JP2002132117A - Copying system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system which has the functions, operability and cost effectiveness equivalent to those of copying machines of an all-in-one type, enables the reduction of unit weights, the differentiation and specialization of production sites and the ease of improvement, design change, etc., enables the reduction of useless costs requiring for useless functions, partial modification and upgrading and reduces the users' cost sharing in case of the occurrence of non-repairable faulty portions. SOLUTION: This copying system has a scanner scanner module 100 which has an image reading section 101, a first data input/output section 102, a first electric power supply section 103 and a first synchronizing signal generation section 104 and is formed as one casing, a printer module 200 which has an image forming section 201, a second data input/output section 202, a second electric power supply section 203 and a second synchronizing signal generation section 204 and is formed as one casing and a system control module 300 which has a third data input/output section 301 and a system control module 300 and is formed as one casing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying system in which a document image is read after being decomposed into pixels and an image is formed on a recording sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various copying systems have been proposed in which a document image is decomposed into pixels and read, and an image is formed on recording paper. A typical copying system is a digital copying machine. A digital copying machine is roughly divided into a scanner unit for reading a document image by decomposing the original image into pixels, and a printer unit for outputting the read image data on recording paper. It is housed in one.

Further, in the conventional digital copying machine, although the logical architecture inside the copying machine is sufficiently modularized, the copying function is achieved only when the scanner unit and the printer unit are physically integrated. Has become.

On the other hand, in recent years, with the improvement of image processing technology, various image forming apparatuses, and communication control technology, a scanner, a printer, a computer, etc. developed as a single product are combined, and image data read by the scanner is output by the printer. As a result, a copying system that can be used as a copying machine has been developed.

[0005]

However, according to the conventional digital copying machine, since the scanner unit and the printer unit are integrated and housed in one housing, the following problems arise. was there.

First, although the size of copiers has been reduced, general copiers other than personal machines have increased in size and weight as a whole, and are therefore sold to reduce the unit weight during transportation. However, there is a problem that it is not possible to easily respond to the request of the disposal operator.

Second, since all the components must be integrated in a production factory, there is a problem that efficiency of production is hindered such as differentiation and specialization of production bases.

Third, even a partial improvement or design change necessarily involves a change in the production process of the entire copying machine.
There was a problem that it was difficult to make improvements and design changes, and it was difficult to quickly respond to social needs.

Fourth, in order to meet various user demands and optimize production and distribution costs, a large number of functions must be incorporated into a small number of types of copying machines. And useless features,
There was a problem that a wasteful cost was required. In addition, there was an inconvenience that the partial change upgrade was not effective.

Fifth, when an unrepairable failure occurs in a part of the copying machine, it is necessary to replace the entire copying machine even if other parts are usable, resulting in a problem that the cost burden on the user increases. Was.

On the other hand, according to a copying system which combines a scanner, a printer, a computer, and the like developed as a single product, the above first to fifth problems can be reduced, but an integrated copying machine can be used. In comparison, the cost of the entire system is higher, the required installation space is larger, the operability is reduced, a buffer memory is required,
Because there are problems such as a long first copy time, it cannot be discussed equivalently to an integrated copying machine.
It is not a substitute for an integrated copier.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has functions, operability, and economic efficiency equivalent to those of an integrated copying machine, reduces unit weight, differentiates and specializes production bases, The purpose is to make it easy to make improvements and design changes, to reduce unnecessary costs for useless functions, to upgrade partial changes, and to reduce the user's cost burden in the event of a failure that cannot be repaired. And

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image reading means for reading a document image by decomposing the image into pixels, and a first data which is an input / output interface for image data and various control data. A scanner module having an input / output unit, a first power supply unit for supplying power, and a first synchronization signal generation unit for generating a first frequency signal, the scanner module being formed as one independent housing; Image forming means for forming and outputting image data as a permanent visible image on a recording medium, second data input / output means for inputting / outputting image data and various control data, and second power supply for supplying power Means, a printer module formed as a single independent housing having second synchronization signal generating means for generating a second frequency signal, image data and various controls. A system formed as a single independent housing having third data input / output means as a data input / output interface and system control means for issuing commands for operating the scanner module and the printer module in synchronization. And a copying system including a control module.

It is desirable that the casing of the system control module described above is formed integrally with the casing of the scanner module or the casing of the printer module.

[0015]

According to the copying system of the present invention, the image reading means in the scanner module separates and reads the original image into pixels based on the command of the system control module integrated with the scanner module or the printer module, and performs the first synchronization. The image data is output to the outside of the scanner module via the first data input / output unit in synchronization with the first frequency signal generated by the signal generation unit.

Further, based on a command of the system control module, a printer module separate from the scanner module is provided with a second synchronizing signal generating means.
The image data is fetched via the second data input / output unit in synchronization with the frequency signal of (i), and the image forming unit forms a permanent visible image on a recording medium based on the image data.

Therefore, the above-mentioned scanner module and printer module can be produced, inspected, and shipped independently of each other. By dividing and packing these, the unit weight can be reduced, and the modules can be delivered to the user through independent distribution channels. Becomes In addition, if these two modules are connected, a copying system can be realized immediately, and when one of them reaches the end of its life, only the module concerned is discarded and replaced with a new one. The system can be reconfigured at a reasonable cost.

[0018]

(Basic components)

 [Configuration and Operation of Scanner Module] [Configuration and Operation of Printer Module] [Configuration and Operation of System Control Module] [Example of Combination of Modules] [Specific Configuration Example of Copying System] explain.

[Basic Components] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic components of the copying system of the present invention. The copying system of the present invention includes three basic modules: a scanner module 100, a printer module 200, and a system control module 300.

The scanner module 100 includes an image reading unit 101 for reading at least a document image by decomposing the document image into pixels.
A first data input / output unit 102 serving as an input / output interface for image data and various control data; a first power supply unit 103 for supplying power; and a first synchronization signal generation unit 104 for generating a first frequency signal And independent 1
It is formed as individual housings. Although not shown, a basic image processing unit 105 and an extended image processing unit 106, which will be described later, are added as necessary.

The printer module 200 includes an image forming unit 201 that forms and outputs at least image data as a permanent visible image on a recording medium, and a second data input / output unit that is an input / output interface for image data and various control data. 202 and a second power supply unit 203 for supplying power
And a second synchronizing signal generator 2 for generating a second frequency signal
04 and is formed as one independent housing. Here, the image forming unit 201 is a convenient name given to an aggregate of the following plural units. Image forming unit 201
Includes image forming elements such as a photosensitive drum 205, a charging scorotron 206, a laser exposure device 207, a developing device 208, a primary transfer corotron 209, an intermediate transfer belt 210, and a secondary transfer corotron 211, which will be described later. I do.

The system control module 300 issues a command for operating the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 in synchronization with a third data input / output unit 301 which is an input / output interface for at least image data and various control data. Part 3
02 and is formed as one independent housing. However, it is desirable that the housing of the system control module 300 be formed integrally with the housing of the scanner module 100 or the housing of the printer module 200.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 8, and 13, which will be described later, these three basic modules have a structure capable of satisfying the function of the system even if they are mechanically separated from each other. In this embodiment, in order to achieve both a reduction in transport unit weight and ease of system assembly,
The scanner module 100 is packaged in units of its housing, and the printer module 200 uses a system in which the system control module 300 is fixedly mounted on an upper part thereof and is packaged in one box to be shipped from the factory.

[0024] Furthermore, considerations to the user such as usability when the basic modules are combined, aesthetic unity, and space efficiency, or technical issues such as prevention of electromagnetic radiation, noise immunity, heat radiation, and mechanical resonance. It will be a method that did. For example, when configuring a copying system, at least the above three basic modules are combined with a table (or a selective multi-stage paper feeder), but from the viewpoint of space efficiency, it is better to stack them vertically, and the height of the platen is 900mm to 1100mm
In this case, good document placement operability can be obtained. In addition, by placing various operation buttons on the same plane as the platen surface or slightly below the platen surface, an accurate human interface can be realized.

In view of the above, in the copying system of the present invention, the basic module is configured so that the projection shape of the stacking surface is substantially equal to avoid inconvenience and dropping of the module mounted on the upper portion, and the platen at the time of stacking. The operation device surface was set to the above position. Also, from the viewpoint of the appearance and compatibility with the electromagnetic environment, the number of cables connecting these basic modules has been reduced as much as possible, and the terminal positions have been devised so as to shorten the length.
However, the system control module 300 can be configured to be extremely compact if only the copying function is to be realized, so that it can be easily incorporated as a part of another module. In this case, the above considerations may be taken between the two integrated modules without departing from the gist of the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of each module will be described in order.

[Configuration and Operation of Scanner Module]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the scanner module 100. An image reading unit 101 that reads the original image by decomposing the original image into pixels and a first input / output interface for inputting and outputting image data and various control data.
A data input / output unit 102, a first power supply unit 103 which includes a DC power supply and supplies power, and a basic image processing unit 1
And an extended image processing unit 106. In this embodiment, the first synchronizing signal generator 104 for generating the first frequency signal is replaced with the first data input / output unit 102.
It is located inside. These are the scanner module 100
All are stored inside.

The image reading unit 101 includes a color image pickup device 101a, an analog / digital converter (hereinafter, referred to as an A / D converter) 101b, and a shading correction circuit 1.
01c, and a sampling position deviation compensating circuit 101d.

The first data input / output unit 102 has the same shape
It has a plurality of SCSI connectors 102a and 102b having the same interface, optical fiber connectors 102c and 102d for scanner selective additional device communication, and a first synchronization signal generator 104.

The basic image processing unit 105 includes a spatial filter circuit 105a, a scaling circuit 105b, a color processing circuit 105c,
Gradation processing circuit 105d, image adding circuit 105e, automatic image area separation circuit 105f, automatic color document detection circuit 105
g, securities detection circuit 105h.

Here, the spatial filter circuit 105a performs a smoothing process or a sharpening process. Generally, when the original G is a halftone print, the former process is performed, and when the original is a text-only original, the latter process is performed. The selection is input on a document designation screen such as a console, or depends on the separation result from the automatic image area separation circuit 105f.

The scaling circuit 105b scales the image in the main scanning direction from 25% to 400%. Note that copying magnification in the sub-scanning direction is achieved by changing the image reading speed (sub-scanning speed).

The color processing circuit 105c has a function of performing masking processing on the original image RGB signals to convert them into C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) image signals which are recording color signals. In addition, color processing suitable for each of the character image and the grayscale image is performed, for example, so-called adaptive color processing such as blackening processing of a black character portion is performed. Also,
The RGB signals are output to the system control module 300 via the first data input / output unit 102 as necessary.

The gradation processing circuit 105d has an 8-bit CM
Dither processing is performed on any of the YK image signals to generate a 2-bit recording image signal. Further, gradation conversion suitable for each of the character image and the grayscale image, that is, so-called adaptive gradation processing is performed.

The image adding circuit 105e generates small pattern data for tracking and adds it to the original image data in preparation for illegal copying of securities.

The image area automatic separation circuit 105f discriminates a character image portion and a grayscale image portion on one document image on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and uses the result as a spatial filter circuit 105a, a color processing circuit 105c, and a gradation processing section. Output to the circuit 105d.

The color original automatic detection circuit 105g performs a color original / black and white original identification process.

The securities detecting circuit 105h determines whether or not the document G is a security whose copying is prohibited.

The extended image processing unit 106 includes an area designating image processing circuit 106a and an image editing circuit 106b. The extended image processing unit 106 is arranged near the outer periphery of the scanner module 100 so as to be selectively incorporated according to a user's request.

FIG. 3 shows a mechanism diagram of the scanner module 100. In the figure, reference numeral 103 denotes a first power supply unit, 10
3a is a commercial power connection power plug, 103b is a power switch, 107 is platen glass, 108S is an image tip reference position, 108SH is a white plate for shading correction, 108
B is a bar code for individual identification, 109 is the first carriage, 1
10 is a second carriage, 111 is a document illumination lamp, 112
Reference numerals a to 112c denote first to third mirrors, 113 denotes an imaging lens, 114 denotes a lens optical axis, 115 denotes a carriage home sensor, 116 denotes an original image scanning motor, and 116a denotes a driving wire. 100S is the scanner module 1
A line for transferring data from 00 to the system control module 300 or the printer module 200 is shown. Note that reference numeral 400 shown by a dotted line in the figure denotes an automatic document feeder, which is optionally attached by a user's selection.

FIG. 4 shows components of the first data input / output unit 102. In the present embodiment, the first data input / output unit 1
At 02, necessary communication control with other modules is performed. In the figure, 151 is a microprocessor (C
PU), 152 is an interrupt controller (INT), 15
3 is a read / write memory (RAM), 154 is a read only memory (ROM), and 155 is a timer counter (T
MR), 156 is a DMA controller, 157 is a first-in first-out memory (FIFO: first in first out), 158 is a SCSI controller, 159
Denotes a controller of the optical fiber connectors 102c and 102d, 104a denotes a crystal oscillator of the first synchronization signal generator 104, 102BUS denotes a bus, and 102D and 105D denote image data channels, respectively. Reference numeral 160 in the figure denotes input / output circuits such as a sensor and a motor.
Reference numeral 10 denotes an automatic document feeder and a film projector connected via optical fiber connectors 102c and 102d.

In the above configuration, the reading operation of the scanner module, the operation of the basic image processing unit, the operation control function of the first data input / output unit, other functions of the first data input / output unit, and the operation of the extended image processing unit The operation will be described in order.

Reading Operation of Scanner Module The original G is placed on the platen glass 107 such that the copy surface is down and the reading start position is the image leading end reference position 108S at the left end of the platen. The imaging lens 113 forms a reduced projection image of the document image on the light receiving surface of the imaging device 101a.
The imaging device 101a is a charge-coupled device (CCD) and has a color imaging function. The R imaging unit is a one-dimensional array of 4752 pixels covered by a red filter, and the 47 is covered by a green filter.
It has a structure in which a G image pickup unit having a 52-pixel one-dimensional array and a B image pickup unit having a 4752-pixel one-dimensional array covered with a blue filter are arranged in three rows in parallel in the main scanning direction (vertical direction on the paper of FIG. 3). is there. The three scanning lines are almost close, specifically, equivalent to an interval of 4/16 mm in terms of a document image surface. Note that the scanning direction of the one-dimensional imaging device is referred to as a main scanning direction, and a direction orthogonal thereto is referred to as a sub-scanning direction.

The illumination lamp 111 and the first mirror 112a are mounted on the first carriage 109, and the second mirror 112
b and the third mirror 112c are mounted on the second carriage 110. When reading a document image, the first carriage 109 moves from the left end to the right end while maintaining the optical conjugate relationship by the original scanning motor 116 and the driving wire 116a at the sub-scanning speed Vsub, and the second carriage 110 at the speed of Vsub / 2. Scanning (sub-scanning). Note that a stepping motor is used as the document scanning motor 116.

The sub-scanning speed Vsub is variable from 1/8 to 4 times the reference speed in steps of 1%, and an arbitrary speed is selected by a command from another module.

Next, the scanning of a document image will be described with reference to the velocity diagram of the image reading mechanism shown in FIG. First
The carriage 109 is normally stationary just below the carriage home sensor 115 and is waiting. The sensor 115 at this time
Is ON. Upon receiving the reading scan command SCAN or REQ, the illumination lamp 111 is turned on at t1, and the motor 116 is driven to start scanning in the sub-scanning direction (right direction in the drawing). After t2 hours, the first carriage 10
9 is out of the detection range of the carriage home sensor 115,
The output is turned off. The deviated position is stored as a scanning reference position and used as a position calibration reference point. In addition, the first data input / output unit 102 stores the image tip reference position 1
An optimum acceleration plan is calculated to achieve the arrival time t5 until 08S and the required accuracy of the speed Vsub, and a step pulse train of the motor 116 is calculated. Thereafter, the carriage speed is driven by this pulse train, and the time to reach the image leading edge reference position 108S and desired constant speed scanning are achieved as expected.

