JP2002290637A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor which can calibrate the starting position of recording. SOLUTION: When the start key of a final control element 16 is operated, set in a mode for recording a test pattern, the image data of a test pattern stored in an image memory 18 are read out, and the image data of the test pattern are recorded in two sheets of recording paper 73 and 74 in a recorder 15. Then, when it is set in a mode for calibrating the recording starting position of the recorder 15 and the manuscript of the test pattern is read with a reader 14, the recording starting position is calibrated automatically, based on the read test pattern. That is, the timing of send out of a vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC (timing in the main scanning direction), the timing of sending out a horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC (timing in the sub scanning direction), and the timing of sending out image data are calibrated, so that the recording start position is normal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus characterized by automatically calibrating a recording start position of a recording section. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent image processing apparatuses, a method of recording an image on a recording sheet by using an electrophotographic method is frequently used. In such an image processing apparatus, when a document is placed on the document table of the reading unit and the start key is operated, image data on the document is read by the reading unit, and the image data read by the reading unit is read. It is recorded on the recording paper conveyed from the recording paper cassette.

[0003]

By the way, the recording unit is
At the time of manufacture or repair, it is necessary to calibrate the recording start position for the standard paper. That is, it is necessary to read the test pattern document by the reading unit or read the test pattern stored in the memory, and calibrate the recording start position based on the recording paper on which the test pattern is recorded. Therefore, the test pattern must be repeatedly recorded on the recording paper until the calibration of the recording start position is completed.
Toner and recording paper were wasted. In addition, since recent facsimile apparatuses are configured so that a number of types of recording paper can be stored in a recording paper cassette, the recording start position must be calibrated for each type of recording paper.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of easily calibrating a recording start position.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a storage means for storing image data of a test pattern, a recording means for recording image data, Reading means for reading, and control means for causing the recording means to record the image data of the test pattern read from the storage means, reading the original of the recorded test pattern by the reading means, and calibrating the recording start position of the recording means. Equipped.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the control unit calibrates the recording start positions of the recording unit in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the control unit adjusts a recording start position of the recording unit based on the test pattern read by the reading unit. The calibration amount is calculated, and the recording start position of the recording means is calibrated based on the calibration amount.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is embodied in a facsimile apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile machine 1
Are MPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, reading unit 1
4, a recording unit 15, an operation unit 16, a display unit 17, an image memory 18, a codec 19, a modem 20, and an NCU (network control circuit) 21. Each of the units 11 to 21 is connected via a bus 22. ing.

The MPU 11 controls each unit constituting the facsimile machine 1. The ROM 12 stores a program for controlling the facsimile machine 1. RAM 13
Temporarily stores various information on the facsimile machine 1.

A reading section 14 reads image data on a document and outputs black and white binary image data. The recording unit 15 is composed of an electrophotographic printer, and records received image data or image data of a document read by the reading unit 14 on recording paper in a recording operation or a copying operation of received image data.

Here, a specific configuration of the recording section 15 will be described in detail according to a recording process. The photoconductor drum 30 is rotatably supported on a shaft, and a photoconductive film 31 is formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof.

The charger 40 is constituted by a brush roller having a conductive brush implanted thereon. The charger 40 uniformly charges the photoconductive film 31 of the photosensitive drum 30 to a predetermined potential.
The exposure device 50 is configured by an LED array 51. Then, the exposure device 50 controls the photoconductive film 31 of the photosensitive drum 30.
Is irradiated with light to form an electrostatic latent image.

The developing unit 60 includes a toner case 61 for storing toner, a supply roller 62 disposed below the toner case 61 and supplied with a predetermined voltage, a supply roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 30. And a developing roller 63 that is disposed at the lower end opening of the toner case 61 and is supplied with a predetermined voltage. The toner conveyed from the toner case 61 by the supply roller 62 and the developing roller 63 and charged to a predetermined polarity changes the applied polarity and the potential of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 30. Is selectively attached to the same electrostatic latent image. A toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 30 by the toner attached to the electrostatic latent image.

