal, even when a person passes by in front of the copying machine, the operator instantaneously detects the presence of the operator.
If the sensor output is on continuously for a certain period of time, it is determined that an operator exists. This certain fixed time is generally 500 msec to 800 msec. Also,
This time may be made as software by a timer by the CPU, or signal delay may be made by hardware of the sensor 225.

2. Image direction determination The image direction determination method includes: -recognizing the image direction by detecting the end blank area-recognizing the image direction by the layout determination-recognizing the image direction by the character direction determination and character recognition means-punch There is a method of recognizing the image direction by detecting holes and staple holes and recognizing the image direction by detecting end blank areas.
The APL5 and various functional hardware of the base unit shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a method of recognizing the image direction by detecting the edge blank area will be described in detail.

3. Recognition of image direction by detecting edge blank area
In a certain format, for example, in-house reports, applications submitted to government offices, etc., the blank area of the end face is determined to some extent. Also, documents created with a word processor and printed with a printer have binding margin settings (such as left margin settings) set, and if these documents are used, the image orientation can be determined by determining the maximum blank area on the edge. Can be determined.

FIG. 30 shows a block diagram relating to a method for detecting the number of pixels from the document edge surface to the image start position in order to detect the blank area on the edge surface. First, a method of detecting the image start position in the main scanning direction will be described.

The counter 510 uses the comparator 511 to select the level at which the pixels of the CCD 250 recognize white.
During the period when the output of the comparator 511 is present, the counter 510
The pixel clock 512 input to is counted. On the other hand, the output of the comparator 511 is also connected to the latch of the counter, and the pixel clock 51 is output every time the pixel signal changes from white to black.
2 latches the count value, and the counter latch 513 stores the count value. At this timing, the count of the pixel clock 512 is reset. Further, the count value is reset by the input of the line synchronization signal (LSYNC) 514. With such a circuit, the position where the image starts can be detected from the end of the document, and the position information is stored in the counter 510.
Are stored in the counter latch 513 of each pixel clock unit. To detect the number of white pixels at the trailing edge of the document, the value of the counter latch 513 may be read at the output timing of the document trailing edge signal. As a method of detecting the sub-scanning direction, the sub-scanning counter 515 may count the number of continuous main scans when the counter latch 513 has a value of the number of pixels corresponding to the document size. This counting is performed at the document end surface and the end portion according to the document size, and each sub-scanning counter 515
Remember the value of. On the other hand, this circuit can also be used to determine whether or not an original has an image. If no black pixels are recognized in the document size area (latch output cannot be obtained), the document can be recognized as blank.

By the above means, X1, X in FIG.
2, Y1 and Y2 are detected. The method for detecting the location of the blank area will be described with reference to FIG. The waveform of the main scan output at the timing of the sub scan L as shown in FIG.
It becomes like 9 (b). From this waveform, X1 and X2 shown in the figure are compared. As shown in the figure, if X1> X2, it can be determined that a blank exists in the sub-scanning direction on the reference point side, and the document direction can be determined. In addition to this, paying attention to an arbitrary plurality of pixels in the vertical direction or a single pixel in the main scanning direction, the signal change with respect to the time axis in the sub scanning direction is stored, and Y
1 and Y2 are compared. If Y1> Y2, it can be determined that the vertical installation is correct.

The method of detecting the document direction will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart. A description will be given with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 31 using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513 and Y1 and Y2 stored in the sub-scanning counter 515. In step S1, X1 and X2 are compared. If X1 is larger than X2, step S2
Proceed to. In step S2, Y1 and Y2 are compared. Y
If 1 is larger than Y2, the process proceeds to step S3, and it is determined that the top and bottom of the document are properly set in the vertically written document. If n in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4,
It is judged to be upside down in horizontal writing. If n is determined in step S1, the process proceeds to step S5, and Y1 and Y2 are compared in the same manner as in step S2. If Y1 is larger, it is determined that the document image is vertically written upside down (step S6). If not, it is determined that the document image is horizontally written upside down and placed normally (step S7). The judged images are shown in FIG. 32. (A) is the image determined in step S3, similarly (b) is step S4, (c) is step S6, (d).
Is step S7.

By the above method, the document is written vertically, horizontally,
The top and bottom can be determined, and for example, when an original group in which the top and bottom are mixed in reverse is to be copied, it can be used as a means for issuing a warning or automatically aligning the top and bottom in one direction.

As post-copy processing, staple,
When punching, etc., the position and width of the top and bottom and the end blank area are accurate by the above means, so it is possible to perform stapling and punching while avoiding images (movement of staple punch position), punch position, staple position. It is possible to input information to the punch / stapling determination processing means, such as issuing a warning when the edge blank portion does not match the edge blank portion.

3.1.1 Detecting Maximum Margin in Page Area of Output Image Information and Recognizing Image Direction from Detected Data Here, it is possible to detect the image direction by detecting an edge margin area of the document. Be seen. This content is 3. It has already been described in the section of image orientation recognition by edge blank area detection. With this configuration, the image direction of the formatted original image can be detected with a simple configuration. From the image information, it becomes possible to detect the vertical writing, the horizontal writing, and the vertical setting direction of the original.

3.1.2 Recognizing the image direction from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face by deciding the reference 2 end face from the document size and the document setting direction (image information direction) Any 2 of the 4 sides of the document depending on the document size It is possible to detect the image direction by detecting the edge margin areas of arbitrary two sides of each document with the side as the binding margin in advance, and to recognize the image direction of the document based on each detected document direction. Be seen.

The contents will be described below. The binding margin position of a document that is usually used in an office is determined by the document size. For example, in the case of A4 size paper, the document size is 210 mm × 297 mm, but normally either side of 297 mm in the longitudinal direction is the binding margin position. Therefore, if the original is placed as shown in FIG. 29, X1
By comparing only X2 and X2, it is possible to determine the top and bottom of the original from the blank area of the original.

If it is determined that the document is vertical by the known document size detection, the binding margin position is determined using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513, and if the document size is determined to be horizontal, the By using Y1 and Y2 stored in the scanning counter 517, the binding margin position of the document is determined.