After passing through the calibration reference point, regardless of the sub-scanning speed, the imaging device 101a
Read the image of each color projected on a main scanning line basis. This is convenient for keeping the charge accumulation time of the imaging device 101a constant. The main scanning cycle is a pulse train cycle ts1 generated by the first synchronization signal generator 104 shown in FIG. 4, and the pulse train is connected to the image reading unit 101 via the bus 102BUS. Note that the first synchronizing signal generation unit 1
The frequency divider 04 divides the frequency of the original oscillation frequency of the crystal oscillator 104a and outputs it to the bus 102BUS.

The total number of pixels of the imaging device 101a is 475
Two main scanning lines are decomposed into 16 pixels / mm in terms of the original image, sampled, read out, and read in pixel units from the original image.
An analog voltage corresponding to the GB reflected light is output. afterwards,
The signal is converted into an 8-bit digital signal by the A / D converter 101b (that is, quantized into 256 gradations) and passed to the next-stage circuit.

After passing through the reference point, first, the white reference plate 108SH is read at t3, and an 8-bit digital conversion value is stored in the shading correction circuit 101c. Thereafter, the image data read is subjected to shading correction effectively. At time t4, when the first carriage 109 passes under the individual identification bar code plate 108B for providing security piracy tracking and remote service,
This is read, and the image data is transmitted to the system control module 300.

Next, at the time t5, the image leading edge reference position 108 is set.
Upon reaching S, the image reading unit 101 reads the original image in units of scanning lines, and sequentially outputs the image data to the next basic image processing unit 105 as color-separated digital data for each image.

All of the A3-size original images are read out for 6,720 scanning lines, the first carriage 109 reaches the right end, and t6
When the time comes, the motor 116 is turned in the opposite direction to return to the home position (the position of the sensor 115) and stop,
Prepare for the next scan.

Operation of Basic Image Processing Unit The basic image processing unit 105 converts the read original RGB image data into a spatial filter circuit 1 as shown in FIG.
05a, the automatic image area separation circuit 105f, the automatic color document detection circuit 105g, and the security detection circuit 105h are input in parallel and processed in parallel. Basic image processing unit 105
Are divided into two categories. The first category is a function for supporting an image operation instead of directly operating an image signal. For example, there are an image area separation process for distinguishing and separating a character region and a gradation image region, a document size detection process, and a color document / black and white document identification process. In this category of processing, for example, there is a processing such as a color original / black and white original identification processing in which all original image information on the platen glass 107 needs to be examined. It is called can.

The second category is processing for operating image signals, for example, image processing such as spatial filter processing, scaling, image trimming, image movement, color correction, and gradation conversion. These processes are further classified into those having common processing contents depending on the image area, for example, variable magnification and different processing (for example, gradation processing) between the two image areas of the character image portion and the grayscale image portion.

Many of the processing results of the first category are transmitted to the system control module 300. The system control module 300 that has received the command issues a control command to another unit based on the command and proceeds with the image forming process. For example, when the basic image processing unit 105 detects that the document is a monochrome document,
The basic image processing unit 105 transmits the command to the system control module 300 via the first data input / output unit 102, and the system control module 300 sends a command to the printer module 200 to energize K development and stop CMY development. Then, the second data input / output unit 20 in the printer module 200
No. 2 urges only the K developing device 208K, which will be described later, to stop the development of other colors and efficiently forms an image.

The image processing content of the second category may be automatically activated by the processing result of the first category, may be specified and input from the console by an operator, or may be a combination of these. A specific color image erasing process will be described as an example of these processes. This process deletes specific colors contained in the original image,
This is processing for storing the other colors and forming an image on recording paper, and is achieved by the color processing circuit 105c included in the basic image processing unit 105. The specific color is input from the console by the operator.

In any case, in the copy mode, the RGB image signal input from the basic image processing unit 105 is finally converted into recording signals C, M, Y, and K, and this data is sent to the printer module 200. give.

When the original is identified as a black and white original or when a monochromatic black processing command is received, monochrome processing is performed, and 0 is output except for the K signal.

Operation control function of first data input / output unit The first data input / output unit 102 communicates with the system control module 300 or the printer module 200 according to a predetermined protocol, and switches the scanner module 100 based on the command. It controls image reading bias and outputs document image data. In addition, all the units in the scanner module 100 and the optional additional devices such as the automatic document feeder 400 are integrally controlled.

A general system in which the image reading unit 101 and the image forming unit 201 are composed of different modules,
For example, an optical filing system usually has some kind of page buffer memory in between. However, in such a configuration, a time difference necessarily occurs between image reading and image formation. In a copier, this time difference has the undesirable consequence of increased first copy time. In view of this, the present invention employs a method in which the page buffer is omitted, the cost is reduced, and the image reading and the image formation are executed in synchronization, that is, with almost no time difference. The synchronization between the image reading and the image formation includes two meanings, one is the meaning of the period, and the other is about the coincidence of the leading phase.

If synchronization cannot be maintained, for the former,
For example, a problem such as expansion or contraction of the copy image occurs, and in the latter case, a situation occurs in which the copy image position on the recording paper is not correctly reproduced.

Further, in a color copying system using a CMYK plane sequential image forming type printer as in this embodiment, the printer module 200 forms images by superimposing CMYK images sequentially, but this is commercially inexpensive. It is advisable to omit the page buffer memory in order to implement the apparatus. At this time, the scanner module 100 performs four scans on one document for convenience, and performs the CM for each document scan.
A method of sending out one color of YK at a time is convenient. Therefore, in the four color sequential scans, securing the scanning position accuracy of the original scanning, that is, synchronization is an important issue. If synchronization is lost, color misregistration occurs, and a correct color image cannot be obtained.

The method for achieving the object will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows one original scan.
The upper part shows details of two scanning lines. When the SCAN command is received from the system control module 300, as described above, the first carriage 109 moves the optical axis 114 to the image leading edge reference position 108S at time t5 after the reception, under the control of the first data input / output unit 102. And the sub-scanning speed is controlled to Vsub. As a result, the image data is always output after a fixed time t5 from the command reception timing, so that at least the synchronization with respect to the phase is maintained. As a measure for this, a sensor 115 for detecting the carriage reference position is provided, calibration of the scanning reference position is performed each time, and the sub-scanning movement amount (step number) of the stepping motor (document scanning motor) 116 at one step angle is set. 1/16 mm)
It is as follows. As a motor driving method, a micro step driving method or the like can be used.

Next, for synchronization with respect to the period, one main scanning line is read in synchronization with the pulse train period ts1 generated by the first synchronization signal generation unit 104, and is read into the FIFO 157 which is a transmission buffer. . The receiving side of this data (the scanner module 10 in FIG. 5)
0 side) is sequentially taken out at substantially the same cycle as the cycle ts1. In the copy mode, the receiving side of the image data is the printer module 200, and the above-mentioned synchronization mechanism is maintained. Therefore, no matter how many times the original is scanned, image data is always obtained after a certain period of time after the command is received, the positional relationship (registration) between the paper and the image is always maintained correctly, and an extra buffer memory is used for color copying. No need for color plate registration to be maintained, and copies to be output quickly.

The scanner module 100 basically receives the command from the other two modules (the system control module 300 and the printer module 200).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another function of the first data input / output unit 102. These functions are performed by executing the program of the microprocessor 151 shown in FIG. The execution program is read-only memory 15
4 inside. S101 is the power switch 10
3b shows a closing operation, in which S102 sets initial parameters of various circuit elements, starts a watch dog timer,
An initialization process including the movement of the carriage 109 to the initial position is shown.

In S103, the SCSI connector 102a,
This is a function for determining whether or not a command input from 102b has come within a predetermined time (timeout time).

Step S104 is a function of turning off the power of the image reading unit 101 and lowering the power supply voltage of the basic image processing unit 105 and the extended image processing unit 106 to the limit that can hold the data of the register in the circuit element. Power consumption reduction,
Contributes to cooling fan noise reduction.

S105 is generated when the watchdog timer leaves the normal execution of the program.
6 is a system control module 300
To the watchdog timeout.

S110 is an interrupt vector when a failure occurs in the image reading unit 101, the basic image processing unit 105, and the extended image processing unit 106. In S111, a failed part is specified and the cause is analyzed. The control module 300 is notified, and in S113, for example, the motor 116
If a heating failure occurs, fail-safe processing is performed to avoid danger such as fire.

In step S120, the SCSI connector 102a,
An interrupt vector when information is input to 102b,
At this time, the sleep timer is stopped in S121. S1
22 examines the received content and branches to any of the following five types.

First, TEST of T130 (TEST
unit ready) and the scanner module 100
Is a pass in the case where it is an inquiry as to whether or not the original can be scanned. In S131, the preparation status of the scanner module 100 including the optional additional devices 400 and 410 is answered.

In step S140, various setting mode inquiries SENS (mode SEN) of the scanner module 100 are performed.
In Se), the currently set scanning mode of the scanner module 100 including the optional additional devices 400 and 410 is answered in the processing of S141 to S145.

In S150, various setting mode setting SEL
(Mode SELECT) This is the path at the time of the request.
Pair with NS. Various parameters are set in S151 to S15.
6 is set in each routine.

Step S160 is a path for requesting SCAN or COPY.
Once, in color processing once in the case of RGB processing, CM
In the case of the YK processing, four consecutive requests are made. At the time of this request, first, the motor 116 is started in S161, and then the first carriage 109 is monitored by the sensor 115 in S162.
Is detected, and a calibration operation for resetting a position counter provided in the memory 153 is performed. This counter is incremented by one by a synchronization pulse generated by the first synchronization signal generation unit 104 once for one scanning line. S16
In the case of 3, the image leading edge reference position 108S is correctly counted after t5 time from the previously received SCAN or COPY request.
To reach a steady state at a scanning speed Vsub set in advance by a mode setting SEL request.
Calculate 16 driving plans.

Next, in step S164, the reference white plate 108SH is read, and shading correction parameters are calculated and set, and are used for shading correction of the subsequent image read data. Subsequently, in S165, the individual identification bar code plate 1
08B, and performs motor acceleration control in S167.
When the desired speed is reached, the control is switched to the constant speed control in S168. In step S169, it is monitored whether or not the coefficient value of the counter has reached the leading edge position of the document.

In step S170, the entrance gate of the FIFO 157, which is a buffer memory for image data, is opened to prepare for receiving an image signal from the basic image processing unit 105 through the image signal line 105D.

Thereafter, steps S171 to S174 are a group of tasks for sending the original image data to the FIFO 157.
At 71, the first synchronizing signal generation unit 104 detects a synchronizing pulse generated every one scanning line. S172 is one scanning line 475
The image data of two pixels is transmitted to the F through the image signal line 105D.
It is stored in the IFO 157. At this time, the carriage position counter is incremented in S173. In S174, this loop is repeated for the size of the document image, for example, for A3 size, the number of scanning lines is 6,720 (that is, 6,720 times). When scanning of one surface is completed, S175 becomes FI
The entrance gate of the FO 157 is closed, the detection result is received from the securities detection circuit 105h in S176, the color detection result is received from the color original automatic detection circuit 105g in S177, and the information transfer is performed via the bus 102BUS.

Next, the motor 116 is driven in reverse at S178, the home is detected at S179, and the motor 11 is detected at S180.
Stop 6. In S123, a sleep timer is started.

S190 is a route when the self-diagnosis DIAG (DIAGnostic) is requested to the scanner module 100, and is typically obtained after the failure occurrence notification function (S106 and S112 described above).
In 191 to S193, a self-diagnosis and an answer process are performed.

Operation of Extended Image Processing Unit The area specifying image processing circuit 106a has a function of performing image processing different from other general areas on the original image specifying area specified by the operator. Further, the image editing circuit 106b
It has various image processing functions, for example, a function of forming a special effect image such as an image reversing function, mosaicization, solarization, posterization, high contrast, and line imaging.

As an example of the processing included here, an image trimming processing which is one of the area specifying image processing will be taken up. Image trimming is a process of copying a specific area of a document image and blanking other areas. As the processing method, a known technique can be used (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-1595).
No. 70). However, according to the technique, a felt pen mark attached to a document image is added to the document, so that there is a problem that the document is damaged. In the present embodiment, taking this disadvantage into consideration,
Scans the original image by pre-scanning, displays it on the display unit of the console, and, while viewing the displayed image, specifies the trimming range using the cursor movement keys and the enter key, and performs the area specification image processing on the input area. Circuit 10
The method of blanking 6a is used.

[Configuration and Operation of Printer Module]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functions of the printer module 200. The module includes an image forming unit 201 that forms and outputs image data as a permanent visible image on a recording medium, and a second data input / output unit 20 that is an input / output interface for image data and various control data.
2, a second power supply unit 203 for supplying power, and a second synchronization signal generation unit 204 for generating a second frequency signal. Further, in the present embodiment, the second synchronization signal generator 204 for generating the second frequency signal is arranged in the second data input / output unit 202. Second data input / output unit 202
Are multiple S with the same shape and the same interface
It has CSI connectors 202a and 202b. These are all stored in the printer module 200. Also, IN and OUT in the figure indicate the recording paper carry-in direction and the recording paper carry-out direction.

The image forming unit 201 includes a photosensitive drum 205, a charging scorotron 206, and a laser exposure device 20.
7, the developing device 208, the primary transfer corotron 209, the intermediate transfer belt 210, the secondary transfer corotron 211, and the like are the names given to the aggregate of various image forming elements.

FIG. 8 shows a mechanism diagram of the printer module 200. In the figure, 203 is a second power supply unit, 20
3a is a commercial power supply plug, 203b is a power switch, 205 is a photosensitive drum, 206 is a charging scorotron, 207 is a laser exposure device, 208 is a developing device, and 20 is a developing device.
9 is a primary transfer corotron, 210 is an intermediate transfer belt, 2
11 is a secondary transfer corotron, 212 is an Fθ lens, 21
3 is a rotary polygon mirror, 214 is a mirror, 215 is an automatic paper feed cassette for double-sided copying, 216 is a manual paper feed tray, 21
7 and 218 are paper feed rollers, 219 is a pair of registration rollers, 220 is a cleaning device, 221 is a conveyor belt,
Reference numeral 222 denotes a fixing roller, 223 denotes a fixing backup roller, 224 denotes a discharge roller, 225 denotes a discharge switching roller, and 226 denotes an image front end position detection sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a front end detection sensor). Reference numeral 227 denotes an external feed port when recording paper is input from the optional device.

The developing device 208 is an assembly of developing devices in which a cyan developing device 208C, a magenta developing device 208M, a yellow developing device 208Y, and a black developing device 208K are housed. Also, 100S is a communication between the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200.
2 shows a line for transferring data to the memory. In addition, reference numeral 500 shown by a dotted line in the drawing denotes a sorter, which is optionally attached by a user's selection.

FIG. 9 shows the components of the second data input / output unit 202. In the present embodiment, the second data input / output unit 2
At 02, necessary communication control with other modules is performed. In the figure, reference numeral 251 denotes a microprocessor (C
PU), 252 is an interrupt controller (INT), 25
3 is a read / write memory (RAM), 254 is a read-only memory (ROM), and 255 is a timer counter (T
MR), 256 is a DMA controller, 257 is a first-in first-out memory (FIFO: first in first out), 258 is a SCSI controller, 259
Denotes a controller of the optical fiber connectors 202c and 202d, 204a denotes a crystal oscillator of the second synchronization signal generator 204, 202BUS denotes a bus, and 202D and 261D denote image data channels, respectively. Reference numeral 260 denotes an input / output circuit such as a sensor and a motor, and reference numeral 261 denotes a drive circuit of a laser diode (laser exposure device) 207 connected to the bus 202BUS of the second data input / output unit 202.

Reference numerals 500 and 510 in the drawing denote a sorter and a multi-stage paper feeder connected via optical fiber connectors 202c and 202d.

