JP2000261656A - Image processor and image processing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly and accurately generate images arranged at desired intervals on the same face with a simple operation by arranging plural read original images part from each other by prescribed width, based on the set image intervals. SOLUTION: When a cover mode key 1004a is depressed to select a backbone mode by an operator, the display screen of a display part 1005 is changed to an original size setting screen, to request the input of an original size to be read as a cover to a user. When the user inputs the size of the cover from the candidate of the original size of an original size selection key, selects and depresses an 'OK' key, the display screen of the display part 1005 is changed to a sheet feeding stage selection screen. When the user designates a sheet feeding stage from a sheet feeding stage selection key, and depresses the 'OK' key, the display of the display part 1005 is changed to a backbone width input screen, then the user designates the backbone width by a backbone key. Then, the cover in which any image is not printed at the backbone part is prepared, based on the inputted original size, sheet size and backbone width or the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for performing predetermined processing on a read image and outputting the processed image, and an image processing method of the image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent increase in the speed of copiers, conventional copiers can print a large number of copies, and can easily create a small number of pamphlets and bookbinding. As described above, when the above-described pamphlet or book is created by the conventional copying machine, a cover sheet is output in advance, and the output result of printing the text and the like on the cover sheet is inserted to perform bookbinding. Many methods are used.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional image processing apparatus, there is a problem that when a sheet of contents is sandwiched between the covers, the portion corresponding to the spine is an image portion due to the thickness of the recording sheet. there were.

[0004] Further, when a desired image interval (a gap considering the thickness of the contents) corresponding to the spine is provided between two images corresponding to the front cover and the back cover to form a cover, etc. In addition, a complicated work of creating a cover from an original manuscript created by a precise manual placement operation has been performed. In such a manual arranging operation, there is a problem that arranging a plurality of images at an accurate image interval is extremely difficult and takes time.

Further, when it is desired to change the image interval of a plurality of images because the thickness of the contents sandwiched between the covers has changed, or when only one image needs to be changed because the user wants to change only the cover original. In addition, the original manuscript must be recreated from scratch by the above-described precise arrangement work, and there is a problem that a great deal of labor and time is required for each change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to set an image interval for separately arranging a plurality of original images to be read on the same surface. Based on the set image interval, image reading control is performed on a memory so that a plurality of document images to be read are separated and arranged by a predetermined width, so that a plurality of document images are separated and arranged on the same surface. Set the image spacing for
An image processing apparatus and an image processing method for an image processing apparatus capable of quickly and accurately generating an image in which a plurality of document images are arranged at desired intervals on the same surface by a simple operation of reading each document image It is to provide.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reading means (image scanner 22 shown in FIG. 2) for reading a document image, and a storage means for storing image information read from the reading means ( An image memory 209 shown in FIG. 3) and setting means for setting an image interval for separately arranging a plurality of document images read by the reading means on the same surface (a diagram displayed on the display unit 1005 shown in FIG. 12). Spine cover width input screen 1300) shown in FIG.
Control means for controlling image development in the storage means so that a plurality of document images read by the reading means are separated by a predetermined width based on the image interval set by the setting means (see FIG. 2) CPU for controlling image development based on a control program stored in ROM 13
12).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a designating means for designating a recording medium size (a sheet feeding stage selection screen 1200 shown in FIG. 14 displayed on a display unit 1005 shown in FIG. 12).
And input means (an original size setting screen 1100 shown in FIG. 13 displayed on the display unit 1005 shown in FIG. 12) for inputting at least one original image size read from the reading means, and the control means comprises: A plurality of documents read by the reading unit based on the image interval set by the setting unit, a recording medium size specified by the specifying unit, and one or a plurality of document image sizes input by the input unit; The image development control is performed in the storage means so that the image is arranged at a predetermined position on the recording medium and separated by a predetermined width (CP based on a control program stored in ROM 13 shown in FIG. 2).
U12 controls image development).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output unit (printer unit 17 shown in FIG. 2) for outputting image information stored in the storage unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the reading means sequentially feeds a plurality of documents placed on a document table and reads a document image from each document (document feeding device not shown). (Feeder)).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the control means separates the plurality of original images read by the reading means by a predetermined width and arranges them in the storage means so as to be arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction. Control (ROM shown in FIG. 2)
13 based on the control program stored in the CPU 13.
Controls image development).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the control means may be configured to convert the read image information into a pixel block of a first predetermined number of pixels in a main scanning direction and a second predetermined number of pixels in a sub scanning direction. The image information is encoded and decoded for each divided pixel block (the ROM 1 shown in FIG. 2).
3 controls the encoder 12 based on the control program stored in the encoder 3 and the decoders 310a to 310a.
0d is encoded and decoded).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the control means can control one input address and a plurality of output addresses in the sub-scanning direction of the storage means (the address controller 218 shown in FIG. The input / output address can be controlled by the write Y counter 602 and the read Y counters 603 to 606 shown in FIG.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the output means includes a plurality of image forming units (photosensitive drums 125 to 125 shown in FIG. 1).
128, developing units 121 to 124, etc.) and a transport unit (including the registration roller 133, the transfer belt 134, the fixing unit 135, etc. shown in FIG. 1) for sequentially transporting the recording medium to the plurality of image forming units. Have

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the reading means optically reads the original image (optically reads the original image by the image scanner 22 shown in FIG. 2).

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting means (operation panel 13 shown in FIG. 2) for setting a processing mode for executing image development control to the storage means by the control means.
7 or the information processing device 3000).

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting step (step (2) in FIG. 20) for setting an image interval for separately arranging a plurality of original images on the same surface; A reading step for reading (steps (4) and (5) or steps (9) and (10) in FIG. 20);
An image developing step (step (4) in FIG. 20) of developing a plurality of document images read based on the set image interval into a memory so as to be separated by a predetermined width.
(5) or steps (9), (10)).

