JP2002049281A - Image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To raise processing speed by shortening the time required for image forming. SOLUTION: In an image-forming device which is provided with an automatic feeding mechanism, for successively feeding plural originals to a read position and by which an image exposed and scanned by traveling a carriage mounting the part of an image read optical system part is formed on paper, the entire image of an original is stored in a storage part by making identification information specifying image data correspond to the image data (S13), and the partial image data of the part of the original is obtained each time the original is fed to the reading position (S4-S6), and when the identification information same as that included in the partial image data is stored in the storing part (yes in S9), the image based on the image data corresponding to the identification information is formed (S15 and S16).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus which forms an image based on image data transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer on a sheet and outputs it.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-151821 discloses an identification information reading unit that specializes in reading identification information attached to a sheet in advance, and correspondence between transmitted image data and identification information for identifying the image data. A storage device for storing the identification information, when an image data associated with the identification information is transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer, an image combining the identification information is formed on a sheet, and the identification information is formed. There is disclosed an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data retrieved from a storage device when identification information is read by a reading unit.

According to the technique disclosed in the publication, once transmitted image data is stored and managed in a storage device, and in the subsequent image formation, an image is formed based on the stored image data. This eliminates the need to retransmit the same image data from an external device such as a personal computer, so that the time required for image formation can be reduced.

[0005]

However, as described above, an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on image data transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer manages image data based on identification information. Although the time required for image formation can be reduced by using an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus that forms an exposure-scanned image by moving a carriage on which an optical system component for reading a document image is mounted is used for image formation. The required time cannot be reduced.

The present invention includes an auto-feed mechanism for sequentially feeding a plurality of documents to a reading position, and performs exposure scanning by moving a carriage, which carries a part of an optical system component for reading an image, along the reading position. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by shortening the time required for image formation and improving the processing speed.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including an auto feed mechanism for sequentially feeding a plurality of documents to a reading position, and mounting a part of an optical system component for reading an image. A first mode for exposing and scanning the entire original and an exposure and scanning for a part of the original in an image forming apparatus that forms an image scanned and exposed on a sheet by moving a carriage along the reading position. A mode setting means for switching between a second mode and a second mode; and when the first mode is set by the mode setting means, the entire image of the document scanned by exposure and scanning is used as image data. An image data storage unit that stores identification information to be specified in the storage unit in association with the storage unit, and wherein the second mode is set by the mode setting unit. Reading means for exposing and scanning a part of the document each time the document is fed to the reading position by the auto-feed mechanism; and reading means for exposing and scanning the document each time the reading means performs exposure scanning of the document. Determining means for determining whether or not the identification information is included in the partial image data that is the image data of the part, and when the determination means determines that the identification information is included in the partial image data, With reference to the storage unit, a storage determination unit that determines whether the same identification information as the identification information is stored, and the storage determination unit determines that the corresponding identification information is stored. In this case, referring to the storage unit, a forming image data obtaining unit that obtains the image data associated with the identification information as forming image data, and the forming image data obtaining unit includes: Image forming means for forming an image based on the obtained with said image data, and the provided.

Therefore, the first mode is set by the mode setting means.
Is set as the image data, the image data storage means stores the image data in the storage unit in association with the identification information for specifying the image data. When the second mode is set by the mode setting means, each time the document is fed to the reading position by the auto-feed mechanism, a part of the document is exposed and scanned by the reading means to acquire partial image data. You. If the determination unit determines that the partial image data includes the identification information, and the storage determination unit determines that the same identification information as the identification information is stored in the storage unit, the acquired image data is acquired. The image data associated with the identification information is acquired from the storage unit as formed image data by the means, and an image based on the formed image data is formed by the image forming means.
This makes it possible to form an image based on stored image data without running the carriage when forming an image of a document that has been exposed and scanned before.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the mode setting unit is configured to execute the first mode when the storage determining unit determines that there is no corresponding identification information. And the formed image data acquiring means acquires the image data subjected to the exposure scanning as the formed image data when the first mode is set by the mode setting means.

Therefore, when it is judged by the storage judging means that there is no corresponding identification information, the first mode is set by the mode setting means, and the whole image data of the document is obtained as the formed image data. You. As a result, when exposing and scanning a plurality of documents, for example, when there are some documents for which identification information cannot be recognized due to lack of identification information or skew, interruption of processing such as through an operation by an operator is interrupted. , It is possible to form a target image without causing the problem.

