DE3546789C2 - Processor for photocopier or printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The application is to an electronic photocopier of facsimile printer. The incoming data from the original is converted into digital form and stored in a memory. A processor unit checks the eight most significant address bits in the memory and evaluates whether the image to be reproduced fits the paper size available in the printer. Paper size selection can be automatic in a printer holding several sizes. If the image will not fit any paper sizes a command is given to print on the next longest sheet size. if no such size is available reproduction is either stopped, or printing takes place on two or more sheets of the available size.

Description

The invention relates to a facsimile machine and to a facsimile process according to the preamble of the patent Proverbs 1 and 5.

A facsimile device or a facsimile method according to the 5 is the preamble of claim 1 and DE 31 25 735 A1 removable.

In EP 0 050 338 A1 there is also an image processing device described by means of an image scanner process-derived image data run-length coded and pages be saved wisely.

DE 32 15 276 A1 finally shows a Druckein direction that is particularly advantageous for recording is liable if the format of a template differs from that of a recording paper sheet. For this Case it is suggested that when recording on a recording sheet of smaller format Ink jet head with a smaller line width correspond Is operated according to the sheet format or only the corresponding one appropriate number of blocks is selected.

The invention has for its object a facsimile advises or to specify a facsimile procedure in which the emp capture image data regardless of the size of the original can be spent.  

This task is performed with regard to the facsimile machine in claim 1 and with regard to the facsimile process rens ge with the features specified in claim 5 solves.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of subclaims.

The invention is described below with reference to Embodiments with reference to the Drawing explained in more detail.

It shows:  

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an image data processing part of an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of image data for a main scan line;

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the storage state in an image memory;

Fig. 4 illustrates the arrangement of an image memory and a central processing unit according to an embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a flowchart for the address control of the central processing unit for a long format processing;

Fig. 6 illustrates the arrangement of the Bildspei Chers and the central unit according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a flowchart for the address control of the central processing unit for the long format processing in the second embodiment;

Fig. 8 is an illustration of the arrangement of the image memory and the central unit according to a third embodiment; and

Fig. 9 is a flowchart for the address control of the central processing unit for the long format processing in the third embodiment.

The image processing device according to the invention is using an example of a high-speed Facsimile machine for transmission and reception explained that a printer with an electrostatic recording system in the normal size recording paper (with the JIS formats (= DIN formats) A4 and B4) det.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an image data processing part of the inventive device according to an embodiment. Image data of an original are optically read as pixel information by means of a charge coupling device (CCD) 100 and converted into electrical signals. These electrical signals are amplified by means of an amplifier 101 and subjected to an analog / digital conversion. The digitized image data are supplied to an image area separation circuit 102 and a buffer 103 , wherein either binary digitization or dither processing is specified as the type of processing to be performed. This type of processing and the image data are input to a binary / dither processing circuit 104 so that the corresponding processing operations are carried out. With this device, either a compression mode in which the image data is compressed or a mode without compression in which the image data is not subjected to compression can be selected. In the compression mode, switches 128 to 133 are all switched to respective positions C, while in the operating mode without compression they are switched to positions N. In the compression mode, the lengths of contiguous white or black pixels in the main scanning direction are counted by means of a run length counter 105 for counting the number of contiguous white or black picture elements. The image data are subjected to the modified Huffman or MH coding in an MH encoder and then stored in an image memory 107 .

On the other hand, in the non-compression mode, the image data from the buffer 103 is input to an additional EOP circuit 124 in which an end-of-page signal or code signal EOP is added to the image data, which indicates the end of a single page, and then this data in the Image memory 107 can be stored. In the MH encoder 106 , an end-of-line signal EOL, which indicates the end of a respective scan line and which is the MH code signal "000000000001", is at the end of a respective scan line and also a control return or end-of-page signal RTC, which indicates the end of a page shows and that is formed by two successive EOL code signals, added at the end of each page.

When transmitted in the compression mode, the page data stored in the image memory is transmitted via an RTC detector circuit 108 for determining the RTC code signal, an error correction encoder 109 for determining and correcting errors in the encoded data and a code character inversion or CMI modulator 110 a line connection unit or broadband connection unit 111 , which is connected as an input stage of a data terminal. In the non-compression mode, the side data is supplied to the line terminal unit 111 via an EOP detector circuit 126 for determining the page end signal EOP, the error correction encoder 109 and the CMI modulator 110 .