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Outline of Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a sectional view for explaining the arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a document table on which a document 102 to be read is placed. Reference numeral 103 denotes illumination, which irradiates light to the document 102 placed on the document table glass 101 and
The light reflected at 02 passes through mirrors 104, 105, and 106 and forms an image on a CCD by an optical system 107.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a first mirror unit.
04, illumination 103 and the like, and are mechanically driven by a motor 109 at a speed V in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Also,
111 is a second mirror unit, and mirrors 105 and 106
And the like, and the first speed is set to V / 2 by the motor 109.
It is driven in the same direction as the mirror unit 110. Thus, the first and second mirror units 110, 11
1 scans the entire surface of the document 102 (hereinafter, the first and second
The direction in which the second mirror units 110 and 111 are driven is the sub-scanning direction (or line direction), and the direction orthogonal to the driving directions of the first and second mirror units 110 and 111 is the main scanning direction (or pixel direction). Do).

Reference numeral 112 denotes an image processing circuit, and a CCD 108
The image information of the document 102 read by the above is processed as an electric signal by performing the processing shown in FIG. 3 described later to generate a print signal and output it to the semiconductor lasers 113 to 116.

Reference numerals 113, 114, 115, and 116 denote semiconductor lasers, which are driven based on a print signal output from the image processing circuit unit 112, and emit laser light emitted by the respective semiconductor lasers.
The photosensitive drum 12 is swung in the main scanning direction by 118, 119, and 120 and charged by a charger (not shown).
A latent image is formed on 5,126,127,128.

Reference numerals 121, 122, 123, and 124 denote developing units, which are photosensitive drums 1 using black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners, respectively.
The latent images formed on 25, 126, 127 and 128 are developed.

Reference numeral 134 denotes a transfer belt, and the paper cassette 12
9, 130, 131 and the manual feed tray 132, the sheet is conveyed by sucking the sheet conveyed through the registration roller 133. The latent image developed on the photosensitive drums 125, 126, 127, and 128 is transferred to the sheet transferred by the transfer belt 134 in synchronization with the photosensitive drums 125 to 128. The sheet on which the toner of each color has been transferred from the photosensitive drums 125 to 128 is separated from the transfer belt and conveyed. The toner is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 135 and is discharged to the discharge tray 136.

The photosensitive drums 125, 126, 1
Latent images are formed on the sheets 27 and 128 in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet, and the toner of each color is developed and the toner is transferred onto the sheet.

Reference numeral 137 denotes an operation panel for inputting various settings and displaying the status of the image processing apparatus. The detailed configuration of the operation panel 137 will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the image processing apparatus can be equipped with an automatic document feeder (feeder) not shown.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 can be applied.

In the figure, 3000 is an information processing device,
A CPU 1 capable of communicating data with the image processing apparatus 3000 based on a driver stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3 is provided. The CPU 1 controls each device connected to the system bus 4 as a whole.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like.
Various data are stored in the data ROM of the OM3. 2
Denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1.

5 is a keyboard controller (KBC)
Controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), and a CRT display (CRT) 1
The display of 0 is controlled. 7 is a memory controller (MC)
Controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing font data, user files, edited files, and the like.

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
And a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 2
3 connected to the printer 3000 via the printer 3
000 is executed.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing an outline font into a display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10.

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10, and executes various data processing.

In the image processing apparatus 1000, 12 is C
The PU comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. It receives image data from an image scanner 22 connected via an I / F unit 21 and outputs an image signal as output information to a printer unit 17 connected via a printing unit I / F 16. Further, a control program of the CPU 12 and the like are stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13.

Further, the font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 is used for an image processing apparatus having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk. Stores information used on the information processing apparatus 3000 and the like. The CPU 12 is capable of performing communication processing with the information processing device 3000 via the input unit 18 and configured to be able to notify the information processing device 3000 of information and the like in a program.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM functioning as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, which is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Note that RA
M19 is an output information development area, environment data storage area, N
Used for VRAM and the like. Hard disk, I
An external memory 14 such as a D card is a memory controller (M
C) Access is controlled by 20.

The printer section 17 includes the semiconductor lasers 113 to 116 and the polygon mirrors 117 to 12 shown in FIG.
0, developing units 121 to 124, photosensitive drums 125 to 12
8, paper cassettes 129 to 131, manual feed tray 13
2, a registration roller 133, a transfer belt 134, a fixing device 135, a paper output tray 136, and the like. The image scanner 22 includes the original table 101 and the optical system 10 shown in FIG.
7, a CCD 108, a motor 109, first and second mirror units 110 and 111, and the like.

The image processing circuit unit 112 includes the CPU 12, the ROM 13, the system bus 15,
It has not only the printing unit I / F 16, the input unit 18, the RAM 19, and the scanner I / F 21, but also the configuration shown in FIG.

[Configuration of Image Processing Circuit Unit] FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an example of processing on image information performed by the image processing circuit unit 112 shown in FIG.

In the figure, a CCD 108 is composed of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) CCD sensors, and RGB three-color analog signals output from each CCD sensor are A / D & S / H. The A / D & S / H unit 201 sends the signal to an analog amplifier and converts the signal into a digital signal by an A / D converter (analog-digital converter).
02 is output. At this time, the R and G signals are each delayed by the delay memory, and the spatial displacement of the three CCD sensors is corrected and output.

The output signal from the A / D & S / H unit 201 is subjected to shading correction (variation of a sensor (CDD 108) for reading a document and correction of light distribution characteristics of a document illumination lamp (illumination 103)) by a shading correction unit 202. Received, and then input masking unit 203 sets NT
SC (National Television Sy)
The signals are converted into RGB signals of a system committee (national television system committee). Reference numeral 204 denotes a first scaling unit, which scales the image signal in the main scanning direction, particularly at the time of enlargement. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is varied by controlling the driving speed of the mirror unit.

The image signal that has passed through the first scaling unit 204 is
The LOG conversion unit (luminance / density conversion unit) 205
The signal is converted to a CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) signal. Reference numeral 206 denotes a color space converter for converting the CMY signal into a lightness signal L and chromaticity signals a and b. Here, the L, a, b signals are signals representing the chromaticity components of the L, a, b space specified as an international standard by the CIE (International Commission on Illumination), and the L, a, b signals are shown below. It is calculated by equation (1).

[0043]

(Equation 1) Where αij (i, j = 1, 2, 3), X0, Y0,
Z0 is a constant. Here, X, Y, and Z are signals generated by the R, G, and B signals, and are calculated by the following equation (2). Where βij (i, j = 1,2,3,
4) is a constant.

