JP2002131994A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device whose number of parts can be reduced to simplify the device and which can realize reduction of the cost. SOLUTION: A paper color data generating device 2 is provided with one memory device 2a, and generates paper color data based on image data from an image reader 1 when it receives a paper color data generation designating signal for generating paper color data and stores it in the device 2a, then gives the paper color data to a color correction device 3 from the device 2a. The device 3 corrects the color tone of the image data from the image reader stage by using the paper color data from the device 2.

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 such as an electrophotographic copying paper, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction peripheral thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-1351 is known.
In the image forming method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-1351, when performing multi-color printing, color tone data of a paper to be printed by an optical sensor is acquired, and color correction and processing such as enlargement or reduction have already been performed. The image data is printed by correcting the distribution of a plurality of color materials according to the color tone data. A color printing apparatus described in JP-A-60-167571 acquires red, green, and blue data of an object to be printed by reflecting light, and corrects the red, green, and blue data. Then, by converting the data into yellow, magenta, and cyan data, the color of the original image is reproduced without emphasizing the ground color of the paper. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
The image forming apparatuses described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 272806, 10-42084 and 10-44510 correct the color tone of image data according to the color of paper.

[0003]

However, since the conventional image forming apparatus has an image reading device and a paper color detecting device separately provided, the number of parts increases and the device becomes complicated. However, there is a problem that the price is high. Further, in the conventional image forming apparatus, since the paper color detecting device detects using the paper color data of one place of the recording paper, when the part of the recording paper where the paper color data is detected is dirty, etc. There is a problem that the paper color may not be detected accurately. Further, in a conventional image forming apparatus, when a plurality of recording paper storage devices are provided, there is a problem that a paper color detection device is required for each recording paper storage device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the number of components, simplifying the apparatus, and reducing the cost. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can accurately generate paper color data. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of simplifying the apparatus by reducing the number of components even when the apparatus includes a plurality of recording paper storage apparatuses and reducing the cost.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading means for reading image light from a document to generate image data as an electrical signal, Paper color data generating means for generating the paper color data, color correcting means for correcting the color tone of the image data from the image reading means using the paper color data from the paper color data generating means, and recording paper Recording paper storage means, paper supply means for supplying recording paper stored in the recording paper storage means, and an electrostatic latent image formed based on image data from the color correction means. An image forming apparatus for forming a toner image by applying toner to a latent image and transferring the toner image to the recording paper, wherein the paper color data generating means has one memory device; Paper color data When receiving a paper color data generation instruction signal for generating the paper color data, the paper color data is generated based on the image data from the image reading means and stored in the memory device. Data is provided to the color correction means. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the paper color data generating unit is configured to perform the processing based on a plurality of image data from the image reading unit corresponding to a plurality of locations on the document. The paper color data is generated and stored in the memory device, and the paper color data is supplied from the memory device to the color correction means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading means for reading image light from an original to generate image data as an electric signal, a paper color data generating means for generating paper color data of the original, A color correction unit that corrects a color tone of the image data from the image reading unit using the paper color data from the paper color data generation unit; a plurality of recording paper storage units that store recording paper; Paper feed means for supplying the recording paper stored in one of the recording paper storage means selected; and forming an electrostatic latent image based on the image data from the color correction means. Image forming means for applying a toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image and transferring the toner image to the transfer paper. Paper color A plurality of paper color data memory devices for storing data, the paper color data generating means having one memory device, and the paper color data memory corresponding to the one selected recording paper storage means. The paper color data held by the device is stored in the memory device, and the paper color data is supplied from the memory device to the color correction unit, and the paper color data generation unit generates the paper color data. Receiving the paper color data generation instruction signal for generating the paper color data based on the image data from the image reading means and storing the paper color data in the memory device; To the correction means, and
The image data from the memory device is stored in the paper color data memory device corresponding to the paper color data generation instruction signal, and the paper color data in the paper color data memory device is updated.

[0006]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus as one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image reading device (image reading means) 1 and a paper color data generating device (paper color data generating means).
2, a color correction device (color correction device) 3, a recording paper storage device (recording paper storage device) 4, a paper feeding device (paper feeding device) 5,
An image forming device (image forming means) 6.

