DE3348338C2 - Image processor for photocopier or facsimile transmitter - Google Patents

Abstract

The image information signals are electrically processed in a photocopier, or a facsimile transmitter, using a reader for an original document and for generating image information signals. The letters are transmitted by a sender from the reader, after compression, to an external apparatus. A second sender transmits the signals from the reader, without compression, to an external apparatus.A selector chooses the first or second sender according to the address for the image information signals. Pref. the signals from the reader are stored in a buffer memory and supplied linewise to one of the senders. The first sender may be designed to transmit over a public network line, while the second one may transmit via optical fibres. The system typically comprises a linewise operating signal compressor

Description

The invention relates to an image processing system.

From DE 31 41 450 A1 an image processing system is included a data input device known that a reading device device, a processing device and a page memory includes. In the image processing system, a read-in can Template stored in the page memory and completely or at Only partially delivered to a disk storage the. For the direct or fast transfer of data by means of a DMA control device in parallel on the memory accessed to speed up image processing.

DE 31 37 903 A1 shows a facsimile device, in which a template by means of a photoelectric implementation device and a digitizing circuit in one screen memory can be stored. Then the stored side of the template via a coding circuit in a band-compressed coded signal implemented and by a  Modulation circuit with a constant signal density to transmit a transmission line.

From the post-published DE 33 02 217 A1 is a picture known transmission system with a switching device, which has several input and output lines. Are there At least signals entered via the input lines transferable to a selected output line. Furthermore is there one connected to the switching device Memory for storing image information described.

In conventional image processing devices are ei ner image device received image data always first in egg nem page storage, where there is another image preparation can take place. Such a transmission will also performed when an original is reproduced unchanged image processing is not required or is desired.

Since in general with image processing devices, and in particular even with an unchanged reproduction of an original, a fast transfer of the imported image data from be is of particular importance, the object of the invention reasons to create an image processing system in which ever according to the desired application, a transfer of individual its image data is made possible in different ways.

This task is performed using an image processing system triggers that a photoelectric reading device ner template and for generating corresponding image data, a Storage device for storing a page of the Le image data generated, an image processing unit for processing the data read from the memory device image data to image data in accordance with means processing transmitted to an image processing device tion commands, a recording device for generating egg ner image of the template on a recording material  the basis of the image data generated by the reading device or the image generated by the image processing unit transmission data, and having a switching device with of the image data generated by the reading device without intermediate storage in the storage device to the record device are communicable.

Thus, by means of the switching device, the Image device of an original read in to the reading device Transfer recording device without a timeout agile caching in the storage device is such.

Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims che.

The invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments len described with reference to the drawing. It demonstrate:  

Fig. 1 and 2, a perspective view and a block diagram as an embodiment of an image processing system,

Fig. 3-1 is a block diagram showing a game Ausführungsbei shows a processing station,

Figure 3-2 is a plan view, the arrangement of an example of a key in a command selection part of a voltage square shows Bedie.,

Fig. 3-3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control unit of the processing station,

Fig. 4 is a detailed block diagram showing an operation example from the image processing system including an image processing control unit 100,

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an image processing unit (CPU) block,

Fig. 6-1 is a block diagram showing an example of a buffer memory circuit block,

Fig. 6-2 is a block diagram showing an example of a memory control unit for controlling the buffer circuit block shown in FIG. 6-1,

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a di rektzugriff memory control unit,

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a multiple manifolding storage directory,

Fig. 9-1 is a diagram ress directory an example of ad shows the buffer memory,

Fig an illustration showing an example of a directory ress Ad Fig. 9-2 in view of the Pufferspei Chers of the multi-manifold ago,

Fig. 10-1 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a physical address of a structure Chers Plattenspei,

Fig. 10-1 (B) is an illustration of a continuous data access illustrates the process by changing the addresses of the disk memory,

FIG. 10-2 is a diagram showing an example of an index table,

Fig. 10-3 and 10-4 showing respectively examples show a sector bit directory table or a file index table,

Fig illustrating veran on a reprocessed image. 10-5 is a schematic view, determining a space,

Fig. 11 (A), 11 (B) and 11 (C) placed in three parts divided block diagram showing an example of a circuit soft bzw.- means a switching unit and includes a light guide interface,

FIG. 12-1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital data link interface,

FIG. 12-2 is a diagram directions of signal transmission between the image processing unit and the digital data link interface illustrated

FIG. 12-3 is a diagram of the signal transmission direction illustrated at a data connection between the image processing system and another system,

FIG. 12-4 is a diagram showing an example of a Sig nalübertragungs procedure in the digital data averaging,

Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the light guide interface,

FIGS. 14 and 15 are plan views showing examples of key arrangements in a reader operation unit or a printer status display unit show

Fig. 16 (A), 16 (B) and 16 (C) are schematic views showing an example of a simple image processing,

Fig. 17 is a view showing an example of a command input format,

Fig. 18 is a view showing an example of an error display format,

Fig. 19, 20 and 21 are flow charts as examples of image processing procedures, and

Fig. 22-1 to 22-6 are schematic views Step Example le for surface-division visual displays on a visual display unit to show.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment for the construction of the image processing system which is composed basically of an image information transmitter unit 1, a reading device 500 and a recording means 600. The image information transmitter unit 1 carries out the processing, storage, transmission and reception of image information and controls the functions of the reading device 500 and the recording device 600 . The unit 1 is composed of an image processing control unit 100 for controlling the image processing procedure and for storing the processed image, and an image processing device 400 which is used by the operator for the image processing.

The reading device or reader unit 500 reads an original image with a line sensor or line image converter such as a charge coupling device (CCD), converts the image photoelectrically and transmits the image information obtained as electrical signals via a signal line to the image information transmitter control unit 1 . If the operator wants to directly control the reader unit 500 for reading an original image, a reader operator unit 550 is used.

The recording device or printer unit 600 , which is formed, for example, by a laser beam printer, prints an image on recording material such as paper in accordance with the image information transmitted via a signal line from the image information transmitter unit 1 . A printer status display unit 650 displays copying conditions such as the number of prints.

The (hereinafter referred to as a system) image processing system consisting of the image information transmitter unit 1 , the reader unit 500 and the printer unit 600 is connected via fiber optic cable 700 to similar systems in the close range to form an optical fiber network for the mutual transmission of image information .

A digital data transmission line 800 is used for the transmission connection for image information or the like with other systems, not shown, in the long range.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the system which basically contains the image information generator unit 1 . An image processing control unit 100 includes an image processing unit 10 composed of a central processing unit block for controlling the other units listed below, a storage device or a buffer memory 20 for temporarily storing image information in the unit of a template of a certain format, a bus line 30 , a direct access memory control unit 80 for controlling the direct memory access between the buffer memory 20 and a disk memory 90 , a data transmission interface 60 inserted between the system and the data transmission line, a transmission device inserted between the system and the optical fiber network or Optical fiber interface 70 and a switching device or switching unit 40 for switching image information channels for the transmission of image information between the optical fiber interface 70 , the reader unit 500 or the printer core unit 600 and the buffer memory 20 .

An image processing device or a processing station 400 contains a processing operator station 200 , which is preferably constructed in the form of a console, for the processing control unit 450 , which is connected to the image processing unit 10 and with which the units listed below can be controlled which the operator inputs processing commands and other commands by means of a stylus 280 by means of light, pressure or electrostatic capacity, and a cathode ray tube or a viewing device 300 for the visual display of commands input by the operator, messages from the image processing unit 10 and so on.

The processing station is explained in more detail below. Fig. 3-1 shows an example of the structure of the storage bo reitungsstation 400 to the conditioning control unit 450, the operator station 200, the stylus 280 and the viewing apparatus 300. The operator station 200 contains a digitizing field 240 , on which the operator can select and enter areas on a template image with the stylus 280 , and a command selection part 220 as shown in FIG. 3-2 with keys 221 to 228 for image processing, with which the operator can carry out the image preparation and the preparation of preparation programs. With the digitizing field 240 , the location of a point selected thereon with reference to an origin O in the upper right corner can be read with an accuracy of 1 mm. As shown in Fig. 3-2 of the instruction includes selecting part 220, for example, a command button group 221 with a request key request for the retrieval of the on running of the treatment station 400 and an end key END for requesting the function statements, Bildaufbereitungs- command keys 222, which will be explained later, Letter keys 223 for the input of characters, number keys 224 for the input of numbers, a carriage return key 225 , parameter input keys 226 for the input of parameters behind commands, command keys 227 for calling the coordinate input and the determination of the type of input before input the digitizing field 240 , command buttons 228 for the preparation, correction and execution of editing programs (user files) and command buttons 229 for the screen editing on the display device 300 .

The viewing area on the viewing device 300 is divided in accordance with the commands from the processing control unit 450 , each partial area indicating coordinates, commands, etc., which are entered by means of the operator station 200 .

The method of image processing with the operator station 200 and the viewing device 300 will be explained later.

The preparation control unit 450 contains a viewing device / operator control unit 470 and an RS232C interface 420 and can, for example, from a control unit "Apple II" from Apple inc. be educated.

Fig. 3-3 is a block diagram of the reprocessing control unit 45 d to a clock generator 451, a Zen traleinheit 452 for the conditioning control unit 450, a data buffer 453, an address buffer 454, a read only memory (ROM) 455 for storing a dialog -Programme language such as BASIC, a read / write memory or RAM 456 for storing image processing programs, etc., a bus 457 , a peripheral control circuit 458 , a basic input / output control circuit 459 and a video signal generator 460 .

The editing commands and coordinates entered by the operator using the stylus 280 and the operator station 200 on the template image are supplied to the operator control unit 450 via the RS232C interface 420 and then identified in the display unit / operator station control unit 470 and in ASCII -Codes for feeding to the image processing unit 10 implemented via the interface.

The image processing control unit is now closer purifies.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing in detail an example of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the image processing control unit 100, in which unit the image processing (the central processing unit circuit block) 10, the buffer memory circuit block 20, an input / Output interface 56 , a reader user interface 58 and the direct access memory control unit 80 are each connected to the multiple bus line 30 via bus lines 111 , 112 , 115 , 114 and 113 .

Of these five circuit blocks connected to the bus 30 , the central processing unit circuit block 10 and the memory control unit 80 have a guiding function for occupying the bus 30 and controlling the other circuit blocks. On the other hand, the buffer memory circuit block 20 , the input / output interface 56 and the reader operator interface 58 have a sequential function in that they are controlled by the control function blocks and are unilaterally called up from the bus line 30 . The control function blocks connected to the multiple bus 30 have a certain order or priority for the use of the bus 30 . In the described embodiment, the central processing unit circuit block 10 has a higher priority than the memory control unit 80 .

The functions of the Zentraleinheit- circuit block 10 explained, as well as signal lines leading from the block 10 away from or towards the latter.

According to Fig. 4 a manifold 132 is used to output from the central processing unit circuit block 10 outputs a signal for selecting a memory bank in the later explained Puf ferspeicher circuit block 20. A signal line 133 is used for inputting a signal to the central unit circuit block 10 , which indicates the duration of the signal write in the buffer memory circuit block 20 or the signal read out therefrom. A signal line 128 is used to supply a control signal for switching the address of an image information from the central unit circuit block 10 to the switching device 40 . Signal lines 136 and 139 each connect the central processing unit circuit block 10 to the optical fiber interface 70 and the data transmission interface 60 for the transmission of control information between the central processing unit circuit block 10 and other systems. A signal line 145 is for supplying a control signal for a spread distribution or dither processing in image processing from the central processing unit circuit block 10 to a dither control unit 54 . a signal line 146 connects the central processing unit circuit block 10 to the processing control unit 450 for supplying image processing information determined in the operator station 200 to the circuit block 10 and for displaying the user file stored in the disk memory 90 on the display device 300 . Furthermore, the central processing unit circuit block 10 controls the direct access memory control unit 80 via the bus line 111 , the multiple bus line 30 and the bus line 113 , so as to bring about the direct transmission of image information between the buffer memory 20 and the disk memory 90 .

The input / output interface 56 is inserted between the central unit circuit block 10 and the reader unit 500 as well as the printer unit 600 and each via signal lines 150 , 151 and 152 with a light scanning driver stage 510 for driving a motor 560 for the adjustment an optical system in the reader unit 500 , a position sensor 520 for detecting the position of the optical system and a printer sequence control block 610 for controlling the copying sequence of the printer unit 600 .

The reader operator interface 58 is used, inter alia, to supply the central processing unit circuit block 10 via the multiple bus 30 with regard to the operating state, which is input from the operator unit 550 of the reader unit 500 , as will be explained later.

An image converter input stage 50 carries one to analog image signals which are fed in parallel via signal lines 121 , 122 and 123 from line image converters 570 , 580 and 590, such as charge coupling devices, which are provided for reading the image information of a line with division in the reader unit 500 Analog / Digi tal implementation and leads the resulting digital signals in parallel via signal lines 124 , 125 and 126 to a shift register 52 . The shift register 52 converts the parallel image signals into serial image signals for one line and supplies these image signals to the switching device 40 via a signal line 127 . The dither control unit 54 serving as the tint control unit leads the image converter input stage 50 via a signal line 144 to information about the image tint processing, such as information about the dither processing or information about the selection of an area for the local change Copy density too.

The switching device 40 can be formed from switching elements for the selective supply of image signals and control signals to various units and switches the addresses of the image signals and the control signals by controlling the switching elements in accordance with control signals which are supplied from the central unit circuit block 10 via the signal line 128 . A signal line 129 is used to transmit image signals and control signals between the switching device 40 and the buffer memory 20 . Signal lines 130 and 131 are each used to transmit control signals or image signals from the switching device 40 to the printer unit 600 and are connected to the printer sequence control block 610 and a laser control unit 620 in this. Furthermore, a printer drive and sensor unit 615 , a laser unit 625 for generating He modulate according to the image signals modulated laser rays, a rotating mirror motor unit 630 for rotating a polygonal rotating mirror for deflecting the laser beams, a deflecting driver stage 635 for the Rotation of the rotating mirror at a uniform speed and a beam detector 640 are provided for determining the timing of the modulation of the laser beams.

A signal line 134 is used to supply control signals and image signals from the switching device 40 to the light guide interface 70 . A signal line 135 is used to supply control signals and image signals from the light guide interface 70 to the switching device 40 .

Optical fibers 701 and 702 are each used for the reception of control signals or image signals and corresponding clock signals which are supplied from other systems to the optical fiber interface 70 , while optical fibers 703 and 704 each for the transmission of control signals or image signals and corresponding clock signals be used from the Lichtlei ter interface 70 to other systems.

