JP2801545B2 - Pattern output device and pattern output method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pattern output device and a pattern output method for synthesizing and outputting an output pattern generated from input data input from an external device such as a computer and a form pattern.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this kind of technique, command data sent from a host is registered in a memory in accordance with a data registration command sent from a computer, and new data is sent by drawing new data. When there is a call command for the registered data, the command data already registered is first interpreted and drawn, and furthermore, the sent data, that is, the drawn data is overwritten and drawn, thereby repeatedly using the data. The configuration is such that the trouble of transferring frequently-used data many times is eliminated, the transfer time is short, and a desired image is formed.

As an application of this technique, for example, a laser beam printer is given as an example.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional method, the transfer time of the registered data can be shortened. However, since the data registered in advance is interpreted and drawn each time an image is formed. However, there is a problem that it takes time to draw each time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is intended to select and register a data format of form information to be registered in accordance with an operation instruction from an operation unit or a command instruction from a computer device. Pattern output device and pattern excellent in operability that can efficiently and quickly output a form output (form overlay pattern output) of output data generated by analyzing input from outside and the like and registered form information (form overlay pattern output) The purpose is to provide an output method.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a pattern output device, comprising: an analyzing unit for analyzing data input from the outside; and a device for converting the input data to form information in a code data format input from the outside. When the analysis unit analyzes the code registration instruction to be registered in a code data format, the form information is registered in a storage unit,
Generates a form pattern from the form information when the input data is analyzed by the analysis unit as a pattern registration instruction for generating a form pattern from code information in the form of code data and registering the form pattern. Registration control means for registering the form pattern in the storage means, and deletion means for deleting data registered in the storage means when registering data in the registration control means; and Determining means for determining whether the stored data is form information or a form pattern in a code format; and the analyzing means when the input data is a registration call instruction for calling data registered in the storage means. When analyzed by the above, the determination means determines that the form information is registered in the storage means. If it is determined that the form information is read, a form pattern is generated, the form pattern is drawn in the drawing memory, and if the determination means determines that the form pattern is registered in the storage means, A call control unit that transfers a form pattern from the storage unit to the drawing memory; and, if the input data is analyzed by the analysis unit as a drawing command, the form pattern and an input externally input. A drawing unit that generates output data from the data in the drawing memory; and an output control unit that outputs the output data drawn in the drawing memory to one or more externally designated output destinations. A pattern output method according to the present invention includes an analysis step of analyzing data input from the outside, and a code registration instruction for registering form information in the code data format in the code data format in which the input data is input from the outside. When the analysis is performed in the analysis step, the form information is registered in a storage unit, and the input data is a pattern for generating a form pattern from form information in a code data format and registering the form pattern. When a registration command is analyzed in the analysis step, a registration control step of generating a form pattern from the form information and registering the form pattern in storage means, and when registering data in the registration control step, A deletion step of deleting data registered in the storage means; and a deletion step of deleting data registered in the storage means. A determination step of determining whether the input data is code form information or a form pattern; and the analysis step analyzes that the input data is a registration call instruction for calling data registered in the storage means. When it is determined in the determination step that the form information is registered in the storage means, the form information is read out, a form pattern is generated, and the form pattern is drawn in a drawing memory. When it is determined in the determination step that the form pattern is registered in the means, a call control step of transferring the form pattern from the storage means to the drawing memory, and that the input data is a drawing command If the data is analyzed in the analysis step, it is output from the form pattern and externally input data. Comprising a drawing step of generating data in the drawing memory, and an output control step of outputting the output data drawn in the drawing memory to one or a plurality of output destinations specified externally.

[0007] In the pattern output method according to the present invention, based on form registration instruction information, form information in a code data format input from the outside is registered in a code data format, or based on form information in a code data format. A determination step of generating a form pattern and determining whether to register the form pattern; and determining that the registration of the form information in a code data format has been instructed in the determination step, the form information is stored in storage means. When the registration means determines that it is instructed to generate a form pattern from the form information and register the form pattern, the control section generates a form pattern from the form information and registers the form pattern in the storage means. Registration control process to generate from input data input from outside When an output pattern and a form pattern are superimposed and output, a form pattern is generated from form information in a code data format registered in the storage means and output by superimposing the form pattern on the output pattern. An output control step of superimposing and outputting the form pattern registered in the means and the output pattern.

[0008]

With the above arrangement, form information is selectively registered in a code data format or an image data format, and an output pattern generated from input data input from the outside and a form pattern generated from the registered code data format information Alternatively, a registered image data form pattern is superimposed and output.

[0009]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input device (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) for converting a document into image data, and 2 has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes. An image output device (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) 3 for outputting as an image is an external device electrically connected to the reader unit 1 and has various functions. The external device 3 includes a fax unit 4, a file unit 5, an external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a computer, and information from the computer as a visible image. A formatter unit 8, an image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing information from a reader unit, and temporarily storing information sent from a computer, and a core unit 10 for controlling the above functions. ing.

In the image forming system configured as described above, the core unit 10 stores an external storage in accordance with a procedure of a flowchart shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 described below based on a command instruction from a computer device or an operation instruction from an operation unit 1125. The code information sent from the computer device PC or the image information converted by the formatter unit 9 is registered in the device 6 to reduce the image information conversion processing time when outputting the image information after the registration.

Further, the formatter unit 9 stores the first registration converted into image information based on code data read from the external storage device 6 based on a command instruction from the computer device PC or an operation instruction from the operation unit 1125. And outputting to the printer unit 2 synthesized image information obtained by synthesizing any of the converted image information or the converted and registered second registered image information and the converted image information obtained by analyzing and converting the code data transmitted from the computer PC. And performing image synthesis output while selecting an image synthesis method of registered image information and externally input image information in accordance with a processing instruction of a system according to a command instruction from a computer device PC or an operation instruction from an operation unit. It is.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 shown in FIG. 1. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The originals stacked on the original feeder 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto an original platen glass surface 102. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original is reflected by mirrors 105, 106,
Passes through a lens 108 sequentially through 107, and then a CCD
The image is input to an image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD).