Now, a method of detecting the binding margin position of the original document from X1 and X2 of FIG. 29 detected by the above-described white portion detection circuit on the original document will be described. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S11, it is determined whether the document size is vertical or horizontal, and if it is vertical, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S13. Step S
12 compares X1 and X2. X1 is more X
If it is larger than 2, it is determined that the binding margin position of the document is on the reference position side (the document is placed in the correct direction),
On the contrary, if it is small, it is determined that the binding margin is on the side opposite to the reference position (the original is placed upside down). In step S13, Y1 and Y2 are compared. If Y1 is larger than Y2, it is determined that the binding margin is on the reference position side (the original is placed in the correct direction), and if it is smaller, the binding margin is on the side opposite to the reference position (the original is upside down). Be placed). By doing this, with a simple configuration,
The binding margin position of the formatted document image and the document image direction can be detected.

3.1.3 In the case of a large number of originals, the maximum edge margin in the page area regarding the image information of the second page transition is detected, and the matching of the image directionality with the start page image information is confirmed. The image direction is detected by detecting the edge margin area of each document, and there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group copied according to each detected document direction. It is determined whether or not. This content is described in 3. above. It is explained in the text of the section of image orientation recognition by edge blank detection.
A flowchart of this processing is shown in FIG.

In this process, X1> X in step S21.
If y is 2, y1> Y2 is determined in step S22, if n, horizontal writing is reversed in step S23, and counter b is incremented in step S24. If y in step S22, vertical writing is set up in step S25, and the counter a is incremented in step S21. If n in step S21, Y1> Y2 is determined in step S27, and if y, vertical writing is reversed in step S28, and the counter c is incremented in step S29. If the answer is n in step S27, the horizontal writing orientation is set in step S30, and the counter d is incremented in step S31.

From the count-up result, the counter for the number of originals in the vertical writing vertical direction, the counter for the number of originals in the horizontal vertical writing direction, the counter for the number of originals in the horizontal vertical writing direction, the counter c for the horizontal writing vertical direction, and the counter for the horizontal writing vertical direction 35, it is determined whether or not different original directions are mixed in the multiple originals of one job according to FIG.
The type of orientation of the original is counted, that is, the original (image) orientation counter E is first cleared (step S
41). In step S42, it is checked whether or not the counter indicating the direction of each original (image) from a to d is 0. If 0, the original (image) directionality counter E is set to 1.
Add. In step S43, it is determined whether or not the original (image) directional counter E is 3, and if the original (image) directional counter E is 3, all originals (images) are in the same direction and different originals (images). It is determined that the document indicating the image direction does not exist in the multiple document group of one job (step S
44). If the value is other than 3, it is determined that there are originals with different originals (images) in the multiple originals group (step S45). This way, a simple device,
By the flow, it is possible to detect the directionality of each document in a group of many documents and to detect whether or not the documents having different document directions are mixed in the document group.

3.1.4 Image Directionality N for Multiple Originals
Recovering when G is detected 3.1.4.1 Warning display only after image formation Only when a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the edge margin area of each original, and copying is performed according to each detected original direction. It is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group
As a result of the judgment, if there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the first document, a warning display is displayed on the operation unit so that documents with different image directions and copies of those documents can The operator is informed that there is a.

The contents will be described below. As shown in FIG. 36, when copying is completed in the flow of FIG. 35 (step S51) and it is determined that document directions are mixed (y in step S52), all document groups are input to the operation unit unit 204. Of the operation unit 204 after completion of copying
If U is in the READY state (y in step S53),
A display request code is transmitted to display the following warning (step S54). -Documents that are written vertically, horizontally, or in the opposite orientation of the image are mixed. -Check the copy paper and align the image direction. FIG. 37 shows an example of the operation unit display. In this way, by displaying a warning to the operator that the orientations of the originals are mixed, if the operator makes a judgment on the copy group after image formation only by the normal cover and performs post-processing such as punching and stapling for copy binding. If there is a copy with a different image direction in the copy group for the original, the page is missing. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such missing pages, the operator is automatically notified that the copies with different image directions are mixed after the end of copying, and the operator himself checks the image directionality of the copy and confirms the image. By requiring alignment. This makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

3.1.4.2 Copy interruption and warning display when the directionality is different in original scanning When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and the respective detection is performed. It is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copied document group based on the document direction that is set. When different originals are about to be copied, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that the originals with different image directions are present in the original group and the operator is advised to change the original placement direction. Informing is done.

The contents will be described below. The processing content is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, in the case of an original in the vertical writing direction (X1> X2), the flag a is used as the direction flag and the memory FLGDI in bytes is used.
If R is set to R (step S61), and if it is in the horizontal writing upside down direction (Y1 ≦ Y2 when X1> X2), the flag b is set (step S62). X1 Y1> Y2) Flag c (step S6
3) If horizontal writing is in the vertical direction (X1 ≦ X2, Y1 ≦
Y2) The flag c (step S63) is set, and the flag d is set if it is the horizontal writing vertical direction (step S64). The bit configuration of the byte-unit memory FLGDIR in which the flag is stored is as shown in FIG. a is 01H,
b is 02H, c is 04H, and d is 08H.

The operation flow of copying interruption and warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. 40 and 41. This FIG. 40,
The flowchart shown in FIG. 41 is performed every first scan of one document. FLGDIR in step S71
To clear. The subsequent steps up to step S72 are the same as in FIG. When it is determined that the document directions are mixed, the copy interruption request flag is set in step S72. With this flag, the copy sequence control interrupts the development of a new original image in the memory, the feeding of a new transfer sheet, etc., and enters a sequence for stopping the copy operation.

At step S73, the directionality flag FLG is set.
The image direction counter is cleared according to the flag set in DIR. For example, if the flag c is set, the image direction counter c is cleared. This is to make this flow valid for the next document. In step S74, a warning display code is sent out to display a warning on the operation unit if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state.