In the above configuration, the operation will be described in the order of the image forming operation of the printer module, the timing control of the second data input / output unit, the synchronization control, and other functions of the second data input / output unit.

Image Forming Operation of Printer Module The printer module 200
For each of the CMYK colors input to 2, both the main scan and the sub-scan consist of a dot pattern with a recording dot density of 1/16 mm or 1/24 mm on recording paper based on 2-dot recording data with a pixel density of 1/16 mm or 1/24 mm. Form and output a full-color visible image. Selection of a dot having a recording dot density of 1/16 mm or 1/24 mm is specified in advance by a mode selection command. The default is a dot density of 1/16 mm.

When the image forming cycle is started, first,
The drive drum 205M rotates the photosensitive drum 205 counterclockwise and the intermediate transfer belt 210 rotates clockwise. With the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 210, C toner image formation, M toner image formation, Y toner image formation, and K toner image formation are performed. Finally, a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 210 in the order of CMYK.

First, a C toner image is formed as follows. The charging scorotron 206 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 205 to −700 V with negative charge by corona discharge. Subsequently, the laser diode 207 performs raster exposure based on the C signal. A recording signal for image formation is supplied from the scanner module 100 in a general copy mode, and from a system control module 300 in a special copy mode including an intelligent image process (AI processing described later), and in a facsimile mode and a printer mode. You. In the copy mode, a data request signal REQ is sent to the scanner module 100, and in the facsimile mode and the printer mode, to the system control module 300, "send recording image data after a predetermined time".

The recording signal is input from the SCSI connectors 202a and 202b of the second data input / output unit 202, and the laser drive circuit 261 as a recording control circuit controls the laser diode 207 for each input pixel based on the recording signal. I do. The recording signal is 2 bits per pixel. More specifically, at the time of the highest C density pixel, laser light is emitted only for the entire main scanning width, and at the time of a white pixel, no laser light is emitted.
In the case of an intermediate density signal, light is emitted for a time proportional to the density data.

When the raster image is thus exposed, the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 205 which is initially uniformly charged loses the charge proportional to the amount of exposure light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. .

The toner in the developing device 208C is negatively charged by stirring with the ferrite carrier, and the cyan developing roller of the present developing device is connected to the metal base layer of the photosensitive drum 205 by a negative power source (not shown). The voltage and the alternating current are biased to a superimposed potential. As a result, the toner does not adhere to the portion of the photosensitive drum 205 where the charge remains, and the C toner is absorbed to the portion having no charge, that is, the exposed portion, and a C visible image similar to the latent image is formed. Will be formed.

In this manner, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 205 rotates counterclockwise, and the primary transfer corotron 20
9, the image is corona-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 210 driven at a synchronous speed in contact with the photosensitive drum 205. Some untransferred residual toner on the photosensitive drum 205 is cleaned by the cleaning device 220 in preparation for reusing the photosensitive drum 205. Here, the collected toner is obtained in a collection pipe and stored in a waste toner tank (not shown).

The intermediate transfer belt 210 is made of a material having a relatively large specific resistance value in order to maintain a long-time image carrying characteristic, which is particularly required in the printer mode. As a result, the toner image can be carried without disturbing the toner image even when the time until the next M toner image formation is as long as 20 minutes.

Next, prior to performing the M image forming raster exposure based on the M signal, the developing device 208 is rotated counterclockwise to move the magenta developing device 208M to the photosensitive drum 20.
5. Next, the leading end position of the previously formed C visible image is detected by the leading end detection sensor 226, and the "predetermined time" is sent to the scanner module 100 in the copy mode and to the system control module 300 in the facsimile mode and the printer mode. Send the recording M image data later ". This request signal is issued at the time when the leading end detection sensor 226 detects the registration C toner mark image slightly ahead of the valid C image in the previous process and the valid C image. In addition, a method in which a permanent mark is previously attached to the intermediate transfer belt 210 instead of the C toner mark image may be used.

If the M signal is sent in exact synchronization with the request signal, M image exposure, development, and primary transfer are performed, and accurate color plate matching with the original existing C image, that is, intermediate transfer The M image correctly overlaps the C image on the belt 210.

When the M raster image is exposed in this manner, the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 205, which is initially uniformly charged, loses the charge proportional to the amount of exposure light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. You.

The M toner in the developing device 208M is negatively charged, and the magenta developing roller of the present developing device contacts the photosensitive drum 205 and is biased to the same potential as the C developing device. As a result, the toner does not adhere to the portion of the photosensitive drum 205 where the charge remains, and the M toner is attracted to the portion exposed by the M signal to form an M visible image similar to the electrostatic latent image. Will be done.

Similarly, the Y image is placed on the CM toner image,
The K image is formed so as to be superimposed on each of the CMY toner images. Since the basic image processing unit 105 performs UCR (under color removal) processing, there is little chance that one pixel is developed with all four colors. Thus at least four
The full-color image formed on the rotated intermediate transfer belt 210 is then rotationally transferred to the position of the secondary transfer corotron 211.

On the other hand, at the time when image formation is started, recording paper is fed into three feeding units, namely, a double-sided copying / automatic paper feeding cassette 215, a manual paper feeding tray 216, and an external feeding port 2.
27, and is waiting at the nip of the pair of registration rollers 219. Then, when the leading end of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 210 approaches the secondary transfer corotron 211, the registration roller pair 219 is driven so that the leading end of the recording paper coincides with the leading end of the image, and the registration of the recording paper with the image is performed. Is performed.

In this way, the recording paper is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 2
It passes under the secondary transfer corotron 211 which is superimposed on the 10 images and connected to a positive potential power supply. At this time, the recording paper is charged with a positive charge by the corona discharge current, and most of the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper. Next, secondary transfer corotron 2
The recording paper discharges electric charges when passing through a neutralizing core (not shown) which is arranged slightly to the left of the ground 11 and is connected to a ground source, and the attraction force between the intermediate transfer belt 210 and the recording paper almost disappears. . Eventually, the weight of the recording paper exceeds the attraction force, and the recording paper separates from the intermediate transfer belt 210 and moves to the transport belt 221.

The recording paper on which the toner image has been placed
At 21, the sheet is sent to a fixing device (fixing roller 222 and fixing backup roller 223). At this time, the heated fixing roller 222 and the fixing backup roller 223 are heated.
Heat and pressure are applied in the nip portion, and the toner is melted, and the image is fixed in the fibers of the recording paper. That is, a copy image is completed. Thereafter, the completed copy image passes through the paper discharge roller 224 and is sent out of the main body. The discharged copy paper is stacked face up on a tray (not shown).

In the case of double-sided copying, the switching roller 225 is moved to the right along with the deflection of the paper, pressed against the opposing conveying roller to once reverse the recording paper, and then automatically fed by the conveying roller 215H. Cassette 215
Lead to. At this time, the copied recording sheets are stacked with the copy side facing up.

Timing control of the second data input / output unit,
Synchronous control The second data input / output unit 202 communicates with the system control module 300 or the scanner module 100 according to a predetermined protocol, basically acquires image data for each main scanning line, and based on the command print mode, The image formation is performed by the cooperative energization control of all means, and the final image (recording paper) is output. Also, the printer module 20
The sorter 500 and the like selectively added to 0 are integrally controlled.

In the color print mode, CMY
K is formed for each color on a surface basis, and the intermediate transfer belt 210 is formed.
This is a plane-sequential image forming method in which this is superimposed on a recording sheet and transferred to recording paper to obtain a final image. Accordingly, in the color copy mode, four scan requests are output to the system control module 300 or the scanner module 100 for one print. In color image formation, it is important to ensure position accuracy (registration) for each color plate on the intermediate transfer belt 210, and a method of achieving this is shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the timing control of the printer module 200, showing the synchronization of one image signal. First, a data request command REQ is sent to the system control module 300 or the scanner module 100 for a fixed time t5 of image data reception.
Indicates that the system is sending forward. In the color image formation, in the second and subsequent color plate formations, the data request signal REQ may be issued before time t5 at which the leading end of the previous color plate image will reach the exposure point 207X. An image leading edge detection sensor 226 is provided facing the intermediate transfer belt 210 in order to accurately measure the time when the front of the previous color plate reaches the exposure point 207X. Basically, exposure point 20
The value obtained by adding the product of the photoconductor circumferential speed Vpc and t5 to the distance L1 from 7X to the primary transfer point 209T and the primary transfer point 209
The distance L2 from T to the detection position of the image leading edge detection sensor 226 is matched, and in the second and subsequent color plates, the leading edge reference image of the color formed before that is detected, and the data request signal REQ is issued at the same time as the detection. do it.

In other words, the data request method before fixed time requires a data transmission source in which the other party has a certain amount of mass, such as the scanner module 100, and requires a certain preparation time to output image data. Especially effective.

By transmitting the data request command in this manner, as described in the section of the scanner module 100,
After the time t5 according to the protocol between modules, the data generating side prepares the data of the first scanning line. This ensures that at least the phase is synchronized.

Next, in order to synchronize the period, first, in synchronization with the pulse train period ts2 generated by the second synchronizing signal generation unit 204, print data for one scanning line is received from the other party, and this is received by the reception buffer. In the FIFO 257. Further, the rotary polygon mirror 213 is driven in synchronization with the pulse train cycle ts2. Specifically, the phase lock servo drive is used, and the mirror surfaces are switched at a cycle ts2. As a result, the exposure point 207X of the laser diode 207 performs exposure scanning on the photosensitive drum 205 in a cycle of ts2. In addition, during the exposure scanning, the laser drive circuit 261 drives the laser diode 207 on a pixel-by-pixel basis for 4752 times based on the image data D1 to D4752 (see FIG. 10). In the copy mode, the data transmission side is the scanner module 100, and the above-described synchronization mechanism is maintained. Therefore, no matter how many times the original is scanned, image data is always obtained after a certain time from the command transmission, the positional relationship (registration) between the paper and the image is always correctly maintained, and the color plate registration is maintained.

Other Functions of Second Data Input / Output Unit FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing other functions of the second data input / output unit 202. These functions are performed by executing the program of the microprocessor 251 shown in FIG. The execution program is read-only memory 2
54. S201 is a power switch 2
03b, an initial operation of various circuit elements, a watchdog timer start,
The initialization processing including the initial alignment of the color developing device 208 is shown.

In step S203, the SCSI connector 202a
This is a function to determine whether or not the command input from 202b has come within a predetermined time (timeout time).

Step S204 is a function of turning off the heater power of the fixing device, and contributes to reduction of power consumption during standby.

S205 is generated when the watchdog timer leaves the normal execution of the program.
6 is a system control module 300
To the watchdog timeout.

S210 is an interrupt vector when a failure occurs in the image forming unit 201 or other modules. In S211, it is determined whether or not a failure has occurred. In S212, a failed part is specified and the cause is analyzed. In step S213, the system control module 300 is notified. In step S214, for example, when the motor 205M has a heating failure, a fail-safe process is performed to avoid a danger such as a fire.

At S220, the SCSI connector 202a,
An interrupt vector when information is input to 202b,
At this time, the sleep timer is stopped in S221. S2
22 examines the received content and branches to any of the following five types.

First, TEST of T230 (TEST
unit ready) and the printer module 200
Is a route in the case where is an inquiry as to whether or not an image can be formed. In S231, the status of the scanner module 100 including the optional additional devices 500 and 510 is answered.

In step S240, various setting mode inquiries SENS (mode SEN) of the printer module 200 are performed.
In Se), the mode setting state of the printer module 200 including the optional additional devices 500 and 510 is answered in the processing of S241 to S245.

In step S250, various setting mode setting SELs are set.
(Mode SELECT) This is the path at the time of the request.
Pair with NS. Various parameters are set in S251 to S25.
6 is set in each routine.

S260 is the path at the time of the PRINT request,
Normally, there is a request once for one print in the monochromatic image forming process, four times in the color process, and twice in the secondary color monocolor process. At the time of this request, first, the motor 205M is started in S261, the image forming sequence control is started in S262, and the detection operation of the leading end detection sensor 226 is monitored in S263. When the sensor 226 detects the leading edge of the image, it immediately outputs a data transfer request signal REQ. In step S265, the line counter (scanning line counter) provided in the memory 253 is reset. This counter is incremented by one by a synchronization pulse generated once for one scanning line by the second synchronization signal generator 204.

In S266, the time from when the data transfer request signal REQ is issued until the data transfer destination prepares the data of the first line, in other words, if another color image already exists, it is This is a task of monitoring a time corresponding to circulating and returning to the exposure equivalent position 207X.
When this time has elapsed, the line counter is reset for the second time in S267, and the exit gate of the FIFO 257, which is a buffer memory for image data, is opened.
A preparation is made to deliver a recording image signal to the laser driver 261 via the image signal line 261D.

Hereafter, steps S268 to S272 are a task group for storing the recording image data taken from the SCSI connectors 202a and 202b in the FIFO 257 one scan line at a time. Is detected. S269 is 1
The recording image data of 4752 pixels of the scanning line is
7 is stored. At this time, the line counter is incremented in S270. In step S271, this loop is equivalent to the recording size.
It is repeated 0 times (that is, 6720 times). When the laser scanning for one surface is completed, S273 is FIFO257.
Close the exit gate and cut off the drive signal of the laser driver. At this time, of course, the SCSI connectors 202a,
The operation of retrieving the recording image data from 02b is also completed.

In S274, it is checked whether or not the current image formation is the last color image formation of the last recorded image. If it is not the final color, the remaining image forming sequence control is completed, and the motor is stopped in S280. If the final color image formation has been completed, S274 to S2
The paper supply, secondary transfer, fixing, and paper discharge processes described in 78 are executed, and the recorded image (recorded paper) is printed by the printer module 200.
Discharge outside.

S290 is a route when a self-diagnosis DIAG (DIAGnostic) is requested to the printer module 200. Typically, the process is performed after the failure occurrence notifying function (S206, S212 described above) notifies a failure. Then, in S291 to S293, the self-diagnosis and the answer process are performed.

[Structure and Operation of System Control Module] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functions of the system control module 300 which are largely classified. FIG. 13 is a mechanism diagram of the system control module 300. The system control module 300 includes a SCSI connector 3 which is an input / output interface for image data and various control data.
Data input / output unit 301 having the first data input / output unit 301a and the first data input / output unit 301b
And a system control unit 302 for issuing commands for operating the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 in synchronization, a console 303 having a key input unit 303a and a bitmap display unit 303b, a magneto-optical storage device or a CD-ROM. Drive device 304
, A floppy (registered trademark) disk device 305,
It is roughly divided into a C card drive 306, an interface 307 for connecting to a host computer or the like, an interface 308 for connecting to a public line, and an acceleration processor 309. Note that the system control unit 302
Is a copy processing unit 302a, a facsimile processing unit 302
b, print processing unit 302c, intelligent image processing unit 302d
Contains.

Each of these units is provided by the system control module 3
Everything is stored in 00. In addition, a mechanism that can be fastened to the upper portion of the printer module 200 by a coupling unit (not shown) is provided.

As shown in FIG. 13, the console 303 has an operation surface exposed upward, and is arranged on the front side so that the console 303 can be operated even when the scanner modules 100 are stacked.
Further, the magneto-optical storage device or CD-ROM drive device 304, the floppy disk device 305, and the IC card drive device 306 have a recording medium insertion surface on the front side in consideration of usability, and a SCSI connector of the third data input / output unit 301. 301a and 301b are arranged on the back surface. In addition,
Magneto-optical storage device or CD-ROM drive device 304
The recording medium drive means such as the floppy disk device 305 and the IC card drive device 306 are selected according to the configuration of the target system and incorporated into the system control module 300.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing components of the third data input / output unit 301. In the figure, 351 is a microprocessor (CPU), 352 is an interrupt controller (INT), and 353 is a read / write memory (RA).
M), 354 is a read only memory (ROM), 355
Is a timer counter (TMR), 356 is a third synchronizing signal generator, 356a is a crystal oscillator of the third synchronizing signal generator 356, 357 is a DMA controller, and 358 is a first-in first-out memory (FIFO: first-in-first-out).
Out), 359 is a SCSI controller, 301a and 301b are SCSI connectors, 301c and 30
1d is an optical fiber connector, 301BUS is a bus, 30
1D and 309D indicate image data channels, respectively.