In contrast, upon receipt in the compression mode, image data from the line terminal unit 111 is stored in the image memory 107 via a code character inversion or CMI demodulator 112 , an error correction decoder 113 and an RTC detector circuit 114 . In the non-compression mode, the image data is stored in the image memory 107 via the CMI demodulator 112 , the error correction decoder 113 and an EOP detector circuit 127 .

In the compression mode, the stored image data are read out again from the image memory 107 and decoded by means of an MH decoder 115 into sequence length signals RL, which each represent sequence length code signals. The decoded signals are converted by means of a sequence length counter 118 into picture element signals which are output to a printer 121 . In the non-compression mode, the image data is output to the printer 121 via an EOP detector circuit 125 for determining the EOP code signal.

The image processing device according to the invention is shown in explained with reference to a digitization coding system, with the intermediate or tint levels according to the  Representation can be expressed in Table 1.

Table 1

Tint levels per picture element 16 levels (4 bit) Number of picture elements in the main scanning direction 1728 Pixel density in the sub-scanning direction 8 lines / mm

According to this coding system, the image data for a single main scan line is compiled such that a single picture element is represented by data with four bits and the data for 1728 picture elements are lined up as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates the case in which the line data shown in FIG. 2 for 2382 scan lines are stored in the image memory from the address 0. A respective number on the left edge of the representation is the hexadecimal number which indicates the memory address which speaks the header bit of a respective line. Assuming that the length of the normal size recording paper in the sub-scanning direction is equal to the length of the A4 size recording paper, the number of lines is 2376 (297 mm × 8 lines / mm). Therefore, the image data for the 2377th scan line and thereafter up to the 2382th line from the memory cannot be recorded on a single normal format recording paper, but must be recorded on a second normal format recording paper. In this way, all image data from the image memory can be reproduced exactly divided on two sheets of normal format recording paper. In this case, the start address of the data to be recorded on the header of the second recording paper, namely, the address of the header of the 2377th line is the address FA9800 ₍₁₆₎ . However, if the image data is not stored from address 0, namely recorded from address Y, for example, a 24-bit calculation (Y + FA9800) would have to be carried out to calculate the address of the header bit of the 2377th line.

To avoid such a complicated calculation is in the system of image processing according to the invention device on the head part of the second up line to be recorded on the line in the determined in the following manner so that the whole system on a simple 8-bit calculation process is based.

The number of bits for a single scan line is 1728 × 4. When this number is converted into a hexadecimal number, the result is 1B00 ₍₁₆₎ . Therefore, the address of the header bit of each line becomes a multiple of 1B00 ₍₁₆₎ . According to Fig. 3, the 2372nd line with the header bit address FA0000 _{(16) is} a line whose header bit address the 16 lower bits (or the lower four digits in the hexadecimal representation) are all "0", with the 2372nd line of the 2376th line is the last line as the last line on the first recording paper ( 1 ). Therefore, if the data from the 2372nd line to the 2382th line is recorded on the second recording paper ( 2 ), only the higher eight bits of the address (namely "FA" at the top two positions in the hexadecimal representation) need be be calculated. Furthermore, only the address of the header of a respective line has to be controlled. It is now assumed that the header of the image data has been stored in the image memory from the address Y on. If the 16 least significant bits of the address Y are all "0", the calculation (more significant eight bits of the address Y + FA) can be carried out to determine the address of the header bit of that line (the 2372nd line from the header of the image data) ) to be calculated to be recorded at the beginning of the second normal size recording paper; this means that only the higher eight bits of the address need to be calculated.

On the other hand, if it is determined whether the image data for a single page on a single record paper can be recorded and output, and it is assumed that the address of the last bit of the in image data stored in the image memory has an address Z it is necessary to perform an arithmetic operation to check whether the address Z is above the address FA9800 is or is not. This calculation process is the same if disadvantageous, since it is a 24-bit calculation gang is acting.

