DE3431970A1 - Document copying system - Google Patents

Abstract

The document reader (1) is located directly above a laser or ink jet printer (2) that provides a copy of the original. The reader has an optical sensor system (3) that has a lamp (4) to illuminate the original document. A series of mirrors (5,6,7) and a lens (8) direct the optical signals onto a line sensor (9) unit consisting of CCD devices. The sensor system moves across the surface of the document carrier (10).Originals are retained in an inclined magazine stack (12) and are directed by friction drive roller (14) until the bottom sheet enters a pair of feed rollers (15). The sheet is transported onto the carrier plate by a conveyor loop (16). After copying the sheet is transferred out onto a delivery magazine

Description

Image processing device

The invention relates to an image processing apparatus for conversion the mapping of an original into an electrical signal.

In a device for converting the image of an original into a electrical signal and its reading or scanning is opposed to a usual copier or the like., With light applied to the image of an original and the reflected image of which is treated or processed, the image of the original converted into an electrical signal, which is why different logical Processing operations to which this signal is subjected, an exact, automatic Detection of the position of the original and its size can be.

For example, to cover the original, a cover is around to fix this on an original support slide, to determine the nature of the original, that is black or may have a different color, colored differently, it will a preparatory scan is carried out to determine the position of the original on the support carriage to detect, it becomes the selected point in time when an original image reading circuit works, controlled on the basis of the detection information, bo that he is in the Surface of the original falls, and there becomes'a signal output at which any next to useless image present in the original has been eliminated. On the other hand, it is preferable to process a large amount of originals at high speed to process to provide an automatically operating feed mechanism to the To promote originals on the support carriage. However, if the above-mentioned pre-scan is made every time an original is fed, a disadvantage occurs insofar as the intended and desired high-speed scanning is hindered.

The external designs or shapes are also the same as those on the support carriage filed originals differently, so that it has caused difficulties and always prepares a good automatic recognition with regard to these originals to execute.

It is therefore the object of the invention, the above highlighted Eliminate disadvantages and provide an image processing device with improved performance to specify.

It is an object of the invention to provide an image processing device to create effective, high-performance processing of original images to ensure that that is capable of high speed processing to carry out and that the condition or the location of an original - above all quickly - can determine.

Another object of the invention is to provide an image processing apparatus in which an incorrect or incorrect determination of the density of an original is prevented and the density of an original in a detection or detection area, which corresponds to the size of the original.

The solution to the problem posed and the aims of the invention are in an image processing device of the generic type with the claims described in the claims Measures realized.

The subject matter of the invention is based on a preferred embodiment explained with reference to the drawings.

1 shows a schematic, partially sectioned overall side view an original image copying system; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation to explain the control along a paper feed path in an image reading device in one embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a block diagram over the Connections between different control parts or sections, the essential Components of the copier system are; 4 in combination with FIGS. 4A and 4 4B is a block diagram showing in detail the construction of the image reading apparatus in the embodiment reveals according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a timing diagram for the main operations in an image reading apparatus as shown in Fig.4 Construction; 6 shows a flow chart for explanatory purposes when viewed together with FIGS. 6A and 6B the main control processing procedure of the image reading apparatus in the embodiment according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an image reading device 1, hereinafter referred to as "reader" is referred to, in a schematic view or. Sectional view. The reader 1 has a printing device (printer) 2 with a laser or color beam printer for printing an image in an assembly or accumulation of points on the basis an electrical image reading or scanning signal from the reader 1.

The reader 1 further comprises an optical scanning device (scanner) 3, an original lighting lamp 4, deflecting mirrors 5, 6 and 7, a lens or a Lens 8, a line sensor 9, i.e. a charge coupled or CCD element, to read the image on each line and to scan it, as well as an original support slide 10. With such a structure, the light that is cast on the original becomes what it is reflected light during the scanning of the original via the deflecting mirror 5 - 7 directed towards the objective 8 and imaged on the CCD element 9. The optical one Scanner 3 and the mirrors 6 and 7 are at a predetermined speed CS: reciprocated to read or scan the entire area of the original. Above the reader 1 is an original automatic feeder 11, hereinafter referred to as OZA is abbreviated, arranged. In the OZA 11 12 are stacked in a magazine Originals 13 from above by means of a friction roller 14 one after the other separately and on the support carriage 10 with the help from paper feed rollers 15 funded. A conveyor belt 16 runs on the carriage 10 in the direction of the arrow a and moves the fed original to a. predetermined position in which it is stopped and then the optical scanner 3 shows the image on the original scans. The original "read" in this way is fed through paper feed rollers 17 discharged into a stacker 18, the next original is taken from the magazine 12 fed to the support carriage 10.

The conveyor belt 16 has a color different from the texture of the originals is to be distinguished.

The OZA 11 can be opened by opening it by a A hinge (not shown) is provided, and this opening occurs when the OZA is not being used or an original is jammed in it. For the reader 1 is a control panel 19 is provided, including a start button 20, with a OZA start button 21 and with a display device to the number of copies, a abnormal condition, etc., is equipped. The reader according to the described Embodiment operates in a start-up mode in which a pre-scan for detection of the printing condition of the original each time the start key 20 is pressed and it also operates in an OZA start mode in which a pre-scan is not performed, but the continuous scanning of the original is performed Pressing the OZA start button 21 is accomplished.

The control along the original feed path is used with the one in question Reader carried out according to the schematic representation of FIG. On consideration of the paper feed magazine 12 from above it can be seen that three paper feed rollers 15l, 152 and 153 and forward from the feed rollers paper or sheet sensors 22,23 present each of which comprises a simple light transmitter and receiver.

These paper sensors 22 and 23 are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance arranged so that they detect the width of the original in the main scanning direction, i.e., in the original width, there is a case in which only the feeler 22 detects the original, and a case in which both sensors 22, 23 detect the original, differentiated. If the number of feelers is increased, so will increases the accuracy in detecting the width of the original; will however Originals of standard width are used, the number of feelers can be reduced and thus a simplified construction can be obtained. Also can be the length of the original in the sub-scanning direction by measuring the time during which at least one of the sensors detects the original moving at a specified speed, be recognized.

Looking at the original support carriage 10 from above, it can be seen that the original normal position is provided at the location of arrow b, and that from Magazine 12 supplied original is with its leading edge on this Position is stopped so that the original image is passed through the system is scanned or read by optical scanner 3 and CCD element 9. The direction, at that time the CCD element 9 stopped in its normal position Original 131 electrically scans, the main scanning direction becomes the direction in which the optical scanner 3 mechanically scans the original 131 becomes the sub-scanning direction called.

In the block diagram of Fig. 3 are an operation control part 24, a reader control part 25 and a printer control part 26 are connected to one another in pairs by cables 28 and 29, respectively.

Between the reader control part 25 and an OZA control part 27 are Signal lines 30 are provided. The reader of the embodiment in question accomplished input and receiving a predetermined signal therebetween and the OZA control part 27 to enable continuous processing of the original is accomplished.

This means in particular that the OZA coupling signal from the OZA control part 27 is always recognized via the signal line 301 that the reader body with the OZA 11 is equipped or coupled. When the OZA start button 21 in the operation control part 24 is pressed, then the reader controller 25 checks the states of the reader as well Printers, and when they are in a state in which they can accomplish the copying process Then, through a signal line 303, an original feed request signal given to the OZA control part 27. In response to this, the OZA control unit drives 27 on the friction roller 14 so that the original passes through the support slide of the reader the feed rollers 151-153 is fed. When normal position b was reached the running edge of the original stops conveying the original, and a copy request signal is output via signal line 304.

Also the at that time based on the outputs of the Paper sensors 22 and 23 received information about the size of the original via a Signal line 302 delivered. Then the reader 1 enters the control of the printer 2 in copy mode.

The block diagram of Fig. 4 shows the construction of the reader 1 in detail, where the components and elements mentioned above are identical with the same reference number are designated. Thereafter, the image of the original 131 is formed through the lens 8 the CCD element 9 is formed and in an incident light level when the reader the original scans at a predetermined point on the support carriage, the same electrical signal converted. This electrical signal is fed through an amplifier 31 amplified and then converted into a digital value of a given value bit implemented by an A / D converter 32, whereupon there is a peak value detection circuit 33 and also a comparator 34 is supplied.

The peak value detection circuit 33 serves to measure the maximum value (maximum Black level value) of that obtained in the one main scanning field of the CCD element 9 Capture and hold the image signal. To the one obtained by scanning the original The processing must capture the maximum value of the image signal in the correct manner in such a way that the signals from other components (conveyor belt, etc.) than the original do not enter the peak value detection circuit 33 can be accomplished. to for this purpose, a signal with a time range in which the peak value is detected is executed, the pulse width corresponds to the other input of the peak value detection circuit 33 is supplied via a signal line 35. This time range is called the opening or scanning time range in the main scanning width, which corresponds to the size of the original, given, and there is a time domain which the main scanning width indicated in Fig. 2 by hatching is indicated. In the embodiment shown the peak value detection circle is designed for a distance «(10 mm) to be actuated from the normal position b in FIG. The originals are usually stored in the magazine 12 so "that their one side edge is aligned to the side is where the original normal position b is, and therefore the Originals after being fed essentially in a predetermined position, such as it is indicated by the original 131 (Fig.2), are stopped. This halted state however, it is not always accurate due to various reasons when the originals, especially in OZA mode. As a result, for security reasons causes the peak detection so that them at one of the Normal position b to oc remote location works. This allows even if the end of the original does not coincide with the normal position, can be prevented that the signal obtained by scanning the conveyor belt 16 in or as a peak value signal is used.

When to end the peak value acquisition process, that relates refers to the information about the original size supplied by the OZA control part 27. For this Pall too, for the same reason as it was pointed out above, the function of the peak detection circuit 33 terminates before the true wide-side End of the original is reached, and the distance corresponding to this termination is P (in Fig. 2).

According to FIG. 3, counters 36 and 37 generate the times of the peak value detection circuit 33, which correspond to «and 4.

The counters 36, 37 are driven by a clock with the CCD element DC synchronized clock signal CLK from a main scanning clock generating circuit 38, which generates a driver clock for the CCD element 9, enumerated. The counter 36 is designed to count a time corresponding to the distance oc (FIG. 2) while the counter 37 is designed for counting the time corresponding to the interval (FIG. 2) is.

These counts are replaced by the information about the original size determined in advance by the OZA control part 27 through an I / O bus 40 of the central processing unit (ZE) 3.9 is received, and are saved by the buffer register 41, 42 set. The content of the buffer registers 41, 42 is stored in the counters 36, 37 is inputted in synchronism with the main scanning synchronizing signal BD. The main scanning clock generating circuit 38 is synchronized with the signal BD, and a clock period corresponds to the time required to read out a picture element of the CCD element is. Since the embodiment discussed here is based on a device with 16 lines / mm refers, a of Fig.2 is equal to 10 mm, and if the original is one with a Width is A4 (297 mm), then ß = 287 if the peak detection area up to 10 mm. Accordingly, the value set in the buffer register 41 is 10 x 16 = 160 and the value put in the buffer register 42 is 287 x 16 = 4592. As for the subsequent operation, if the signal BD is read out each time is input from a main scan field, the contents 160 of the buffer register 41 and the contents 4592 of the buffer register 42 are inputted to counters 36 and 37, respectively. The counters are then decremented by one for each clock signal CLK, and the counter 36 first counts down to zero. When the count value of the counter 36 becomes zero, then a borrow or look-ahead signal RPC is generated and a flip-flop circuit (F / F) 43 is set, when set, the peak value detecting circuit 33 operates. Reading continues, the counter 37 counting down to zero and a borrow signal RPC is generated and the F / F-43 are reset. The work of the peak value detection circuit 33 is terminated when the F / F 43 is reset is. As a result, an area shown by hatching in FIG. 2 becomes the same Time-width signal generated in the F / F 43 to make the peak detection circuit work 33 effective control. The timing diagram for the operation described above counters 36 and 37 are shown in FIG. If the original is a .B5 width (256 mm), then that to be set in the buffer register 42 is the size of B5 corresponding value 246 x 16 = 3936, with a deviation of 10 mm here is estimated.

In this way, the peak value in each main scanning field becomes accurate detected and held in the peak value detection circuit 33. The ZE 39 reads the peak value through an input or input channel 44 at a time when each main sample is finished, and based on this, it calculates the slice level data for a Binary conversion of the image signal of the main scanning line. The calculation result will be input to buffer register 45 and comparator 34 binarizes the view or video data in accordance with the slice level. Along the sub-scan of the original image initiating and terminating scanning also become easily in accord controlled with the information related to the original size, i.e. the ZE 39 can the number of main scanning fields or the number of the number of main scanning fields count corresponding signals and effect a control, e.g.

scanning is carried out from the n-th field to the (n + m) -th field. In the other fields a maximum value is set in the buffer registers 41 and 42, in order to suppress the generation of the Borge signal and the operation of the maximum value detection circuit except to prevent while "reading" the original. In this way can process a variety of originals continuously at high speed will.

The reader works according to the embodiment in question also in processing mode, which is a preparatory (pre-) scan before reading of the original. As has already been said, this mode is activated by pressing the start button 20 is commanded and it is used when the OZA mechanism is not used.

The processing mode including the pre-scan can however, in the embodiment discussed here, they are also used when the OZA mechanism is applied, or if so desired, the End position of the original or the scanning of other originals that lie outside the specified sizes to cause. That means first a pre-scan is performed to determine the placed (suspended) state of the Originals after it is in a predetermined location by the OZA mechanism or placed (or stopped) by hand.

The main purpose of pre-scanning is to distinguish between the condition of the original and the conveyor belt or support carriage, and therefore can pre-scan by entering an appropriate slice value in the buffer register 45 in advance and binarizing the video (sight) signal can be achieved. The from Comparator 43 binary converted value is from an original coordinate detection circuit 46 analyzed and held Then when the actual scanning is carried out the information about the size of the original and its placed position on the Base of the discrimination information obtained through a preparatory process calculated, and it can scan the original image using a slice levels based on peak detection can also be effected. The size and position of the original can also be determined with the or removed original automatic feeder (OZA).

Even when the scanning optical system 3 is in a retracted position Position, i.e. in the rightmost position, can be detected the size and peak value of the original as it is being promoted by the OZA are effected. In addition, some special detection device is used in this case unnecessary, that can be done by the optical scanner 3 and the CCD element 9 happen.

4, a read only memory (ROM) 47 contains the processing program the ZE 39, a memory 48 with random access (RAM) uses the ZE 39 as one Work area and are an interface 49 for connecting the ZE 39 to the OZA control unit 27 and an interface 50 for connecting the ZE 39 to the printer control unit 26 available. The ZE 39 causes the processing procedure of the copier system runs with such a structure.

The processing procedure of the CPU 39 is in the flow chart of FIG shown. The execution program of this flowchart is stored in the ROM 47 in advance. When the main switch of the system is closed, the routine is started.

In step 60 a distinction is made as to whether the reader is ready.

When the reader is operationally coupled to the OZA feed mechanism is, one of the readiness conditions is whether there are originals in the magazine 12 are filed. If the result of the discrimination in step 60 is "NO", so the program waits until the reader is ready.

If the decision in step 60 is "YES", it is decided in step 61, whether the printer is ready. A readiness condition for this is, among other things, that the Printer. is loaded with copy paper. If the decision in step 61 is "NO" the program will also wait until the printer is ready. That reads Decision in step 61 "YES", then in step 62 with respect to the start of OZA decided. Pressing the OZA start button21 is the result of this decision "YES" until the magazine 12 is emptied of originals, if no other stop condition occurs. The presence of originals in magazine 12 is confirmed by a (not shown) Sensor detected. The flow then advances to step 63 in which an original feed request signal is delivered to the OZA control unit. In step 64 the program waits for a Original that is fed and in a predetermined position on the original support carriage is to be stopped.

If this condition is met, then sp is the result of the decision in step 64 "YES", so that the program proceeds to step 65 in which a predetermined The value -160, which corresponds to the distance «, is entered into the buffer register 41. The OZA control unit also uses the sensors 22, 23 to determine the size of the original, when it is delivered along the paper feed path The CPU 39 receives this information through the interface. 49, whereupon in steps 66, 67 and 68 the size codes Originals is judged. If the original size is B5 or B4, then it goes the program goes to step 69 and, as previously said, the Value 3936 corresponding to distance 4 is entered into buffer register 42. Has the original the size A4 or neither the size B5 nor B4, then the program goes to step 70, in which the value 4592 is inserted in the buffer register 42. This is based on that the width of A4 (297 mm) in the present embodiment is substantially corresponds to the maximum copy width. In step 71 'there is reading and scanning executed according to the original image. The scanning width in the sub-scanning direction becomes controlled by the ZE 39 by counting the number of main scanning fields, as explained above. Simultaneously with reading and scanning, the printer becomes a binarized video or visual output signal used for the image information of the original is supplied so that copying is effected. Are the reading and scanning is finished, then the program advances to step 72 in which triggered the original discharge control and the original into the stacker 18 is promoted. The process then returns to step 60. However, if the If the original automatic feed mechanism is blocked, the program will do so at step 60 during the time that the paper discharge process to a predetermined stage continues to wait, i.e. the reader cannot be ready if the previous original has not been discharged.