Signal lines 137 and 138 are used to transmit image signals between the buffer memory 20 and the data transmission interface 60 .

The image information flow in the image processing system constructed as shown in FIG. 4 can be summarized as follows:

1) Reading image information with the reader unit 500 and printing the information with the printer unit 600

The analog image signals read by means of the line image converters 570 , 580 and 590 in the reader unit 500 are fed in parallel to the analog / digital conversion of the image converter input stage 50 , after which the digital signals obtained are fed in parallel to the shift register 52 , in which the parallel ones Image signals are converted into serial image signals for one line, which are supplied to the switching device 40 . The central processing unit circuit block 10 switches the switching elements of the switching device 40 to the printer unit 600 , as a result of which the serial image signals are successively supplied with synchronization with beam detection signals from the beam detector 640 to the laser control unit of the printer unit 600 in order to bring about the copying process in the latter.

2) Transmission over the data transmission line 800

The image signals temporarily stored in the buffer memory 20 are transmitted via the signal line 137 to the data transmission interface 60 and, after data compression therein, are fed to the data transmission line 800 .

3) Reception via the data transmission line 800

The received image signals are subjected to data expansion in the data transmission interface 60 , then temporarily stored in the buffer memory 20 via the signal line 138 and transferred from there to the printer unit 600 for copying via the switching device 40 .

4) Image signal transmission via the fiber optic network 700

The image signals read in the reader unit 500 are supplied to the switching device 40 in the same way as in the case (1) and are transmitted via the signal line 134 in accordance with commands from the central unit circuit block 10 to the light guide interface 70 . In the interface, these signals are converted electro-optically and fed to the other systems connected to the optical fiber network 700 .

5) Receiving image signals from the fiber optic network 700

The optical image signals to be led from other systems in the optical fiber network 700 are supplied to the switching device 40 via the signal line 135 after the optoelectric conversion in the optical fiber interface 70 . The central processing unit circuit block 10 examines the address data of these image signals; if the image signals are addressed for another system, the received image signals are again subjected to the electro-optical conversion in the optical fiber interface 70 and transmitted to the optical fiber network 700 . If the image signals are addressed to the existing system, they are sent via the switching device 40 to the printer unit 600 in order to bring about the copying process there.

6) Image processing

The image signals corresponding to a template image read in the reader unit 500 are temporarily stored in the buffer memory 20 via the switching device 40 and, according to the processing information prepared in the operating station 200 , are subjected to image processing, such as, by the direct access transmission between the buffer memory 20 and the disk memory 90 it will be explained in detail later. After this processing, the processed image signals stored in the buffer memory 20 are transmitted to a destination specified by the central unit circuit block 10 .

The structure of the main circuit blocks in the image processing control unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 will now be explained in more detail.

First, the central processing unit circuit block 10 is explained, which, for example, by a single-board computer SBC86 / 12 from Intel Corp. can be formed with the structure shown in Fig. 5; this circuit block contains a central processing unit 10-1 , a fixed memory 10-2 , a working memory 10-3 , which is used not only for storing the system program of the own system, but also for reading user files stored in the disk memory 90 , as will be described later a two-way or two-channel control unit 10-4 , an interruption control unit 10-5 , a timer 10-6 , a baud rate generator 10-7 , a transmission connected to the processing station 400 via the RS232C interface 420 - Interface 10-8 , a peripheral device interface 10-10 , which is connected via a control post-processor 10-11 to the buffer memory 20 and the switching unit 40 , and a multiple bus interface 10-12 , which is between the bus 112 and an internal bus 10-13 in the CPU block 10 is connected.

The buffer memory circuit block 20 having the structure shown in Fig. 6-1 will now be explained. This block contains a memory control unit 21 , a memory device or a buffer memory 22 and a post-processor 23 , which are connected to one another via an internal bus 24 . The memory control unit 21 is connected to the multiple bus 30 via the bus 112 so as to provide access to the buffer memory 22 under the control of the CPU block 10 . The storage control unit 21 is also connected via the signal line 129 to the switching device 40 and via the signal lines 132 and 133 to the central unit circuit block 10 .

The buffer memory 22 is composed of a group of dynamic random access memories, namely dynamic working memories. In the described embodiment, the image is read for an original in A4 format (297 × 210 mm) with a resolution of 16 bits / mm, so that the buffer memory has a capacity of at least (297 × 16) × (210 ×) 16) = 15966720 bits should have. If the image information per mm, namely the information with 16 bits, is selected as one word, the capacity of the buffer memory 22 is 997920 words or approximately 1 megaword.

The postprocessor 23 stabilizes the signal level immediately after the start or end of a signal.

The internal bus 24 transmits address signals, data signals, read-out signals, write-in signals, memory refresh signals, memory status signals and confirmation signals.

Fig. 6-2 is a circuit diagram of the memory control unit 21 contained in the buffer memory circuit block 20 for controlling access to the buffer memory 22. In this control unit, data write-in shift registers 21-1 and 21-2 for 16 bits convert the serial image signals supplied to the buffer circuit block 20 via a signal line 129-1 for one scan line into parallel 16-bit signals and pass these via write-in data Signal line 21-101 and a data line driver stage 21-3 to a data bus 24-1 . A write-in timer 21-4 alternately selects the write-in synchronization signals supplied via a signal line 129-2 and the write-in clock signals supplied via a signal line 129-3, alternately selecting the write-in shift registers 21-1 and 21-2 , in each case via signal lines 21- 102 and 21-103 write-in command signals or output enable signals to be performed. For example, if the shift register 21-1 is selected first, the first 16 bits are supplied to the shift register 21-1 . Then the shift register 21-2 is selected; when the next 16 bits of the image signals are fed to the shift register 21-2 , the write-in timer 21-4 supplies the shift register 21-1 with the output enable signal , whereby the first 16 bits of the image signals already stored therein are sent to one Signal line 21-101 are given.

By repeating the process described above, the image signals supplied by the switching device 40 are stored without interruption in the buffer memory 20 for the image information corresponding to an image template. In synchronism with the parallel output of the 16-bit image signals from the data write -in shift register 21-1 or 21-2 to the signal line 21-101 , the write-in timer 21-4 leads via a signal line 21-104 and an OR gate 21 -5 an address counter 21-6 a clock pulse, whereby the address counter 21-6 is incremented and via an address line driver stage 21-7 to an address sensor line 24-2 outputs an address of the buffer memory 22 at which the image signals with 16 bits ( one word) must be saved. The write-in timer 21-4 emits clock pulses in such a way that during the delivery of the signals from the shift register 21-1 or 21-2 to the signal line 21-101 the address counter 21-6 is incremented by 16 bits, whereby the address counter 21-6 always displays addresses with an interval of 16 bits, such as 00000H, 00010H, 00020H,. . . . . . , where "H" indicates a hexadecimal number. Furthermore, in synchronism with the delivery of the image signals from the shift register 21-1 or 21-2 to the signal line 21-101, the registration timer 21-4 via a signal line 21-105 , an OR gate 21-8 and a control line. Driver stage 21-9 from a registration signal to a control bus 24-3 .

16-bit data read -out shift registers 21-21 and 21-22 set 16-bit (one word) parallel image signals which are sent from the buffer memory 22 via the data bus 24-1 , a postprocessor interface 21-23 and a signal line 21-121 be read out into serial image signals with 16 bits and deliver these signals to a signal line 129-21 . A readout timer 21-24 selected according Auslesesyn chronisiersignalen that become out through a signal line 129-22, and read-out clock signals via a Sig nalleitung be supplied 129-23, alternately, the data read-out shift register 21-21 or 21-22 and leads to it via signal lines 21-122 and 21-123 each readout be command signals and output enable signals are transmitted whereby the image signals via the signal line 129-21 without interruption to the switching device 40th Immediately before the output of the image signals from the data readout shift register 21-21 or 21-22 to the signal line 129-21 , the readout timer 21-24 leads the address counter 21 via a signal line 21-124 and the OR gate 21-5 -6 clock pulses, whereby the address counter 21-6 is incremented and, via the address line driver stage 21-7 of the address collecting line 24-2, outputs an address for the buffer memory 22 at which the image signals to be read out are stored. The readout timer 21-24 outputs the clock pulses in such a way that during the delivery of the image signals from the shift register 21-21 or 21-22 to the signal line 21-121 the address counter 21-6 is incremented by 16 bits. Furthermore, in synchronism with the delivery of the image signals from the data read shift register 21-21 or 21-22 to the signal line 21-121, the readout timer 21-24 via a signal line 21-125 , the OR gate 21-8 and the Control line driver stage 21-9 from the control bus 24-3 from a readout signal .

An address converter 21-26 sets in storing the image signals in the buffer memory 22 from the disk memory 90 via a two-way data line driver 21-41 under the control of the direct access memory control unit 80 via the address bus 112 , an address line buffer 21-42 and a signal line 21-126 transferred addresses of the image signals into addresses distributed via the buffer memory 22 and outputs these addresses via a signal line 21-131 and the address line driver stage 21-7 to the address bus 24-2 as is will be explained later. At the same time via a signal line 21-126 the address converter 21-26 a memory write / read signal is supplied, through which this then outputs a write / read-free signal to a signal line 21-133 . Furthermore, the central processing unit circuit block 10 supplies the address converter 21-26 via signal lines 132-1 and 132-2 with a binary memory bank selection signal. In response to this, the address converter supplies the control bus 24-3 via a signal line 21-132 and a control line driver stage 21-27 with a binary signal which corresponds to a memory bank 0, 1 or 2.

In the case of the input of the image signals from the image converters 570 , 580 and 590 , the starting address of each line to be read out by means of the image converter is by the central unit circuit block 10 via the multiple bus line 30 , the bus line 112 and the two-way data line driver stage 21 -41 preset in the address counter 21-6 . This address is also supplied via the address line buffer 21-42 and the signal line 21-126 to a decoder 21-45 for decoding, a resultant module selection signal being supplied to the address counter 21-6 via a signal line 21-145 . On the other hand, an input / output write command signal supplied through a control line to the bus 112 is supplied through a signal line 21-146 to a command control circuit 21-46 which selects the command signal according to the device selection signal; if a block selection is requested, the default data on the signal line 21-101 corresponding to the command signal are supplied in parallel to the address counter 21-6 . On which took place in this way storing the initial address through the address counter 21-6 counts the supplied via the signal line 21-104 or 21-124 clock pulses added to this initial address and gives the dial signal for the buffer memory 22 to a signal line 21- 132 ' and the address in the buffer memory 22 to a signal line 21-131 'in the same manner as explained above in connection with the address converter 21-26 .

A signal line 21-150 is used to transmit a memory write-in signal and a memory read-out signal which are output when the buffer memory 22 is accessed by the CPU circuit block 10 or the direct access memory control unit. These signals are controlled in a command control circuit 21-50 by the write / read enable signal supplied via a signal line 21-133 ; if an access is requested to the buffer memory 22, the memory einschreibesignal or the memory read-out signal through a signal line 21 to 151, the OR gate 21-8 and the Steuerlei tung driver stage 21-9 of the internal manifold 24, respectively.

A signal line 21-154 is used to feed a refresh control circuit 21-55 with a memory occupancy signal MB, which indicates that a read or write operation is currently taking place in the buffer memory 22 , and a memory cycle enable signal MCE, which indicates that the buffer memory is currently in use a read / write operation or a refresh operation is in progress; these signals who are supplied from the memory bank 0, 1 or 2 of the buffer memory 22 to the control bus 24-3 . In the absence of this signal MB or MCE, the refresh control circuit 21-55 supplies the buffer memory 22 with a refresh pulse via a signal line 21-156 , whereby the content of the dynamic working memory is refreshed. If a signal MB or MCE is detected during this refresh pulse, this is interrupted until access to the buffer memory 22 is complete .

The random access memory controller will now be described. Fig. 7 shows the structure of the random access memory control unit 80 and the disk memory 90 in a block diagram. An input / output processor 80-1 with a direct access function controls the units listed below and, in the exemplary embodiment described, is provided by an Intel 8089 processor from Intel Corp. educated. This processor 80-1 is connected to the multiple bus line 30 or 113 via a signal line 80-101 which contains a channel request signal CA for requesting direct access transmission from the central processing unit circuit block 10 and a system interrupt signal SINTR from the storage control unit 80 which indicates the completion of the direct access transmission. Upon accessing a read-only memory 80-8 in the memory control unit 80 , the processor 80-1 outputs a signal for selecting the read-only memory 80-8 and a signal indicating the address of an instruction code of the program stored in the read-only memory 80-8 a signal line 80-105 to an internal bus line 80-5 . A signal line 80-103 , which leads from the processor 80-1 to a line distributor 80-2 and a line control unit 80-3 , transmits to them a status signal from the processor 80-1 . A signal line 80-104 , which connects the processor 80-1 to an address / data buffer block 80-4 , transmits address information signals and data information signals output by the processor 80-1 in multiplex mode . The processor 80-1 executes the time division of the address information signals and the data information signals and supplies the address / data buffer block 80-4 with the address information signals first and then the data information signals .

The line distributor 80-2 is connected in accordance with a status signal supplied by the processor 80-1 via the signal line 80-105 to the multiple bus 30 or 113 in order to request the right of use thereof, the line distributor simultaneously via a signal line 80 - 107 to the line control unit 80-3 and the address / da ta buffer block 80-4, an address information signal AEN Sendefreigabe- emits. In the exemplary embodiment described, the line distributor is replaced by the intel 8289 distributor from Intel Corp. educated.

According to this signal AEN from the line distributor 80-2 outputs the line control unit via a signal line 80-3 80-110 to the multi-manifold 30, a SpeI cherlesesignal MRDC if a read access transmission under direct from the buffer memory 20 to the space A Plat 90 takes place, or a memory write-in signal MWTC, if a write-in takes place under direct access transmission from the disk memory 90 to the buffer memory 20 . In accordance with the status signal from the processor 80-1 train , the line control unit 80-3 also carries an address buffer enable signal ALE via a signal line 80-111 to the address / data buffer block 80-4 , through which the buffer block receives the data from the processor 80- 1 cached address information, a data enable signal DEN, through which the address information and data information is delivered to the bus 30 , a peripheral data enable signal PDEN, through which this information is delivered to the internal bus 80-5 , and a data transmission / read signal DT / R to by which the buffer block 80-4 selects the transmission of data information to the bus 30 or the internal bus (transmission mode) or the data readout from these bus lines (read mode). A signal line 80-112 leading from the line control unit 80-3 to a synchronization signal generator 80-7 transmits an input / output read command signal IORC issued by the line control unit 80-3 when the processor 80-1 is in the readout mode to access internal bus 80-5 , an interrupt acknowledge signal INTA, which is output from the line control unit 80-3 when the processor 80-1 reads out a microprogram stored in the memory 80-8 , and the above-mentioned signal ALE. The line control unit 80-3 can, for example, by the control unit Intel 8288 from Intel Corp. be educated.

