JP2814518B2 - Digital color copier - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a digital color copying machine having a mosaic monitor function.

(Prior Art) A digital color copier includes a reading unit that reads a document using a color image sensor and converts it into a print output signal, and a printer unit that prints an image on paper in accordance with the print output signal by electrophotography. When printing out a plurality of colors, the reading unit reads a document and prints an image on the same paper by the printer unit on a color-by-color basis.

The reading unit generally includes a masking circuit, and generates a color-corrected signal according to the characteristics of an output device (such as a printer).

Although the color-corrected image is printed in this manner, it is difficult for the masking circuit to keep the dye between the original and the copy very small for all colors on the original. Therefore, when a copy is copied as a document, the color tone may be significantly changed from that of the document.

However, in a limited chromaticity range, a change in color tone can be suppressed relatively small by performing color adjustment (color balance).

However, conventionally, color tone adjustment is performed by cut and try by taking a copy for each color adjustment, and scanning for the number of adjustment times × the number of print colors is repeated, which is wasteful in terms of time and cost. was there.

Accordingly, the present applicant has proposed a color adjustment selection method (hereinafter, referred to as a mosaic monitor) for reducing the time and cost required for color correction in another application. In this method, an area (attention area) including a part (for example, a face) where the user particularly wants to emphasize color reproduction is set by means for setting a specific area, and image data of the attention area is stored in the image memory means. . Next, color correction is performed on the image data read from the image memory means at various predetermined different color correction levels, and these are printed at different positions on the same sheet in one printing step. The user selects an image closest to the color of the original image or an image of the user's favorite color from among a plurality of target area images (mosaic monitor images) of different colors printed on one sheet of paper. I do. Next, the entire document is copied based on the color correction level value of the selected image. In this way, a copy with the color adjustment desired by the user can be easily obtained.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) The mosaic monitor has made it easy to copy the color adjustment desired by the user.

When printing a mosaic monitor image in the mosaic monitor mode, the user presses a mosaic monitor select button, and then sets printing conditions for the mosaic monitor image. Printing is executed in accordance with the printing conditions (magnification, paper size, number of prints, etc.) set by the user in this manner. If the density is not the standard value, it affects the color balance of the image. Therefore, the density is set to the standard value and the mosaic monitor image is printed. However, even if the density is the standard value, there are cases where the user incorrectly sets the printing conditions, or where the user has forgotten to set the printing conditions, and the previous inappropriate setting values are continuously used. Further, simply pressing the all-reset button at the time of setting the printing conditions may not always result in appropriate conditions in terms of paper size and the like. In such a case, for example, when the set printing magnification is different from the reading magnification of the attention area, the image quality and texture are different. If the paper size does not correspond to the output format of the mosaic monitor image, printing in all formats may not be possible. Further, the number of printed sheets may be larger or smaller than the required number. Therefore, if there is dissatisfaction, the mosaic monitor mode must be selected again to print the mosaic monitor image, which wastes time and cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a digital color copying machine in which an error is unlikely to occur in printing a mosaic monitor image in a mosaic monitor mode.

(Means for Solving the Problems) A digital color copying machine according to the present invention performs a different color correction operation on image data of a specific area in a document image to print a plurality of images on one sheet. In a digital color copier equipped with a monitor mode, a mosaic monitor mode selecting means for selecting a mosaic monitor mode, and when the mosaic monitor mode is selected by the mosaic monitor mode selecting means, a condition relating to printing is automatically printed. A printing condition setting means for setting suitable predetermined conditions is provided.

(Operation) In the mosaic monitor mode, the same image data in a specific area is printed on a plurality of same papers on which different color corrections are respectively performed.

When the mosaic monitor mode is selected by the mosaic monitor mode selecting means, the printing condition setting means automatically sets the printing conditions (magnification, paper size, etc.) to appropriate conditions. Therefore, a plurality of images in the mosaic monitor mode are always printed under appropriate printing conditions.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(A) Configuration of digital color copying machine (b) Mosaic monitor (c) Image setting circuit (d) Registered image memory circuit (e) Flow of copy control in mosaic monitor mode This will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

(A) Configuration of Digital Color Copier A digital color copier according to the present invention reads a document using an image sensor and converts the document into a print output signal. And a printer unit for printing images. When printing out a plurality of colors, reading of an original by the reading unit and printing of an image on the same paper by the printer unit are performed in a sequential manner for each color.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a digital color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The scanner 10 includes an exposure lamp 12 for irradiating a document, a rod lens array 13 for collecting light reflected from the document, and a contact type CCD color sensor (image sensor) 14 for converting the collected light into an electric signal. Have. Scanner 10
When reading an original, the original 11 is driven by the motor 11 to move in the direction of the arrow, and scans the original placed on the platen 15. The image of the document surface illuminated by the light source 12 is
Is photoelectrically converted.