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing a signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1 shown in FIG. 2. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The image information input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted and converted into an electric signal. CCD109
From the next amplifiers 110R, 110G,
At 110B, the signal is amplified according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to the shading circuit 112, where the uneven light distribution of the lamp 103 and the uneven sensitivity of the CCD are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is a Y signal
Color detection circuit 113 and external I / F switching circuit 119
Is input to

The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 by the following equation to obtain a Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B Further, there is provided a color detection circuit which separates R, G, B signals into seven colors and outputs signals for each color. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to a scaling / repeat circuit 114. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed by the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and the magnification in the main scanning direction is changed by the scaling circuit / repeat circuit 114. Further, it is possible to output a plurality of identical images by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The contour / edge enhancement circuit 115
Edge emphasis and contour information are obtained by emphasizing the high frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. A signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is input to a marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and a patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116
Reads a portion of the original written with a marker pen of a designated color, generates contour information of the marker, and uses the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to thicken, mask, or trim the contour information. I do. Further, patterning is performed by a color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit 118 and converts various processed signals into signals for driving a laser. The output signal of the laser driver 118 is input to the printer 2 and an image is formed as a visible image. Next, an external I / F for performing I / F with an external device
The switching circuit 119 will be described.

When outputting image information from the reader unit 1 to the external device 3, the external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the connector 120. When inputting image information from the external device 3 to the reader unit 1, the external switching circuit 119 inputs image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

Each of the above-described image processing is performed in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 122, and the area generating circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the above-described image processing based on values set by the CPU 122. Furthermore, CPU1
The communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the communication device 22. The SUB CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and communicates with the external device 3 using a communication function built in the SUB CPU 123.

[Description of Printer Unit 2] The configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photosensitive member 202 according to an image signal. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit 204 or 205 in synchronization with the development and the timing, and the developed image is transferred in the transfer unit 206. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer sheet by the fixing unit 207,
It is discharged outside the device. The transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 208 is discharged to each bin when the sort function is working in the sorter 220, or to the uppermost bin of the sorter when the sort function is not working. .

Next, a method of outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described.

After the output sheet fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208, the conveyance direction of the sheet is reversed, and the transfer paper stack unit 210 for re-feeding the paper via the conveyance direction switching member 209. Transport to When the next manuscript is prepared,
The original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the re-feeding receiving paper stacking section 210, so that two original images are output on the front and back surfaces of the same output paper. be able to.

[Explanation of the external device 3] The external device 3 is connected to the reader 1 by a cable, and controls signals and controls various functions in a core unit in the external device 3. The external device 3 includes a facsimile unit 4 for performing facsimile transmission / reception, a file unit 5 for converting various types of document information into electric signals and storing them, and a formatter unit 8 for expanding code information from the computer into image information and an interface between the computer. It comprises an interface unit 7, an image memory unit 9 for storing information from the reader unit 1 and for temporarily storing information sent from a computer, and a core unit 10 for controlling the above functions.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the core unit 10 of the external device 3 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

[Explanation of Core Unit 10] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the core unit 10 shown in FIG.

The connector 1001 of the core unit 10 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader unit 1 by a cable. The connector 1001 contains four types of signals.
057 is an 8-bit multi-level video signal. Signal 10
55 is a control signal for controlling the video signal. Signal 1
051 communicates with the CPU 122 in the reader 1. The signal 1052 communicates with the SUB CPU 123 in the reader 1. The signal 1052 and the signal 1052 are communication ICs.
The communication protocol processing is performed in 1002 and the CPU bus 1053
The communication information is transmitted to the CPU 1003 via the.

The signal line 1057 is a bidirectional video signal line, and is capable of receiving information from the reader unit 1 by the core unit 10 and outputting information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1. In addition, the signal line 1057
Is connected to a buffer 1010 where it is separated from bidirectional signals into unidirectional signals 1058 and 1070. The signal 1058 is an 8-bit multi-level video signal from the reader unit 1 and is input to the LUT 1011 at the next stage. LUT1
At 011, the image information from the reader unit 1 is converted into a desired value by a look-up table.

The output signal 1059 from the LUT 1011 is input to the binarization circuit 1012 or the selector 1013. The binarization circuit 1012 includes a simple binarization function for binarizing the multi-valued signal 1059 at a fixed slice level, and binarization based on a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from the values of pixels around the target pixel. It has a function and a binarization function by an error diffusion method. The binarized information is converted into a multi-level signal of “00H” when “0” and “FFH” when “1”, and is input to the selector 1013 of the next stage.
The selector 1013 selects a signal from the LUT 1011 or an output signal of the binarization circuit 1012. The output signal 1060 from the selector 1013 is
14 is input.

The selector 1014 is connected to the facsimile unit 4,
Output video signals from the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9 are connected to connectors 1005, 1006, 1007,
A signal 1064 input to the core unit 10 via 1008 and 1009 and an output signal 1060 of the selector 1013 are selected by an instruction of the CPU 1003. Selector 101
4 is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016. The rotation circuit 1015 has a function of rotating an input image signal by +90 degrees, -90 degrees, and +180 degrees. The rotation circuit 1015 converts the information output from the reader unit 1 into a binary signal by the binarization circuit 1012, and stores it as information from the reader unit 1 in the rotation circuit 1015.

Next, in response to an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotating circuit 1015 rotates and reads the stored information.
The selector 1016 outputs the output signal 10 of the rotation circuit 1015.
62 and one of the input signals 1061 of the rotation circuit 1015 are selected, and as the signal line 1063, a connector 1005 to the facsimile unit 4, a connector 1006 to the file unit 5, a connector 1007 to the computer interface unit, and a formatter unit 8 1008, the connector 1009 with the image memory unit, and the selector 101
7 is output.

The signal line 1063 is a synchronous 8-bit one-way video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9. . The signal 1064 is a synchronous 8-bit one-way video bus for transferring image information from the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9.

The above signal line 1063 and signal line 1
The video control circuit 1004 controls the synchronous bus of 064, and controls the output signal 1056 from the video control circuit 1004. Connector 1005
To the connector 1009, a signal 1054 is connected to each other. 1054 is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU
It is a bus that exchanges data commands asynchronously. The two video buses 1063 and 1064 and the CPU bus 1054 are used to transfer information between the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, the image memory unit 9, and the core unit 10.
Is possible.

The signal 1064 from the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9 is supplied to the selector 1014
Is input to the selector 1017. Selector 1016
Inputs a signal 1064 to the next-stage rotation circuit 1015 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.

The selector 1017 selects the signal 1063 and the signal 1064 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal 1065 of the selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching 1018 and the selector 1019. The pattern matching 1018 performs pattern matching on the input signal 1065 with a predetermined pattern, and outputs a predetermined multi-level signal to the signal line 1066 when the pattern matches. If no match is found in the pattern matching, the input signal
6 is output.

The selector 1019 outputs the signal 1065 and the signal 1
066 is selected by the instruction of the CPU 1003. The output signal 1067 of the selector 1019 is output to the LUT 102 in the next stage.
Input to 0.

The LUT 1020 outputs an input signal 1 according to the characteristics of the printer when outputting image information to the printer unit 2.
067 is converted.

