JP2006110831A - Image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record and reproduce image data under an appropriate condition only by setting a recording material on a paper feeding tray without being aware of a kind, a front surface and a back surface, and a direction of the recording material such as a recording paper. <P>SOLUTION: Sensors 401a-401d for detecting printing conditions of the surface and the back surface of the paper, and a sensor 402 for detecting the length of the paper, are equipped. The kind, the size, and the front surface and the back surface of the paper, and the carrying direction of the paper in a paper carrying path are distinguished from the detected results of these sensors. Based on these distinguished results, recording of the image of the image data stored in an image storing part is controlled, and regardless of the carrying condition of the paper, the image is recorded and reproduced in a specified direction on a specified face of the paper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus such as an optical scanning printer that records and reproduces image data input from an external device such as a personal computer as an image on a recording material. The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a standard paper.

  Japanese word processors, etc. have been commercialized as devices that can print customary phrases (holiday celebrations, year-end gifts, mid-year gifts, etc.) and the name of the sender on regular paper such as paste paper. Such a Japanese word processor has provided a simple printer structure that allows the operator to understand the relationship between the printing surface of the paper and the print bed portion. For example, in a Japanese word processor, a user can set a printable state by setting paper to the platen portion of the printer, and then pre-input information is started by a print start instruction.

Prior art includes Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and the like. The technologies described in these patent documents are used to print information such as customary phrases (such as congratulations, year-end gifts, and mid-year gifts) that have been entered in advance on the recording paper, and the name of the sender. In addition, the user sets the print position and the magnification in advance and issues a print start instruction.
JP-A 64-9744 JP-A-1-161524

  Recently, however, the Japanese word processor market has been replaced by personal computers, and word processors have been installed and utilized in personal computers as one of a variety of application software rather than a single unit. Under such circumstances, an external printer is required in addition to dedicated application software when printing information such as customary phrases (internal celebrations, year-end gifts, mid-year gifts, etc.) and the name of the sender, etc. .

  There are various types of printers such as laser printers, inkjet printers, and LED line printers. Each printer has a different printing speed and an internal structure such as a transport mechanism. In such a printer environment, a user sets a standard paper such as a paste paper in a target printer (uses), and then enters a customary phrase (congratulation, year-end gift, Information such as your name) and the name of the sender. There are cases where such customary phrases are printed in large quantities in accordance with customer requests at department stores or the like, especially during the New Year's Day and year-end holidays.

  However, due to the difference in the printer environment as described above, it is difficult to understand how the target image is recorded on the desired recording surface when the user sets the paper, so that the user should use it while feeling uneasy. It becomes. In addition, a printing error on a standard paper such as a paste paper becomes a problem because, for example, the paper is expensive or there is no extra stock because it is used for special purposes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and confirms the setting status and conveyance status of standard paper such as printed paper set on the paper feed tray of the image recording apparatus, and prints image data input in advance. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus that controls the position and printing magnification and records and reproduces an image on a recording surface of a sheet.

  In order to solve the above problems, the first technical means includes an image forming unit that records and reproduces input image data as an image on a recording material, an image storage unit that stores input image data, and a recording material. In an image recording apparatus comprising: a recording material supply unit that supplies image data toward an image forming unit; and a recording control unit that controls recording of an image using image data stored in the image storage unit. In addition, there is a detection means for detecting the state of the recording material, and the recording control means is based on the detection result of the detection means, at least in the type, size, front and back of the recording material, and the conveyance direction of the recording material on the conveyance path. By discriminating a part of the recording material, the recording material is set in the recording material supply unit. Based on the determined recording material setting state, the image recording by the image data stored in the image storage unit is performed. By Gosuru, regardless conveyance state of the recording material, in which is characterized in that an image in a predetermined direction of a predetermined surface of the recording material was changed to be recorded reproduced.

  The second technical means is the first technical means, wherein the recording control means controls rotation, reduction / enlargement of image data recorded on the recording material, and reversal of the recording material based on the detection result of the detecting means. Any one or more of the above is performed.

  The third technical means is the first or second technical means, wherein the detection means detects a feature of a specific image recorded in advance on the recording material as the state of the recording material, and the recording control means detects the specific image. In this case, the set state of the recording material is discriminated using the detection result of the above feature.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the third technical means, the image recording apparatus has a registration roller for controlling the timing of supplying the recording material to the image forming unit, and the detecting means records on the recording material. And a recording image detection sensor for detecting a feature of the specified image, and the recording image detection sensor is provided on the upstream side of the registration roller in the conveyance path of the recording material, and the longitudinal dimension of the recording material Where L is L and S is the distance between the registration roller and the recorded image detection sensor, S> L.