[0044]

(Equation 2) An encoder 207 encodes an L signal as brightness information in units of 4 × 4 pixel blocks, and outputs the code L_code. Also, a and b signals of chromaticity information are encoded in units of 4 × 4 pixel blocks, and the code ab_code is output.

On the other hand, a feature extracting circuit 208 determines whether or not the pixel is a black signal. The circuit 208 includes a black pixel detecting circuit (not shown) and a character area detecting circuit. It is determined whether or not the inside of the 4 × 4 pixel block is a black pixel area. If the pixel is a character area by the character area detection circuit, the black determination signal becomes “1”. Outputs "0".

Reference numeral 209 denotes an image memory, which is an L_code signal which is a code of brightness information input from the encoder 207,
An ab_code signal which is a code of chromaticity information and a black determination signal K_code signal which is a result of feature extraction input from the feature extraction circuit 208 are stored. Image memory 209
The writing (reading) and reading of the data are controlled by the address controller 218 and the data controller 219. Reference numeral 250 denotes an image memory unit.
9, an address controller 218 and a data controller 219.

210a, 210b, 210c, 210d
Is a decoder, L_ read from the image memory 209.
The brightness information L signal is decoded by the code signal, and ab_
The chromaticity information a signal and the b signal are decoded by the code. Reference numerals 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d denote color space converters which convert the L, a, and b signals decoded by the decoders 210a to 210d into magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y), which are toner developing colors. ), Black (B
k) means for converting each component.

212a, 212b, 212c, 212d
Is a masking UCR unit. Masking UCR part 21
In the UCR section in 2a to 212d, B
Based on the equation of k = min (M, C, Y), the black signal Bk
Is generated. Further, the masking UCR units 212a-2
In the masking section within 12d, the black determination signal is “0”
That is, when the pixel is not a black signal, C, M, Y,
Each signal of Bk is multiplied by predetermined coefficients a1, a2, a3, and a4, and a sum-product operation represented by the following equation (3) is performed.

“(Output C, M, YorBk) = a1M + a2C + a3Y + a4Bk... (3)” When the black determination signal is “1”, that is, when the pixel is a black signal, each signal of C, M, Y, and Bk Are multiplied by different predetermined coefficients b1, b2, b3, and b4, and a sum-product operation represented by the following equation (4) is performed.

“(Output C, M, YorBk) = b1M + b2C + b3Y + b4Bk... (4)” 213a, 213b, 213c, and 213d are filter processing determination units. / OFF is determined, and the determination signal is sent to the filter processing units 214a to 214d. Reference numerals 214a, 214b, 214c, and 214d denote filter processing units which selectively perform spatial filtering on the decoded L, a, and b signals based on the determination results of the filter processing determination units 213a to 213d. This is a means for correcting.

Reference numeral 215 denotes a second scaling unit which scales the image signal in the main scanning direction, especially at the time of reduction. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is varied by controlling the driving speed of the mirror unit. Note that the first scaling unit 204 and the second scaling unit 215 may use the same circuit. In that case, a tri-state gate circuit is used to
Of the CPU 12 controls the output gate in the variable power mode. 216 is a gamma correction unit (γ correction unit,
A density correction unit) corrects the density of the C, M, Y, K (B) data based on the characteristics of the output device (printer unit 17).

Then, C,
The M, Y, and K data are subjected to a smoothing filter or an edge enhancement filter, and output to the printer unit 17 as output image data.

Reference numeral 220 denotes a section signal generation unit which generates a WLE signal and a RLE signal as a main scanning section signal and a WPE signal as a sub-scanning section signal, and generates a sub-scanning section signal sent from the printer unit 17. An MPE signal, a CPE signal, a YPE signal, and a KPE signal are processed into MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, and KPE1 signals, which are read section signals of the image memory 209 (data output section signals from the image memory 209). It is output to a processing unit and the like. The output of each image processing unit shown in FIG. 3 is controlled by these section signals.

[Apparatus Timing Chart] FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining control signals in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, a START signal is a signal indicating the start of an original reading operation in this embodiment. W
The PE signal is read by the image scanner 22 from the original,
A section in which encoding processing is performed by the image processing circuit unit 112 and writing (memory writing) to the image memory 209 is illustrated.

The ITOP signal is a signal indicating the start of a printing operation. The MPE signal is a section signal for driving the semiconductor laser 116 (magenta) shown in FIG.
The E signal corresponds to the semiconductor laser 115 (cyan) shown in FIG.
The YPE signal is a section signal for driving the semiconductor laser 114 (yellow) shown in FIG. 1, and the KPE signal is a section signal for driving the semiconductor laser 113 shown in FIG.
(Black).

As shown in the figure, the CPE signal, the YPE signal, and the KPE signal are respectively t1, t with respect to the MPE signal.
2, t3. These delay times t1 to t
Reference numeral 3 denotes the photosensitive drum 128 and the photosensitive drum 12 shown in FIG.
For distances d1, d2 and d3 to 7, 126 and 125,
t1 = d1 / V, t2 = d2 / V, t3 = d3 / V (v
Is controlled so as to have a relationship of (paper feed speed).

The HSYNC signal is a main scanning synchronization signal. The CLK signal is a pixel synchronization signal. The WLE signal and the RLE signal, which are main scanning section signals, are each 1HSYN.
This is a section signal representing an effective image section in which an image signal is input from the image scanner 22 in the C signal section. YP
The HS signal is a count value of a 2-bit sub-scanning counter. The XPHS signal is a count value of a 2-bit main scanning counter. The YPHS signal and the XPHS signal are generated by a circuit shown in FIG.

The BLK signal is a signal indicating the start of an image block. The BDATA signal is pixel block data.

FIG. 5 shows the YPHS signal and XP shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main scanning counter and a sub-scanning counter that generate an HS signal.