Reference numeral 360 denotes a memory backed up by a battery 360a, 301 HDD denotes a magnetic disk drive, 304D, 305D, and 306D denote magneto-optical storage or CD-ROM drive 304, floppy disk drive 305, and IC card drive 306, respectively.
Control device.

Also, 303c and 303d are a key input section 303a and a bit map display section 303b, respectively.
Interface to Also, the key input unit 3
A start key 361, a numeric keypad 362, an enter key 363, a cursor key 364, and the like are arranged on 03a.

The operation of the above configuration will be described in the order of the function of the third data input / output unit, the outline of the function of the system control unit, and the function of the copy processing unit of the system control unit.

Function of Third Data Input / Output Unit The first function of the third data input / output unit 301 is from control of at least one of the scanner module 100 and printer module 200 to integrated control of a plurality of modules. The third is a console control of image display and input, and the third is an operation function of a recording medium such as a magneto-optical storage device or a CD-ROM drive device 304, a floppy disk device 305, and an IC card drive device 306.

Referring to FIG. 12, the third data input / output unit 301 has an operating system 301 COR.
E, library routines 301L _{1 to} L _n , application processing interface 301 API, device driver 30
1 DV is included. All these functional means utilize the hardware resources of the third data input / output unit 301 and
This is realized by a method of executing a program stored in the M354 or the magnetic disk drive 301 HDD.

The functions of the device driver 301DV include:
First, there is integrated control of up to seven modules from module control in which at least one scanner module 100 or printer module 200 is provided. Secondly, the console 303 controls the display on the screen (display unit 303b) and the input from the key input unit 303a. Thirdly, a magneto-optical storage device or a CD-ROM drive device 304, a floppy disk device 305, an IC The operation function of the recording medium such as the card driving device 306 is included. These control processes are appropriately started by the multitask real-time control management of the operating system 301CORE.

Application processing interface 301 API
Is an interface with the system control unit 302, and the system control unit 302
01 and means for utilizing the means and devices connected thereto.

Overview of Functions of System Control Unit Referring to FIG. 12, the system control unit 302 includes a copy processing unit 302a, a facsimile processing unit 302b, a print processing unit 302c, and an intelligent image processing unit 302d. All these processing units are the third data input / output unit 3
01 is shared, and is realized in the form of executing a program stored in the ROM 354 or the magnetic disk drive 301 HDD.

The copy processing unit 302a is a processing unit for integrally controlling the entire system in a copying system in which the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 are connected to realize an image copying function. It is.

The facsimile processing unit 302b is a processing unit for integrally controlling the entire system in a copying system in which the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 are connected to realize a facsimile function. is there.

The print processing unit 302c is processing means for integrally controlling the entire system in a copying system in which the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 are connected to realize a printer function. is there.

The intelligent image processing unit 302d integrally controls the entire system in a copying system in which the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 are connected, and realizes an intelligent image processing function. Processing means. Here, the intelligent image processing refers to performing image processing in which a document image and an output image are significantly different, such as recognizing characters from an image read by the scanner module 100 and creating a graph based on the characters. pointing. In intelligent image processing,
Unlike the general copying mode, the image data is once fetched into the system control unit 302, and is stored in the intelligent image processing unit 302.
Under the action d, the processed image data is delivered to the printer module 200 to form an image.

The above five types of application processing are selected according to the configuration of the target system, and are incorporated in the system control module 300.

Function of Copy Processing Unit of System Control Unit Referring now to FIG.
The function of the copy processing unit 302a of the system control unit 302 for connecting the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 to achieve the copy function is described below.
This will be described in more detail. FIG. 16 is a timing chart of the copy processing operation, and FIG. 17 is a timing chart when a failure occurs during the copy processing operation.

In FIG. 15, S301 is a start signal when the power switch 203b of the printer module 200 is turned on. Here, the printer module 2
The reason for turning on the power of 00 is that the system control module 300 is assembled integrally with the printer module 200 and receives power supply from the printer module 200. In S304, power-on initialization processing including initialization of parameters on various software, for example, internal registers of the controller 352 to be interrupted is performed.

S302 indicates that the watchdog timer has timed out. In S303, the data to be backed up is protected, specifically, the data is saved in the memory 360 backed up by the battery, and S304 is performed.
Branch to power-on initialization processing. S305 monitors the presence or absence of various events, S306 checks the contents,
Jump to 4 buses.

S310 branches when a failure occurrence notification is received from the scanner module 100 or the printer module 200, and the contents are confirmed in S311 to S314. In step S315, a display is made on the screen (display unit 303b) so that the operator can understand the details of the failure. In step S316, the information is notified to a service center connected via a public line. In step S317, an instruction such as a failure recovery procedure is received from the service center. In step S318, the received content is displayed.

The step S320 branches when an abnormality occurrence notification is received from the scanner module 100 or the printer module 200. Anomalies here include shortages of supplies such as toner and recording paper, opening of the housing door, etc.
It refers to a state where supply can be easily returned to a normal state, such as supply supply or closing a door. The contents are confirmed from S321 to S324. In step S325, a display is made on the screen (display unit 303b) so that the operator can understand the details of the abnormality. At the same time, a message regarding a normal state return procedure is displayed, such as prompting supply replenishment.

S330 branches when the start key 361 is pressed, and the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 are inquired about the preparation status in S331 to S334. S if both are ready
A copy command is sent to the scanner module 100 in 335, and a PRI is sent to the printer module 200 in S336.
Send NT command. With this, the scanner module 100
A command is exchanged between the printer module 200 and the printer module 200, and image data is exchanged according to the procedure described in each module section to make a copy.

In steps S337 to S340, an inquiry is made as to whether or not a series of image reading processes and image forming processes have been completed. If it has returned to the initial state, the copy state is displayed on the screen (display section 303b). In step S342, it is checked whether all of the printing has been completed for a predetermined color plate or a predetermined number of copies.
Return to 1). This loop is repeated four times during color copying.

At S 360, the operator operates the console 30.
3 is started at the time of setting various copy modes, for example, designation of an image processing mode, designation of a sort mode, and the like. A response screen is displayed on the display unit 303b in S361, and the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 are displayed in S362 and S363. To send the mode setting command.

[Example of Combination of Each Module] FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams showing an example of a system configuration in which the above-mentioned three basic modules are combined, and show examples of forming various devices which are industrially useful. It is a thing. FIG.
In FIG. 19, squares indicate functional blocks, and arrows indicate mainly image signals, and thick lines 100S and 200S indicate control signal and image signal transmission lines connecting modules, specifically, SCSI cables.

FIG. 18A is a block diagram simply showing the configuration of the scanner module 100 and the SCSI of the first data input / output unit 102.
The connector 102a (or 102b) is connected to the host computer HOST, and the first data input / output unit 102 directly communicates with the host computer HOST, and functions as a so-called scanner device that delivers read image data.

FIG. 18B shows the printer module 20.
0 is used alone to function as a so-called bitmap laser printer. At this time, the second data input / output unit 20
The second SCSI connector 202b (or 202a) directly communicates with the host computer HOST, obtains image data from the host computer HOST, and forms a hard copy.

FIG. 18 (c) shows an example of the configuration of a general copying machine.
00, the printer module 200, and the system control module 300. Here, the system control module 300 includes a copy processing unit 302a for integrally controlling the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 to achieve a copy function.
Is incorporated.

FIG. 19A shows a triple reading copier.
The first scanner module 100A, the second scanner module 100B, the third scanner module 100C, the printer module 200, and the system control module 300 are respectively connected. Where, for example,
If 100A is a general A3 size scanner module, 100B is a large size scanner module such as A1 size, and 100C is a color scanner module, 100C has various advantages as compared with installing a dedicated copier. In addition, the combination and the number can be arbitrarily changed according to the use frequency. Here, the system control module 300 incorporates a multiple reading / copy processing unit (not shown) for controlling the above four modules in an integrated manner to achieve a copying function.

Although not shown, the printer module 2
00 may be composed of a plurality. At this time,
The system control module 300 incorporates a multiple-record copy processing unit for integrally controlling other modules to achieve a copy function. Further, in this copying system, up to seven scanner modules 100 and printer modules 200 can be connected as a cascade system.

FIG. 19B shows the state of the scanner module 10.
0, a printer module 200, and a system facsimile / color facsimile complex system including a system control module 300. The system control module 300 includes an interface 307 for connecting to a host computer HOST, and a reception from the interface 307. Printer processing unit 302c for converting the print data in the page description language format into raster data
And an interface 308 for connecting to the public line ISDN, data decompression in a predetermined compression format received from the interface 308 and the scanner module 100
And a color facsimile processing unit 302b for compressing the image data read by the printer into a predetermined format.

[Specific Configuration Example of Copying System] FIG.
Shows a specific configuration example in the case of configuring as a copying system. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing functional blocks and signal flows of the specific example of FIG. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to these drawings.

This specific example is a further embodiment of the copying system shown in FIG. 18C, and the scanner module 100 includes an automatic document feeder 4 as an additional module.
00 and a film projector 410 are added.
The printer module 200 includes a multi-stage paper feeder 51.
0 and sorter 500 have been added.

A block indicated by a broken line in FIG. 21 is a selective addition function, and it is possible to add these elements to the system control module 300 in the copying system already used by the user. Fig. 19
The result is the same as that of the copying system of FIG.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a color image copying operation timing of the copying system of FIG. 3 in the figure
00 indicates the operation of the system control module, 100 indicates the operation of the scanner module, and 200 indicates the operation of the printer module. C in the square indicates COPY, and P indicates PRIN.
T and R indicate respective signals (commands) of REQ.

When the first COPY command is issued from the system control module 300 to the scanner module 100, the scanner module 100 transmits the COPY command to the printer module 200 as a PRINT signal. Upon receiving this, the printer module 200 sets the image leading end detection sensor 22.
6 detects the leading edge mark of the image attached to the intermediate transfer belt 210, immediately issues the second synchronization signal generator 204 as the print data request signal REQ to the scanner module 100, and simultaneously resets and activates the line counter and exchanges information in advance. It waits until the time t5 until the operation starts has elapsed. On the other hand, the scanner module 100 that has received the data request signal REQ controls the acceleration of the first carriage 109 so as to conform to the previously exchanged time t5 until the start of reading the original image.

After a lapse of time t5, the first carriage 109 of the scanner module 100 moves to the image leading end 10.
8S, and the position corresponding to the leading edge of the image on the photosensitive drum 205 of the printer module 200 corresponds to the exposure optical axis 209T.
Will be located. From this point, the scanner module 100 outputs the image signals D1 to D4752 in units of one scanning line, and the printer module 200 receives the image signals D1 to D4752 in units of one scanning line. Form.

The center part of FIG. 22 details the situation when the synchronous image signal transmission / reception is started and the image reading time of the ninth line is reached. According to this, at the read timing and the recording timing, the image buffer for two lines provided in the FIFO 157TO printer module 200, which is the image buffer for four lines provided in the scanner module 100, is used.
The presence of the IFO 257 results in a total delay of six scan lines. This means that the phase of the copy image formation is 0.
The result is a displacement of about 4 mm back. However, since the phase difference is always constant, no color misregistration occurs. Although slightly out of practical use, a recording paper registration error occurs. But the problem is
By taking measures such as delaying the timing of the transfer of the recording paper and the secondary transfer by six lines, this can be solved, and the registration of the recording paper can be strictly adjusted.

The FIF of the scanner module 100
O157 is 4 lines, FI of printer module 200
The reason why the FO 257 is set for two lines is to take measures to absorb slight variations in the actual crystal oscillators 104a and 204a. In detail, even when the frequency of the crystal oscillator 104a is slightly higher or lower than the frequency of the crystal oscillator 204a, the frequency is converted into the line synchronization frequency and the number of lines, and the difference from the start of scanning to the end of scanning is reduced from the 6718 line to the reference 6720 line from the 6718 line. This is because if it is within the range up to 6722, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of overtaking read data or overflowing data.

When the above process is completed, a one-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 210. If this is repeated for four colors, the above-described synchronization procedure is executed each time, and a color image without registration error is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 210. This is recorded on a recording paper 190
Transfer, fixing, and discharging, a color image can be obtained.

According to the above-described embodiment, the system control module 3 integrated with the printer module 200
00 issues a document image scanning command to the scanner module 100 and issues an image forming command to the printer module 200. Based on this command, the printer module 200 issues a print data request signal to the scanner module 100 in synchronization with the detection operation of the image leading edge detection sensor 226, and the scanner module 100 sends a document after a lapse of a predetermined time t5 from the reception of the request signal. The image data read by decomposing the image into pixels is output to the printer module 2
Output to 00. On the other hand, the printer module 200 that has issued the storage data request signal starts acquiring the recording image data after a lapse of a predetermined time t5 from the image leading edge detection timing. This makes it possible to maintain at least the image leading edge registration with respect to the recording paper and the color image color plate leading edge registration.

Further, the scanner module 100 generates an image signal for each scanning line in synchronization with the signal generated by the first synchronizing signal generator 104, and the printer module 200 controls the second synchronizing signal generator 204 to generate an image signal. An image is formed for each scanning line in synchronization with the generated signal, and the synchronization signal of the first synchronization signal generation unit 104 and the synchronization signal of the second synchronization signal generation unit 204 are matched to use a buffer memory. In this case, the size of the copied image correctly matches the size of the original, and the color plate can be correctly matched from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the image when forming a color image.

[0168]

As described above, the copying system of the present invention comprises an image reading means for reading a document image by decomposing it into pixels, and a first data input / output means as an input / output interface for image data and various control data. A first power supply unit for supplying power, a first synchronizing signal generating unit for generating a first frequency signal, a scanner module formed as one independent housing, and recording of image data. An image forming unit that forms and outputs a permanent visible image on a medium, a second data input / output unit that is an input / output interface for image data and various control data, a second power supply unit that supplies power, A second synchronizing signal generating means for generating two frequency signals, a printer module formed as one independent housing, image data and various control data The third is an input-output interface
It has data input / output means and system control means for issuing commands for operating the scanner module and the printer module in synchronism, and has a system control module formed as a single independent housing. It has the same functions, operability, and economical efficiency as a copier, but also enables reduction of unit weight, simplification of production base differentiation / specialization, and improvement / design change. It is possible to reduce the cost and upgrade the partial change, and it is possible to reduce the user's cost burden in the event of a failure that cannot be repaired.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing basic components of a copying system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a scanner module.

FIG. 3 is a mechanism diagram of a scanner module.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing components of a first data input / output unit.

FIG. 5 is a velocity diagram of the image reading mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another function of the first data input / output unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing functions of the printer module.

FIG. 8 is a mechanism diagram of the printer module.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing components of a second data input / output unit.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of timing control of a printer module.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another function of the second data input / output unit.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a system control module largely divided into functions;

FIG. 13 is a mechanism diagram of a system control module.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing components of a third data input / output unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing functions of a copy processing unit of the system control unit for achieving a copy function.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart of a copy processing operation.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart when a failure occurs during a copy processing operation.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration in which three types of basic modules are combined.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example in which three types of basic modules are combined.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific configuration example when configured as a copying system.

21 is an explanatory diagram showing functional blocks and signal flows of the specific example of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a color image copying operation timing of the copying system of FIG. 20;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 scanner module 101 image reading unit 102 first data input / output unit 102 a, 102 b SCSI connector 103 first power supply unit 104 first synchronization signal generation unit 200 printer module 201 image forming unit 202 second data input / output unit 202 a, 202 b SCSI Connector 203 Second power supply unit 204 Second synchronization signal generation unit 205 Photoconductor drum 226 Image leading edge detection sensor 300 System control module 301 Third data input / output unit 301a, 301b SCSI connector 302 System control unit

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 12, 2001 (2001.9.1)
2)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Document Name] Statement

[Title of the Invention] Copying system

[Claims]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying system in which a document image is read after being decomposed into pixels and an image is formed on a recording sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various copying systems have been proposed in which a document image is decomposed into pixels and read, and an image is formed on recording paper. A typical copying system is a digital copying machine. A digital copying machine is roughly divided into a scanner unit for reading a document image by decomposing the original image into pixels, and a printer unit for outputting the read image data on recording paper. It is housed in one.