[0011] The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
In the image forming apparatus described in (1), a first acquisition mode in which the formed image data obtained by the formed image data obtaining unit is only the image data, and the formed image data obtained by the formed image data obtaining unit is converted into the image. Acquisition mode setting means for setting one of data and a second acquisition mode to be the identification information associated with the image data is provided.

Therefore, under the setting of the first acquisition mode, an image based on only the image data is formed, and under the setting of the second acquisition mode, the image based on the image data and the identification information corresponding to the image data is formed. Is formed. This makes it possible to select formation or non-formation of the identification information according to the purpose.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second or third aspect, when the determination unit determines that the identification information is not included in the partial image data, the carriage is moved to the carriage. Moving means for moving the carriage by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction, and the reading means exposes and scans the document each time the moving means moves the carriage by the predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction.

Therefore, when the identification information is not included in the partial image data, the carriage is moved by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction, and the document is exposed and scanned every time the carriage is moved by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction. . Accordingly, even when the identification information is not recognized at the position where the carriage is first fixed due to an error in the feeding of the document such as skew, even if the identification information is attached to the document, The exposure scanning of the document can be performed again without the intervention of the operator.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, the predetermined distance at which the moving means moves the carriage is within 10 mm from a position of the carriage before moving.

Therefore, when the identification information is not included in the partial image data subjected to the exposure scanning, the carriage is moved in the sub-scanning direction within a range of 10 mm from the position of the carriage before the movement. Thus, the time and power consumption required for moving the carriage for exposing and scanning the identification information are practically suppressed compared to the time and power consumption for exposing and scanning the entire original. 4 can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1, 2,
6. In the image forming apparatus according to 3, 4, or 5, when the second mode is set by the mode setting means, a main scanning mode in which the carriage is fixed and exposure scanning is performed, and the carriage is moved in the sub scanning direction. Scanning mode setting means is provided for switching between a sub-scanning mode in which exposure scanning is performed while traveling in a predetermined range.

Therefore, the second mode is set by the mode setting means.
Is set, and the main scanning mode is set by the scanning mode setting means, the original is exposed and scanned while the carriage is fixed in position. Also,
When the second mode is set by the mode setting means and the sub-scanning mode is set by the scanning mode setting means, the carriage is moved in a predetermined range in the sub-scanning direction to expose and scan the original. Accordingly, for example, when identification information that is long in the sub-scanning direction is attached, by setting the sub-scanning mode, even when the identification information is long in the sub-scanning direction, The operation described in 4 or 5 can be obtained.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment shows an example of application to a copying machine as an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The copier 1 includes a scanner 2 and
A printer unit 3 provided below the scanner 2;
An ADF (Automatic Document Feeder: automatic document feeder) 4 as an automatic feed mechanism provided above the scanner 2.

On the upper surface of the scanner 2, a contact glass 5 on which a document to be read is placed is provided. In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the contact glass 5 is the reading position. Although not particularly shown, below the contact glass 5, a plurality of placed document set sensors for determining the presence or absence of a document on the contact glass 5 are provided.
Although the description is omitted because it is a known technique, the placed original set sensor is, for example, a reflection type optical sensor, and the presence or absence of the original on the contact glass 5 is determined based on a change in the output value of each placed original set sensor. And the size of the placed document is determined.

Below the contact glass 5, a first carriage 8 as a carriage having an illumination lamp 6 and a mirror 7 and capable of traveling along the contact glass 5, and mirrors 9 and 10 are provided along the contact glass 5. A movable second carriage 11, an imaging lens 12, a CCD (C
An image reading optical system component 14 such as a harge coupled device 13 is provided. The first and second carriages 8 and 11 are driven by a carriage motor (not shown) such as a stepping motor, and travel from the home position (right side) shown in FIG. 1 to the left side at a speed ratio of 2: 1.

The printer unit 3 is provided with an electrophotographic printer engine 1 from a paper feed tray 15 for stacking sheets.
6, a paper transport path 19 extending to the paper discharge stacker 18 via the fixing device 17 and the like. Printer engine 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a photoreceptor 20 provided substantially at the center of the printer engine 16, a charger 21 for uniformly charging the surface of the photoreceptor 20, and a photoreceptor 21 for exposing an image based on formed image data acquired during a code identification image forming process described later. An exposure unit 22 for exposing on the body 20, a developing unit 23 for applying toner to the latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 20 to expose the latent image to form a visible image, and is conveyed through the paper conveyance path 19. It is formed by a transfer device 24 for transferring a visible image onto the paper.