The address / data buffer block 80-4 is equipped with two addresses / data buffers, which are each connected via signal lines 80-115 and 80-116 to the multiple bus 30 or 113 or the internal bus 80-5 : over which address information and data information are transmitted.

The internal bus 80-5 of the direct access memory control unit 80 contains a 16-bit address bus with an address space of 64 kbytes and an 8-bit data bus.

A clock generator 80-6 leads according to reference vibration output signals , for example from an external quartz oscillator, clock signals of a specific frequency via a signal line 80-120 to the processor 80-1 , the line distributor 80-2 , the line control unit 80-3 and the synchronization signal generator 80- 7 to; Furthermore, the clock generator supplies a reset signal as well as a manually entered reset signal to the processor 80-1 , the line distributor 80-2 and the line control unit 80-3 at the beginning of the power supply via a signal line 80-121 . The clock generator 80-6 receives from the bus 30 via a signal line 80-122 a transmission confirmation signal XACK corresponding to the signals MWTC and MRDC, in order to detect whether the multiple bus 30 enters or ends the waiting state, and leads accordingly the detection result to the processor 80-1 via a signal line 80-123 a bus ready signal.

The synchronization signal generator 807 generates, in accordance with the signals IORC and INTA and the module selection signal supplied by the address decoder 80-10 via a signal line 80-125, a signal confirming the response of the permanent memory 80-8 and carries the signal generated in this way via a signal line 80- 126 to the clock generator 80-6 , thereby enabling the processor 80-1 to proceed to a subsequent operation.

Read only memory 80-8 stores a microprogram for processor 80-1 . When the processor 80-1 reads the cher in Festspei 80-8 microprogram stored, a leading from the internal bus 80-5 to the memory signal line 80-8 is referred to as 80-130 Adressensignallei processing for the transmission of the address of the so read out instruction indicating signal is used, while a signal line 80-131 leading to the memory 80-8 is used as a data signal line therefor .

The address decoder 80-10 supplies a signal to select the read-only memory 80-8 via the signal line 80-125 to the read-only memory 80-8 and the synchronizing signal generator 80-7 in accordance with the block selection signal of the processor 80-1 , which is via the internal bus 80-5 and a signal line 80-135 is supplied. A signal line 80-113 leading from the line control unit 80-3 to the address decoder 80-10 transmits a status information signal 52 which indicates whether the address information temporarily stored in the address / data buffer block 80-4 for the internal bus 80-5 or the manifold 30 is determined; this signal is recognized by means of the address decoder 80-10 .

The operation of transferring address information and data information between the DMA controller 80 and the multiple bus 30 or the internal bus 80-5 will now be described. First, in connection with the function of the multiple bus 30, the buffer block 80-4 temporarily stores the address information supplied from the processor 80-1 in the address buffer corresponding to the signal ALE supplied from the line control unit 80-3 to the buffer block 80-4 out. If, after this buffering, the line distributor 80-2 acquires the right to use the multiple bus 30 , the line distributor 80-2 supplies the signal AEN to the buffer block 80-4 , whereby the buffer block delivers the stored address information to the bus 30 . If the direct access memory control unit 80 is in the write-in mode and the bus 30 is already secured in this state, the processor 80-1 supplies the data information to the address / data buffer block 80-4 , which corresponds to that of the line control unit 80 -3 supplied signal DEN transmits the data information to the collecting line 30 . On the other hand, if the random access memory controller 80 is in the readout mode, the buffer block 80-4 transfers the data information from the bus 30 to the processor 80-1 . The writing of the data information by means of the processor 80-1 is carried out upon confirmation by the signal XACK fed from the disk memory 90 to the processor 80-1 .

The function of the address / data buffer block 80-4 in connection with the internal bus 80-5 is the same as in the case described above, however for the supply of the address information to the internal bus 80-5 the signal AEN is off Line distributor 80-2 not required. Further, the feeding is the controlled teninformationen As to the internal bus line 80-5 by means of the supplied from the line control unit 80-3 PDEN signal.

The disk memory 90 is formed, for example, by the memory model WDS-10 from Sord Computer Co. and is equipped with a disk memory control circuit, not shown, which connects the direct access memory control unit 80 to the internal bus line 80-5 via a data line 80-140 and also connected to the synchronization signal generator 80-7 and the processor 80-1 via signal lines 80-142 and 80-143 .

The data line 80-140 carries command information, result information, data information and status information, the first three of which are summarized as one set under a single address and are processed in succession by means of the disk storage control circuit. On the other hand, each status information is given an independent or separate address. The command information is the disk memory 90, the address and the number of bytes, while the result information supply the result of the error check in the Informationsübertra indicating between the random access memory controller 80 and the disk storage 90th

The signal line 80-142 transmits a command occupancy signal CBUSY , from which the synchronization signal generator 80-7 distinguishes the above three information from the status information. The set of command information, the result information and the data information, as well as the status information, have different standby times when reading out and when writing in. As a result, the generated Synchronisiersig nalgenerator 80-7 by means of the data transmitted via the signal line 80-112 IORC signal and the transmitted signal via the signal line 80-142 CBUSY four different waiting times and outputs it via the signal line 80 to 126 to the clock generator 80-6 on, whereby the above-mentioned various kinds of information are read in by the processor 80-1 differentiated by the timing of the clock signals supplied from the clock generator 80-6 .

The signal line 80-143 transmits a data request signal DREQ, which indicates the readiness of the disk memory 90 , and an exchange completion signal EXT, which indicates the completion of the memory direct access transfer.

The image signal flow in direct memory access or DMA Transmission takes place in the following sequence:

• 1) The central processing unit circuit block 10, the signal CA via the signal line 80-1 to the processor 80-101 is requested whereby the DMA transfer.
• 2) The processor 80-1 calls via the signal line 80-104, the address / data buffer block 80-4 and the Signallei tung 80-115 memory (Fig. 5) from the central unit in circuit block 10 to sense information the read / write mode and the address of the DMA transfer. In the following it is assumed that the read mode is determined:
• 3) The processor 80-1 calls the buffer memory 20 via the signal line 80-104 , the buffer block 80-4 , the signal line 80-115 , the bus line 113 and the multiple bus line 30 .
• 4) Data with 16 bits read out from the buffer memory 20 are fed to the processor 80-1 in the opposite direction via the signal lines according to (3).
• 5) The processor 80-1 transmits the upper 8 bits and beyond via the signal line 80-104 , the address / data buffer block 80-4 , the signal line 80-116 , the internal bus 80-5 and the data line 80-140 the lower 8 bits of the 16-bit data to disk 90 .
• 6) The steps (3) to (5) described above are repeated until the signal EXT appears on the signal line 80-143 .
• 7) The processor 80-1 interrupts the function of the central processing unit circuit block 10 via the signal line 80-101 , the collecting line 113 and the multiple collecting line 30 , so as to indicate the completion of the.

The storage space of the multiple bus line is now explained. FIG. 8 shows a memory directory of the central processing unit circuit block 10 , the buffer memory circuit block 20 and the direct access memory control unit 80 relating to the multiple bus line 30 . The bus 30 has an address space of 1 Mbyte from 00000H to FFFFFH as the listed memory space, which as shown in FIG. 8 in a range from FC000H to FFFFFH as a program memory space for the central unit 10-1 of the circuit block 10 , a range from 10000H to EFFFFH as the bank memory space of the buffer memory explained later, a range from 06000H to 07FFFH as program memory space between the central circuit block 10 and the direct access memory control unit 80 and a range from 00000H to 05FFFH as working memory space for the central unit circuit block 10 is divided. The respective address memory space is explained below.

The program storage space is used as a storage space for the working memory 10-3 in the CPU block 10 and used to store the control program of the described equipment.

The bank memory space for the buffer memory has a capacity of 896 kByte from 10000H to EFFFFH, which is smaller than the memory capacity of 1995840 bytes, which is required for the buffer memory circuit block 20 in accordance with the above explanations. For this reason, the buffer memory is divided into three banks 0, 1 and 2, which are selected by means of a bank switching signal supplied from the central processing unit circuit block 10 via the signal line 132 ( FIGS. 4 and 6-2), the banks selected in this way the storage directory are as shown in FIG . The process of this division and allocation is explained below with reference to FIGS. 9-1 and 9-2.

The transmission program memory space uses a capacity of 8 kbytes in the 32 kbyte working memory 10-3 in the central unit circuit block 10 . The main memory space uses the remaining capacity of 24 kByte in the main memory 10-3 .

Fig. 9-1 shows the address directory of the buffer memory 22 , which is seen in the buffer memory circuit block 20 before and a storage capacity for storing the information of an original in A4 format (297 × 210 mm) with a resolution of 16 picture elements / mm Has. The reader unit 500 carries out the main scan in the direction of the long side of the A4 format, whereby the image converters 570 , 580 and 590 read the original with a resolution of 16 picture elements / mm and signal signals to the image processing control unit 100 per scan deliver with 4752 bits. The subsampling of the reader unit 500 is carried out in the direction of the shorter side of the original, the image converters 570 , 580 and 590 having a resolution of 16 lines / mm, so that the original is scanned in this direction in 3360 lines. As a result, the original in A4 format is divided into 15 966 720 picture elements, the image processing control unit receiving 100 serial signals with 4752 bits each 3360 times.

The image signals supplied in this way are stored in the buffer memory 22 according to the following method: the original in A4 format is divided into 62370 square block units of 1 mm × 1 mm each. Each unit block contains the image signals of 16 bits for 16 lines and thus 256 bits. The 16-bit pixels in the longitudinal direction form a word with an address. As a result, a unit block is composed of a picture element group of 16 addresses. The first scanned serial image signals with 4752 bits in the first line of the original are supplied to the image processing control unit 100 in a unit of a group of 16 picture elements corresponding to a length of 1 mm in the longitudinal direction of the original. A first group of pixel signals with 16 bits is stored in an address 00000H of the buffer memory 22 , while a second group with 16 bits is stored in an address 00010H. In the same way, the following groups are stored in addresses 00020H, 00030H, 01280H.

This addressing for each line in the buffer memory 22 is achieved in that according to the foregoing Erläu esterification, an initial value is set by the central processing unit circuit block 10 in the address counter 21-6. The image signals are also supplied from the buffer memory 22 to the printer unit 600 in units of 16 bits from a specific starting address in the same way as when the image signals are stored.

The 4752 bit image signals for the second line are stored in the same manner in addresses from 00001H to 01281H. In this way, the image signals for 1536 lines from the first to 1536th lines corresponding to a width of 96 mm are stored in the addresses from 00000H to 6F5FFH, this bank memory space being referred to as bank 0 in the buffer memory 22 .

Subsequently, the signals for the following 1536 lines from the 1537th to the 3072nd line are stored in the same way in the addresses from 70000H to DF5FFH, which form the bank 1 in the buffer memory 22 . Thereafter, the signals of the subsequent 288 lines from the 3073 th to the 3360 th line are stored in the addresses from E0000H to F4E1FH, which form bank 2 in the buffer memory 22 .

The process of storing the image signals of a word with an address described above allows the entire area of the template in A4 format to be stored in successive addresses in the buffer memory 22 with square unit blocks of 1 mm × 1 mm. Therefore, if the operator determines an image processing area in the disk memory 90 in the unit "mm" via the operator station 200 , a rapid direct memory access or DMA transfer of the image signals without going through the central unit circuit block 10 is possible in a simple manner in that the first and last address of this area or area is determined.

In particular, the determination of a sentence from the first and last address the DMA transfer of image signals for a width of 1 mm. As a result, the DMA transfer achieved with fewer address settings and will therefore run faster.  

Furthermore, this method of image signal storage is particularly useful for image processing with extracted image signals, since the image signals to be extracted have consecutive addresses from right to left with a width of 1 mm. For example, the extraction of image signals that detect in the longitudinal direction of a length of 20 mm can be achieved by the central processing unit circuit block 10 with 20 address settings.

In addition, the operator can conveniently determine the locations on the template in the unit mm in image processing, since the addresses correspond to the locations on the template in the unit mm. In the described embodiment, an address is allocated 16 bits in the longitudinal direction, that the image converters 570 , 580 and 590 used here have a resolution of 16 bits / mm; the number of bits per address can of course be selected differently in accordance with the resolution capability of the image converter and the same effect can of course also be achieved if each address is specified in a different unit, for example in inches.

Fig. 9-2 shows an address directory of the Pufferspei Chers 22 in the view of the multi-manifold 30 forth. The address space from 00000H to 6F5FFH, which forms bank 0 in the buffer memory 22 according to FIG. 9-1, the address space 70000H to DF5FFH, which forms bank 1, and the address space from E0000H to F4E1FH, which forms bank 2 corresponding as shown in FIG. 8 correspond to the Ad ress evacuate 10000H to EEBFEH, 10000H to 10000H EFBFEH and to 39C3EH at the multi-manifold. The multiple bus 30 contains a 16-bit data bus and a 20-bit address bus and allows access to a range of 1 Mbyte or 10⁶ 8-bit data. In the case of access to 16-bit data which occupy 2 addresses, the 16-bit data are assigned to successive even-numbered addresses, the input or output of the 16-bit signals being released only when an even-numbered address is called up .

The actual addresses shown in FIG. 9-1 in the buffer memory circuit block 20 are converted into the addresses shown in FIG. 9-2 by means of the address converter 21-26 provided therein in the manner described above. In this way it is possible to select the address area of the buffer memory 22 in any address space.

Fig. 10-1 (A) shows the address structure of the disk memory 90 , in which disk drives 91 are numbered 0 and 1. In the described embodiment, only one drive 0 is used. The drive 91 is equipped with three heads 92, each of which detects 354 tracks 93 , each of which is composed of 18 sectors 94 , each of which has a storage capacity of 512 bytes. As a result, the disk storage 90 has a storage capacity of approximately 10 Mbytes.

In this disk storage 90 of the continuous access is made to the data characterized in that the addresses shown in Fig. 10-1 (B) memory in the disk 90 in a certain sequence in accordance with changes in which a series of follow-number SN, a head -Number HN and a track number TN have the relationship according to the following equation (1):

SN = 3 × TN + HN (1)

where HN is 0 to 2 and TN is 0 to 353. In this way, the track number TN and the head number HN are determined for a given sequence number SN, while the head 92 and the track 93 , which are to be used in a subsequent access, are determined according to a sequence number SN + 1 be increased by one step compared to the previous sequence number SN. The access to the sectors 94 in a respective track 93 follows an increasing sequence of a sector number SCTN.