The R, G, B electrical signals (multi-valued) obtained by the CCD color sensor 14 are converted by the signal processing unit 20 into any one of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black print output signals (2
) And stored in the buffer memory 30. In the print head unit 31, the LD drive circuit 32 causes the semiconductor laser (LD) 33 to blink according to the print signal from the buffer memory 30 (see FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam generated by the semiconductor laser 33 exposes the photosensitive drum 41, which is driven to rotate, via a reflecting mirror 37. As a result, an image of the original is drawn on the photoconductor of the photoconductor drum 41. The photoreceptor drum 41 is irradiated by an eraser lamp 42 before being exposed for each copy, charged by a charging charger 43, and further irradiated by a sub-eraser lamp 44. When exposure is performed in this state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 41. Yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner developing units 45
Only one of a to 45d is selected to develop the electrostatic latent image on the drum. The developed image is transferred to transfer charger 46.
Is transferred onto the paper wound on the transfer drum 51.

Normally, such a printing process is repeated for yellow, magenta, cyan and black. At this time, the scanner 10 repeats the scanning operation in synchronization with the operations of the photosensitive drum 41 and the transfer drum 51. Thereafter, the paper is separated from the transfer drum 51 by operating the separation claw 47, is fixed through the fixing device 48, and is discharged to the discharge tray 49.

The paper is fed from the paper cassette 50, and the leading end thereof is chucked by the chucking mechanism 52 on the transfer drum 51, so that no positional deviation occurs during transfer.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, a signal processing section 20 for processing an output signal of the CCD color sensor 14 and outputting a binary image signal will be described.

When outputting a normal image, the image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD color sensor 14 is converted into an image density by the log amplifier 21 and then converted into a digital value (multi-value) by the A / D converter 22. . The multi-level converted R, G, B image signals are
The shading correction circuit 23 performs shading correction. In the mosaic monitor mode or the like, the signal subjected to shading correction is stored in the registered image memory circuit 1. When outputting a normal color image, the registered image memory circuit 1 is canceled, and the signal subjected to shading correction is sent to the masking processing circuit 24.

In the above processing, three colors of R, G, and B are processed in parallel. Next, the masking processing circuit 24 generates a signal of one of the printing colors (any of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) from the three input signals in accordance with the characteristics of the printing toner in order to perform the printing in the frame sequential manner. Which print color is to be generated is determined by a control signal from the CPU 25. When the color adjustment is changed in the mosaic monitor mode or the normal mode, the print signal is subjected to color correction by the image tone setting circuit 2. In the case of a normal image, the image tone setting circuit 2 is canceled and no color correction is performed. The electric scaling circuit 26 electrically processes a signal from the masking processing circuit 24 or the image tone setting circuit 2 to electrically change the magnification in the main scanning direction. Here, the description is omitted. On the other hand, zooming in the sub-scanning direction can be realized by making the speed of the relative movement between the original and the scanner 10 variable.

The halftone processing circuit 27 converts the signal from the electric scaling circuit 26 into two.
The binarization processing is performed to generate a binary pseudo halftone signal, which is sent to the buffer memory 30. LD drive circuit 32 is a buffer memory
The semiconductor laser 33 is driven according to the pseudo halftone signal from 30 to emit a laser beam.

The clock generator 28 generates a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync and a clock signal CKA for synchronizing reading of the CCD color sensor 14 and image data processing of each circuit. In addition, the scaling sub-scanning clock generator 29 generates a scaling sub-scanning clock which is an interrupt signal to the registered image memory circuit 1 in accordance with a signal from the CPU 25.

The CPU 25 transmits and receives signals to and from an operation panel (see FIG. 4). Further, signals are transmitted and received to and from a printer control unit (not shown) for controlling a printing operation by the electrophotographic process.

In the signal processing section 20, the image data is processed at the timing as shown in FIG. Here, the horizontal synchronization signal Hsyn
c and the clock signal CKA are generated by the clock generator 28, and the R, G, B image data from the CCD color sensor 14 flows serially in synchronization with the clock CKA (the figure of the image data is mainly Indicates the address in the scanning direction.) Each time the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync is generated, the line n in the main scanning direction is updated. That is, the scanner 10 has advanced by a unit distance in the sub-scanning direction.

This digital color copying machine has a superimpose function of a color adjustment function called a mosaic monitor. Since both functions require a memory for storing image data and also have many common points in image processing, the registered image memory circuit 1 for image registration / readout and the image tone setting circuit 2 for color adjustment are shared. , And both functions are controlled by the CPU 25. Note that the superimpose function has been disclosed in another application filed by the present applicant, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of various keys and the like on an operation panel 70 provided on the upper surface of the copying machine.