The selector 1021 selects the output signal 1068 and the signal 1065 of the LUT 1020 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The output signal of the selector 1021 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 of the next stage.

The enlargement circuit 1022 can set the enlargement magnification independently in the X and Y directions according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The enlargement method is a first-order linear interpolation method. The output signal 1070 of the enlargement circuit 1022 is input to the buffer 1010.

Signal 107 input to buffer 1010
0 is a bidirectional signal 1057 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
Is sent to the printer unit 2 via the connector 1001 and printed out.

Hereinafter, the signal flow between the core unit 10 and each unit will be described.

[Core unit 1 based on information of facsimile unit 4]
Operation of 0] A case where information is output to the facsimile unit 4 will be described. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 scans the original with the scan unit 104 according to this instruction,
The image information is output to the connector 120. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10.

The image information input to the connector 1001 is input to the buffer 1010 through a multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1057. The buffer circuit 1010 inputs the bidirectional signal 1057 as a one-way signal to the LUT 1011 via the signal line 1058 according to an instruction from the CPU. The LUT 1011 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value using a look-up table.
For example, it is possible to skip the background of a document. L
The output signal 1059 of the UT 1011 is output to the binarization circuit 1 of the next stage.
012.

The binarization circuit 1012 outputs the 8-bit multi-level signal 1
059 is converted into a binary signal. Binarization circuit 1012
Is 00H when the binarized signal is 0 and FF when it is 1.
H and two multi-valued signals. Binarization circuit 1012
Is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016 via the selector 1013 and the selector 1014. The output signal 1062 of the rotation circuit 1015 is also input to the selector 1016.
61 or the signal 1062 is selected. The selection of the signal is determined by the CPU 1003 communicating with the facsimile unit 4 via the CPU bus 1054. The output signal 1063 from the selector 1016 is
The data is sent to the facsimile unit 4 via the main unit 05.

Next, a case where information is received from the facsimile unit 4 will be described.

The image information from the facsimile unit 4 is transmitted to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1005.
The signal 1064 is supplied to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017.
Is input to When rotating and outputting an image at the time of facsimile reception to the printer unit 2 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates the signal 1064 input to the selector 1014. Output signal 1062 from rotation circuit 1015 is connected to selector 1016, selector 101
7 to the pattern matching 1018.
To output the image at the time of facsimile reception to the printer 2 as it is in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, the selector 1
The signal 1064 input to 017 is used for pattern matching 1
018.

The pattern matching 1018 has a function of smoothing the backlash of an image when receiving a facsimile. The signal subjected to pattern matching is supplied to selector 1
019 to the LUT 1020. LUT1
020, the table of the LUT 1020 can be changed by the CPU 1003 in order to output a facsimile-received image to the printer unit 2 at a desired density. LUT
The output signal 1068 of 1020 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021.

The enlargement circuit 1022 has two values (00H,
FFH) is subjected to enlargement processing by a first-order linear interpolation method. An 8-bit multi-valued signal having many values from the enlargement circuit 1022 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001.

The reader unit 1 transmits this signal to the connector 120
Is input to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the. The external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs a signal from the facsimile unit 4 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. After the output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is processed as described above, it is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on output paper.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information in File Unit 5] A case where information is output to the file unit 5 will be described.

The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 scans the original with the scan unit 104 according to this instruction,
The image information is output to the connector 120. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 1001 is converted into a one-way signal 1058 by the buffer 1010. The signal 1058 which is a multi-valued 8-bit signal is a LUT 1011
Is converted into a desired signal. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is supplied to the selector 1013, the selector 10
14, input to the connector 1006 via the selector 1016.

That is, the data is transferred to the file section 5 as 8-bit multi-value without using the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015. CPU bus 10 of CPU 1003
When filing the binarized signal by communication with the file unit 5 via the, the functions of the binarizing circuit 1012 and the rotating circuit 1015 are used. The binarization process and the rotation process are the same as in the case of the above-described facsimile, and will not be described.

Next, a case where information from the file unit 5 is received will be described.

The image information from the file section 5 is transmitted to the connector 1
The signal 1064 is input to the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 via the 006. In the case of 8-bit multi-level filing, it is possible to input to the selector 1017, and in the case of binary filing, it is possible to input to the selector 1014 or 1017. In the case of binary filing, the description is omitted because it is the same processing as facsimile.

In the case of multi-valued filing, selector 101
7 is input to the LUT 1020 via the selector 1019. In the LUT 1020, a look-up table is created according to an instruction from the CPU 1003 in accordance with a desired print density. The output signal 1068 from the LUT 1020 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. 8-bit multi-level signal 1070 enlarged to a desired enlargement ratio by enlargement circuit 1022
Is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. The information of the file unit sent to the reader unit 1 is transmitted to the printer unit 2 similarly to the facsimile described above.
And an image is formed on an output sheet.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Computer Interface Unit 7] The computer interface unit 7 interfaces with a computer connected to the external device 3. Computer interface unit 7
Has a plurality of interfaces for communicating with SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics. The computer interface unit 7 has the above three types of interfaces, and information from each interface is sent to the CPU 1003 via the connector 1007 and the data bus 1054. The CPU 1003 performs various controls based on the transmitted contents.

[Core unit 1 based on information of formatter unit 8]
[0 Operation] The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file transmitted from the computer interface unit 7 into image data. When the CPU 1003 determines that the data transmitted from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1054 is data relating to the formatter unit 8, the CPU 1003 transfers the data to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 1008. The formatter unit 8 expands the transferred data into a memory as a meaningful image such as a character or a graphic.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter unit 8 and forming an image on an output sheet will be described.

The image information from the formatter unit 8 is transmitted as a multi-level signal having two values (00H, FFH) to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1008. The signal 1064 is supplied to the selector 1014 and the selector 10
17 is input. The selectors 1014 and 1017 are controlled by an instruction from the CPU 1003. Hereinafter, the description is omitted because it is the same as that of the above-described facsimile.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information in Image Memory Unit 9] A case where information is output to the image memory unit 9 will be described.

The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002, and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 scans the original with the scanner unit 104 according to this instruction,
The image information is output to the connector 120. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. Image information input to the connector 1001 is multi-valued 8
The bit is transmitted to the LUT 1011 via the signal line 1057 and the buffer 1010. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is supplied to the selectors 1013, 1014, 101
6. To the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009,
Transfer multi-valued image information. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is transferred to the CPU bus 105 of the connector 1009.
4 to the CPU 1003. CPU 1003
Transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. The computer interface unit 7 transfers a desired interface among the above three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics) to the computer.

Next, a case where information is received from the image memory unit 9 will be described.

First, image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. When the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 determines that the data transmitted from the computer interface unit 7 via the CPU bus 1054 is data relating to the image memory unit 9, the CPU 1003 transfers the data to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009. Next, the image memory unit 9 transmits the 8-bit multi-level signal 1064 to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017 via the connector 1009.

Output signals from the selectors 1014 and 1017 form an image on an output sheet output to the printer unit 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003, similarly to the above-described facsimile.

[Description of Facsimile Unit 4] FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the facsimile unit 4 shown in FIG.

The facsimile unit 4 is connected to the core unit 10 by a connector 400 and exchanges various signals. The binary information from the core unit 10 is stored in the memories A405 to D408.
, The signal 453 from the connector 400 is input to the memory controller 404,
Under the control of the memory controller, the data is stored in one of the memory A405, the memory B406, the memory C407, and the memory D408, or a cascade-connected two sets of memories.

The memory controller 404 is a CPU
According to the instruction 2, the mode for exchanging data with the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408 and the CPU bus 462, and the mode for exchanging data with the CODEC bus 463 of the CODEC 411 having an encoding / decoding function. , The contents of the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408
Magnification circuit 403 under the control of MA controller 402
A mode for exchanging data with the bus 454 from the
A mode in which the binary video input data 454 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408 under the control of the timing generation circuit 409;
08 to read out the memory contents from any of signal lines 4
52, and has five functions of a mode for outputting to 52.

The memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408 are each 2 Mbytes.
And stores an image equivalent to A4 at a resolution of 400 dpi. The timing generation circuit 409 is connected to the connector 4
00 and a signal line 459, and the core 10
Control signals (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, V
EN) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions.

One is to store the image signal from the core unit 10 in one of the memories A405 to D408,
Alternatively, the second function is a function of reading an image signal from any one of the memories A405 to D408 and transmitting the image signal to the signal line 452. The dual port memory 410 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via a signal line 461 and the signal line 46.
2, the CPU 412 of the facsimile unit 4 is connected. Each CPU has a dual port memory 4
The command is exchanged via 10.

The SCSI controller 413 interfaces with a hard disk connected to the facsimile unit 4 in FIG. It stores data such as data at the time of facsimile transmission and facsimile reception. CODEC41
1 reads out image information stored in one of the memories A405 to D408, and reads MH, MR, MM
After encoding in the desired format of the R method, the memory A4
05 to any one of the memories D408. After reading the encoded information stored in the memory A405 to the memory D408 and decoding it by a desired method of the MH, MR, and MMR, the memory A405
復 号 stored in one of the memories D408 as decoding information, that is, image information. MODEM414 is COD
A function of modulating the encoded information from the hard disk connected to the EC 411 or the SCSI controller 413 to transmit the information to the telephone line; a function of demodulating the information sent from the NCU 415 to convert the information into encoded information;
The encoding information is transferred to the hard disk connected to the C 411 or the SCSI controller 413. NC
U415 exchanges information according to a predetermined procedure with an exchange connected directly to a telephone line and installed at a telephone office or the like.

An embodiment of fax transmission will be described. The binarized image signal from the reader unit 1 is transmitted to the connector 40
It is input from 0 and reaches the memory controller 404 through the signal line 453. The signal 453 is stored in the memory A 405 by the memory controller 404. Memory A
The timing to be stored in 405 is generated by the timing generation circuit 409 according to a timing signal 459 from the reader unit 1. The CPU 412 is a memory controller 40
4 memory A 405 and memory B 406
411 is connected to the bus line 463.

The CODEC 411 reads out the image information from the memory A 405, encodes it by the MR method, and writes the encoded information to the memory B 406. When the CODEC 411 encodes A4 size image information, the CPU 4
12 connects the memory B 406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. The CPU 406 is connected to the CPU bus 462.

The CPU 412 sequentially reads out the encoded information from the memory B 406 and transfers it to the MODEM 414. The MODEM 414 modulates the encoded information and transmits fax information over the telephone line via the NCU.

Next, an embodiment of fax reception will be described. The information sent from the telephone line is NCU41
5 and is connected to the fax unit 4 by the NCU 415 in a predetermined procedure. The information from NCU 415 is MODE
It enters M414 and is demodulated. The CPU 412 stores information from the MODEM 414 via the CPU bus 462 in the memory C407.

When information of one screen is stored in the memory C 407, the CPU 412 controls the memory controller 404 to connect the data line 457 of the memory C 407 to the line 463 of the CODEC 411. CODE
C411 sequentially reads out the encoded information in the memory C407 and stores it in the memory D408 as decoded or image information. The CPU 412 is a dual port memory 41
0, and communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10,
A setting for printing and outputting an image from the memory D408 to the printer unit 2 through the core unit is performed. When the setting is completed, the CPU 412 activates the timing generation circuit 409 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 460 to the memory controller.

The memory controller 404 reads out image information from the memory D 408 in synchronization with a signal from the timing generation circuit 409, transmits the image information to the signal line 452, and outputs it to the connector 400. The description up to the output from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2 is omitted because it has been described in the core unit.

Description of File Unit 5 FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the file unit 5 shown in FIG. 1. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The file section 5 is connected to the core section 10 by a connector 500 and exchanges various signals. The multi-level input signal 551 is input to the compression circuit 503, where the multi-level image information is converted from the multi-level image information into compression information,
Output to 0. The output signal 552 of the compression circuit 503 is
Under the control of the memory controller 510, the memory A506,
The data is stored in one of the memory B 507, the memory C 508, and the memory D 509, or a cascade-connected two sets of memories.

The memory controller 510 includes a CPU 51
According to the instruction of 6, a mode for exchanging data with the memory A 506, the memory B 507, the memory C 508, and the memory D 509 and the CPU bus 560, and a mode for exchanging data with the CODEC bus 570 of the CODEC 517 for encoding and decoding, Memory A506, Memory B50
7, a mode in which the contents of the memory C508 and the memory D509 are exchanged with the bus 562 from the scaling circuit 511 under the control of the DMA controller 518, and a signal 563 under the control of the timing generation circuit 514.
06 to any one of the memories D509;
5 of a mode in which memory contents are read out from one of the memories A 506 to D 509 and output to the signal line 558
It has two functions.

The memory A 506, the memory B 507, the memory C 508, and the memory D 509 are each 2 Mbytes.
And stores an image equivalent to A4 at a resolution of 400 dpi. The timing generation circuit 514 is connected to the connector 5
00 and a signal line 553, and the core 10
Control signals (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, V
EN) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions. One is a function of storing information from the core unit 10 in any one of the memories A506 to D509 or two memories, and the second is a function of storing image information from any one of the memories A506 to D509. Is transmitted to the read signal line 556. The dual port memory 515 includes a signal line 554
Through the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 and the signal line 56
0 is connected to the CPU 516 of the file unit 5.

Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 515. SCSI
The controller 519 interfaces with the external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5 in FIG.

The external storage device 6 is specifically constituted by a magneto-optical disk, and stores data such as image information.
CODEC 517 includes memory A 506 to memory D 509
Read out the image information stored in any of
After encoding is performed by a desired method of the H, MR, and MMR methods, the information is stored as encoded information in any of the memories A506 to D509. Also, it reads out the encoded information stored in the memories A506 to D509 and reads MH,
After decoding by the desired method of MR, MMR method,
It is stored as decoding information, that is, image information, in any of the memories A506 to D509.

An embodiment in which file information is stored in the external storage device 6 will be described. An 8-bit multi-level image signal from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 500 and the signal line 55
1 to the compression circuit 503. The signal 551 is
The data is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted into compression information 552. The compression information 552 is stored in the memory controller 51.
Input to 0. The memory controller 510 uses the signal 553 from the core unit 10 to
9 generates a timing signal 559, and stores the compressed signal 552 in the memory A 506 according to this signal. CPU5
16 connects the memory A 506 and the memory B 507 of the memory controller 510 to the bus line 5 of the CODEC 517;
Connect to 70.

The CODEC 517 reads out the compressed information from the memory A 506, encodes the information by the MR method, and writes the encoded information to the memory B 507. CODEC51
7 completes the encoding, the CPU 516 connects the memory B 507 of the memory controller 510 to the CPU bus 560. The CPU 516 is connected to the CPU bus 560. The CPU 560 stores the encoded information in the memory B50.
7 and sequentially transferred to the SCSI controller 519. The SCSI controller 519 stores the encoded information 572 in the external storage device 6.

Next, an embodiment for extracting information from the external storage device 6 and outputting it to the printer unit 2 will be described. Upon receiving the information search / print command, the CPU 516
Receives encoded information from the external storage device 6 via the SCSI controller 519, and transfers the encoded information to the memory C508. At this time, the memory controller 510 operates according to an instruction from the CPU 516 to the CPU bus 56.
0 is connected to the bus 566 of the memory C508. Memory C
When the transfer of the encoded information to 508 ends, the CPU 51
6 controls the memory controller 510 to store the memory C508 and the memory D509 in the CODEC 51.
7 bus 570. The CODEC 517 reads the encoded information from the memory C508, sequentially decodes the encoded information, and then transfers the decoded information to the memory D509. If a magnification such as enlargement / reduction is required when outputting to the printer unit 2, the memory D5
09 is connected to the bus 562 of the scaling circuit 511, and the content of the memory D509 is scaled under the control of the DMA controller 518. The CPU 516 has a dual port memory 515
The communication is performed with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the CPU 10 to make settings for printing and outputting an image from the memory D509 to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10. When the setting is completed, the CPU 516 activates the timing generation circuit 514 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 559 to the memory controller 510. The memory controller 510 reads the decoding information from the memory D509 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 514, and transmits the decoding information to the signal line 556. The signal line 556 outputs to the core unit 10 via the connector 500. Connector 50
The process from 0 to output to the printer unit 2 has been described in the core unit 10 and will not be described.

[Description of Computer Interface Unit 7] The computer interface unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the computer interface unit 7 shown in FIG.

Connector A700 and Connector B701
Is a connector for a SCSI interface. The connector C702 is a Centronics interface connector. The connector D703 is an RS232C interface connector. The connector E707 is a connector for connecting to the core unit 10.

The SCSI interface has two connectors (connector A 700 and connector B 701). When devices having a plurality of SCSI interfaces are connected, cascade connection is performed using the connectors A 700 and B 701. When the external device 3 and the computer are connected on a one-to-one basis, the connector A700 and the computer are connected by a cable, the terminator is connected to the connector B701, or the connector B701 and the computer are connected by a cable. To the terminator. Connector A700 or Connector B7
01 is input to the SCSI I / F-A 704 or the SCSI I / F-A 704 via the signal line 751.
-B708.

SCSI I / F-A704 or SC
The SI / I-F-B 708 outputs data to the connector 707E via the signal line 754 after performing a procedure according to the SCSI protocol. Connector E707 is
The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10 via a SCSI I / F connector (connector A700,
The information input to the connector B 701) is received. When data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is output to the SCSI connector (connector A 700, connector B 701), the procedure is reversed.

The Centronics interface is connected to the connector C 702, and is input to the Centronics I / F 705 via the signal line 752. The Centronics I / F 705 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and connects the connector E via the signal line 754.
707. The connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10,
The PU 1003 receives, from the CPU bus 1054, information input to the Centronics I / F connector (connector C702).

The RS232C interface is connected to the connector 703, and is connected to the RS232C through a signal line 753.
It is input to the 2C I / F 706. RS232C / I /
F706 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and connects to the connector E70 via the signal line 754.
7 is output. The connector E707 is connected to the CP of the core unit 10.
The CPU of the core unit 10 is connected to the U bus 1054
Reference numeral 1003 denotes an RS232C bus from the CPU bus 1054.
The information input to the I / F connector (connector D703) is received. Data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is transmitted to an RS232C / I / F connector (connector D70).
In the case of outputting to 3), the procedure is performed in the reverse order of the above.

[Description of Formatter Unit 8] FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the formatter unit 8 will be described.

The input data (composed of character codes and control codes) from the computer interface unit 7 described above is determined by the core unit 10, and if the input data is related to the formatter unit 8, C
The PU 1003 transfers input data from the computer to the dual port memory 803 (receiving buffer) via the connector 1008 of the core unit 10 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 9. CPU 8 of formatter unit 8
09 receives input data sent from the computer via the dual port memory 803.

The CPU 809 sequentially develops the code data in the input data into image data, and via the memory controller 808, the memory A 806 (bit map memory) or the memory B 807 (bit map memory)
To transfer the image data. Each of the memory A 806 and the memory B 807 has a capacity of 1 Mbytes, and one memory (the memory A 806 or the memory B 807) can support up to an A4 paper size at a resolution of 300 dpi. In the case of supporting up to A3 paper at a resolution of 300 dpi, the memory A806 and the memory B807 are cascaded to develop image data. The above memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 809.

If the rotation of characters, figures, etc. is necessary when developing the image data, it is rotated by the rotation circuit 804 and then transferred to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807. When the development of the image data in the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 is completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 to connect the data bus line 858 of the memory A 806 or the data bus line 859 of the memory B 807 to the output line 855 of the memory controller 808. .