Further, in the conventional digital copying machine, although the logical architecture inside the copying machine is sufficiently modularized, the copying function is achieved only when the scanner unit and the printer unit are physically integrated. Has become.

On the other hand, in recent years, with the improvement of image processing technology, various image forming apparatuses, and communication control technology, a scanner, a printer, a computer, etc. developed as a single product are combined, and image data read by the scanner is output by the printer. As a result, a copying system that can be used as a copying machine has been developed.

[0005]

However, according to the conventional digital copying machine, since the scanner unit and the printer unit are integrated and housed in one housing, the following problems arise. was there.

First, although the size of copiers has been reduced, general copiers other than personal machines have increased in size and weight as a whole, and are therefore sold to reduce the unit weight during transportation. However, there is a problem that it is not possible to easily respond to the request of the disposal operator.

Second, since all the components must be integrated in a production factory, there is a problem that efficiency of production is hindered such as differentiation and specialization of production bases.

Third, even a partial improvement or design change necessarily involves a change in the production process of the entire copying machine.
There was a problem that it was difficult to make improvements and design changes, and it was difficult to quickly respond to social needs.

Fourth, in order to meet various user demands and optimize production and distribution costs, a large number of functions must be incorporated into a small number of types of copying machines. And useless features,
There was a problem that a wasteful cost was required. In addition, there was an inconvenience that the partial change upgrade was not effective.

Fifth, when an unrepairable failure occurs in a part of the copying machine, it is necessary to replace the entire copying machine even if other parts are usable, resulting in a problem that the cost burden on the user increases. Was.

On the other hand, according to a copying system which combines a scanner, a printer, a computer, and the like developed as a single product, the above first to fifth problems can be reduced, but an integrated copying machine can be used. In comparison, the cost of the entire system is higher, the required installation space is larger, the operability is reduced, a buffer memory is required,
Because there are problems such as a long first copy time, it cannot be discussed equivalently to an integrated copying machine.
It is not a substitute for an integrated copier.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has functions, operability, and economic efficiency equivalent to those of an integrated copying machine, reduces unit weight, differentiates and specializes production bases, The purpose is to make it easy to make improvements and design changes, to reduce unnecessary costs for useless functions, to upgrade partial changes, and to reduce the user's cost burden in the event of a failure that cannot be repaired. And

Further, in the copying system of the present invention, when the basic modules are stacked and arranged, the number of cables connecting these basic modules is reduced as much as possible and the length is reduced from the viewpoints of appearance and compatibility with the electromagnetic environment. So that the terminal positions are close to each other so as to shorten the length.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is formed as a single independent housing, and includes at least a photosensitive member and a visible image on an exposed portion on the photosensitive member. A printer having an image forming unit including a developing device, and a detachable housing that is directly or indirectly stacked in the upper direction of the printer, and is configured to separate at least a document into pixels. A scanner having an image reading unit to be read, and a cable for transmitting an image signal between the printer and the scanner, wherein the connector for connecting the cable is larger than the image forming unit in the printer. It is located above, and in the scanner, a connector for connecting the cable is located below the image reading unit.

A copying system according to the present invention includes a printer formed as one independent housing, a detachable scanner formed as one detachable housing stacked on the printer, and the printer. And a cable for transmitting a control signal and an image signal between the scanner and the scanner. Therefore, the scanner and the printer can be produced, inspected, and shipped independently of each other. Reduction can be achieved, and it can be delivered to the user through an independent distribution channel. In addition, if both are connected, a copying system can be realized immediately, and when one of them reaches the end of its life, only the expired configuration can be discarded and replaced with a new one. It is possible to reconfigure the system at a cost burden.

Further, the connector of the cable is arranged above an image forming section including a photosensitive member and a developing device for forming a visible image on an exposed portion on the photosensitive member in a printer, and a document is scanned by a scanner. The connector of the cable can be disposed below the image reading unit that reads out the image by separating it into pixels.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a copying system according to the present invention will be described. [Basic components] [Configuration and operation of scanner module] [Configuration and operation of printer module] [Configuration and operation of system control module] [Example of Combination of Modules] [Specific Configuration Example of Copying System] The order will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Basic Components] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic components of the copying system of the present invention. The copying system of the present invention includes three basic modules: a scanner module 100, a printer module 200, and a system control module 300.

The scanner module 100 includes an image reading unit 101 for reading at least a document image by decomposing the document image into pixels.
A first data input / output unit 102 serving as an input / output interface for image data and various control data; a first power supply unit 103 for supplying power; and a first synchronization signal generation unit 104 for generating a first frequency signal And independent 1
It is formed as individual housings. Although not shown, a basic image processing unit 105 and an extended image processing unit 106, which will be described later, are added as necessary.

The printer module 200 includes an image forming unit 201 that forms and outputs at least image data as a permanent visible image on a recording medium, and a second data input / output unit that is an input / output interface for image data and various control data. 202 and a second power supply unit 203 for supplying power
And a second synchronizing signal generator 2 for generating a second frequency signal
04 and is formed as one independent housing. Here, the image forming unit 201 is a convenient name given to an aggregate of the following plural units. Image forming unit 201
Includes image forming elements such as a photosensitive drum 205, a charging scorotron 206, a laser exposure device 207, a developing device 208, a primary transfer corotron 209, an intermediate transfer belt 210, and a secondary transfer corotron 211, which will be described later. I do.

The system control module 300 issues a command for operating the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 in synchronization with the third data input / output unit 301 which is an input / output interface for at least image data and various control data. Part 3
02 and is formed as one independent housing. However, it is desirable that the housing of the system control module 300 be formed integrally with the housing of the scanner module 100 or the housing of the printer module 200.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 8, and 13, which will be described later, these three basic modules have a structure capable of satisfying the functions of the system even if they are mechanically separated from each other. In this embodiment, the scanner module 100 is packaged in units of its housing, and the printer module 200 has the system control module 300 fixedly mounted on the upper part thereof in order to achieve both reduction of the transport unit weight and simplicity of system assembly. As a unitary structure mounted on a box, a method of packing in one box and shipping it from the factory is used.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention addresses user issues such as ease of use when the basic modules are combined, aesthetic unity, and space efficiency, or technical issues such as prevention of electromagnetic radiation, noise immunity, heat radiation, and mechanical resonance. System. For example, when configuring a copying system, at least the above three basic modules are combined with a table (or a selective multi-stage paper feeder), but from the viewpoint of space efficiency, it is better to stack them vertically, and the height of the platen is When the thickness is in the range of 900 mm to 1100 mm, good original placing operability is obtained. In addition, by placing various operation buttons on the same plane as the platen surface or slightly below the platen surface, an accurate human interface can be realized.

In view of the above, in the copying system of the present invention, the basic module is configured so that the projection shape of the stacking surface is substantially equal to avoid the inconvenience and the dropout of the module placed on the top, and the platen at the time of stacking. The operation device surface was set to the above position. Also, from the viewpoint of the appearance and compatibility with the electromagnetic environment, the number of cables connecting these basic modules has been reduced as much as possible, and the terminal positions have been devised so as to shorten the length.
However, the system control module 300 can be configured to be extremely compact if only the copying function is to be realized, so that it can be easily incorporated as a part of another module. In this case, the above considerations may be taken between the two integrated modules without departing from the gist of the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of each module will be described in order.

[Configuration and Operation of Scanner Module]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the scanner module 100. An image reading unit 101 that reads the original image by decomposing the original image into pixels and a first input / output interface for inputting and outputting image data and various control data.
A data input / output unit 102, a first power supply unit 103 which includes a DC power supply and supplies power, and a basic image processing unit 1
And an extended image processing unit 106. In the present embodiment, the first synchronizing signal generating section 104 for generating the first frequency signal is replaced with the first data input / output section 1.
02. These are the scanner module 1
00 are all stored.

The image reading unit 101 includes a color imaging device 101a, an analog / digital converter (hereinafter, referred to as an A / D converter) 101b, and a shading correction circuit 1.
01c, and a sampling position deviation compensating circuit 101d.

The first data input / output unit 102 has the same shape
It has a plurality of SCSI connectors 102a and 102b having the same interface, optical fiber connectors 102c and 102d for scanner selective additional device communication, and a first synchronization signal generator 104.

The basic image processing unit 105 includes a spatial filter circuit 105a, a scaling circuit 105b, a color processing circuit 105c,
Gradation processing circuit 105d, image adding circuit 105e, automatic image area separation circuit 105f, automatic color document detection circuit 105
g, securities detection circuit 105h.

Here, the spatial filter circuit 105a performs a smoothing process or a sharpening process. Generally, when the original G is a halftone print, the former process is performed, and when the original is a text-only original, the latter process is performed. The selection is input on a document designation screen such as a console, or depends on the separation result from the automatic image area separation circuit 105f.

The scaling circuit 105b scales the image in the main scanning direction from 25% to 400%. Note that copying magnification in the sub-scanning direction is achieved by changing the image reading speed (sub-scanning speed).

The color processing circuit 105c has a function of performing masking processing on the original image RGB signals to convert them into C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) image signals which are recording color signals. In addition, color processing suitable for each of the character image and the grayscale image is performed, for example, so-called adaptive color processing such as blackening processing of a black character portion is performed. Also,
The RGB signals are output to the system control module 300 via the first data input / output unit 102 as necessary.

The gradation processing circuit 105d has an 8-bit CM
Dither processing is performed on any of the YK image signals to generate a 2-bit recording image signal. Further, gradation conversion suitable for each of the character image and the grayscale image, that is, so-called adaptive gradation processing is performed.

The image adding circuit 105e generates small pattern data for tracking and adds it to the original image data in preparation for illegal copying of securities.

The image area automatic separation circuit 105f identifies a character image portion and a grayscale image portion on one original image on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and uses the result as a spatial filter circuit 105a, a color processing circuit 105c, and a gradation processing section. Output to the circuit 105d.

The color original automatic detection circuit 105g performs a color original / black and white original identification process.

The securities detection circuit 105h determines whether or not the document G is a security whose copying is prohibited.

The extended image processing unit 106 includes an area designating image processing circuit 106a and an image editing circuit 106b. The extended image processing unit 106 is arranged near the outer periphery of the scanner module 100 so as to be selectively incorporated according to a user's request.

FIG. 3 shows a mechanism diagram of the scanner module 100. In the figure, reference numeral 103 denotes a first power supply unit, 10
3a is a commercial power connection power plug, 103b is a power switch, 107 is platen glass, 108S is an image tip reference position, 108SH is a white plate for shading correction, 108
B is a bar code for individual identification, 109 is the first carriage, 1
10 is a second carriage, 111 is a document illumination lamp, 112
Reference numerals a to 112c denote first to third mirrors, 113 denotes an imaging lens, 114 denotes a lens optical axis, 115 denotes a carriage home sensor, 116 denotes an original image scanning motor, and 116a denotes a driving wire. 100S is the scanner module 1
A line for transferring data from 00 to the system control module 300 or the printer module 200 is shown. Note that reference numeral 400 shown by a dotted line in the figure denotes an automatic document feeder, which is optionally attached by a user's selection.

FIG. 4 shows components of the first data input / output unit 102. In the present embodiment, the first data input / output unit 102 performs necessary communication control with another module. In the figure, 151 is a microprocessor (CPU), 152 is an interrupt controller (INT),
153 is a read / write memory (RAM), 154 is a read-only memory (ROM), 155 is a timer counter (TMR), 156 is a DMA controller, 157 is a first-in first-out memory (FIFO: first in first out), and 158 is SCSI controller, 1
Reference numeral 59 denotes a controller of the optical fiber connectors 102c and 102d, 104a denotes a crystal oscillator of the first synchronization signal generator 104, 102BUS denotes a bus, and 102D and 105D denote image data channels, respectively. Also, 160 in FIG.
Represents input / output circuits such as sensors and motors, and reference numerals 400 and 410 represent an automatic document feeder and a film projector connected via the optical fiber connectors 102c and 102d.

In the above configuration, the reading operation of the scanner module, the operation of the basic image processing unit, the operation control function of the first data input / output unit, other functions of the first data input / output unit, and the operation of the extended image processing unit The operation will be described in order.

Reading Operation of Scanner Module The original G is placed on the platen glass 107 such that the copy surface is down and the reading start position is the image leading end reference position 108S at the left end of the platen. The imaging lens 113 forms a reduced projection image of the document image on the light receiving surface of the imaging device 101a.
The imaging device 101a is a charge-coupled device (CCD) and has a color imaging function. The R imaging unit is a one-dimensional array of 4752 pixels covered by a red filter, and the 47 is covered by a green filter.
It has a structure in which a G image pickup unit having a 52-pixel one-dimensional array and a B image pickup unit having a 4752-pixel one-dimensional array covered with a blue filter are arranged in three rows in parallel in the main scanning direction (vertical direction on the paper of FIG. 3). is there. The three scanning lines are almost close, specifically, equivalent to an interval of 4/16 mm in terms of a document image surface. Note that the scanning direction of the one-dimensional imaging device is referred to as a main scanning direction, and a direction orthogonal thereto is referred to as a sub-scanning direction.

The illumination lamp 111 and the first mirror 112a are mounted on the first carriage 109 and the second mirror 112
b and the third mirror 112c are mounted on the second carriage 110. When reading a document image, the first carriage 109 moves from the left end to the right end while maintaining the optical conjugate relationship by the original scanning motor 116 and the driving wire 116a at the sub-scanning speed Vsub, and the second carriage 110 at the speed of Vsub / 2. Scanning (sub-scanning). Note that a stepping motor is used as the document scanning motor 116.

The sub-scanning speed Vsub is variable from 1/8 to 4 times the reference speed in steps of 1%, and an arbitrary speed is selected by a command from another module.

Next, the scanning of a document image will be described with reference to the velocity diagram of the image reading mechanism shown in FIG. First
The carriage 109 is normally stationary just below the carriage home sensor 115 and is waiting. The sensor 115 at this time
Is ON. Upon receiving the reading scan command SCAN or REQ, the illumination lamp 111 is turned on at t1, and the motor 116 is driven to start scanning in the sub-scanning direction (right direction in the drawing). After t2 hours, the first carriage 10
9 is out of the detection range of the carriage home sensor 115,
The output is turned off. The deviated position is stored as a scanning reference position and used as a position calibration reference point. In addition, the first data input / output unit 102 stores the image tip reference position 1
An optimum acceleration plan is calculated to achieve the arrival time t5 until 08S and the required accuracy of the speed Vsub, and a step pulse train of the motor 116 is calculated. Thereafter, the carriage speed is driven by this pulse train, and the time to reach the image leading edge reference position 108S and desired constant speed scanning are achieved as expected.

After passing through the calibration reference point, regardless of the sub-scanning speed, the imaging device 101a
Read the image of each color projected on a main scanning line basis. This is convenient for keeping the charge accumulation time of the imaging device 101a constant. The main scanning cycle is a pulse train cycle ts1 generated by the first synchronization signal generator 104 shown in FIG. 4, and the pulse train is connected to the image reading unit 101 via the bus 102BUS. Note that the first synchronizing signal generation unit 1
The frequency divider 04 divides the frequency of the original oscillation frequency of the crystal oscillator 104a and outputs it to the bus 102BUS.

The total number of pixels of the imaging device 101a is 475
Two main scanning lines are decomposed into 16 pixels / mm in terms of the original image, sampled, read out, and read in pixel units from the original image.
An analog voltage corresponding to the GB reflected light is output. afterwards,
The signal is converted into an 8-bit digital signal by the A / D converter 101b (that is, quantized into 256 gradations) and passed to the next-stage circuit.

