JP2939106B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to converting data from a computer or the like into an image, outputting the image on a recording paper as a visible image, transferring the data to another using a communication means, and storing the data in a recording device. Often, the frequently used data group of the data to be converted into an image is registered in the formatter means in advance, and only the data to be called and additionally drawn is transferred from the computer side. relates to an image forming apparatus to be drawn, in particular, performs drawing in addition to fixed format of the form, etc., an image forming apparatus for outputting.

[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. The control method using these commands is described in detail in a LIPS programming manual, a LIPS outline book, and the like.

[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 an inconvenience that it takes time to draw each time.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has been made in consideration of problems with the host computer or the operation unit.
Input by code registration instruction or pattern registration instruction
Form information in code data format
Generated from form information in formula or code data format
Registration in the form pattern format
Specify the call instruction and the form information is registered.
If the form pattern is generated from the form information
Is drawn in the drawing memory and the form pattern is registered.
Transfer the form pattern to the drawing memory
The form pattern and externally input data.
Generate output data from data and select output to specified output destination
To retain form information in code form
Or expand and retain it in the form pattern.
Can be replaced, reducing the amount of memory required to hold forms
Alternatively, easily and selectively reduce the drawing time.
And output destination can be specified externally.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus excellent in operability that can select the output destination from a plurality of output destinations .

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems A first invention according to the present invention
Analyzing means for analyzing data input from the outside,
The input data is a code data input from the outside.
Data form information in code data format
It was analyzed by the analysis means as a code registration instruction
In this case, the form information is stored in a storage unit, and the
Whether the input data is form information in code data format
Generate a form pattern from
Analyzed by the analysis means as the pattern registration command to be registered
If the form pattern is
Is generated and the form pattern is stored in the storage unit.
Registration control means, and data registered and held in the storage means.
Whether the data is code form information
Determining means for determining whether the input data is
Retrieves the data registered in the storage means.
The registered call instruction is analyzed by the analysis means.
When the form information is stored in the storage means,
If it is judged by the judgment means that
Read the information, generate a form pattern, and
Draws the frame pattern in the drawing memory, and stores the frame pattern in the storage means.
Form is held by the determination means
If it is determined, the form pattern is stored in the storage unit.
Call control means for transferring from the
The input means is a drawing command,
If analyzed by the above, the form pattern and external
Drawing output data from input data input from
Drawing means for generating in a memory;
By specifying the output destination of the output data
Selection means for selecting from a plurality of output destinations .

A second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the registration control
Registered in the storage means when registering data by means
Further, there is further provided a deleting means for deleting existing data . According to a third aspect of the present invention, an operation of the image forming apparatus is provided.
Based on the instructions input from Tsukubu,
The form information in the form of code data
Format, or the above file in code data format.
The form pattern is generated from the form information and the
To control whether to register the form pattern
It is. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output destinations
Includes a printer unit for performing print output. Departure
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output destinations include a facsimile
It includes a facsimile unit that performs millimeter transmission. Departure
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output destinations are storage devices.
Includes a file section for storing data. Book
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus,
It contains the configuration of the number output destination.

[0008]

According to the first aspect, a code is registered from outside.
By the instruction or the pattern registration instruction, the registration control means
The form information in the input code data format is
From form information in data format or code data format.
Register in the form pattern form
Is determined that form information has been registered.
If the determining means determines, the calling means
Draw form pattern generated from information in drawing memory
The determination means determines that the form pattern has been registered.
If specified, the calling means converts the form pattern
Transferred to the drawing memory, and the drawing means
And output data from external input data.
Selection means selects and outputs to a designated output destination, and
Information in the form of a code or
It is possible to easily switch between deploying and holding
As well as form patterns and input from outside
Select and output a composite image of input data to a desired output destination.
And enable.