[0007] As shown in FIG.
Are connected to the image reading device 1. The color correction device 3 is connected to the image reading device 1, the paper color data generation device 2, and the image forming device 6. Image reading device 1
Reads image light from a document and generates image data which is an electric signal. The paper color data generation device 2 has one memory device 2a, and when receiving a paper color data generation instruction signal for generating paper color data, generates the paper color data based on the image data from the image reading device 1. The data is generated and stored in the memory device 2a, and the paper color data is given from the memory device 2a to the color correction device 3. The color correction device 3 uses the paper color data from the paper color data generation device 2 to correct the color tone of the image data from the image reading device 1 so that the color of the image data becomes the most suitable color for the paper color to be used. To

As shown in FIG. 1, an image reading device 1
Is a platen glass (document table) 7, an automatic document feeder 8, an exposure lamp 9, a first mirror 10, a second mirror 11, a third mirror 12, a lens 13, an image pickup device 14. The document is placed on the platen glass 7 by the automatic document feeder 8 or a finger. The automatic document feeder 8 is arranged on the platen glass 7 and automatically feeds the document onto the platen glass 7, and discharges the document on the platen glass 7 after the information on the image of the document is read. . Exposure lamp 9
The first mirror 10, the second mirror 11, the third mirror 12, the lens 13, and the image sensor 14 are arranged below the platen glass 7. The exposure lamp 9 is
This illuminates the original placed on the platen glass 7. The first mirror 10, the second mirror 11, and the third mirror 12 receive and reflect image light from a document and guide the image light to the lens 13. The lens 13 forms an image of image light from the document and gives the image light to the image sensor 14. The imaging element 14 receives image light from a document and generates image data that is an electric signal. The exposure lamp 9 and the first mirror 10 are held by a carriage member 15. Carriage member 15
Is reciprocally movable in a direction parallel to the platen glass 7 by a driving device (not shown). When reading an image of a document placed on the platen glass 7 in a stationary state, the carriage member 15 is reciprocated in a direction parallel to the platen glass, and an exposure lamp 9 and a first mirror integrated therewith. 10 is reciprocated. The second mirror 11 and the third mirror 12 move the lens 13 from the image of the original.
In order to make the optical path length of the image light up to a constant, the moving speed of the first mirror 10 is set to 1 in synchronization with the first mirror 10.
It is reciprocated at a speed of / 2. When reading an image of a document being moved on the platen glass 7 by the automatic document feeder 8, the exposure lamp 9 and the first mirror 10 are stopped at predetermined positions, and the second mirror 1 is stopped.
The first and third mirrors 12 are also stopped at predetermined positions.

[0009] The recording paper storage device 4 is arranged at a lower portion of the apparatus main body. The recording paper storage device 4 has a plurality of recording paper storage trays 4a and 4b. Recording paper storage tray 4
In a and b, a plurality of recording papers are stacked and stored. The paper feeding device 5 supplies the recording paper stored in the recording paper storage device 4 to the image forming device 6. The paper supply device 5 includes a plurality of paper supply rollers 16 and 17 and a plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers 18 and 19,
20, a guide member 22, and a pair of registration rollers 23. Plural paper feed rollers 16, 17
The transport rollers 1 selectively rotate the recording paper selectively rotated and stored in one of the recording paper storage trays 4a and 4b.
Feed in the directions of 8 and 19. Transport rollers 18, 19, 2
Reference numerals 0 and 21 convey the recording paper fed from the plurality of paper feed rollers 16 and 17 in the direction of the registration rollers 23.
At this time, the guide member 22 guides the recording paper. The registration roller 23 temporarily suspends the recording sheet and sends the recording sheet to the image forming apparatus 6 in synchronization with the toner image formed by the image forming apparatus 6. The image forming device 6 forms an electrostatic latent image based on the image data from the color correction device 3, applies toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and transfers the toner image to recording paper. It is. The image forming apparatus 6 includes a drum-shaped photoconductor 24 that is rotated clockwise, a charging device 25 disposed around the photoconductor 24, an exposure device 26,
Developing device 27, transfer device 28, cleaning device 2
9. The charging device 25 applies a charge to the surface of the photoconductor 24 to uniformly charge the surface of the photoconductor 24. The exposure device 26 includes a laser driver 30 and a laser device 31
, A lens 32, and a mirror 33. The laser driver 30 is connected to the color correction device 3. The laser device 31 is connected to the laser driver 30.
The laser driver 30 receives the image data from the color correction device 3 and radiates a laser beam to the laser device 31 based on the image data. The electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface of the body 24. The developing device 27 includes the photoconductor 2
The toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of No. 4 to form a toner image. The transfer device 28 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 24 to the recording paper fed from the paper feeding device 5. The cleaning device 29 removes residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 24 after the transfer of the toner image.
Such an operation is repeated. Further, the image forming apparatus includes a recording paper transporting device 34, a fixing device 35, a paper discharging device 36, a sorter 37, a recording paper direction switching device 38, and a re-feeding device 39. The recording paper transport device 34
It is disposed between the transfer device 28 and the fixing device 35, and conveys the recording paper on which the toner image has been formed by the transfer device 28 to the fixing device 35. The fixing device 35 includes a recording paper transport device 34.
Then, the toner image is fixed on the recording paper sent by the printer, and is sent to the paper output device 36.