Fig. 10-2 is an index table housed in a particular area in disk storage 90 and used to control its usage status. In the exemplary embodiment described, the sectors SCTN 0 to 13 in the track TN 0 are determined as the area for the index table for the header HN 0, the sectors SCTN 0 to 8 being selected as the sector bit map table 94 A, which indicate the status of the Use of a respective sector in the disk storage 90 indicates, while the sectors SCTN 9 to 13 are selected as the file index table for file management. The signals for the sectors SCTN are transmitted according to an opening program for writing the index table in the work memory 10-3 of the CPU block 10 to a fixed area 6000H to 7BFFH of the working memory 10-3 and after predetermined processing according to a completion program for the Einspei chern a certain area of the memory 10-3 in the disk memory 90 rewritten in the disk memory 90 .

Referring to FIG. 10-3 is the sectors bit Ver zeichnis table 94 A in 1062 blocks divided to each 4 bytes, which the sequence numbers SN 0 are assigned to 1061 successively, and of which chert each data SpeI, which by means of a 1 -Bit signal for each sector show the status of use of one track or 18 sectors. In particular, a sector bit stores "1" or "0" whenever the corresponding sector has already been used or has not been used.

When a new file is to be stored in the disk memory 90 , a continuous empty area which contains a number of sectors required for this storage, and then the sequence numbers SN and sector numbers SCTN corresponding to this area are determined and signals "" corresponding to these sectors 1 "saved. If, on the other hand, a file is deleted, signals "0" are stored in the corresponding sector bits. In the bits corresponding to the index table or block 0, however, signals "0" are stored in advance in order to thereby prevent an erroneous input of a file into the index table.

The file index table controls three different files, namely an image data file, a user file and a control program for your own system, which are to be stored in the disk memory 90 . The Fig. 10-4 showing the status of the control table of these files by means of the file as a file index wherein Type 0 and 2, an image data file or a user file is designated.

A file index block FIT1 consists of 4 blocks of 2 bytes each, which are designated as STATUS A, MAX BLOCK, ONE BLOCK SIZE and CURRENT B NUMBER, and is formed during the initial preparation of the disk storage 90 for the storage of data which corresponds to the status of the Show usage of the whole file index table. The STATUS A block is used when the system is expanded, but is not used in the described embodiment. The block MAX BLOCK stores data indicating the total number of files which can be stored in the disk memory 90 , this number being selected as "50" (or 32H) in the exemplary embodiment described. The ONE BLOCK SIZE block specifies the length per file of the index for various data relating to this file, the length being chosen to be “38” (or 26H) in the exemplary embodiment described. The block CURRENT B NUMBER stores the number of files already stored in the disk storage 90 . When a new file is saved, this number is compared with the number stored in the block MAX BLOCK; if the former number is less than the latter, the new file is allowed to be stored by incrementing the former number, while such new storage is prohibited if the former number is equal to or greater than the latter number. On the other hand, when a file that has already been stored is deleted, the number stored in the block CURRENT B NUMBER is reduced by “1” at the same time as the file is deleted.

File index provided for file types 0 and 2 respectively blocks FIT2 and FIT3 store data of 38 bytes each.

These blocks contain a 2-byte area RSV for use in system expansion, which, however, is not used in the described embodiment, a 2-byte area FILE N0 for the identification of the operator in a range from 1 to 99 arbitrarily selected file number and a 2-byte area FILE TYPE for storing data which indicate the named file type "0" or "2". A 2-byte area BANK and a 4-byte area ADDRESS in the block FIT3 store data which, for use in assigning the user file in the work memory 10-3, the bank and the address of the work memory 10-3 in the Specify CPU block 10 . A 6-byte area BYTE COUNT stores data indicating the data length of the saved files.

Also provided are: a 2-byte area SECTOR COUNT for storing data indicating the number of sectors to be occupied by the stored file, 2-byte areas SEQUENCE NO., DRIVE NO., HEAD NO., TRACK NO. , and SECTOR NO., each of which stores the sequence number, the drive number, the head number, the track number and the sector number at the front of the storage area of the stored file. In block FIT2, 2-byte areas X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 store coordinate data which, in the case of file type 0, indicate the location of the processing area for image information on the copy sheet. As shown in Fig. 10-5, a template is placed on a template support surface of the digitization field 240 and it is indicated by means of the stylus 280 a point A closest to the place of origin 0 or furthest point B in the preparation area shown in broken lines, whereby the Coordinates X0 and Y0 of the point A as well as the longitudinal direction length X1 and the transverse direction length Y1 of the processing area are determined and stored as hexadecimal numbers in the areas X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 mentioned above. In block FIT3 for file type 2, the areas corresponding to areas X0, Y0, X1 and X1 in block FIT1 are not used.

In the case of transferring an image data file from the disk memory 90 to the buffer memory 20 , the corresponding file number is first determined, whereby the index table is transferred to the working memory 10-3 by means of the opening program in order to obtain the index block corresponding to the selected file number. Thereafter, the address in the buffer memory 22 is calculated from the data stored in the areas X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 of this index block, whereby the image signals stored in the disk memory 90 are supplied to the corresponding area of the buffer memory 22 under DMA transfer.

A change in the position of the processing area on the copy sheet can be achieved in that the data X0 and Y0 are changed by means of a change command explained later via the operator station 200 , while in this case the data Y1 and X1 remain unchanged.

The disk memory 90 also stores the control program for its own system as file type 1, the corresponding file index block of which is designed in the same way as the block FIT3.

The switching unit will now be described. The Fig. 11 (A), 11 (B) and 11 (C) are a split into three parts block diagram of a circuit which direction the Vermittlungsein 40, the fiber optic interface 70 contains, etc., where in L1 to L12 signal lines or Groups of signal lines are designated and the following brackets express (A), (B) or (C) indicate that the corresponding signal line or signal line group is connected to a signal line or signal line group which occurs in Fig. 11 with the corresponding letters.

In this circuit configuration, a signal selector M40-2 is through a switching unit for selecting various signals which are supplied from the optical fiber interface 70 and the reader unit 50 and supplying image signals to the memory control unit 21 for the buffer memory 22 for storage formed in these. A signal selector P40-6 is through a switching unit for selecting various signals, which are fed from the buffer memory 20 or 22 , the optical fiber interface 70 and the reader unit 500 , and for supplying image signals to the printer unit 600 for copying of these image signals formed. A signal selector F40-7 is formed by a switching unit for selecting various signals which are supplied from the buffer memory 20 and the reader unit 500 and for supplying these signals to the optical fiber interface 70 for transmission to the optical fiber network 700 .

For the central processing unit circuit block 10 , the buffer memory 22 , the input / output interface 56 , the reader unit 500 , the printer unit 600 and the data transmission interface 60 are connecting plugs 41 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 46 and 48 , respectively provided that a slash character "/" attached to the symbol for a signal indicates a negative logic signal.

The following signals are used: a signal SCAN START for instructing the start of a scanning operation in the reader unit 500, a signal FULL for designating a format (such as A3 or A4) of the copy image, to be dispensed from the reader unit 500 signal SCAN STANDBY, the indicates the readiness for scanning in the reader unit, a vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC, which indicates the beginning of image signals, a signal VIDEO ENABLE, which indicates the effective output duration of the image signals for one line, a signal SCAN ENABLE, which indicates the effective output duration of the image signals for a document, a signal SCAN READY indicating completion of the preparations for scanning in the reader unit 500 , an image signal VIDEO and a clock signal CLOCK.

Also used are: a signal PRINT REQUEST for requesting a copy of the printer unit 600 , a signal PRINT START for commanding the start of the printing process, a signal STATUS REQUEST for requesting the output of the status of the printer unit 600 , signals PRINT READY, PRINT ENABLE and pRINT END, the circuit each of the completion of preparation, the sequence of the Duck process and from the printing process of the printer unit 600 indicating a confirmation signal REQUEST ACK, the unit by the printer 600 is supplied according to the signal pRINT REQUEST, and 8-bit Signals STATUS 0 to 7, which indicate the status of the printer unit 600 , an addition R, P or M in each case indicating that the corresponding signal from the reader unit 500 , the printer unit 600 or the buffer memory 20 is emitted or fed to this unit becomes.

From the central processing unit circuit block 10 , a signal SELECT PF, SE LECT PR or SELECT PM is fed to the signal selector P40-6 via the input / output interface 56 , which accordingly respectively provides the light guide interface 70 , the reader unit 500 and the buffer memory 22 chooses. Similarly, a signal SELECT FR or SE LECT FM causes the signal selector F40-7 to select the reader unit 500 or the buffer memory 22 . Furthermore, a signal SELECT MR or SELECT MF causes the signal selector M40-2 to select the reader unit 500 and the buffer memory 22 , respectively.

A simultaneous delivery of the image signals from the reading means integrated 500 to the printer unit 600 of the own system and a printer unit of another system via the light conductor network 700, the signals SELECT PR and SELECT FR can be achieved by the simultaneous switching by the Zentraleinheit- circuit block 10th Furthermore, simultaneous output of the image signals from the buffer memory 22 to the printer unit 600 and to a printer unit of another system can be achieved via the optical fiber network 700 by simultaneously switching on the signals SELECT PM and SELECT FM. Similarly, the central processing unit circuit block 10 can construct a plurality of image signal paths by arbitrarily determining the origin and destination for the image signals.

The connector 48 for the data transmission interface 60 and the signal lines connected to the light guide interface 70 will be explained later.

The data transmission interface (DDX) will now be described. FIG. 12-1 is a block diagram showing an example of the interface in which the interface 60 via a data / clock interface 60-1 to a data / clock signal line 137 and a control signal interface 60 2 is connected to a control signal line 139 . Selector 60-3 and 60-7 and row buffers 60-4 , 60-5 and 60-6 are also provided. The selector 60-3 works, for example, in the case of the transmission of the image signals from its own system as a registered selector, with which the image signals are stored by successively selecting the line buffers 60-4 , 60-5 and 60-6 . At the same time, the selector 60-7 works as a readout selector for reading out image signals from another line buffer while the image signals are being stored in a line buffer and for feeding these image signals to an RL counter 60-8 and an RL forward / backward Counter 60-9 .

An RL-MH / MR converter 60-10 sets the run lengths RL of the image signals supplied from the RL counter 60-8 for one line into one-dimensionally modified Huffman codes MH and by counting the relative position of one from the RL forwards / backwards Counter 60-9 supplied reference picture element away the run lengths of the picture signals for one line in two-dimensionally modified reading codes MR and leads the targeted picture data after the compression of a V35 interface 60-11 to one between data transmission line and the data transmission interface 60 is formed connecting circuit. Thus, the RL-MH / MR converter 60-10 in conjunction with the RL counter 60-8 and the RL up / down counter 60-9 is a device which is suitable for compression.

A control circuit 60-20 controls the data transmission by suitable delivery of various control signals, which are supplied by the image processing unit 10 via the signal line 139 and the control signal interface 60-2 , to the V35 interface 60-11 ; the control circuit also controls the various units of the data transmission interface 60 .

A dial pulse generator 60-21 sends a destination code for the image signals supplied from the control circuit 60-20 or a dial test switch 60-22 to a V28 interface 60-23 to thereby select the destination.

Indicator lamps 60-24 , 60-25 , 60-26 and 60-27 each show the completion of the preparation of the data transmission interface 60 , the completion of the connection to another system, the transmission to the other system or the reception from the other system.

An error count test line 60-30 transmits from the control circuit 60-20 to the central processing unit circuit block 10 a signal to disconnect the connection line if the number of errors counted during a communication connection between the own system and another system from the control circuit 60-20 is reached a certain value.

Furthermore, a power supply circuit 60-35 for the data transmission interface 60 , a power supply switch 60-36 and an indicator lamp 60-37 are provided for indicating the power supply.

At the data transmission interface 60 is a line unit installed by the Japanese telegraph and telephone company or the corresponding telecommunications unit DCE 801 for converting the signals from the interface into signals suitable for transmission in the line network and for transmitting the signals from the line network Data transmission interface 60 connected. In the described embodiment, the line terminal unit 801 is formed by a house connection unit model D-232. A network connection control unit NCU 802 connected to the line connection unit DCE has the functions of controlling the connection to the line network and the disconnection from the line network and is formed by a control unit model, NCU-21, which enables automatic transmission and reception. The line connection unit 801 is connected via a connecting cable 803 to the V35 interface 60-11 and the V28 interface 60-23 , while the power supply control unit 802 is closed via a connecting cable 804 to the V28 interface 60-23 .

The process flow of the image signal transmission to one their system with MH and MR coding corresponds to the Emp Recommendation T4 of the CCITT taking into account the following points:

• 1) For your own system, the maximum drain length is is achieved if an entire line consists only of white or is composed only of black picture elements, equal to 4752 and thus above the maximum expression range of 2623 (= 2560 + 63) of the extended MH code, because the scan line in the longitudinal direction of the original in A4 format with a resolution of 16 bit / mm runs.
• 2) With your own system, sending takes place under two dimensional coding with an unlimited parameter K, namely with MH coding of the first line of a template in A4 format and MR coding of the remaining 3359 lines.

Regarding point (1), the scanning line is selected in the longitudinal direction in order to (i) shorten the required transmission time by reducing the number of lines to be transmitted and (ii) shorten the movement distance of the image converter in the sub-scanning direction and thereby unify the reader 500 compact.

Regarding point (2), the parameter K is selected as “unlimited” or “infinite” in order to avoid repetition of the MH coding at every K cycles, which is necessary if a small finite parameter K is used . The use of such an infinite parameter K is permissible since the image signals to be transmitted are already digitized in the image sensor input stage 50 and stored in the buffer memory 22 , so that the use of a small finite parameter K is of no importance for the reduction of the reading error Has.

