JP3062242B2 - Copier - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus capable of connecting a main body to a removable storage medium.

[Conventional technology]

At present, original information is copied by a copying apparatus,
A so-called digital copying apparatus that converts an electric signal into an electric signal with an image sensor such as a CCD, processes and processes the electric signal, converts the electric signal again into optical information with a semiconductor laser or the like, and reproduces an image by an electrophotographic process or the like. Many have been developed and put to practical use in various fields.

Since such a digital copying machine converts image information into an electric signal, in addition to its original function as a copying machine, it must be connected to another processing device as an image reading device and an image recording device (printer). Can be. For example, it is possible to connect to a facsimile machine or to connect to a large-capacity memory device such as a magneto-optical disk.

As an application when a large-capacity memory is connected to a digital copying apparatus, a so-called electronic software that stores a plurality of pieces of image information read by the digital copying apparatus and outputs and mixes the image data in an arbitrary order. -Application as data,
It is also expected to be used as a filing device that stores an identification signal together with image information, retrieves an image later by using the identification signal, and outputs the image with a printer of a digital copying machine.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

When an image file is constructed by connecting a large-capacity storage medium to a digital copying apparatus, means for reading desired image information from the constructed image file, such as a keyboard and a display device, are required. However, since the digital copying machine is originally designed to function mainly for copying, the operation unit has a minimum required display unit and mode setting keys. Only a special key and display unit are provided.
There has been a problem that the layout of the operation unit and the like has to be largely changed, and the cost is rather increased.

Also, there is a problem that it is difficult to realize an efficient image search process only with the keys provided in the current operation unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When registering image information in a storage medium, a desired image output mode for each search information and each registered image information is provided.
By automatically setting and managing the registered image information and automatically setting the registered desired image output mode at the time of reading the registered image information corresponding to the search information instructed to be output, the registered information can be registered with a simple operation. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a copying apparatus capable of efficiently copying image information in a desired output form.

[Means for solving the problem]

The copying apparatus according to the present invention is detachably connectable,
Detecting means for detecting a mounting state of a storage medium for storing image data, and copy processing mode information dependent on each image data based on a detection result by the detecting means together with predetermined search information. And a writing means for writing the data into the memory.

A mode setting means for reading out the copy processing mode information written in the storage medium based on the detection result by the detection means and automatically setting the copy processing mode information; and setting the copy processing mode information by the mode setting means. Thereafter, management means for analyzing input search information and managing reading of a desired image written in the storage medium is provided.

Further, there is provided a copy processing mode reproducing means for controlling the reproduction of the copy processing mode information set immediately before the mounting of the storage medium based on the detection result by the detecting means.

[Action]

According to the present invention, when the detecting means detects that the storage medium is mounted, the writing means writes and registers the copy processing mode information dependent on each image data together with predetermined search information in the storage medium. Make it possible.

Further, the mode setting means reads out the copy processing mode information written in the storage medium based on the detection result by the detection means and automatically sets the same. When the management means sets the copy processing mode information, the information is inputted. It is possible to manage the reading of a desired image written in a storage medium by analyzing search information, and to execute a copy process in a copy processing mode in which read image information is set.

Further, the copy processing mode reproducing means controls the reproduction of the saving or restoring of the copy processing mode information set immediately before the device of the storage medium based on the detection result by the detecting means, and reproduces the image information registered in the storage medium. Even if the copying process is interrupted, it is possible to automatically return immediately before the interruption.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an external appearance of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes an image reading unit which photoelectrically reflects a reflection image obtained by optically scanning a document placed on a document table. The signal is converted into an electric signal by a conversion element (for example, a CCD or the like), is subjected to predetermined image processing, and is output to the printer (image forming unit) 2 at a predetermined timing. An operation unit 3 includes a display unit, a key unit, and the like, and sets a desired copy processing mode. The printer 2 is a well-known laser.
A beam printer or a bubble jet printer that generates bubbles by heat and discharges ink at the pressure can be used.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a magneto-optical disk serving as a storage medium, which is loaded into an insertion port according to the arrow shown in the figure. In the apparatus, a controller CONT for controlling the image reading section 1, the printer 2 and the like is provided at a predetermined position.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram for explaining the configuration of a controller unit CONT provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a control unit, which includes a ROM 11a and a RAM 11b.
Each device connected to the bus line A is comprehensively controlled based on the control program stored in the OM 11a. In the ROM 11a, font information (circulation, reference, etc.) necessary for so-called add-on processing and font data for forming character information such as a date are stored in advance, and the font data is stored in the printer 2. By sending it out, it can be formed on a recording medium alone or with a read original, and further with image information stored on the magneto-optical disk 4.