  A fifth technical means is the third or fourth technical means, wherein the detecting means detects the presence or absence of a recording material at a predetermined position in the recording material conveyance path, and the recording control means detects the presence or absence of the recording material. And detecting the length of the recording material using the conveyance speed of the recording material, and determining the set state of the recording material using the detected length of the recording material and the characteristics of the detected specific image. Is.

  The sixth technical means is the fifth technical means, wherein the detection means has a recording material detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the recording material, and the recording material detection sensor is in the conveyance path of the recording material, Q> S> L, where Q> S> L, where Q is the distance between the registration roller and the recording material detection sensor provided upstream of the registration roller.

  According to a seventh technical means, in the sixth technical means, the image recording apparatus has a tray for setting the recording material and supplying the recording material to the recording material supply unit. And a recording material detection sensor and / or a recording material detection sensor of the detection means are provided integrally with the width regulation guide and move as the width regulation guide moves. It is characterized by that.

  According to an eighth technical means, in any one of the first to seventh technical means, the image recording apparatus includes a storage device capable of storing a detection signal pattern of a recording material obtained from the detection means. Is.

  A ninth technical means is the eighth technical means, wherein the storage device can erase the stored signal pattern.

  According to a tenth technical means, in the first to ninth technical means, when the recording control means cannot discriminate the front and back of the recording material from the detection result of the detecting means, the subsequent image forming operation in the image forming unit is restricted. It is characterized by that.

  According to an eleventh technical means, in the tenth technical means, the image recording apparatus has a paper discharge tray for discharging the recording material, and the recording control means records the recording material when the image forming operation is restricted. Is discharged to a discharge tray.

  According to a twelfth technical means, in the tenth technical means, the image recording apparatus has an intermediate tray for temporarily holding the recording material so as to be reusable, and the recording control means restricts the image forming operation. The recording material is discharged to an intermediate tray.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the image data is recorded and reproduced in an appropriate state by simply setting the recording material on the paper feed tray without being conscious of the front and back and the direction of the recording material such as recording paper. The occurrence of misprinting can be suppressed, and the user can execute image recording simply and effectively without performing complicated operations.

Further, when the longitudinal dimension of the recording material is L and the distance between the registration roller and the recording image detection sensor for detecting the feature of the recording image recorded on the sheet is S, S> L, The image data and the recording material are synchronized, and the occurrence of misprinting can be prevented.
Furthermore, when the distance between the registration roller and the recording material detection sensor is Q, by setting Q>S> L, a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of the recording material can be used as a trigger to obtain a detection signal for the recorded image. Therefore, the control becomes easy and the reliability can be improved.

  In addition, by providing the recording image detection sensor and / or the recording material detection sensor integrally with the width regulation guide of the paper feed tray, a specific image (for example, watering of a printing paper) printed in advance on the recording material is provided. The above-described sensor can be arranged at the position of the portion or the like, and the reliability of the determination of the set state of the recording material such as the front and back sides and the conveyance direction can be improved.

In addition, by providing a storage device that can store the signal pattern at the time of detection of the recording material obtained from each detection sensor, it is possible to deal with recording paper that is frequently used by users as well as printed paper, and wants to make a determination based on user preference. Since paper can be selected and registered, versatility is improved.
Further, by making it possible to erase the stored signal pattern, it is possible to selectively erase a sheet that does not need to be discriminated according to the user's preference, so that versatility is improved and a memory area can be secured.

In addition, when the front and back of the recording material cannot be identified, it is effective to limit the image forming operation in the subsequent image forming section, thereby suppressing the occurrence of misprints and requiring confirmation from the user by a message or the like. is there.
Further, when the image forming operation is restricted, the operation load on the user can be reduced by discharging the recording material to the paper discharge tray.
Furthermore, when the image forming operation is restricted, the operation load on the user can be reduced by discharging the recording material to an intermediate tray that can be easily processed by the user.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral that is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention and a personal computer connected to the digital multi-function peripheral. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 is configured to allow data input from a client machine such as a PC connected to a network.

  A document table 111 and an operation panel (not shown) are provided on the upper part of the digital multi-function peripheral body 1. A document pressing cover 117 is disposed above the document table 111 and is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 111. An image reading unit 110 and an image forming unit 210 are provided inside the digital multi-function peripheral body 1.

  First, the image reading unit 110 will be described. A document scanning body that reciprocates in parallel along the lower surface of the document table 111 is disposed below the document table 111. With this document scanning body, it is possible to read an image of the document A set at a predetermined position on the document table 111 with the document image surface facing down.