In the figure, reference numeral 402 denotes a 2-bit counter. A START signal is supplied to the CLR terminal of the 2-bit counter 402 via an inverter 401, and a HSYNC signal
The signal is input to the CLK terminal of the bit counter 402, and the YPHS signal is output from the Q terminal of the 2-bit counter 402. Reference numeral 403 denotes a 2-bit counter, which outputs an HSYNC signal of 2 bits.
The CLK signal is applied to the CLR terminal of the bit counter 403.
The signal is input to the CLK terminal of the bit counter 403, and an XPHS signal is output from the Q terminal of the 2-bit counter 403. The YP output from the counters 402 and 403
The H signal and the XPH signal allow the image processing circuit unit 112 shown in FIG. 2 to process the input image in units of 4 × 4 pixel blocks.

[Structure of Image Memory Unit] Hereinafter, FIGS.
The address controller 218 of the image memory unit 250 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are block diagrams for explaining the internal configuration of the address controller 218 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the sub-scanning address generator 524 shown in FIG.
9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the counters 602 to 606 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the address controller 218 will be described.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, reference numerals 500 to 511 denote buffers to which various signals are input as described later. 51
2 to 516, 521 are flip-flop circuits (F / F)
It is. 517 is an inverter. 522 is an AND gate. 518 is an ADDEC.

Reference numeral 523 denotes a main scanning address generator (XCOU)
NTER). 524 is a sub-scanning address generator (Y
COUNTER). 525 is an address select unit (ADR_SEL). 526 is a memory control signal generator (RCCON). 527 and 528 are delay lines. 529 to 536 are output buffers.

As described above, the address controller 218 is roughly divided into a main scanning address generator 523, a sub-scanning address generator 524, an address selector 525, and a memory control signal generator 526.

The image memory 209 used in this embodiment is a DRAM. DRAM access is RO
Two addresses, a W address and a COLUMN address, and respective strobe signals (RAS signal, CAS signal (generated by RCCON 526)), and enable signal (WE signal (generated by RCCON 526))
Is controlled by

The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a resolution of 400 dpi and a maximum of 297 m in the main scanning direction.
m, an image having a maximum length of 432 mm in the sub-scanning direction
9 can be stored. Therefore, the main scanning address generator 523 and the sub scanning address generator 52
Each of them has a 13-bit address counter so that it can access a memory space of that size.

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied even if the amount of data that can be stored in the image memory 209 is other than the above.

The buffer 507 is output from the section signal generation unit 220.
WLE signal which is a main scanning section signal input through
The RLE signal is delayed by 1 CLK by the F / F 513 and is input to the main scanning address generator 523. Also,
Similarly, each of the WPE signal, the MPE signal, the CPE signal, the YPE signal, and the KPE signal, which are the sub-scanning section signals input from the buffer 506, is 1CL by the F / F 512.
The signal is delayed by K and input to the sub-scanning address generator 524. When these section signals are “H”, it indicates that the section is an effective image section.

Reference numeral 518 denotes an ADDEC, which is an image processing circuit unit 1
From the 12 CPUs 12 to the buffers 500, 501, 50
2,503,504,505, the ADR signal, D
ATA signal, XCS signal, RD signal, WR signal, RST
Each signal is received, and writing / reading to / from each register is performed.

The main scanning address generator 523 includes, in addition to the section signal, an XPHS signal indicating a main scanning phase, a WR0 signal, a WR4 signal, and a WR6 signal for setting various counters.
A signal, a WRA signal, and a WRC signal are input. The main scanning address generator 523 outputs a main scanning write address to the DRAM (image memory 209) and a main scanning read address from the DRAM.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sub-scanning address generator 524 includes a write (W) and a read (M, C, Y,
K) (Y counter (W) 602, Y counter (R2) 603, Y counter (R0) 604, Y
Counter (R3) 605, Y counter (R1) 606)
And so on.

Reference numerals 600 and 601 denote CENB_SELs (selectors) for enabling the counters 602 to 606 in accordance with values set in two registers WRY12 and WRY26. These five counters 602-6
06 has a configuration as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, a PE signal is a sub-scanning section signal input to each counter unit, and is delayed by 6 CLKs by an F / F (flip-flop circuit) 700, and
It is input to the CK terminal of F703 and the D terminal of F / F704. The output from the F / F 700 is "L" for the F / F 703.
When the state changes from “H” to “H”, the inversion of the internal state is input.

The PR terminal of the F / F 703 is provided with a port signal PRE from the CPU 12 of the image processing circuit unit 112.
The SET signal is input, and the CPU 12 can arbitrarily preset. The output signal of the F / F 703 is input to the select signal of the 2TO1 selector 705. The register WR0 is set to the A input of the 2TO1 selector 705, and the register WR1 is set to the B input. The register WR1 is input to the 13-bit counter (UDCT) and the load value WR of the address counter 707. In a normal copy operation, the same value is set for both WR0 and WR1, but when operating in a spine mode described later, different values are set for WR0 and WR1, respectively.

The inverted output of F / F 704 and F / F 700
Through the NAND gate 706 and input to the LD terminal of the 13-bit counter 707. With this circuit, the counter 707 is loaded at the moment when the section signal PE is enabled.

The ENB terminal of the counter 707 has
The HS signal generated from the main scanning synchronization signal is supplied to the inverter 7
A signal obtained by ORing the signal inverted at 02 and the EN signal at the OR gate 708 is input. The counter 707 performs a counting operation for the number of times according to the EN signal in one main scanning section synchronized with the HS signal.

WS is a switch of up / down of the counter 707. When "L" is set, the counter is up.
When "H", it goes down.

The five counters 602 and 60 shown in FIG.
3, 604, 605, and 606, the output of each Y counter is YAW0, YAR1, YAR2, YAR3, Y
AR4, which is input to ADR_SEL 525 shown in FIG.

The ADR_SEL 52 shown in FIG.
5, five Ys in accordance with the main scanning and sub-scanning phases.
The switching control of the counter is performed, and four address signals A
0 through A3 via output buffers 529 through 532,
Output to the outside.

On the other hand, RCCON 526 shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the WE signal which is an enable signal necessary for accessing the DRAM and the RAS signal which is a strobe signal are used.
Signal and the CAS signal, and the data controller 21
9 to generate DIR signals for controlling the 9 I / O ports.

The RAS signal, CAS signal, and WE signal generated by RCCON 526 are supplied to delay line 527,
The data is output to the image memory 209 shown in FIG. 3 via the output buffer 528 and the output buffers 533 to 535. The timing of the delay lines 527 and 528 is adjusted according to the characteristics of the memory to be controlled so that data can be accessed well. The DIR signal is output to the data controller 219 shown in FIG.