The transmission of the image signals from your own system to another system via the data transmission line 800 takes place as follows:

First, the image signals supplied from the buffer memory 22 and via the signal line 137 for one line (4752 bits) via the data / clock interface 60-1 and the write-in selector 60-3 into one of the line buffers 60-4 , 60-5 and 60-6 transmitted under synchronization by clock signals at 10 MHz with a transmission rate of 1 bit per 0.1 microseconds. The time required for the transmission of the image signals for one line is therefore 475.2 µs. The image signals transmitted first for the first line are stored in the line buffer 60-4 by means of the selector 60-3 ; after completion of this storage, the selector 60-7 switches a switching element for this line buffer 60-4 , while it blocks switching elements for the line buffer 60-5 and 60-6 . In this way, the stored image signals are fed to the RL counter 60-8 for counting the run lengths RL of white and black image signals, after which, according to the counting result, the image signals for the first line by means of the RL-MH / MR- Converter 60-10 are converted into the MH codes. During the output of the image signals from the line buffer 60-4, the selector 60-3 blocks switching elements to the line buffers 60-4 and 60-6 , while it opens a switching element to the line buffer 60-5 in order to provide the latter with the image signals for the second line feed. If the image signals for the first line are all converted to MH codes, the image signals for the second line are converted by means of the selector 60-7 to the RL up / down counter 60-9 for counting the relative change in position compared to the first line supplied and converted into the MR codes in the RL-MH / MR converter 60-10 . The image signals supplied to the line buffer 60-6 for the third line are processed in the same way as those for the second line; thereafter, the image signals up to the 3360th line on the A4 format original are output from the line buffers 60-4 , 60-5 and 60-6 via the RL up / down counter 60-9 and the RL -MH / MR converter 60-10 converted into the MR codes.

The image signals supplied to the RL-MH / M 92915 00070 552 001000280000000200012000285919280400040 0002003348338 00004 92796R converter 60-10 in the form of sequence length code signals are compressed by the MH or MR coding.

Since according to the description above the maximum expiry length 4752 for your own system the maximum expression area 2623 of the extended MH codes are exceeded at the system described the expanded MH code signals fol further widened to the same extent:  

1) Drain length RL <2560

Normal MH codes are used in this area. On this way a run length in the range of RL <64 represented by a completion code while an Ab run length in the range of 64 ≦ RL <2560 by an An Catch code and a final code are shown.

2) Drainage length RL ≧ 2560

This area is using a start codes "00000001111" for a drain length 2560 as special code the coding according to the following cases (a) and (b) er aims:

• a) For 2560 ≦ RL ≦ 2623 = 2560 + 63:
  A run length in this area is represented as in the case described above (1) by an initial code (for the run length 2560) and a final code.
• b) For 2623 <RL ≦ 4752:
  A run length is represented by the start code for run length 2560, a subsequent additional start code and a completion code. In case (2), therefore, the start code for the run length 2560 is followed either by a completion code for the same color value (case (a)) or a start code for the same color value and a completion code (case (b)). The following are some examples of coding in this case (2), with the underlined numbers representing the additional initial codes: 2560 = 2560 + 0
  2561 = 2560 + 1
  2623 = 2560 + 63
  2624 = 2560 + 64 + 0
  4289 = 2560 + 1728 + 1
  4752 = 2560 + 2176 + 16.

The functions of various signals on signal lines which connect the image processing unit 10 and the data transmission interface 60 as shown in FIGS . 11 (A), 11 (B), 11 (C) and 12-1 are explained below.

In Fig. 12-2, the signals, their names and their directions between the image processing unit 10 and the data link interface are summarized 60th Signals FG and SG are ground signals for safety or maintenance purposes or for signaling purposes. A call request signal CRQP, which is used from the image processing unit 10 to the data transmission interface for requesting a connection to another system, is switched off simultaneously with the activation of a connection signal CND and is ignored when a connection deactivation signal NRYD is switched on. A call signal CIP from the data transmission interface 60 to the image processing unit 10 indicates the establishment of the communication link from another system and is treated in connection with the signals CND and NRYD in the same way as the signal CRQP.

A call number signal DLN is simultaneously with the signal CRQP turned on to make a seven digit phone call number of another system.

A connection request signal CNQ from the image processing unit 10 to the data transmission interface 60 , which is used to request the connection of a data transmission line, is switched on simultaneously with the switching on of the signal CRQP or CIP and is ignored when the signal NRYD is switched on. This CNQ is switched on as long as a line is to be secured, which is then disconnected when the CNQ signal is switched off.

A reception inhibit signal NRYP is turned on when the image processing unit 10 is not ready for transmission or reception within 6 seconds. The signal NRYD indicates that the line cannot be connected if the data transmission line 800 is busy or if a switch in the network connection control unit 802 is actuated to indicate the missing standby state. This signal NRYD is constantly switched on or off depending on whether the line connection is blocked or released. Furthermore, the image processing unit 10 detects a terminal locked state when the CND signal is not turned on within a certain period of time after the CRQP signal is turned on.

The CND signal is turned on when, in response to turning on the CRQP or CIP signal and the CNQ signal, the connection conditions between your own system and another system are met; in this way it is indicated that the line connection has been established, so that the communication link of the own system is released. The CND signal is turned off when the CNQ signal is turned off or when the other system breaks the line connection. A ready-to-send signal RDS and a ready-to-receive signal RDR each indicate that the image processing unit 10 can reach the state for sending or receiving image information for an A4 document within 6 seconds, the signal RDS or RDR simultaneously with the switching on of the CNQ signal is turned on.

A transmission operation signal MDS or a reception operation signal MDR indicate that the own system is on a broadcast mode or a receiving mode is switched, which corresponds according to the signals RDS and RDR of the calling system and  of the called system is determined. A broadcast or a Reception can begin immediately after a reception is completed or a program.

A ready-to-send signal RDT is received within 6 seconds which is switched on after switching on the MDS or MDR signal tet and indicates that the transmission of the image signals in the transmission operation or reception operation is released.

A transmission data request signal RQS is switched on and off at regular intervals, as a result of which the data transmission interface 60 from the image processing unit 10 requests the transmission of image signals for a time. In response to the activation of this signal RQS, the image processing unit 10 switches on a data transfer execution signal SVA in order to thereby transfer the image signals for one line from the buffer memory 20 or 22 to the data transmission interface 60 . The signal RQS is switched off simultaneously with the completion of the transmission of these signals SDT. The intervals of the signal RQS are chosen so that they are longer than the shortest time required for the transmission. The signal SVA is turned on in response to the signal RQS to allow the retrieval of the signal SDT under synchronization with transmission clock signals SCK, and turned off at the completion of the transmission of the signals SDT. A signal RVA is switched on at regular intervals in order to request the reception of image signals RDT for a line which are received from another system and which are mediated in the data transmission interface 60 , and for the retrieval in synchronization with reception clock signals RCK enable. The distances between the signals RVA are selected in the same manner as for the signals RQS.

The signals SDT and RDT are each sent or received gene binary (black and white) image signals while the signals SCK and RCK sampling clock signals for these signals SDT and Are RDT.

In the case of the message connection between one's own system and the other system via the data transmission line 800 , the direction of transmission, as shown in FIG. 12-3, corresponds to the states of the signals RDS and RDR in the calling system or in the calling station as in the called party System or the called station to prevent errors in the direction of transmission. In Fig. 12-3, a character "0" indicates the on state of the signal, while an arrow represents the direction of transmission; a character "X" denotes the off state and the transmission lock state. The transmission takes place in the direction from the called station to the calling station if only the signal RDR of the calling station is switched on and at least the signal RDS of the called station is switched on or if the signals RDS and RDR of the calling station are switched on and only the signal RDS of the called station is switched on. Furthermore, the transmission takes place in the direction from the calling station to the called station if only the signal RDS of the calling station is switched on and at least the signal RDR of the called station is switched on or if the signals RDS and RDR of the calling station are switched on and at least the signal RDR of the called station is switched on. With other combinations of the RDS and RDR signals of the calling and called station, the transmission is blocked.

Fig. 12-4 shows an example of the procedure in the establishment of the transmission link between the calling station and the called station, wherein a transmission function detection signal 105 is used for the mutual transmission of the transmission functions, namely the states of the signals RDS and RDR of the calling and called station. This signal has, for example, an 8-bit format "0000 RDS RDR 10" and is sent from the highest bit to the lowest bit; on the basis of the signals RDS and RDR of the own system and the other system, the two stations determine the direction of transmission as shown in FIG. 12-3.

A ready-to-send signal RDY, which has, for example, a format of "00010010" and is sent in the same way as the signal 105 , shows the completion of the preparation for sending or receiving the image signals for a template in the transmission direction determined by the exchange of the signals 105 at.

Further, the Figure shows. 12-4 MH code image signals MH1 for the first row, MR code image signals MR2 to MR n + 1 (1 ≦ n = ≦ 3360) for the second through (n + 1) th line, MH code image signals for the nth line and MR code image signals MRn + 1 to MR3360 for the (n + l) th to 3360th line, the image signals MH1 to MR3360 being the information about a template in the format Represent A4.

A retransmission request signal RTQ from the called station to the calling station is used to request a retransmission if the received picture signals for one line contain an error, namely the picture signals demodulated in the called station are not equal to 0 or 4752 bits and are not accepted by the buffer memory 22 .

An end-of-transmission signal RIC consisting of a line end code EOL according to recommendation T4 of the CCITT with an after  following bit "1" is formed, is called by the calling Sta tion sent to complete the transmission of the image signals to display for a template.

A line shutdown signal DCN such as a For mat "01000010" is the same as the signal IDS transferred to each other to shutdown the line Report.

Immediately after the establishment of a line connection, the calling station and the called station initiate a repeated transmission of the signal 105 at least three times until each station becomes ready for the transmission operation. If the direction of transmission cannot be determined at a time A (see FIG. 12-3), this state is identified as a transmission block, whereupon both stations send the signal DCN for switching off the line to one another. When a station has become ready, it emits the RDY signal at least three times until both stations have become ready. When both stations have become ready and emit the signal RDY (time B), the called station assumes the reception state by ending the transmission of the control signals, while the calling station assumes the transmission state.

If in the course of the transmission of the image signals for one A4 format template, for example at a time E a transmission error in the image signals for the nth Line occurs, the called station sends the calling Station the signal RTQ, whereupon the calling station the Image signals for the nth line in the MH codes and those conditions for the (n + 1) th to 3360-Le line in the MR codes det.  

Upon completion of this transmission of the image signals, the calling station sends the RTC signal to the called station, after which the two stations exchange the IDS signal. If the transmission conditions as shown in FIG. 12-3 are fulfilled in this state, the transmission of other image signals is started from a point in time C. If, on the other hand, the conditions are not met, the two stations mutually send the signal to switch off the line.

Fig. 13 shows an example of the structure of the Lichtlei ter-interface 70. Optical video signals, the commands or image information containing, as well as with those video signals synchronized optical clock signals CLK which are transmitted from the optical waveguide network 700 respectively via optical fibers or optical fiber cables 701 and 702, respectively, are electrical means of opto-electric converter 70-1 or 70-2 in cal signals implemented, which via signal lines 70-101 and 70-102 each have a command / image signal discriminator circuit 70-3 and AND gates 70-4 , 70-20 and 70-30 and AND gates 70-5 , 70-21 and 70-31 are fed. The discriminator circuit 70-3 discriminates whether the transmitted signal is a command that indicates the original format, for example, or an image information. Specifically , the discriminator circuit 70-3 distinguishes a command by a command code or picture information attached to the front end of the video signals, representing a command, by clock signals of a certain frequency of, for example, 12.5 MHz contained therein.

Upon detection of a command in the transmitted video signals, while receiving this command, the discriminator circuit 70-3 supplies the AND gates 70-4 and 70-5 and the central processing unit circuit block 10 with a command confirmation signal CACK via a signal line 70-103 .

Since the AND gates 70-4 and 70-5 are already supplied with the video signals and the clock signals CLK via the signal lines 70-101 and 70-102 , the AND gates 70-4 and 70-5 transmit the command signals and Clock signals to a send command register 70-10 . Upon the shutdown of the CACK signal upon completion of command reception, the CPU block 10 begins an interrupt program to provide the address command register 70-10 with an address determination signal ADR via signal line 136-1 and an address decoder 70-11 ; by which an address in the register is determined, and in order to supply an input / output read command signal I / O-RC via a signal line 136-2 to a data buffer 70-12 , by means of which the data buffer is switched to output mode. Through these operations, the command stored in the receive command register 70-10 is read out from the CPU block 10 through the data buffer 70-12 and a signal line 136-5 .

On the other hand, the image information of the discriminator fangs these images can lead to the detection in the transmitted from the optical waveguide network 700 Videosig dimensional towards 70-3 during the Emp the AND gates 70-20 and 70-21 and the central processing unit circuit block 10 via a signal line 70- 104 to an image confirmation signal IACK. Since the AND gates are 70-20 and 70-21 through the signal lines 70-101 and 70-102 already supplied the video signals and the Taktsig dimensional CLK lead in response to the signal IACK AND gates 70-20 and 70- 21 shows the image signals and the clock signals of a regeneration circuit 70-25 . In response to a template format determination signal FULL F0 from the CPU unit block 10 , the regeneration circuit 70-25 regenerates from the transmitted image signals a signal PRINT START F0 to request the start of the printer unit 600m, a vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC F0, a signal VIDEO ENABLE F0 which indicates the effective output time of the image signals for one line, a signal SCAN ENABLE which shows the effective output time of the image signals of a template, image signals VIDEO F0 which are transmitted to the own system, and clock signals CLK F0; these signals are supplied to the switching unit 40 . If the received image signals are to be transmitted to another system in the optical fiber network 700 or are not addressed to the own system, the central unit circuit block 10 recognizes this fact by decoding the command signal and carries a transmission request signal TRSMTR over a signal line 70-110 AND gates 70-30 and 70-31 , which in this way respectively transmit the video signals or the clock signals CLK via OR gates 70-35 and 70-36 , electro-optical converters 70-40 and 70-41 and the optical fiber cables 703 and 704 transferred to another system.

In the case of transmission from your own system to another system via the fiber optic network 700 , the central processing unit circuit block 10 first switches off the signal TRSMTR in order to end the signal output from the AND gates 70-30 and 70-31 . Subsequently, a transmit command register 70-50 , a command discrimination signal generator 70-51 and a transmit clock generator 70-52 are supplied via the signal line 136-1 and the address decoder 70-11 to the signal ADR for determining the address while via the signal line 136-3, an input / output write-in command signal I / O-WC is supplied to the data buffer 70-12 to switch it into the input mode. Through these operations, the send command register 70-50 first stores the command discrimination signal generated by the command discrimination signal generator 70-51 and then the command data supplied from the data buffer 70-12 . The Down storing the command data circuit through the transmit clock generator generates 70 to 52 clock pulses in a serial for the transfer of command data from the transmission command registers 70 to 50 required for the electro-optical converter number, which on the electro-optical converter 70-40 and 70- 41, the command data and the clock pulses are supplied to the light dividers 703 and 704 as video signals and clock signals, respectively.