[0009] In the second invention, the registration control means
Is registered in the storage means when registering data with
It further has a deletion means for deleting data, thereby wasting memory.
It is possible to use without. In the third invention
Is based on an instruction input from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
The code data format input from the outside
Form information in the form of code data, or
From the form information in code data format, the form
Whether to generate a pattern and register the form pattern
To control the form information by simple operation.
Can be stored in code form or expanded into form patterns
It is possible to easily switch between holding and holding.
In a fourth aspect, the plurality of output destinations are print output.
Including the printer unit that performs the
Print out a composite image of the input data input from
To make things possible. In the fifth invention, the plurality of
The output destination includes a facsimile part that performs facsimile transmission.
Form data and externally input data
Facsimile output of composite images
You. In a sixth aspect, the plurality of output destinations are stored.
Including a file section for storing data in the device,
Composite image of system pattern and externally input data
Can be stored as an electronic file. Seventh
In the invention, the image forming apparatus includes the plurality of outputs.
One image forming device, including the configuration of the force
A composite image of the pattern and input data input from outside
Print output, facsimile output, electronic file
Enables memorization.

[0010]

FIG. 1 is an image forming apparatus showing one embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which is applicable .

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 unit ) 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, fax Shimiri unit 4, the file unit 5, also an external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5, computer interface unit 7 for connecting with a computer, the information from the computer to a visible image formatter unit 8 for, or storing information from rie reader unit 1, image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing information sent from the computer, and the core unit 10 for controlling the above functions It has.

In the image forming system configured as described above, the core unit 10 stores the external data in accordance with the procedure of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 described below based on a command instruction from a computer device or an operation instruction from the 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 the 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, and the configuration and operation will be described below.

The image information input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here 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 judgment / 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.

An output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit 118 and converted into various signals to drive 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 photoconductor 202 according to the 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. After the transferred image is fixed on the transfer sheet by the fixing unit 207, the image is discharged from the sheet discharging unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper output unit 208 is
At 20, the bin is discharged to each bin if the sort function is active, or to the top bin of the sorter if the sort function is not active.

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 sheet 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 External Device 3] The external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable, and controls signals and controls each function by a core unit 10 in the external device 3. The external device 3, the formatter unit to expand file <br/> click Shimiri unit 4 performs a factory Shimiri transceiver, the file unit 5 for converting various kinds of original information into electrical signals stored, the code information from the computer into image information An interface unit 7 for interfacing the computer 8 with a computer; an image memory unit 9 for storing information from the reader unit 1 and temporarily storing information sent from the computer; and a core for controlling the above functions. It consists of a part 10.

The configuration and operation of the core unit 10 of the external device 3 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. [Explanation of Core Unit 10] FIG. 4 shows the core unit 10 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the embodiment.

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 unit 1.
The signal 1052 is sent to the SUB / CPU 123 in the reader unit 1.
Communicates with Signal 105 1 and signal 1052, CPU bus 10 is a communication protocol process with the communication IC1002
The communication information is transmitted to the CPU 1003 via 53.

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.

A 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.

Signals 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 are 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 according to 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 is connected to the LUT 102
The output signal 1068 of 0 and the signal 1065 are
Select according to the instruction of 3. 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.

The signal flow between the core unit 10 and each unit will be described below. [Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Facsimile Unit 4] 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 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanning unit 104 scans a document according to the command. Reader unit 1 and 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 binarizing circuit 1012 outputs an 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 from the facsimile unit 4 is received 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 a facsimile is received. 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. CPU
The communication unit 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 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanning unit 104 scans a document according to the command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is transmitted to the core unit 1.
0 is input to the connector 1001. Connector 1001
Is converted into a one-way signal 1058 by the buffer 1010. The signal 1058, which is a multivalued 8-bit signal, is converted into a desired signal by the LUT 1011. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011 is supplied to the selector 1013, the selector 1014, the selector 1016
Is input to the connector 1006 via the.

That is, the data is transferred to the file unit 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 are therefore omitted.