  The document scanning body includes a first scanning unit 113, a second scanning unit 114, an optical lens 115, and a photoelectric conversion element 116. The first scanning unit 113 includes an exposure lamp that exposes an original image surface and a first mirror that deflects a reflected light image from the original in a predetermined direction, and maintains a predetermined distance on the lower surface of the original table. Reciprocally move in parallel at the scanning speed. The second scanning unit 114 includes second and third mirrors for deflecting the reflected light image from the original deflected by the first mirror of the first scanning unit 113 in a predetermined direction. The scanning unit 113 is reciprocated in parallel with a constant speed relationship. The optical lens 115 reduces the reflected light image from the original deflected by the third mirror of the second scanning unit 114 and forms a light image at a predetermined position. The photoelectric conversion element 116 forms an optical image reduced by the optical lens 115, sequentially photoelectrically converts the optical image, and outputs a reflected light image from the document as an electrical signal. The document image information converted into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion element 116 is transferred to the image forming unit 210 and subjected to predetermined processing as image data.

  Next, the image forming unit 210 located on the lower side of the digital multi-function peripheral body 1 will be described. A paper feeding mechanism 211 is provided on the lower side in the image forming unit 210 shown in FIG. 1, and separates the sheets stacked and accommodated in the paper trays 211a and 211b one by one. Transport toward. Note that the recording material of the present invention corresponds to the paper used in the digital multi-function peripheral.

  A manual feed tray 211c is provided on the right side surface of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and paper that cannot be set in the paper trays 211a and 211b (sheets, cardboard, OHP sheets, postcards, envelopes, etc.) is set. The sheets set on the manual feed tray 211c are separated one by one by the attracting roller 211d and conveyed toward the image forming unit 210 side.

  The sheets separated and supplied one by one from the sheet trays 211a and 211b or the manual feed tray 211c are controlled in timing by a pair of registration rollers 212 arranged in front of the image forming unit 210, and conveyed with the image forming unit 210 in timing. The The image forming unit 210 includes an image station, which will be described later. In this image station, a reproduced image (toner image) is transferred onto a sheet. A conveyance belt mechanism 213 extending substantially in parallel is provided on the downstream side of the image forming unit 210 in the conveyance direction, and is configured to convey the sheet on which the toner image is transferred.

  A fixing device 217 for fixing the toner image transferred and formed on the paper on the downstream side of the conveying belt mechanism 213 is disposed. The paper that has passed between the fixing roller nips of the fixing device 217 is The toner image is fixed, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 220 attached to the outer wall of the apparatus by a discharge roller 219 through a conveyance direction switching gate 218.

  Note that the switching gate 218 is used to switch the conveyance path of the paper after fixing, and switches whether the paper after fixing is discharged to the outside of the apparatus or supplied again toward the image forming unit 210. Can do. The paper whose transport direction has been switched by the switching gate 218 passes through the switchback transport path 221, is turned upside down, and is supplied again to the image forming unit 210.

  The image station includes a photosensitive drum 222 that is driven to rotate. A charger 223 that uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 222 and a photosensitive drum 222 are formed around each photosensitive drum 222. A developing device 224 that develops the developed electrostatic latent image, a transfer discharger 225 that transfers the developed toner image onto a sheet, and a cleaning unit 226 that removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 222. The body drums 222 are sequentially arranged along the direction of rotation.

  A laser beam scanner 227 is provided above each photosensitive drum 222. The laser beam scanner 227 includes a semiconductor laser element that emits dot light modulated in accordance with image data, a deflecting device for deflecting light from the semiconductor laser element in the main scanning direction, and a laser deflected by the deflecting device. It is composed of an fθ lens (not shown) for forming an image of light on the surface of the photoreceptor. The laser beam scanner 227 receives a pixel signal of an original image. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 222, the document image information is reproduced as a toner image in the developing device 224, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer discharger 225. The

  In the image station, toner images are respectively formed by the above-described configuration, and when the image is transferred onto a sheet, the sheet is guided to the fixing device 217. The paper on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 217 is finally discharged onto the paper discharge tray 220.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multifunction peripheral includes an image reading unit 110, an operation unit 112, an image forming unit 210, a device control unit 230, a communication unit 240, a hard disk 250, and a management unit 270.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the image reading unit 110 includes a photoelectric conversion element 116 such as a CCD, and functions as image data input means for inputting image data. The operation unit 112 includes an input unit 112a having various input keys and a display unit 112b having a display unit such as an LCD. Input is enabled, and conditions and the like are displayed on the display unit 112b.

  The image forming unit 210 includes a volatile memory 260 and a printing unit 228 such as an LSU (laser scanning unit), and outputs an image data stored in an image storage unit such as the hard disk 250. Functions as data output means. The printing unit 228 corresponds to the image station described with reference to FIG.