Thereafter, the image information from the signal selector F in the switching unit 40 abge added signals PRINT START FI, VSYNC FI, VIDEO FI and CLK FI are converted by a converter 70-55 into serial video signals and clock signals for transmission, which obligations each have Signallei 70- 111 and 70-112 , the OR gates 70-35 and 70-36 and the electro-optical converters 70-40 and 70-41 the light guides 703 and 704 are supplied.

The reader operation unit 550 shown in Fig. 14 will now be described; the operating unit includes a user file number display 551 for displaying the storage numbers of user files stored in the disk memory for processing, a printout number display 552 for displaying the number of prints by means of the printer unit 600 (in the case of local copying ) or by means of another system connected to the optical fiber network 700 to which the image signals are to be transmitted, a paper format selection key 553 with which the format A3 or A4 can be selected, whereupon indicator lamps indicate the selected format, number keys 554 for setting the number of copies or prints, an erase key for erasing the set number and the file number, a stop key 556 for interrupting the printing process and indicator lamps 557 and 558 , each of which indicates that the image information is being sent or received.

Furthermore, dialing buttons 561 for selecting external systems to be connected via the transmission line and dialing buttons 562 for selecting systems within the optical fiber network 700, including a dialing button 563 for selecting the printer unit 600 of the own system, are provided. Under each key there are two indicator lights, the left of which is switched on when a destination for transmission or reception is selected by pressing the corresponding key, while the right is switched on in the event of an error in the transmission.

A copy key 565 is operated in the case of local copying or transmission, both of which are hereinafter referred to as copying operations. A processing key 566 "EDIT" is actuated in the case of image processing with the reader unit 500 , which is referred to as R-processing mode in the following. On the above-mentioned buttons, indicator lights are attached which are turned on to indicate that the button is pressed. An enter key 567 ENTER is operated when setting the number of copies in the local copying or in the transmission within the network. An execution key 568 EXECUTE is actuated to initiate the execution of the copying or R processing.

The printer status display unit 650 shown in Fig. 15 will now be described, in which there is provided a power supply indicator lamp 651 which is turned on when the printer unit 600 is powered and a standby lamp 652 which is turned on when the printer unit 600 is ready to receive image signals from the image processing control unit 100 .

A direct connection selection key 653 is operated when a direct connection between the printer unit 600 and the image processing control unit 100 is to be established, whereby an indicator lamp attached to the key is switched on. A test copy key 654 is operated to check the function of the printer unit 600 , whereby the printer unit 600 prints out a test pattern independently of the image processing control unit 100 .

A unit 655 is used for displaying and selecting the template format, but the template format selection function is turned off in the direct connection described above. Error displays 656-1 , 656-2 and 656-3 , which each serve to indicate an inhibition of sheets, the lack of toner or the lack of copy sheets, indicate errors in the printer unit 600 which can be rectified by the operator. An error display 657 shows, for example, eight different types of errors in the printer unit 600 , which cannot be corrected by the operator.

The method of image editing will now be described. The image is processed by suitable DMA transmissions between the buffer memory 22 and the disk memory 90 . Specifically, image signals read from a template in A4 format are stored in a specific address of the buffer memory 22 in the reader unit 500 , while part of these image signals are stored in the disk memory 90 via the direct access memory control unit 80 . Thereafter, the signals in the buffer memory 22 are deleted while the previously store in the disk storage 90 th image signals and fed back to a desired address space of the Puf ferspeichers 22 are printed by the printer unit 600th In this way, a print-out is achieved in which the unnecessary part of the original is cut off, the image being moved into a desired position.

Such image preparations such as the change of position or the cropping of the image are carried out according to an image processing program which is compiled from commands explained later and is input from the command selection part shown in FIG. 3-2. This image processing program can be stored in the disk memory 90 , and such a stored image processing program is to be referred to as a user file. Furthermore, the image information stored in the disk memory 90 is to be referred to as an image file. When these files are stored in the disk memory 90 , the file is assigned a two-digit file number, and it is also indicated whether the file should be erasable or not.

The Fig. 16 (A), 16 (B) and 16 (C) show a simple case of playing the image editing. First, a first original L1 shown in FIG. 16 (A) is read by the reader unit 500 and stored in the buffer memory 22 . The points A and B are determined on the original support surface of the digitizing field 240 by means of the stylus 280 in order to extract the image information within a frame M1 from the stored image information; this extracted image information M1 is stored with a file number such as "01" in the disk memory 90 . A second template L2 is processed in a similar manner, and image information M2 extracted by determining points C and D is stored in the disk memory 90 with the file number "02" as shown in Fig. 16 (B). Thereafter, the signals in the buffer memory 22 are completely erased, and points E and F are determined as shown in Fig. 16 (C) to obtain the image information stored as the image files "01" and "02" for the areas M1 and M2 in To store addresses in the buffer memory 22 , which correspond to areas N1 and N2. In this way, the buffer 22 stores image information N1 and N2 in the position shown in FIG. 16 (C) as image information for an A4 format.

The data from the buffer memory 22 are transferred to the printer unit 600 in order to obtain a desired processed image L3.

The editing commands used in image processing are described below. The editing commands are. Entered on the command selection part 220 of the operator station 200 by the stylus 280 in the manner shown in Fig. 17; In accordance with the commands thus input, the CPU block 10 executes the image editing. In FIG. 17, C is a command from the keys shown in FIG. 3-2 and can be entered by actuating a corresponding command key 222 or the letter keys 223 in order to bring about a corresponding image processing. P denotes a parameter, for example for determining coordinates. The entry of a parameter P is preceded by a command and an initial bracket, and an end bracket follows. If necessary, some parameters can be entered in connection with corresponding parameters, which are separated from each other by ",". In Fig. 17, (CR) denotes a carriage return, which can be achieved by pressing the button 225 shown in Fig. 3-2 after entering a processing command. Processing commands to be executed by the image processing unit 10 and corresponding meanings are listed below. The character (CR) immediately after a respective command indicates that the carriage return key 225 should be actuated when the command is entered.

1) DZ (dither code A, dither code B, X0, Y0, X1, Y1) (CR)

This command tells the dither controller 54, when binary digitizing the original image read in the reader unit 500 , which dither pattern will be used in the processing of the entire original image and in the processing of the area designated by X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 that should. The dither code A or B is selected, for example, from six dither patterns 00, 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05, which contain dither matrices with the same threshold value. Codes 00 through 04 are used to adjust the image density by selecting dither patterns for five different thresholds. With code 05, the so-called dither processing is selected, which enables the display of an intermediate tint, such as when reading a photograph. Several areas can be determined.

2) RE (CR)

With this command, the reader unit 500 is started and the image information for an original in A4 format is read by means of the image converters 570 , 580 and 590 . No parameters are added to this command.

3) CR (file number, file type, X0, Y0, X1, Y1) (CR)

With this command, a space is saved for storing the image file in the disk memory 90 and the file data is stored in the file index table (see Figs. 10-4). Any two-digit file number chosen by the operator, a file type "00", address locations X0 (mm) and Y0 (mm) are entered as parameters in the buffer memory 22 and image dimensions X1 (mm) and Y1 (mm).

4) ST (file number, file type) (CR)

With this command, the image information from the buffer memory 22 is stored in the disk memory 90 and the command is executed by the command CR in accordance with the data data stored in the index table in the disk memory 90 .

5) L0 (file number, file type) (CR)

With this command the image position of the image file saved in the index table FIT2 is changed with the entered file number. In response to this command, the central processing unit circuit block 10 searches for an introductory program, the corresponding file data from the index table in the disk memory 90 and displays the coordinate data of this file on the display device 300 . The file type is "00" because this is an image file edit command.

6) ADR (X0, Y0) (CR)

With this command, the changed position X0, Y0 image file determined by the preceding command L0 given; it must be entered immediately after command L0 become.

7) CL (CR)

With this command, the image information stored in the buffer memory 22 is deleted.

8) LD (file number, file type "00") (CR)

With this command, an image file from the disk memory corresponding to the location data X0, Y0 specified for this file in the file index table in the disk memory 90 is stored in the buffer memory 22 .

9) DE (file number, file type) (CR)

With this command, a file with the number and type entered by the command in the disk memory 90 is deleted.

10) PR (number of printouts) (CR)

With this command, the image information stored in the buffer memory 22 is transferred to the printer unit 600 and printed out in the number entered.

11) XR (file number, file type "02") (CR)

This command is used when a user file is read from the disk storage 90 with the processing control unit 450 . In accordance with this command, the image processing unit 10 searches the corresponding user file from the disk memory 90 and transfers it to the editing control unit 450 .

12) ED (file number, file type "02") (CR)

This command is used when the operator stores an image editing program, which is produced via the operator station 200 and is composed of a group of commands stored in the working memory 456 of the editing control unit 450 , as a user file in the disk memory 90 . In accordance with this command, the image processing unit 10 searches the index table of the disk memory 90 and, after determining that there is no user file of the same file number stored in the disk memory 90, issues a command signal to the editing control unit 450 for transmitting this group of commands.

13) DIR (CR)

With this command, the file number, the file type and the coordinate data of the user file or image file registered in the index table of the disk memory 90 are transmitted to the display device / operator station control unit 470 and displayed on the display device 300 .

14) KL (CR)

With this command, the image processing unit 10 releases the processing control unit 450 from the controller.

With the above commands, the file number, area (X0, Y0, X1, Y1), location (X0, Y0) and the number of prints either directly by digits or as Variable can be entered. In the case described later Provision of the user file can, for example, the File number, area, location and print number can be entered as N, F, P or S.

Error messages are described below. If the image processing unit 100 detects an error in the course of executing the above-mentioned commands, it sends an error code and an error comment to the processing control unit 450 in order to produce an indication on the display device 300 which shows an error code as shown in FIG. 18 EN as a hexadecimal number and an error comment EC contains.

The following are error codes, error comments and their Listed meanings:

1) Error code 01: FILE NOT FOUND

This code indicates that an operator specified file cannot be found in the disk storage 90 .

2) Error code 02: COORDINATE ERROR

This code gives an error regarding that of the Operator entered coordinate data X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 on. This error code is available with the commands CR or ADR related and can occur for example if the entered coordinate data is a negative number or contain characters from the digits 0 to 9 and the variables F and P are different, or if the picture format the ver in the described embodiment workable A4 format, which is followed by the the relationships (2) is given.

X0 + X1 <297 mm or Y0 + Y1 <210 mm (2).

3) Error code 06: INDEX BLOCK OVER

This code indicates that the total number of files stored in the disk storage 90 exceeds a predetermined value such as in the described embodiment. When a new file is saved using the CR or ED command, this error code indicates that a new save cannot be accepted because the number of files already stored in the disk memory 90 is 50.

4) Error code 07: NO VACANT SECTOR

This code indicates the lack of free sectors required to store a new file with reference to the sector bit map table, which, as shown in FIG. 10-3, indicates the status of disk 90 usage. This error code indicates that disk 90 is full and is not available for new file storage using the CR or ED command.

5) Error code 08: FILE ALREADY REGISTERED

When a new file with a file number is stored, this code indicates that another file with the same file number is already stored in the disk memory 90 .

6) Error code OA: FILE TYPE ERROR

This code indicates the use of an incorrect file type for a file to be saved. For example this code is generated if a file type "02" is used Name of a user file in connection with the on Command CR is used for an image file.

7) Error code OB: VACANT FILE INDEX

This code indicates the absence of any file in disk storage 90 after the index table has been examined by the DIR command.

8) Error code OC: PRINTER ERROR

This code indicates a mechanical error such as a sheet jam in the printer unit 600 when started by the PR command.

9) Error code OD: ILLEGAL COPY VOLUME

This code indicates that the number of prints commanded by the command PR exceeds the number of prints, for example 99 prints, which can be continued in the printer unit 600 .

10) Error code OE: READER ERROR

This code indicates that the reader unit 500 is not controlled by the image processing unit 10 , such as due to the lack of power supply in the reader unit 500 or the lack of connection of the signal line 501 .

11) Error code OF: PRINTER NOT READY

This code indicates that a fixing device, not shown, in the printer unit 600 has not reached a predetermined value.

12) Error code 10: PRINTER NOT ON LINE

This code indicates that the printer unit 600 is not controlled by the image processing unit 10 in the same manner as indicated by the error code OE.

Preparation station for explaining the image processing procedure from the On 400 is now made to Fig. 19, 20, 21, and 22-1 to 22-6 made reference.

When the processing station 400 is switched on, the initial preparation of the display division on the display device 300 and the system constants is carried out in a step S1. The display device 300 has a screen with a capacity of 24 horizontal lines, each containing 40 characters. Fig. 22-1 shows an example of the display division on the CRT 301 with a working surface 310 of the first to the 19-th row for the display of characters, etc., which are transmitted from the image processing unit 10 for processing station 400, a blank area 320 in the 20th row, in which no display is provided to form a clear boundary between the work area 310 and the areas explained below, an operating mode display area 330 in the 21st row for displaying an operator-employed , later explained operating mode of the processing station 400 , a message area 340 in the 22nd line for displaying a command or parameter entered by the operator or for displaying an error code, a user input area 350 in the 23rd line in the for monitoring by the operator Operator the characters entered by the operator such as e a file number is displayed, and a status display area 360 on the 24th line for displaying the status of the image processing unit 10 .

The display is prepared such that an input command is displayed in the work area 310 when it is sent back by the image processing unit 10 , that a new command following a carriage return code and returned by the image processing unit 10 is displayed from the left edge of a new line and that when the first through 19th lines are filled with commands, the display in the work area 310 is rolled up to always include a newly entered command in the work area 310 .

If the processing station 400 is not directly connected to the image processing control unit 100 , the display on the screen 301 shown in FIG. 22-1 is shown completely in, for example, "blue", with a message "NOT READY ENTER REQUEST KEY" on the message surface 340 "is displayed for waiting for the operator to request a direct connection and, in step S2, the REQUEST key is awaited for this purpose.

The editing station 400 generally operates in one of two modes, namely the retransmission mode and the editing mode. In the retransmission mode, the characters entered by the operator via the operator station 200 are transferred to the image processing unit 10 and the characters transmitted from this to the processing station 400 are displayed on the viewer 300 . The editing mode is used to create and modify the user files and to feed the image processing unit 10 with commands; In this operating mode, the characters entered by the operator are first temporarily stored in the working memory 456 of the processing control unit 450 and, after any corrections, are transmitted to the viewer 300 to the image processing unit 10 . In the editing mode, a duration of receiving a user file, which is transferred from the disk memory 90 via the image processing unit 10 to the editing control unit 450 , is particularly defined as a command mode.