Next, a case where information is received from the file section 5 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-level 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. The computer interface unit 7 includes a SCSI,
It has a plurality of interfaces for communicating with 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. CP
U1003 performs various controls based on the transmitted contents. [Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Formatter Unit 8] The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 into image data. CP
When determining that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1054 is data relating to the formatter unit 8, the U 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, via the communication IC 1002,
It communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. 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 LUT via the multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1057 and the buffer 1010.
1011. Output signal 105 of LUT 1011
9 transfers multi-valued image information to the image memory unit 9 via the selectors 1013, 1014, 1016 and the connector 1009. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is sent to the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1054 of the connector 1009. The 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 from the image memory unit 9 is received 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 facsimile described above. [Description of Facsimile Unit 4] FIG. 5 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. When the binary information from the core unit 10 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408, a signal 453 from the connector 400 is input to the memory controller 404, and the memories A405 and B406 are controlled by the memory controller. , Memory C407, or memory D408, or two sets of memories cascaded.

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 a function of storing an image signal from the core unit 10 in any one of the memories A405 to D408 or two memories, and the second is a function of storing an image signal from any one of the memories A405 to D408. This is a function of transmitting a signal to the read signal line 452. The dual port memory 410 has a signal line 4
61 and the CPU 412 of the facsimile unit 4 via the signal line 462.
Is connected. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 410.

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 the memory D408. Further, it reads out the encoded information stored in the memories A405 to D408, and reads MH, MR, MMR.
After decrypting in the desired format, the memory A40
5 to be stored as decoding information, that is, image information, in one of the memories D408. MODEM 414 uses CO
A function of modulating the encoded information from the hard disk connected to the DEC 411 or the SCSI controller 413 so as to be transmitted over a telephone line; a function of demodulating the information sent from the NCU 415 to convert the information into encoded information;
The encoded information is transferred to the EC 411 or a hard disk connected to the SCSI controller 413. N
The CU 415 exchanges information according to a predetermined procedure with an exchange directly connected 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 image information from the memory A 405, encodes the image information 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 one screen of information 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 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, and 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 the 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 has the dual port memory 515
Interact with commands via. The SCSI controller 519 interfaces with the external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5 in FIG.

The external storage device 6 is specifically composed of 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 in which information is taken out from the external storage device 6 and output to the printer section 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 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. 8 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 data from the computer interface unit 7 described above is discriminated by the core unit 10, and if the data is related to the formatter unit 8, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 sends the data to the connector 1008 of the core unit 10 and the formatter unit. transferring data from the computer to the dual port memory 803 via the 8 of connector 800. The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 receives the code data transmitted from the computer via the dual port memory 803.

The CPU 809 sequentially develops the code data into image data, and transfers the image data to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 via the memory controller 808. Memory A806 and memory B8
07 has a capacity of 1 Mbytes, and one memory (memory A 806 or memory B 807) has a capacity of 300 d.
It can handle up to A4 paper size with pi resolution.
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 or figures is required when developing the image data, the image data 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 and connects 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 information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807. CPU 1 of core unit 10
Reference numeral 003 sets a print output mode in the CPU 122 using a communication function built in the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication circuit 1002 in the core unit 10.

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 information 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 information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 is transmitted to the memory controller 808 via a signal line 858.
Is input to Output image information from the memory controller 808 is transferred to the core unit 10 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. The output from the core unit 10 to the printer unit is omitted because it has been described in the core unit 10. [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 information 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.

The image information is stored in the image memory section 9,
An embodiment for transferring this information 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 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 sequentially reads out image information from the memory 904 and transfers it to the dual port memory 903. Core part 10
Of the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 transmits the image information of the dual port memory 903 to the signal line 953.
The information is read through the connector 900, and this information is transferred to the computer interface unit 7. The transfer of information from the computer interface unit 7 to the computer is omitted since it has been described above.