Reference numeral 12 denotes an image processing unit which performs image processing (for example, scaling, trimming, etc.) specified by the operation unit 3 on the digital image signal output from the image reading unit 1, and outputs an image to the image forming unit 2. Send a signal. The image forming section 2 of this embodiment uses a developing material to form an electrostatic latent image formed by horizontally scanning a photosensitive member (not shown) while ON / OFF-modulating the semiconductor laser based on the output image signal. It is composed of a laser beam printer which develops an image by developing, or a bubble jet type printer which drives a heating element based on image information to generate bubbles and discharges ink by the pressure.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a magneto-optical disk driver which writes an output image signal processed by the image processing unit 12 to the magneto-optical disk 4 or reads desired image information in accordance with designated search information. The magneto-optical disk driver 13 includes a sensor that constitutes a detecting unit according to the present invention, detects the mounting (loading) state of the magneto-optical disk driver 13, and detects whether the magneto-optical disk driver 13 is attached or detached. The signal B is output to the control unit 11.

In the copying apparatus having the above-described structure, a detecting means (in this embodiment, an optical disk) in which a storage medium (in this embodiment, a magneto-optical disk 4) which is detachably connectable and stores image data is mounted. When the sensor unit included in the magnetic disk driver 13 detects the data, the writing means (in this embodiment, the magneto-optical disk driver 13) copies the copy processing mode information dependent on each image data to the storage medium together with predetermined search information. It is possible to write and register.

The mode setting means (in this embodiment, the control unit 11 also serves) reads out the copy processing mode information written in a predetermined area of the magneto-optical disk 4 based on the detection result of the detection means and automatically sets it. Then, after setting the copy processing mode information, the management means (which also serves as the control unit 11) analyzes the input search information and manages reading of the desired image written on the magneto-optical disk 4, It is possible to execute a copying process in a copying mode in which image information to be read is set.

Further, the storage medium is constituted by the magneto-optical disk 4, and it is possible to register and manage image information in a large capacity.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of image processing of image information stored on the magneto-optical disk 4 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. . For example, a case will be described in which a public institution, a government office, or the like is used for a seal stamp certificate issuance procedure frequently performed as a daily task.

In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes, for example, a basic format data portion printed on a recording medium, and a portion which becomes common data (invariant data) in a seal seal certificate (characters such as a certificate, a date, a municipal name).
Is printed, and is placed at a predetermined position on the platen at the time of seal verification. The basic format data section 31 may be stored as digital data in the magneto-optical disk 4.

Reference numeral 31a denotes an imprint output unit, which corresponds to the output position of image data 33 read from the optical disk 4 in accordance with the search information 32 (for example, registration number) input by the operation unit 3. Reference numeral 35 denotes a message storage unit which stores character data such as operation procedures shown in FIG.
Data is stored.

Numeral 36 denotes a copy processing mode storage unit which stores, in a predetermined format, parameters used for various editing which are set when the image data 33 is registered. When the copy processing mode storage unit is accessed and the setting corresponding to the copy processing mode is completed for each unit, the message shown in FIG. 4 read from the message storage unit 35 (upper part of the broken line in FIG. 4). Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, for example.

Reference numeral 34 denotes an output sheet, which corresponds to a state in which image data 33 corresponding to a seal imprint (corresponding to a case where the registration number 32 as search information is "12345") is output.

FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining an example of an operation procedure display displayed on the operation unit 3 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 52 is a numeric keypad and 53 is a copy key. (A) shows a message state displayed after the completion of the setting of the parameters used for various edits set at the time of registration of the image data 33, and (b) shows a message state shown in (a). The confirmation screen input from the numeric keypad section 52 in response to the received message is shown. If the registration number is erroneously input at this point, the user can input the registration number again by pressing the cancel key of the numeric keypad section 52.

Hereinafter, the operation of the registered image copying process when the magneto-optical disk 4 is mounted will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are flow charts for explaining an example of a registered image copying process procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. (1), (11) to (15), (21),
(22) shows each step.

Normally, when the magneto-optical disk 4 is not mounted, FIG.
(1).

On the other hand, when the magneto-optical disk 4 is mounted, a detachment detection signal B is notified to the control unit 11 and the flowchart (interrupt processing) shown in FIG. At this time, the copy processing mode set immediately before attachment / detachment is evacuated and stored in the RAM 11b of the control unit 11.

First, the copy processing mode information stored in the copy processing mode storage section 36 of the magneto-optical disk 4 is read (11), and each parameter corresponding to the copy processing mode information is sent to each processing section. Set (12). Next, when the operator operates the image number to be searched and the number of output sheets, and inputs the input parameters from the section 3, the input parameters are set (1).
3). The data setting process includes data registered in the image data 33 of the magneto-optical disk 4 and read out by the control unit 11 of image data matching the search information.

Next, the process waits for the copy key 53 to be pressed (14), and when pressed, executes an image forming process according to a known electrophotographic process (15). When the image formation is completed, the process returns to step (13).

On the other hand, when the magneto-optical disk 4 is detached from the main body, an attachment / detachment detection signal B is notified to the control unit 11 and the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the copy processing mode information (including the standard mode) immediately before the mounting of the magneto-optical disk 4 stored in the RAM 11b of the control unit 11 is read out, and the parameters are set (2).
1).