A stirring body 64 is rotatably supported in the toner case 61. By the rotation of the stirring body 64, the toner in the toner case 61 is constantly stirred, and the toner is maintained at a uniform density. A toner sensor 65 for detecting the presence or absence of toner is provided at the bottom of the toner case 61.
Are arranged.

The first and second recording paper cassettes 71 and 72 contain recording papers 73 and 74 of a predetermined size in a stacked state. The half-moon rollers 75 and 76 feed the uppermost recording paper 73 and 74 stored in the first and second recording paper cassettes 71 and 72 one by one. Then, the sent recording papers 73 and 74 are conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 30.

The first and second recording paper sensors 81, 82
The recording paper 73 immediately after being sent out from the first and second recording paper cassettes 71 and 72 by the half moon rollers 75 and 76,
74 is detected.

The third recording paper sensor 83 is provided with a recording paper 73 conveyed to a predetermined position immediately before the developing unit 60,
74 is detected. The dashed line P indicates the recording papers 73 and 7.
4 shows a transport path.

The transfer unit 90 is provided below the photosensitive drum 30, and is controlled to a predetermined potential. Then, the transfer device 90
Indicates that the toner image on the photosensitive drum 30 is to be recorded on the recording paper 73, 7 based on the difference between the predetermined potential and the potential of the toner image.
Transfer onto 4

The memory removing brush 91 is made of a conductive brush, and disturbs the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 30 after the transfer, so that the toner is uniformly dispersed on the photosensitive drum 30.
The heat fixing device 100 is disposed on the recording paper sending side of the photosensitive drum 30, and the recording papers 73 and 74 are heated by the heat fixing device 100.
Is fed between the heating roller 101 and the pressure roller 102 to heat and fix the toner images on the recording papers 73 and 74. In the present embodiment, the above-described series of processes of charging the photosensitive drum 30, exposing, developing, transferring to the recording papers 73 and 74, and heat-fixing is one unit of the recording process.

The fourth recording paper sensor 84 is connected to the heat fixing unit 10.
The recording paper 73 is disposed on the side of the recording paper feeding unit 0 and detects that the recording papers 73 and 74 have passed through the heat fixing unit 100. Detection signals indicating the arrival of the recording papers 73 and 74 are sent from the first to fourth recording paper sensors 81 to 84 to the recording control unit 110. Further, a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of toner is sent from the toner sensor 65 to the recording control unit 110. Further, the recording control unit 110 includes the recording unit 15 from the MPU 11.
, And a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC and a horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC are transmitted.

The operation unit 16 includes numeric keys (including * and # keys) for inputting a telephone number and the like, registration of abbreviated numbers, abbreviated keys for transmitting from abbreviated numbers, and an operation for starting an original reading operation. Start key, "Communication (FA
X) Communication for setting "operation" or "copy" operation /
Various operation keys such as a copy key and an image quality setting key for setting the image quality at the time of reading to “standard”, “high image quality”, and “ultra high image quality” are provided. Display unit 1 such as LCD
Reference numeral 7 displays various information indicating the operation state of the facsimile machine 1 and the like. In addition, the display unit 17 includes a speaker 17a for notifying a sound that indicates that the original placed on the reading unit 14 is being read while being skewed.

The image memory 18 temporarily stores the received image data and the image data read by the reading unit 14, binarized, and compression-encoded by the codec 19. Further, the image memory 18 stores the image data of the test pattern. The image data of the test pattern may be generated each time by the software processing of the MPU 11. The codec 19 encodes the image data read by the reading unit 14 for transmission according to the MH, MR, MMR method, or the like. Also, codec 19
Decodes the received image data.

The modem 20 is based on ITU (International Telecommunication Union) -T Recommendation T.30. 30 based on a facsimile transmission control procedure according to V.30. 17, V.I. 27ter, V.A. 29, and performs modulation of transmission data and demodulation of reception data. The NCU 21 has a function of controlling connection with the telephone line L, a function of transmitting a dial signal corresponding to the telephone number of the other party, and a function of detecting an incoming call.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 for recording a test pattern on the recording paper 73, 74 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
This operation is performed under the control of the MPU 11 based on a program stored in the ROM 12 (hereinafter, referred to as a program).
The same applies to the operation of the facsimile machine 1).

Now, based on the operation from the operation unit 16,
When the mode is set to the test pattern recording mode and the start key of the operation unit 16 is operated, in step S 1, the image data of the test pattern stored in the image memory 18 is read out, and the codec 19 Decrypted.

In step S2, the white mask of the recording unit 15 is released. Here, the recording unit 1 of the electrophotographic system
In No. 5, since it is not preferable to form an image up to the end of the recording paper, a white mask is applied so that no image is formed at the end of the recording paper. However, in the test pattern, it is necessary to reliably detect the upper end of the recording paper when reading. Thus, the white mask is released so that the test pattern can be formed up to the upper end of the recording paper as described later.

In step S3, the above-mentioned step S
The image data of the test pattern decoded in 1 is recorded on one of the recording papers 73 and 74 by the recording unit 15. Note that which recording paper is to be recorded is selected in advance by a key (not shown) of the operation unit 16.

Here, the original of the test pattern recorded on the recording sheets 73 and 74 as a result of executing the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
As shown in the figure, the original of the test pattern includes AS [d] in the main scanning direction with CS [dot] composed of white pixels interposed therebetween.
ot] and BS [dot] are formed by DS [line] in the sub-scanning direction from the upper end of the document. Then, these AS [dot], BS [dot], CS
The values of [dot] and DS [line] are determined in advance.

Specifically, when the test pattern is A4 size, the width W of the document is 210 [mm]. Here, when the resolution of the reading unit 14 is 16 [dot / mm] and CS = 4 [dot] composed of white pixels is at the center of the document, AS, BS = 1678 [do]
t], and DS = 160 [line].

Next, the original of the test pattern is read by the reading unit 14.
4 and FIG. 5 show the operation when calibrating the recording start position of the recording unit 15 and the test patterns when the recording start timing shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. FIG. 8 and FIG.
This will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

Now, based on the operation from the operation unit 16,
When the mode for calibrating the recording start position of the recording unit 15 is set, and the original of the test pattern is placed on the reading unit 14 and the start key of the operation unit 16 is operated, the reading line is read in step S11. The number N is set to an initial value “1”.

In step S12, the original of the test pattern is fed by one line. In step S <b> 13, the image data for one line of the test pattern original is read by the reading unit 14.

In step S14, one line of the image data read in step S13 contains
It is determined whether there is a black pixel. That is, a portion composed of black pixels shown in FIG. 3 (a hatched portion in FIG. 3).
It is determined whether or not the image data for one line has been read. If there is a black pixel, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if there is no black pixel, that is, if the image data for one line is all white pixels, step S1
Move to 5.

In step S15, after the number N of read lines is incremented, the process returns to step S12, and the original of the test pattern is fed by one line. That is, the processing of steps S12 to S15 is repeatedly executed until a black pixel is detected in the read image data of one line.

In step S16, FIGS. 6 and 7
As shown in (1), black pixels A and B of the read test pattern are calculated based on the positions of the white pixels in the image data for one line read in step S13.

In step S17, it is determined whether or not it is the first line after the detection of the black pixel. If it is the first line, the process proceeds to step S21 shown in FIG.
On the other hand, if it is not the first line, that is, if it is the second or subsequent line, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, A and B of the first line after the detection of the black pixel (hereinafter referred to as A1 and B1).
And A and B on the second line after black pixel detection (hereinafter A
2 and B2) are determined to be equal to each other. If they are equal, step S21 shown in FIG.
Move to On the other hand, if one or the other is not equal,
Move to step S19.