The decision in steps 60, 61 and 62 is made immediately is satisfied, then the program reaches step 63, in which the next Original feed request signal issued. This way it becomes a multitude of originals processed in uninterrupted sequence without a preliminary scan. The sizes in the plurality of originals fed from the magazine 12 do not need to be to be constant. This means that when the originals stored in the magazine 12 with one of their side edges aligned with the original normal position, such as was previously explained, the originals to normal position during their promotion can be pushed because the conveying path is stable or unchangeable. These The effect is achieved by a slight inclination of the conveyor roller from the conveying direction to the side of the original normal position reached. As a result, the leading Edge of the original substantially reliably in a predetermined normal position stopped. In this way the reader can determine the sizes of different originals accurately read and scan without performing a pre-scan because of the quantities of the originals detected by the sensors 22 and 23 during the transport through the OZA will.

If the automatic original feeder does not start in step 62, then the program goes to step 73, in which it is decided whether the OZA started should be or not. If the start button 20 is pressed, that is the decision "YES" and the program goes to step 74. In this case there are two stages. One of these is the start mode in the event that the OZA is interlocked with the mechanism for automatic original feed.

In step 74, the original feed request signal is sent to the OZA controller submitted. Step 75 responds to the copy request signal from the OZA controller waited.

A pre-scan of the original is carried out in step 76. This reveals the effect of making accurate reading of the area even if originals are of sizes other than normal or standard should be read. In step 77, the distances cc and p become corresponding Values in the buffer registers 41 and 42 based on the indications for the size of the original and the edition position obtained by the pre-scanning, entered. In step 71 the actual reading and scanning is then carried out. The subsequent process is similar to that of the OZA start mode.

Another stage is the start-up mode in a case where the mechanism is not used for the automatic document feeder. Here are originals placed by hand on the original support slide by an operator. the The way in which the originals are placed can be more or less coarse be. Steps 74 and 75 are skipped here. The process for this Case is shown by a dashed line. In step 76 the pre-scan is performed of the original is carried out, in step 77 the buffer registers 41 and 42 are set and in step 71 the actual reading and scanning takes place.

The original discharge control 72 is also skipped here. The other steps are similar to the steps explained above.

In the embodiment in question, the process of Peak detection and the scanning width in accordance with the determination of the Sizes of the original and its position when placed are controlled, However it is also possible to select the copy paper for the printer or image processing, e.g. -controlling the magnification of the image based on the result to control this determination.

The explanation of the embodiment in question has for the determination of the predetermined size based on the use of two sensors, to determine the size of the original, however original sizes other than the predetermined size by increasing the number of sensors, as indicated above or by using an array of light emitting diodes or the like. Be detected. In this case, with regard to the acquisition of the Peak value of the original, the detection area is precisely set in the same way will.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above Rather, various modifications are limited by the claims staked out scope of the invention are possible.

Claims (11)

Claims 1. Image processing device, characterized - by a reading device scanning an original (131), - by an original in a conveyor device (11, 14, 15, 16) transporting a predetermined reading position, - through a first, the condition of the original based on the outcome of the Reading device determining detection device and by a second, the state detecting means detecting the original transported by the conveying means (22, 23), - wherein the first detection device for determining the state of the Originals is used when the conveyor is idle. 2. Image processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that that the second detection device (22, 23) operates during the transport process. 3. Image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that that each of the detection means detects the size of at least the original. 4. Image processing device, characterized by an original (131) scanning reading device, - by a special value of the output the reading device detecting detection device (33) and - by a the Control device (43) controlling the detection area of the detection device. 5. Image processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that that the control means (43) the detection means in accordance with controls the size of the original. 6. Image processing device according to claim 5, characterized by a device that automatically detects the size of the original. 7. Image processing device, characterized - by an original scanning reading device, - by a first, the Z-ustand ascertaining of the original Detection device, - by a second, a special value of the output of the Reading device detecting detection device and - by the second detection device through the output of the first detection device controlling control device. 8. Image processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that that the control device, the second detection device for regulating the detection area of the original controls. 9. Image processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that that the control device controls the detection time of the second detection device. 10. Image processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that that the first detecting means detects the size of the original. 11. Image processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that that the determination by the first detection device before the activity of second detection device is executed.