The device control unit 230 monitors the operation of each unit constituting the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and controls the entire apparatus so as to perform an accurate operation as the multi-function peripheral. The device control unit 230 corresponds to the recording control means of the present invention.
The communication unit 240 controls communication with a client machine such as a personal computer installed on the network. In addition, the hard disk 250 functions as an image data storage unit that stores image data input from an input path such as a scanner, a fax machine, or network communication, which is mounted on the digital multi-function peripheral. This image data storage means can be configured as a storage device provided with a magnetic storage medium. The management unit 270 manages information necessary for controlling each unit of the device control unit 230.

  When the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a copying machine, image data of a document read by the image reading unit 110 is output from the image forming unit 210 as a copy.

  The image reading unit 110 includes a photoelectric conversion element 116 using a CCD, and can electronically read an image of a document set at a reading position. Then, the read image data of the original is completed as an output image on the volatile memory 260 and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 250. When there are a plurality of documents, the reading and storing operations are repeated.

  Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 112, the image data stored in the hard disk 250 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the volatile memory 260. Then, the image data is transferred from the memory 260 to the printing unit 228 at the timing of writing to the image forming unit 210.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of read image data, the output image is similarly stored in the hard disk 250 in units of pages, sent to the memory 260 from the hard disk 250 in accordance with the output mode, and the writing timing of the image forming unit 210. Accordingly, the number of output sheets is repeatedly transferred to the printing unit 228.

  When the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment is used as a printer, the image data received by the communication unit 240 is input to the image forming unit 210, and an image is formed on a sheet by the image forming unit 210. Is output. The communication unit 240 is connected to a network via a communication cable or the like, and receives image data from a device such as a personal computer connected on the network. The image data received by the communication unit 240 is sent to the memory 260 in units of pages as output image data, and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 250. Then, it is sent again from the hard disk 250 to the volatile memory 260 and transferred to the printing unit 228 in the same manner as when used as a copying machine.

  When the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a network scanner, image data of a document read by the image reading unit 110 is transmitted from the communication unit 240 to an arbitrary personal computer via the network. be able to. Also here, the image of the original is electronically read by the photoelectric conversion element 116 by CCD provided in the image reading unit 110. Then, the read image data of the original is completed as an output image on the volatile memory 260 and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 250.

  Then, the image data is sent again from the hard disk 250 to the volatile memory 260, and after establishing communication with the destination designated by the operation unit 112, the image data is sent from the communication unit 240 to the target destination. The Further, the communication unit 240 is connected to a telephone line other than the network, and the same operation is performed when the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a facsimile apparatus. Transmission and reception of document images are possible.

  Here, the digital multi-function peripheral including the hard disk 250 is described as a storage device for temporarily storing image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stored image data is retained even when the image data is removed from the apparatus main body. The present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a non-volatile memory that can be used, a memory with a backup function, or other storage device (medium) using a magnetic storage medium is provided.

  In addition, each component of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is controlled by the device control unit 230, and the device control unit 230 operates from the input unit 112a such as a tablet or a key group provided in the operation unit 112. In addition to monitoring the instruction, information to be notified to the user, such as information related to the state of the digital multi-function peripheral, is accurately guided and displayed via the display unit 112b. The management unit 270 manages information about each component managed by the device control unit 230, and the device control unit 230 controls the operation of the entire digital multi-function peripheral 1 based on the information. .

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper pattern that can be handled by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the paper used for wedding celebrations, cheerful celebrations, etc. (Fig. 3 (A), those used for childbirth celebrations, celebrations, etc. (Fig. 3 (B)), used for gifts, etc. There are types such as those to be used (FIG. 3 (C)), those used for rough feeding, incense return (FIG. 3 (D)), and the like.
Further, there are papers other than the printed paper, in which a specific image (pattern, logo, etc.) is printed on the paper in advance, such as a menu item used at a restaurant. Many of these sheets have a decorative image on the front surface and are plain with a white back surface. In particular, a special image, which is said to be knotted on the front surface, is printed in advance on the printed paper, and the back surface is generally plain.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of paper feeding when printing on the paper set on the manual feed tray, and is a main part around the manual feed tray 211c provided on the right side surface of the digital multi-function peripheral body of FIG. A perspective view is shown. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 301 denotes an operational guide provided on the manual feed tray 211c, which prevents the skew of the paper during feeding by moving it according to the paper size (for example, each size of the finished paper). It is. 1 is arranged near the supporting portion of the manual feed tray 211c, and the paper set on the manual feed tray 211c is guided to the conveyance path by the draw roller 211d.