In step S19, since one of A1 and B1 on the first line after the detection of the black pixel is different from A2 and B2 on the second line after the detection of the black pixel, it is placed on the reading unit 14. It is determined that the original of the placed test pattern is read obliquely, and that fact is displayed on the display unit 17. In addition, a ringing sound indicating that the vehicle is skewed is reported from the speaker 17a.

In step S20, since the original of the test pattern is read obliquely by the reading unit 14, the reading by the reading unit 14 is interrupted, and the original of the test pattern is discharged from the reading unit 14. .

In step S21 shown in FIG. 5, the current A (shown as An + 1) is substituted for the previous A (shown as An). Also, the previous B (shown as Bn) is replaced with the current B
(Indicated as Bn + 1).

In step S22, the number N of read lines is incremented. In step S23, the original of the test pattern is fed by one line.

In step S24, the image data of one line of the test pattern original is read by the reading unit 14. In step S25, it is determined whether the image data for one line read in step S24 is all white pixels. In other words, it is determined whether the reading of the black pixel portion of the original of the test pattern has been completed. If the image data for one line is all white pixels, the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if the image data for one line is not all white pixels, the process returns to step S16 shown in FIG.
Based on the positions of the white pixels in the image data for the line, the black pixels A and B of the read test pattern are calculated.

In step S26, FIGS.
As shown in FIG.
Time from when the third recording paper sensor 83 detects the recording papers 73 and 74 to when the vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC is sent to the recording control unit 110 of the recording unit 15 based on S [line] and the number N of read lines. T1 is set (see FIG. 8). Specifically, a calibration amount (= DS-N) is calculated, and the time T1 is set based on the calibration amount. Here, FIG. 6 shows a read test pattern when the recording start timing in the main scanning direction is early and the recording start timing in the sub-scanning direction is late. FIG. 7 shows a read test pattern when the recording start timing in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is early. In addition,
FIGS. 6 and 7 also show a test pattern when the recording start timing is normal, in order to make it easy to see a state where the read test pattern is shifted.

In step S27, FIGS.
As shown in (2), the recording unit based on the black pixels A [dot] (or B [dot]) of the test pattern and the black pixels AS (or the black pixels BS of the test pattern) of the test pattern read in step S24. 15 recording control units 11
A time T2 from when the horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC is transmitted to when image data is transmitted is set to 0. Specifically, a calibration amount (= AS-A or BS-B) is calculated, and the time T2 is set based on the calibration amount. In the timing chart shown in FIG. 8, a time T3 between the time T1 and the time T2 is a value determined according to the recording paper size. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the read test pattern is shifted to the left with respect to the main scanning direction, the black pixel of the read test pattern is A [dot]. Becomes As a result, this black pixel A
The time T2 is set based on [dot].

In step S28, the original of the test pattern is discharged from the reading unit 14. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

(1) When the mode for recording a test pattern is set and the start key of the operation unit 16 is operated, the image data of the test pattern stored in the image memory 18 is read out and the test is performed. The image data of the pattern is recorded on the recording sheets 73 and 74 by the recording unit 15. Then, when a mode in which the recording start position of the recording unit 15 is calibrated is set and the original of the test pattern is read by the reading unit 14, the recording start position is automatically calibrated based on the read test pattern. That is, the timing for transmitting the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC (timing in the main scanning direction), the timing for transmitting the horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC (timing in the sub-scanning direction), and the transmission of image data so that the recording start position becomes normal. The timing is calibrated. As a result, the test pattern is repeatedly printed on the recording sheets 73 and 74 until the calibration of the recording start position is completed as in the related art.
Since there is no need to record on the toner or recording paper 73, 74
Is not wasted. Therefore, the recording start position can be easily calibrated.