The operation panel 70 includes a print start key 71 for starting a copying operation, an interrupt key 72 for designating an interrupt copy,
Clear / stop key 73, all reset key 74, numeric keypad 75, set key 76, cancel key 77, various function keys 78 to 81, jog dials 82 and 83 for setting areas to be described later, and original images for setting areas And a display unit 84 made of a liquid crystal or the like for displaying various messages. Here, the function keys 78, 79, 80, and 81 are a mosaic monitor selection key, a superimpose mode selection key, a density correction key, and a magnification setting key, respectively.

The setting of a region such as a region of interest in the mosaic monitor mode described later is performed as follows. For example, when setting an attention area, as shown in FIG.
And a preliminary scan performed by the scanner 10, the document image is roughly displayed in the document area ED of the display unit 84 of the operation panel 70. The intersection of the vertical and horizontal instruction lines LPY and LPX is the center of the area EA. When the jog dials 82 and 83 are operated, these indicating lines move left and right or up and down, respectively, so that the area EA is determined, and by pressing the set key 76, the attention area is set.

(B) Mosaic monitor The mosaic monitor is realized by a registered image memory circuit (see section (d)) 1 for storing a region of interest and an image tone setting circuit (see section (c)) 2 for performing color adjustment in a printing process. Is done.

When the function key 78 is pressed on the operation panel 70, the mosaic monitor mode is selected.

The mosaic monitor indicates a region of interest where the user wants to perform color reproduction best, and the image of the region of interest is printed simultaneously on the same paper in various colors according to the instruction. This is a color adjustment selection method for selecting an optimum color tone from among the mosaic monitor images) and monitoring the color tone so that the optimum color adjustment is obtained from the mosaic monitor image.

In the mosaic monitor mode, first, a preliminary scan is performed, and the user looks at the original image of the preliminary scan displayed on the display unit 84 of the operation panel 70, and observes a region of interest (for example, the fifth region) where color adjustment is best performed. (Shaded area in the figure). Correspondingly, the registered image memory circuit 1 stores only the image data I corresponding to the set value of the attention area in the next scan in the memory. Note that an upper limit is set for the size of the attention area in accordance with the storage capacity of the memory.

Next, the image tone setting circuit 2 prints the image data of various colors from the image data I read from the registered image memory circuit 1 and becomes the print color data by the masking processing circuit 24 on the same paper. generate kI (k = Ky, Km, Kc). Where Ky, Km, and Kc are yellow, magenta,
The color correction coefficient k for cyan. FIG. 6 shows an example of the output format. In this example, cyan (c),
Magenta (m), using a yellow color correction coefficients of the three printing colors with three _{(y) Ky = y i,} Km = m i, Kc = c i (i = 0,1,2), 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 types of images are output. Here, the color correction coefficients c ₁ , m ₁ , and y ₁ with “1” represent standard coefficients for color adjustment, and are given as reference values of the color correction coefficients when the power is turned on. Color correction coefficients c ₀ , m ₀ , y _{0 with} “0”, “2”; c ₂ , m ₂ , y
_2, respectively, showing a large coefficient the standard coefficients c _1, m _1, y ₁ is less than the coefficient.

In the present embodiment, the color correction coefficients c _i , m _i , y _i (i = 0,2) are
It is obtained by subtracting and adding a predetermined color correction adjustment value a to the reference values c ₁ , m ₁ and y ₁ of the color correction coefficient. By this calculation, the color correction coefficient is set as follows.

y ₀ ← y ₁ −a y ₂ ← y ₁ + am ₀ ← m ₁ −am ₂ ← m ₁ + a c ₀ ← c ₁ −a c ₂ ← c ₁ + a 27 types of output images shown in Fig. 6 , The user selects an optimal color tone. Normally, this ends the mosaic monitor mode.

By the way, in order for the user to specify an image to be selected from the mosaic monitor image GM, for example, the function keys 78 to 81 may be operated according to a message displayed on the display unit 84 of the operation panel 70. .

Alternatively, the image block shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed on the display unit 84, and the block coordinates may be designated by using a function key or numeric keys to select a coefficient.

Next, the original is read again, and an image is printed in the set color tone.

(C) Picture Tone Setting Circuit FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the picture tone setting circuit 2.

The image tone setting circuit 2 is a circuit for performing color correction (color adjustment) of the mosaic monitor image set at the next stage of the masking processing circuit 24.

