JP2004333602A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor in which the maximum number of printed sheets to be received in each tray of a sorter is arbitrarily set by an operator so as to easily check the number of printed sheets received in the receptacle. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor is equipped with an image processing unit to print an image on a print sheet, a sorter having a plurality of trays to sort sheets printed in the image processing unit, and a control means to control to drive the sorter, and a plurality of kinds of sorters can be selectively mounted on the image processing unit. The control means has a function of setting the maximum number of printed sheets so as to set the maximum number of printed sheets to be received in the tray less than the number of sheets which can be received in the tray, and a function of setting the number of receivable printed sheets so as to automatically set the number of printed sheets which can be received in the tray in accordance with the kind of the sorter mounted on the image processing unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus equipped with a sorter for sorting prints finished by an image processing unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, this type of image processing apparatus includes an image processing unit for printing an image on print paper, and a sorter for sorting the prints finished by the image processing unit. The image data is appropriately printed on print paper to finish the print, and the finished prints are sequentially conveyed to a tray of a sorter and sorted by the sorter, for example, for each order.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the conventional image processing apparatus, the number of prints that can be stored in the tray is set in advance according to the size of the tray of the sorter. For example, in repeat printing, the number of prints that can be stored is set in each tray in advance. At the stage when the number of sheets that can be stored is stored, the sorter operates to store the next print in the next tray.
[0004]
However, it is preferable that the number of prints stored in the tray is increased by at least one. Therefore, in the conventional image processing apparatus, the number of prints that can be stored in the tray is an odd number such as 82 sheets. Is the current situation.
[0005]
Therefore, for example, when 200 postcards are repeatedly printed by an image processing apparatus in which the number of prints that can be stored in the tray is set to, for example, 82, 82 sheets are stored in the first tray and the next tray, respectively. After the printing is completed, the operator checks the number of prints stored in each tray because the remaining 36 sheets are stored in the third tray and the number of sheets stored in each tray is odd. In doing so, it is necessary to check the number of trays that can be accommodated while checking the number of trays that can be accommodated, and there is a problem that the inspection work becomes very complicated.
[0006]
The invention of the present application has been developed in view of the above circumstances, and the object is to allow the operator to freely set the maximum number of prints to be stored in each tray of the sorter and to set the number of prints stored in the tray. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus in which the number of sheets can be easily checked.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 has an image processing unit for printing an image on a recording medium and a sorter having a plurality of trays for sorting prints finished by the image processing unit. In the image processing apparatus provided with the above, control means for controlling the drive of the sorter is provided, and the control means for setting the maximum print capacity of the tray below the print capacity of the tray. A maximum print capacity setting function is constructed.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, a plurality of sorters can be selectively mounted on the image processing unit, and the control unit includes A print storable number setting function for automatically setting the print storable number of the tray in accordance with the type of sorter to be mounted is constructed.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus basically includes an image processing apparatus that prints an image on a print sheet P made of photographic paper, which is an example of a recording medium. And a sorter 5 for sorting the prints finished by the image processing unit 1. The sorter 5 includes a plurality of types of trays 51 having different numbers of printable sheets. It can be selectively mounted on the processing unit 1.
[0010]
The image processing unit 1 includes a film mask unit 21 for setting a developed film, a scanner 22 for reading a frame image of the developed film set on the film mask unit 21, and an image recorded on a recording medium such as an MO. A reading device 23 for reading data, an image processor 2 equipped with an image data processing mechanism 24 for mainly performing various types of image processing on image data read by the scanner 22 or the reading device 23, and processing by the image processor 2. The printer 3 includes a printer 3 for printing an image on a print sheet P based on the image data thus obtained, and a processor 4 for developing the print sheet on which the image is printed by the printer 3.
[0011]
The scanner 22 mounted on the image processor 2 sets the developed film in the film mask unit 21 and irradiates the light from the light source unit 20 to the developed film set in the film mask unit 21. The image of each frame is sequentially read and output to the image data processing mechanism 24, and the image data processing mechanism 24 performs various image processing on the image data read by the scanner 22 or the reading device 23.
[0012]
The image data processing mechanism 24 includes a main controller 25 including a computer on which image processing software and the like are installed, a keyboard 26a and a mouse 26b for inputting various information to the main controller 25, and a monitor for displaying various information. 27.
[0013]
The image data read by the scanner 22 or the reading device 23 is appropriately processed by the main controller 25 based on a predetermined processing program and various kinds of information such as a print size input by the keyboard 26a or the mouse 26b, and then is sequentially printed. The data is output to a sub-controller 30 described later mounted on the printer 3 as data.