The paper discharging device 36 includes a pair of conveying rollers 40.
And a pair of discharge / reversal rollers 41. The transport roller 40 sends the recording paper sent from the fixing device 35 to the discharge / reversal roller 41. The discharge / reversal roller 41 is
At times other than when a toner image is formed on the other surface of the recording paper having the toner image formed on one surface, the recording paper is rotated forward and the recording paper from the transport roller 40 is discharged to the sorter 37. When a toner image is formed on the other surface of the recording paper having the toner image formed on one surface, the paper discharging and reversing roller 41 temporarily rotates forward to transfer the recording paper from the transport roller 40 toward the sorter 37. The recording paper is rotated in the reverse direction while sandwiching the rear end portion thereof, and returned toward the transport roller 40. The recording paper direction switching device 38 includes a recording paper direction switching claw member 38a disposed between the transport roller 40 and the discharge / reversal roller 41, and a switching drive control device that changes the position of the recording paper direction switching claw member 38a. (Not shown). Recording paper direction switching claw member 38a
Discharges the recording paper from the transport roller 40 and discharges the recording paper from the reverse roller 4
A first position for guiding in the direction 1 and a discharge / reversal roller 4
The switching drive control device is selectively disposed at a second position for guiding the recording paper from No. 1 to the re-feeding device 39.
When a toner image is formed on the other surface of the recording paper having the toner image formed on one surface, the recording paper direction switching claw member 38a
Is disposed at the second position and is a discharge / reversal roller 41
Is guided to the re-feeding device 39. The re-feeding device 39 includes a guide member 42 and a plurality of pairs of transport rollers 43. The conveyance roller 43 conveys the recording paper fed by the discharge / reversal roller 41 via the recording paper direction switching claw member 38 a and guided by the guide member 42, and sends it to the conveyance roller 21. The conveyance roller 221 sends the recording paper sent by the conveyance roller 43 to the registration roller 23. As described above, the registration roller 23 sends the recording paper to the image forming device 6 in synchronization with the toner image formed by the image forming device 6 after temporarily suspending the recording paper. The image forming device 6 transfers the toner image to the other surface of the recording paper on which the toner image is not formed. Further, the image forming apparatus includes:
A manual feed tray 44 and a guide member 45 are provided. Atypical recording paper is placed on the manual feed tray 44. The recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 44 is fed by a manual feed roller (not shown) via a guide member 45 to the transport roller 21.
Sent to The transport roller 21 sends the recording paper sent by the manual feed roller to the registration roller 23.
As described above, the registration roller 23 sends the recording paper to the image forming device 6 in synchronization with the toner image formed by the image forming device 6 after temporarily suspending the recording paper.