Fig. 21 illustrates a key input in egg ner respective operating mode corresponding function on the prepared tung control unit 450. First, the work mode is determined at a step SA; if the retransmission mode is recognized, the program proceeds to a step SB for displaying the characters returned from the image processing unit 10 in the work area 310 . Thereafter, the program proceeds to step SG, where it returns to the normal routine shown in FIG. 19. On the other hand, if the editing mode is recognized, the program proceeds to a step SC for displaying the characters in the user input area 350 , because in this mode, the work area 310 by the screen editor (auxiliary program for changing, correcting and outputting users programs) is occupied. After that, the program proceeds to step SG. If the command mode is recognized, the program proceeds to step SD where it is determined whether the reception of the user file has been completed; if this is the case, the program proceeds to a step SF for turning on an identifier indicating the completion of the reception of the user file, after which the program proceeds to step SG. If no recognition takes place, the program proceeds to a step SE, in which the transmitted characters are stored in succession in the working memory 456 , after which the program proceeds to step SG.

In response to the actuation of the REQUEST key, the program proceeds to a step S3 for setting the processing station 400 to the retransmission or echo mode and to a step S4, in which a signal is fed to the image processing unit 10 with which the start of the image processing program is requested. In a subsequent step S5, the start of the image processing program is checked; the program either returns to step S4 if the check is negative or proceeds to step S6 if the check is positive. In step S6, the display on the display device 300 is switched over the entire screen to, for example, "black", in green characters in the message area 340 a message "ON-LINE" is displayed to inform the operator that the request of the Start of the editing program has come into effect, and in the mode display area 330 a message "ECHO MODE" is displayed, indicating that the editing station 400 is operating in the retransmission or echo mode. In a step S7 following the entry of a command is waited for.

In a next step S8, the input is evaluated with a command key of the operator station 200 , after which the program proceeds to a step S10, S15, S20, S25 or S30 in accordance with the evaluation result.

In the echo mode, in which no screen processing is provided by means of the display device 300 , any input relating to such processing is eliminated by means of the keys 229 in step S10, after which the program returns to step S7 for waiting for the next input. Further, an operation of the edit mode exit key, namely the edit reset key and the edit end key, is treated in the same manner.

In the case of inputting command characters via the keys 222, the program proceeds to a step S16 through step S15, in which the input command is transmitted to the image processing unit 10 , after which the own system is controlled by this command. For example, as shown in Fig. 22-2, by typing the characters "RE" on the screen, the characters "RE" are shown, followed by a subsequent operation of the carriage return key 225 to the reader unit 500, a reader drive signal is supplied to read to create a template image.

By actuating the coordinate input request buttons 227 , namely the position determination button "POSITION DESIGNA TION" and the area determination button "AREA-DESIGNATION", the program proceeds to step S20, in which the determination of any point on the template support surface of the digitizing field 240 is carried out by means of of the gripping rock 280 . If, according to the actuation of the "AREA DESIGNATION" key, the image preparation is carried out with a selected editing surface, the sentence "ENTER TOP RIGHT POSITION" is displayed in the message surface 340 and the left half of the working surface 310 is switched to "white" in order to thereby switch from the operator to request the determination of point A ( Fig. 10-5) and to display a processing area 315 .

Depending on the choice of point A by the operator, vertical and horizontal coordinate lines 312, for example in "green", are shown in FIG. 22-3, which run through a point A ′ corresponding to point A, while at the user input surface 350 the X and Y coordinates of point A are displayed, namely the values X0 and Y0 in mm. Subsequently, "ENTER BOTTOM LEFT POSITION" is displayed on message area 340 to request the determination of point B. Corresponding to the input of point B, the vertical and horizontal lengths X1 and Y1 of the image to be processed are calculated from the coordinates of points B and A in step S21, after which in a next step S22 in area 311, for example in "red" by the points B and A determined processing area 313 is displayed as shown in Fig. 22-4. At the same time, the sentence "OK AREA IS RECOGNIZED" is displayed in the message area 340 in order to thus report the completion of the determination of the processing area, while the values X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 are displayed in mm in the user input area 350 . Thereafter, the program proceeds to step S16, in which these numbers are transmitted to the image processing unit 10 .

If the image is processed with a certain position, the "POSITION DESIGNATE" button is selected. In this case, only a single point is determined, namely point A in the area determination. According to the entry of this point, the coordinate lines 312 are displayed in "red", for example, while the values of X0 and Y0 are displayed in mm in the user input area. If the selected position is recognized in this way by the processing station 400 , the message “OK! POSITION IS RECOGNIZED” is displayed in the message area 330 in order to report the effective input of the coordinates, while the numbers for X0 and Y0 to the image processing unit 10 be transmitted.

Upon completion of the determination of the area or position, the program returns to step S7, at which the processing station 400 waits for the signal input from the operator station 200 again; in response to the input of a new command, as shown in Fig. 22-2 in the work area 310, the command displayed before the execution of the area or position determination and the selected coordinates are displayed. If the operator presses another command key after pressing the "AREA DESIGNATE" or "POSITION DESIGNATE" key and before entering the coordinates, the waiting state for the input of the coordinates is canceled and the working surface 310 is again the one in front of the Press the "AREA DESIGNATE" or "POSITION DESIGNATE" key to display the command displayed.

To release the processing station 400 from the control by the image processing unit 10 and thus to cancel the direct connection, the command KL is entered by means of the letter keys 223 . In this case, the program proceeds through step S25 to a step S26 at which the letters "KL" are supplied to the image processing unit 10 , thereby requesting the end of the image processing program, after which the program proceeds to step S27. In the event of a negative determination at step S27, which indicates that the editing control unit 450 has not completed the editing program from the image processing unit 10 , the input of the termination command is ignored, where the program returns to step S7. On the other hand, if the determination is positive, the direct connection is ended, after which the program returns to step S1.

In the event of the actuation of the keys 228 relating to the user files, namely the key FIXED FORM WORK for the processing in fixed form, the key APPLICATION FILE CALL for the retrieval of a user file and the key APPLICATION FILE PREPARATION for the provision of a user file, the step S30 the processing station 400 is switched to the processing mode as shown in FIG. 20.

The APPLICATION FILE PREPARATION key is selected when a new user file is created, while when a user file stored in the disk storage 90 is retrieved, the APPLICA TION FILE CALL key is selected for a change and when a user file and the successive one are called up Transferring the commands thereof to the image processing unit 10 for image processing, the FIXED FORM WORK key is selected.

Upon actuation of any of these keys, the input of the fixed shape processing, the user file retrieval or the user file processing is determined in step S31. In the edit mode, the file number is indispensable for handling the user files. In each of these cases, therefore, a step S32 is carried out, in which the processing control unit 450 switches the screen of the display device 300 to, for example, "blue" and the sentence "ENTER FILE NO. AND CARRIAGE RETURN" is displayed in the message area 340 in order to do so require the operator to enter the file number. Thereafter, "EDIT MODE" is displayed in the mode display area 330 to indicate that the editing station 400 is set to the editing mode, after which the display on the display device 300 is switched back to "black". The following procedures are then carried out in each case:

In the case of user file editing, in response to the input of a file number in step S32 in step S40, the editing control unit 450 displays "ENTER MENU!" in the message area 340 in order to request the operator to edit a user file. In this state, a pointer 302 flashes at the upper left corner of the work area 310 in anticipation of the input of commands while the operator prepares an editing program by entering desired commands. In response to the actuation of the carriage return key CR, a preceding command is transmitted to the working memory 456 of the processing control unit 450 and at the same time is displayed in the working area 310 . Once the commands thus entered are stored in the working memory 456 , the operator can operate the screen editing keys 229 to perform screen editing functions such as deleting a line or a character, inserting a new line or a new one character at the point at which the pointing flashes 302 or moving the pointer 302nd If the processing program displayed exceeds the capacity of the work area due to the creation of a new line, the display in the work area 310 is shifted up line by line in the same way as in the echo mode. The display is also shifted up or down by moving the pointer 302 up or down.

When creating a user file, the input for the area determination is made in the same way as for the echo mode, but the input for the position determination is as follows: Since in this case the position determination is related to the coordinates X0 and Y0 for the ADR command, which is to be entered following the command L0, the previous entry of the command L0 is confirmed and the command CR is selected from the commands already entered in order to extract the coordinate data X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 for the same file number. If such coordinate data cannot be extracted, the operation shown in Fig. 22-2 is carried out in the same manner as in the echo mode. On the other hand, if the coordinate data is extracted, as shown in Fig. 22-5, the right half of the work surface 310 is switched to, for example, "white", in which an area 314 A determined by the coordinates X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 is displayed in "green", for example, while the left half of the working surface 310 is switched to "white" and in this a surface 314 B defined by the new coordinates X0 ′ and Y0 ′ determined by the commands L0 and ADR ′ is displayed in “red” . The file numbers FN of the image file are displayed at the upper right corners of the areas 314 A and 314 B.

If defined by the coordinates X0 ′, Y0 ′, X1 and Y1 te new treatment area the area of a possible treatment preparation, the entries of the values X0 ′ and Y0 ′ are invalidated and new effective entries are made ben waited. According to the input of the coordina The image area displayed is entered by entering a new command switched off, whereupon the commands again be displayed for editing.

Upon actuation of the search key TRACE, the command L0 and the command CR with the same file number are selected from the commands of a processed program, the left half of the screen of the display device 300 being switched to, for example, "white" and by the coordinates X0, Y0, X1 and Y1 defined areas 316 A and 317 A are displayed in "red" indicating the file number of the image file in the top right corner. The right half of the screen is switched to "blue", for example, and areas 316 B and 317 B defined by the changed coordinates X0 ', Y0', X1 and Y1 are displayed in "green". Further, a right arrow 318 is displayed in the center of the display area to indicate the image movement.

Upon completion of the image file move display, "END OF IRACE MODE" is displayed in message area 340 to report the end of the trace process. In response to the operator's selection of any point at operator station 200 , the commands for a processed user file are again displayed.

This allows the user file to flow through tracking process the movement of the image information Point of view.

When editing a user file, in addition to the numerical determination of the image file number, the editing riding image area (X0, Y0, X1, Y1), the changed position (X0 ′, Y0 ′) of the image and the number of prints by the Be This enables the operator to process the image more flexibly stalten that according to the preceding explanations this data can be used as a variable. For example can with a preparation file for a picture cropping The following commands can be used with variables:

• 1) RE (CR):
  For reading a template with the reader unit 500 and storing the information in the buffer memory 22 .
• 2) CR (N, O, F) (CR):
  To secure a space in the disk memory 90 for storing an image file with a file number N and an area F (X0, Y0, X1, Y1).
• 3) ST (N, O) (CR):
  For storing the image file defined in (2) in the disk memory 90 under the file number N.
• 4) LO (N, O) (CR):
  To change the location of an image file with the file number.
• 5) ADR (P) (CR):
  To change the position to P (X0 ′, Y0 ′).
• 6) CL (CR):
  To clear the contents of the buffer memory 22 .
• 7) LD (N, O) (CR):
  For storing an image file with the file number N in the buffer memory 22 .
• 8) DE (N, O) (CR):
  To delete an image file with file number N.
• 9) PR (S) (CR):
  For making S prints of the image information stored in the buffer memory 22 .

In this way, the user file with the file number N, the processing image area F, the image position P and the Printout number S can be produced.

After completing the creation of a user file, the operator presses the edit end key at step S34, whereby the program proceeds to step S35, in which the edit control unit 450 in the message area 340 displays the message "STORE THIS COMMAND FILE "is brought about by requesting whether the processing program stored in the working memory 456 ge should be stored as a file in the disk memory 90 . If the operator answers this question negatively by pressing the "N" key, this rejection is recognized in step S36, whereby the editing control unit 450 ends the editing mode and clears the display on the screen 301 . In this way, the program returns to the echo mode at step S37.

On the other hand, if the operator requests the saving of the file by actuating the "Y" key, this affirmative answer is recognized in step S36, whereupon the program proceeds to step S38, in which the processing control unit 450 accordingly issues an ED command transfers the file number previously selected in step S32 to the image processing unit 10 , in order to request permission to transfer the processing file. If it is determined in step S39 that no file with the same file number has been stored in the disk memory 90 , the image processing unit 10 is caused in step S40 to allow the processing control unit 450 to store the file, whereupon the file transfer is performed.

Upon completion of file storage, the program returns to the echo mode at step S37. On the other hand, if the image processing unit 10 supplies the processing control unit 450 with a signal indicating that a file having the same file number has already been stored, the program proceeds from step S39 to a step S41, in which the message area 340 an ad "FILE ALREADY REGISTERED. DELETE OLD?" is caused to ask whether the file in the disk memory 90 should be deleted with the same file number.

If the operator gives an affirmative answer, a step S42 is executed in which the command DE is sent from the processing control unit 450 to the image processing unit 10 , after which the program returns to step S38. On the other hand, if the operator gives a negative answer, a step S43 is carried out, in which the processing control unit 450 in the message area 340 causes the display "ENTER FILE NO. AND CARRIAGE RETURN" to request the entry of a new file number . In response to the input of a new file number, the program proceeds to step S38.

If, in response to the ED command, the image processing unit 10 issues a response that is not the error code “08”, the processing control unit detects that the transmission of the user file has been blocked, whereupon the display is deleted, the echo mode is switched and a display a corresponding error code is caused in the message area 340 .

The procedure in the case of retrieving a user file is as follows: in response to the input of a file number in step S32, the editing station 400 is switched to the command mode, and the editing control unit 450 supplies the image processing unit 10 with the command XR corresponding to the entered file number. A step S46 is then carried out, in which the image processing unit 10 retrieves the corresponding user file from the disk memory 90 and transfers it to the working memory 456 . Upon completion of the reception of the user file, the editing control unit 450 is switched back to the editing mode at a step S47, after which the program goes to a step S33 for a modification of the user file, for example by deleting or inserting lines or characters in a similar process as the user file progresses. If the image processing unit 10 issues an error code, the processing control unit 450 deletes the display on the display device 300 , switches back to the echo mode and an error code, a corresponding error message and the status of the unit in the message area 340 and in the status display area 360 displayed.