  In FIG. 4, 401a, 401b, 401c, and 401d are light reflecting sensors for detecting the characteristics of a specific image recorded on the paper set on the manual feed tray 211c. The sensors 401a and 401b are arranged on the upper side of the set paper, and the sensors 401c and 401d are arranged on the lower side of the paper. Each of these sensors 401a to 401d is composed of a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, irradiates light from the light emitting unit to an object to be detected (here, a sheet of paper), and detects the reflected light by the light receiving unit. Output signals of the sensors 401a to 401d are sent to the device control unit 230 shown in FIG. 2, and the state of the printed paper is determined according to the state. In the device control unit 230, the front and back of the “sheet paper” in the state of being set on the manual feed tray 211c can be discriminated by the output signals of the sensors 401a to 401d depending on the transporting position or the installation position of these sensors. The front and back of the paper can be determined by detecting the presence or absence of a preprinted portion P such as a knotting portion or a margin portion if it is, for example, a plain paper.

Further, the output signals corresponding to the colors of the images printed on the paste paper are stored in a storage device such as the hard disk 250, the output signals detected by the sensors 401a to 401d, and the table stored in the storage device. It is also possible to determine the color of the printed image and determine the type of the printed paper by comparing with the information. For example, in the case of printing paper, the type of printing paper set can be confirmed by detecting the color of the water drawing portion.
In other words, the type and size of the printing paper can be determined by preliminarily storing the data of the printing paper, and depending on the characteristics of the recorded image, it is possible to determine the conveyance direction of the recording material on the conveyance path. Can do.
The type of paper used for celebration refers to the type of paper used for congratulation as shown in FIG.

  The sensors 401a to 401d are not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured by combining, for example, a reduction optical system and a color CCD, and other known techniques can be applied as appropriate.

  Further, a light reflection type sensor 402 for detecting the length of the sheet based on the presence or absence of the sheet in the conveyance path is disposed on the sheet conveyance path. The sensor 402 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitted from the light emitting unit irradiates an object to be detected (herein, paper), and the reflected light is detected by the light receiving unit. In the sensor 402, the light receiving unit detects reflected light and outputs a signal while the transfer sheet is passing. The device control unit 230 can detect the length of the printed sheet from the signal output time from the sensor 402 and the printed sheet conveyance speed. Further, if the size of the printing paper is known in advance, it can be determined whether the printing paper is conveyed in the longitudinal direction or the short direction. Here, the output signal from the sensor 402 and a table of time conditions are stored in a storage device such as the hard disk 250, and the signal and time actually output from the sensor 402 are compared with the data in the table. Thus, it is possible to determine the length in the sheet conveyance direction, that is, the sheet conveyance direction on the conveyance path.

Regarding the sensor 402, not only the above-described configuration but also a sensor with an actuator, a reduction optical system, and a color CCD may be combined, and other known techniques can be applied as appropriate.
The sensors 401a to 401d and the sensor 402 correspond to the detection means of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal of a margin paper (a wedding celebration, a pleasure celebration) by a sensor. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating detection positions of the sensors 401a and 401b that detect the front side when the margin paper is conveyed. FIG. 5B shows the detection signals of the sensors 401a and 401b at this time, and FIG. 5C is a diagram for explaining the detection positions of the sensors 401c and 401d that detect the back side when the printed paper is conveyed. FIG. 5D shows the detection signals of the sensors 401c and 401d at this time.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B), on the surface of the paste paper, the sensor output changes according to the design of the paste paper, while on the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 (C) and 5 (D). On the back side of the paper, the sensor output does not change because the paper is plain. From this example, from the detection signals of the sensors 401a to 401d, it is possible to detect the conveyance direction of the printed paper on the conveyance path, the distinction between the front and back sides, the type of the printed paper, and the like.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of the recorded image on the paper and the positions of the sensors for determining the presence or absence of the recording material on the conveyance path. Sensors 401a to 401d (referred to as recording image detection sensors) for detecting the characteristics of the recording image of the paper (recording material) and a sensor 402 for detecting the presence or absence of the paper (recording material) in the conveyance path. The arrangement position of the recording material detection sensor is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. You may provide in the part of a guide. The recording image detection sensors 401a to 401d and / or the recording material detection sensor 402 are configured integrally with a width regulation guide provided on the paper feed tray, and are moved along with the movement of the width regulation guide. Also good.

  In FIG. 6, the sheets set on the manual feed tray 211c are separated one by one by the drawing roller 211d and supplied toward the image forming unit 210 side. Then, the sheets separately supplied one by one from the manual feed tray 211c are controlled in timing by a pair of registration rollers 212 arranged in front of the image forming unit 210, and conveyed with the image forming unit 210 in timing.

  At this time, the recording image detection sensors 401 a to 401 d and the recording material detection sensor 402 are provided upstream of the registration roller pair 212 in the conveyance path. The longitudinal dimension of the sheet is L, the distance between the registration roller pair 212 and the recording material detection sensors 401a to 401d is S, and the distance between the registration roller pair 212 and the recording material detection sensor 402 is Q. Then, each sensor position is set so that Q> S> L.