Next, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 9A (22), and the process is terminated.

In the above embodiment, the case where the storage medium is constituted by the magneto-optical disk 4 has been described. However, the storage medium may be constituted by a magnetic disk such as a floppy disk, or may be constituted by a memory card 21 as shown in FIG. You may.

FIG. 6 is a control block diagram for explaining another configuration of the controller unit CONT provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those in FIG. is there.

As can be seen from this figure, when a large storage capacity is not required as a storage medium, if the storage medium is constituted by a memory card 21, it is possible to bypass the magneto-optical disk driver 13 or the like shown in FIG. The control unit 11 can directly access the memory card 21, so that the speed of the memory data can be increased and the circuit cost can be reduced.

Furthermore, the image processing unit 12 can directly access the image processing unit 12 via the bus line A, so that a buffer memory or the like is not required.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the copy processing mode information is based on the editing functions (for example, magnification, area coordinates, movement coordinates, presence / absence of overlay, presence / absence of add-on information such as date, etc.)
The case where the parameters specified by the designated coordinates or the like or a combination thereof are stored in accordance with a preset format has been described. As shown in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. , The presence or absence of overlay, the presence or absence of add-on information such as date, the designated coordinates, etc., or a combination thereof) is directly registered in the storage medium in the form of a program code of the control unit 11. It may be a configuration for managing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of another registered image copying processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

When the magneto-optical disk 4 is mounted on the main body, an interrupt is notified to the control unit 11, and the copy processing mode on the magneto-optical disk 4 is controlled.
The program code of the copy processing mode information stored in the memory 36 is read into the RAM 11b via the bus line A (1). The storage medium is a memory card shown in FIG.
If it is 21, this processing is omitted.

Next, when the reading into the RAM 11b is completed, the control unit 11 jumps the program address to the address of the RAM 11b (2), and executes the task according to the stored program (3).

On the other hand, when the magneto-optical disk 4 is detached from the main body, the control unit 11 is interrupted, and returns to the normal processing of the copying apparatus. Thus, detailed control information necessary for the copy processing mode can be stored.

In the above embodiment, the case where the printer 2 of the copying apparatus is constituted by an optical printer using a semiconductor laser or the like has been described.
Further, a computer is connected via a predetermined interface cable.
There may be a copying apparatus that can be connected to electronic equipment such as a computer.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, the present invention is removably connectable and has a detecting means for detecting a mounting state of a storage medium for storing image data, and each image data based on a detection result by the detecting means. Writing means for writing the dependent copy processing mode information to the storage medium together with the predetermined search information is provided, so that the common or general-purpose copy processing mode set at the time of image registration can be read, and each storage medium can be read. The copy processing mode can be unified for each case.

A mode setting means for reading out the copy processing mode information written in the storage medium based on the detection result by the detection means and automatically setting the copy processing mode information; and setting the copy processing mode information by the mode setting means. Thereafter, a management means for analyzing the input search information and managing the reading of the desired image written in the storage medium is provided, so that the cumbersome copy processing mode setting processing for the image information registered in the storage medium can be performed. There is no need to perform this process every time, and the copying process can be started immediately after the registered image is read, based on the read copying mode.

Further, a copy processing mode reproducing means for controlling the retraction or restoration of the copy processing mode information set immediately before the mounting of the storage medium based on the detection result by the detecting means is provided. When the attaching / detaching operation is performed, the copy processing mode setting processing load after the return is reduced,
Normal copying can be resumed.

Therefore, the copying apparatus can function as an image output unit and an image search output unit in addition to the original copying process, thereby enhancing the original potential of the apparatus, making it versatile in various fields, and greatly improving versatility. It has the effect that it can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a control block for explaining the configuration of a controller provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of image processing of image information stored on the magneto-optical disk shown in FIG. 1,
FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining an example of an operation procedure display displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c) show registered image copying processing in a copying apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the procedure, FIG. 6 is a control block diagram for explaining another configuration of a controller provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. Is a flowchart for explaining an example of another registered image copying processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the figure, 1 is an image reading unit, 2 is an image forming unit, 3 is an operation unit, 4 is a magneto-optical disk, and 11 is a control unit.

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] An image reading means for converting image information into an electric signal and reading the image information, and a copying apparatus for copying an image to a recording medium based on image data output from the image reading means, are detachably connected. Detecting means for detecting a mounting state of a storage medium for storing image data, and copy processing mode information dependent on each image data based on a result of detection by the detecting means. And a writing means for writing to the storage medium. 2. Mode setting means for reading and automatically setting copy processing mode information written in a storage medium based on the detection result by the detection means, and said copy processing mode by said mode setting means. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a management unit configured to analyze input search information after setting the keyword information and manage reading of a desired image written in the storage medium. 3. A copy processing mode reproducing means for reproducing and controlling the saving or restoring of the copy processing mode information set immediately before the mounting of the storage medium based on the detection result by the detecting means. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein