JPH09312715A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the image forming device whose composite function is able to be extended to control an operation section at a high speed with a simple and inexpensive configuration by adding an extension board to the device. SOLUTION: The image forming device is provided with an operation section 625 to display and enter various information, an operation section control IC 2601 arranged on a main control board 701 to control the operation section 625, and signal changeover section ICs 1-3 as an extension board detection means and an operation control changeover means. Then the signal changeover section ICs 1-3 detect whether or not an extension board (application system) 624 is connected and selects the system such that the control by the operation section 625 using the operation section control IC 2601 is validated when no extension board is connected, and selects the system such that the control by the operation section 625 using the extension board is validated when the extension board is connected.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of expanding a composite function by adding an expansion board. More specifically, the control of an operation unit when the composite function is expanded is inexpensive and high speed. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the following two types of methods have been used to control an operation unit of an image forming apparatus (for example, a digital copying machine) capable of realizing a composite function by adding an expansion board. There is.

A method in which the main control unit controls the operation unit, and when the operation unit is required on the expansion board side, data is once passed to the main control unit by a command or the like to perform the operation unit control. In other words, the main control unit controls all the operation units of the composite function.

I / F with the main control unit side on the operation unit side
(Interface) and the I / F of the expansion board side are provided independently, and when the operation part is required on the expansion board side, the operation part is controlled directly from the expansion board.

[0005]

However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the following problems.

According to the method in which the main control unit controls all operation units of the composite function, the main control unit must execute both the main control and the operation unit control for the extended function in real time. There was a problem that the performance such as the drawing speed of could not be taken sufficiently.

Further, according to the method of providing the two I / Fs on the operation unit side, it is necessary to perform drawing and arbitration of the key switch on the main control unit side or the expansion board side, which makes the process complicated. There is a problem that two types of connectors / harness are required, which causes an increase in cost.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in an image forming apparatus capable of expanding a composite function by adding an expansion board, operation unit control can be performed at high speed with a simple and inexpensive structure. The purpose is to do so.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention has various information in an image forming apparatus capable of expanding a composite function by adding an expansion board. Operating means for displaying and inputting, an operation control means arranged on the main control board for controlling the operating means, an expansion board detecting means for detecting whether or not the expansion board is connected, and the expansion board detecting Based on the detection result of the means, when the expansion board is not connected, the operation control means switches the control of the operation means to be effective, and when the expansion board is connected, Operation control switching means for switching so that the control of the operation means by the expansion board becomes effective.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the operation control switching means has a control signal from the operation control means or a control signal from the expansion board. Selection output means for selecting any one of the above and outputting it to the operation control means, and switching means for switching a control signal from the operation control means to either the operation means side or the expansion board side, When the extension board is not connected, the control signal from the operation control means is output to the operation means, and when the extension board is connected, the control signal from the operation control means is output. Is output to the expansion board, and a control signal from the expansion board is further output to the operation means.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A case where the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine will be described in detail below as an embodiment with reference to the drawings. In order to simplify the description, the following table of contents will be used.

[Table of Contents] 1. Digital copying machine (image forming apparatus) according to an embodiment
1.1 Overall configuration 1.2 Scanner section 1.3 Optical writing section 1.4 Photoconductor section 1.5 Developing section 1.6 Paper feeding section 1.7 Automatic document feeder (ADF) 1.8 Sorter and double-sided reversing unit 1.9 Electrical control unit 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 1.9.4 Facsimile operation 2. Operation part (main part of the present invention) 2.1 Panel configuration of operation part 2.2 Specific example of operation part control

1. Schematic configuration of digital copying machine (image forming apparatus) according to embodiment 1.1 Overall configuration FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment. The scanner unit 150 that reads image data from a document is roughly classified.
(See FIG. 2), a copying machine main body 100, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 200 that conveys documents one by one to a predetermined image reading position, and a sorter 300 that sorts recording sheets on which images are formed. , And a double-sided reversing unit 400 used when performing double-sided copying.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the copying apparatus main body 100, which includes a scanner section 150, an optical writing section, a photoconductor section, a developing section,
Also, it is equipped with a paper feed unit and the like. The configuration and operation of each of these parts will be described in detail below.

1.2 Scanner Unit The scanner unit 150 is equipped with a reflecting mirror 101, a light source 102, and a first mirror 103, and is a first scanner that moves at a constant speed, a second mirror 104, and a third mirror. And a second scanner which is equipped with 105 and moves following the first scanner at a speed half that of the first scanner. An original (not shown) on the contact glass 106 is optically scanned by the first scanner and the second scanner, and a reflection image of the original is passed through the color filter 107 to the lens 1.
08, and an image is formed on the one-dimensional solid-state image sensor 109.

A fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp or the like is used as the light source 102, and a fluorescent lamp is generally used because of its stable wavelength and long life. In the present embodiment, the reflecting mirror 101 is attached to one light source 102, but two or more light sources 102 may be used. Since the above-mentioned solid-state image sensor 109 has a fixed sample clock, the fluorescent lamp will adversely affect the image unless it is lit at a higher frequency.

As the solid-state image pickup element 109, a CC is generally used.
D is used. Since the image signal read by the solid-state image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as CCD image sensor) 109 is an analog value, analog / digital (A / D) conversion is performed,
Various kinds of image processing (for example, binarization processing, multi-value processing, gradation processing, scaling processing, editing processing, etc.) are performed on the image processing board 110, 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 107 for transmitting only necessary color information in the optical path guided from the document to the CCD image pickup device 109.
Are arranged. A color original may be read using a 3-line CCD or the like in order to read two pieces of information of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) at the same time.

1.3 Optical Writing Unit The image information after the image processing is carried out in the optical writing unit in the form of a set of light spots in the raster scanning of the laser light in the photoconductor drum 1.
11 is written on.

3 (a) and 3 (b) are a plan view and a side view of the optical writing section, in which the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 112 is converted into a parallel light flux by the collimator lens 113 and the aperture. The light flux is shaped into a constant shape by 114. The shaped laser light enters the polygon mirror 116 in a form compressed by the first cylinder lens 115 in the sub-scanning direction.

The polygon mirror 116 has an accurate polygonal shape and is rotated by a polygon motor 117 in a fixed direction at a fixed speed. This rotation speed is determined by the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 111, the writing density, and the number of faces of the polygon mirror 116.

The reflected light of the laser light incident on the polygon mirror 116 is deflected by the rotation of the polygon mirror 116. The deflected laser light is reflected by the fθ lens 118.
A and 118b are sequentially incident. fθ lens 118a, 1
Reference numeral 18b converts scanning light having a constant angular velocity so as to scan the photosensitive drum 111 at a constant speed, and forms an image so as to form a minimum light spot on the photosensitive drum 111, and further has a face tilt correction mechanism. ing.

The laser light that has passed through the fθ lenses 118a and 118b is guided to the synchronization detection sensor 120 by the synchronization detection mirror 119 outside the image area, and an image is output after a certain time has elapsed since the synchronization signal for issuing the cue signal in the main scanning direction was issued. Data is 1
Lines are output, and this is repeated to form one image.

1.4 Photoreceptor Section Returning to FIG. 2, the photoreceptor section will be described. A photosensitive layer is formed around the photosensitive drum 111. Organic photoconductors (OPC), α-Si, Se-Te, and the like are known as photosensitive layers having sensitivity to semiconductor laser light (wavelength 780 nm). In the present embodiment, the organic photoconductors (OPC) are known.
Are using. Generally, in the case of laser writing, there are two types, a negative / positive (N / P) process of shining light on an image part and a positive / positive (P / P) process of shining light on a background part. , The former N / P process is adopted.

The charging charger 121 is of a scorotron type having a grit on the photoconductor side, uniformly (-) charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 111, and irradiates an image forming portion with a laser beam to change the potential of the portion. Drop it. Then, the background portion of the surface of the photoconductor drum 111 is -750 to -800.
V, the image portion has a potential of about -500 V, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111. This is applied to the developing roller by the developing units 122a and 122b from -500 to -60.
A bias voltage of 0 V is applied to attach (-) charged toner to visualize the electrostatic latent image.

1.5 Developing Unit The digital copying machine according to the present embodiment is a color copying machine, and as shown in the drawing, a main developing device 122a and a sub developing device 122b.
It is equipped with two developing devices. In the case of a single black color, the sub-developing device 122b and the toner replenishing device 123b are removed. In the present embodiment having two developing devices, black toner is put in the toner replenishing device 123a paired with the main developing device 122a, and color toner is put in the toner replenishing device 123b paired with the sub developing device 122b. It is possible to print two colors at the same time.

By combining such a developing device with the reading of color information by switching the color filter 107 of the scanner, and further combining the multiple transfer of the paper carrying system and the double-sided copying function, multifunctional color copying and color editing are possible. Become. Development of three or more colors can be achieved by a method of arranging three or more developing devices around the photosensitive drum 111, a revolver system of rotating and switching three or more developing devices, and the like.

The image visualized by the developing devices 122a and 122b is transferred onto the recording paper, which has been synchronized and sent to the photosensitive drum 111, from the back surface of the paper by being charged with (+) by the transfer charger 123. To be done. The transferred recording paper is subjected to AC neutralization by a separation charger 124 which is integrally held with the transfer charger 123, and the photosensitive drum 1
Separated from 11.

On the other hand, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 111 without being transferred to the recording paper is cleaned by the cleaning blade 12.
It is scraped off from the photoconductor drum 111 by 5 and collected in the attached tank 126. Further, the photosensitive drum 11
The pattern of the potential remaining at 1 is erased by irradiating it with light by the static elimination lamp 127.

A photo sensor (not shown) is provided at a position immediately after the development. This photo sensor is composed of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element.
11 The reflection density on the surface is detected. This is because the optical writing unit writes a fixed pattern (for example, a black or halftone dot pattern) at a position corresponding to the photosensor reading position, and the reflectance of the pattern unit after development and the photoconductor other than the pattern unit The image density is judged from the ratio of the reflectance of the drum 111, and if the image density is low, a toner replenishment signal is output. Also,
The fact that the density does not increase even after replenishment can be used to detect insufficient toner remaining amount.

1.6 Paper Feed Unit In this embodiment, a plurality of cassettes 128a, 128a
b and 128c, the recording paper which has been transferred once is passed through the re-feeding loop 129 to enable double-sided copying or re-feeding.

A plurality of cassettes 128a, 128b, 12
When one of the cassettes 8c is selected and then a predetermined start button is pressed, the paper feed rollers (130a, 130b, 130c) near the selected cassette
Is rotated and is fed until the leading edge of the recording paper hits the registration roller 131. At this time, the registration roller 131
Is stopped, the rotation is started at the timing of the image position formed on the photosensitive drum 111, and the recording paper is fed to the periphery of the photosensitive drum 111. After that, the toner image on the recording paper is transferred at the transfer unit, and the separation / conveyance unit 132
The toner image transferred by suction is fixed on the recording paper by a fixing roller composed of a pair of heat roller 133 and pressure roller 134.

The recording paper transferred in this way is guided to the paper exit on the sorter 300 side (see FIG. 1) by the switching claw 135 during normal copying. On the other hand, during multiple copy,
The direction is not changed by the switching claws 136 and 137, passes through the lower sheet re-feeding loop 129, and is guided to the registration roller 131 again.

When performing double-sided copying, the copying machine body 10
There are two cases, that is, the case of performing only 0, and the case of using the double-sided reversing unit 400 (see FIG. 1). Here, the former case will be described. The recording paper guided downward by the switching claw 135 is further guided downward by the switching claw 136, and then sent by the switching claw 137 to a tray (not shown) further below the re-feeding loop 129. By reversing the roller 138, it is fed again in the opposite direction, and by switching the switching claw 137, it is guided to the sheet refeeding loop 129 and fed to the registration roller 131.

1.7 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) FIG. 4 shows the structure of the ADF 200. The ADF 200 automatically guides the originals one by one onto the contact glass 106 and automatically ejects them after copying. A stack of documents (not shown) placed on the document feeding table 201 is aligned in the width direction of the documents by the side guides 202.
The placed originals are separated and fed one by one by the paper feed roller 203, and the contact glass 1 is rotated by the rotation of the conveyor belt 204.
It is carried to a predetermined position on 06 and positioned.

When the copying of the predetermined number of sheets is completed, the original is discharged to the discharge tray 205 by the rotation of the conveyor belt 204 again. Although not described in detail, the side guide 20
By counting the position of 2 and the document feed time,
The document size is being detected.

1.8 Sorter and Duplex Unit FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the sorter 300. Sorter 300 is
The recording paper ejected from the copying apparatus main body 100 is, for example,
This is a device for sorting in page order, sorting for each page, or selectively feeding to the preset bins 301a to 301x. The recording paper conveyed by a plurality of rollers rotated by a motor 302 is
By switching a claw (not shown) near the entrance of the a to 301x, it is guided to the selected bin 301a to 301x.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of the double-sided reversing unit 400. As described above, the copying apparatus main body 100 side can perform only double-sided copying for each sheet, but the double-sided reversing unit 40
By attaching 0, double-sided copying can be performed collectively.

When making a double-sided copy collectively for a plurality of sheets, in the copying apparatus main body 100 (see FIG. 2), the recording paper which has been fixed is transferred to the double-sided reversing unit 400 via the switching claw 135 and the switching claw 136. Sent. The recording paper that has entered the double-sided reversing unit 400 is accumulated on the tray 402 by the paper discharge roller 401. At this time, the recording paper is fed vertically and vertically by the feed roller 403 and the side alignment guide 404.
The sides are aligned. The recording sheets stacked on the tray 402 are re-fed by the re-feeding rollers 405 when back side copying is performed. At this time, the recording paper sent to the copying apparatus main body 100 side is directly guided to the refeed loop 129 by the switching claw 136 and the switching claw 137 (see FIG. 2).

1.9 Electrical Equipment Control Section FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical equipment control section of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment. In the figure, 601 is a CPU (a) that controls sequence-related control, and 602 is a CPU (b) that controls operation-related control.
The (a) 601 and the CPU (b) 602 are connected by a serial interface (RS232C).

The main structure in the figure will be described below.
Reference numeral 610 is an optical writing section having the configuration shown in FIG. 3, 615 is an image control circuit, and 620 is a memory for storing image data.
A scanner control circuit 623, an external device (facsimile device, printer, etc.) and a CPU (b) 6
02 is an interface that outputs a signal based on preset information, 625 is an operation unit described later, 626 is an image editing editor, and 630 is an image processing unit that executes predetermined image processing. is there.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the electrical equipment control system in the digital copying machine according to this embodiment. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, 701 is a main control board for controlling the entire digital copying machine, and 702 is an ADF for controlling the ADF 200.
A control plate 703 is a sorter control plate that controls the sorter 300, a reference numeral 704 is a double-sided control plate that controls the double-sided reversing unit 400, and a reference numeral 705 is a paper feed control plate that performs various controls of the paper feed unit.

1.9.1 Sequence Control The operation of the electrical equipment control section of the digital copying machine will be described.
First, the sequence control will be described. The sequence sets and outputs conditions related to paper transport timing and image formation, and includes paper size sensors, sensors related to paper transport such as paper discharge detection and registration detection, duplex units, high-voltage power supply units, relays, solenoids, motors, etc. A driver, a sorter unit (sorter 300), a laser scanner unit (optical writing unit 610), etc. are connected.

Regarding the sensors, a paper size sensor that detects the size and direction of the paper loaded in the paper feed cassette and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result, a sensor related to paper conveyance such as registration detection and paper discharge detection, and oil. There are inputs from a sensor that detects the presence or absence of supplies such as end and toner end, and a sensor that detects machine abnormalities such as door open and fuse blow.

Further, the double-sided control plate 704 has a motor for making the width of the recording paper uniform, a paper feed clutch, a solenoid for switching the conveying path, a solenoid for moving the roller for bringing the recording paper to the leading end up and down, a paper presence sensor, and a paper width. There are inputs from the home position sensor of the side fence for aligning sheets, sensors for recording paper conveyance, and so on.

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 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. The sorter unit (related to the sorter 300) is connected by 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 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 formed 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. Also, the toner end is detected by 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. In this embodiment, the monitor voltage when the laser diode is turned on and the preset reference voltage are controlled to match.

Next, the operation-related control will be described. The CPU (b) 602 (main CPU) controls the plurality of serial ports and the calendar IC 627. These multiple serial ports have sequence control C
In addition to the PU (a) 601, the operation unit 62 is connected.
5, a scanner control circuit 623, an application system 624, an editor 626, etc. are connected.

The operation unit 625 has a display unit for displaying the key input by the operator and the state of the copying machine, and serially transmits the key input information to the CPU (b) 602.
(B) 602 determines whether the display unit is turned on, turned off, or blinks based on this information, and serially transmits it to the operation unit 625. An operation unit CPU (not shown) turns on, turns off, and blinks the display unit according to information from the CPU (b) 602. Further, the operating condition of the machine is determined from the obtained information, and the information is transmitted to the CPU (a) 601 which is performing the sequence control at the start of copying.

The scanner control circuit 623 performs drive control of the scanner servomotor, serial transmission of information relating to image processing and image reading to the CPU (b) 602, and interface processing between the ADF 200 and the CPU (b) 602.

The application system 624 includes an external device (facsimile device, printer, etc.) and a CPU (b).
It is an interface with 602, and exchanges preset information. The editor 626 is a unit for inputting an editing function, and serially transmits the image editing data (masking, trimming, image shift, etc.) input by the operator to the CPU (b) 602. The calendar IC 627 stores the date and time, and the CPU
(B) Since it can be called up at any time in 602, the current time is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 625, and the on / off time of the machine is set, so that the power on / off of the machine can be controlled by a timer. It will be possible.

1.9.2 Processing of Image Data Next, the flow of processing of image data will be described. The image processing unit 630 outputs image data (DATA0 to DATA7) and a synchronization signal in the following three directions (1) to (3) in response to a select signal from the CPU (b) 602.

(1) Scanner control circuit 623 → image control circuit 615 In this case, 8-bit data (however, 4
The image signal continuously transmitted in 1-bit or 1-bit) is synchronized with the synchronization signal PMSYNC from the optical writing unit 610 and output to the image control circuit 615.

(2) Scanner control circuit 623 → application system 624 In this case, 8-bit data from the scanner (however, 4
The image signal continuously transmitted in 1-bit or 1-bit) is output in parallel to the application system 624. The application system 624 outputs the input image data to an output device such as a printer connected to the outside.

(3) Application system 624 →
Image control circuit 615 In this case, the application system 624 optically writes an image signal continuously transmitted by 8-bit data (however, it can be 4 bits or 1 bit) from an input device (facsimile etc.) externally connected. Synchronization signal P from the plug-in section 610
The data is output to the image control circuit 615 in synchronization with MSYNC. However, at this time, when the image signal from the outside is 1 bit or 4 bits, it is necessary to perform a process of converting it to 8-bit data.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the scanner section 150 in the digital copying machine according to this embodiment. In the figure, 801 is a timing control circuit that outputs each signal based on an instruction from the scanner control circuit 623, 802 is a signal processing circuit that performs image signal amplification and light amount correction processing, and 803 converts analog data into digital data. An A / D converter 804 is a shading correction circuit that corrects distortion of image data.

The analog image signal output from the CCD image pickup device 109 is an image preprocessor (IPP) 7
The signal processing circuit 802 inside 41 amplifies and corrects the amount of light, and is converted into a digital multilevel signal by an A / D converter 803. This signal is subjected to correction processing by the shading correction circuit 804, and the image processing unit (I
PU) 743.

FIG. 10 shows an image process unit (I
(PU) 743 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration. In the figure, 901 is an MT for correcting blurring or deterioration of an image signal.
An F correction unit 902, a scaling processing unit that electrically scales the image signal based on a designated scaling factor, and a correction unit 903 that corrects the input / output characteristics of the image signal so as to be optimal with respect to the characteristics of the image forming process. The conversion unit 904 is a 4-bit conversion circuit 905, a binarization circuit 906, a dither circuit 907, and a changeover switch 90.
8 is a data depth switching mechanism section including a changeover switch 909.

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

This data depth switching mechanism section 904 is 4 bi
The t conversion circuit 905 outputs 4 bit DATA.
The binarization circuit 906 converts the inputted 8-bit multi-valued data into binary data by a preset fixed threshold value and outputs 1-bit DATA. Dither circuit 907 is 1
An area gradation is formed by bitDATA. At this time, the changeover switch 909 selects and outputs the output of the binarization circuit 906 or the dither circuit 907. Then, the changeover switch 908 uses the three data (8 bit DAT)
1 of the data format of A, 4DATA, 1bitDATA)
One of them is selected and DATA0 to DATA7 are output.

Returning to FIG. 9 again, the image reading operation of the scanner section 150 will be described. The scanner control circuit 623 controls the lamp control circuit 737, the timing control circuit 801, the electric scaling circuit of the IPU 743, and the scanner motor 735 based on an instruction from the printer control unit (not shown).
The lamp control circuit 737 turns on / off the exposure lamp and controls the light amount based on an instruction from the scanner control circuit 623. A rotary encoder 736 is connected to the drive shaft of the scanner drive motor 735, and the position sensor 7
38 detects the reference position of the sub-scanning direction drive mechanism.

Further, the electrical scaling circuit of the IPU 743 performs electrical scaling processing based on the magnification data on the main scanning side set by the scanner control circuit 623.

Further, the timing control circuit 801 outputs each signal according to the instruction from the scanner control circuit 623. That is, when the reading of the document starts, the CCD
A transfer signal for transferring one line of data to the shift register and a shift clock pulse for outputting the data in the shift register bit by bit are output to the image sensor 109. Further, a pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK and a main scanning synchronization pulse LSY are supplied to an image reproduction system control unit (not shown).
It outputs NC and main scanning effective period signal LGATE.

This pixel synchronizing clock pulse CLK is C
The signal is almost the same as the shift clock pulse input to the CD image sensor 109. In addition, the main scanning synchronization pulse LS
YNC is almost the same signal as the main scanning sync signal PMSYNC output from the sync sensor of the optical writing unit 610, but is output in response to the pixel sync clock pulse CLK. The main scanning effective period signal LGATE is output data DATA0 to DATA0.
It becomes H level at the timing when DATA7 is regarded as valid data. In this case, the CCD image sensor 318
Outputs 4800 bits of valid data per line.

When the scanner control circuit 623 receives a reading start instruction from the printer control unit (not shown), it turns on the exposure lamp and starts driving the scanner motor 735.
The timing control circuit 801 is controlled to start reading by the CCD image pickup device 109. Further, the sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to the H level. This sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to H level, and after the time required to scan the maximum reading length (in this case, the size of A size in the longitudinal direction) has passed to L level,
Level.

FIG. 11 shows a data depth switching mechanism unit 904 in the image process unit (IPU) 743.
3 shows an output data format switched by. Here, 8 bit DATA, 4 bit DATA,
It is designed to be output from the IPU 743 in three formats of 1 bit DATA.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a memory system according to this embodiment. In the figure, 1101
Reference numeral 1103 denotes multiplexers MUX1, MUX2, MUX3 for selecting and switching a plurality of input data, EXTIN in the figure indicates an image data input signal from the outside, and EXTOUT indicates an output signal to the outside.

An operation example of the memory system configured as above will be described. For example, a single exposure scan of the scanner unit 150 allows a plurality of image processing units (IP
U) When outputting a copy with the parameters of 743 changed, first, MUX1 is set to A, MUX2 when scanning the scanner.
Is set to B and MUX3 is set to A, and one copy is output. The raw data at this time is input to the memory device (MEM) 744 via the MUX2.

Next, for the second and subsequent sheets, the MUX1 is set to B, the data from the memory device (MEM) 744 is input to the image process unit (IPU) 743, and the MU is set.
Output to the printer (PR) via X3. At this time 1
Image process unit (IP
U) Change the parameters of 743. Also, 1bitD
If you want to store compact data like ATA,
The MUX2 is set to A, and the output of the image process unit (IPU) 743 is set to the memory device (MEM) 744.
Take in. At this time, the printer (PR) switches to the binary data (1 bit) mode and executes the copying process.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a data flow in the memory system according to the present embodiment. In the figure, in a system having a frame memory for image data, the image data from the IPU 743 is temporarily stored in the memory device (MEM) 744, and when necessary, taken out from the memory device (MEM) 744 and the printer (PR). ) Is output. A method of outputting image data from the IPU 743 to the printer (PR) and at the same time storing it in the memory device (MEM) 744 and copying the second and subsequent sheets using the image data from the memory device (MEM) 744. Is also commonly done.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a data flow in the memory system according to the present embodiment. 13 shows a data flow by the processing described in FIG. 12 above. In this way, the image process unit (IPU)
Both the data processed by the 743 and the raw data can be loaded into the memory device (MEM) 744.

That is, the three multiplexers (MUX1, MUX2, MUX3) 1101 and 110 shown in FIG.
The data flow can be changed by switching between No. 2 and 1103. For example, in the case of outputting a copy in which the parameters of a plurality of IPUs 743 are changed by one-time scanner scanning, the following procedure is performed.

Multiplexer 110 when scanning the scanner
1 is set to A, multiplexer 1102 is set to B, multiplexer 1103 is set to A, and the first sheet is output. At this time, the raw data is transmitted to the memory device (M
EM) 744. For the second and subsequent sheets, the multiplexer 1102 is set to B, and the data from the memory device (MEM) 744 is transferred to the IPU743.
To the printer (PR) through the multiplexer 1103. At this time, every time one copy is made, I
The PU743 parameters can be changed.

When compact data such as 1-bit data is held, the multiplexer 1102 is set to A
The output of the IPU 743 to the memory device (MEM) 74
Take in 4. In this case, the printer (PR) switches to the binary data (1 bit) mode and performs copying. Note that EXTIN and EXTOUT in FIG. 12 are an image data input signal from the outside and an output signal to the outside.

FIG. 15 shows the above memory device (MEM) 74.
4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes a compressor (COM) that performs data compression processing.
P), 1302 is an image process unit (IPU)
Multiplexers MUX4, 1 for selecting and switching data input from the H.743 and the compressor (COMP) 1301
Reference numeral 303 denotes a memory unit for storing the compressed data processed by the compressor (COMP) 1301 in addition to the actual data, 13
Reference numeral 04 denotes an expander (EXP) for performing data expansion processing, 13
05 is a memory unit 1303 and an expander (EXP) 13
The multiplexers MUX5 and 1306 for selecting and switching the data input from the compressor 04 are compressors (COMP) 13
01 and an expander (EXP) 1304 are error detectors that monitor the error signals.

The memory device (ME
M) 744 has a compressor (COMP) 1301 arranged in front of the memory unit 1303, and an expander (EXP) 130.
4 is arranged after the memory unit 1303, and further,
Multiplexer MUX4 and Multiplexer MUX5
By providing each of them connected to the memory unit 1303, actual data and compressed data can be selectively stored. That is, when storing the actual data in the memory unit 1303, the multiplexers MUX4 and MUX5 are set to A, respectively. In addition, the compressor (CO
MP) 1301 data processed by the memory unit 1
When storing in 303, the multiplexers MUX4 and MUX5 are set to B respectively. In the above configuration, the compressor (COMP) 1301 performs memory processing according to the scanning speed of the scanner unit 150, and the decompressor (EXP) 1304 performs processing according to the speed of the printer (PR).

FIG. 16 shows the above memory unit 1303.
3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of FIG. In the figure, 1401 is an input data width converter for processing code data which is image data and compressed data, 1402 is a memory block for storing the number of packed data, 140
3 is an output data width converter for processing code data which is image data and compressed data, and 1404 is data at a predetermined address of the memory block 1402 corresponding to the number of data packed by the input data width converter 1401 and the memory data width. Direct memory controller (DMC1) as an aggregate position designating means for performing the write operation of
Reference numeral 05 indicates the memory block 1 corresponding to the number of data packed by the output data width converter 1403 and the memory data width.
The direct memory controller (DMC2) performs a data read operation at a predetermined address 402.

Memory unit 1 configured as described above
The 303 includes an input data width converter 1401 and an output data width converter 1403 on the input side and the output side of the memory block 1402, respectively.
No. 7) and the compressed data from the compressor (COMP) 1301 are processed. The direct memory controller (DMC1) 1404 and the direct memory controller (DMC2) 1405 store data at a predetermined address of the memory block 1402 according to the number of data packed by the input data width converter 1401 and the output data converter 1403 and the memory data width. Writing of
Execute the reading process.

The read image data is transferred to the IPU 74
The data is reduced by 3, and the DMC1 and DMC2 perform writing and reading at a predetermined address of the memory block 1402, thereby realizing an integrated function of collecting image data of a plurality of originals into one recording.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the format of the image data processed in FIG. (A) Type 1 is 1-bit data, (b) Type 2 is 4-bit data,
(C) Type 3 indicates 8-bit data. Normally, the speed of image data from the scanner unit 150 or the speed of image data to the printer is constant regardless of 8-bit data, 4-bit data, or 1-bit data because the cycle of 1 pixel is fixed in the apparatus. That is, the period of 1 pixel is fixed in the device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the MSB (Most SIGNIFICA) of eight data lines is used.
nt Bit: 1 from the most significant bit of data)
Bit data, 4 bit data, 8 bit data and MS
It is defined as B packed. Blocks for packing and unpacking this data in the data width (16 bits) of the memory block 1402 are the input data width converter 1401 and the output data width converter 1403. Therefore, since the memory block 1402 can be used according to the depth of the data by performing the pack process, the memory device (MEM) 74
4 can be effectively used.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which a pixel process unit (PPU) is arranged outside the memory unit 1303 instead of the compressor (COMP) 1301 and the decompressor (EXP) 1304. In the figure,
1601 is a logical operation between image data (for example, AN
A pixel process unit (PPU) 1602 for executing D, OR, EOR, NOT) is a multiplexer MUX 6, 1603 for selecting and switching data input from the image process unit (IPU) 743 and the pixel process unit (PPU) 1601. A multiplexer MUX7 that selects and switches data input from the pixel process unit (PPU) 1601 and the memory unit 103.

As described above, the memory device 74 shown in FIG.
4, the pixel process unit (PPU) 1601 is replaced with the memory unit 1303 instead of the compressor (COMP) 1301 and the decompressor (EXP) 1304.
It is configured to be disposed outside the. In such a configuration,
The pixel process unit (PPU) 1601 logically operates the memory output data and the input data and outputs it to the printer (PR). Further, the memory output and the input data (for example, the data from the scanner unit 150) can be logically operated and stored again in the memory unit 1303. The output destination printer (PR) and the memory unit 1303 are switched by the multiplexers MUX6 and MUX7. Such a function is generally used for image synthesis processing, for example, image synthesis processing such as overlaying overlay on scanner data.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration for storing image data using the external storage device 745. In the figure, 1701 is an interface (I / F) for controlling input / output of image data, 1702 is a floppy disk controller (FDC) for controlling a floppy disk driver (FDD) 1703, 1703.
Is a floppy disk driver (FDD) that drives a floppy disk (FD) as a storage medium, 1704 is a hard disk controller (HDC) that controls writing and reading of a hard disk (HDD) 1705,
1705 is a writable / readable hard disk (HD
D) and 1706 are floppy disk controllers (F
DC) 1702 and hard disk controller (H
DC) 1704 which controls the file controller (F
C) and 1707 are interfaces (I / F) 1701
It is a line drawer (LD) that controls the

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

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration capable of 100% recovery when the processing speed of image data compression and expansion is not in time. In the figure, reference numeral 1801 denotes a memory management unit (MM) for controlling the memory by simultaneously inputting / outputting two input data and one output data to / from the memory unit 1303.
U) and 1802 are a memory unit 1303 and an expander (E).
XP) 1304 is a multiplexer (MUX8) that selects and switches the data input.

In the above configuration, the memory unit 13
A compressor (COMP) 13 is provided at the same time as the scanner scanning at 04.
The data compressed by 01 and the image data are input. The data input to the memory unit 1303 is stored in different memory areas, and the compressed data is input to the decompressor (EXP) 1304 as it is for decompression processing. Memory unit 130 for all data for one page
Compressor (COMP) 1 by the time input to 3 is completed
When the processing time by 301 and the decompressor (EXP) 1304 is in time and the processing is completed normally, the memory area for the compressed data is left and the raw data area is released.

Here, by the error detector 1306, the compressor (COMP) 1301 or the decompressor (EXP) 13 is used.
When the error signal from 04 is detected, the data area of the compressed data is immediately canceled and the raw data is adopted. In this way, the compressor (COMP) 1301 and the decompressor (EXP) 1
By performing the verification process 304, high-speed and reliable data processing and effective use of the memory area can be realized.

As described above, the memory management unit (MMU) 1801 enables dynamic allocation of the memory area. However, as another method, two memory units for raw data and compressed data are provided. However, similar processing can be performed. Such a configuration is used for applications such as electronic sorting in which a plurality of pages are to be stored and the conditions to satisfy both the number of pages to be stored and the printing speed to be output to the printer (PR) in real time must be satisfied. Then it is effective.

1.9.3 Application Unit FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the application system according to this embodiment. In this figure, this application system is the base unit 2001.
And APL (1) 2002 of file unit and FA
X unit APL (2) 2003, on / off printer unit APL (3) 2004, LAN A
It is composed of a PL (4) 2005 and a display unit 2006 including a T / S (touch switch) and an LCD (liquid crystal). The detailed configurations and operations of these units will be described below.

First, the base unit 2001 will be described. In the figure, 2007 is an engine I / F, 2008
Is page memory, 2009 is SCI (Small Communication Interface), 2010 is image bus, 2011 is system bus, 2012 is CPU,
Reference numeral 2013 is a scaling circuit using a DRAM, 2014 is a bus arbiter, 2015 is a timer having a function of generating a predetermined clock, and 2016 is an RT for generating the current time.
C, 2017 is a console, 2018 is a ROM in which basic function programs such as OS are stored, 2019 is a RAM mainly used as a working memory, 2020 is a DMAC, 2021 is a rotation control unit, and 2022 is a CEP.

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

In addition, the page memory 2008, in the present embodiment, has a capacity for storing size data for one page in A3, and is converted into a bit image here.
Data rate of EXTIN and EXTOUT and CPU 201
Arbitration of the processing speed of 2 is also executed. In addition, the scaling circuit 201
3 uses the DMAC 2020 to execute enlargement or reduction processing of data on the page memory 2008 at high speed without using the CPU 2012.

Further, the rotation control unit 2021 is, for example, F
When the transmission original by AX transmission is A4 vertical and the reception side is A4 horizontal, the transmission side automatically reduces and transmits by 71%, and the reduction side makes the image difficult to see, so the transmission original is 9
Rotate it by 0 degrees, convert it to A4 landscape, and send it at the same size. Further, the rotation control unit 2021 rotates the output image by 90 degrees and outputs it by changing it to A4 portrait when the reception size is A4 landscape and the cassette size is A4 portrait when performing reception output. No need to distinguish between vertical and horizontal.

The CEP 2022 executes image data compression, decompression and through processing. The bus arbiter 2014 executes a process of sending data from the AGDC 2015 to the image bus 2010 and the system bus 2011. Further, the timer 2015 generates a predetermined clock, and the RTC 2016 generates the current time. Furthermore, a console 20 connected as a control terminal
In addition to processing such as reading and rewriting of data inside the system 17, the software 17 can also develop software using a debug tool that is one function of the internal OS.

1.9.3.1 About APL1 This APL (1) 2002 is a file unit.
In FIG. 21, reference numeral 2023 denotes SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), which is HD
This is an interface for a D (hard disk drive) 2024, an ODD (optical disk drive) 2025, and an FDD (floppy disk drive) 2026. Also, 2027 is a ROM, and SCSI2023
Via HDD 2024, ODD 2025, FDD 20
The control program of the filing system for controlling 26 is stored.

1.9.3.2 About APL2 This APL (2) 2003 is a unit for FAX control. In FIG. 21, reference numeral 2030 denotes a G4 FAX controller, which is a unit that controls the protocol for G4 and supports Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 of G4. Also, the G4 FAX controller 2030 is an ISD
N is also supported, and 2B + 1D (6 in NET64
4KB x 2p + 16KB) line, so G4 / G
4, G4 / G3, G3 / G3, only G4, or only G3 is a selectable unit.

Reference numeral 2031 is a G3FAX controller, which is also equipped with a G3FAX protocol for controlling the G3 protocol and a modem for converting a digital signal into an analog signal. Reference numeral 2032 denotes an NCU (Network Control Unit), which has a dial function or the like for connecting to the other party or receiving an incoming call from the other party using an exchange.

Reference numeral 2033 denotes a SAF (store and forward), which stores semiconductor image data, HDD, image data (including image data, code data, etc.) when FAX transmission and reception are executed. ODD
Are used. Reference numeral 2024 denotes ROMs 2 and 20 in which programs for controlling APL (2) are stored.
Reference numeral 25 denotes a RAM used as a working memory, to which a non-volatile battery is connected as a backup power source, which stores a destination telephone number, a destination name, data for controlling a FAX function, and the like.
/ S, LCD is used for easy setting.

1.9.3.3 APL3 This APL (3) 2004 is a control unit for an online printer and an offline printer. In FIG. 21, reference numeral 2040 denotes an FDC (floppy disk controller) that controls the floppy disk 2041. In addition, some of the recent floppy disks support SCSI.
Supports 506 interface. Also, 204
2 is the SCI used to connect to the HOST computer
(Serial communication interface)
It is. Similarly, 2043 is a Centro I / F used for connection with a HOST computer.

An emulation card 2044 has the following functions. That is, HO
When looking at the specifications of the printer from the ST computer, for example, many manufacturers such as NEC and EPSON are currently selling the products, and the specifications are different, so that the functions of these printers are the same when viewed from the HOST computer. Otherwise, the software used in the HOST computer will not work. In order to solve the above problem, the emulation card 2044 is attached, and the software stored therein causes the software to operate as a printer of each manufacturer when viewed from the HOST computer.

Reference numeral 2015 is an AGDC (advanced graphics display controller), which converts the code data sent from the HOST computer into the FO in the CGROM 2046 and the CG card 2047.
The NT image is developed in the page memory 2008 at high speed. Further, 2048 is a ROM 3 in which these control programs are stored. CGROM
(Character generator ROM) 2046 stores FONT data corresponding to code data,
Also, the CG card 2047 is an externally attached CGFONT, and the contents are the same as the CGROM 2046.

1.9.3.4 About APL4 This APL (4) 2005 is a unit for controlling the LAN. In the figure, reference numeral 2050 denotes a LAN controller, which controls the currently operating LANs such as the Ethernet, omni, star run and the like. In addition, the above APL
(2) 2003 FAX and APL (4) LAN work in the background even when other APLs are operating.

1.9.4 Facsimile Operation Regarding the operation of the application in the above configuration,
A facsimile operation will be described as an example. The facsimile in this embodiment has a function corresponding to the MF, G2, G3, and G4 standards. Also, 3.85, 7.7, 1
5.4 lines / mm, 200, 240 for G4,
It supports 300 and 400 dpi and uses the scaling function to mutually perform density conversion. Furthermore, using the SAF memory 2033, memory transmission / reception, relay, confidential reception,
By implementing polling, etc., it is possible to perform memory transmission, memory reception, reception output, etc. at the same time while storing transmission documents in memory.

Next, the transmission operation will be described. By setting the original and pressing the start key 2501 (see FIG. 25), the other party stored in the RAM of the APL 2 is dialed and called. When it is determined that the other party is a FAX, the document reading operation is started. If the start key 2501 is pressed when there is no document, a display prompting the document to be reset is output. When the original reading operation starts, the scanner operates, the original is read,
Data is output to the terminal of EXTOUT via the individual circuits shown in FIG.

At this time, by selecting MUX1 and MUX3, use / non-use of IPU743 can be selected. Further, the internal function of the IPU743 can be freely selected by the program. This signal is input to the engine I / F 2007 shown in FIG. 21 and stored in the easy memory 2008 in accordance with the bit size of the page memory 2008. EXTOUT is 1
Pixels are sent in multi-value of 8 bits. On the other hand, the page memory 2008 is 16-bit compatible and has a different bit configuration.

When the data from the scanner section 150 is input to the page memory 2008, the data is compressed and stored in the SAF memory 2033 of the APL 2 and transmitted, whereby the following characteristics are obtained.

That is, the scanner unit 150 can read one A3 size sheet in about 2 seconds. On the other hand, the transmission time for G3 is about 9 seconds for A4 size. Thus, the transmission time is about 4.5 times longer than the reading time.

In an apparatus which can be used in combination with a copying machine, a fax machine, a printer, etc., for example, when the next person wants to make a copy during fax transmission, he wants to finish the fax transmission job quickly, but the fax transmission is a partner machine. Depending on the performance of, the transmission may be early or may be delayed. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the apparent transmission speed by transmitting the read data while accumulating the read data in the SAF memory 2033. Further, since the transmitted original document is stored in the SAF memory 2033, when an error occurs during transmission, the line is disconnected, etc., the image can be retransmitted and recalled and the image can be correctly sent. In this way, the data stored in the SAF memory 2033 is transferred to the G3 FAX or G4 by the system bus.
It can be accessed from the FAX unit.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the IPU 743 shown in FIG. This configuration is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.
2, outline processing unit 2303, error diffusion circuit 230
4 etc. are added.

Next, the reception of image information will be described. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image information reception processing portion and the flow of image information. In the figure, 2401 is a modem for converting received image data into a digital signal, and 24
Reference numeral 02 is a DCR, and 2403 is a scaling circuit.

In FIG. 24, the received image data is converted into a digital signal by the modem 2401. This is DCR
The data is demodulated to raw data via 2402, and the raw data is compressed and stored in the SAF memory 2033. It should be noted that, here, when the data is restored to the raw data by the DCR 2402 and then compressed again, the received data usually contains an error on the line. If the SAF memory 2033 is left in this state, a hardware error or a data error may occur. This is because the error cannot be distinguished. Also, when recompressing,
Use a memory efficient method. SAF memory 203
The data stored in 3 is printed out page by page. In this case, it is also possible to store one file and output it after setting the mode.

In order to output from the SAF memory 2033, it is necessary that the page memory 2008 of FIG. 21 is not used by any other APL and that the copying machine is also free. When these conditions are satisfied, the SAF memory 20
The 33 data is expanded into the page memory 2008 while being returned to the raw data via the CEP 2022. Select the optimum paper size after the development is completed. At this time, if the data in the page memory 2008 is A4 portrait and the optimum recording paper is A4 landscape, the page memory 20 is rotated by the rotation control.
The 08 data is rotated 90 degrees and output on the selected recording paper.

With this function, it is possible to prevent an A4 vertical image from being output on a A4 horizontal recording sheet and to have a margin. In addition to receiving output, this function also displays the image information read according to the other device in the transmission mode.
You can rotate. For example, the transmitted original is A4 landscape and the receiving side is A4.
In the case of 4 portraits, up to now it has been reduced by 71% and sent, but 9
By rotating it by 0 °, it becomes possible to send the image at the same size, and an image that is easy to see on the receiving side can be obtained.

When the HDD 1705 is used instead of the SAF memory 2033, the SAF memory 2033 is used.
Is used as a buffer and the HDD 1705 is driven via the SCSI interface of the APL1. The basic operation of the facsimile has been described above.

[0118] 2. Operation Unit (Main Part of the Present Invention) 2.1 Panel Configuration of Operation Unit FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the panel configuration of the operation unit 625 according to the present embodiment. As a fixed key for key input,
A ten key 2501 for setting the number of copies, a start key 2502 for executing copy start, a sort key 2503 for selecting a sort mode, a double-sided key 2504 for selecting a double-sided mode, and a scaling for setting a magnification. Key 2505 and arrow key 2 to select paper
It is equipped with 506.

The display unit displays the number of copies 2507.
The set number display 2508 is a fixed display. Other displays are performed on the LCD 2509, and by pressing any of the function keys (2503, 2504, 2505), the display for each corresponding function is performed.

2.2 Concrete Example of Control of Operation Unit FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the control of the operation unit of the present embodiment. In addition, here, in order to simplify the explanation,
Main control board 701 and application system 6
24 Parts related to operation unit control (main parts)
Only shown.

In the present embodiment, the application system 624 corresponds to an expansion board. The application system 624, as shown in FIG.
Base unit 2001 and file unit APL
(1) 2002 and APL (2) 20 of FAX unit
03 and APL (3) 2 of the on / off printer unit
004 and APL (4) 2005 for LAN. Therefore, here, the expansion board specifically corresponds to the base unit 2001.

On the main control board 701, an operation unit 625 is provided.
Control IC 260 as operation control means for controlling
1 has been implemented.

Further, on the main control board 701, the signal switching units IC1 to IC3 as the expansion board detecting means and the operation control switching means of the present invention are mounted, and when the expansion board is not mounted, it is used for detection. The signal SEL becomes H level, the signal switching unit IC1 becomes active, and
Since the signal switching unit IC2 and the signal switching unit IC3 become high impedance, the output from the operation unit control IC 2601 on the main control board 701 is directly output to the operation unit 625. On the other hand, when the extension board is mounted, the detection signal SEL becomes L level, so that the signal switching unit IC
2 and the signal switching unit IC3 become active, the signal switching unit IC1 becomes high impedance, and the operation unit control IC2
The signal from 601 is further output from the signal switching unit IC3 to the operation unit 625 via the expansion board.

In other words, since the operation unit 625 can be controlled directly from the expansion board by the above configuration and operation, the load on the operation unit control IC 2601 on the main control board 701 can be reduced and the drawing speed to the operation unit can be reduced. You can get enough performance. In addition, the main control board 70
Since it is not necessary to perform drawing or arbitration of the key switch on the operation unit control IC 2601 side or the expansion board side on 1, the complication of processing can be avoided. Furthermore, the main control board 7
Since it is not necessary to dispose two types of connectors / harnesses on the 01 side, it is possible to avoid cost increase.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation section control can be performed at high speed with a simple and inexpensive structure in the image forming apparatus capable of expanding the composite function by adding the expansion board. it can.

[0126]

As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claims 1 and 2) operates based on the presence / absence of connection of the expansion board when the expansion board is not connected. By switching so that the control of the operation means by the control means becomes effective, and when the extension board is connected, the control of the operation means by the expansion board becomes effective, the addition of the expansion board
In the image forming apparatus capable of expanding the composite function, the operation unit can be controlled at high speed with a simple and inexpensive structure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital copying machine (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a copying apparatus main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an optical writing section according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the ADF shown in FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the sorter shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the double-sided reversing unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical equipment control unit of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an electrical equipment control system in the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner unit in the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an image process unit (IPU) according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an output data format switched by a data depth switching mechanism section in the image process unit (IPU) according to the present embodiment.

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

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a data flow in the memory system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a data flow in the memory system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a memory device (MEM) according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a memory unit according to the present embodiment.

17 is an explanatory diagram showing a format of image data processed in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which a pixel process unit (PPU) is connected to the memory unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration for storing image data using an external storage device.

FIG. 20: 100% when the processing speed of image data compression and decompression according to the present embodiment is not in time
It is a block diagram which shows the structure which enabled recovery.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an application system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory system according to the present embodiment.

23 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the IPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a reception block diagram of image information.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a panel configuration of an operation unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing control of an operation unit according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 100 main body of copying apparatus 200 automatic document feeder (ADF) 300 sorter 400 double-sided reversing unit 625 operation unit 624 application system 701 main control board 2001 base unit 2002 to 2005 APL (1) to APL (4) 2601 operation Control IC IC1 to IC3 signal switching unit

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. In an image forming apparatus capable of expanding a composite function by adding an expansion board, operation means for displaying and inputting various kinds of information, and said operation means arranged on a main control board. Based on the detection result of the expansion board detection means for detecting whether or not the expansion board is connected, and if the expansion board is not connected, the operation control means Means for switching the control of the operating means by the means so that the control of the operating means by the expansion board becomes valid when the extension board is connected, An image forming apparatus characterized by being provided. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The operation control switching means selects either the control signal from the operation control means or the control signal from the expansion board and outputs it to the operation control means, and a selection output means from the operation control means. Switching means for switching the control signal to either the operation means side or the extension board side, and when the extension board is not connected, the control signal from the operation control means is changed to the operation means. And outputting the control signal from the operation control means to the expansion board, and further outputting the control signal from the expansion board to the operation means when the expansion board is connected. An image forming apparatus characterized by.