EP0481852A2 - Electrophotographic copying machine and method for detecting density of original image thereof - Google Patents
Electrophotographic copying machine and method for detecting density of original image thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0481852A2 EP0481852A2 EP91402706A EP91402706A EP0481852A2 EP 0481852 A2 EP0481852 A2 EP 0481852A2 EP 91402706 A EP91402706 A EP 91402706A EP 91402706 A EP91402706 A EP 91402706A EP 0481852 A2 EP0481852 A2 EP 0481852A2
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- original
- light
- detecting
- image
- copying machine
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
- G03G15/5025—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control by measuring the original characteristics, e.g. contrast, density
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an electrophotographic copying machine which automatically exposes an original and a method for automatically detecting density of an original image.
- an electrophotographic copying machine comprising detecting means for detecting an original image density by scanning an original before a copy is taken, inputting means for specifying a desired region where the original image density is detected by the detecting means; exposing means for exposing the original with an amount of light corresponding to the detected original image density at the time of copying, converting means for converting light from the exposed original to image light, a photoconductor receiving the image light and forming an electrostatic latent image, a developer for developing the electrostatic latent image of the photoconductor using toner, and a transcriber for transferring the developed image to paper.
- the detecting means may further read image data from the original and the converting means may comprise means for converting the image data to the image light.
- the inputting means may comprise selecting means for selecting a desired region from among a plurality of previously set regions.
- the inputting means is preferably means for specifying a length and width of a desired region.
- the exposing means preferably exposes the original with a light amount corresponding to an average value of the original image density detected by the detecting means.
- the detecting means may comprise a light receiving element array or a single light receiving element.
- a method for detecting density of an original image in an electrophotographic copying machine in which a copy is taken by exposing the original with an amount of light corresponding to the original image density comprising the steps of specifying a desired region where the original image density is detected, detecting the original image density in the specified region by scanning the original before copying operation and exposing the original with a light amount corresponding to the detected original image density at the time of copying.
- the step of specifying the region may further comprise the step of selecting a desired region from among a plurality of previously set regions.
- Fig. 1 is a view showing a structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a view showing a main part of the structure shown in Fig. 1.
- Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- Figs. 4(A) and 4(B) are flowcharts for describing operation in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 5 is a view showing a main part of a structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to Fig. 2.
- Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- Figs. 7(A) and 7(B) are flowcharts for describing operation in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 8 is a view showing a structure in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
- Figs. 10(A) and 10(B) are flowcharts for describing operation in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 1 is a view showing a structure of a digital electrophotographic copying machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
- reference numerals 1 and 2 designate original platens
- reference numerals 3a and 3b designate front feed-rollers
- reference numeral 4 designates a middle feed-roller
- reference numerals 5a and 5b designate rear feed-rollers
- reference numeral 6 designates a switch for detecting the front end of an original
- reference numeral 7 designates a switch for detecting the rear end of the original
- reference numeral 8 designates a contact glass for supporting the original
- reference numeral 9 designates an exposure lamp for exposing the original
- reference numeral 10 designates a mirror for guiding reflected light from the original irradiated by the exposure lamp 9 to an imaging lens
- reference numeral 12 designates a light receiving sensor which receives image light from the lens 11.
- this light receiving sensor 12 is a light receiving element array comprising a multiple of light receiving elements, which
- reference numeral 13 designates a photosensitive drum
- reference numeral 14 designates an LED head for writing image data detected by the light receiving sensor 12 on the photosensitive drum 13 as an electrostatic latent image
- reference numeral 15 designates a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image written in the photosensitive drum 13.
- reference numeral 16 designates a paper inlet
- reference numeral 17 designates an insertion roller for paper
- reference numeral 18 designates a resist roller which determines feeding timing of the paper inserted by the insertion roller 17 and then feeds the paper
- reference numeral 19 designates front transfer-roller
- reference numeral 20 designates a front transfer-guide part
- reference numeral 21 designates a transfer charger
- reference numeral 22 designates a separating charger
- reference numeral 23 designates a carrying guide plate
- reference numeral 24 designates a fixing device
- reference numeral 25 designates a cleaning part for cleaning the photosensitive drum 13
- reference numeral 26 designates a charger for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 13.