Image data is exchanged between the data controller 219 and the image memory 209 according to the address and the memory control signal output from the address controller 218. After the data controller 219 performs switching between data write (write) and data read, padding of image data necessary for decoding, and control of the order of data access when editing processing such as image rotation is performed. Are output to the decoding unit 210.

[Configuration of Section Signal Generation Unit] Referring now to FIG. 10, MPE of section signal generation section 220 shown in FIG.
A circuit configuration for generating the MPE1 signal from the signal will be described.

FIG. 10 shows the section signal generator 2 shown in FIG.
20 is a block diagram illustrating a part of the circuit configuration of FIG.

In the figure, reference numerals 801 and 802 denote flip-flop circuits (F / F). 803 is a selector. 804 is a NAND gate. 805 is an AND gate. 806 and 811 are flip-flop circuits with an enable terminal. 807 is an AND gate.
808 is an inverter. 809 is a selector.
810 is a JK flip-flop circuit (JKF / F). Note that the HSYNC signal is input to all CLK terminals in the figure.

In the circuit configured as described above,
MPE signal, CPE signal, YPE
The signal and the KPE signal are input. The output from the Q terminal of the F / F 801 is input to the D terminal of the F / F 802, the NAND gate 804, and the AND gate 805. F / F8
02 is input to the NAND gate 804. The output from the NAND gate 804 is input to the selector 803 and the AND gate 807, and the CLR of the JKF / F810 is output.
Terminal and an F / F 811 with an enable terminal. Registers WR3, WR
The value of the register WR4 is input to the terminal, and the output from the Y terminal is input to the D terminal of the F / F 806 with an enable terminal.

The output from the RC terminal of the F / F 806 with an enable terminal is input to the AND gate 807, and the output of the AND gate 807 is the F / F 806 with the enable terminal.
Is inverted and input to the LD terminal. The output from the RC terminal of the F / F 806 with the enable terminal is output from the inverter 8.
08, the signal is input to the K terminal of the JKF / F810 and the EN terminal of the F / F 811 with an enable terminal.

The output from the Q terminal of the F / F 806 with an enable terminal is input to the B terminal of the selector 809.
The value of the register WR5 is input to the terminal A of the selector 809. The output from the A = B terminal of the selector 809 is input to the J terminal of the JKF / F810,
The MPE1, CPE1, YPE1 and KPE1 signals are output from the Q terminal of the F / F 810.

As described above, the MPE1, CPE1, YPE, and KPE signals transmitted from the printer unit 17 are transmitted by the amount of the internal delay.
A PE1 signal and a KPE1 signal are generated.

[Signal Generated by Section Signal Generation Unit] FIG.
1 is a read section signal (MPE1 signal, CPE1 signal,...) Generated by the section signal generation section 220 shown in FIG.
6 is a timing chart illustrating YPE1 signal and KPE1 signal).

In the figure, MPE signal, CPE signal, Y
The PE signal and the KPE signal are sub-scanning interval signals sent from the printer unit 17, and are "H" for the length of the paper size (T1).

The MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, and KPE1 signals are signals output by the section signal generator 220 shown in FIG. MPE1 signal,
The CPE1, YPE1, and KPE1 signals are delayed by the internal delay Td, rise to “H”, and maintain the state of “H” for the document size length T1.

[Structure of Operation Panel] FIG. 12 is a plan view for explaining the structure of the operation panel 137 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a start key.
This key is pressed to start a copying operation. 1
Reference numeral 002 denotes a stop key which is pressed to stop a copying operation being performed. A numeral key 1003 is a key used when inputting a numerical value such as the number of copies.

A mode setting key 1004 is pressed when selecting an image processing mode. A cover mode key 1004a is pressed when forming an image in the cover mode. Reference numeral 1005 denotes a display unit which has touch keys, displays an operation state and a setting state of the image processing apparatus, and displays screens shown in FIGS. In addition,
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the display unit 1005 is a liquid crystal display having touch keys.

The setting screen displayed on the display unit 1005 when the cover mode key 1004a shown in FIG. 12 is pressed will be described below with reference to FIGS.

First, the cover mode key 10 shown in FIG.
04a is pressed, the display unit 1005 displays FIG.
A document size setting screen 1100 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

FIG. 13 shows the display unit 1005 shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a document size setting screen displayed in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1100 denotes a document size setting screen. Reference numeral 1101 denotes a document size selection key.
4, "A4R", "A3", "A5", "A5R",
"B4", "B5", "B5R", "LTR", "LT
RR "," LGL "," 11x17 "," STMT ",
It is composed of keys such as "STMTR". By touching these keys, they are selected and highlighted.
In this figure, “A4” is selected and highlighted. 1
Reference numeral 102 denotes an OK key which is pressed when the selection of the document size is completed. When this key is pressed, the touch panel displays a sheet feed stage selection screen 12 shown in FIG.
Transition to 00.

Reference numeral 2000 denotes a standard screen, which is always displayed on the display unit 1005. A status display box 2001 displays the status of the image processing apparatus.
The operation status, error status, copy magnification, selected paper size, number of prints, and the like are displayed. Reference numeral 2002 denotes a same-size key, which is pressed when copying at the same magnification.

Reference numeral 2003 denotes a reduction key, which is pressed to reduce and copy. Reference numeral 2004 denotes an enlargement key which is pressed to enlarge and copy. Reference numeral 2005 denotes a zoom key which is pressed when a part of the document is enlarged and copied. Reference numeral 2006 denotes a paper selection key which is pressed to select paper to be printed.

Reference numeral 2007 denotes a density selection key.
Each time the user presses the key 2007c, a setting is made to print at a low density, each time the key 2007c is pressed, a setting is made to print at a high density, and when the key 2007b is pressed, the automatic density setting is performed.
Reference numeral 2008 denotes a character print photo selection key. By pressing this key to select a document image to be read, such as text such as text or an image such as a photograph, printing is performed in a processing mode suitable for the document.