The ADF 4 includes a document table 25 on which a document to be fed to the contact glass 5 by the ADF 4 is placed, and a paper discharge unit 26 for discharging the document after reading. Although not particularly shown, the platen 25 includes the platen 2
A document set sensor for determining the presence or absence of a document on the document 5 is provided. A document transport path 27 that communicates from the document table 25 to the paper discharge unit 26 is formed inside the ADF 4. A transport mechanism 31 such as an endless belt 29 wound around a plurality of pairs of rollers 28 and a transport roller 30 is provided in the document transport path 27.
Is provided. The transport mechanism 31 is driven by an ADF motor (not shown) such as a stepping motor, and transports the originals placed on the original platen 25 toward the contact glass 5 one by one.

On the upper surface of the ADF 4, a main body operation panel 32 having a keyboard and a display (see FIG. 2) is provided. Although not particularly shown, the keyboard is provided with various operation keys such as a cursor key, a copy start key, an abort key, and a mode key. The mode key is operated by the operator to
In order to set an operation mode for reading a document image, such as a normal scan mode as a mode and a code reading mode as a second mode, a part of a function as a mode setting unit is realized. The mode key is operated by an operator to set an operation mode for image formation, such as an identification code non-transfer mode as a first acquisition mode, an identification code transcription mode as a second acquisition mode, and the like. And a function as an acquisition mode setting means.

The display displays various display screens for setting various operation conditions in the operation mode to be executed. Here, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the display in a state where the reading position designation screen 33 is displayed as one of various display screens. In the present embodiment, the reading position designation screen 33 can be displayed by operating a mode key for setting a code reading mode. On the reading position designation screen 33, a document G to which a plurality of code position information 34 for designating the position of an identification code as identification information attached to the document are schematically displayed.

Here, the identification code is information for specifying the image data of the entire document which has been exposed and scanned in the normal scan mode, and has a specific arrangement coded according to a certain rule. The identification code may be, for example, information created based on the date when the original image was exposed and scanned, or may be appropriately selected from a plurality of preset identification codes.

In the reading position designation screen 33, a number 34a for specifying each piece of code position information 34 is assigned near each displayed code position information 34. The operator can specify the specific code position information 34 by specifying the target number 34a by operating the ten keys or the like while the reading position specification screen 33 is displayed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an outline of each unit provided in the copying machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical connection of each unit provided in the copying machine 1 and the flow of image data. The copying machine 1 has a main control unit 35 that centrally drives and controls each unit in the copying machine 1. Although not particularly shown, the main control unit 35 includes a CPU for centrally controlling and driving each unit in the copying machine 1, a ROM for storing data such as a control program in advance, and a RAM for functioning as a work area of the CPU. It is configured by connecting. The main control unit 35 includes a main body operation panel control unit 36, a scanner unit control unit 37,
A printer unit controller 38, an internal storage device 39, and the like are connected.

Although not shown, the internal storage device 39 stores an image data management file for storing image data photoelectrically converted by the CCD 13 and an identification code for specifying the image data in association with each other. In this embodiment, the internal storage device 39 implements a function as a storage unit. The internal storage device 39 stores the above-described code position information 34 and the first and second carriages 8 and 11.
A moving distance information file is stored in which the moving distance information relating to the moving distance from the home position is stored in association with the moving distance information file. The moving distance information sets a distance for moving the first and second carriages 8 and 11 from the home position to a position where the reading position of the identification code specified by the designated code position information 34 can be exposed and scanned. Information.

In addition, although not particularly shown, various sensors such as a document set sensor and a placed document set sensor are connected to the main control unit 35. The output values of the various sensors are input to the main control unit 35, and the main control unit 35 executes a predetermined process according to the output values from the various sensors.

The main body operation panel control section 36 outputs an input signal corresponding to an input operation on the keyboard on the main body operation panel 32 to the main control section 35. Further, the main body operation panel control unit 36 causes the display to display information based on the display data output from the main control unit 35.