The masking processing circuit 24 converts the image signals of the three colors R, G, and B into image signals (print signals) Y, M, C, and Y for printing corresponding to the respective print colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.
The image signal is converted to K, and the converted image signal is output to the image tone setting circuit 2.

As is well known, a conversion formula for converting the original image signals R, G, B into print signals Y, M, C is expressed as follows.

The conversion coefficients a _{00 to} a ₂₂ are preset to appropriate values by theory and experiment so that an image of a color as close as possible to the original image is printed.

The color adjustment in the image tone setting circuit 2 is based on the calculation of Y ₁ = Ky × Y M ₁ = Km × M C ₁ = Kc × C for each of the print signals Y, M, and C obtained by the above calculation. That is, the adjusted print signals Y ₁ , M ₁ , and C ₁ are obtained. Here, Ky, Km, and Kc are color correction coefficients for yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively.

It should be noted that the black print signal K is output only at pixels where all three print colors of Y, M and C are printed. Also, no color adjustment is required.

In the mosaic monitor mode, a different set of color correction coefficients is given to each block as illustrated in FIG. That is, the read area specified by P ₀ (x ₀ , y ₀ ) and P ₁ (x ₁ , y ₁ ) is divided into blocks of three columns in the main scanning direction X and nine rows in the sub-scanning direction Y, Different combinations are set for each classification. In this case, the coefficient Ky of Y (yellow) does not change in the sub-scanning direction Y, but changes in the main scanning direction X to y ₀ , y ₁ , y _2, and the coefficient Km of M (magenta) becomes It does not change in the scanning direction X, and m ₀ , m ₁ , m ₂ , m ₀ , m _{1 for} each block in the sub-scanning direction Y
.., And the coefficient Kc of C (cyan) does not change in the main scanning direction, but changes to c ₀ , c ₁ , c ₂ every three blocks in the sub-scanning direction.

Therefore, the image tone setting circuit 2 sets the coefficient for color correction for each block of the mosaic monitor image for each of the print signals Y, M, and C in the mosaic monitor mode as described above, and outputs the adjusted print signal. Output.

In the image tone setting circuit 2, a multiplier 301 executes calculation for obtaining the print signal Y _1, M _1, C ₁ of the above. Here, a latch circuit 305 including three latches 302, 303, 304 is provided to set three coefficients in the main scanning direction in the mosaic monitor mode.
In 304, a coefficient output from the CPU 25 is set. These three coefficients are values corresponding to three blocks in the main scanning direction, respectively. Each time a variable-speed sub-scanning clock is input to the CPU 25 as an interrupt signal, an interrupt process (see FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b)) is performed. Outputs a latch signal to the image tone setting circuit 2 and causes the latches 302, 303, and 304 to latch new three coefficients for the next block.

The reason for providing the latch circuit 305 including the three latches 302 to 304 is that the coefficient change cycle is short in the main scanning direction,
This is because setting in real time by the CPU 25 is difficult in terms of speed.

The image memory 401 in the above-described registered image memory circuit 1
The overflow signal X in the main scanning direction generated at the time of reading is input to the first selection signal generation circuit 311. The first selection signal generation circuit 311 receives the overflow signal X every time (each block). And the selector 306 outputs a signal for selectively switching each of the latches 302 to 304 sequentially. In the mosaic monitor mode, the selector 312 transmits the output of the first selection signal generation circuit 311 to the selector 306 as S21.

The selector 306 selectively sends the coefficients latched in the latch circuit 305 corresponding to the signal S21 to the multiplier 301 for each block.

On the other hand, the image memory 401 in the registered image memory circuit 1
The overflow signal Y in the sub-scanning direction generated at the time of reading is input to the selector 313.
Is a latch circuit in the mosaic monitor mode.
Tell 305. Thus, each time the overflow signal Y is output, the latch circuits 302 to 304 latch and update the set of color correction coefficients output from the CPU 25. Therefore, when a block changes in the sub-scanning direction, the set of color correction coefficients changes immediately.

When a color correction coefficient is selected in the mosaic monitor mode, the selected coefficient may be set in, for example, the latch 302 and output to the multiplier 301.

In superimpose mode, the selector 312
Can select the output of the second selection signal generation circuit 314 and make the color tone different between the superimposed region and the other region, but the description is omitted.