[0014]
The printer 3 is for printing print data created by the image data processing mechanism 24 of the image processing machine 2 on print paper P, and is a sub-processor for inputting print data output from the image data processing mechanism 24 and the like. The controller 30, two paper magazines 31 a and 31 b loaded with a roll of print paper P, a transport mechanism 32 for transporting the print paper P sent from the paper magazines 31 a and 31 b, and a transport mechanism 32 An exposure mechanism 33 for exposing image data to the print paper P via the sub-controller 30 is mounted.
[0015]
In the printer 3, as the print data output from the main controller 25 is input to the sub-controller 30, the sub-controller 30 generates exposure data based on the input print data. Output to
[0016]
As a method of the exposure mechanism 33, a PLZT shutter method, a laser beam method, a liquid crystal shutter method, a fluorescent beam method, and the like are known, and any method can be adopted according to specifications.
[0017]
The processor 4 includes a developing mechanism 41 for developing the printing paper P on which the image has been printed by the printer 3, a drying mechanism 42 for drying the printing paper developed by the developing processing mechanism 41, A print paper discharge mechanism 43 for discharging the dried print paper P, and a transport conveyor 44 for transporting the print paper P discharged from the print paper discharge mechanism 43 to a sorter 5 described later are provided. The sorter 5 is disposed downstream of the transport conveyor 44, and the print paper P transported by the transport conveyor 44 is sorted by the sorter 5, for example, for each order.
[0018]
The development processing mechanism 41 includes a plurality of processing tanks, and various processing liquids such as a developer, a bleaching / fixing liquid, and a stabilizing liquid are individually stored in these processing tanks.
[0019]
The drying mechanism 42 includes a heater for drying the print paper P, and the print paper P is appropriately dried by the heater while the print paper P is transported by a transport mechanism (not shown).
[0020]
The print paper P dried by the drying processing mechanism 42 is sent to the print paper discharge mechanism 43, and is discharged from the outlet of the discharge mechanism 43 to the transport conveyor 44.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the sorter 5 is provided with a large number of trays 51. The printed paper P is conveyed to the tray 51 for one order, for example, or a print capacity setting function 7 described later. Alternatively, when the number of print sheets set by the maximum print sheet number setting function 8 is stored in the tray 51, the tray 51 is transported downward, and the subsequently transported print paper P is transferred to the next tray. The drive of the sorter 5 is controlled by the main controller 25.
[0022]
In the image processing apparatus having the above configuration, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the monitor 27 has a maximum print capacity setting screen for setting the maximum print capacity of the tray 51 in the sorter 5, as shown in FIG. D1 and a pre-judgment screen D2 for setting the color density and the number of prints of four frames of images as shown in FIG. 5 can be selectively displayed under the control of the main controller 25.
[0023]
In the program of the main controller 25, the number of prints setting function 6 for setting the number of prints of each image and the number of prints that can be accommodated in the tray 51 are automatically set according to the type of the sorter 5 installed. And a maximum print capacity setting function 8 for setting the maximum print capacity of the tray 51 by the operator mainly operating the keyboard 26a. ,
The setting by the maximum print capacity setting function 8 is equal to or smaller than the number automatically set by the print capacity setting function 7 according to the type of the sorter 5 to be mounted, for example, automatically by the print capacity setting function 7. If the set number is 82, it is possible to set only the number of 82 or less.
[0024]
The print number setting function 6 is built on the program of the main controller 25 as described above, and is operated by key operation of the keyboard 26a.
By inputting the number of prints in the box B2 displayed in the dialog of the pre-judgment screen D2 shown in FIG. 5, the number of prints of the image in the image processing unit 1 is set.
[0025]
The maximum print capacity setting function 8 is also built on the program of the main controller 25, and is displayed in the dialog of the maximum print capacity setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 4 by operating the keyboard 26a. By inputting the maximum number of prints that can be stored in the box B1, the tray 51 moves when the number of prints set by the setting function 8 is stored in the tray 51, and the next tray 51 is printed. P is accommodated.
[0026]
Next, a case in which, for example, 150 postcards are repeatedly printed by the image processing apparatus having the above configuration will be described.
[0027]
It is assumed that the image processing apparatus is equipped with a sorter 5 of a type in which the number of sheets P that can be printed on the tray 51 is 82 sheets.
[0028]
First, the maximum print capacity setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 4 is called on the monitor 27, and the operation is performed by operating the keyboard 26a in the box 8 on the setting screen D1 in consideration of the number of repeat prints (150 sheets). An easy number, for example, 50 is input.
[0029]
still. At this time, if the number of sheets to be input is equal to or larger than the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the tray 51 of the loaded sorter 5, for example, 100 sheets, an error is displayed and the input is made again.