To make this distinction into an 8-bit Be implementing the calculation is used as a reference for differentiation address FB0000 used, the address FA9800 comes closest and where the values of the change eight higher bits. Therefore, this The system only chooses the distinctive reference address regarding the eight higher bits of the address performed.

In practice, the determination is made as to whether or not the stored image data can be recorded and output on a single recording paper, depending on whether or not the eight higher-value bits of the address of the last bit of the stored image data lie above "FB". 3, the image data are constituted by 2382 scanning lines as shown in FIG., The address of the last bit of the data stored in the memory image data to FB32FF (FB1F00 1B00-1 +) (which is the 2382-th row corresponds to). Therefore, if only the eight higher bits are taken into account, this address becomes "FB" and therefore not "FA", so that it can be determined that the stored image data cannot be recorded on a single normal format recording paper. However, for an image in which the last scan line is in the range from the 2377th to the 2380th line, the eight higher bits of the address of the last bit are "FA", so that it is determined is that the image data can be recorded on a single normal format recording paper. However, since the data is recorded up to the 2376th line, only data for up to four lines is lost. This data loss is not a problem in practice, since with a resolution of 8 lines / mm it corresponds to a failure of at most 0.5 mm.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the Image data from the address Y on are saved and the Address of the last bit of the image data X is. In this Case becomes for the distinction explained above X-Y calculated and checked according to the calculation result, whether the eight higher bits are above "FB" or below, which enables a similar distinction. By preselecting the address Y in such a way that all 16 lower bits are "0", the calculation process  X-Y can be executed as an 8-bit calculation, with only the eight higher bits of address X are used will.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the connections between a central processing unit for the above-described distinction and the image memory. 1 designates an 8-bit central processing unit (CPU), 2 designates a 32 Mbit image memory and 3 designates a known printer such as a laser printer or the like for recording an image on a cut sheet or on sheet paper. To set a write or read start address for the data to be recorded, the eight higher or upper bits of the 24 address bits are fed from the central unit 1 to the image memory. In this case, the 16 lower or lower bits are all set to "0". In contrast, when reading the address in the image memory 2, the central unit 1 receives only the eight higher or upper bits from the 24 address bits, while the 16 lower or lower bits are ignored. In this way, only the eight higher-value bits of the address are controlled by the central unit 1 . As a result, the header bit or start bit of the image data for a single page is reliably stored at an address whose 16 lower or lower bits are "0000".

For recording by the printer 3 to the image memory 2 are read clock signals leads supplied and discharged, the image data to the printer 3 by the central unit. 1

The operating sequence for address control by means of the central unit 1 will now be described with reference to the flow diagram in FIG. 5. First, the write start address of the memory for the image data is set to Y and the last write address to X, after which the eight bits higher or higher than Y1 and X1 are used (step S1). X and Y are the 24-bit addresses, whereby the 16 low and low bits of address Y are all set to "0" when setting the write start address. Since the central unit 1 is an 8-bit processor, it only accepts the eight upper bits of the data value or the address X. To determine the amount of image data, X1-Y1 is calculated (step S2). It is then determined whether the value of X1-Y1 is above FB (16) or less (step S3), where FB (16) is the division threshold which indicates whether the image data is on a single normal size recording paper ( A4 format in this example) may or may not be recorded. If the difference value is less than FB (16), the image data can be recorded on a single normal size recording paper; therefore, Y is set as the read start address (record start address) in the memory (step S4). Thereafter, the read clock signals are output to the memory, whereby the data from the address Y to the address X are output from the memory and recorded (step S5). If the value X1-Y1 is above FB (16), the image data cannot be recorded on a single normal size recording paper, so that long format processing, namely the split recording processing, is carried out. A head address of an overlength reproduction line, namely a head address L for the recording on the second recording paper, is calculated. Assuming that the eight higher or upper bits of the address L are equal to L ₁ , the sum L ₁ = FA (16) + Y1 is first calculated from FA (16) and Y1, with all 16 lower or lower bits Are "0" (step S6). Then the address L is obtained by adding the 16 lower-order bits "0" to L ₁ (step S7). Y is set as the read start address (step S8). Then, the read clock signals are output to the memory, whereby the data from the address Y to the address X are output to the printer and recorded (step S9). In this case, since the image data up to the address X cannot be recorded on a single recording paper, the non-recordable part of the data is disregarded. Then, the address L is used as the new read start address (step S10), after which the data from the address L to the address X are output to the printer and recorded (step S11). Therefore, in the event that the image data is divided and recorded on two normal size recording papers, the image data in the rear end portion of the first recording paper can be automatically arranged on the head portion of the second recording paper.