Next, an embodiment for outputting the image information sent from the computer to the printer unit 2 will be described. The image information sent from the computer is sent to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is a CPU bus 10
The image information is transferred to the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9 via the connector 54 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 information from the dual port memory 903 to the memory 904 via the memory controller 905. After transferring the image information 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 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 903, and performs settings for printing and outputting an image from the memory 904 to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10. When the setting is completed, the CPU 906 starts the timing generation circuit 9
02 is started, and a predetermined timing signal is output from the signal line 956 to the memory controller 905.

The memory controller 905 reads out the image information from the memory 904 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 902 and transmits it to the signal line 955.
Output 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, referring to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
A data processing operation in the image forming system according to the present invention will be described using a basic information flow and an operation method.

FIG. 10 shows an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first overlay registration / output processing procedure in a simple image forming system. In addition,
(1) to (22) show the respective steps. The overlay registration method is stored as a code and reproduced or stored as an image in accordance with an external command using each apparatus of the image forming system shown in FIG. This corresponds to a control procedure for switching whether to reproduce.

Hereinafter, description will be made step by step.

The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 into image data. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 transmits the command data from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1054. When it is determined that the transmitted data is data relating to the formatter unit 8, the data is transferred to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 1008. The formatter unit 8 receives the transferred data according to the flowchart of FIG. 10, and executes the interpretation.

After the power is turned on, in step (1), a command from the outside is first received, and then in step (2)
In step (12), it is determined whether the command is a registration command using code data or a command using image data. Is determined. In the case of a drawing data registration command for registering drawn image data, first, the image registration memory is cleared in step (18), and then step (19), step (20), and step (21).
In step (20), data transferred from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 to the formatter unit 8 is received in step (19) until it is determined in step (20) that the registration is completed.
The interpretation is performed in step (21) and the drawing operation is continuously performed in the image registration memory. If the data received in step (20) is determined to be a registration end command, in step (22)
The data drawn in the image registration memory is stored.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (12) that the registered instruction is a code registration instruction, the registered code is cleared in step (13), and steps (14), (15) and (16) are cleared. ) Until the registration is determined to be completed in step (15).
In step (14), data transferred to the formatter unit 8 from step 03 is received, and code data is additionally recorded in step (16).

If it is determined in step (15) that the registration has been completed, the registration code data is stored in step (17), and 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 in step (3), it is determined 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), after drawing in the drawing memory, the process returns 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 the command is an image output command. If the command is an output command, at step (8), one or more of the designated devices, for example, one or more of the file unit 8, the fax unit 4, and the printer unit 2 Perform an image output operation. In the case of output to a printer unit, an output image is formed on paper.

On the other hand, if it is determined 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, in step (1), the formatter unit 8
If it is determined in step (2) that the input data is not a registration instruction, and if it is determined in step (3) that it is a registration call instruction, it is determined in step (9) whether code data is registered. Is registered, the code data registered in step (11) is analyzed and rendered, and then the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if the code data is not registered in step (9), it is assumed that the registration is stored in the drawing memory as an image, and in step (10),
The image registered in the image registration memory is stored in the normal step (5).
Is transferred to the drawing memory where the image is drawn, and the registration call of the registered image is performed.

As described above, after the overlay data is selected and registered from the external personal computer, either the code data or the image data, and after calling, a normal drawing instruction is sent to overlay the overlay on the normal drawing output. They can be output together. That is, it is possible to change the overlay registration method between code storage and playback or image storage and playback according to an external command. [Second Overlay Registration / Output Processing] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a second overlay registration / output processing procedure in an image forming system to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be applied . Note that (1) and (2)
3) indicates each step, and corresponds to a process of setting registration and calling of an overlay using the operation unit 1125 built in the printer unit 2.

When the apparatus is started after the power is turned on, it is first determined in step (1) whether a code registration key or a registration key for drawing data 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 drawing data registration key has been pressed. In step (3), step (4), step (5), and step (6), the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 sends the data to the formatter unit 8 until it is determined that the registration end key is pressed in step (3). The transferred data is read out in step (5) to continue drawing data.