Reference numeral 2100 denotes a help key, which is pressed when the operation procedure or the like is not known, to display the operation procedure, operation method, and the like. Reference numeral 2200 denotes an ACS (auto color select) key. When this key is pressed, the original is automatically determined and the print mode is automatically set to either full color printing or monochrome printing. Reference numeral 2300 denotes a full color key which is pressed when performing full color printing.

Reference numeral 2400 denotes a black key, which is pressed for monochrome printing. A document detection key 2500 is pressed to detect the size of a document placed on the platen glass 101 or to detect a document placed on the document feeder. Reference numeral 2600 denotes a center shift key which is pressed to print a document placed on the platen glass 101 at the center of the fed sheet.

FIG. 14 shows the display unit 1005 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a paper feed stage selection screen displayed in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1200 denotes a paper feed stage selection screen. Reference numeral 1201 denotes a paper feed stage selection key, which is “A4”,
It is composed of “A4”, “A3”, “A4 (light transmitting sheet such as OHP sheet)”, “manual feed” key and the like. By touching these keys, they are selected and highlighted. Reference numeral 1202 denotes an OK key which is pressed when the selection of the paper feed tray is completed. When this key is pressed, the display on the touch panel transits to a spine width input screen 1200 shown in FIG. Here, the paper feed stage is "A
Assume that "4" is selected. FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a spine width input screen displayed on the display unit 1005 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1300 denotes a spine cover width input screen. Reference numeral 1301 denotes a spine width input key, and when a minus key "-" is pressed, a spine width display field 1302 is displayed.
Is reduced by a predetermined amount, and by pressing the plus key “+”, the spine width display field 1302 is displayed.
Is increased by a predetermined amount. In the spine width display column, an initial value stored in the ROM 13 or NVRAM (not shown) is displayed by default. Also,
This initial value may be configured to be freely set from the operation panel 137. An OK key 1303 is pressed when the input of the spine width is completed.

FIG. 16 shows the display unit 1005 shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a back cover mode standby screen displayed in FIG. 15 when at least two documents are placed on a feeder (document feeding device) (not shown) when an OK key 1303 shown in FIG. 15 is pressed. This is the screen that is displayed when it is set. The number of originals on the feeder is detected by a detection unit (not shown).

In the figure, reference numeral 1400 denotes a back cover mode standby screen. Reference numeral 1401 denotes a mode display field which indicates that the spine mode is set. When the start key 1101 is pressed while the backstrip mode standby screen 1400 is displayed on the display unit 1005, image formation in the backstrip mode is executed based on the set values set on the screens 1100 to 1300. Is done.

FIG. 17 shows the display unit 1005 shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a back cover mode standby screen and a status display box displayed on the screen, and an OK key 1 shown in FIG.
This is a screen displayed when a document is not placed on a feeder (document feeding device) not shown when 303 is pressed. 13 and 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 1501 denotes a read key, which is pressed after a document is placed on the document table glass 101, and starts reading an image on the front cover. In the status display box 2001, “read front cover”, which is the current operation status, is displayed.

FIG. 18 shows the display unit 1005 shown in FIG.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a back cover mode standby screen and a status display box displayed on the read key 1 shown in FIG.
501 is pressed, the image memory 1 of the image data of the front cover
It is a screen displayed after the reading into 09 is completed. 13 and 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 1601 denotes a reading key which is pressed after a document is placed on the document table glass 101, and starts reading an image on the back cover. Note that in the status display box 2001, “read back cover”, which is the current operation status, is displayed.

[Output Results] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of output results in the spine mode in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Here, the document size "lh
It is assumed that the setting has been made to print two originals of “× lv” on a sheet of paper size “Lh × Lv” at an interval of the spine width “d”. In particular, “lv = Lv” and “lh” × 2 + d
= Lh ”will be described.

In the figure, reference numeral 1700 denotes an output sheet.
Reference numeral 1701 denotes a cover part, and “Lh × L” is printed on the output sheet 1700.
v "size. Reference numeral 1702 denotes a back cover, which is printed on an output sheet 1700 in a size of “Lh × Lv”. Here, lv = Lv, lh ×
Since 2 + d = Lh holds, both the front cover 1701 and the back cover 1702 are printed to both ends of the output paper.

Reference numeral 1703 denotes a spine portion, which is "L" from the point O to the right.
h / 2 ”from the center line of the output sheet 1700 ± d
/ 2. In this manner, when printing is performed in the spine mode according to the present embodiment, a spine portion 1703 having a designated width is formed at the center of the output sheet, and the front cover 17 is provided on both sides thereof.
01, the back cover 1702 is printed.

As described above, the backstrip portion is secured in the center of the output result with the specified width without the user's trouble by merely specifying the width (image interval) of the backstrip portion. Can be printed.

[Operation in the spine mode] Hereinafter, the processing procedure in the spine mode in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
The CPU 12 of the image processing circuit unit 112 shown in FIG.
This corresponds to processing when the control program stored in M13 is executed. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, when the operator presses the cover mode key 1004a shown in FIG. 12 and selects the back cover mode (1), in step (2), the display unit 100 is displayed.
The display screen 5 is the original size setting screen 11 shown in FIG.
00, the user is requested to input a document size to be read as a cover.
After inputting the cover size from the document size candidates
When the K key 1102 is selected and pressed, the display screen of the display unit 1005 transits to the paper feed stage selection screen 1200 shown in FIG. Is pressed, the display unit 100
5 changes to the spine width input screen 1300 shown in FIG. 15, and the spine width (the image of the front cover image and the back cover image) is pressed by the "+" and "-" keys of the spine width input key 1301. Interval).

Then, in step (3), it is determined whether there is a document in a feeder (not shown). Note that the operator can select whether to read the front cover and the back cover from a feeder (not shown) or from the platen 201. When reading from the feeder, at least two or more originals serving as the front cover and the back cover are placed on the feeder, and as shown in FIG. 16, the display unit 1005 shows that the spine mode has been set as shown in FIG. The mode standby screen 1400 is displayed, and the system enters the start standby state. That is, if it is determined in step (3) that there is a document in the feeder, the process proceeds to step (6).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the original is not placed on the feeder,
The process proceeds to step (4), and the display unit 1005 displays a document reading screen (a back cover mode standby screen 1400 and a status display box 2001 displaying “cover reading”) shown in FIG. When the read key 1501 is pressed with the original (front side original) to be printed on the front cover placed on the original platen 101, the CPU 12 of the image processing circuit unit 112 sets the write start address start value to the write address in the address controller 218. It is set in the registers WR0 and WR1 of the counter (Y counter (W)) 602.