Next, the CPU 809 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual report memory 803 to set a mode for outputting image data from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 to the outside via the connector 800. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 communicates with the C of the reader unit 1 via the communication circuit 1002 in the core unit 10, for example.
Using the communication function built in the PU 122, the CPU 12
Set the print output mode to 2.

When the print output mode is set, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 activates the timing generation circuit 802 via the connector 1008 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8. Timing generation circuit 8
02 generates a timing signal for reading image data from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 to the memory controller 808 in response to a signal from the core unit 10. Image data from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 is input to the memory controller 808 via the signal line 858. Memory controller 808
Is transferred to the core unit 10 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. Regarding the output from the core unit 10 to the printer unit, the core unit 10
The explanation is omitted here.

Reference numeral 805 denotes a memory (for example, a ROM) storing a control program shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 12 described later, and 810 denotes a registration memory for registering form information described later. Registration memory 810
Comprises a code registration memory 811 for storing and registering form information as code data, and an image registration memory 812 for storing and registering form information as image data.

The general operation of the formatter unit 8 will be described. Based on the control program shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
Reference numeral 809 stores the form information transferred from the computer PC as code data in the code registration memory 811 or as image data in the image registration memory 812 according to the registration instruction information.

Then, the CPU 809 controls the computer P
Form data (bitmap data) generated from output data (bitmap data) generated from input data transferred from C and code data stored in code registration memory 811 or image registration memory 8
12 is combined with the form pattern (bitmap data) stored in the memory A806 or the memory B80.
7, a form overlay pattern is generated and stored, and the form overlay pattern is output to, for example, one or more of the file unit 5, the fax unit 4, and the printer unit 2 according to the pattern output command.

Note that the form overlay pattern output to the facsimile unit 4 may be transferred to a facsimile connected to a network.

The form overlay pattern output to the printer unit 2 may be transferred to a printer connected on a network.

[Description of Image Memory Unit 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the image memory unit 9 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

The image memory unit 9 is connected to the core unit 10 by a connector 900 and exchanges various signals. The multi-level input signal 954 is stored in the memory 904 under the control of the memory controller 905. Memory controller 90
5 stores the memory 904 and the CP in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 906.
A mode in which data is exchanged with the U bus 957, and a signal 954 is stored in the memory 9 under the control of the timing generation circuit 902.
04, and a mode of reading out the memory contents from the memory 904 and outputting it to the signal line 955. The memory 904 has a capacity of 32 Mbytes, and stores an image corresponding to A3 with a resolution of 400 dpi and 256 gradations. Timing generation circuit 902
Are connected to the connector 900 by a signal line 952, and control signals (HSYNC, HEN,
VSYNC, VEN) to generate signals to accomplish the following two functions.

One is that information from the core unit 10 is stored in the memory 9.
The second function is to read image data from the memory 904 and transmit it to the signal line 955.

The dual port memory 903 includes a CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via a signal line 953, and a CPU 906 of the image memory unit 9 via a signal line 957.
Is connected. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 903.

An embodiment for storing image data in the image memory unit 9 and transferring the image data to a computer will be described.

The 8-bit multi-level image signal from the reader unit 1 is input from the connector 900 and is input to the memory controller 905 via the signal line 954. The memory controller 905 generates a timing signal 956 in the timing generation circuit 902 according to the signal 952 from the core unit 10 and stores the signal 954 in the memory 904 according to the signal. The CPU 906 includes a memory controller 905
Is connected to the CPU bus 957. CPU
906 reads out the image data sequentially from the memory 904 and transfers it to the dual port memory 903. Core part 1
0, the CPU 1003 transmits the image data of the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 to the signal line 95.
3. The image data is read through the connector 900 and transferred to the computer interface unit 7. Transferring image data from the computer interface unit 7 to the computer is omitted since it has been described above.

Next, an embodiment for outputting image data sent from a computer to the printer unit 2 will be described. The image data sent from the computer is
The data is sent to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is the CPU bus 1
The image data is transferred to the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 via the connector 054 and the connector 1009.

At this time, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 to connect the CPU bus 957 to the bus of the memory 904. The CPU 906 transfers image data from the dual port memory 903 to the memory controller 905
Through the memory 904. After transferring the image data to the memory 904, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 to connect the data line of the memory 904 to the signal 955. The CPU 906 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 903.
The communication with the printer unit 2 is performed, and settings for printing out image data from the memory 904 to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10 are performed. When the setting is completed, the CPU 906 activates the timing generation circuit 902 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 956 to the memory controller 905.

The memory controller 905 reads out image data from the memory 904 in synchronization with a signal from the timing generation circuit 902, transmits the read image data to the signal line 955, and outputs it to the connector 900. The description from the connector 900 to the output to the printer unit 2 is omitted because it has been described in the core unit 10.

[First Overlay Registration / Output Processing] Next, the basic information flow and operation method described above with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The data processing operation in the forming system will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the first overlay registration / output processing procedure in the image forming system of the present invention. In addition, (1) to (22) indicate each step, and form information is stored as a code on how to register overlay (form information) by an external command using each apparatus of the image forming system shown in FIG. Or a control procedure for switching between storing the image and the image (form pattern).

Hereinafter, description will be made step by step.

The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding input data such as a document file sent from the computer PC via the computer interface unit 7 into image data. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 If it is determined that the data transmitted via the data bus 1054 is data relating to the formatter unit 8, the data is transferred to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 1008. The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 interprets and executes the transferred data based on the flowchart of FIG.

After the power-on start, the CPU 809 first receives an external command in step (1).
In step (2), it is determined whether or not the instruction is an overlay registration instruction. If the instruction is a registration instruction, in step (12), the registration method is an instruction to register with code data or register with image data. It is determined whether the instruction is to be executed. In the case of a drawing data registration command for registering drawn image data, first, the image registration memory 812 is cleared in step (18), and then external data is received in step (19) and registration is performed in step (20). The CPU 100 of the core unit 10 until it is determined that the instruction is to end.
3, the code data (form information) transferred to the formatter unit 8 is received, interpreted in step (21), and the drawing operation is continued in the image registration memory 812. If the data received in step (20) is determined to be a registration end command, the image data (form pattern) drawn in the image registration memory is stored in step (22).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (12) that the registration command is a code registration command, the code registered in the code registration memory 811 is cleared in step (13), and in step (14) an external Receive the data,
Until the registration is determined to be completed in step (15), the code data (form information) transferred from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 to the formatter unit 8 is stored in step (14).
The code data is sequentially stored in the code registration memory 811 in step (16).