FIG. 42 shows an example of the display on the operation unit. By detecting a mixture of document directions to the operator, stopping the copy operation, and displaying a warning, it is possible to obtain a unified copy in the image direction of the first sheet for the copy group imaged by the operator. . Especially when performing post-copy binding processing such as punching after copying, stapling, etc., normally, only the front cover is used to perform punching and stapling, and if there are copies of different image directions in the copy group with respect to the original, it will be omitted. Next page turns, and it looks bad. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such missing pages, the operator is automatically notified that originals having different image directions are mixed during copying, and the operator checks the image orientation of the originals to check the originals. It requires changing the installation direction and can prevent missing pages.

3.1.4.3 Mismatch of Edge Margin Areas When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the edge margin areas of each original, and the copy group is detected from each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document, when a document with a different image direction is detected, image rotation processing (inversion on memory) is performed. Execute-Reverse scanning of a document is performed to inform that there is a document with a different image direction or to recover a NG image directionality to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction. Less than,
The contents will be described. An operation flow at the time of performing image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) and the like by image processing will be described based on FIG. In the case of a large number of originals, when the originals with different image directions are detected by detecting the maximum end face blank area of each original, the image processing mode is entered in step S81, and the process proceeds to step S82 after image processing. Step S8
In No. 2, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

FIG. 44 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.
The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of the original will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of a large number of originals, if the originals having different image directions are detected by detecting the end margin areas of the respective originals, the original reverse scan mode is entered in step S91, the image orientation is corrected by the reverse scan, and step S91 is executed.
Proceed to 92. In step S92, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

FIG. 46 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.
The above-described processing is of course effective even when double-sided image formation (double-sided copying) is targeted.

As described above, the image direction is detected by detecting the edge margin area of each original, and when a plurality of originals are detected from each detected original direction, the reference image direction is determined from the edge margin area detection data. When it is identified that the image direction of the original (first original) is different from the image direction, the operator is informed that there is an original with different image directions by performing warning display, image rotation processing, reverse document scan, etc. In addition, by recovering the image directionality NG, it is possible to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified and to prevent missing pages.

3.1.5 Correspondence at the time of unidentification 3.1.5.1 Image formation / warning display in a predetermined direction determined in advance When a large number of originals are detected, by detecting an end margin area of each original The image direction cannot be identified in the image forming apparatus that detects the image direction and determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copy group based on the detected document direction. If the image is recognized, an image is formed in a predetermined direction, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that an original whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the original exist in the original group and the copy group. Informing you that you will be done.

The contents will be described below. First, X1, X2 in FIG. 29 detected by the white area detection circuit on the document.
A method of detecting the document direction from Y1 and Y2 will be described. X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513 and Y stored in the sub-scanning counter 515 shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. 47 using 1 and Y2. X1,
When detecting X2, Y1, Y2, X1, X2, Y1,
When either Y2 cannot be recognized, the counter is "-1".
Is memorized. X in steps S101 and S102
It is determined whether 1, X2, Y1 and Y2 are recognized. If y is determined, it is determined that the image direction cannot be identified (step S110). In the case of n, it progresses to step S103. In step S103, X1 and X2 are compared. If X1 is larger than X2, step S1
Go to 04. In step S104, Y1 and Y2 are compared. If Y1 is larger than Y2, step S1
In step 05, it is determined that the top and bottom of the manuscript are properly installed in the vertically written manuscript. In the case of n in step S104, the process proceeds to step S106, and it is determined that the horizontal writing original is upside down. If n in step S103, the process proceeds to step S107,
Similar to step S104, Y1 and Y2 are compared. Y
If 1 is larger, it is determined that the document image is vertically written upside down (step S108), and if not, it is determined that the document is horizontally written upside down and is normally placed (step S1).
09). The judged images are shown in FIG. 32 described above. (A) is the original document judged in step S105, (b) is step S106, and (c) is step S10.
8, (d) is step S109, and (e) is step S1.
01 and S102. Based on the image information detection result, the state of each document is incremented by one for each document.

From the count-up result, the vertical document top / bottom original document counter a, the horizontal document top / bottom original document counter b, the horizontal document top / bottom original document counter c, and the horizontal document top / bottom normal document counter d, using the counter of the document number counter e whose image direction cannot be identified,
According to FIG. 49 and FIG. 50, it is determined whether or not originals of different directions are mixed in the multiple originals of one job, and whether or not originals whose image direction cannot be identified are mixed.

First, the image direction counter E for counting the directionality of the document is cleared (step S13).
1). In step S132, it is checked whether or not the counters indicating the respective document directions a to d are 0. If 0, 1 is added to the image direction counter E. Step S
In 133, it is checked whether or not the counter indicating the addition of the image direction recognition permission of e is 0. If not 0, 4 is subtracted from the image direction counter E.

In step S134, it is determined whether or not the image direction counter E is 3, and if the image direction counter E is 3, all original directions are the same, and originals showing different original directions are It is determined that the document does not exist in the multi-document group of one job (step S136). If the value is a value other than 3, it is determined that there are originals with different original orientations or originals whose image orientation cannot be recognized in the multiple originals group, and the process proceeds to step S135. In step S135, it is determined whether or not the image direction counter E is> 0, and when the image direction counter E is> 0, it is determined that documents having different document directions are mixed in the multiple document group ( Step S13
7). If the image direction counter E is not> 0,
It is determined that there is a document whose image direction cannot be recognized in the group of many documents (step S138).

As shown in FIG. 48, when it is determined that the image direction cannot be identified in the flow of FIG. 47 (step S1).
21, y in S122), an image is formed in a predetermined direction, and if the CPU of the operation unit unit 204 is in the READY state after the copying of all document groups to the operation unit unit 204 is completed. (Y in step S123), a display request code is sent to perform the following warning display (step S124). The number of originals whose image orientation cannot be identified is known by the counter e. The warning display is as shown in FIG.

-The originals of which the image orientation cannot be identified are mixed <e sheets>. -Check the copy paper and align the image direction. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a missing page by displaying a warning to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified.

3.1.5.2 Image formation / warning display by unifying in the identified predetermined reference image information direction When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, Using that information as the reference image direction information, it is determined whether the image direction of the original is different from the reference image direction, and the image forming apparatus that aligns the image directions recognizes that the image direction of the reference page is indistinguishable. If
The next page is determined as the reference image direction page, and the image directions are aligned based on the information on that page. By displaying a warning display of the above items on the operation unit, the operator is notified of the presence of a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document.

The contents will be described below. Figure 52
In step S141, first, the number of pages of the reference document is counted. Flag D of FLGDIR, which will be described later
The page counter m is cleared before the first original is scanned. F when reading the first original
Since the flag D of LGDIR is OFF, the page counter m is counted by one. Next step to step S
The processes up to 142 are the same as those described later with reference to FIG. 55.
In the case of a vertically-oriented vertical document, the flag a is set as a direction flag in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR. The flag c is set in the flag d if it is the horizontal orientation. When the document direction is identified, the process proceeds to step S142, and when the flag D of FLGDIR is OFF, the flag D is set as a data flag in the byte unit memory FLGDIR and the reference direction data is stored. When the flag D is on (when the reference direction data is stored), the process proceeds to the next step. Byte-based memory FLGD in which flags are stored
The bit structure of IR is as shown in FIG. a is 0
1H, b is 02H, c is 04H, d is 08H, e is 10
H and D are 20H. When the CPUs of the copy end operation unit 204 of all the original document groups are in the READY state, a warning display code is sent to the operation unit 204 and the page counter m identifies which page is the reference original document. The page number of is also displayed. FIG. 54 shows an example of the operation unit. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a missing page by displaying a warning to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified.

3.1.5.3 Image interruption / warning display When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and copying is performed according to each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group, if it is recognized that the image direction cannot be identified, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed. Is displayed on the operation unit to indicate that a manuscript whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the manuscript exist in the manuscript group and the copy group, and notify the operator to change the manuscript setting direction. ..

The contents will be described below. FIG. 55
According to the above, in the case of a vertically-oriented original document, a flag a is set in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR (step S151). The flag c is set in the reverse writing direction (step S153), and the flag d is set in the horizontal writing upside direction (step S15).
4). In the case of a document whose image direction cannot be recognized, the flag e is set as the direction flag in the flag e (step S15).
5). Byte-based memory FLG in which flags are stored
The bit structure of the DIR is as shown in FIG. a is 01H, b is 02H, c is 04H, d is 08H, and e is 1
It is 0H.

The operation flow of copying interruption and warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. 57, 58 and 59. The flow shown in these figures is performed every first scan of one original. FLGDIR is cleared in step S161. Thereafter, the steps up to step S170 are shown in FIGS.
Is the same as the explanation. When it is determined that the document directions are mixed, the copy interruption request flag is set in step S161-1 (FIG. 58). With this flag, the copy sequence control enters a sequence of stopping the copy operation by interrupting the development of a new original image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like. In step S161-2 (FIG. 58), the image direction counter is cleared according to the flag set in the direction flag FLGDIR. For example, if the flag c is set, the image direction counter c is cleared. This is to make this flow valid for the next document. However, regarding the flag e, since the value of the image direction counter e is used for warning display, it is cleared in step S171 after the warning display code is transmitted. Step S
In 170, a warning display code is sent out to display a warning on the operation unit if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state. FIG. 60 shows an example of the display of the operation unit.

3.1.6 Supporting blank originals When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the edge margin area of each original, and the original direction is detected in each of the detected original directions. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the first document, when the document is recognized as a blank sheet, the document is reversed by the document reversing unit, and then the image is reproduced again. It is conceivable to perform the reading operation and detect the image direction again for the read image.

The contents will be described below. In the ADF (II) reading operation shown in FIG. 2, if there is no image information in the image signal for one document for an arbitrary document, it is considered that the document is inverted. At that time, the automatic document feeder does not discharge the document, but reverses the document in the automatic document feeder and performs the reading operation by the scanner again. If the information of the read original is blank information again, it is considered that both sides are blank, the original is ejected without performing the copy copper operation, the image information related to this original is discarded, and the next original is printed. Performs read processing operation. The image direction is detected from the information of the read document again, and when the image direction is the same as the image direction of the series of documents, a normal image forming operation is performed based on the image information of the reversed document. . At this time, if the detected image direction is different from the series of image directions, the image formation is interrupted and confirmation is requested, or a warning is displayed. When the detected image direction is different from the series of image directions, the read image information is rotated on the memory to unify the image directions.

The above processing will be described according to the flows shown in FIGS. 61 and 62. In step S181, the document is set on the document table 100, and in step S182 the document number counter CNT is initialized to zero. In step S183, the blank document determination flag is set to 0. Step S18
In step 4, only one original is conveyed and set at a predetermined position on the contact glass 9, and then in step S185, an operation of reading the original is performed. With respect to the read image information, the edge margin area of the document is detected in the edge margin area detection step S186. Step S187 is a blank sheet detecting step, in which it is judged whether or not the read original is a blank original, and if it is not a blank original, the directionality is confirmed by the directionality confirmation routine of step S188. If the directionality is correct, a normal copy operation is performed in step S189, the value of the document number counter CNT is incremented by 1 in step S190, and the document is ejected from the document feeder in step S191. In step S192, the presence / absence of a remaining document is checked, and if the document remains, the process returns to step S183. If no document remains, the job is ended and the standby mode is entered.

When it is determined in step S187 that the document is blank, the blank document determination flag is determined in step S193. If the determination flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S196, the document is reversed, and the process proceeds to step S196.
In 197, the determination flag is set to 1 and step S185
Then, the original is read again. Step S193
If the determination flag FLG is 1, it is determined that both sides are blank documents, so that it is regarded as a slip sheet, and step S1 is performed.
When the process proceeds from step 94 to step S195, the image data is canceled, the process proceeds to step S189, the normal copy operation is performed, the document is ejected in step S191, and it is determined in step S192 that there is a remaining document. The process advances to step S183 to start processing the next original. If the directionality confirmation routine in step S188 determines that the directionality is not correct, the process proceeds to a recovery process routine in step S198, which will be described later, performs a predetermined recovery process, and then proceeds to the copy operation in step S189.

Next, the recovery processing routine of step S198 will be described. There are the following recovery processing routines. a. Interrupt the copy operation and display the warning display on the operation unit. B. Perform image rotation processing on memory c. Reverse scanning of originals Each item will be described below.

The operation flow of interruption of copying and output of warning display will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed for each scan of one document. If a command is previously written in the ROM of the main body of the copying machine to interrupt the copy operation when the reference staple position and the detected image direction do not match in the staple mode (copy interrupt mode), it is indicated by step S201. As described above, the copy interruption request flag is set. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters a sequence of stopping the copy operation by interrupting the development of a new original image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like. When the copy interruption instruction is not written, step S201 is ignored and step S
Proceed to 202.

In step S202, the operation unit 2
In order to display a warning on the LCD 410 of No. 04, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. FIG. 64 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

The operation flow when the image rotation process (inversion on the memory) or the like is performed by the image process is the same as the flow shown in FIG. The warning display is also the same as in FIG.

The operation flow for reverse scanning of the original is the same as that shown in FIG. The warning display is also the same as in FIG.

When there is a document whose front and back are reversed when the code of a plurality of originals is present, if the code is executed as it is, a missing page will occur. In order to prevent this, it is possible to determine whether or not the original is a blank sheet, and if it is recognized that the original is a blank sheet, the original can be reversed in the apparatus to return the original to a state in which the document is not reversed. When it is recognized that the reversed original is a blank sheet again, it is determined that both the front and back sides are blank sheets, and the copy operation is stopped for this original to prevent the missing pages.

In addition to the above operations, the directionality of the original direction is recognized to determine the directionality matching with other originals, and when there is an unmatched original, a warning display / copy operation is performed. Stop the image, rotate the image, reverse scan the original, etc. to notify that there is an original with a different image orientation, or recover the image orientation NG, and obtain a copy with a uniform image orientation. It is possible to prevent missing pages.

3.1.7 Image Directionality N for Multiple Originals
Correspondence when G is detected (when image processing cannot be supported when mismatch of edge margin areas is detected by margin recognition) When a large number of originals are detected, the image is directed by detecting the edge margin areas of each original, and each is detected. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copy group rather than the document direction, when the document with the different image direction is detected, the image orientation When it is not possible to obtain a uniform copy of the image direction without a corrective action by the operator without a recovery function for NG, Aa) The number of sorts is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (optional) according to the number of sorts. In the case of), the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call the operator's attention. After the lapse of a predetermined time, if the operator takes no action, the copy operation is restarted. b) According to the number of sorts, when the number of sorts is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the copy operation is continued and only the warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B-a) When the human body detection sensor is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call the operator's attention. After the lapse of a predetermined time, if the operator takes no action, the copy operation is restarted. b) When the human body detection sensor is OFF, the copy operation is continued and only the warning display is displayed on the operation unit. In order to reduce the dead time of the machine, notify the operator that there are originals with different image orientations, request the operator to perform processing to unify the image orientations, and perform predetermined operations if there is no correspondence. Is done.

First, the copy operation flow for dealing with the number of sorts will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed every first scan of one document. If there is a document determined to have the image directionality NG with respect to the reference document in the copy document, as shown in step S231, a predetermined predetermined number of copies N (arbitrary) and the number of sorts set by the operator are compared by the comparison means. In comparison, if the set number of copies is larger than the predetermined number N, a command is written in advance in the ROM of the copying machine main body to interrupt the copy operation (copy interrupt mode), and the copy interrupt request flag is set. . With this flag, the copy sequence control enters a sequence of stopping the copy operation by interrupting the development of a new original image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like. Then, in step S232, a warning display as shown in FIG. 66 is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. On the other hand, when the operator takes some action and presses the start key 431 again, the copy operation is restarted.

On the other hand, when the operator is not in front of the copying machine and cannot respond to the warning, a timer in the main body for monitoring the elapsed time (TIME) after the copying is interrupted. Is determined by P
If no action is taken even after waiting the SET time, the copy operation is restarted. If the number of sort copies set by the operator is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number N in step S231, step S232 is ignored and the copy operation is continued.

After the completion of copying, in step S233, a warning display copy is made if the operation unit is in the copy reception READY state in order to display a warning on the operation unit to inform the operator that a document having a different image orientation exists. Is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. FIG. 67 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

Next, the operation flow of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed every first scan of one document. If there is a document determined to have the image orientation NG with respect to the reference document among the copied documents, step S
As shown by reference numeral 241, when the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, a command for interrupting the copy operation is written in advance in the ROM of the copying machine main body (copy interrupt mode), and the copy interrupt request flag is stored in the memory. Deployment to,
The feeding of new transfer paper is interrupted, and the sequence for stopping the copy operation is started. Then, in step S242, a warning display prompting the operator to confirm (similar to FIG. 66) is displayed. On the other hand, when the operator takes some action and presses the start key 431 again, the copy operation is restarted.

On the other hand, if the warning cannot be dealt with, such as when the human body detection sensor 225 is operating for an object other than the operator, the elapsed time (TIME) after the interruption of copying is monitored. If the timer within the main body does not deal with waiting for a predetermined PSET time, the copy operation is restarted. Also, step S
In 241, if the operator is away from the copying machine (when the human body detection sensor is OFF), step S242 is ignored and the copying operation is continued.

After the copying is completed, in step S243, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is displayed on the operation unit to notify the operator that a document having a different image direction exists. Is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The warning display on the operation unit is the same as in FIG.