Hereinafter, as an example, the document size “lh × l
A description will be given on the assumption that a setting has been made in which two originals of “v” are fitted on a sheet of paper size “Lh × Lv” at an interval of the spine width “d”.

In this embodiment, since input / output of image data of the image memory 209 is performed in units of 4 × 4 pixels,
The write start address value on the front cover is “Lh / 2−d
/ 2-1h ”, the value of 画素 of the pixel corresponding to the register W
Set to R0. The write start address value on the back cover is 1/1 of the pixel corresponding to “Lh / 2 + d / 2”.
A value corresponding to 4 is set in WR1. Similarly, "0000h" which is the head address of the image memory is set in the registers WR0, WR of the read address counters 503, 504, 505, 506.

Next, the address controller 218
An “L” level signal is sent from U12 to the F / F 703 of the counters 523 and 524 inside the address controller 218, and the F / F 703 is preset. As a result, the output of the F / F 703 becomes "L", and the counter 707 is loaded with the value of WR0 at the moment when the front-side original is read and the write sub-scanning section signal WPE becomes "H". The data is written to the image memory 209 at a predetermined position.

When reading of the front side document is completed, in step (5), the display unit 1005 of the operation panel 137 is executed.
Transitions to the back side document reading screen shown in FIG. 18 (a display screen including a spine mode standby screen 1400 and a status display box 2001 displaying “back cover reading”).

When the operator places the original (back original) to be printed on the back cover on the original platen 101 and presses the read key 1601, reading of the back original starts, and the F / F shown in FIG.
The moment counter 703 becomes “H”, WR1
Is loaded. In this way, the image data of the back cover document is written at a predetermined position in the image memory 209.

When a document is placed on a feeder (not shown), the front cover and the back cover are recorded in the image memory by the above procedure when the start key 121 is pressed, as described later.

Next, if the reading of the document is completed in steps (4) and (5), or if it is determined in step (3) that there is a document in the feeder (not shown), the process proceeds to step (6). Image memory 2 for printer unit 17
The setting of the MPE1, CPE1, YPE1, and KPE1 signals, which are the read section signals for controlling the output (reading) of the image data stored in the image data 09, is performed.
Wait for the start key 1001 shown in (1) to be pressed (7), and proceed to step (8).

Then, it is determined whether or not a document is placed on a feeder (not shown) (8). If it is determined that the document is not placed, the process proceeds to step (11), and it is determined that the document is placed. In this case, the front side document is fed to the document table 101 by a feeder (not shown), and the image data of the front side document is read and stored in the image memory 20 as in step (4).
9, and the front side document is discharged (9). then,
In step (10), the back side document is fed from a feeder (not shown) to the platen 101, and the image data of the back side document is read and stored in the image memory 20 as in step (5).
9, and discharges the back side document.

Next, in step (11), when the setting of the section signal and the reading of the original image are completed, the CPU 12 of the image processing circuit section 112 informs the printer section 17 that the printing is possible, and the recording paper Starts printing and ends the process.

By performing the above control, the image memory 209 of the image data of the original to be read based on the input original size, paper size, spine width, etc.
By controlling the storage in the back cover, a cover in which no image is printed on the spine can be created. Therefore, by arranging the two read images in the memory with the width specified by the operator being widened, it is possible to quickly and accurately create a cover sheet in which the spine (binding) portion is secured.

Further, in order to easily create a manuscript serving as a cover, two manuscripts of a front cover and a back cover are separately read from the image input device, and information of the spine (thickness of the main body) width is stored. The cover can be created by arranging and outputting images with a designated width in the image memory.

In the above embodiment, an image processing apparatus capable of performing color printing has been described as an example. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to an image processing apparatus that performs monochrome printing.

Also, a case has been described in which image information is input by optically reading image information from a document by the image scanner 22, but the information processing apparatus 3000 capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium prints the information on the front and back covers. May be configured to be input. In this case, the operation screens shown in FIGS.
000 and may be scanned by the information processing device 3000.

The case where two images are arranged at a desired image interval has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to two images, and a plurality of images may be arranged at a desired interval. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied. Separated area of multiple images (corresponding to spine)
Alternatively, another image may be inserted into the image.

Further, a plurality of (two) images are arranged in parallel in the sub-scanning direction at a desired image interval.
The image memory 20 is arranged at desired image intervals in parallel with the main scanning direction.
9 may be arranged. Further, the arrangement direction of the image may be specified from the operation panel 137.

The information processing apparatus 30 capable of communicating via the operation panel 137 shown in FIG. 1 or a predetermined communication medium.
From 00, various settings for the spine cover mode are possible.

Further, the case of setting the document size using the document size selection key displayed on the document size setting screen 1100 shown in FIG. 12 has been described.
Any size (vertical size, horizontal size) may be input using the device key 1003 shown in FIG. Also,
The setting of the document size is performed by the document detection key 25 shown in FIG.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which 00 is pressed and detected by a detection unit (not shown) of the image reading unit and automatically set.

The height (lv) of the original image is equal to the paper height (L).
If v) is smaller, each image position may be adjusted (centered in the main scanning direction) and arranged in the image memory 209. When the sum of the image width and the image interval (for example, 2 × lh + d) of the two images is smaller than the sheet length (Lh) (for example, 2 × lh + d <Lh), the image positions are set as the front cover and the back cover. May be adjusted to a predetermined position in the area corresponding to (centering in the center of each of the front and back covers (in the sub-scanning direction)) and arranged in the image memory 209.

When the document size is larger than the area of the front and back cover portions to be secured (for example, 2 × lh + d> Lh, lv>
If at least one of Lv is satisfied), the original image may be reduced in accordance with the specified image interval and paper size and developed in the image memory 209.

If an extremely large image interval is set for the paper size or the document size, a warning may be issued to the user. At this time, a warning may be issued by displaying on the display unit 1005 of the operation panel 137 that an image interval having an extremely large value is set for the paper size or the document size.