If it is determined in step (15) that the registration has been completed, the code registration memory 811 is determined in step (17).
After storing the code data (form information) registered in step (1), the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the input data is not a registration command, then it is determined in step (3) whether or not the data is a registration read command. In the case of, it is determined in step (4) whether or not the command is a drawing command. If it is a drawing command, in step (5), a form pattern generated from output data (bitmap data) generated from input data input from the computer PC and code data stored in the code registration memory 811 (Bitmap data) or the form pattern (Bitmap data) stored in the image registration memory 812 to generate a form overlay pattern in the memory A 806 or the memory B 807, and then return to step (1).

On the other hand, in step (1), the formatter section 8
If it is determined in step (2) that the input data is not a registration instruction, it is determined in step (3) that it is not a registration call instruction, and if it is determined in step (4) that it is not a drawing instruction, then in step (6) It is determined whether or not the command is an image output command. If the command is an output command, at step (8), a device designated by an external personal computer PC, for example, a file unit 5, a fax unit 4, and a printer unit 2 An output operation of the form overlay pattern generated in step (5) is performed for one or more.
In the case of output to the printer unit 2, an output image is formed on paper.

On the other hand, if it is interpreted in step (6) that the instruction is not an output instruction, the process returns to step (1) after processing other instructions in step (7).

On the other hand, before and after the description, the data input to the formatter unit 8 in step (1) is
In step (3), if it is determined that the command is not a registration command, and if it is determined that the command is a registration call command, it is determined in step (9) whether or not code data has been registered. In this case, the code data registered in the code registration memory 811 is analyzed in step (11), and the image data (form pattern) is drawn in the memory A 806 or the memory B 807, and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if the code data is not registered in step (9), the registration is assumed to be stored in the image registration memory 812 as an image, and the registration is performed in the image registration memory 812 in step (10). The memory A806 or the memory B80 in which the drawn image (form pattern) is drawn in the step (5) described above.
7 and a registration call of registration image data (form pattern) is performed.

As described above, after the overlay data (form information) is selected and registered from the external personal computer, either the code data or the image data (form pattern), and after calling, a normal drawing command is sent. A form pattern can be superimposed on output data generated from input data input from a computer PC and output. That is, it is possible to set whether overlay (form information) registration is stored as a code or an image image by a command from the outside.

[Second overlay registration / output processing] FIG. 1
FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second overlay registration / output processing procedure in the image forming system of the present invention. In addition, (1) to (23) indicate each step, and correspond to processing for setting overlay registration and calling using the operation unit 1125 (having at least a code registration key and an image registration key) built in the printer unit 2. I do.

When power is turned on and the process starts, it is first determined in step (1) whether a code registration key or an image data registration key has been pressed. If it is determined that any of the registration keys has been pressed, it is determined in step (2) whether the code registration key or the image data registration key has been pressed, and if the image data registration key has been pressed, Code data (form information) transferred from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 to the formatter unit 8 until it is determined in step (3) that the registration end key is pressed.
Is read and interpreted in step (5) to continue drawing image data (form pattern).

In step (3), it is monitored whether the registration end key has been pressed.
It is determined whether there is data to be transferred from the CPU 1003 to the formatter unit 8. If there is no data, the process returns to step (3). If there is data, the data is read out in step (5), and The drawing processing of 6) is continued.

On the other hand, if the registration end key is pressed in step (3), the image data (form pattern) is stored in the image registration memory 812 in step (7), and the process returns to step (1).

In the step (1), the code registration key or
If it is determined that any of the registration keys of the drawing data has been pressed, it is determined in step (2) that the code registration key has been pressed. In step (8), until the registration end key is pressed. The code data (form information) transferred from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 to the formatter unit 8 is read in step (10), and the code data (form information) code registration memory 81 is read in step (11).
Keep memorized in 1. When the registration end key is depressed in step (8), the operation of storing the code data in the code registration memory is performed in step (12) and step (1) is performed.
Return to

If it is determined in step (1) that the registration key has not been pressed, it is determined in step (13) whether or not the registration call key has been pressed. 14), the CPU 100 of the core unit 10
It is determined whether or not there is data to be transferred from 3 to the formatter unit 8. If there is data, the data is received in step (15). If it is determined in step (16) that it is a drawing command, in step (17) Draw a form overlay pattern in memory A 806 or memory B 807,
If it is determined in step (16) that the command is not a drawing command and is not an output command in step (18), step (19)
Perform the processing of other instructions (the other instructions include an instruction to delete the registered image and the registered code data).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (18) that the command is an output command, in step (20), the fax unit 4, file unit 5, file unit 5,
Output is performed to one or more of the image memory unit 9 and the printer unit 2.

On the other hand, although the description is changed, it is determined in step (1) that the registration key has not been pressed, and
In step 3), it is determined whether or not the registration call key has been pressed. If it is determined that the registration call key has been pressed, in step (21), it is determined whether or not the registration data is code data. If not, step (22)
To transfer the image data (form pattern) registered in the image registration memory 812 to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (21) that the registered data is code data, step (2)
In 3), the code data registered in the code registration memory 811 is interpreted, and the image data (form data) is drawn. Then, the process returns to step (1).

As described above, the data registration key of the code data or the image is pressed on the operation unit 1125 to register the overlay data (form information) from the external computer or the like connected to the interface unit 7, and thereafter, the operation unit 1125 After the registration call key is pressed, the output data generated from the input data input from the external computer and the form pattern are superimposed, and the form overlay pattern can be drawn and output in the memory A806 or the memory B807. That is,
With the panel device, it is possible to change whether to register overlay (form information) as a code or as an image to store and reproduce.

[Third Overlay Registration / Output Processing] FIG.
2 is a flowchart showing an example of a third overlay registration / output processing procedure in the image forming system of the present invention. Note that (1) to (20) indicate each step, and
In the overlay registration by the overlay registration / output processing command, the processing relating to the image registration instruction corresponds to the processing performed by the operation by hardware, and particularly only the processing relating to the image registration instruction and its calling instruction will be described.