By doing so, the following effects can be obtained.
In the copy operation using the sorter, the image direction N
When it is recognized that the G document exists, when the number of copies that can be easily corrected after copying is small according to the number of sorts, the copy operation is performed without interruption and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copy is completed. This makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

On the other hand, when a large number of sort copies are difficult to correct later, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation section, whereby it becomes possible to prevent missing pages. If the number of copies is large and the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation section, and if no action is taken even after the lapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is automatically restarted, and the machine is stopped for a long time. Also, it becomes possible to save unnecessary occupation time by the current job. At the same time, by displaying a warning on the operation unit after completion of copying, when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. Is automatically notified, and the operator is requested to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself, which makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

In the copying operation of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225, when it is recognized that a document in the image direction NG exists, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is output according to the output signal of the human body detection sensor 225. Is off (when the operator is not in front of the copier),
By performing the copy operation without interruption and displaying a warning on the operation unit after the copy operation is completed, the image can be displayed when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation. Direction NG originals (copies) are automatically notified that they are mixed, and the operator is requested to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself, which makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

On the other hand, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON.
In the case of, it is possible to prevent the missing pages by interrupting the copying operation and displaying a warning on the operation unit. Further, when the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copying operation is interrupted, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken after a predetermined time, the copying operation is automatically restarted. However, it is possible to save unnecessary machine down time and unnecessary occupation time by the current job. At the same time, by displaying a warning on the operation unit after completion of copying, when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. Automatically, and request that the operator confirm the image orientation of the copy himself.
This makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

3.2.1 Detect the maximum end face margin in the page area of the output image information, and determine the staple position from the detected data 3.2.2 Staple the detected maximum end face margin. The image direction is detected by detecting the edge blank area, and the staple position is determined from the detected image data. Although the contents are as described above, they are also effective in the case of targeting double-sided image formation (double-sided copying). By doing this, it is possible to prevent miss staples in advance.

3.2.3 The reference 2 end face is determined from the document size and the document setting direction (image information direction), and the staple position is determined from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face. The side is used as a binding margin in advance, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin areas of any two sides of each document, and the image direction of the document is recognized based on each detected document direction, and the staple position is determined. The decision is made.

The contents will be described below. The binding margin position of a document that is usually used in an office is determined by the document size. For example, in the case of A4 size paper, the document size is 210 mm × 297 mm, but normally either side of 297 mm in the longitudinal direction is the binding margin position. Therefore, if the original is placed as shown in FIG. 29, the top and bottom of the original can be determined from the blank area of the original by comparing only X1 and X2.

When the original is judged to be vertical by the original size detection, the binding margin position is judged using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513 shown in FIG. 30, and the original size is judged to be horizontal. Is the sub-scanning counter 515
The binding margin position of the document is determined by using Y1 and Y2 stored in. The method of detecting the binding margin position of the document from X1 and X2 of FIG. 29 detected by the white area detection circuit on the document described above is the same as in FIG.

The binding margin position of the original is detected by the above method, and the flow shown in FIG. 1 is executed. When the copying is completed (y in step S261), the document binding margin position of the copy group is determined from the document binding margin position data (step S262). In staple mode (step S
263), the stapling position is determined from the result of the document binding position determination of the copy group (step S264),
The stapler is operated and stapled (step S26).
5). After stapling, the standby mode is entered (step S2
66). When the staple mode is not set, the standby mode is directly entered.

The above-mentioned processing is for double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).
It is also effective when targeting. By doing so, the stapling position is determined by detecting the binding margin position of the formatted document image and the document image direction with a simple configuration, and post-processing after copying is efficiently performed. You can

3.2.4 Image orientation is recognized from the maximum edge margin data, and the image orientation consistency is confirmed by comparison with the reference staple position data. When a large number of originals are used, the image is detected by detecting the edge margin area of each original. The matching confirmation method in this case of detecting the direction and confirming the matching between the detected image data and the reference staple position is as described above. Note that this is also effective when the target is double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, by determining the consistency between the image direction detected from the maximum end face margin data and the reference staple position, miss staple can be prevented in advance.

3.2.5 Image Orientation NG Recover by Recognizing Image Direction from Maximum Edge Margin Data and Comparing with Standard Staple Position Data NG When multiple originals are used, the image orientation is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original. In the image forming apparatus that detects the staple position and determines the staple position based on the detected image data, when the reference staple position data and the detected image direction do not match, a) the copying operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B) Copy operation is continued and stapling operation is prohibited c) Image rotation processing (reversal on memory) d) Mis-stapling is performed by performing reverse scanning of the document. Be seen.

The contents will be described below. The operation flow for interrupting copying and outputting a warning display is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as in FIG. An operation flow for continuing image formation and stapling inhibition will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed every first scan of one document. When the staple mode is set by the input from the operation unit, the staple request flag is set. At this time, when it is determined that the image direction detected from the maximum margin detection data does not match the reference staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S281. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. Note that the staple mode is on /
After the off state is confirmed once, it is sufficient to start from step S281 for the second and subsequent documents. Step S28
In No. 2, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) and the like by image processing is the same as in FIG. The operation flow at the time of performing the reverse scan of the document is the same as that in FIG. Although not mentioned above, a) to d) are also effective in the case of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction detected from the maximum margin detection data does not match the reference stapling position, a warning is displayed, the copying operation is stopped, the image is rotated, the document is reverse scanned, and the staple mode is automatically set. By performing release or the like, miss staple can be prevented in the staple mode.

3.2.6 When Images Exist at Staple Positions Determined from Maximum End Face Margin Data When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and the respective detections are performed. In the image forming apparatus that determines the staple position based on the determined image data, when the image exists at the determined staple position, a) interrupt the copy operation and display a warning display on the operation unit b) continue image formation , Stapling is prohibited c) Shift / magnification (reduction) is performed by image processing d) Staple position is changed e) Staple mode is not applied to the image due to automatic release of staple mode (default) And then
The stapling prevents the copy original from being damaged.

The contents will be described below. The operation flow of interruption of copying and output of warning display will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed every first scan of one document. If an instruction has been written in advance in the ROM of the main body of the copying machine to interrupt the copy operation when an image exists at the staple position in the staple mode, the copy interrupt request flag is set as shown in step S311. . With this flag, the copy sequence control enters a sequence of stopping the copy operation by interrupting the development of a new original image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like. When the copy interruption command is not written, step S311 is ignored and step S311 is ignored.
Go to 312. In step S311, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation flow of image formation continuation and stapling inhibition will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is
It is performed every first scan of one original. When the staple mode is set by the input from the operation unit, the staple request flag is set. At this time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S321. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. After the staple mode is turned on / off once, the flow of step S321 may be started for the second and subsequent originals. In step S322, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

Sequence / magnification (reduction) by image processing
An operation flow for performing the above will be described with reference to FIG.
When the staple mode is set, the staple request flag is set. At that time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position,
In step S331, the image processing mode is entered. In step S332, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation flow for changing the staple position will be described with reference to FIG. When the staple mode is set, the staple request flag is set.
At that time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, the staple position is changed to the staple position change mode in step S341, and the position of the staple is changed to staple outside the image area. Step S3
At 42, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is transmitted, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation flow when the staple mode is automatically released (default) will be described with reference to FIG. When the staple mode is set by default, the staple request flag is set. then,
When it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S321. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. After the staple mode is turned on / off once, the flow of step S321 may be started for the second and subsequent originals. In step S322, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The above-described processing is also effective when the target is double-sided image formation (double-sided copying). FIG. 74 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

As described above, when the image exists at the determined stapling position, the copy operation is stopped / warning is displayed,
By shifting / magnifying the image, changing the staple position, automatically canceling the staple mode, etc., it is possible to prevent the image from being damaged by the staple in the staple mode.