When the control processing time for recording and reproducing a plurality of image data in an appropriate state is taken into account, the above configuration allows the detection signal from the recording material detection sensor 402 to be used as a trigger to detect the recorded image on the paper. Since the detection signals from the sensors 401a to 401d can be obtained, the control becomes easy and the reliability is improved.
The positions of the recording image detection sensors 401a to 401d and the recording material detection sensor 402 may be any of positions I, II, and III in FIG.

  On the other hand, image data sent from a personal computer connected to the digital multi-function peripheral is stored in the hard disk 250 or other image memory. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the image data sent from the personal computer to the digital copying machine, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the feeding direction of the blank paper.

“Image data P” shown in FIG. 7 is data such as customary phrases (internal celebrations, year-end gifts, mid-year gifts, etc.) and the name of the sender. In addition to the image data P, the print mode, paper size, tray, paper transport direction information, and the like are sent to the digital copying machine.
As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the printed paper conveyed by the paper recorded image detection sensors 401a to 401d and the paper recording material detection sensor 402 has a printing surface on the front side, and the top of the printed paper is predetermined. When it is determined that the image is arranged in the direction and conveyed in the longitudinal direction, the device control unit 230 of the digital multi-function peripheral selects “image data P” from the memory in which the image data is stored, and the image forming unit A control signal is output to 210 to enter an image forming sequence. Further, in the state of FIG. 8B in which the top and bottom of the paper sheet with respect to FIG. 8A is rotated by 180 °, the device control unit 230 rotates the “image data P” by 180 ° to the image forming unit 210. A control signal is output to enter the image forming sequence.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8C, the printed paper conveyed by the recording image detection sensors 401a to 401d and the recording material detection sensor 402 has the back side as the printing surface, and the top of the printed paper is in a predetermined direction. When it is determined that the sheet is disposed and conveyed in the longitudinal direction, the device control unit 230 of the digital multi-function peripheral changes the conveyance direction of the fed paper as described above, and the image forming unit 210 again by the switching gate 218. Then, the paper is passed through the switchback conveyance path 221 and the front and back sides of the paper are reversed, and then the paper is supplied again to the image forming unit 210. After that, “image data P” is selected from the stored memory, and a control signal is output to the image forming unit 210 to enter the image forming sequence. Similarly, in the state of FIG. 8D in which the top of the paper for FIG. 8C is rotated by 180 °, the device control unit 230 switches the fed paper to the switching gate 218 and the switchback. The image is reversed by the conveyance path 221, the “image data P” is rotated by 180 °, and a control signal is output to the image forming unit 210 to enter the image forming sequence.

  The above content is an example of the case where the printed paper is conveyed in the longitudinal direction (vertical conveyance). However, when the printed paper is conveyed in the short direction (lateral conveyance), for example, as shown in FIG. The sheets fed by the sensors 401a to 401d for recording and the sensor 402 for detecting the recording material are rotated in the short direction in the state where the front side is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. If it is determined that the image is to be conveyed, the device control unit 230 of the digital multi-function peripheral rotates the “image data P” by 90 ° and outputs a control signal to the image forming unit 210 to enter the image forming sequence. .

  Similarly, FIG. 8F illustrates a case where the image is transported while being rotated 270 ° in the left direction from the state of FIG. 8A, and the device control unit 230 of the digital multi-function peripheral stores “image data P”. The image is rotated by 270 ° and a control signal is output to the image forming unit 210 to enter the image forming sequence.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8G, the printed paper conveyed by the recording image detection sensors 401a to 401d and the recording material detection sensor 402 has the reverse side as the printing surface, and the top of the printed paper is shown in FIG. When it is determined that the rotation state is 90 ° to the left from C), the device control unit 230 of the digital multi-function peripheral reverses the fed paper by the switching gate 218 and the switchback transport path 221. , “Image data P” is rotated by 90 °, and a control signal is output to the image forming unit 210 to enter the image forming sequence.

  Similarly, FIG. 8H illustrates a case where the sheet is conveyed 270 degrees leftward from the state illustrated in FIG. 8C, and the device control unit 230 of the digital multi-function peripheral removes the fed paper. After the front and back are reversed by the switching gate 218 and the switchback transport path 221, the “image data P” is rotated by 270 ° and a control signal is output to the image forming unit 210 to enter the image forming sequence.

  As described above, the combination of the sensors 401a to 401d for detecting the recording image of the sheet and the sensor 402 for detecting the recording material can identify the type of the sheet and the conveyance direction.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a processing example for sheets of different sizes. Various sizes of paste paper are commercially available. For example, compared to the large paper shown in FIG. 9A, the small paper shown in FIG. 9B is relatively smaller than the large paper because the recording area of the front writing portion is relatively narrow. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce and record a part of the image data.