The formatter unit 8 has a plurality of drawing areas of a registered image and a normal drawing area in advance, and when outputting, takes or of each output to enable output. It is assumed that

In the step (1), the CPU 1 of the core unit 10
When receiving the data transferred from 003 to the formatter unit 8, it is determined in step (2) whether the command is a command to start or end registration. If YES, the image registration memory 812 is selected in step (3). In step (4), the image registration memory 812 is cleared, and in step (6), the code data transferred from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 to the formatter unit 8 is transferred to the image registration memory 812 in step (9) until the registration is completed. Is analyzed, and image data (form pattern) is drawn.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the instruction is to end the registration data, the image data (form data) is stored in the image registration memory 812 in step (7), and the memory A 806 is stored in step (8). Alternatively, after selecting the memory B807, the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, in step (1), the CP
When the data transferred from U1003 to the formatter unit 8 is received, and it is determined in step (2) that neither registration start nor end is performed, it is determined in step (10) whether or not the command is a registration call command, and it is determined that the command is a registration call command. If so, the call flag is set in step (11) and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, in step (1), the CP
When the data transferred from the U1003 to the formatter unit 8 is received, it is determined in step (2) that neither registration start nor end is performed, and when it is determined in step (10) that the command is not a registration call command, step (12) is performed.
It is determined whether or not the command is a drawing command. If the command is a drawing command, in step (13), the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 is used.
After drawing the image data (form overlay pattern), the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (12) that the command is not a drawing command, it is determined in step (14) whether the command is an output command. If NO, other commands are executed in step (15). Then, returning to step (1), in the case of YES, it is determined whether or not the call flag is reset in step (16). In the case of YES, the output generated from the registered image (form pattern) and the input data input from the computer The data output synthesizing function is turned on, and after being output to the designated device in step (18), the call flag is reset in step (19), and the registered image and output data output synthesizing function in step (20) Is turned off and the process returns to step (1). On the other hand, if NO is determined in step (16), the call flag is reset in step (19) after being output to the designated device in step (18), and the registered image is reset in step (20). The output data output synthesizing function is turned off, and the process returns to step (1). With the above configuration, the overlay computer (form pattern) is drawn and registered in advance from an external computer connected to the interface unit 8, and then the actual drawing command and the registration call command for calling the overlay are sent. (Form overlay pattern) output can be realized. That is, overlay (form) registration can be performed by an external command, and as an overlay combining method, two image memories can be overlapped and combined.

At this time, it is also possible to select whether to register with image data or register with code data as in the first overlay registration / output processing.

According to the above embodiment, when a data group is registered from the outside, the code data group (form information) is converted into image data (form data) before being stored and registered. The time for drawing data can be reduced.

When a method of registering a data group (form information) as code data is required due to the limitation of the memory capacity as in the related art, the registration method can be selected by an operation unit or a command. Thus, it is possible to select an optimal registration method for the data capacity and the memory capacity of the external storage device 6 or the image memory 9 or the like.

The form pattern described in the above embodiment is a fixed format pattern such as a logo pattern and a form.

[0151]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the embodiment, since either the code data transmitted from the computer device or the converted image data is registered based on the command instruction from the computer device or the operation instruction from the operation means, the processing at the time of form overlay output is performed. This has the effect of reducing the time.

Therefore, the method of registering form information and the like input from the outside can be set in a short time and efficiently by a simple operation instruction or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a signal processing configuration of a reader unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a core unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a fax unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a file unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a computer interface unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a formatter unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image memory unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first overlay registration / output processing procedure in the image forming system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second overlay registration / output processing procedure in the image forming system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third overlay registration / output processing procedure in the image forming system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 803 Dual port memory 804 Rotating circuit 805 Memory 806 Memory A 807 Memory B 808 Memory controller 809 CPU 810 Registration memory 811 Code registration memory 812 Image registration memory

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B41J 21/00 G06F 3/12 G06T 1/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] An analyzing means for analyzing data input from the outside, wherein said input data is a code registration command for registering form information in a code data format input from the outside in a code data format. When analyzed by the analysis means, the form information is registered in the storage means, and the input data is a pattern registration command for generating a form pattern from the form information in the code data format and registering the form pattern. And a registration control unit for generating a form pattern from the form information and registering the form pattern in a storage unit when the data is registered by the registration control unit. Deleting means for deleting registered data; and data registered in the storage means being a code Determining means for determining whether the form information is form information or a form pattern; and the analysis means has analyzed that the input data is a registration call instruction for calling data registered in the storage means. At the time, when it is determined by the determination unit that the form information is registered in the storage unit, the form information is read, a form pattern is generated, and the form pattern is drawn in the drawing memory,
When the determination unit determines that the form pattern is registered in the storage unit, a call control unit that transfers the form pattern from the storage unit to the drawing memory; and the input data is a drawing command. If the analysis is performed by the analysis means, a drawing means for generating output data in the drawing memory from the form pattern and input data input from the outside; and outputting the output data drawn in the drawing memory from the outside. Output control means for outputting to one or a plurality of designated output destinations. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the form information in a code data format input from the outside is registered in a code data format based on an instruction input from an operation unit of the pattern output device, or the form information in the code data format is registered. 2. The pattern output device according to claim 1, wherein whether the form pattern is generated from form information and the form pattern is registered is switched and controlled. 3. The pattern output device according to claim 1, wherein the output destination to which the output data is output by the output control means includes at least one of a printer unit and a facsimile unit. 4. The pattern output device according to claim 3, wherein the pattern output device includes the output destination device. 5. The pattern output device according to claim 1, wherein the form pattern is a form pattern that is a fixed format pattern. 6. An analysis step of analyzing data input from the outside, wherein the input data is a code registration command for registering form information of a code data format input from the outside in a code data format. When the form information is analyzed in the analysis step, the form information is registered in a storage unit, and the input data is a pattern registration command for generating a form pattern from form information in a code data format and registering the form pattern. A registration control step of generating a form pattern from the form information and registering the form pattern in a storage unit when the data is analyzed in the analysis step; and A deleting step of deleting the registered data; and a step in which the data registered in the storage unit is a file in a code format. A determination step of determining whether the information is form information or a form pattern, and when the input data is analyzed in the analysis step as a registration call instruction for calling data registered in the storage means, If it is determined in the determining step that the form information is registered in the storage means, the form information is read out, a form pattern is generated, the form pattern is drawn in a drawing memory, and the form pattern is stored in the storage means. If it is determined in the determining step that the input data is registered, the call control step of transferring the form pattern from the storage unit to the drawing memory; and the analyzing step that the input data is a drawing command. If analyzed, output data is drawn from the form pattern and input data input from outside. Drawing process and a pattern output method, characterized by comprising an output control step of outputting the output data drawn in the drawing memory to one or a plurality of output destinations specified externally for generating in the memory. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the form information in a code data format input from the outside is registered in a code data format based on an instruction input from an operation unit of the pattern output device, or the form information in the code data format is registered. 7. The pattern output method according to claim 6, wherein the form output is performed by switching whether to generate the form pattern from the form information and register the form pattern. 8. The pattern output method according to claim 6, wherein the output destination to which the output data is output in the output control step includes at least one of a printer unit and a facsimile unit. 9. The pattern output method according to claim 8, wherein the pattern output device includes the output destination device. 10. The pattern output method according to claim 6, wherein the form pattern is a form pattern that is a fixed format pattern.