Next, a specific example of the main part of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a specific example of a main part of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3, in step S1, the paper color data generation device 2 determines whether or not the mode is the paper color detection mode. Please place it on 7 ". Next, in step S3, the paper color data generation device 2 determines whether the reading start button has been pressed down, that is, whether a paper color data generation instruction signal for generating paper color data has been received. When the reading start button is depressed in step S3, the paper color data generation device 2 reads the image data from the image reading device 1 in step S4. Next, in step S5, the paper color data generation device 2
Generates paper color data based on the image data from the image reading device 1, and stores it in the memory device 2a in step S6. Next, in step S7, the paper color data generation device 2
Supplies the paper color data from the memory device 2a to the color correction device 3. Next, in step S8, the color correction device 3 uses the paper color data from the paper color data generation device 2 to correct the color tone of the image data from the image reading device 1 and to use the color of the image data So that the color is optimal for Next, in step S8, it is determined whether or not the operation is completed. If the operation is not completed, the process returns to step S7.

Next, a method of correcting image data by the paper color data generating device will be described. The image pickup device 14 of the image reading apparatus 1 reads a shading plate (white reference plate) at the time of turning on the power, acquires white correction data, and suppresses the exposure lamp 9 in order to suppress unevenness in light amount and variation in light receiving sensitivity of the exposure lamp 9. 9, the data of the image sensor 14 at the time of OFF is read to acquire black reference data, and the image data that is the read data of the image sensor 14 is corrected based on the white and black correction data. By using these white and black correction data also when reading the paper color, the accuracy of the paper color data of the document can be improved without using a new adjusting unit. Actually, the correction data = {(read data) −
(Black correction data)} / {(white correction data) − (black correction data)} is used to correct the image data to generate paper color data. In the embodiment of the present invention, the paper color data generation device 2 generates paper color data of a document based on a plurality of image data from the image reader 1 corresponding to a plurality of portions of the document and stores the data in the memory device 2a. It may be configured to store and provide the paper color data from the memory device 2a to the color correction device 3. A method of calculating paper color data based on a plurality of image data in this case will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in step S11, the size and direction of the document set on the document table (platen glass) 7 are detected by the document size sensor. Next, step S1
In step 2, RGB data is generated by reading the horizontal Nx point and the vertical Ny point of the image data of the paper size by red, green, and blue sensors. Next, an average value of Nx × Ny points of each of the RGB data is obtained. Next, the obtained average value is used as the paper color data in the memory device 2a.
To save. As described above, by calculating the paper color data based on the image data acquired at a plurality of locations, it is possible to reduce the measurement error for local contamination such as dust on the document.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals.
As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in that the recording paper sheets further stored in a plurality of recording paper storage trays 4a and 4b. It has a plurality of paper color data memory devices 44a and 44b for holding color data. The paper color data memory devices 44a and 44b are connected to the paper color data generation device 2. The paper color data generation device 2 has one memory device 2a
And stores the paper color data stored in the paper color data memory device 4a or 4b corresponding to the one selected by the operator of the recording paper storage trays 4a and 4b in the memory device 2a. The paper color data is provided to the color correction device 3 from the device 2a. Also, the paper color data generation device 2
When a paper color data generation instruction signal for generating paper color data is received, paper color data is generated based on the image data from the image reading device 1 and stored in the memory device 2a. Data is supplied to the color correction device 3, and the image data from the memory device 2a is stored in the paper color data memory device 4 corresponding to the paper color data generation instruction signal.
a and 4b, and updates the paper color data of the paper color data memory device. Incidentally, in the first embodiment of the present invention, one recording paper storage tray may be provided,
Further, it may be configured to have three or more recording paper storage trays. Further, in the second embodiment of the present invention,
You may comprise so that it may have three or more recording paper storage trays. The present invention can use not only image data read by an image reading device but also external image data such as image data from an external computer or image data received by a facsimile receiving device.

