JP2001024842A - Picture forming device, method for controlling it, and color facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a picture forming device to select an appropriate recording form for picture data to be recorded. SOLUTION: An encoding/decoding section 112, a picture processing section 106, and a picture outputting section 108 perform picture formation in accordance with code data received by means of a communication control section 114. A color paper supplying section 110 supplies a recording form suitable for color recording to the picture outputting section 108 and a black-and-white form supplying section 111 supplies ordinary paper for black-and-white recording to the picture outputting sections 108. A CPU 101 selects the color form supplying section 110 or black-and-white form supplying section 111 depending upon the code data received by means of the communication control section 114, whether the data are of a color picture or black-and-white picture, and the picture outputting 108 makes picture formation on the recording paper supplied from the selected form supplying section.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a color facsimile apparatus using the image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 shows the configuration of a color facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a conventional apparatus) provided with a general ink jet type image forming apparatus. In FIG. 5, 301
Is a central processing controller (hereinafter C
Reference numeral 302 denotes an operation unit for setting an operation mode and the like of the conventional apparatus, and is configured by, for example, an operation panel including a plurality of keys. 303 is
The display unit displays an operation mode and the like designated by the operation unit 302, and is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

Reference numeral 304 denotes a document reading unit constituted by a CCD or the like; 305, a memory used by the document reading unit 304 for processing; and 306, image processing for performing image processing on image data read by the document reading unit 304. And 307, a memory used by the image processing unit 306, and 308, an image output unit that records image data processed by the image processing unit 306, and is configured by an inkjet method. The ink jet method is a method of recording image data by discharging ink onto recording paper. An image output unit 308 includes an ink tank for color recording, an ink tank for black and white recording, and ink ejection corresponding to each of these ink tanks. The head is mounted.

[0004] Reference numeral 309 denotes a memory used by the image output unit 308, and reference numeral 310 denotes a paper feed unit that supplies recording paper to the image output unit 308. 311 is the image processing unit 30 at the time of transmission.
Performing encoding processing on the image data processed in step 6;
At the time of reception, a code decoding unit 312 that performs decoding processing on the received code data is a memory used by the code decoding unit 311 and stores the code data. A communication control unit 313 is connected to a communication line such as a telephone line.

Hereinafter, the operation of the above-mentioned conventional device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation flow at the time of transmitting image data in the conventional device. When the transmission document is set by the operator in the document reading unit 304 and a transmission start instruction is given by the operation unit 302, the conventional apparatus starts a transmission operation (step S201). That is, the document reading unit 304 sequentially reads the image data of the set document (step S20).
2).

The image processing performed by the document reading unit 304 includes digital gain adjustment, shading correction processing, and the like. In particular, when the CCD constituting the document reading unit 304 is a three-line color CCD, red (hereinafter, R) and green (hereinafter, R)
G) and blue (hereinafter, B) have line deviations, respectively. Therefore, the line deviation is corrected using the memory 305. Image data read by the document reading unit 304 is input to the image processing unit 306.

The image processing unit 306 performs image processing on the input image data using the image processing parameters set by the CPU 301 (step S203). As specific image processing, filter processing, scaling processing, gamma correction processing, and the like are performed. The image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit 307 is output to the code decoding unit 311. The code decoder 311 performs a coding process on the input processing data (step S204). The encoding method is JPEG (Joint Ph.
otographic Experts Group) or another color coding method suitable for compressing color image data. The image data encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 311 is stored in the memory 312, and transmitted to the communication line by the communication control unit 313 (step S20).
5).

In the conventional apparatus, steps S202 to S205 are performed until the encoding processing of all image data read by the document reading unit 304 and the transmission of the code data are completed.
(Step S20)
6).

Next, the receiving operation of the conventional device will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a receiving operation flow in the conventional device. Upon recognizing that the communication control unit 313 has received the code data via the communication line, the CPU 301 outputs a reception operation start instruction (step S301). That is, CPU
Reference numeral 301 issues a receiving operation instruction to each processing unit, and also issues an instruction to the paper feeding unit 310 to supply the set recording paper to the image output unit 308. The paper supply unit 310 supplies the paper set in response to the instruction to the image output unit 308 (step S302).