(2) A, A on the first line after the detection of the black pixel
It is determined whether B (A1, B1) is equal to A, B (A2, B2) of the second line after the detection of the black pixel. If any one of them is not equal, it is determined that the original of the test pattern placed on the reading unit 14 is read obliquely and the display unit 1 indicates that.
7 is displayed. Further, a ringing sound indicating that the vehicle is skewed is reported from the speaker 17a. As a result, the test pattern can be placed on the reading unit 14 again to calibrate the recording start position. Therefore, even if the test pattern is read obliquely by the reading unit 14, the calibration of the recording start position can be quickly performed again.

The above embodiment can be embodied with the following modifications. In the above embodiment, it is determined whether A and B (A1, B1) on the first line after the detection of the black pixel are equal to A and B (A2, B2) on the second line after the detection of the black pixel. It is determined whether or not the original of the test pattern has been read obliquely by the reading unit 14 based on whether the A, B (A1, B1) of the first line after the detection of the black pixel is detected. ), And A, B of a few lines after the detection of the black pixel, for example, the fifth line
Based on whether (A5, B5) are equal to each other,
The configuration may be such that it is determined whether or not the document of the test pattern has been read obliquely by the reading unit 14. With this configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the original of the test pattern has been read while being skewed by the reading unit 14.

In the above embodiment, the third recording paper sensor 8
3 changes the time T1 from the detection of the recording papers 73 and 74 to the transmission of the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC to the recording control unit 110 of the recording unit 15, but instead of this,
After the third recording paper sensor 83 detects the recording papers 73 and 74, the recording control unit 110 of the recording unit 15 sends a vertical synchronization signal VSY.
The configuration may be such that the number of steps of the stepping motor until the NC is transmitted is calibrated.

In the above-described embodiment, an A4 size test pattern has been exemplified. However, a configuration may be employed in which test patterns corresponding to various recording paper sizes are recorded on the recording papers 73 and 74, and the recording start position is calibrated. .

Further, technical ideas grasped from the above embodiment will be described below together with their effects. [1] The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying that the document has been read while being skewed, and the control unit is configured to skew the document of the test pattern by the reading unit. An image processing device that notifies the notifying unit of the reading when the reading is performed. With this configuration, the notification unit can notify that the original of the test pattern has been read while being skewed.

[2] The image processing apparatus according to the above [1], wherein the notification means includes at least a visual display or an audible notification. With this configuration,
Based on the visual display or the audible sound, the fact that the document of the test pattern has been read while being skewed can be displayed or notified by an audible sound.

[0053]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. According to the invention described in any one of the first to third aspects, the calibration of the recording start position can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a test pattern is recorded on recording paper.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a test pattern original.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when calibrating a recording start position.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when calibrating a recording start position.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a test pattern when recording start timing is late.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a test pattern when recording start timing is early.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing timings of a third recording paper sensor, a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and image data.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Facsimile machine as an image processing apparatus, 11 ... MPU which comprises a control means, 12 ... R which comprises a control means
OM, 13 RAM constituting control means, 14 reading section as reading means, 15 recording section as recording means, 1
7: display unit as notification means; 17a: speaker as notification means; 18: image memory as storage means.

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AQ06 KK18 KK26 KK28 KK33 2H027 DA21 DE02 DE07 EC03 ED04 EE02 EE07 FD08 HA07 ZA07 5C062 AA02 AB02 AB05 AB08 AB17 AB22 AB42 AC13 AC66 AC67 AF10 BA00 5C0711 AA05

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing image data of a test pattern, a recording unit for recording image data, a reading unit for reading a document, and a recording unit for recording the image data of the test pattern read from the storage unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: reading means for reading a document of the recorded test pattern by reading means; and calibrating a recording start position of the recording means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calibrates a recording start position in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction in the recording unit. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates a calibration amount for calibrating a recording start position of the recording unit based on the test pattern read by the reading unit. And based on that calibration amount,
An image processing device for calibrating the recording start position of the recording means.