After passing through the reference point, first, the white reference plate 108SH is read at t3, and the 8-bit digital conversion value is stored in the shading correction circuit 101c. Thereafter, the image data read is subjected to shading correction effectively. At time t4, when the first carriage 109 passes under the individual identification bar code plate 108B for providing security piracy tracking and remote service,
This is read, and the image data is transmitted to the system control module 300.

Next, at time t5, the image leading edge reference position 108 is set.
Upon reaching S, the image reading unit 101 reads the original image in units of scanning lines, and sequentially outputs the image data to the next basic image processing unit 105 as color-separated digital data for each image.

All of the A3-size original images are read out for 6,720 scanning lines, the first carriage 109 reaches the right end, and t6
When the time comes, the motor 116 is turned in the opposite direction to return to the home position (the position of the sensor 115) and stop,
Prepare for the next scan.

Operation of Basic Image Processing Unit The read original RGB image data is converted into a spatial filter circuit 1 in a basic image processing unit 105 as shown in FIG.
05a, the automatic image area separation circuit 105f, the automatic color document detection circuit 105g, and the security detection circuit 105h are input in parallel and processed in parallel. Basic image processing unit 105
Are divided into two categories. The first category is a function for supporting an image operation instead of directly operating an image signal. For example, there are an image area separation process for distinguishing and separating a character region and a gradation image region, a document size detection process, and a color document / black and white document identification process. In this category of processing, for example, there is a processing such as a color original / black and white original identification processing in which all original image information on the platen glass 107 needs to be examined. It is called can.

The second category is processing for manipulating image signals, for example, image processing such as spatial filter processing, scaling, image trimming, image movement, color correction, and gradation conversion. These processes are further classified into those having common processing contents depending on the image area, for example, variable magnification and different processing (for example, gradation processing) between the two image areas of the character image portion and the grayscale image portion.

Many of the processing results of the first category are transmitted to the system control module 300. The system control module 300 that has received the command issues a control command to another unit based on the command and proceeds with the image forming process. For example, when the basic image processing unit 105 detects that the document is a monochrome document,
The basic image processing unit 105 transmits the command to the system control module 300 via the first data input / output unit 102, and the system control module 300 sends a command to the printer module 200 to energize K development and stop CMY development. Then, the second data input / output unit 20 in the printer module 200
No. 2 urges only the K developing device 208K, which will be described later, to stop the development of other colors and efficiently forms an image.

The image processing content of the second category may be automatically activated according to the processing result of the first category, may be specified and input from the console by an operator, or may be a combination of these. A specific color image erasing process will be described as an example of these processes. This process deletes specific colors contained in the original image,
This is processing for storing the other colors and forming an image on recording paper, and is achieved by the color processing circuit 105c included in the basic image processing unit 105. The specific color is input from the console by the operator.

In any case, in the copy mode, the RGB image signal input from the basic image processing unit 105 is finally converted into recording signals C, M, Y, and K, and this data is transmitted to the printer module 200. give.

When the original is identified as a black and white original or when a monochromatic black processing command is received, monochrome processing is performed, and 0 is output except for the K signal.

Operation control function of first data input / output unit The first data input / output unit 102 communicates with the system control module 300 or the printer module 200 according to a predetermined protocol, and operates the scanner module 100 based on the command. It controls image reading bias and outputs document image data. In addition, all the units in the scanner module 100 and the optional additional devices such as the automatic document feeder 400 are integrally controlled.

A general system in which the image reading unit 101 and the image forming unit 201 are composed of different modules,
For example, an optical filing system usually has some kind of page buffer memory in between. However, in such a configuration, a time difference necessarily occurs between image reading and image formation. In a copier, this time difference has the undesirable consequence of increased first copy time. In view of this, the present invention employs a method in which the page buffer is omitted, the cost is reduced, and the image reading and the image formation are executed in synchronization, that is, with almost no time difference. The synchronization between the image reading and the image formation includes two meanings, one is the meaning of the period, and the other is about the coincidence of the leading phase.

If synchronization cannot be maintained, the former
For example, a problem such as expansion or contraction of the copy image occurs, and in the latter case, a situation occurs in which the copy image position on the recording paper is not correctly reproduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, CMYK
In a color copying system using a frame-sequential image forming system printer, the printer module 200 forms an image by superimposing CMYK images sequentially. However, in order to use a commercially inexpensive apparatus, it is necessary to omit the page buffer memory. At this time, it is advantageous to adopt a method in which the scanner module 100 scans one sheet of the original document four times, and sends out one of the CMYK colors for each original scan. Therefore, in the four color sequential scans, securing the scanning position accuracy of the original scanning, that is, synchronization is an important issue. If synchronization is lost, color misregistration occurs, and a correct color image cannot be obtained.

This method of achieving the object will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows one original scan.
The upper part shows details of two scanning lines. When the SCAN command is received from the system control module 300, as described above, the first carriage 109 moves the optical axis 114 to the image leading edge reference position 108S at time t5 after the reception, under the control of the first data input / output unit 102. And the sub-scanning speed is controlled to Vsub. As a result, the image data is always output after a fixed time t5 from the command reception timing, so that at least the synchronization with respect to the phase is maintained. As a measure for this, a sensor 115 for detecting the carriage reference position is provided, calibration of the scanning reference position is performed each time, and the sub-scanning movement amount (step number) of the stepping motor (document scanning motor) 116 at one step angle is set. 1/16 mm)
It is as follows. As a motor driving method, a micro step driving method or the like can be used.

Next, for synchronization with respect to the period, one main scanning line is read in synchronization with the pulse train period ts1 generated by the first synchronization signal generation unit 104, and is read into the FIFO 157 which is a transmission buffer. . The receiving side of this data (the scanner module 10 in FIG. 5)
0 side) is sequentially taken out at substantially the same cycle as the cycle ts1. In the copy mode, the receiving side of the image data is the printer module 200, and the above-mentioned synchronization mechanism is maintained. Therefore, no matter how many times the original is scanned, image data is always obtained after a certain period of time after the command is received, the positional relationship (registration) between the paper and the image is always maintained correctly, and an extra buffer memory is used for color copying. No need for color plate registration to be maintained, and copies to be output quickly.

The scanner module 100 basically receives the command from the other two modules (the system control module 300 and the printer module 200).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another function of the first data input / output unit 102. These functions are performed by executing the program of the microprocessor 151 shown in FIG. The execution program is read-only memory 15
4 inside. S101 is the power switch 10
3b shows a closing operation, in which S102 sets initial parameters of various circuit elements, starts a watch dog timer,
An initialization process including the movement of the carriage 109 to the initial position is shown.

In S103, the SCSI connector 102a,
This is a function for determining whether or not a command input from 102b has come within a predetermined time (timeout time).

S104 is a function for turning off the power of the image reading unit 101 and lowering the power supply voltage of the basic image processing unit 105 and the extended image processing unit 106 to the limit that can hold the data of the register in the circuit element. Power consumption reduction,
Contributes to cooling fan noise reduction.

S105 is generated when the watchdog timer leaves the normal execution of the program.
6 is a system control module 300
To the watchdog timeout.

S110 is an interrupt vector when a failure occurs in the image reading unit 101, the basic image processing unit 105 and the extended image processing unit 106. The control module 300 is notified, and in S113, for example, the motor 116
If a heating failure occurs, fail-safe processing is performed to avoid danger such as fire.

In step S120, the SCSI connector 102a
An interrupt vector when information is input to 102b,
At this time, the sleep timer is stopped in S121. S1
22 examines the received content and branches to any of the following five types.

First, TEST of T130 (TEST
unit ready) and the scanner module 100
Is a pass in the case where it is an inquiry as to whether or not the original can be scanned. In S131, the preparation status of the scanner module 100 including the optional additional devices 400 and 410 is answered.

In step S140, various setting mode inquiries SENS (mode SEN) of the scanner module 100 are performed.
In Se), the currently set scanning mode of the scanner module 100 including the optional additional devices 400 and 410 is answered in the processing of S141 to S145.

In step S150, various setting mode setting SELs are set.
(Mode SELECT) This is the path at the time of the request.
Pair with NS. Various parameters are set in S151 to S15.
6 is set in each routine.

Step S160 is a path for requesting SCAN or COPY. In normal monochrome processing, one pass per document.
Once, in color processing once in the case of RGB processing, CM
In the case of the YK processing, four consecutive requests are made. At the time of this request, first, the motor 116 is started in S161, and then the first carriage 109 is monitored by the sensor 115 in S162.
Is detected, and a calibration operation for resetting a position counter provided in the memory 153 is performed. This counter is incremented by one by a synchronization pulse generated by the first synchronization signal generation unit 104 once for one scanning line. S16
In the case of 3, the image leading edge reference position 108S is correctly counted after t5 time from the previously received SCAN or COPY request.
To reach a steady state at a scanning speed Vsub set in advance by a mode setting SEL request.
Calculate 16 driving plans.

Next, in step S164, the reference white plate 108SH is read, and shading correction parameters are calculated and set, and are used for shading correction of the subsequent image read data. Subsequently, in S165, the individual identification bar code plate 1
08B, and performs motor acceleration control in S167.
When the desired speed is reached, the control is switched to the constant speed control in S168. In step S169, it is monitored whether or not the coefficient value of the counter has reached the leading edge position of the document.

In step S170, the entrance gate of the FIFO 157, which is a buffer memory for image data, is opened to prepare for receiving an image signal from the basic image processing unit 105 through the image signal line 105D.

Thereafter, steps S171 to S174 are a group of tasks for sending the original image data to the FIFO 157.
At 71, the first synchronizing signal generation unit 104 detects a synchronizing pulse generated every one scanning line. S172 is one scanning line 475
The image data of two pixels is transmitted to the F through the image signal line 105D.
It is stored in the IFO 157. At this time, the carriage position counter is incremented in S173. In S174, this loop is repeated for the size of the document image, for example, for A3 size, the number of scanning lines is 6,720 (that is, 6,720 times). When scanning of one surface is completed, S175 becomes FI
The entrance gate of the FO 157 is closed, the detection result is received from the securities detection circuit 105h in S176, the color detection result is received from the color original automatic detection circuit 105g in S177, and the information transfer is performed via the bus 102BUS.

Next, the motor 116 is driven in reverse at S178, the home is detected at S179, and the motor 11 is detected at S180.
Stop 6. In S123, a sleep timer is started.

S190 is a route when the self-diagnosis DIAG (DIAGnostic) is requested to the scanner module 100, and is typically obtained after the failure occurrence notification function (S106 and S112 described above).
In 191 to S193, a self-diagnosis and an answer process are performed.

Operation of Extended Image Processing Unit The area specifying image processing circuit 106a has a function of performing image processing different from other general areas on the original image specifying area specified by the operator. Further, the image editing circuit 106b
It has various image processing functions, for example, a function of forming a special effect image such as an image reversing function, mosaicization, solarization, posterization, high contrast, and line imaging.

As an example of the processing included here, an image trimming processing which is one of the area designation image processing will be described. Image trimming is a process of copying a specific area of a document image and blanking other areas. As the processing method, a known technique can be used (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-1595).
No. 70). However, according to the technique, a felt pen mark attached to a document image is added to the document, so that there is a problem that the document is damaged. In the present embodiment, in consideration of this drawback, the original image is read by pre-scanning, and this is displayed on the display unit of the console, and the operator uses the cursor movement key and the enter key while viewing the display image to set the trimming range. A method is used in which an input is specified and the input area is blanked by the area specifying image processing circuit 106a.

[Configuration and Operation of Printer Module]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functions of the printer module 200. The module includes an image forming unit 201 that forms and outputs image data as a permanent visible image on a recording medium, and a second data input / output unit 20 that is an input / output interface for image data and various control data.
2, a second power supply unit 203 for supplying power, and a second synchronization signal generation unit 204 for generating a second frequency signal. Further, in the present embodiment, the second synchronizing signal generating section 204 for generating the second frequency signal is arranged in the second data input / output section 202. Second data input / output unit 2
02 has a plurality of SCSI connectors 202a and 202b having the same shape and the same interface.
These are all stored in the printer module 200. Also, IN and OUT in the figure indicate the recording paper carry-in direction and the recording paper carry-out direction.

The image forming section 201 includes a photosensitive drum 205, a charging scorotron 206, and a laser exposure device 20.
7, the developing device 208, the primary transfer corotron 209, the intermediate transfer belt 210, the secondary transfer corotron 211, and the like are the names given to the aggregate of various image forming elements.

FIG. 8 shows a mechanism diagram of the printer module 200. In the figure, 203 is a second power supply unit, 20
3a is a commercial power supply plug, 203b is a power switch, 205 is a photosensitive drum, 206 is a charging scorotron, 207 is a laser exposure device, 208 is a developing device, and 20 is a developing device.
9 is a primary transfer corotron, 210 is an intermediate transfer belt, 2
11 is a secondary transfer corotron, 212 is an Fθ lens, 21
3 is a rotary polygon mirror, 214 is a mirror, 215 is an automatic paper feed cassette for double-sided copying, 216 is a manual paper feed tray, 21
7 and 218 are paper feed rollers, 219 is a pair of registration rollers, 220 is a cleaning device, 221 is a conveyor belt,
Reference numeral 222 denotes a fixing roller, 223 denotes a fixing backup roller, 224 denotes a discharge roller, 225 denotes a discharge switching roller, and 226 denotes an image front end position detection sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a front end detection sensor). Reference numeral 227 denotes an external feed port when recording paper is input from the optional device.

The developing device 208 is an assembly of developing devices in which a cyan developing device 208C, a magenta developing device 208M, a yellow developing device 208Y, and a black developing device 208K are housed. Also, 100S is a communication between the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200.
2 shows a line for transferring data to the memory. In addition, reference numeral 500 shown by a dotted line in the drawing denotes a sorter, which is optionally attached by a user's selection.

FIG. 9 shows the components of the second data input / output unit 202. In the present embodiment, the second data input / output unit 202 performs necessary communication control with another module. In the figure, 251 is a microprocessor (CPU), 252 is an interrupt controller (INT),
253 is a read / write memory (RAM), 254 is a read-only memory (ROM), 255 is a timer counter (TMR), 256 is a DMA controller, 257 is a first-in first-out memory (FIFO: first in first out), and 258 is SCSI controller, 2
Reference numeral 59 denotes a controller for the optical fiber connectors 202c and 202d, reference numeral 204a denotes a crystal oscillator of the second synchronization signal generator 204, reference numeral 202BUS denotes a bus, and reference numerals 202D and 261D denote image data channels, respectively. Reference numeral 260 denotes an input / output circuit such as a sensor and a motor, and reference numeral 261 denotes a drive circuit of a laser diode (laser exposure device) 207 connected to the bus 202BUS of the second data input / output unit 202.

Further, reference numerals 500 and 510 in the figure denote a sorter and a multi-stage paper feeder connected via optical fiber connectors 202c and 202d.

In the above configuration, the operation will be described in the order of the image forming operation of the printer module, the timing control of the second data input / output unit, the synchronization control, and other functions of the second data input / output unit.

Image Forming Operation of Printer Module The printer module 200
For each of the CMYK colors input to 2, both the main scan and the sub-scan consist of a dot pattern with a recording dot density of 1/16 mm or 1/24 mm on recording paper based on 2-dot recording data with a pixel density of 1/16 mm or 1/24 mm. Form and output a full-color visible image. Selection of a dot having a recording dot density of 1/16 mm or 1/24 mm is specified in advance by a mode selection command. The default is a dot density of 1/16 mm.

When the image forming cycle is started, first,
The drive drum 205M rotates the photosensitive drum 205 counterclockwise and the intermediate transfer belt 210 rotates clockwise. With the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 210, C toner image formation, M toner image formation, Y toner image formation, and K toner image formation are performed. Finally, a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 210 in the order of CMYK.