In step (3), it is monitored whether or not the registration end key has been pressed.
It is determined whether or not 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 step (6) Continue drawing with.

On the other hand, if the registration end key is pressed in step (3), the registered image is saved in step (7), and the process returns to step (1). If it is determined in step (1) that either the code registration key or the registration key of the drawing data has been pressed, then if it is determined in step (2) that the code registration key has been pressed, step (8) , Step (9), step (10), and step (11) until the registration end key is pressed.
The data transferred from the CPU 1003 of 0 to the formatter unit 8 is read out in step (10) and is continuously recorded as code information in step (11).

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 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 in drawing memory,
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, then in step (20), the fax unit 4, 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, in step (1), it is determined that the registration key has not been pressed, and in step (13), it is determined whether the registration call key has been pressed, and it is determined that the registration call key has been pressed. If so, it is determined in step (21) whether or not the registration data is code data. If not, the image registered in step (22) is transferred to the drawing memory.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (21) that the registered data is code data, step (2)
After interpreting and drawing the code data registered in 3), the process returns to step (1).

The [0111] above, in the operation unit 1125, press the data registration key by code or drawing, registers the overlay data from an external computer connected to the computer <br/> interface unit 7, and thereafter, the operation unit 11
By sending the drawing data after pressing the registration call key at 25, the drawing data can be drawn and superimposed on the overlay data and output. That is, it is possible to change whether the overlay registration is stored and reproduced by a code or stored and reproduced by an image according to the panel device. [Third Overlay Registration / Output Processing] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a third overlay registration / output processing procedure in an image forming system to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be applied . Note that (1) and (2)
0) indicates each step, and among the overlay registration by the command of the first overlay registration / output processing, the processing relating to the image registration instruction corresponds to the processing performed by the operation by hardware, and in particular, the image registration instruction and its calling instruction Only the processing related to will be described.

Note that the formatter board has a plurality of drawing areas of a registered image and a normal drawing area in advance, and at the time of output, each output is taken or, and output is possible. Shall be

In step (1), the CPU 1 of the core unit 10
When the data transferred to the formatter unit 8 is received from 003, it is determined in step (2) whether the command is a registration start or end command. If YES, a drawing memory for image registration is selected in step (3). In step (4), the image registration drawing memory is cleared, and in step (5), step (6), and step (9), the CPU 10 of the core unit 10 is stored in the image registration drawing memory until the registration is completed.
The rendering data transferred to the formatter unit 8 from the program 03 is analyzed and rendering is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the instruction is to end the registration data, the drawing data is stored in the drawing memory for image registration in step (7), and the normal drawing memory is stored in step (8). After the selection, return 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.
In step (13), the process returns to step (1) after drawing in the drawing memory in step (13).

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), and in the case of YES, step (17)
To turn on the function of synthesizing the registered image and the drawn image, and after outputting to the designated device in step (18), reset the calling flag in step (19), and register the registered image and drawn image in step (20). Turn off output synthesis function
And return to step (1). On the other hand, step (16)
If NO is determined in step (18), the data is output to the designated device in step (18), then the call flag is reset in step (19), and the output combining function of the registered image and the drawn image is performed in step (20). Is turned off and the process returns to step (1). With the above configuration, the interface unit 8
After drawing and registering the overlay data in advance from an external computer connected to the
The overlay output can be realized by sending a registration call command for calling the overlay. That is, overlay registration can be performed by a command from the outside, and overlay processing can be performed by overlaying two image memories as a method of overlay synthesis.

At this time, it is also possible to select whether to register with drawing 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 data group is converted into an image in advance and then stored or registered, so that the time for drawing data is reduced. be able to.

When a method of registering a data group 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. An optimal registration method can be selected for the capacity and the memory capacity of the external storage device 6 or the image memory 9 or the like.