The scanner unit control unit 37 includes the CCD 1
The image data of the document optically read in step 3 is output to the main control unit 35 as image data converted into an electric signal. An ADF control unit 40 is connected to the scanner unit control unit 37. The ADF control unit 40 drives an ADF motor (not shown) in accordance with a signal output from the scanner unit control unit 37, so that the document is brought into contact glass. Feed up to 5.

When the image data output from the main control unit 35 is input, the printer unit control unit 38 controls the driving of each unit in the printer unit 3 and
For the paper transported with the timing adjusted from 5,
An image is formed based on formed image data obtained in a code identification image forming process described later.

Although the description of the operation itself is omitted because it is a known technique, in the copying machine 1 described above, when the copy start key is pressed down when the normal scan mode is set by operating the mode key, the contact glass By moving the first and second carriages 8 and 11 along 5, a normal scanning process for exposing and scanning an image of the entire document is executed. Although the details will be described later, in the above-described copying machine 1, when the code reading mode is set by operating the mode key, the moving distance information file is referred to and the distance corresponding to the designated code position information 34 is set. The first and second carriages 8 and 11 are moved based on the information, and a part of the original placed on the contact glass 5 with the first and second carriages 8 and 11 fixed at the moved positions. The image is exposed and scanned.

Next, a code identification image forming process executed by the copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing the code identification image forming process. In the code identification image forming process, the process waits until it is determined that the copy start key has been pressed (S
If it is determined that the copy start key is depressed (Y in S1) (Y in S1), it is determined whether or not the above-described code reading mode is set (S2).

If it is determined in step S2 that the code reading mode is not set (N in S2), a normal copy process is executed.

Although the detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique, in the normal copy processing, the printer engine 16 is operated based on the image data of the document exposed and scanned in the above-described normal scan processing in response to the depression of the copy start key. To form this image on the paper conveyed from the paper feed tray 15.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the code reading mode is set (Y in S2), it is determined whether a document is placed on the document table 25 based on the output value of the document set sensor. It is determined whether or not it is (S3).

If it is determined in step S3 that a document is placed on the document table 25 based on the output value of the document set sensor (Y in S3), the identification code position designated as described above is set. Carriage motor not shown based on
Each ADF motor is driven by a predetermined number of pulses (S
4) Turn on the illumination lamp 6 (S5). Here, a function as a reading unit is executed. As a result, the first and second carriages 8 and 11 are moved so as to be located at predetermined positions below the identification code, and a transport unit such as a transport roller is driven to drive the original placed on the original table 25. Is conveyed toward the contact glass 5, a part of the document is irradiated, and the reflected light from the document is imaged on the CCD 13. Hereinafter, the image data of a part of the document that has been exposed and scanned in step S5 is referred to as partial image data.

In addition, the partial image data exposed and scanned in step S5 is analyzed (S6), and it is determined whether or not the analyzed partial image data includes data having a specific arrangement. It is determined whether or not an identification code is included in the partial image data (S7). Here, the function as the judgment means is executed.

If it is determined in step S7 that the identification code is included in the partial image data analyzed in step S6 (Y in S7), the image data management file is searched for.
(S8) It is determined whether or not the image data management file has the same identification code as the identification code analyzed in step S6 (S9). Here, a function as a storage determination unit is executed.

In step S9, when it is determined that the same identification code as the one analyzed in step S6 is present in the image data management file (Y in S9), the identification code determined to be the same as the identification code is determined. The associated image data is obtained from the image data management file as formed image data (S10). Here, a part of the function as the formed image data obtaining means is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the original is not placed on the original table 25 (N in S3), the original is placed on the contact glass 5 based on the output value of the placed original set sensor. Is determined (S11),
If it is determined that no document is placed on the contact glass 5 (N in S11), the code identification image forming process is terminated.

When it is determined in step S11 that an original is placed on the contact glass 5 (S1).
1) Y), when it is determined that the identification code is not included in the partial image data analyzed in step S7 (N in S7), or in the management file in step S9, the same identification as the identification code analyzed in step S6 in the management file. When it is determined that there is no code (N in S9), the setting mode is switched to the normal scan mode, the process proceeds to step S12, and the above-described normal scan process is executed. Here, a part of the function as the mode setting means is executed.

In addition, in step S12, an identification code unique to the image data is added to the image data acquired by the normal scanning process, and the image data is stored in the image data management file.
(S13), the process proceeds to step S14. Here, a function as an image data storage unit is executed.