- Fig. 2 is a view showing a main part of the copying machine shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, image light from the original is reflected by the mirror 10 and received by the light receiving sensor 12 through the imaging lens 11.
- Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the copying machine shown in Fig. 1.
- reference numeral R1 designates a control part housing a microcomputer therein
- reference numeral K1 designates a key through which either automatic exposure or manual exposure is selected
- reference numerals K2a and K2b designate input keys for inputting a length and a width of a region of the original whose density is to be detected, respectively
- reference character E designates a control circuit for controlling an amount of light from the exposure lump 9
- reference character M designates a scanning motor for driving the front feed-rollers 3a and 3b, the middle feed-roller 4 and the rear feed-rollers 5a and 5b
- reference character D designates a scanning motor control circuit for controlling the scanning motor M
- reference character H designates a clutch for transmitting turning force of the scanning motor M to each feed-roller, which controls a copy operation part C, the light amount control circuit E, the scanning motor control circuit D and the original clutch H in response to outputs
- Figs. 4(A) and 4(B) show flowcharts for describing the operation of the above structure.
- "automatic exposure” is selected by the key K1 in step 101 and desired length and width of the density detecting region of the original are input by the keys Ka1 and Ka2 in steps 102 and 103.
- operation for detecting density is started in step 104. More specifically, when the original is inserted from the original platen 1 and the switch 6 is turned on, the original clutch H, the scanning motor M and the exposure lamp 9 are turned on in step 106.
- a timer housed in the control part R for measuring a moving distance of the original in the feeding direction starts counting in step 108.
- the control part R1 starts detecting the density of the original image by the light receiving sensor 12 in steps 109 and 110.
- the control part R1 completes image density detecting operation of the light receiving sensor 12 in step 112.
- the control part R1 averages the density of the original image and decides the amount of light from the exposure lamp 9 in step 113.
- the original clutch H, the scanning motor M and the exposure lamp 9 are turned off in step 114.
- the original clutch H is turned on and the scanning motor M is reversed and then the original is sent in a direction shown by an arrow A in step 115.
- the original is sent in the direction shown by the arrow B until the switch 7 and the original select switch 6 are both turned off in steps 116 and 117.
- the original clutch H and the scanning motor M are turned off.
- the original is returned to the original platen 1 and can be in a state capable of being copied in step 119.
- only a light receiving element of the light receiving sensor 12 in a range corresponding to the width of the original set by the key K2b detects the image density.
- the light receiving sensor 12 serves as both an image density detecting sensor and an original image data detecting sensor.
- the original is irradiated by the exposure lamp 9 and then the light receiving sensor 12 receives the image light from the original and then converts it to image data.
- This image data is written in the photosensitive drum 13 as an electrostatic latent image by the LED head 14 and developed by the developer 15.
- the developed image is transferred to the paper by the transfer charger 21 and the transferred paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 13 by the separating charger 22, fixed at the fixing device 24 and then discharged.
- the original image density of the region which is manually set according to user's preference is automatically detected, whereby the amount of exposure of the exposure lamp 9 can be automatically controlled while copying operation is performed. As a result, it is possible to take a copy having image density which is desired by the user.
- Fig. 5 is a view showing a structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to Fig. 2.
- the light receiving sensor 12 shown in Fig. 1 comprises three light receiving sensors (for example CCD sensors) 12a, 12b and 12c which separately receive image light reflected by the mirror 10 through imaging lenses 11a, 11b and 11c, respectively.
- Other structure is the same as that shown in Fig. 1.
- Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- reference numeral R2 designates a control part housing a microcomputer therein
- reference numeral K3 designates a select key for selecting the light receiving sensor for detecting the density of the original image from among three sensors 12a, 12b and 12c.
- Other respects are the same as those shown in Fig. 3.