First, a C toner image is formed as follows. The charging scorotron 206 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 205 to −700 V with negative charge by corona discharge. Subsequently, the laser diode 207 performs raster exposure based on the C signal. A recording signal for image formation is supplied from the scanner module 100 in a general copy mode, and from a system control module 300 in a special copy mode including an intelligent image process (AI processing described later), and in a facsimile mode and a printer mode. You. In the copy mode, a data request signal REQ is sent to the scanner module 100, and in the facsimile mode and the printer mode, to the system control module 300, "send recording image data after a predetermined time".

The recording signal is input from the SCSI connectors 202a and 202b of the second data input / output unit 202, and the laser driving circuit 261 as a recording control circuit controls the laser diode 207 to emit light for each input pixel based on the recording signal. I do. The recording signal is 2 bits per pixel. More specifically, at the time of the highest C density pixel, laser light is emitted only for the entire main scanning width, and at the time of a white pixel, no laser light is emitted.
In the case of an intermediate density signal, light is emitted for a time proportional to the density data.

When the raster image is thus exposed, the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 205, which is initially uniformly charged, loses the charge proportional to the amount of exposure light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. .

The toner in the developing device 208C is negatively charged by stirring with the ferrite carrier, and the cyan developing roller of the present developing device is connected to the metal base layer of the photosensitive drum 205 by a negative power source (not shown). The voltage and the alternating current are biased to a superimposed potential. As a result, the toner does not adhere to the portion of the photosensitive drum 205 where the charge remains, and the C toner is absorbed to the portion having no charge, that is, the exposed portion, and a C visible image similar to the latent image is formed. Will be formed.

In this way, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 205 rotates counterclockwise, and the primary transfer corotron 20
9, the image is corona-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 210 driven at a synchronous speed in contact with the photosensitive drum 205. Some untransferred residual toner on the photosensitive drum 205 is cleaned by the cleaning device 220 in preparation for reusing the photosensitive drum 205. Here, the collected toner is obtained in a collection pipe and stored in a waste toner tank (not shown).

The intermediate transfer belt 210 is made of a material having a relatively large specific resistance in order to maintain a long-time image carrying characteristic, which is particularly required in the printer mode. As a result, the toner image can be carried without disturbing the toner image even when the time until the next M toner image formation is as long as 20 minutes.

Next, prior to performing the M image forming raster exposure based on the M signal, the developing device 208 is rotated counterclockwise to move the magenta developing device 208M to the photosensitive drum 20.
5. Next, the leading end position of the previously formed C visible image is detected by the leading end detection sensor 226, and the "predetermined time" is sent to the scanner module 100 in the copy mode and to the system control module 300 in the facsimile mode and the printer mode. Send the recording M image data later ". This request signal is issued at the time when the leading end detection sensor 226 detects the registration C toner mark image slightly ahead of the valid C image in the previous process and the valid C image. In addition, a method in which a permanent mark is previously attached to the intermediate transfer belt 210 instead of the C toner mark image may be used.

When the M signal is sent in accurate synchronization with the request signal, M image exposure, development, and primary transfer are performed, and accurate color plate matching with the original existing C image, that is, intermediate transfer The M image correctly overlaps the C image on the belt 210.

When the M raster image is exposed in this manner, in the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 205 that is initially uniformly charged, the charge proportional to the amount of exposure light disappears, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. You.

The M toner in the developing device 208M is negatively charged, and the magenta developing roller of the present developing device contacts the photosensitive drum 205 and is biased to the same potential as the C developing device. As a result, the toner does not adhere to the portion of the photosensitive drum 205 where the charge remains, and the M toner is attracted to the portion exposed by the M signal to form an M visible image similar to the electrostatic latent image. Will be done.

Similarly, the Y image is placed on the CM toner image,
The K image is formed so as to be superimposed on each of the CMY toner images. Since the basic image processing unit 105 performs UCR (under color removal) processing, there is little chance that one pixel is developed with all four colors. Thus at least four
The full-color image formed on the rotated intermediate transfer belt 210 is then rotationally transferred to the position of the secondary transfer corotron 211.

On the other hand, at the time when image formation is started, recording paper is fed into three feeding units, namely, a double-sided copying / automatic paper feeding cassette 215, a manual paper feeding tray 216, and an external feeding port 2.
27, and is waiting at the nip of the pair of registration rollers 219. Then, when the leading end of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 210 approaches the secondary transfer corotron 211, the registration roller pair 219 is driven so that the leading end of the recording paper coincides with the leading end of the image, and the registration of the recording paper with the image is performed. Is performed.

In this way, the recording paper is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 2
It passes under the secondary transfer corotron 211 which is superimposed on the 10 images and connected to a positive potential power supply. At this time, the recording paper is charged with a positive charge by the corona discharge current, and most of the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper. Next, secondary transfer corotron 2
The recording paper discharges electric charges when passing through a neutralizing core (not shown) which is arranged slightly to the left of the ground 11 and is connected to a ground source, and the attraction force between the intermediate transfer belt 210 and the recording paper almost disappears. . Eventually, the weight of the recording paper exceeds the attraction force, and the recording paper separates from the intermediate transfer belt 210 and moves to the transport belt 221.

The recording paper on which the toner image has been placed
At 21, the sheet is sent to a fixing device (fixing roller 222 and fixing backup roller 223). At this time, the heated fixing roller 222 and the fixing backup roller 223 are heated.
Heat and pressure are applied in the nip portion, and the toner is melted, and the image is fixed in the fibers of the recording paper. That is, a copy image is completed. Thereafter, the completed copy image passes through the paper discharge roller 224 and is sent out of the main body. The discharged copy paper is stacked face up on a tray (not shown).

In the case of double-sided copying, the switching roller 225 is moved to the right along with the deflection of the paper, pressed against the opposite conveying roller to once reverse the recording sheet, and then automatically fed by the conveying roller 215H for both-sided copying. Cassette 215
Lead to. At this time, the copied recording sheets are stacked with the copy side facing up.

Timing control of the second data input / output unit,
Synchronous control The second data input / output unit 202 communicates with the system control module 300 or the scanner module 100 according to a predetermined protocol, basically acquires image data for each main scanning line, and based on the command print mode, The image formation is performed by the cooperative energization control of all means, and the final image (recording paper) is output. Also, the printer module 20
The sorter 500 and the like selectively added to 0 are integrally controlled.

In the color print mode, CMY
K is formed for each color on a surface basis, and the intermediate transfer belt 210 is formed.
This is a plane-sequential image forming method in which this is superimposed on a recording sheet and transferred to recording paper to obtain a final image. Accordingly, in the color copy mode, four scan requests are output to the system control module 300 or the scanner module 100 for one print. In color image formation, it is important to ensure position accuracy (registration) for each color plate on the intermediate transfer belt 210, and a method of achieving this is shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the timing control of the printer module 200, showing the synchronization of one image signal. First, a data request command REQ is sent to the system control module 300 or the scanner module 100 for a fixed time t5 of image data reception.
Indicates that the system is sending forward. In the color image formation, in the second and subsequent color plate formations, the data request signal REQ may be issued before time t5 at which the leading end of the previous color plate image will reach the exposure point 207X. An image leading edge detection sensor 226 is provided facing the intermediate transfer belt 210 in order to accurately measure the time when the front of the previous color plate reaches the exposure point 207X. Basically, exposure point 20
The value obtained by adding the product of the photoconductor circumferential speed Vpc and t5 to the distance L1 from 7X to the primary transfer point 209T and the primary transfer point 209
The distance L2 from T to the detection position of the image leading edge detection sensor 226 is matched, and in the second and subsequent color plates, the leading edge reference image of the color formed before that is detected, and the data request signal REQ is issued at the same time as the detection. do it.

In other words, the data request method before fixed time requires a data transmission source in which the other party has a certain mass, such as the scanner module 100, and requires a certain amount of preparation time before outputting image data. Especially effective.

By transmitting the data request command in this manner, as described in the section of the scanner module 100,
After the time t5 according to the protocol between modules, the data generating side prepares the data of the first scanning line. This ensures that at least the phase is synchronized.

Next, in order to synchronize the period, first, in synchronization with the pulse train period ts2 generated by the second synchronizing signal generation unit 204, print data for one scanning line is received from the other party, and this is received by the reception buffer. In the FIFO 257. Further, the rotary polygon mirror 213 is driven in synchronization with the pulse train cycle ts2. Specifically, the phase lock servo drive is used, and the mirror surfaces are switched at a cycle ts2. As a result, the exposure point 207X of the laser diode 207 performs exposure scanning on the photosensitive drum 205 in a cycle of ts2. In addition, during the exposure scanning, the laser drive circuit 261 drives the laser diode 207 on a pixel-by-pixel basis for 4752 times based on the image data D1 to D4752 (see FIG. 10). In the copy mode, the data transmission side is the scanner module 100, and the above-described synchronization mechanism is maintained. Therefore, no matter how many times the original is scanned, image data is always obtained after a certain time from the command transmission, the positional relationship (registration) between the paper and the image is always correctly maintained, and the color plate registration is maintained.

Other Functions of Second Data Input / Output Unit FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing other functions of the second data input / output unit 202. These functions are performed by executing the program of the microprocessor 251 shown in FIG. The execution program is read-only memory 2
54. S201 is a power switch 2
03b, an initial operation of various circuit elements, a watchdog timer start,
The initialization processing including the initial alignment of the color developing device 208 is shown.

In step S203, the SCSI connector 202a
This is a function to determine whether or not the command input from 202b has come within a predetermined time (timeout time).

Step S204 is a function of turning off the heater power of the fixing device, and contributes to a reduction in power consumption during standby.

S205 is generated when the watchdog timer leaves the normal execution of the program.
6 is a system control module 300
To the watchdog timeout.

S210 is an interrupt vector when a failure occurs in the image forming unit 201 or other modules. In S211 it is determined whether a failure has occurred. In S212, a failure site is specified and the cause is analyzed. In step S213, the system control module 300 is notified. In step S214, for example, when the motor 205M has a heating failure, a fail-safe process is performed to avoid a danger such as a fire.

At S220, the SCSI connector 202a,
An interrupt vector when information is input to 202b,
At this time, the sleep timer is stopped in S221. S2
22 examines the received content and branches to any of the following five types.

First, TEST of T230 (TEST)
unit ready) and the printer module 200
Is a route in the case where is an inquiry as to whether or not an image can be formed. In S231, the status of the scanner module 100 including the optional additional devices 500 and 510 is answered.

In step S240, various setting mode inquiries SENS (mode SEN) of the printer module 200 are performed.
In Se), the mode setting state of the printer module 200 including the optional additional devices 500 and 510 is answered in the processing of S241 to S245.

In step S250, various setting mode setting SELs are set.
(Mode SELECT) This is the path at the time of the request.
Pair with NS. Various parameters are set in S251 to S25.
6 is set in each routine.

S260 is the path at the time of the PRINT request,
Normally, there is a request once for one print in the monochromatic image forming process, four times in the color process, and twice in the secondary color monocolor process. At the time of this request, first, the motor 205M is started in S261, the image forming sequence control is started in S262, and the detection operation of the leading end detection sensor 226 is monitored in S263. When the sensor 226 detects the leading edge of the image, it immediately outputs a data transfer request signal REQ. In step S265, the line counter (scanning line counter) provided in the memory 253 is reset. This counter is incremented by one by a synchronization pulse generated once for one scanning line by the second synchronization signal generator 204.

In S266, the time from when the data transfer request signal REQ is issued until the data transfer destination prepares the data of the first line, in other words, if another color image already exists, it is This is a task of monitoring a time corresponding to circulating and returning to the exposure equivalent position 207X.
When this time has elapsed, the line counter is reset for the second time in S267, and the exit gate of the FIFO 257, which is a buffer memory for image data, is opened.
A preparation is made to deliver a recording image signal to the laser driver 261 via the image signal line 261D.

Hereafter, steps S268 to S272 are tasks for storing the recording image data taken from the SCSI connectors 202a and 202b in the FIFO 257 one scan line at a time. Is detected. S269 is 1
The recording image data of 4752 pixels of the scanning line is
7 is stored. At this time, the line counter is incremented in S270. In step S271, this loop is equivalent to the recording size.
It is repeated 0 times (that is, 6720 times). When the laser scanning for one surface is completed, S273 is FIFO257.
Close the exit gate and cut off the drive signal of the laser driver. At this time, of course, the SCSI connectors 202a,
The operation of retrieving the recording image data from 02b is also completed.

In S274, it is checked whether or not the current image formation is the last color image formation of the last recorded image. If it is not the final color, the remaining image forming sequence control is completed, and the motor is stopped in S280. If the final color image formation has been completed, S274 to S2
The paper supply, secondary transfer, fixing, and paper discharge processes described in 78 are executed, and the recorded image (recorded paper) is printed by the printer module 200.
Discharge outside.

S290 is a route when the self-diagnosis DIAG (DIAGnostic) is requested to the printer module 200. Typically, the process is performed after the failure occurrence notifying function (S206, S212 described above) notifies the failure. Then, in S291 to S293, the self-diagnosis and the answer process are performed.

[Structure and Operation of System Control Module] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the function of the system control module 300 which is largely classified. FIG. 13 is a mechanism diagram of the system control module 300. The system control module 300 includes a SCSI connector 3 which is an input / output interface for image data and various control data.
Data input / output unit 301 having the first data input / output unit 301a and the first data input / output unit 301b
And a system control unit 302 for issuing commands for operating the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 in synchronization, a console 303 having a key input unit 303a and a bitmap display unit 303b, a magneto-optical storage device or a CD-ROM. Drive device 304
, A floppy disk drive 305, an IC card drive 306, an interface 307 for connecting to a host computer or the like, an interface 308 for connecting to a public line, and an acceleration processor 309. Note that the system control unit 302 includes a copy processing unit 302a, a facsimile processing unit 302b, a print processing unit 302c, and an intelligent image processing unit 302d.

[0125] These units are the system control module 3
Everything is stored in 00. In addition, a mechanism that can be fastened to the upper portion of the printer module 200 by a coupling unit (not shown) is provided.

As shown in FIG. 13, the console 303 has its operation surface exposed upward, and is disposed on the front side so as to be operable even when the scanner module 100 is stacked.
Further, the magneto-optical storage device or CD-ROM drive device 304, the floppy disk device 305, and the IC card drive device 306 have a recording medium insertion surface on the front side in consideration of usability, and a SCSI connector of the third data input / output unit 301. 301a and 301b are arranged on the back surface. In addition,
Magneto-optical storage device or CD-ROM drive device 304
The recording medium drive means such as the floppy disk device 305 and the IC card drive device 306 are selected according to the configuration of the target system and incorporated into the system control module 300.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing components of the third data input / output unit 301. In the figure, 351 is a microprocessor (CPU), 352 is an interrupt controller (INT), and 353 is a read / write memory (RA).
M), 354 is a read only memory (ROM), 355
Is a timer counter (TMR), 356 is a third synchronizing signal generator, 356a is a crystal oscillator of the third synchronizing signal generator 356, 357 is a DMA controller, and 358 is a first-in first-out memory (FIFO: first-in-first-out).
Out), 359 is a SCSI controller, 301a and 301b are SCSI connectors, 301c and 30
1d is an optical fiber connector, 301BUS is a bus, 30
1D and 309D indicate image data channels, respectively.

Reference numeral 360 denotes a memory backed up by a battery 360a, 301 HDD denotes a magnetic disk drive, 304D, 305D, and 306D denote magneto-optical storage devices or CD-ROM drive devices 304, floppy disk devices 305, and IC card drive devices 306, respectively.
Control device.

Also, 303c and 303d are a key input section 303a and a bit map display section 303b, respectively.
Interface to Also, the key input unit 3
A start key 361, a numeric keypad 362, an enter key 363, a cursor key 364, and the like are arranged on 03a.

The operation of the above configuration will be described in the order of the function of the third data input / output unit, the outline of the function of the system control unit, and the function of the copy processing unit of the system control unit.