In step S13, the image data stored in the image data management file is obtained as formed image data. Here, a part of the function as the formed image data obtaining means is executed.

In step S14, it is determined whether or not the image forming mode is set to the identification code transfer mode.
(S14) If it is determined that the image forming mode is set to the identification code transfer mode (Y in S14), the image data obtained by combining the formed image data obtained in step S10 with the identification code analyzed in step S6. Alternatively, an image forming process is executed based on the image data obtained by combining the identification code corresponding to the formed image data acquired in step S13 (S15). Here, a function as an image forming unit is executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the image forming mode is not set to the identification code transfer mode (N in S14), the formed image data obtained in step S10 or stored in step S13. The image forming process is executed based on the formed image data (S1
6). Here, a function as an image forming unit is executed.

Although a detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique, in each image forming process executed in steps S15 and S16, the printer engine 16 is driven based on the respective formed image data, and the sheet feeding tray 15 is driven. After that, a predetermined image is formed on the conveyed sheet with the timing adjusted, and then output.

Here, when the normal scan mode is set, the entire image data of the document and the identification code are stored in the image data management file in association with each other, and when the code reading mode is set. Each time an original is fed onto the contact glass 5 by the ADF 4, partial image data of a part of the original is acquired, and the acquired partial image data includes an identification code. Is stored in the image data management file, an image is formed based on the image data associated with the identification code.

Thus, when an image of a document which has been exposed and scanned before is formed, the image is formed based on the stored image data without running the first and second carriages 8 and 11. Therefore, the time required for image formation can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved. Also, the first and second carriages 8, 1
By exposing and scanning the identification information without running the vehicle 1, the power consumption can be reduced.

Further, under the setting of the identification code non-transfer mode, an image based on only the image data is formed, and under the setting of the identification code transfer mode, an image based on the image data and the identification code corresponding to the image data is formed. It is formed.

This makes it possible to select the formation or non-formation of the identification code for the output image according to the purpose, so that the versatile copying machine 1 can be provided.

If it is determined in step S11 that the image forming mode is not set to the identification code transfer mode,
(N in S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

Here, when the normal scanning process is performed because there is no corresponding identification code, the entire image data of the document is obtained as the formed image data.

In this way, when a plurality of originals are exposed and scanned, even if there are some originals whose identification codes cannot be recognized due to, for example, missing or skewed identification codes, it is possible to perform operations such as through an operation by an operator. Since it is possible to form a target image without interrupting processing, even when exposing and scanning a plurality of originals, the time required for image formation is reduced,
The processing speed can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the internal storage device 39 in the copying machine 1 is used as a storage unit, and the image data management file is stored in the internal storage device 39. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5, the image data management file is stored in a storage medium such as an FD, and an FDD 39a that can read and write information from and to the FD is externally connected to the main control unit 35 of the copying machine 1 and is connected to the FD. By reading out the stored management file by the FDD 39a, the same function as described above can be executed. At this time, the FD mounted on the FDD 39a serves as a storage unit, and the FDD 39a realizes a function as an image data storage unit.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the point that an identification code that is long in the sub-scanning direction is read so that the entire identification code cannot be irradiated in a state where there is no relative movement between the illumination lamp 6 and the document. 1
This is a different point from the third embodiment. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a reading position designation screen 33 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the document G to which the code position information 34 is attached is schematically displayed on the reading position designation screen 33. The identification code of the present embodiment is long in the sub-scanning direction, and each code position information 34 has a number 34a for identifying the code position information 34, as in the first embodiment.
Is attached.

In the present embodiment, the mode key is operated by the operator to set the main scanning mode,
In order to set the operation modes of the first and second carriages 8 and 11 for reading a document image such as the sub-scanning mode, a function as a scanning mode setting unit is realized.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing the code identification image forming process. The processing from step T1 to step T4 executes the same processing as the processing from step S1 to step S4 in FIG. 4, and determines whether the specified identification code is an identification code long in the sub-scanning direction. Is determined (T5).