- Figs. 7(A) and 7(B) are flowcharts for describing operation of the structure in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- " automatic exposure " is selected by the key K1 in step 201 and then a range for detecting the original image density in the original feeding direction is input from the key A2 in step 202.
- the sensor for detecting the original image density is selected from among the light receiving sensors 12a, 12b and 12c by the key K3 in step 203.
- the original is scanned in steps 204 to 207.
- the timer housed in the control part R2 for detecting a position of the original in the feeding direction starts counting in step 211.
- the original reaches the starting position of the image density detection, which was input by the key K2, in step 212, the original image density is detected by the selected light receiving sensor in step 213.
- the detecting operation of the original image density by the light receiving sensor is completed in step 215.
- the following operations in steps 217 to 222 are the same as those in steps 113 to 119 shown in Fig. 4(B).
- the original is irradiated with an amount of light of the exposure lamp 9 corresponding to the original image density detected by any one of light receiving sensors 12a to 12c as described above.
- image data having density corresponding to an amount of irradiation of the exposure lamp 9 is detected by three light receiving sensors 12a to 12c.
- the image data detected by each light receiving sensor is composed in the control part R2 and output to the copy operation part C. More specifically, the image data is written in the photosensitive drum 13 by the LED head 14 and transferred to the paper in the same manner as in the first embodiment of the present invention.
- a region in a longitudinal direction (feeding direction) of the original can be optionally set and the region in the width direction of the original can be selected corresponding to any one of the light receiving sensors 12a to 12c, the original image density of the region the user specified can be detected and a copy is taken on the basis of the detected density.
- Fig. 8 is a view showing an analog electrophotographic copying machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
- reference numeral 27 designates an imaging lens for forming an image on the photosensitive drum 13 with image light from the original irradiated by the exposure lamp 9
- reference numeral 28 designates a light receiving sensor comprising a single light receiving element (for example, phototransistor), which receives a part of image light from the original irradiated by the exposure lamp 9 and others are the same as in Fig. 1.
- Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the electrophotographic copying machine shown in Fig. 8.
- reference numeral R3 designates a control part housing a microcomputer, which receives outputs from the switch 6 for detecting the front end of the original, the switch 7 for detecting the rear end of the original, the light receiving sensor 27, the automatic exposure/manual exposure select key K1 and the input key K2a for inputting the original image density detecting length and outputs them to the original clutch H, the copy operation part C, the light amount control circuit E and the scanning motor control circuit D.
- Figs. 10(A) and 10(B) are flowcharts for describing the operation of the above structure.
- "automatic exposure" is selected by the key k1 in step 301.
- a length for detecting the original image density (a range in the original feeding direction) is input from the key K2a in steps 302 and 303, scanning operation is started in steps 304 to 307 in the same manner as in the above embodiments of the present invention.
- the timer housed in the control part R3 for detecting a position of the original in the feeding direction starts counting in step 308.
- the light receiving sensor 27 starts detecting the original image density in step 310. Then. when the original moves by a predetermined length input from the key K2a in step 311, the light receiving sensor 27 completes the operation for detecting the original image density in step 312. Then, average value of the image density detected by the light receiving element 27 is calculated and then an amount of light of the exposure lamp 9 at the time of copying operation is determined in step 313. Then, the original is returned to the original platen 1 in the same manner as in the above embodiments of the present invention and then can be in a state capable of being copied in steps 314 to 319.
- the original is sent from the original platen 1 to the original platen 2.
- the original is irradiated by the exposure lamp 9 and then the image light from the original forms an image on the photosensitive drum 13 through the imaging lens 27.
- an electrostatic latent image is formed by the formed image light.
- the image is transferred to the paper which is inserted from the paper inlet 16.
- the region where the original image density is detected can be optionally set in the original feeding direction, it is possible to obtain a copy having density according to user's preference
- the region for detecting the original image density is input from the key in the above embodiments of the present invention, other means, for example tablet card may be used.
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- Control Of Exposure In Printing And Copying (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an electrophotographic copying machine which automatically exposes an original and a method for automatically detecting density of an original image.
- Conventionally, in such an electrophotographic copying machine, data obtained by scanning a region having a constant width and a predetermined length from an end of an original by a density detector is regarded as density of an original image.