Furthermore, since the central unit only has the eight higher values Controls bits of the address, the image data at the Address X, which is recorded on the second recording paper are actually drawn to the data recorded on the Address where the eight higher ones are stored Bits become X1. Therefore, the case arises that Image data cannot be recorded even if attempted will record the image data up to the address X. To Solving this problem can result in data loss be prevented from recording the memory Image data is commanded to the address at which the eight higher bits become X1 + 1.

On the other hand, if, when the image data for a single page is stored in the memory, the EOP code signal indicating the end of a single page is added to the image data and the data is then stored, the reading out from the memory can be ended by: this EOP code signal is detected when reading out the image data from the memory and recording it. Figure 6 is a block diagram of circuitry for this purpose. 4 with a side end signal or EOP detector is designated. When reading out the image data from the memory, the detector 4 emits a detection signal to the central unit 1 when it detects the EOP code signal added at the end of a single page. Upon this detection signal, the central processing unit 1 ends the output of the read clock signals, whereby the printing or recording is ended. The rest of the design of the circuit structure corresponds essentially to that shown in Fig. 3, so that the description is therefore omitted.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for the control of the long format or overlength processing of the central unit according to FIG. 6.

First, the write start address of the memory for the image data is set to Y and the last write address to X, after which the respective eight higher or higher bits than Y1 and X1 are used (step S21). X1-Y1 is calculated to determine the amount of image data (step S22). Then, it is determined whether X1-Y1 is above FB (16) or less (step S23), where FB (16) is the division threshold which indicates whether the image data is on a single normal size recording paper (A4 size in this example) can be recorded or not. If the difference value is less than FB (16), the data can be recorded on a single normal size recording paper so that Y1 is output to the memory as eight higher bits of the read start address or record start address in the memory (step S33). Then, the read clock signals are output to the memory (step S34). The image data are read out of the memory and printed out in synchronism with the read clock signals. It is then determined whether the detection signal for the detection of the page end signal EOP has been entered or not (step S35). When the detection signal is input, the output of the read clock signals is canceled (step S36), and thus the reading and printing of the image data is ended. If X1-Y1 is higher than FB (16), the image data cannot be recorded on a single normal format recording paper, so that the long format or overlength processing, namely the split recording processing, is carried out. Thereafter, eight higher bits or upper bits of the head address of the line for overlength processing, namely, the start address for recording on the second recording paper L _{1 are} calculated. That is, the sum L ₁ = FA (16) + Y1 is first calculated from FA (16) and Y1, with all 16 lower or lower bits becoming "0" (step S24). The read start address is output to the memory Y1 as eight higher or upper bits (step S25), after which the read clock signals are output (step S26). Then, the image data is read out and it is checked whether the eight higher bits of the address have become Y1 + FB (16) or not (step S27). If the bits are Y1 + FB (16), the image data can no longer be recorded on the one recording paper, so that the output of the read clock signals is terminated (step S28). In order to record the data on the second recording paper, the value L ₁ is again output to the memory as eight higher or upper bits of the read start address (step S29), after which the read clock signals are output (step S30), thereby reading and printing out the image data is resumed. It is then checked whether the EOP detection signal has been input or not (step S31). If the detection signal is input, the output of the clock signals is stopped and printing is completed (step S32).

In this embodiment, the eight were worth higher bits of the address of the header of a respective one Controlled scan line of the image data, but exists at the image processing device according to the invention none Restriction to the header bit; rather, the address of any number controlled bit will.

On the other hand, those described above have been Exemplary embodiments with regard to the facsimile device described, but the image processing according to the invention beitungseinrichtung also applicable to a device at the image data are read out and printed out, which in an electronic file or the like are. That is, from a control data group for a memory cherplatte or storage disc is detected from which Sector up to which sector the image data for a single page in a storage material like an opti or light recording disk or same as an electronic file are; this can result from the number of sectors used are determined whether the image data on a recording paper of a predetermined size may or may not be.  