The communication control unit 313 receives the code data transmitted via the communication line and stores the code data in the memory 312 (step S303). The code data stored in the memory 312 is decoded by the code decoding unit 311 and output to the image processing unit 306 (step S304). The image processing unit 306 performs image processing on the image data decoded by the code decoding unit 311,
8 (step S305). Image output unit 308
Temporarily stores the image data sent from the image processing unit 306 in the memory 309, and sequentially outputs the image data to the recording paper fed by the paper feeding unit 310. That is, recording is performed using the color ink, the black and white ink set in the image output unit 308, and the ink ejection heads corresponding to the respective ink tanks (step S306).

The conventional apparatus repeatedly executes the receiving operation from step S303 to step S306 until the recording of all the code data received by the communication control unit 313 is completed (step S307).

[0012]

However, in the above-described conventional example, recording is performed using recording paper supplied from a predetermined paper feeding unit regardless of whether a color image or a monochrome image is received. When a received image is recorded by the ink jet method, the type of ink tank (color dark ink, color dark ink, color light ink, etc.) attached to the image output unit, the type of ink ejection head (a head having a large ink ejection port, It is possible to change the recording quality according to the type of recording paper fed from the paper feed unit, such as plain paper, recycled paper, coated paper, glossy film paper, etc.). . In particular, in color image recording, it is desirable to perform recording using recording paper capable of high-quality recording.

However, in the above-described conventional apparatus, when a color image is received, a color image is recorded even if the sheet set in the sheet feeding unit is not suitable for the color image recording. On the other hand, there is a problem that black-and-white image recording is performed on recording paper that is more expensive than plain paper used for color image recording, and it becomes impossible to record received color image data on appropriate recording paper. There was a case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to automatically select an appropriate recording sheet for image data to be recorded.

[0015]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has, for example, the following arrangement. That is, an image forming unit for forming an image in accordance with the input data, a first recording paper supply unit for supplying the set first type recording paper to the image forming unit, and a second recording paper supply unit Recording paper supply means for supplying recording paper of the type described above to the image forming means, and selection means for selecting one of the first and second recording paper supply means based on the input data. And control means for controlling the recording paper supply means selected by the selection means to supply recording paper to the image forming means so as to form an image.

An image forming method according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes, for example, the following steps. That is, an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with the input data, a first recording paper supply means for supplying the set first type recording paper to the image forming step, and a second recording paper supply means And a second recording paper supply means for supplying recording paper of the type described above to the image forming step, wherein the first and second recording are performed based on the input data. There is provided a selecting step of selecting any one of the paper supply units, and a control step of controlling the recording paper supply unit selected by the selection step to supply recording paper to the image forming unit and perform image formation.

Further, a color facsimile apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has, for example, the following configuration. That is, receiving means for receiving encoded data, image forming means for forming an image in accordance with the encoded data received by the receiving means, and a first type of recording sheet set in the image forming means. A first recording paper supply unit for supplying, a second recording paper supply unit for supplying a set second type of recording paper to the image forming unit, and the second recording paper supply unit based on the received encoded data. Selection means for selecting one of the first and second recording paper supply means, and control for controlling the recording paper supply means selected by the selection means to supply recording paper to the image forming means and perform image formation. Means.

[0018]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU that controls the entire facsimile apparatus of the present embodiment. An operation unit 102 includes, for example, an operation panel including a plurality of keys. A display unit 103 displays an operation mode and the like set by the operation unit 102, and includes, for example, an LCD.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a document reading unit constituted by a CCD or the like; 105, a memory used when the document reading unit 104 reads a document; 106, image processing of image data read by the document reading unit 104 An image processing unit 107 is a memory used when the image processing unit 106 performs image processing. 108 is an image processing unit 106 at the time of reception.
Is an image output unit that outputs image data that has been subjected to the image processing in (1), and has an ink jet recording unit in the present embodiment. That is, the image output unit 108 includes an ink tank and an ink ejection head in order to record a received image, and outputs an image with recording quality corresponding to the configured ink tank and the ink ejection head. The image output unit 108 may use a recording method other than the ink jet method, for example, a heat-sensitive method or a laser beam method.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a memory used by the image output unit 109, which temporarily stores image data processed by the image processing unit 106. Reference numeral 110 denotes a color paper supply unit that supplies paper to be recorded when color image data is received to the image output unit 108, and supplies recording paper suitable for color recording such as glossy film paper and coated paper. A black-and-white paper supply unit 111 supplies paper to be recorded when the black-and-white image data is received to the image output unit 108. Supply.