If it is determined in step T5 that the specified identification code is not an identification code long in the sub-scanning direction (N in T5), the first and second carriages 8 are moved in the same manner as in step S5 in FIG. Lighting lamp 6 without running
Only the light is turned on (T6).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step T5 that the specified identification code is a long identification code in the sub-scanning direction (Y in T5), the illumination lamp 6 is turned on and the preset pulse number is set. The minute carriage motor is driven (T7). As a result, the first range of the preset range is obtained.
And the second carriages 8 and 11 are run, and the original where the first and second carriages 8 and 11 have run is exposed and scanned.

Next, from step T8 to step T18
, The same processing as in steps S6 to S16 in FIG. 4 is executed.

Here, when the code reading mode and the main scanning mode are set, the original is exposed and scanned while the first and second carriages 8 and 11 are fixed in position, and the code reading mode and the sub scanning mode are set. When the mode is set, the first and second carriages 8 and 11 travel a predetermined range in the sub-scanning direction, and the original is exposed and scanned.

Thus, for example, when identification information that is long in the sub-scanning direction is attached, setting the sub-scanning mode allows the identification information to be set even when the identification information is long in the sub-scanning direction. The effects described in 3, 4, and 5 can be obtained. Thereby, a highly versatile image forming apparatus can be obtained.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, when it is impossible to determine the identification code under the setting of the code reading mode, the first and second carriages 8 and 11 move in the sub-scanning direction to expose the original again. The point of scanning is different from the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing a code identification image forming process in the copying machine 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the code identification image forming process, the same processes as steps S1 to S16 shown in FIG. 4 are executed in steps U1 to U16.

If it is determined in step U7 that the identification code is not included in the image scanned and exposed (N of U7),
The carriage motor is driven by a predetermined number of pulses (U17), and the illumination lamp 6 is turned on (U18). Here, the function as the moving means is executed. Thus, the original image is exposed and scanned while the first and second carriages 8 and 11 are moved in the sub-scanning direction.

In this embodiment, the moving distance of the first carriage from the home position is 10 mm. As a result, the required time and power consumption for moving the first and second carriages 8 and 11 for exposing and scanning the identification code are smaller than the required time and power consumption for exposing and scanning the entire original. However, the same effect as described above can be obtained after practical suppression.

Then, similarly to steps U6 and U7, the partial image data that has been exposed and scanned again is analyzed (U1
9) It is determined whether or not the identification code is included in the analyzed partial image data (U20). If it is determined that the identification code is included in the analyzed partial image data (Y of U18), the step is performed. Go to U8.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step U20 that the identification code is not included in the analyzed partial image data (N in U20), the flow advances to step U12 to store the image data subjected to the normal scan processing and the exposure scan. I do.

If the identification code is not included in the partial image data, the first and second carriages 8,
11 is moved a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction, and the first and second
Each time the carriages 8 and 11 are moved, the original is exposed and scanned.

Thus, the first and second carriages 8 and 11 are initially identified at a fixed position due to an error in the feeding of the original such as skew, even though the original has an identification code. Even when the code cannot be recognized, the original can be exposed and scanned again without the intervention of the operator. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained without any complicated operation. Thus, an image forming apparatus having good operability can be provided.

[0076]

According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when the first mode is set, the entire image data of the document and the identification information are stored in association with each other. When the mode 2 is set, every time the document is fed to the reading position by the auto feed mechanism, partial image data of a part of the document is acquired, and the partial image data includes identification information. If the same identification information as the identification information is stored in the storage unit, an image based on the image data associated with the identification information is formed, thereby forming an image of the document previously exposed and scanned. In this case, an image can be formed based on the stored image data without running the carriage.
The time required for image formation can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved. In addition, the power consumption can be reduced by exposing and scanning the identification information without running the carriage.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the first mode is set because there is no corresponding identification information, the entire image data of the original is set. By performing the exposure scanning of a plurality of originals, even if there are some originals whose identification information cannot be recognized due to missing identification information or skew, the operation by the operator can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to form a target image without interrupting the processing such as through the image processing apparatus, so that the effects described in claim 1 can be obtained even when a plurality of originals are exposed and scanned. In addition, operability can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, an image is formed based on only the image data under the setting of the first acquisition mode.
Under the setting of the second acquisition mode, by forming an image based on the image data and the identification information corresponding to the image data, it is possible to select the formation or non-formation of the identification information according to the purpose. Therefore, a highly versatile image forming apparatus can be provided.