3.3.1 Selection Control of Image Direction Identification Detection According to Image Forming Mode In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and each detected image is detected. In an image forming apparatus that discriminates and detects an image direction based on data, in the normal image forming mode (excluding post-processing), image direction discriminating detection is disabled and a reduction in copy work efficiency is prevented.

The contents will be described below. Image orientation is detected by detecting the margin area of the document,
In order to identify and detect the image direction based on the detected image data, it is necessary to perform work such as image processing. Then, the work has to be performed every time each original is scanned, which takes a very long time, and is inefficient in the case of a normal copy work. Therefore, in the case of a normal copy work, the copy work is performed without passing through the image direction recognition detection unit, and it is determined in step S351 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 75 whether or not to detect the image direction identification. When post-processing such as stapling and punching is performed, the direction identification detection is performed unconditionally, and the direction identification flag is set. When the direction identification flag is set, the process proceeds to the image direction identification detection mode of step S352. After the copying is completed, the process proceeds to the stapling mode (post-processing mode) in step S354, and after the processing is advanced to the standby mode in step S355 to wait for a key input instruction from the operator. When the direction identification flag is off, the process proceeds to the normal copy mode of step S353, and after the copying is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode of step S355 and waits for a key input instruction from the operator.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus for detecting the image direction by detecting the marginal area of the document, the image direction is identified in the normal image forming mode (excluding post-processing). By disabling the detection, it is possible to prevent the efficiency of the copying work from being lowered.

3.3.2 When the manual stapling instruction is input after the completion of the sorting operation and the staple position is NG based on the margin data of the end face. When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original. In the image forming apparatus that determines the stapling position based on the detected image data, when the manual stapling instruction is input after the completion of the sorting operation, it is determined from the detected image data that the image orientation of the document is inconsistent. And when it is determined that an image exists at the determined stapling position, a) a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, b) stapling is prohibited, and the operation is performed to prevent mis-stapling.
The stapling prevents the copy original from being damaged.

The contents will be described below. The operation flow of warning display output will be described with reference to FIG. After the copying work and the sorting work are completed, the staple counter K is cleared. Then, the READY mode is entered, and the staple flag S is set during the copying / sorting work and when the operator inputs a stapling mode before the work is started. When the copying and sorting work is completed, the machine once enters the READY mode and waits for the next command. If the staple flag S is set, the staple mode is directly entered. The staple mode is also entered by the operator's key input, and the staple counter K is counted by one. If the image directions of the copy originals are inconsistent, or if an image exists at the stapling position, as shown in step S361, the process proceeds to step S362 and a staple interruption code is issued.

In step S363, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. Then the READY mode is entered again, and the next command waiting state is entered. When the staple key is turned on again, the staple count K becomes 1 more.
Counted and go to staple operation mode by flow. FIG. 77 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

The operation flow of stapling inhibition will be described with reference to FIG. After the copy work and the sort work are completed, the staple flag S is set when the machine is in the READY mode state or when the staple mode input instruction is given by the operator during the copy / sort work.

When the copy / sort work is completed on the machine, 1
Then, the READY mode is entered and the next command waiting state is entered.
If the staple flag S is set, the staple mode is directly entered, and the staple mode is also entered by a key input by the operator. If the image directions of the copy originals are not aligned, or if the image exists at the staple position, step S3 is performed as shown in step S371.
72, the staple prohibition code is issued. In step S373, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. Then the READY mode is entered again, and the next command waiting state is entered. FIG. 79 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

In this way, when the image directions of the copy originals are inconsistent or when an image exists at the staple position, a warning is displayed, stapling is prohibited, etc. to prevent the image from being damaged by the staple. You can

[0200]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects. And a recognition step of recognizing a binding position with respect to a sheet on which the image information is image-formed from the maximum edge face margin portion detection data. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in which the binding position is determined by sequentially performing the above step, it is possible to accurately and reliably determine the binding position from the maximum end face margin portion detection data.

A detection step of detecting the maximum end surface margin portion in the page area of the image information, and a recognition step of recognizing the binding position on the paper on which the image information is image-formed from the maximum end surface margin portion detection data, According to the invention of claim 2, wherein the binding operation is performed by performing a binding operation on one side of the sheet corresponding to the bound binding position, and the binding operation is performed by sequentially performing these steps. It is possible to accurately and surely recognize the binding position from the detection data and execute the binding operation.

An identification step of identifying the two end faces that are the reference of the image information from the image information size data and the image information set direction data, a detection step of detecting the maximum end face margin area of the identified reference two end faces, and a maximum end face margin. The invention according to claim 3, further comprising a recognition step of recognizing a binding position on a sheet on which image information is image-formed from the set detection data, and performing the binding position determination by sequentially performing these steps. According to this, since the binding position is recognized from the maximum end face blank area of the identified two end faces, the binding position can be determined accurately and reliably.

An identification step of identifying the two end faces that are the reference of the image information from the image information size data and the image information set direction data, a detection step of detecting the maximum end face margin area of the identified reference two end faces, and a maximum end face margin. The image forming apparatus includes a recognition step of recognizing a binding position on a sheet on which image information is image-formed from copy detection data, and a binding step of performing a binding operation on one side of the sheet corresponding to the determined binding position. According to the invention described in claim 4, wherein the binding operation is performed by sequentially performing the binding operation, the binding operation can be performed by accurately and reliably recognizing the binding position from the maximum end surface margin area of the identified two end surfaces. it can.