Reference numeral 112 denotes an encoding / decoding unit which performs an encoding process on the image data from the image processing unit 106 at the time of transmission, and performs a decoding process on the encoded data transmitted via the communication line at the time of reception. I do. Reference numeral 113 denotes a memory used by the encoding / decoding unit 112. Reference numeral 114 denotes coded data encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 112 during transmission, and coded data transmitted from a communication line during reception and stored in the memory 113. A communication control unit for causing

Hereinafter, the operation of the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation flow at the time of reception of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. When recognizing the reception of the code data from the communication line, the CPU 101 outputs an instruction to start the receiving operation to each processing unit of the facsimile apparatus (step S10).
1). Next, CPU 101 determines whether or not the received code data represents a color image (step S10).
2). For example, if it is recognized that the code data transmitted from the communication line by the communication line control procedure is a code generated by a color image coding method such as JPEG, it can be determined that the image is a color image.

When it is determined that the transmitted code data is a color image, an instruction is issued to supply the recording paper to the color paper supply unit 110 (steps S102 and S103). Since the recording paper suitable for color recording such as glossy film paper or coated paper corresponding to the color recording quality intended by the operator is set in the color paper supply unit 110, the image output unit 108 is suitable for color recording. The supplied recording paper is supplied.

The communication control unit 114 sequentially receives the code data from the communication line and stores it in the memory 113 (step S105). The code data stored in the memory 113 is decoded by the code decoder 112 (step S
106). The color image data generated by the decoding process is subjected to image processing in the image processing unit 106 (step S107). The image processing performed by the image processing unit 106 includes, for example, resolution conversion processing corresponding to the recording resolution by the image output unit 108, and converting the luminance signals R, G, and B signals into cyan (hereinafter, C), magenta (hereinafter, M), A luminance / density conversion process for converting into a density signal composed of yellow (hereinafter, Y), a masking process for converting into a proper C, M, Y signal, and an output corresponding to an ink jet type recording unit having an image output unit 108 Value conversion processing (binarization processing,
Quaternization processing). The image output unit 108 stores the image data as the image processing result of the image processing unit 106 in the memory 109.
, And sequentially records and outputs the received image data that has become recordable (step S108). This facsimile apparatus repeats the processing from step S105 to step S108 until image output of all code data received via the communication line is completed (step S1).
09).

On the other hand, step S101 and step S1
02, if the CPU 101 recognizes that the received code data is code data of a black and white image data coding method such as MMR, MR, MH, etc., the CPU 101
01 is not the color paper feed unit 110 but the black and white paper feed unit 111
And outputs an instruction to supply recording paper. That is, in this case, the image output unit 108 by the color paper feed unit 110 is used.
No recording paper is supplied to the printer. Since plain paper is set by the operator in the black-and-white paper supply unit 111, plain paper is supplied to the image output unit 108 (step S104).

Thereafter, image output processing using plain paper is performed. That is, first, the communication control unit 114 sequentially stores the code data received via the communication line in the memory 113 (step S105). The code decoder 112 performs a decoding process on the code data stored in the memory 113 (step S106). The image data generated by the decoding process is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 106 (step S107). In this case, the image processing performed by the image processing unit 106 includes, for example, a resolution conversion process to match the recording resolution of the image output unit 108,
8 includes an output value conversion process (binarization process) corresponding to the ink jet recording unit. Image output unit 10
8 stores the output image data of the image processing unit 106 in the memory 113;
Are temporarily stored and sequentially recorded and output (step S10).
8). This facsimile apparatus performs step S1 until image output of all code data received by the communication control unit 114 is completed.
05 to step S108 are repeatedly executed (step S109).

In the first embodiment, the operation in the direct reception mode in which decoding processing, image processing, and image recording are sequentially performed from the code data received by the communication control unit 114 has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an operation mode. That is, the timing at which the CPU 101 instructs the decoding processing, the image processing, and the image output processing and the paper feed instruction timing to be output to the color paper feed unit 110 or the black and white paper feed unit 111 are the same as those received by the communication control unit 114. It may be the time when the code data is stored in the memory 113.