(D) Registered image memory circuit The registered image memory circuit 1 registers the registered image of the attention area of the document in the mosaic monitor mode in the memory 401,
A circuit for reading and printing at an arbitrary designated position on a sheet for printing a mosaic monitor image.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram of the registered image memory circuit 1. Here, the memory 401 is a RAM for registering a registered image. The selector 421 selects the image data “white” data subjected to the shading correction. When reading and printing the mosaic monitor image, 'white' data is selected. selector
The output signal of 421 is output via a 3-state buffer 422.
The data is sent to the memory 401 and the selector 446. The 3-state buffer 422 stores the memory 401 when printing the mosaic monitor image.
Becomes high impedance state only when is read (▲ = “1”). In other cases, when the mosaic monitor image is not printed in the mosaic monitor mode, 'white' data is output. When registering an image in the mosaic monitor mode, image data is output.

When the registered image is a full-color image, color adjustment is often required. Therefore, the selector 446 and the 3-state buffer 422 interpose a memory before the intermediate processing and store the multi-value data in the memory. By reading the registered image data, the mosaic monitor image can be printed with various color adjustments.

The writing area determination circuit 402 determines whether or not the writing area is in the main scanning direction or the sub scanning direction based on the writing area setting signals in the main scanning direction (X) and the sub scanning direction (Y) set by the CPU 25. Is determined. The AND gate 407 stores the clock ▲ ▼ in the memory when it is in the write area based on the determination result.
Output to the ▲ ▼ terminal of 401 to enable writing to memory 401.

Similarly, the read area determination circuit 408 determines whether or not the read area exists in the main scan direction or the sub scan direction based on the read area setting signals in the main scan direction (X) and the sub scan direction (Y) set from the CPU 25. (The read area is determined by the output format.) The AND gate 405 outputs “0” to the ▲ ▼ terminal of the memory 401 via the inverter 423 when it is in the read area based on the result, and makes the memory 401 readable.

The write and read addresses for the memory 401 are
These are generated by the write address generation counter 403 and the read address generation counter 409, respectively, and output to the address terminal of the memory 401 via the selector 404. Selector 404
Selects a write address or a read address depending on whether writing or reading is performed. Each of the write address and the read address is generated as a one-dimensional address using a multiplier and an adder based on the address in the X direction and the address in the Y direction.

The selector 446 and the AND gate 448 are provided to output “white” data to the superimposed image portion when printing the original image in the superimposed mode, but detailed description thereof will be omitted. Except for the case where the trimming signal is output in the superimpose mode, the selector 446 selects the 3-state buffer 422 or the memory 401
Select the output signal of

Hereinafter, the registered image memory circuit 1 will be described in more detail.

In writing a registered image, when the user specifies a region of interest, the CPU 25 determines that this region is (Y
The number of pixels in the main scanning direction (X direction) is calculated, ie, the coordinates of the upper left corner of this area (x ₀ , y ₀ ) and the right Find the coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ ) of the lower corner,
A write area setting signal for determining the write area in the direction is set in each of the X section 402a and the Y section 402b of the write area determination circuit 402. X and Y indicate the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, respectively. X section 402a and Y section 402b of write area determination circuit 402
Counts the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync and the clock CKA when the image leading edge signal is input, and compares whether or not the count value is within the writing area setting range. If the main scanning direction is within the range (x ₀ ≦ x ≦ x ₁ ), ▲ ▼ =
'L' is output, and if the sub-scanning direction is within the range (y ₀ ≤ y ≤ y ₁ ), ▼ = 'L' is output. The write address generation counter 403 generates a write address when the write area determination circuit 402 determines that the area is the write area, and sends the write address to the address terminal of the memory 401 via the selector 404. That is, in the X section 403a of the write address generation counter 403, ▲ ▼ =
At the time of “L”, the clock CKA is counted, and an address in the main scanning direction is generated. This address is cleared by the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. When Ｙ = “L”, the Y section 403b of the write address generation counter 403 counts the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync and generates an address in the sub-scanning direction. This address is cleared by the image leading edge signal generated by the CPU 25. The write address generation counter 403 includes a multiplier and an adder (not shown), and calculates a one-dimensional address from both addresses in the X and Y directions.

When the address is generated in this way and the image data is written to the memory 401, the data holding signal is further changed to 'L', Is set to 'L'. This allows the selector 404
Receives the selection signal via the AND gate 405, selects the address signal from the write address generation counter 403, and transmits it to the address terminal of the memory 401. Further, the clock ▼ is transmitted to the 端子 terminal of the memory 401 via the inverter 406 and the AND gate 407, thereby enabling writing to the memory. Also Is set to 'L', the 3-state buffer 42
2 is the AND gate 40 only when the original image can be written.
5 and becomes active state, and the image data is
Tell the O terminal. This allows the memory 401 to store only the image of the area determined by the writing area determination circuit 402 to be within the range in both the main and sub scanning. When the writing is completed, the CPU 25 sets the data holding signal to 'H', and
Writing is prohibited via the gate 407, and the contents of the memory 401 are retained.