The process in the solid form processing is as follows: In response to the actuation of the "FIXED FORM WORK" key and the input of the file number of a desired user file, the processing control unit 450 stores the selected one in the same way as when the user file was called up File into the working memory 456 (steps S32, S45 to S47). Thereafter, in a step S48, the preparation control unit 450 searches the commands stored in the working memory 456 from above for the variables N, F, P and S. If such variables are not found in step S49, the program proceeds to step S53, in which the commands of the user file are transmitted one after the other to the image processing unit 10 . On the other hand, if any variable is found, the program proceeds to step S50. Upon the discovery of the variable N at step S50, the editing control unit 450 causes the message area 340 to display a message requesting the input of a file number and replaces the variable N with a number entered by the operator. Then after the discovery of the variable F in the message area 340 there is a display requesting an area determination, after which the variable F is replaced by the values entered by the operator X0, V0, X1 and Y1. Then, upon detection of the variable P in the message area 340, there is a display for requesting the determination of the image position, after which the variable P is replaced by the values X0 'and Y0' entered by the operator. If these values are related to the combination of commands L0 and CR, the process shown in Fig. 22-5 is triggered, while on the other hand, the process shown in Fig. 22-2 is triggered if these values exclusively the command L0 affect. Finally, upon detection of the variable S in the message area 340, a display is called up requesting a desired number of printouts, after which the variable S is replaced by the number entered by the operator.

When all of the variables in the commands have been replaced with numbers by the operator, the program proceeds to step S51, where the editing control unit 450 performs tracing as shown in FIGS . 22-6 to in display the processing form to the work surface 310 ; at ei nem subsequent step S52 is in the message area 340 "OK?" is displayed, which asks the operator whether the image editing form is suitable. If the operator answers the question by pressing the "N" key, the processing control unit 450 deletes the display on the display device 300 , after which the program proceeds to step S37. On the other hand, if the operator gives an affirmative answer by operating the "Y" key, the program proceeds to step S53, in which the editing control unit 450 maintains the display and transmits the commands for execution in sequence to the image processing unit 10 .

The image processing unit 10 returns the transmitted command characters to the processing control unit 450 , which causes these command characters to be displayed in the status display area 360 in order to report the status of the operator's own system. When the image processing unit 10 completes execution of a sequence of instructions, the program proceeds to step S37, thereby ending the solid form processing and returning to the echo mode. If an error occurs during the execution of the command by the image processing unit 10 , the processing control unit 450 interrupts the transmission of the commands, the display on the display device 300 is deleted, an error code is displayed in the message area 340 and the echo mode is switched over.

If, in the above-described operations in the edit mode, namely, the instruction file manufacturing, instruction file retrieval, and solid form processing operations, the operator presses the edit reset key during the input operation at step S33 or S50, the display on that Imager 300 is immediately turned off, after which the program returns to the echo mode at step S37. Furthermore, the command KL is supplied by the input of an end signal to the image processing unit 10 , whereby the direct connection between the image processing unit 10 and the processing station 400 is ended and the program returns to step S2.

The preparation and transmission via the reader control unit will now be described. In the system described, the reader operating unit 550 shown in FIG. 14 can be used not only for reading a template image, but also for copying, for communication with the conductor network or with the external network and for image processing with user files. According to the preceding explanation, the reader unit 500 operates either in the copying mode or in the R editing mode. The procedure for copying, communication and image processing for the operating mode selected by the operator is explained below:

• A) Copy mode:
  • 1) The copy key 565 is operated.
  • 2) The counting display 552 flashes "01".
  • 3) Any of the internal network dialing buttons, any outside network dialing buttons, or the LOCAL button is operated.
  • 4) By means of the number of copies setting keys, a number of copies is set at the destination selected in step (3), and the set number is displayed on the count display 552 . When connecting to the outside, however, only one copy can be obtained, so that in this case the display 552 shows "01".
  • 5) The ENTER key is operated, whereby the destination and the set number of copies are input into the image processing unit 100 .
  • 6) If a transfer to a destination other than that selected in step (3) is to be carried out at the same time, steps (3), (4) and (5) are repeated.
  • 7) The paper selection button 553 PAPER SELECI is pressed to select the A3 or A4 format as the original size.
    However, if a destination outside the conductor network is selected, the original format is restricted to A4 format.
  • 8) The execution key 568 EXECUTE is pressed in order to initiate copying and transmission. If different copies are selected for different destinations during the transmission within the conductor network, the reader unit 500 repeats the original scanning in a number which is equal to the maximum number of copies.
• B) R preparation:
  • 1) The edit key 566 EDIT is pressed.
  • 2) The user file number display 551 flashes.
  • 3) Using the number buttons 554 , the user file number is entered, whereby the display 551 shows the entered file number.
  • 4) The execution key 568 EXECUTE is pressed.
  • 5) The image processing unit 10 transfers the user file with the file number specified by the reader control unit 550 from the disk memory 90 into the main memory 10-3 and executes the commands corresponding to this user file, whereby the image processing is achieved.

If the user file selected by the reader control unit 550 is not stored in the disk memory 90 , the display 551 continues to flash. In this case the delete key 555 CLEAR is actuated and the storage in the disk memory 90 at the operator station 200 can be checked by means of the key FILE LIST DIR.

According to the above explanation, the Invention offers image processing system the following advantages:

• 1) The image processing system that consists of a reader unit for reading a template image, image processing unit for controlling the image processing and for storing the processed image, a processing station for the Preparation of image information, a light guide Interface for the mutual transmission of images information between the system and another system on an optical fiber network, a data transmission interface steep for the mutual transfer of image information tion between the system and another system on an egg nem digital data transmission network and a printer unit is formed for printing out image information enables the reading of image information, the image information processing such as image processing, close-up transmission of image information via the fiber optic network, Long-range transmission of image information via digital data transmission lines and the printing of images formations in a simple, fast and inexpensive way.
• 2) The image processing control unit is with the buffer memory for temporarily storing the image information NEN and also with the switching unit for the scarf the flow of image information within your own system and from another system via fiber optic cables equipped image information, which means the over transmission of image information to the buffer memory, the light conductor interface and / or the printer unit possible is. It is therefore possible to read image information, the short-range transmission and printing in parallel to perform operation, which means that for image processing required time is shortened.  
• 3) As from another system on the digital data communication network via this network and the data transmission Interface transmitted image information in the buffer memory are saved during processing processing of this image information stored in the buffer memory the same advantages as the previous one under (2) mentioned.
• 4) When transferring image information between the own system and another system via digital data transmission network are mutually a signal RDS, which is the willingness to send the image information for a template of a certain format within a be agreed time, and exchanged a signal RDR that the willingness to receive this image information indicates, and it becomes from the combinations of these signals RDS and RDR in each plant the direction of transmission the image information determined. It is therefore possible to mistake to prevent the transmission direction and the time for the transmission of the image information via the Shorten data transmission line.
• 5) The data transmission interface sets the image Formations for one line in the longitudinal direction of the template genbilds in run length codes and reaches a data compression by two-dimensional encoding of this image information in the form of the run length codes. This Data compression is used in the case of a run length of image information of a line about 2623 achieved by a start code corresponding to a run length 2560 subsequently, correspond to the required run length the start code and a final code are used. On this way, the transmission time during transmission can be shortened via the data transmission line, since the Total number of lines of the template image to be transferred  can be reduced and because an effective data comp Riming can be achieved.
• 6) When transferring image information between the own system and another system via digital data transmission network carries the image processing tax unit of the data transmission interface a signal CRQP to request connection to the other system, a signal CNQ to request the establishment of the line connection, a signal NRVP, which indicates that the image processing control unit not within a certain time to send or receive the image information can be ready, the signals RDS and RDR, which indicate that the control unit ever within a certain time Weil for sending or receiving the image information can be ready a signal RQS, which is the effective Time to supply the image information for one Line indicating the data transmission interface, and the image information SDT too. Furthermore, the data transfers Communication interface of the image processing control unit a signal CIP to display the signal reception from the other system, a signal NRYD to indicate an interrupted Line connection, a signal CND to indicate the finished setting of the line connection for the transmission Signal MDS, which indicates that the data transmission Interface an operating state for sending the picture information about the other system has reached a sig nal MDR, which indicates that the interface has a loading operating state for receiving the image information from the other system has reached an RQS signal to request the transmission of image information for one line RVA signal to request reception from the other System received and demodulated by the interface image information for one line and that of the other System received and demodulated image information  to. These signals ensure the transmission of the image information between your own system and the other System.
• 7) When transferring the image information via the Data transmission line from the own plant and the other system the calling station and the called sta tion, the two stations report to each other mutually the transmission conditions. If the transfer conditions of both systems are given, the two stations signals to indicate the completion of the Prepare for the transfer, after which the calling Station the line-by-line transmission of the image information starts while the called station is transmitting for every transferred line checked for errors. On the Detection of an error during the transmission requires the called station from the calling station the repetition the transmission of the image information of the faulty line at. In response to this request, the calling station sets the faulty line in one-dimensional codes and the one on it following lines in two-dimensional codes for the data comp change and start again the broadcast of the picture information mations. In this way, reliable transmission of the image information are reached, with any Errors in the transfer can be fixed quickly.
• 8) The light guide interface sets that of another opti serially sent over the fiber optic network convert signals into electrical signals and regenerate these signals the commands related to image recording and the image information to make this the image processing Control unit feed. In addition, the Lichtlei sets ter interface the image recording in another System related commands and those from image processing tion control unit supplied image information in opti  signals for feeding into the fiber optic network. As a result, image processing under high Ge speed can be achieved because the image information is drawing without any operation on the Image recording executing station can be accomplished can.
• 9) The image processing unit (central processing unit circuit block) makes a status request to the printer unit because of the printer unit of the image processing unit reports their status. According to this status, the image ver unit the commands for preparing for the drawing while the printer unit is responding then records the image information. As a result, the image capture of the the image processing information generating unit controlled are monitored while the condition of the printer unit becomes. Therefore, image recording can be powerful Way to run.
• 10) The image processing control unit is with the plate memory for storing image files, user files and Control programs for the image processing control unit fitted. This makes it easy to save and processing diverse image information become.
• 11) The image processing control unit introduces the reader the command to start the scan due to the reader unit of which is scanning an original image executes and the image information of the image processing Control unit feeds. It is therefore possible to read the Original image from which the image processing information generating station to control, whereby a performance reading images is achieved.  
• 12) The reader unit is with the reader control unit equipped from which the ge in the disk storage stored user files can be retrieved so that therefore a solid form image preparation in a simple manner the reader unit can be brought about.
• 13) With the reader control unit, the image information can be to several selected systems on the fiber optic network and are sent to the data transmission lines, wherein the additional possibility for determining the number the printouts for each destination in the light conductor network exists. Therefore, the transfer of the picture information can be reached easily and quickly.
• 14) The preparation station is with the command selection part for entering commands for image processing by the operator and the digitizing field for the Entry of coordinates of the image to be processed equips, which means that the input for image processing required information is facilitated.
• 15) The processing station is equipped with a display device like a display device for the visual display of the informa image processing and reporting equipment tet generated by the image processing control unit become. As a result, the operator can continuously work in dialogue with the processing station on a easy way of image editing and other work like the provision of user files for image processing Execute riding and quickly any errors in Correct given information so that there is an effective full image processing results.
• 16) The command selection of the processing station contains the command to start the reader unit, which by the  Enter this command to read the template image in Be drive is set. It is therefore possible to start the reading process through the reader unit when it is up during an image preparation process is required by the operator bring about only the command selection part so that the image editing process is simplified.
• 17) The command selection contains commands for the selection of Dither patterns, making such a choice by the operator Only the command selection part can be reached, so that the same effects as those mentioned under (16) aims to be.
• 18) The command selection contains commands for determining the area for image density processing and the area for Dither processing when reading template images where considerably improved by image processing and is facilitated.
• 19) The command selection contains the command to start the Printer unit, which means entering this command the printer recording process of the printer unit is started can be directed. Therefore, those explained in (16) Effects achievable, if in the course of an image processing a recording process in the printer unit is such.
• 20) The command selection contains the command for the input the file number as the title of the image file, the command to Save the image file with this title in the disk store and the command to temporarily save the image file stored in this manner in the buffer memory, which makes it easy, reliable and quick to image preparation is achieved.  
• 21) The area on the digitizing field is with the addresses of the buffer memory in accordance, whereby a simple and error-free image processing can be achieved.
• 22) In image processing, the production of editing riding programs, etc., the display unit shows what of the operator must be done next. Therefore is even a Be inexperienced in image processing Servant of the operating sequence understandable, so that the operator can process the image easily and quickly can perform.
• 23) If the image selected at the processing station preparation area the area available for preparation in the system, a warning appears on the display device display caused what a secured image preparation enables.
• 24) When editing images, etc., each selected image receives preparation area an identification number, being on the viewing device this area is displayed as a frame with this identification number becomes. Therefore, the operator can edit Check the surface according to the view and consequently the image preparation and other work easily and reliably to lead.
• 25) The execution of the processing program can visually len check on the display device tracked or logged become. As a result, not only the operator, who set up the program, but also another Operator easy and reliable image processing execute casually.
• 26) When preparing the preparation program you can the number of prints, the preparation area etc. as  Variable can be incorporated. As a result, the system is flexible and image processing easy to perform.

Claims (9)

1. Image processing system with
a reading device ( 500 ) for photoelectrically reading an original and for generating corresponding image data,
a storage device ( 20 ; 22 ) for storing a page of the image data generated by the reading device ( 500 ),
an image processing unit ( 10 ) for processing the image data read out from the storage device ( 20 ; 22 ) into imaging data in accordance with processing commands transmitted by means of an image processing device ( 400 ),
a recording device ( 600 ) for generating an image of the original on a recording material on the basis of the image data generated by the reading device ( 500 ) or the image data generated by the image processing unit ( 10 ), and
a switching device ( 40 ) with which the image data generated by the reading device ( 500 ) can be transmitted to the recording device ( 600 ) without intermediate storage in the storage device ( 20 ; 22 ). 2. Image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that via the switching device ( 40 ), the image data generated by the reading device ( 500 ) without intermediate storage in the storage device ( 20 ; 22 ) via a transmission device ( 70 ) to a further recording device Image processing system can be transmitted. 3. Image processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmission of the image data generated by the reading device ( 500 ) to the recording devices of the respective image processing systems can take place simultaneously. 4. Image processing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that image data can be transmitted from the storage device ( 20 ; 22 ) to the recording device ( 600 ) via the switching device ( 40 ). 5. Image processing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that via the switching device ( 40 ) imaging data from the storage device ( 20 ; 22 ) via a transmission device ( 70 ) can be transmitted to the recording device of the further image processing system. 6. Image processing system according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the transmission of the image data from the storage device ( 20 ; 22 ) to the recording devices of the respective image processing systems can take place simultaneously. 7. Image processing system according to claim 2, characterized by a device ( 60-8 , 60-9 , 60-10 ) for compressing the image data before transmission to the further image processing system. 8. Image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the image processing unit ( 10 ) is able to carry out an alignment of a predetermined area of the original according to entered coordinates. 9. Image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching device ( 40 ) carries out a transmission according to a manual operation.