- However, in the conventional copying machine, even if there is a region having an extremely high or low density in the original image, the density in that region is detected as density of the whole original. Therefore, when a copy is taken on the basis of the detected data, a copy image has density which is not desired by the user.
- According to the invention, there is provided an electrophotographic copying machine comprising detecting means for detecting an original image density by scanning an original before a copy is taken, inputting means for specifying a desired region where the original image density is detected by the detecting means; exposing means for exposing the original with an amount of light corresponding to the detected original image density at the time of copying, converting means for converting light from the exposed original to image light, a photoconductor receiving the image light and forming an electrostatic latent image, a developer for developing the electrostatic latent image of the photoconductor using toner, and a transcriber for transferring the developed image to paper.
- The detecting means may further read image data from the original and the converting means may comprise means for converting the image data to the image light.
- The inputting means may comprise selecting means for selecting a desired region from among a plurality of previously set regions.
- The inputting means is preferably means for specifying a length and width of a desired region.
- The exposing means preferably exposes the original with a light amount corresponding to an average value of the original image density detected by the detecting means.
- The detecting means may comprise a light receiving element array or a single light receiving element.
- Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting density of an original image in an electrophotographic copying machine in which a copy is taken by exposing the original with an amount of light corresponding to the original image density, the method comprising the steps of specifying a desired region where the original image density is detected, detecting the original image density in the specified region by scanning the original before copying operation and exposing the original with a light amount corresponding to the detected original image density at the time of copying.
- The step of specifying the region may further comprise the step of selecting a desired region from among a plurality of previously set regions.
- Fig. 1 is a view showing a structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a view showing a main part of the structure shown in Fig. 1.
- Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- Figs. 4(A) and 4(B) are flowcharts for describing operation in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 5 is a view showing a main part of a structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to Fig. 2.
- Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- Figs. 7(A) and 7(B) are flowcharts for describing operation in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 8 is a view showing a structure in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
- Figs. 10(A) and 10(B) are flowcharts for describing operation in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
- First to third embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the drawings hereinafter. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, the same reference is allotted to common components in the first to third embodiments of the present invention.
- Fig. 1 is a view showing a structure of a digital electrophotographic copying machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1,
reference numerals reference numerals reference numeral 4 designates a middle feed-roller,reference numerals reference numeral 6 designates a switch for detecting the front end of an original,reference numeral 7 designates a switch for detecting the rear end of the original,reference numeral 8 designates a contact glass for supporting the original,reference numeral 9 designates an exposure lamp for exposing the original,reference numeral 10 designates a mirror for guiding reflected light from the original irradiated by theexposure lamp 9 to animaging lens 11, andreference numeral 12 designates a light receiving sensor which receives image light from thelens 11. In addition, thislight receiving sensor 12 is a light receiving element array comprising a multiple of light receiving elements, which is, for example a CCD sensor. - In addition,
reference numeral 13 designates a photosensitive drum,reference numeral 14 designates an LED head for writing image data detected by thelight receiving sensor 12 on thephotosensitive drum 13 as an electrostatic latent image andreference numeral 15 designates a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image written in thephotosensitive drum 13. Further,reference numeral 16 designates a paper inlet,reference numeral 17 designates an insertion roller for paper,reference numeral 18 designates a resist roller which determines feeding timing of the paper inserted by theinsertion roller 17 and then feeds the paper,reference numeral 19 designates front transfer-roller,reference numeral 20 designates a front transfer-guide part,reference numeral 21 designates a transfer charger,reference numeral 22 designates a separating charger,reference numeral 23 designates a carrying guide plate,reference numeral 24 designates a fixing device,reference numeral 25 designates a cleaning part for cleaning thephotosensitive drum 13, andreference numeral 26 designates a charger for uniformly charging thephotosensitive drum 13. Fig. 2 is a view showing a main part of the copying machine shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, image light from the original is reflected by themirror 10 and received by thelight receiving sensor 12 through theimaging lens 11. - Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the copying machine shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, reference numeral R1 designates a control part housing a microcomputer therein, reference numeral K1 designates a key through which either automatic exposure or manual exposure is selected, reference numerals K2a and K2b designate input keys for inputting a length and a width of a region of the original whose density is to be detected, respectively, reference character E designates a control circuit for controlling an amount of light from the