When reading the data stored in the memory 401, it is necessary to read the data so that the data is printed in a designated read area. The circuit configuration required for reading is almost the same as that for writing. The CPU 25 sets x ₀ ≦ x ≦ x ₁ in the X section 408a and the Y section 408b of the read area determination circuit 408 for determining the read area on the sheet, in consideration of the original reading magnification and the printing magnification, respectively.
When y ₀ ≦ y ≦ y ₁ , a set value that can be determined to be within the area is given. x ₀ and y ₀ are the X and Y coordinates of the upper left corner P ₀ of the readout area, and x ₁ and y ₁ are the X and Y coordinates of the lower right corner P ₁ (see FIG. 6). (As described later, in the initial setting when the mosaic monitor mode is selected, the printing magnification is set to be equal to the original reading magnification.) When the image leading edge signal is input at the time of scanning, the reading area determination circuit 408 performs horizontal synchronization. signal
The Hsync and the clock CKA are counted, and whether or not the count value is within the read area setting range is compared. If the main scanning direction is within the range, ▲ ▼ = 'L'
Is output, and if the sub-scanning direction is within the range, ▲ ▼ =
Outputs 'L'.

The read address generation counter 409 is provided in the read area determination circuit 4
When it is determined that 08 is a read area, a read address is generated. Is “H”, it is sent to the address terminal of the memory 401 via the selector 404. That is, the read address generation counter
X section 409a of 409 is clock CKA when ▲ = 'L'
And generates an address in the main scanning direction. This address is cleared by the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. Also, Y section 409 of read address generation counter 409
b counts the sub-scanning clock from the scaling sub-scanning clock generator 29 when ▼ = “L” and generates an address in the sub-scanning direction. Counting the sub-scanning clock instead of the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync takes into account magnification. This address is cleared by the image leading edge signal generated by the CPU 25. In the read address generation counter 409, a one-dimensional address is generated from the addresses in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction using a multiplier and an adder (not shown).

Data read by accessing the memory 401 is transmitted to the subsequent stage. At this time, naturally, in the read area, a count request is made even if the read address counter 409 exceeds the maximum size of the memory. In this case, the X section 409a and the Y section 409b of the read address counter overflow each time they overflow. Signals X and Y are output, and counting starts again from the initial value. Overflow signal
X and Y are output to the image tone setting circuit 2 arranged at the subsequent stage. The overflow signals X and Y are used when a plurality of images are arranged in the horizontal direction and printed with different color tones in the mosaic monitor mode.

At the time of reading, Is “H”, the read area (▲ ▼ =
In “L”, ▲ ▼ = “L”), the memory 401 is in an output enabled state via the AND gate 405 and the inverter 423.
The 3-state buffer 422 is in a high impedance state via the AND gate 405, and the image data input side is separated from the memory 401.

The selector 446 selects the read data of the memory 401 by a selection signal via the AND gate 448 when the memory 401 is readable (▲ = “L”). It is necessary to read the data so that it can be printed in a format like the above, so the image data is set to 'white' except when reading data from the memory.
Select 'white' data. At this time, the read area determination circuit
The coordinates 408a and 408b are set in consideration of the difference between the original reading magnification and the printing magnification of the contents of the memory 401. The variable magnification sub-scanning clock used for printing is made to match the original reading magnification at the same magnification.

If you want to output a 3 × 9 image using the example in FIG. 6,
As a method of reading the memory, if the contents of the same line are read three times in the main scanning direction and all the contents are read in the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction is read again from the beginning.

X of a read area determination circuit for determining a read area for a sheet
When output from the unit 408a and the Y unit 408b is possible (▲ ▼ =
'L'), X part 409a, Y part 409b of read address generation counter
The address is generated, the memory 401 is accessed using the address, and the held image data is transmitted to the subsequent stage via the selector 446. Here CPU25, when the X portion 408a of the read area determination circuit, is _{x 0 ≦ x ≦ x 1,} Y portion
408b is provided with a set value that can be determined to be within the read range when y ₀ ≦ y ≦ y ₁ . At this time, the read address generation counter 409 sets the maximum size of one block (= (x ₁
When −x ₀ ) / 3) is exceeded, the overflow signal X is output, and counting is started again from the initial value. Then, the contents of the same line are read. This is repeated three times. Moving forward by (y ₁ −y ₀ ) / 9 in the sub-scanning direction, 3
The reading of the block is completed, and an overflow signal Y is output. Thus, three images are printed in the horizontal direction. This is repeated nine times in the sub-scanning direction to obtain 3 × 9
Is read out.