[0030]
Next, the pre-judgment screen D2 shown in FIG. 5 is called on the monitor 27, the image data is read out, and the image to be repeatedly printed is displayed on the pre-judgment screen D2.
[0031]
The operator inputs the number of prints (150 sheets) of the image to be repeatedly printed into the box B2 by operating the keys of the keyboard 26a while viewing the pre-judge screen D2, and also corrects the color density and the like of the image. Thereafter, the printing process is started.
[0032]
When the print processing is started, the print processing is performed for the set number (150 sheets), and the prints are sequentially stored in the tray 51 of the sorter 5. When the number of sheets (50 sheets) set in (1) is reached, the sorter 5 is operated, the tray 51 for storing the prints is replaced, and the 51st to 100th prints are sequentially stored in the next tray. At the stage where the third print is stored, the sorter 5 is further operated, the tray 51 for storing the prints is replaced, and the third tray 51 stores the 101st to 150th prints. Then, the repeat print is completed.
[0033]
Thus, in the image processing apparatus set as described above, each of the three trays 51 stores 50 prints that are well-cut and easy to count. Inspection of the number of stored prints can be performed easily and easily.
[0034]
If the number of repeat prints is 120 or 180, for example, by operating the keyboard 26a, 60 sheets are set in the box B1 on the maximum print capacity setting screen D1, and two or three sheets are set. If the number of prints accommodated separately in one receiving tray 51 is 60, and the number of repeat prints is 90, 45 sheets are stored in the box B1 on the maximum print number setting screen D1. By setting the number of prints, the number of prints stored separately in the two trays 51 becomes 45, and the operator can easily and easily check the number of prints stored in each tray 51 as described above. You can do it.
[0035]
Further, in the above image processing apparatus, when the sorter 5 mounted on the image processing unit 1 is changed, with the mounting of the sorter 5, the print storable number setting function 7 sets the tray 51 of the sorter 51. The maximum number of prints that can be accommodated is automatically set, and the maximum number of prints that can be accommodated in the tray 51 can be set by the maximum number of prints setting function 8 based on this setting. Even if the sorter 5 to be mounted is changed, the number of prints that can be accommodated in the tray 51 of the sorter 5 or more can be erroneously set by the maximum print capacity setting function 8.
[0036]
In the above embodiment, the printer 3 equipped with the exposure mechanism 33 for exposing image data on the print paper P made of photographic paper, and the development processing mechanism for developing the print paper P on which an image is printed by the printer 3 The present invention is applied to an image processing apparatus that includes a processor 4 on which a printer 41 and the like are mounted, and prints an image on a printing paper P made of photographic paper. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied to an image processing apparatus equipped with a type printing apparatus.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing unit for printing an image on a recording medium, and a sorter having a plurality of trays for sorting prints finished by the image processing unit. A control means for controlling the driving of the sorter, the control means having a maximum print capacity setting function for setting the maximum print capacity of the tray below the print capacity of the tray. As a result, the operator can freely set the maximum number of prints that can be stored in each tray of the sorter via the maximum print capacity setting function and easily check the number of prints stored in the tray after print processing. And it has become possible to do it easily.
[0038]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, a plurality of types of sorters can be selectively mounted on the image processing unit, and the control means includes an image processing unit. The print capacity setting function that automatically sets the print capacity of the tray according to the type of sorter installed in the unit,
With the change of the sorter installed in the image processing unit, the print capacity of the sorter tray is automatically set by the print capacity setting function, and the operator sets the maximum print capacity based on this setting. The maximum number of prints that can be stored in the tray can be set by the function, so even if the sorter mounted on the image processing unit is changed, the maximum number of prints that can be The image processing apparatus can be stably operated as a whole without being set by the print capacity setting function.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a control system of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a maximum print capacity setting screen displayed on a monitor.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a pre-judgment display screen displayed on a monitor.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image processing unit 25 Main controller (control means)
5 Sorter 51 Receiving tray 6 Number of prints setting function 7 Number of printable sheets setting function 8 Maximum number of printable sheets setting function P Print paper (recording medium)

Claims (2)

In an image processing apparatus provided with an image processing unit for performing print processing of an image on a recording medium and a sorter having a plurality of saucers for sorting prints finished in the image processing unit,
Control means for controlling the drive of the sorter is provided, and the control means has a maximum print capacity setting function for setting the maximum print capacity of the tray below the print capacity of the tray. An image processing apparatus comprising: A plurality of sorters can be selectively mounted on the image processing unit, and the control means automatically determines the number of prints that can be stored in the tray according to the type of sorter mounted on the image processing unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a function for setting the number of printable sheets is set.

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