Although the case where the region for separating the two images is formed at the center in the sub-scanning direction has been described, the region is not limited to the center. Further, the position of the area for separating the two images may be specified by the operation panel 137.

Note that the input image may be configured to be input from a digital camera or the like. Also, in the present embodiment, the case where the read original image has the same size on the front cover and the back cover has been described. However, the present invention is applicable even if the size of the original is different between the front cover and the back cover. It goes without saying that you can do it.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program codes, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by reading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0154]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, an image interval for separately arranging a plurality of document images read by the reading unit on the same surface is set by the setting unit, and the control unit is controlled based on the image interval set by the setting unit. Controls the image development in the storage means so that the plurality of document images read by the reading means are separated by a predetermined width, so that the images in which the plurality of document images are separated and arranged at desired intervals on the same surface are read. It can be generated quickly and accurately with a simple operation.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a designating means for designating a recording medium size, and an input means for entering at least one document image size read by the reading means, wherein the control means comprises: , The recording medium size specified by the specifying means, and the image input by the input means.
Based on one or a plurality of document image sizes, image development control is performed in the storage means so that a plurality of document images read by the reading means are arranged at predetermined positions on a recording medium and separated by a predetermined width. The memory can be developed so that a plurality of document images having the same size are arranged at a desired interval on a recording medium having a desired size.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the output means for outputting the image information stored in the storage means is provided, so that an image in which a plurality of original images are arranged at desired intervals on the same recording medium can be easily converted. It can be formed quickly and accurately by operation.

According to the fourth aspect, the reading means sequentially feeds a plurality of originals placed on the original platen and reads an original image from each original. An image in which a plurality of original images are arranged at desired intervals on the same surface can be quickly generated by a simpler operation.

According to the fifth aspect, the control means controls the image development in the storage means so that the plurality of document images read by the reading means are separated by a predetermined width and arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, a plurality of document images can be arranged at desired intervals in the sub-scanning direction.

According to the sixth aspect, the control means converts the read image information into a pixel block of a first predetermined number of pixels in the main scanning direction and a second predetermined number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction. Since the image information is divided and encoded and decoded for each of the divided pixel blocks, the input image information can be divided and encoded and decoded for each pixel block.

According to the seventh aspect, the control means can perform one input address control and a plurality of output address controls in the sub-scanning direction of the storage means. Data can be individually read from different addresses.

According to the eighth aspect, the output means has a plurality of image forming units and a conveying unit for sequentially conveying the recording medium to the plurality of image forming units. Can be sequentially superimposed and formed.

According to the ninth aspect, since the reading means optically reads the original image, it is possible to arrange the optically read original images at desired intervals.

According to the tenth aspect, since the setting means for setting the processing mode for executing the image development control to the storage means by the control means is provided, the user can operate the image separation and arrangement processing mode from the operation panel or the like. Can be set.

According to the eleventh aspect, an image interval for separately arranging a plurality of original images on the same surface is set, a plurality of original images are read, and a plurality of original images are read based on the set image interval. The image is developed in the memory so that the original images are separated by a predetermined width, so that an image in which a plurality of original images are arranged at desired intervals on the same surface can be quickly and accurately generated by a simple operation. be able to.

Therefore, by setting an image interval for separately arranging a plurality of original images on the same surface and reading each original image, the plurality of original images can be arranged at a desired interval on the same surface. It is possible to produce an effect of quickly and accurately generating an isolated image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing on image information performed by the image processing circuit unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart illustrating a control signal in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main scanning counter and a sub scanning counter that generate a YPHS signal and an XPHS signal shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the address controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the address controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub-scanning address generator shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a counter illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a part of a circuit configuration of a section signal generation unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

11 is a timing chart illustrating a section signal generated by the section signal generation unit illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation panel illustrated in FIG.

13 is a diagram illustrating a document size setting screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG.

14 is a diagram illustrating a paper feed stage selection screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a spine cover width input screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a spine mode standby screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a spine mode standby screen and a status display box displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a spine mode standby screen and a status display box displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating an example of an output result in a spine mode in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 209 Image memory 218 Address controller 219 Data controller 220 Section signal generator 250 Image memory

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2H027 FA04 FA05 FA19 FA22 FD01 FD03 FD04 FD08 5B057 AA11 BA02 BA19 BA24 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB08 CB12 CB16 CD02 CE08 DA07 DA08 DA16 DB02 DB09 DC07 5C073 AA02 AB05 BB03 BA07 A04 A03C BA09

Claims (11)

[Claims] A reading unit for reading a document image; a storage unit for storing image information read from the reading unit; and an image interval for separately arranging a plurality of document images read by the reading unit on the same surface. Setting means for setting a plurality of original images read by the reading means based on the image interval set by the setting means, and image development control is performed in the storage means so as to be separated by a predetermined width and arranged. An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: a designation unit for designating a recording medium size; and an input unit for entering at least one document image size read from the reading unit, wherein the control unit sets the image set by the setting unit. A plurality of document images read by the reading unit are set at predetermined positions on the recording medium based on the interval, the recording medium size specified by the specifying unit, and one or more document image sizes input by the input unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image development control is performed on the storage unit so as to be separated by a width. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs image information stored in the storage unit. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit sequentially feeds a plurality of documents placed on a document table and reads a document image from each document. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the image development in the storage unit such that the plurality of document images read by the reading unit are separated by a predetermined width and arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction. Item 2. The image processing apparatus according to Item 1. 6. The control unit divides the read image information into a first predetermined number of pixels in a main scanning direction and a second predetermined number of pixels in a sub-scanning direction. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information is encoded and decoded for each pixel block. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of controlling one input address and a plurality of output addresses in the sub-scanning direction of the storage unit. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit includes: a plurality of image forming units;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a transport unit that sequentially transports a recording medium to the plurality of image forming units. 9. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reading means optically reads a document image. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets a processing mode in which the control unit executes image expansion control on the storage unit. 11. A setting step of setting an image interval for separately arranging a plurality of document images on the same surface, a reading step of reading a plurality of document images, and a plurality of images read based on the set image intervals. Developing an image in a memory so that the original images are separated by a predetermined width and arranged in a memory.