According to the invention described in claim 4, according to claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in Item 2 or 3, when the identification information is not included in the partial image data, the carriage is moved by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction, and each time the carriage is moved, the document is exposed and scanned. Despite the fact that the document is marked with, even if the identification information cannot be recognized at the position where the carriage is first fixed due to an error in the feed of the document such as skew, it is necessary to perform the operation through the operator's operation. Since the exposure scanning of the original can be performed again without the need for a complicated operation, it is possible to obtain the effects of claims 1, 2 and 3, and to provide an image forming apparatus with good operability. can do.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the identification information is not included in the partial image data subjected to the exposure scanning, the position of the carriage before moving is 10 mm. By moving the carriage in the sub-scanning direction within the range, the time required for moving the carriage for exposing and scanning the identification information and the amount of power consumption are reduced, and the time required for exposing and scanning the entire document is reduced. Claim 4 wherein the power consumption is reduced practically.
The described action can be obtained.

According to the invention described in claim 6, according to claim 1,
2. The image forming apparatus according to 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein
When the second mode and the sub-scanning mode are set, the document is exposed and scanned while the carriage is fixed, and when the second mode and the sub-scanning mode are set, the carriage is scanned in the sub-scanning direction. The document is exposed and scanned in a predetermined range in the direction, for example, when identification information long in the sub-scanning direction is attached, for example, when the identification information is long in the sub-scanning direction by setting the sub-scanning mode. Also in this case, the effects described in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 can be obtained. Thereby, a highly versatile image forming apparatus can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical connection of each unit included in the copying machine and a flow of image data.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing a code identification image forming process.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a reading position designation screen according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing a code identification image forming process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing a code identification image forming process according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 4 Auto feed mechanism 8, 11 Carriage 14 Optical system component 39 Storage part

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06T 1/00 450 H04N 1/00 E H04N 1/00 1/04 105 1/04 105 G03G 21/00 372 1/10 H04N 1/10 1/107 F term (reference) 2H027 ED04 ED12 EE07 EE08 EE10 EF09 FA16 FA19 FA22 FA35 FB03 FB05 FD08 2H076 AA34 AA58 BA22 BA87 BB16 5B047 AA01 BA02 BC15 CA07 CA14 CB22 5C062 AB46 AB AC07 AC14 AC21 AC51 BA04 5C072 AA01 BA03 LA14 MA01 MB04 MB08 XA01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An exposure device according to claim 1, further comprising an auto-feed mechanism for sequentially feeding a plurality of documents to a reading position, and exposing and scanning by moving a carriage, which carries a part of an image reading optical system component, along said reading position. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a mode setting unit configured to switchably set a first mode for exposing and scanning the entire original and a second mode for exposing and scanning a part of the original, When the first mode is set by the mode setting means, an image data storage for storing the entire image of the exposed and scanned original as image data in the storage unit in association with identification information for specifying the image data. Means, and when the second mode is set by the mode setting means, the document is read by the auto feed mechanism. A reading unit that exposes and scans a part of the document each time the document is fed to the printer; and Determining means for determining whether or not the identification information is included, and when the determination means determines that the identification information is included in the partial image data, referring to the storage unit,
Storage determining means for determining whether or not the same identification information as the identification information is stored; and when the storage determining means determines that the corresponding identification information is stored, refer to the storage unit. Forming image data obtaining means for obtaining the image data associated with the identification information as forming image data; and image forming means for forming an image based on the image data obtained by the forming image data obtaining means. And an image forming apparatus. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit sets the first mode when the storage determining unit determines that there is no corresponding identification information. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first mode is set, the image data subjected to the exposure scanning is acquired as the formed image data. 3. A first acquisition mode in which the formed image data acquired by the formed image data acquiring means is only the image data, and a first acquired mode in which the formed image data acquired by the formed image data acquiring means is the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition mode setting unit configured to set any one of a second acquisition mode and the identification information associated with the image data. 4. A moving means for moving the carriage by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction when the judging means judges that the identification information is not included in the partial image data; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit performs exposure scanning on the document each time the carriage moves the predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined distance at which the moving unit moves the carriage is within 10 mm from a position of the carriage before moving. 6. A main scanning mode in which the carriage is fixed and the exposure scanning is performed when the second mode is set by the mode setting means, and an exposure scanning in which the carriage is moved in a predetermined range in the sub scanning direction. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a scanning mode setting unit configured to switchably set a sub-scanning mode to be set.