In the first embodiment, the memories used in the document reading unit 104, the image processing unit 106, the image output unit 108, and the code decoding unit 112 are different from each other. It is good also as a structure used separately by time division.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, in a color facsimile apparatus in which an ink jet type recording unit is mounted on the image output unit 108 for outputting a received image, a color feeding unit for supplying recording paper is used. Color paper supply unit 110 for setting recording paper for image recording
And a black-and-white paper supply unit 111 for setting recording paper (plain paper) for performing black-and-white image recording are configured separately, and it is recognized that the received code data is generated by a color image data coding processing method. In this case, a recording sheet suitable for recording a color image is supplied to the image output unit, and if it is recognized that the received code data is generated by the encoding processing method of the black and white image data, a black and white image is generated. Recording paper suitable for the data can be supplied to the image output unit. With this, the recording of the received color image data can be recorded on a recording sheet suitable for outputting the color image data, which has been a problem so far.
It is possible to prevent useless use of recording paper and ink due to recording of the received color image data on the recording output paper of black-and-white image data against the intention of the operator.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation flow at the time of reception according to the second embodiment. When the CPU 101 confirms the reception of the code data via the communication line (step S40)
1) Output a receiving operation start instruction to each processing unit constituting the apparatus. Next, the CPU 101 determines that the code data transmitted from the communication line by the communication line control procedure is JPEG.
It is checked whether the generated code is a code generated by a color image coding method (step S402). If the received code data is a code generated by the color image data coding method, the CPU 101 checks the designation of the recording paper to be used when outputting the color image, which is set in advance by the operator (step S40).
3).

The specification of the recording paper to be used at the time of outputting the color image is determined, for example, by using a key (not shown) of the operation unit 102 to use the recording paper supplied by the monochrome paper supply unit 111 to receive the received color image data. Make a confirmation.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the menu display at the time of the setting by the operator. FIG. 4 shows a screen for setting whether to use the recording paper supplied by the color paper supply unit 110 or the recording paper supplied by the black and white paper supply unit 111 when recording the received color image data. It is a figure showing an example. In the case of this example, when the operator presses a “*” key (not shown) provided on the operation unit 102, the color received image data is recorded on the recording paper fed by the monochrome paper supply unit 111. When the operator presses the “#” key (not shown) of the operation unit 102 in the setting menu display state, the received color image data is recorded on the recording paper supplied by the color paper supply unit 110. In the above description, the keys are described as keys for pressing “*” and “♯”. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the “*” and “#” keys. In short, it is only necessary to be able to set whether to use the color paper supply unit 110 or the black and white paper supply unit 111 when printing color image data.

The CPU 101 records and outputs to the color paper supply unit 110 when the paper supply unit for supplying the recording paper for recording the received color image data is set to the color paper supply unit 110 by the operator. An instruction to supply a sheet is issued (step S403, step S404). If the operator has set the paper supply unit that supplies the recording paper for recording the received color image data to the black-and-white paper supply unit 111, the recording paper to be recorded and output to the black-and-white paper supply unit 111 is supplied. (Step S40)
3. Step S405).

The subsequent receiving operation after feeding the recording paper is the first operation.
This is the same as the embodiment. That is, first, the communication control unit 114
Stores the code data sent via the communication line in the memory 113 sequentially (step S406). Memory 11
3 is decoded by the code decoder 112 (step S407), and the image generated by the decoding is image-processed by the image processor 106 (step S408). The image data after the image processing is output as an image by the image output unit 108 (step S40).
9). The apparatus according to the present invention performs the processing in step S406 until image output of all code data received by the communication
The process from step S409 is repeatedly executed (step S410). If the code data received by the communication control unit 114 is a code according to a black-and-white image coding processing method, the process proceeds from step S402 to step S405, whereby the same processing as in the first embodiment is executed. Therefore, the description here is omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
It is possible to select a paper supply unit that supplies recording paper used for recording the received color image. For this reason, by setting the paper feed unit that supplies the recording paper for recording the color image data received by the operator, the recording paper suitable for the color image recording can be used for recording the color image data received by the operator. Can be dealt with without having to replace the recording paper in the paper feed unit for color image data.