In the image tone setting circuit 2, different color correction coefficients are set for each block corresponding to the overflow signals X and Y (see FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b)). Will be printed with different color adjustments.

(E) Flow of Copying Machine Control in Mosaic Monitor Mode FIG. 9 shows a main flow in the mosaic monitor mode of the superimposing function of the copying operation control of the CPU 25 for controlling the digital color copying machine. When the function key 78 or 79 is pressed on the operation panel 70 to enter the superimpose mode or the mosaic monitor mode, the main flow is entered. Normally, selecting the mosaic monitor mode is “YES” together with an image registration request (step S1, hereinafter “step” is omitted) and a mosaic monitor output request (S3). Selecting the superimpose mode means that the image registration request (S1) and the superimpose mode output request (S1)
5) Both are “YES”.

If there is a request for image registration (YES in S1), image registration processing is performed (S2, see FIG. 10). Image registration refers to registering the image content of a specified area. Image registration processing (S
In 2), an area desired by the user is set, and the contents of the area are registered in the memory. In the area setting, a document image is read, the read image is displayed on the display unit 84, and a desired area is set with the jog dials 82 and 83 and the set key 76.

If there is a mosaic monitor output request (YES in S3), mosaic monitor output processing (S4, see FIG. 11) is performed. That is, the registered contents are read out, subjected to various color corrections, and output as a mosaic monitor image. At this time, printing conditions such as the number of prints and the magnification are reset to initial values, and the density adjustment level is set to a standard value. When an image of the color balance desired by the user is selected from the output mosaic monitor image and a copy request is made, a copy operation is performed.
The whole image can be obtained with the color balance.

In the case of a superimpose output request (YES in S5), superimpose output setting is performed (S6). That is, after checking whether there is a registered image, the setting for reading from the memory is performed. Next, when a copy request is made (YE in S7)
S), copying is performed (S8, S9), and the registered image is printed over the original image.

If there is no image registration request, mosaic monitor output request, or superimpose output request (NO in S1, S3, S5), normal copying is performed (S7 to S9).

The setting of the area in the mosaic monitor mode and the superimpose mode is performed using the display unit 84 as described in the section (b).

FIG. 10 shows a flow of the image registration process (S2). When the set key 76 is pressed on the operation panel 70, the area setting value set on the display unit 84 at that time is input (S2
1). Further, other various input values are set (S22).

Next, it is determined whether or not to start image registration (S3
1). When starting image registration, the vertices of the registered image area (upper left corner and lower right corner) from the input area setting value (S21)
Is calculated, a writing area setting signal is output to read the original image in that area (S32), the basic signal is subjected to shading correction (S33), and the correction value is written to the memory 401 (S34). Then, clear the image registration request (S
35), return. When not starting image registration (S31
NO), immediately clears the image registration request (S35), and returns.

FIG. 11 shows a flow of the mosaic monitor output process (S4). First, a printing condition automatic setting process which is a feature of the present invention is performed. That is, the printing conditions used for printing the mosaic monitor image are reset to predetermined conditions (S51). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the printing magnification is set equal to the original reading magnification (S91), and the number of printed sheets is set to one (S91).
92), Paper cassette that can output mosaic monitor images
50 is selected (S93). Note that, as the paper feed cassette 50, a paper feed cassette accommodating sheets of the maximum size may be selected. Thus, in the present invention, the printing conditions are automatically set to the initial values suitable for printing in the mosaic monitor mode, and setting of incorrect printing conditions is prevented.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description is continued. Next, the density adjustment coefficient is set as a standard (S52). That is, if the density adjustment coefficient has been changed before performing the mosaic monitor, the density adjustment coefficient is automatically returned to the original standard value. By always returning to the standard value in the mosaic monitor mode, it is possible to prevent an error in selection of white adjustment in the mosaic monitor mode.

Next, the contents of the memory 401 of the attention area are read (S53),
The color correction coefficients y _i , m _i , and c _i are output to the image tone setting circuit 2 to perform color correction (S54), and print a mosaic monitor image (S54).
55). Here, if the user inputs a print condition setting value (for example, changes the number of prints), the print condition may be set.

Next, when an image (block) desired by the user is selected from the mosaic monitor images on the display unit 84 (S71),
The color correction coefficients K _y , K _m , and K _c according to the selected image are set (S72).

When the print start key 71 is pressed to request a copy (S73), scanning of the document is started, and the copy is started using the set color correction coefficients y _i , m _i , and c _i (S74).
Until the copying is completed (S75), copying is performed, and the process returns.

FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b) are flowcharts showing a process of setting a coefficient for color adjustment in printing a mosaic monitor image.

This processing is executed every time the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync is generated.
25 is interrupted, and this is executed as an interrupt routine.