When the recording paper detection sensors 401a to 401d and the recording material detection sensor 402 determine that the conveyed paper is “small”, the device control unit 230 of the digital multifunction peripheral stores the information. Table "image data P" is selected from the memory, a part of the image data is reduced, and a control signal is output to the image forming unit 210 to enter the image forming sequence.
By performing the control as described above, even if the recording area of the front writing part is small and the paper is “small”, it is possible to record in the image printing area and to prevent the occurrence of misprinting.

  Next, a description will be given of an example of processing for registering and erasing signal patterns for determining the front and back sides and the length of a sheet. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a digital multi-function peripheral having means for registering and erasing signal patterns. The signal patterns obtained from the sheet discriminating means by the recording image detection sensors 401 a to 401 d and the recording material detection sensor 402 are taken into the volatile memory 500 and various signal patterns created and stored in the hard disk 250. And the type and conveyance direction of the recording paper are determined.

There are various types of paper as shown in FIG. 3, and some manufacturers have designs with additional designs, and very many types are commercially available. In a digital multi-function peripheral, various signal patterns for a frequently used sheet such as a paste sheet are created and stored in advance.
In addition, there are papers other than the paste paper on which a specific image (pattern, logo, or the like) is printed in advance on the paper, such as a menu item used at a restaurant. Such sheets have different discrimination signal patterns depending on preferences of unspecified users. Also, the frequency of use is different and it cannot be created and stored in advance.

When such a recording sheet is used, the user can register a signal pattern obtained by conveying the sheet in advance before performing image formation.
When registering the signal pattern, the signal patterns obtained from the sensors 401 a to 401 d and the sensor 402 are taken into the volatile memory 500. Thereafter, the operator uses the input unit 112a and the display unit 112b of the operation unit 112 to input the name of the transport sheet and other registration information. These operations can also be performed from a computer connected via the communication unit 240. Through these processes, the signal pattern data obtained from each of the sensors 401 a to 401 d and 402 is stored and stored in the hard disk 250 via the device control unit 230.

As described above, the signal pattern for discriminating the front and back sides of the paper and the paper length can be appropriately registered according to the user's preference, so that the recording is frequently performed not only by the above-described example but also by the user. Supports paper and improves versatility.
Further, the signal pattern stored and stored in the hard disk 250 can be erased in the reverse order of registration. Thereby, the memory area of the hard disk 250 can be secured.

Next, a case where the characteristics of a specific image printed in advance on the conveyed paper cannot be recognized will be described.
When the characteristics of a specific image printed in advance on the conveyed paper cannot be recognized by the recording image detection sensors 401a to 401d, the display unit of the personal computer connected to the digital multifunction peripheral or the digital multifunction peripheral For example, a confirmation message such as “The printing surface of the sheet cannot be determined. Printing execution is stopped” is displayed on the display unit 112 b of the operation unit 112. When a specific feature cannot be confirmed from the sheet by such an operation, the occurrence of misprinting can be suppressed by restricting subsequent image recording.

After that, for example, “Specify the paper discharge destination. Specify the paper discharge destination on the display unit 112b of the operation unit 112 of the digital multi-function peripheral connected to the digital multi-function peripheral. A confirmation message such as “Which would you like to do?” Is displayed to prompt the user to make a decision. Then, the user's decision making input is judged, and the transport paper is automatically discharged to the paper discharge tray 220 or the intermediate tray 221a in FIG.
As described above, unrecorded paper can be automatically discharged to the user's designated place, so that the processing burden on the user can be reduced and the operability can be improved.

  An example of the flow of the printing process and the automatic discharge process of unrecorded paper is shown in FIG. In the printing paper printing mode, first, it is determined whether or not the characteristics of the already printed portion, that is, the paper transport direction, the position of the already printed portion, the paper type, etc. can be recognized (step S1). If recognition is possible, a printing process corresponding to the recognition result is performed (step S2).

  On the other hand, when the feature of the already printed portion cannot be recognized in the above step S1, a display indicating that the print surface cannot be determined such as "The print surface of the paper cannot be determined" is displayed (step S3). When a discharge destination designation input is made (step S4), it is determined whether or not the discharge destination is a paper discharge tray (step S5). If it is a paper discharge tray, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray (step S5). S6). If the discharge destination tray is not a discharge tray, the sheet is discharged to an intermediate tray (step S7).