exposure lump 9, reference character M designates a scanning motor for driving the front feed-rollers roller 4 and the rear feed-rollers switches light receiving sensor 12 and the input keys K1, K2a and K2b. - Figs. 4(A) and 4(B) show flowcharts for describing the operation of the above structure. First, "automatic exposure" is selected by the key K1 in
step 101 and desired length and width of the density detecting region of the original are input by the keys Ka1 and Ka2 insteps step 104. More specifically, when the original is inserted from theoriginal platen 1 and theswitch 6 is turned on, the original clutch H, the scanning motor M and theexposure lamp 9 are turned on instep 106. Then, when the original is sent in a direction shown by an arrow A and theswitch 7 is turned on instep 107, a timer (housed in the control part R) for measuring a moving distance of the original in the feeding direction starts counting instep 108. Then, when the front end of the specified region reaches the middle feed-roller 4, the control part R1 starts detecting the density of the original image by thelight receiving sensor 12 insteps roller 4 instep 111, the control part R1 completes image density detecting operation of thelight receiving sensor 12 instep 112. Then, the control part R1 averages the density of the original image and decides the amount of light from theexposure lamp 9 instep 113. Next, the original clutch H, the scanning motor M and theexposure lamp 9 are turned off instep 114. Then, the original clutch H is turned on and the scanning motor M is reversed and then the original is sent in a direction shown by an arrow A instep 115. The original is sent in the direction shown by the arrow B until theswitch 7 and the originalselect switch 6 are both turned off insteps original platen 1 and can be in a state capable of being copied instep 119. In addition, in the above operation, only a light receiving element of thelight receiving sensor 12 in a range corresponding to the width of the original set by the key K2b detects the image density. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, thelight receiving sensor 12 serves as both an image density detecting sensor and an original image data detecting sensor. In copying operation after thestep 119, the original is irradiated by theexposure lamp 9 and then thelight receiving sensor 12 receives the image light from the original and then converts it to image data. This image data is written in thephotosensitive drum 13 as an electrostatic latent image by theLED head 14 and developed by thedeveloper 15. The developed image is transferred to the paper by thetransfer charger 21 and the transferred paper is separated from thephotosensitive drum 13 by the separatingcharger 22, fixed at thefixing device 24 and then discharged. Thus, the original image density of the region which is manually set according to user's preference is automatically detected, whereby the amount of exposure of theexposure lamp 9 can be automatically controlled while copying operation is performed. As a result, it is possible to take a copy having image density which is desired by the user. - Fig. 5 is a view showing a structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 5, the
light receiving sensor 12 shown in Fig. 1 comprises three light receiving sensors (for example CCD sensors) 12a, 12b and 12c which separately receive image light reflected by themirror 10 throughimaging lenses - Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 6, reference numeral R2 designates a control part housing a microcomputer therein, reference numeral K3 designates a select key for selecting the light receiving sensor for detecting the density of the original image from among three
sensors - Figs. 7(A) and 7(B) are flowcharts for describing operation of the structure in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. First, " automatic exposure " is selected by the key K1 in
step 201 and then a range for detecting the original image density in the original feeding direction is input from the key A2 instep 202. Then, the sensor for detecting the original image density is selected from among thelight receiving sensors step 203. Then, similar to the first embodiment of the present invention, the original is scanned insteps 204 to 207. When at least one light receiving sensor is selected insteps step 211. When the original reaches the starting position of the image density detection, which was input by the key K2, instep 212, the original image density is detected by the selected light receiving sensor instep 213. Then, when the original image density in a range of the original in the feeding direction input by the key K2 is detected instep 214, the detecting operation of the original image density by the light receiving sensor is completed in step 215. The following operations in steps 217 to 222 are the same as those insteps 113 to 119 shown in Fig. 4(B). Then, in the copying operation, the original is irradiated with an amount of light of theexposure lamp 9 