Detection means for detecting the maximum end face margin portion within the page area of the image information, and recognition means for recognizing the binding position on the paper on which the image information is imaged from the maximum end face margin portion detection data are determined. According to the invention of claim 5, further comprising a binding unit that performs a binding operation on one side of the sheet corresponding to the bound binding position, the binding operation is performed by accurately and reliably recognizing the binding position from the maximum end face margin detection data. Can be executed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for stapling by determining a binding position.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an entire digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an optical writing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an optical writing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the overall electrical equipment control of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an image scanner unit.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing unit.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing data switched by a data switching mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a memory device.

FIG. 14 is an internal block diagram of a memory unit of the memory device.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing three image data types.

FIG. 16 is an internal block diagram of a memory device.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a memory system using an external storage device.

FIG. 18 is an internal block diagram of a memory device.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an application unit.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of an operation display unit.

FIG. 21 is a memory system block diagram.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing unit.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of image information reception.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an image processing function.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a bitmap page memory.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of image information data expanded in a memory at the time of normal scanning.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of image information data expanded in a memory at the time of reverse scanning.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of image information data mirrored on a memory.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing margins in the X and Y directions of a document.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram for detecting the number of pixels from the document end face to the image start position.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a document orientation detection method.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an image determined by the flow of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a binding margin position detection method for a document.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for matching the image directionality between the maximum edge margin and the start page image information.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for determining whether or not different document directions are mixed in many documents of one job.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart of warning display of a document with mixed directions.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 38 is a flow chart for determining whether or not there are originals with different image directions in the copied originals.

39 is an explanatory diagram showing the bit configuration of the memory of the flag used in the flow of FIG. 38. FIG.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of copying interruption and warning display output.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of copying interruption and warning display output.

FIG. 42 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart when performing image rotation processing by image processing.

FIG. 44 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart when reverse scanning of a document is performed.

FIG. 46 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart of a method for detecting the orientation of a document from the marginal area of the document.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart of a warning display when image orientation cannot be identified.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart for determining whether or not a plurality of originals in different directions in one job are mixed and originals whose image directions cannot be identified are mixed.

FIG. 50 is a flow chart for determining whether or not a plurality of originals in different directions are mixed in one job and originals whose image directions cannot be identified are mixed.

FIG. 51 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart of control for unifying to the identified predetermined reference image information direction.

53 is an explanatory diagram showing a bit configuration of a memory of a flag used in the flow of FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart of determination of unrecognizable image orientation.

56 is an explanatory diagram showing the bit configuration of the memory of the flag used in the flow of FIG. 55. FIG.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart of interruption of copying and warning display output when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart of interruption of copying and warning display output when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart of interruption of copying and warning display output when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 60 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart of blank document determination processing.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of blank document determination processing.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart of interruption of copying and warning display output when a blank document is determined.

FIG. 64 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

[Fig. 65] Fig. 65 is a flowchart of a copy operation for coping with the number of sort copies when the image directions are not aligned.

66 is a plan view of the operation display unit. FIG.

67 is a plan view of the operation display unit. FIG.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart of a coping operation of a copying machine equipped with a human body detection sensor when image directions are not aligned.

FIG. 69 is a flowchart for continuing image formation and stapling prohibition when the reference staple position data and the image direction do not match.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart of copying interruption and warning display when an image exists at the determined staple position.

FIG. 71 is a flowchart of operations of image formation continuation and stapling inhibition when an image exists at a determined stapling position.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart of the sequence / magnification processing and the like when an image exists at the determined staple position.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart of a staple position changing operation when an image exists at the determined staple position.

FIG. 74 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 75 is a flowchart of selection control of image direction identification detection according to an image forming mode.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a warning display when the staple position is inappropriate.

77 is a plan view of the operation display unit. FIG.

FIG. 78 is a flow chart for performing staple prohibition operation when the staple position is inappropriate.

FIG. 79 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 200, 201 CPU 202 Image control circuit 204 Operation unit unit 206 Scanner control circuit 207 Page memory 208 Image processing unit 210 Application unit 220 Main control board

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] November 27, 1992

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 5

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─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Office reference number FI technical display location G03G 15/00 114 7369-2H G06K 9/20 320 N 9/32 // B65H 37/04 D 9037 -3F (72) Inventor Hiroshi Takashima 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Hiroyasu Sumita 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Ricoh Company (72) ) Inventor Fumio Kurizumi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A detection step of detecting a maximum end surface margin portion in a page area of image information, and a recognition step of recognizing a binding position on a sheet on which the image information is formed from the maximum end surface margin portion detection data. And a post-processing method utilizing a margin for determining a binding position by sequentially performing these steps. 2. A detecting step of detecting a maximum end face margin portion in a page area of image information, and a recognizing step of recognizing a binding position on a sheet on which image information is image-formed from the maximum end face margin portion detection data. A post-processing method that uses a margin for performing the binding operation by sequentially performing the binding operation on one side of the sheet corresponding to the determined binding position and performing the binding operation. 3. An identification step of identifying the two end faces that are the reference of the image information from the image information size data and the image information set direction data; a detection step of detecting the maximum end face margin area of the identified reference two end faces; A post-processing using a margin for recognizing the binding position by sequentially recognizing the binding position on the paper on which the image information is formed from the end face margin detection data and performing the steps. Method. 4. A discriminating step for discriminating two end faces serving as a reference of image information from image information size data and image information set direction data; a detecting step for detecting a maximum end face margin area of the discriminated reference two end faces; A recognition step of recognizing the binding position on the sheet on which the image information is image-formed from the end face margin detection data, and a binding step of performing a binding operation on one side of the sheet corresponding to the determined binding position, A post-processing method that uses a margin to perform a binding operation by sequentially performing these steps. 5. A detecting means for detecting a maximum end surface margin portion in a page area of image information, and a recognizing means for recognizing a binding position on a sheet on which the image information is imaged from the maximum end surface margin portion detection data. A post-processing apparatus utilizing a margin, which comprises a binding unit that performs a binding operation on one side of a sheet corresponding to the determined binding position.