Function of Third Data Input / Output Unit The first function of the third data input / output unit 301 is from control of at least one of the scanner module 100 and printer module 200 to integrated control of a plurality of modules. The third is a console control of image display and key input, and the third is an operation function of a recording medium such as a magneto-optical storage device or a CD-ROM drive device 304, a floppy disk device 305, and an IC card drive device 306.

Referring to FIG. 12, the third data input / output unit 301 has an operating system 301 COR.
E, library routines 301L _{1 to} L _n , application processing interface 301 API, device driver 30
1 DV is included. All these functional means utilize the hardware resources of the third data input / output unit 301 and
This is realized by a method of executing a program stored in the M354 or the magnetic disk drive 301 HDD.

The functions of the device driver 301DV include:
First, there is integrated control of up to seven modules from module control in which at least one scanner module 100 or printer module 200 is provided. Secondly, the console 303 controls the display on the screen (display unit 303b) and the input from the key input unit 303a. Thirdly, a magneto-optical storage device or a CD-ROM drive device 304, a floppy disk device 305, an IC The operation function of the recording medium such as the card driving device 306 is included. These control processes are appropriately started by the multitask real-time control management of the operating system 301CORE.

Application processing interface 301 API
Is an interface with the system control unit 302, and the system control unit 302
01 and means for utilizing the means and devices connected thereto.

Overview of Function of System Control Unit Referring to FIG. 12, the system control unit 302 includes a copy processing unit 302a, a facsimile processing unit 302b, a print processing unit 302c, and an intelligent image processing unit 302d. All these processing units are the third data input / output unit 3
01 is shared, and is realized in the form of executing a program stored in the ROM 354 or the magnetic disk drive 301 HDD.

The copy processing unit 302a is a processing means for integrally controlling the entire system in a copying system in which the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 are connected to realize an image copying function. It is.

The facsimile processing section 302b is a processing means for integrally controlling the entire system in a copying system in which the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 are connected to realize a facsimile function. is there.

The print processing unit 302c is a processing means for integrally controlling the entire system in a copying system in which the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 are connected to realize a printer function. is there.

The intelligent image processing unit 302d integrally controls the entire system in a copying system in which the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 are connected, and realizes an intelligent image processing function. Processing means. Here, the intelligent image processing refers to performing image processing in which a document image and an output image are significantly different, such as recognizing characters from an image read by the scanner module 100 and creating a graph based on the characters. pointing. In intelligent image processing,
Unlike the general copying mode, the image data is once fetched into the system control unit 302, and is stored in the intelligent image processing unit 302.
Under the action d, the processed image data is delivered to the printer module 200 to form an image.

The above five types of application processing are selected according to the configuration of the target system, and are incorporated in the system control module 300.

Function of Copy Processing Unit of System Control Unit Here, referring to FIG.
The function of the copy processing unit 302a of the system control unit 302 for connecting the printer module 200 and the system control module 300 to achieve the copy function is described below.
This will be described in more detail. FIG. 16 is a timing chart of the copy processing operation, and FIG. 17 is a timing chart when a failure occurs during the copy processing operation.

In FIG. 15, S301 is a start signal when the power switch 203b of the printer module 200 is turned on. Here, the printer module 2
The reason for turning on the power of 00 is that the system control module 300 is assembled integrally with the printer module 200 and receives power supply from the printer module 200. In S304, power-on initialization processing including initialization of parameters on various software, for example, internal registers of the controller 352 to be interrupted is performed.

S302 indicates that the watchdog timer has timed out. In S303, the data to be backed up is protected, specifically, the data is saved in the memory 360 backed up by the battery, and S304 is performed.
Branch to power-on initialization processing. S305 monitors the presence or absence of various events, S306 checks the contents,
Jump to 4 buses.

S310 branches when a failure occurrence notification is received from the scanner module 100 or the printer module 200, and the contents are confirmed in S311 to S314. In step S315, a display is made on the screen (display unit 303b) so that the operator can understand the details of the failure. In step S316, the information is notified to a service center connected via a public line. In step S317, an instruction such as a failure recovery procedure is received from the service center. In step S318, the received content is displayed.

The step S320 is branched when an error occurrence notification is received from the scanner module 100 or the printer module 200. Anomalies here include shortages of supplies such as toner and recording paper, opening of the housing door, etc.
It refers to a state where supply can be easily returned to a normal state, such as supply supply or closing a door. The contents are confirmed from S321 to S324. In step S325, a display is made on the screen (display unit 303b) so that the operator can understand the details of the abnormality. At the same time, a message regarding a normal state return procedure is displayed, such as prompting supply replenishment.

S330 branches when the start key 361 is pressed, and the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 are inquired about the preparation status in S331 to S334. S if both are ready
A copy command is sent to the scanner module 100 in 335, and a PRI is sent to the printer module 200 in S336.
Send NT command. With this, the scanner module 100
A command is exchanged between the printer module 200 and the printer module 200, and image data is exchanged according to the procedure described in each module section to make a copy.

In steps S337 to S340, an inquiry is made as to whether a series of image reading processes and image forming processes have been completed. If it has returned to the initial state, the copy state is displayed on the screen (display section 303b). In step S342, it is checked whether all of the printing has been completed for a predetermined color plate or a predetermined number of copies.
Return to 1). This loop is repeated four times during color copying.

In S360, the operator operates the console 30.
3 is started at the time of setting various copy modes, for example, designation of an image processing mode, designation of a sort mode, and the like. A response screen is displayed on the display unit 303b in S361, and the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 are displayed in S362 and S363. To send the mode setting command.

[Example of Combination of Each Module] FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams showing an example of a system configuration in which the above-mentioned three basic modules are combined, and show examples of forming various devices which are industrially useful. It is a thing. FIG.
In FIG. 19, squares indicate functional blocks, and arrows indicate mainly image signals, and thick lines 100S and 200S indicate control signal and image signal transmission lines connecting modules, specifically, SCSI cables.

FIG. 18A is a block diagram of the first data input / output unit 102 which is composed of only the scanner module 100.
The connector 102a (or 102b) is connected to the host computer HOST, and the first data input / output unit 102 directly communicates with the host computer HOST, and functions as a so-called scanner device that delivers read image data.

FIG. 18B shows the printer module 20.
0 is used alone to function as a so-called bitmap laser printer. At this time, the second data input / output unit 20
The second SCSI connector 202b (or 202a) directly communicates with the host computer HOST, obtains image data from the host computer HOST, and forms a hard copy.

FIG. 18C shows an example of the configuration of a general copying machine.
00, the printer module 200, and the system control module 300. Here, the system control module 300 includes a copy processing unit 302a for integrally controlling the scanner module 100 and the printer module 200 to achieve a copy function.
Is incorporated.

FIG. 19A shows a triple reading copying machine.
The first scanner module 100A, the second scanner module 100B, the third scanner module 100C, the printer module 200, and the system control module 300 are respectively connected. Where, for example,
If 100A is a general A3 size scanner module, 100B is a large size scanner module such as A1 size, and 100C is a color scanner module, 100C has various advantages as compared with installing a dedicated copier. In addition, the combination and the number can be arbitrarily changed according to the use frequency. Here, the system control module 300 incorporates a multiple reading / copy processing unit (not shown) for controlling the above four modules in an integrated manner to achieve a copying function.

Although not shown, the printer module 2
00 may be composed of a plurality. At this time,
The system control module 300 incorporates a multiple-record copy processing unit for integrally controlling other modules to achieve a copy function. Further, in this copying system, up to seven scanner modules 100 and printer modules 200 can be connected as a cascade system.

FIG. 19B shows the state of the scanner module 10.
0, a printer module 200, and a system facsimile / color facsimile complex system including a system control module 300. The system control module 300 includes an interface 307 for connecting to a host computer HOST, and a reception from the interface 307. Printer processing unit 302c for converting the print data in the page description language format into raster data
And an interface 308 for connecting to the public line ISDN, data decompression in a predetermined compression format received from the interface 308 and the scanner module 100
And a color facsimile processing unit 302b for compressing the image data read by the printer into a predetermined format.

[Specific Configuration Example of Copying System] FIG.
Shows a specific configuration example in the case of configuring as a copying system. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing functional blocks and signal flows of the specific example of FIG. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to these drawings.

In this example, the copying system shown in FIG. 18C is further embodied. The scanner module 100 includes an automatic document feeder 4 as an additional module.
00 and a film projector 410 are added.
The printer module 200 includes a multi-stage paper feeder 51.
0 and sorter 500 have been added.

A block indicated by a broken line in FIG. 21 is a selective addition function. These elements can be added to the system control module 300 in the copying system already used by the user. Fig. 19
The result is the same as that of the copying system of FIG.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a color image copying operation timing of the copying system of FIG. 3 in the figure
00 indicates the operation of the system control module, 100 indicates the operation of the scanner module, and 200 indicates the operation of the printer module. C in the square indicates COPY, and P indicates PRIN.
T and R indicate respective signals (commands) of REQ.

When the first COPY command is output from the system control module 300 to the scanner module 100, the scanner module 100 transmits the COPY command to the printer module 200 as a PRINT signal. Upon receiving this, the printer module 200 sets the image leading end detection sensor 226.
Detects the image leading end mark attached to the intermediate transfer belt 210, immediately issues the second synchronization signal generator 204 to the scanner module 100 as the recording data request signal REQ, resets and starts the line counter at the same time, and performs the operations previously exchanged. Wait until the time t5 until the start has elapsed.
On the other hand, the scanner module 100 which has received the data request signal REQ adjusts the first carriage 10 so as to conform to the time t5 until the start of reading the original image exchanged in advance.
9 is acceleration-controlled.

Then, when the time t5 has elapsed, the first carriage 109 of the scanner module 100 moves to the image leading end 10.
8S, and the position corresponding to the leading edge of the image on the photosensitive drum 205 of the printer module 200 corresponds to the exposure optical axis 209T.
Will be located. From this point, the scanner module 100 outputs the image signals D1 to D4752 in units of one scanning line, and the printer module 200 receives the image signals D1 to D4752 in units of one scanning line. Form.

The center part of FIG. 22 details the situation when the synchronous image signal transmission / reception is started and the image reading time of the ninth line is reached. According to this, at the read timing and the recording timing, the image buffer for two lines provided in the FIFO 157TO printer module 200, which is the image buffer for four lines provided in the scanner module 100, is used.
The presence of the IFO 257 results in a total delay of six scan lines. This means that the phase of the copy image formation is 0.
The result is a displacement of about 4 mm back. However, since the phase difference is always constant, no color misregistration occurs. Although slightly out of practical use, a recording paper registration error occurs. But the problem is
By taking measures such as delaying the timing of the transfer of the recording paper and the secondary transfer by six lines, this can be solved, and the registration of the recording paper can be strictly adjusted.

The FIF of the scanner module 100
O157 is 4 lines, FI of printer module 200
The reason why the FO 257 is set for two lines is to take measures to absorb slight variations in the actual crystal oscillators 104a and 204a. In detail, even when the frequency of the crystal oscillator 104a is slightly higher or lower than the frequency of the crystal oscillator 204a, the frequency is converted into the line synchronization frequency and the number of lines, and the difference from the start of scanning to the end of scanning is reduced from the 6718 line to the reference 6720 line from the 6718 line. This is because if it is within the range up to 6722, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of overtaking read data or overflowing data.

When the above process is completed, a one-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 210. If this is repeated for four colors, the above-described synchronization procedure is executed each time, and a color image without registration error is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 210. This is recorded on a recording paper 190
Transfer, fixing, and discharging, a color image can be obtained.

According to the above-described embodiment, the system control module 300 integrated with the printer module 200 issues a document image scanning command to the scanner module 100 and issues an image forming command to the printer module 200. . Based on this command, the printer module 200 issues a print data request signal to the scanner module 100 in synchronization with the detection operation of the image leading edge detection sensor 226, and the scanner module 100 sends a document after a lapse of a predetermined time t5 from the reception of the request signal. The image data obtained by decomposing the image into pixels is output to the printer module 200. On the other hand, the printer module 200 that has issued the storage data request signal starts acquiring the recording image data after a lapse of a predetermined time t5 from the image leading edge detection timing. This makes it possible to maintain at least the image leading edge registration with respect to the recording paper and the color image color plate leading edge registration.

Further, the scanner module 100 generates an image signal for each scanning line in synchronization with the signal generated by the first synchronizing signal generating section 104, and the printer module 200 controls the second synchronizing signal generating section 204 to generate an image signal. An image is formed for each scanning line in synchronization with the generated signal, and the synchronization signal of the first synchronization signal generation unit 104 and the synchronization signal of the second synchronization signal generation unit 204 are matched to use a buffer memory. In this case, the size of the copied image correctly matches the size of the original, and the color plate can be correctly matched from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the image when forming a color image.

[0167]

As described above, the copying system of the present invention is formed as a single independent housing, and at least a photoconductor and a developing device for forming a visible image on an exposed portion of the photoconductor. A printer having an image forming unit including the apparatus and an image reading unit formed as a single detachable housing directly or indirectly stacked on the upper side of the printer, and reading at least a document by separating the document into pixels. With a scanner that has a cable that transmits image signals between the printer and the scanner, it has functions, operability, and economics equivalent to an integrated copying machine, and reduces unit weight.
Enables easy differentiation of production bases, specialization, improvement and design change, reduction of unnecessary cost for useless functions, upgrade of partial change, and user's Cost burden can be reduced. In a printer, a connector for connecting a cable is located above an image forming unit, and in a scanner, a connector for connecting a cable is located below an image reading unit. When stacking and arranging modules, the number of cables connecting these basic modules should be reduced as much as possible from the viewpoints of appearance and compatibility with the electromagnetic environment, and the terminal positions should be close to each other so as to shorten the length. can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing basic components of a copying system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a scanner module.

FIG. 3 is a mechanism diagram of a scanner module.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing components of a first data input / output unit.

FIG. 5 is a velocity diagram of the image reading mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another function of the first data input / output unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing functions of the printer module.

FIG. 8 is a mechanism diagram of the printer module.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing components of a second data input / output unit.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of timing control of a printer module.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another function of the second data input / output unit.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a system control module largely divided into functions;

FIG. 13 is a mechanism diagram of a system control module.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing components of a third data input / output unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing functions of a copy processing unit of the system control unit for achieving a copy function.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart of a copy processing operation.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart when a failure occurs during a copy processing operation.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration in which three types of basic modules are combined.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example in which three types of basic modules are combined.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific configuration example when configured as a copying system.

21 is an explanatory diagram showing functional blocks and signal flows of the specific example of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a color image copying operation timing of the copying system of FIG. 20;

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Scanner module 101 Image reading unit 102 First data input / output unit 102a, 102b SCSI connector 103 First power supply unit 104 First synchronization signal generation unit 200 Printer module 201 Image forming unit 202 Second data input / output Units 202a, 202b SCSI connector 203 Second power supply unit 204 Second synchronization signal generation unit 205 Photoconductor drum 226 Tip detection sensor 300 System control module 301 Third data input / output unit 301a, 301b SCSI connector 302 System control unit

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] FIG.

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

Claims (2)

[Claims] An image reading unit configured to read a document image by decomposing it into pixels; a first data input / output unit serving as an input / output interface for image data and various control data; a first power supply unit for supplying power; A scanner module having a first synchronizing signal generating means for generating a first frequency signal and formed as an independent single housing; and forming and outputting image data as a permanent visible image on a recording medium. Image forming means, a second data input / output means serving as an input / output interface for image data and various control data, a second power supply means for supplying power, and a second synchronizing signal generation for generating a second frequency signal And a third data input / output interface for inputting / outputting image data and various control data. And a system control unit for issuing a command for operating the scanner module and the printer module in synchronization with each other, and a system control module formed as one independent housing. Copy system. 2. The housing of the system control module,
The copying system according to claim 1, wherein the copying system is formed integrally with a housing of the scanner module or a housing of the printer module.