corresponding to the original image density detected by any one oflight receiving sensors 12a to 12c as described above. Then, image data having density corresponding to an amount of irradiation of theexposure lamp 9 is detected by threelight receiving sensors 12a to 12c. The image data detected by each light receiving sensor is composed in the control part R2 and output to the copy operation part C. More specifically, the image data is written in thephotosensitive drum 13 by theLED head 14 and transferred to the paper in the same manner as in the first embodiment of the present invention. - As described above, according to this embodiment of the present invention, since a region in a longitudinal direction (feeding direction) of the original can be optionally set and the region in the width direction of the original can be selected corresponding to any one of the
light receiving sensors 12a to 12c, the original image density of the region the user specified can be detected and a copy is taken on the basis of the detected density. - Fig. 8 is a view showing an analog electrophotographic copying machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 8,
reference numeral 27 designates an imaging lens for forming an image on thephotosensitive drum 13 with image light from the original irradiated by theexposure lamp 9,reference numeral 28 designates a light receiving sensor comprising a single light receiving element (for example, phototransistor), which receives a part of image light from the original irradiated by theexposure lamp 9 and others are the same as in Fig. 1. - Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the electrophotographic copying machine shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 9, reference numeral R3 designates a control part housing a microcomputer, which receives outputs from the
switch 6 for detecting the front end of the original, theswitch 7 for detecting the rear end of the original, thelight receiving sensor 27, the automatic exposure/manual exposure select key K1 and the input key K2a for inputting the original image density detecting length and outputs them to the original clutch H, the copy operation part C, the light amount control circuit E and the scanning motor control circuit D. - Figs. 10(A) and 10(B) are flowcharts for describing the operation of the above structure. First, "automatic exposure" is selected by the key k1 in
step 301. Then, when a length for detecting the original image density (a range in the original feeding direction) is input from the key K2a insteps steps 304 to 307 in the same manner as in the above embodiments of the present invention. Then, the timer (housed in the control part R3) for detecting a position of the original in the feeding direction starts counting instep 308. Then, when the original reaches the position where the original image density detecting is started, which is input by the key K2a, instep 309, thelight receiving sensor 27 starts detecting the original image density instep 310. Then. when the original moves by a predetermined length input from the key K2a instep 311, thelight receiving sensor 27 completes the operation for detecting the original image density instep 312. Then, average value of the image density detected by thelight receiving element 27 is calculated and then an amount of light of theexposure lamp 9 at the time of copying operation is determined instep 313. Then, the original is returned to theoriginal platen 1 in the same manner as in the above embodiments of the present invention and then can be in a state capable of being copied insteps 314 to 319. Then, when the copying operation is started by the copy operation part C, the original is sent from theoriginal platen 1 to theoriginal platen 2. At the same time, the original is irradiated by theexposure lamp 9 and then the image light from the original forms an image on thephotosensitive drum 13 through theimaging lens 27. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed by the formed image light. Thereafter, similar to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the image is transferred to the paper which is inserted from thepaper inlet 16. - Thus, since the region where the original image density is detected can be optionally set in the original feeding direction, it is possible to obtain a copy having density according to user's preference
- In addition, although the region for detecting the original image density is input from the key in the above embodiments of the present invention, other means, for example tablet card may be used.
- According to the present invention, since density of any region in the original can be detected and accordingly automatic exposure copy is taken, it is possible to obtain a copy according to user's preference.
- While only certain presently preferred embodiments have been described in detail, as will be apparent with those skilled in the art, certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (9)
- An electrophotographic copying machine comprising:- detecting means (12,12a,12b,12c;27) for detecting an original image density by scanning an original before a copy is taken;- inputting (6,7) means for specifying a desired region where the original image density is detected by the detecting means;- exposing means (9) for exposing the original with an amount of light corresponding to the detected original image density at the time of copying;- converting means (10) for converting light from the exposed original to image light;- a photoconductor (13) receiving the image light and forming an electrostatic latent image;- a developper (15) for developing the electrostatic latent image of the photoconductor using toner; and- a transcriber (14) for transferring the developed image to paper.