Furthermore, the image data can also be or overlength processing on a recording paper recorded in such a format that the image data sufficiently on a single Recording paper can be recorded. In the In practice, this means that the format of the record paper in a cassette inserted in the printer and with the format data for the data to be transmitted or Data to be printed is compared, which determines whether the width for recording the data for a single line is big enough or not. If recording is possible, the writing becomes address of the image data stored in the memory and the amount of image data checked (namely the number of scan lines). A distinction is then made as to whether the Length of the recording paper for recording all Lines is sufficient or not. This investigation or distinctions are made with regard to all in Printer used formats of recording paper performed. If not a cassette with paper from the appropriate format is used, the previous Long format or overlength processing described executed.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a circuit for the above operations. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the control for these operations. For example, by performing the above processing operations, even in the case where data sent is slightly larger than the data for A4 size recording paper, it is possible to accurately record the data on B4 size recording paper.

Furthermore, the above-described embodiments  Examples of a receiver-side Image memory explained, but the invention Design in the same way on a transmitter side Memory can be applied. That is, instead of broadcasting the data to the printer, the data can be transferred via a transmission line to be sent.

An image processing device has an image memory, in which uncompressed image data is stored, one Detector for detecting the storage locations in the Image memory stored image data, a difference circuit for a detection signal from the detector corresponding distinction whether the image data on a single normal size recording paper can be drawn or not, a laser beam printer for printing out the image data and a control unit direction for controlling this printer in such a way that then when the image data is not on a single order Drawing paper can be recorded the picture data according to the decision result of the sub divider circuit divided into two or more Sheets of recording paper can be printed out. The Detector detects the values of m higher bits of one Write end address of those stored in the image memory Image data. The control device performs depending on the amount of image data stored in the memory and from the Format of the recording paper an excess length processing tung from.

Claims (8)

1. Facsimile machine with

• a) a transmission device for sending and receiving image data,
• b) a storage device for storing image data to be sent or received, corresponding to at least one page, and
• c) an output device for outputting the image data stored in the storage device in order to record it on a recording sheet,

marked by

• a) a determining device for determining whether or not the image data corresponding to a page stored in the storage device can be recorded on a single recording sheet with a size assigned to the size of the page represented by the image data, or not,
• b) where if it is determined by means of the determination device that the image data cannot be completely recorded on the individual recording sheet,
  • 1. the image data is recorded on a larger recording sheet when a larger recording sheet is available, or
  • 2. be recorded on a plurality of recording sheets when no larger recording sheets are available.

2. facsimile machine according to claim 1, characterized in that that a control device for controlling the reading start po sition of the image data provided in the storage device is. 3. facsimile machine according to claim 1, characterized in that that the determining device based on the quantity the image data of a single one in the storage device stored page determines whether the image data on a single recording sheet can be recorded. 4. facsimile machine according to claim 1, characterized in that that the determination device is based on both the size of the image data indicating data, as well as on the Based on the size of a recording sheet Data determines whether the image data is on a record sheet can be recorded. 5. Facsimile procedure with

• a) a transmission step in which image data are sent or received,
• b) a storage step in which transmitted or received image data corresponding to at least one page are stored, and
• c) an output step in which the image data stored in the storage device are output for recording on a recording sheet,

marked by

• a) a determination step in which it is determined whether or not the image data corresponding to one page and stored in the storage device can be recorded on a single recording sheet with a size assigned to the size of the page represented by the image data, or not,
• b) where if it is determined by means of the determination device that the image data cannot be completely recorded on the individual recording sheet,
  • 1. the image data is recorded on a larger recording sheet when a larger recording sheet is available, or
  • 2. be recorded on a plurality of recording sheets when no larger recording sheets are available.

6. facsimile method according to claim 5, characterized through a control step in which the reading start position on the image data stored in the storage device is determined. 7. facsimile method according to claim 5, characterized records that the determination step is based on the Amount of image data of a single one, in the memory towards the saved page. 8. facsimile method according to claim 5, characterized records that the determination step is based on both lay of the data determining the size of the image data as also based on the size of a record sheet-determining data is carried out.