In this, the counter Ct ₁ counts the distance in the sub-scanning direction from the leading end of the print sheet P (image top), to detect the end beginning printing of the mosaic monitor image GM and printing. The counter Ct ₂ counts the distance in the sub-scanning direction,
A change in a block of the mosaic monitor image is detected. T
Represents the distance in the sub-scanning direction from the leading edge of the image to the printing position of the mosaic monitor image, and l represents the distance of one block in the sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 6).

First, the state is determined in S300, and its value is set to “0” to
Branch according to “4”.

When the state is "0", whether the image tip (leading edge of the paper P) is determined (S301), when the image leading edge has passed the counter Ct ₁ initializes (S302), the state "1" (S303).

State when the "1", wait for the counter Ct ₁ is T (S311), i.e. waits for reaching the position of the coordinate y ₀ is the tip of the mosaic monitor image GM, then the developing device for use in the toner Depending on the color, state "2",
Jump to either “3” or “4”.

That is, when it is Y (yellow) (YES in S312), the state is set to "2" (S313). M when (magenta) (YES in S321), the counter Ct ₂ initializes (S322), the variable i to "0" (S323), the state is "3" (S324). When C of (cyan) (NO in S321), the counter Ct ₂ initializes (S331), the variable j is "0" (S33
2) The state is set to "4" (S333).

State is at "2" (Y-scan) latches the y _0, y _1, y ₂ as a coefficient 1-3 to set each output a latch signal to the image tone setting circuit 2 latches 302, 303, 304 (S341), the counter Wait until Ct ₁ becomes (T + 9l),
That wait for reaching the position of the coordinate y ₁ is a rear end of the mosaic monitor image GM (S342), the state is set to "0" (S343).

When the state is "3" (M scan), the latch 30
By substituting m _i to the coefficient 1-3 2~304 (S351), the counter Ct
₂ Wait for the l, i.e. waits for one block of the mosaic monitor ends (S352), the counter Ct ₂ initializes (S353), increments by one the variable i (S3
54). Next, it waits until the rear end of the mosaic monitor image is reached (S355), and sets the state to "0" (S356). That is, here, the same value _mi is set for the coefficients 1 to 3, and each time the mosaic monitor image changes by one block in the sub-scanning direction, the coefficients 1 to 3 are changed to the new value _{mi + 1.} You.

When the state is "4" (C scan), the latch 30
C _j is substituted for coefficients 1 to 2 of 2 to 304 (S361), and the counter Ct
Wait for ₂ to become (3l), that is, wait for the end of three blocks of the mosaic monitor (S362), and count the counter Ct ₂
Is initialized (S363), and the variable j is incremented by one (S364). Next, it waits until the rear end of the mosaic monitor image is reached (S365), and sets the state to “0” (S366). That is, here, the same value c _j is set to the coefficients 1 to 3 of the latches 302 to 304, and each time the mosaic monitor image changes by three blocks in the sub-scanning direction, the coefficients 1 to 3 become new c _{j +} Changed to ₁ .

When the processing in each state is completed, the counters Ct ₁ and Ct ₂ are incremented (S371).

Through the above processing, various coefficients are set for each print color for each block, and color adjustment is performed.

(Effects of the Invention) When the mosaic monitor mode is selected, the printing condition is first set to a predetermined condition, so that printing is performed under appropriate printing conditions. Therefore, the risk of erroneous selection of color adjustment is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a digital color copying machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit. FIG. 3 is a timing chart of the image data processing. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation panel. FIG. 5 is a diagram of setting a region of interest. FIG. 6 is a diagram of an output format of a mosaic monitor image. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of an image setting circuit. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a registered image memory circuit. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a main flow relating to the mosaic monitor mode of the digital color copying machine. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the image registration process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the mosaic monitor output setting. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the all reset. FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts of the interrupt processing. 1 ... registered image memory circuit, 2 ... image tone setting circuit, 20 ... signal processing unit, 25 ... CPU, 70 ... operation panel, 78 ... mosaic monitor selection key, 84 ... display unit, 401 ... …memory.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shigeru Moriya 2-3-13-1 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside the Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-2-128574 (JP, A) JP-A-2-220865 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H04N 1/46-1/62 B41J 3/00 G03G 15/01 116

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A digital color copier having a mosaic monitor mode for performing different color correction operations on image data of a specific area in a document image and printing a plurality of images on the same sheet. A mosaic monitor mode selecting means for selecting the mosaic monitor mode, and a printing condition setting means for automatically setting a printing condition to a predetermined condition suitable for printing when the mosaic monitor mode is selected by the mosaic monitor mode selecting means. Digital color copier characterized by the following.