- An electrophotographic copying machine as set forth in Claim 1, wherein the detecting means further read image data from the original and the converting means comprises means for converting the image data to the image light.
- An electrophotographic copying machine as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said inputting means comprises selecting means for selecting a desired region from among a plurality of previously set regions.
- An electrophotographic copying machine as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said inputting means is means for specifying a length and width of a desired region.
- An electrophotographic copying machine as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said exposing means exposes the original with a light amount corresponding to an average value of the original image density detected by the detecting means.
- An electrophotographic copying machine as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said detecting means comprises a light receiving element array (12a,126,12c).
- An electrophotographic copying machine as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said detecting means comprises a single light receiving element (12).
- A method for detecting density of an original image in an electrophotographic copying machine in which a copy is taken by exposing original with an amount of light corresponding to the original image density, said method comprising the steps of:- specifying a desired region where the original image density is detected;- detecting the original image density in the specified region by scanning the original before copying operation; and- exposing the original with a light amount corresponding to the detected original image density at the time of copying.
- A method for detecting density of original as set forth in Claim 8, wherein said step of specifying the region further comprises the step of selecting a desired region from among a plurality of previously set regions.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2282742A JPH04156568A (en) | 1990-10-19 | 1990-10-19 | Method of detecting density of document |
JP282742/90 | 1990-10-19 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0481852A2 true EP0481852A2 (en) | 1992-04-22 |
EP0481852A3 EP0481852A3 (en) | 1993-03-10 |
Family
ID=17656463
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19910402706 Withdrawn EP0481852A3 (en) | 1990-10-19 | 1991-10-10 | Electrophotographic copying machine and method for detecting density of original image thereof |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0481852A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH04156568A (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4200391A (en) * | 1977-08-26 | 1980-04-29 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Electrostatographic apparatus comprising document density sensing means |
JPS5942551A (en) * | 1982-09-03 | 1984-03-09 | Canon Inc | Image forming device |
JPS6026367A (en) * | 1983-07-22 | 1985-02-09 | Canon Inc | Image controller |
JPS61121069A (en) * | 1984-11-16 | 1986-06-09 | Minolta Camera Co Ltd | Automatic exposure device |
US4662738A (en) * | 1983-07-13 | 1987-05-05 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Density detecting apparatus which detects image density according to document size |
US4711554A (en) * | 1985-12-13 | 1987-12-08 | Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha | Scanning type copying machine |
-
1990
- 1990-10-19 JP JP2282742A patent/JPH04156568A/en active Pending
-
1991
- 1991-10-10 EP EP19910402706 patent/EP0481852A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4200391A (en) * | 1977-08-26 | 1980-04-29 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Electrostatographic apparatus comprising document density sensing means |
JPS5942551A (en) * | 1982-09-03 | 1984-03-09 | Canon Inc | Image forming device |
US4662738A (en) * | 1983-07-13 | 1987-05-05 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Density detecting apparatus which detects image density according to document size |
JPS6026367A (en) * | 1983-07-22 | 1985-02-09 | Canon Inc | Image controller |
JPS61121069A (en) * | 1984-11-16 | 1986-06-09 | Minolta Camera Co Ltd | Automatic exposure device |
US4711554A (en) * | 1985-12-13 | 1987-12-08 | Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha | Scanning type copying machine |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 10, no. 308 (P-508)(2364) 21 October 1986 & JP-A-61 121 069 ( MINOLTA CAMERA CO LTD ) 9 June 1986 * |
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 8, no. 144 (P-284)(1581) 5 July 1984 & JP-A-59 042 551 ( CANON K.K. ) 9 March 1984 * |
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 9, no. 148 (P-366)(1871) 22 June 1985 & JP-A-60 026 367 ( CANON K.K. ) 9 February 1985 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH04156568A (en) | 1992-05-29 |
EP0481852A3 (en) | 1993-03-10 |
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