[0014]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the paper color data generation means has one memory device and generates a paper color data generation instruction signal for generating paper color data. When receiving the data, paper color data is generated based on the image data from the image reading means and stored in the memory device, and the paper color data is provided from the memory device to the color correction means. This can simplify the apparatus and reduce the cost. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the paper color data generating means has one memory device, and generates the paper color data based on a plurality of image data from the image reading means corresponding to a plurality of portions of the document. Then, the data is stored in the memory device, and the paper color data is supplied from the memory device to the color correction means, so that the paper color data can be accurately generated. The invention according to claim 3 has a plurality of paper color data memory devices for holding the paper color data of the recording paper stored in the plurality of recording paper storage means, and the paper color data generating means has one memory device. And storing the paper color data held by the paper color data memory device corresponding to one selected recording paper storage means in the memory device, and converting the paper color data from the memory device to the color The paper color data generating means receives the paper color data generation instruction signal for generating the paper color data based on the image data from the image reading means. And stores it in the memory device, and supplies the paper color data from the memory device to the color correction means, and converts the image data from the memory device to the paper color data generation instruction signal. Since the paper color data stored in the color data memory device is updated in the color data memory device, even if a plurality of recording paper storage units are provided, one paper color data generation unit can cope with the case. Can be reduced to simplify the apparatus and reduce the cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a main part of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining another operation of the main part of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 image reading device (image reading device), 2 paper color data generating device (paper color data generating device), 3 color correcting device (color correcting device), 4 recording paper storage device (recording paper storing device), 5 paper feeding device (Sheet feeding means), 6 image forming apparatus (image forming means), 7 platen glass (document table), 8 automatic document feeder, 9 exposure lamp, 10 first mirror, 11
A second mirror, 12 a third mirror, 13 lenses,
14 imaging device, 15 carriage member, 16, 17
Paper feed rollers, 18, 19, 20, 21 transport rollers,
22 Guide member, 23 Registration rollers 23, 24
Photoreceptor, 25 charging device, 26 exposure device, 27 developing device, 28 transfer device, 29 cleaning device, 30
Laser driver, 31 laser device, 32 lens,
33 Mirror 33, 34 Recording paper transport device, 35 Fixing device, 36 Paper discharge device, 37 Sorter, 38 Recording paper direction switching device, 39 Re-feeding device, 40 Transport roller, 4
1 discharge / reversal roller, 42 guide member, 43 transport roller, 44a, 44b paper color data memory device.

Claims (3)

[Claims] An image reading unit that reads image light from an original to generate image data as an electrical signal; a paper color data generating unit that generates paper color data of the original; and a paper color data generating unit. Color correction means for correcting the color tone of the image data from the image reading means using the paper color data, recording paper storage means for storing recording paper, and recording paper stored in the recording paper storage means. An electrostatic latent image is formed based on image data from the color correcting unit, a toner image is formed by applying toner to the electrostatic latent image, and the toner image is transferred to the recording paper. The paper color data generating means has one memory device and reads the image when receiving a paper color data generation instruction signal for generating the paper color data. An image forming apparatus which generates the paper color data based on the image data from the means, stores the paper color data in the memory device, and supplies the paper color data from the memory device to the color correction means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper color data generating unit converts the paper color data based on a plurality of image data from the image reading unit corresponding to a plurality of positions on the document. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image data is generated and stored in the memory device, and the paper color data is supplied from the memory device to the color correction unit. 3. An image reading means for reading image light from an original to generate image data as an electric signal, a paper color data generating means for generating paper color data of the original, and a paper color data generating means. Color correction means for correcting the color tone of the image data from the image reading means using the paper color data, a plurality of recording paper storage means for storing recording paper, and a plurality of recording paper storage means. Paper feed means for supplying the recording paper stored in the selected one recording paper storage means, and forming an electrostatic latent image based on the image data from the color correction means, and applying toner to the electrostatic latent image And an image forming unit for forming a toner image by applying the toner image to the transfer paper and transferring the toner image to the transfer paper. of A color data memory device, wherein the paper color data generation means has one memory device, and the paper color data memory device corresponding to the selected one recording paper storage means holds the paper color data memory device; Color data is stored in the memory device, and the paper color data is supplied from the memory device to the color correction means, and the paper color data generation means generates a paper color data generation instruction signal for generating the paper color data. Receiving the paper color data based on the image data from the image reading means, storing the paper color data in the memory device, and providing the paper color data from the memory device to the color correction means, and The image data from the memory device is stored in the paper color data memory device corresponding to the paper color data generation instruction signal, and the paper color data of the paper color data memory device is updated. An image forming apparatus.