Although the above embodiment has been described by taking a facsimile apparatus as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a printer connected to a host computer. In this case, for example, it is determined whether the print data input from the host computer corresponds to a color image or a monochrome image, and the first or second sheet feeding is performed according to the determination result. Any one of the units may be selected to provide the recording paper to the image output unit.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, a facsimile). Device).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium (or a recording medium) storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing some or all of the actual processing, and the processing performs the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to automatically select an appropriate recording sheet for image data to be recorded.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of reception of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of reception according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting recording paper used when recording received color image data.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a color facsimile apparatus including a general inkjet type image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a general facsimile apparatus when transmitting image data.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a receiving operation in a general facsimile machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 CPU 102 Processing unit 103 Display unit 104 Document reading unit 105, 107, 109, 113 Memory 106 Image processing unit 108 Image output unit 110 Color paper supply unit 111 Black and white paper supply unit 112 Code decoding unit 114 Communication control unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] An image forming means for forming an image in accordance with input data; a first recording paper supply means for supplying a set first type recording paper to the image forming means; A second recording paper supply unit for supplying the second type of recording paper to the image forming unit, and selecting one of the first and second recording paper supply units based on the input data. An image forming apparatus comprising: a selection unit; and a control unit that controls recording paper to be supplied from the recording paper supply unit selected by the selection unit to the image forming unit so that an image is formed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting unit is configured to control the first recording paper supply unit when the input data corresponds to a color image, and to select the second recording paper supply unit when the input data corresponds to a monochrome image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recording paper supply unit is selected. 3. If the input data is code data generated by a color image data encoding method, the selection means selects the first recording paper supply means, and selects the first recording paper supply means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the data is code data generated by an encoding processing method for monochrome image data, the second recording sheet supply unit is selected. 4. A printing apparatus further comprising a setting unit for setting which of the first recording paper supply unit and the second recording paper supply unit is to be selected when the input data corresponds to a color image. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the selection unit selects a recording paper supply unit set to be selected by the setting unit when the input data corresponds to a color image. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 5. An image forming means for forming an image in accordance with input data; a first recording paper supply means for supplying a set first type recording paper to the image forming step; A second type of recording paper supplying means for supplying a recording paper of the second type to the image forming step, wherein the first and second recording papers are supplied based on the input data. 2) a selecting step of selecting any one of the recording paper supply means, and a control step of controlling the recording paper supply means selected by the selection step to supply recording paper to the image forming means and perform image formation. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting step includes: when the input data corresponds to a color image, the first recording paper supply unit; when the input data corresponds to a monochrome image, 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein a recording paper supply unit is selected. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting step selects the first recording paper supply unit when the input data is code data generated by a color image data encoding method. 7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein the second recording paper supply unit is selected when the data is code data generated by an encoding processing method for monochrome image data. 8. A setting step for setting which of the first recording paper supply means and the second recording paper supply means to select when the input data corresponds to a color image. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein in the selecting step, when the input data corresponds to a color image, the recording paper supply unit set to be selected in the setting step is selected. The control method of the image forming apparatus described in the above. 9. A receiving unit for receiving encoded data, an image forming unit for forming an image in accordance with the encoded data received by the receiving unit, A first recording paper supply unit for supplying the forming unit; a second recording paper supply unit for supplying a set second type of recording paper to the image forming unit; Selecting means for selecting one of the first and second recording paper supply means, and supplying the recording paper to the image forming means from the recording paper supply means selected by the selection means to form an image. A color facsimile apparatus comprising: a control unit for controlling the color facsimile apparatus. 10. When the received encoded data is encoded data generated by a color image data encoding processing method, the selecting unit selects the first recording paper supply unit. 10. The color facsimile according to claim 9, wherein when the received encoded data is encoded data generated by an encoding processing method for monochrome image data, the second recording paper supply unit is selected. apparatus. 11. When the input data corresponds to a color image, the first recording paper supply unit and the second
Setting means for setting which one of the recording paper supply means is to be selected, wherein the selection means sets the selection by the setting means when the received encoded data corresponds to a color image. 11. The color facsimile apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a recording paper supply unit that is used is selected.