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral as an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention and a personal computer connected to the digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining functions of the digital multi-function peripheral in more detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper pattern that can be handled by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of paper feeding when printing on a manual paper set on a manual feed tray. It is a figure which shows the example of the detection signal of the paper (a wedding celebration, a pleasant celebration) by a sensor. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of a recording image on a sheet and the position of each sensor for determining the presence or absence of a recording material on a conveyance path. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining image data sent from a personal computer to a digital copying machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the paper feeding direction of paper. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a process with respect to the paper from which size differs. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a structure of the digital multifunction device provided with the means of registration and the deletion of a signal pattern. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of printing processing and automatic discharge processing of unrecorded paper.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital multifunction peripheral body 110 ... Image reading part 111 ... Document base 112 ... Operation part 112a ... Input part 112b ... Display part 113 ... 1st scanning unit 114 ... 2nd scanning unit 115 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Optical lens, 116 ... Photoelectric conversion element, 117 ... Document pressing cover, 210 ... Image forming part, 211 ... Paper feed mechanism, 211a, 211b ... Paper tray, 211c ... Manual feed tray, 211d ... Call-in roller, 212 ... Registration roller pair 213 ... Conveying belt mechanism, 217 ... Fixing device, 218 ... Conveying direction switching gate, 219 ... Discharging roller, 220 ... Discharging tray, 221 ... Switchback conveying path, 222 ... Photoconductor drum, 223 ... Charging device, 224 ... Developing device, 225... Discharger for transfer, 226... Cleaning means, 227... Laser beam scanner, 2 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Printing part, 230 ... Equipment control part, 240 ... Communication part, 250 ... Hard disk, 260 ... Memory, 270 ... Management part, 401a, 401b, 401c, 401d ... Light reflection type sensor, 402 ... Sensor, 500 ... Volatilization memory.

Claims (12)

  An image forming unit that records and reproduces input image data as an image on a recording material, an image storage unit that stores the input image data, and a recording material supply unit that supplies the recording material toward the image forming unit And an image recording apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that controls recording of an image by image data stored in the image storage unit; and a detection for detecting a state of the recording material before forming an image on the recording material And the recording control means determines the type, size, front and back of the recording material and at least a part of the conveying direction of the recording material on the conveying path based on the detection result of the detecting means. Discrimination of the set state of the recording material with respect to the recording material supply unit, and based on the determined set state of the recording material, control of image recording by the image data stored in the image storage unit And by, irrespective of the conveyance state of the recording material, the image recording apparatus is characterized in that an image in a predetermined direction of a predetermined surface of the recording medium to enable recording reproducible.   2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit controls rotation, reduction / enlargement of image data to be recorded on the recording material, and reversal of the recording material based on a detection result of the detecting unit. An image recording apparatus that performs one or more of the above.   3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a feature of a specific image recorded in advance on the recording material as the state of the recording material, and the recording control unit detects the specific image. An image recording apparatus, wherein the set state of the recording material is discriminated using a result of detecting the characteristic of the recording material.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image recording apparatus includes a registration roller for controlling a timing of supplying the recording material to the image forming unit, and the detection unit is provided on the recording material. A recording image detection sensor for detecting a characteristic of the recorded specific image, and the recording image detection sensor is provided on the upstream side of the registration roller in the conveyance path of the recording material; An image recording apparatus, wherein S> L, where L is a longitudinal dimension of the material and S is a distance between the registration roller and the sensor for detecting a recorded image.   5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the detection unit detects the presence / absence of the recording material at a predetermined position in a conveyance path of the recording material, and the recording control unit detects the presence / absence of the recording material. The length of the recording material is detected using the result and the conveyance speed of the recording material, and the set state of the recording material is determined using the determined length of the recording material and the characteristics of the detected specific image. An image recording apparatus.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the detection unit includes a recording material detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the recording material, and the recording material detection sensor is disposed in a conveyance path of the recording material. An image recording apparatus provided on the upstream side of the registration roller, wherein Q> S> L, where Q is a distance between the registration roller and the recording material detection sensor.   7. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image recording apparatus includes a tray for setting the recording material and supplying the recording material to the recording material supply unit, and the tray includes the recording material. And a recording material detection sensor and / or a recording material detection sensor of the detection means are provided integrally with the width regulation guide, and the movement of the width regulation guide is provided. An image recording apparatus that moves with the movement.   8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage device capable of storing a detection signal pattern of a recording material obtained from the detection unit. apparatus.   9. The image recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the storage device is capable of erasing the stored signal pattern.   10. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the recording control unit cannot determine the front and back of the recording material from the detection result of the detection unit, the image forming operation in the image forming unit thereafter is performed. An image recording apparatus characterized by restricting   The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image recording apparatus includes a paper discharge tray for discharging the recording material, and the recording control unit restricts the image forming operation when the recording material is restricted. Is discharged to the paper discharge tray.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image recording apparatus includes an intermediate tray that temporarily holds a recording material so as to be reusable, and the recording control unit restricts the image forming operation. An image recording apparatus for discharging a recording material to the intermediate tray.

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