[0121]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a code registration instruction or a pattern
The registration control means causes the registration control means to
Form information in code data format or
Form generated from code information form information
Register in the memory pattern format, and
The determination means determines that the form information has been registered.
The calling means generates the form information from the form information.
Draws the form pattern in the drawing memory
If the judging means judges that the turn has been registered,
The calling means transfers the form pattern to the drawing memory.
And the drawing means inputs the form pattern and the external
Selecting means for generating output data from the input data
Select and output to the specified output destination.
Or in a form pattern.
And make it easy to switch between
, The form pattern and externally input data
Can be selectively output to a desired output destination .

According to the second invention, the registration control means
When registering data, the data registered in the storage means
Since there is a deletion means for deleting data,
It can be used without any problem. According to the third invention,
Based on an instruction input from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus
The format of the code data format input from outside
Register the code information in code data format, or
From the form information in the form of data
Create a pattern and register whether to register the form pattern.
To control the form information by simple operation.
Can be stored in code form or expanded into form patterns
Can be easily switched. 4th
In the invention, the plurality of output destinations perform print output.
Since the printer unit is included, the form pattern and external
Print out a composite image of the input data
Can be. In a fifth aspect, the plurality of output destinations
Contains the facsimile part that performs facsimile transmission
In, the form pattern and the input data input from the outside
Can be output by facsimile. Sixth
In the invention, the plurality of output destinations are stored in a storage device.
Since it includes a file part for storing data,
A composite image of the input data input from the
Can be stored as a file. In the seventh invention
In the image forming apparatus, the plurality of output destinations
So that a single image forming apparatus can
Prints a composite image of input data input from outside
Output, facsimile output, save as electronic file
be able to.

Therefore, form information is stored in a code format.
Or expand to form patterns and retain them
Since it is switched to, the amount of memory to hold the form
Easily select either reduction or drawing time reduction
And output destination can be specified externally.
There is an effect that a desired output destination can be selected from a plurality of output destinations .

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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 an image forming system to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be applied .

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

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

[Explanation of symbols]

1 reader 2 printer section 3 external device 4 fax Shimiri 5 file section 6 an external storage device 7 computer interface unit 8 formatter 9 image memory unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B41J 5/30 G06F 3/12 H04N 1/40

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A solution for analyzing data input from the outside
Analysis means, and the input data is used for externally input code data.
Data form information in code data format
It was analyzed by the analysis means as a code registration instruction
In this case, the form information is stored in a storage unit, and the
Whether the input data is form information in code data format
Generate a form pattern from
Analyzed by the analysis means as the pattern registration command to be registered
If the form pattern is
Is generated and the form pattern is stored in the storage unit.
The registration control means and the data registered and held in the storage means are in code format
Form information or form pattern
And the input data is registered in the storage means.
The registration call instruction to call the data
When analyzed by the means, the form is stored in the storage means.
If the information is held by the determination means,
Read out the form information and change the form pattern
Generate and draw the form pattern in the drawing memory,
Before the storage means holds the form pattern,
The form putter when judged by the judgment means
Call for transferring an application from the storage means to the drawing memory.
Control means, and the analysis means determines that the input data is a drawing command.
If analyzed by a step, the form pattern
Output data from input data input from the
Drawing means for generating the image data in the image memory, and an output destination of the output data drawn in the image memory
To select from multiple output destinations.
An image forming apparatus comprising: the-option means. 2. When data is registered by said registration control means.
Deletion to delete data registered in the storage means
2. The image according to claim 1, further comprising means.
Forming equipment. 3. An image forming apparatus, comprising:
Code data type input from outside based on instructions
The form information of the formula in code data format To register
Or from the form information in code data format
Generate the form pattern
Claims characterized by switching between registration and control
Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of output destinations include
4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a linter portion.
An image forming apparatus according to any one of the above . 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of output destinations are facsimile transmissions.
2. A facsimile unit for performing the following.
5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 6. The plurality of output destinations store data in a storage device.
And a file unit for storing the file.
An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The image forming apparatus, wherein the plurality of output destinations
7. The method according to claim 4, further comprising:
An image forming apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.