JP3112973B2 - 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 an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for forming other image information on image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, companies and public organizations have paid close attention to maintaining confidentiality of important documents and drawings. But there is no end to the problem of leaking those confidential documents. In particular, those documents distributed as meeting materials are often copied and taken outside, so when distributing those documents at a meeting, etc., write the serial number in advance in each document, and A device such as storing a combination of a user and a serial number has been devised. Conventionally, as a device for giving a serial number to a document image, there is a device for giving a serial number using a pagination function, and a device for superimposing a pattern (serial number) on the entire surface.

[0003]

However, a conventional device for giving a serial number using a pagination function or a device for superimposing a pattern (serial number) on the entire surface of a document has different numbers or characters for the same original. (For example, auto-increment of the serial number) cannot be performed, and the operator needs to give an operation instruction such as a character change for each copy, and the workability is poor.

Further, if the serial number is automatically incremented in the output copy order irrespective of the copy mode, there is a problem. For example, in the reverse mode, 1
The first copy paper is output with the front side down, and the second and subsequent copies are also output with the front side down so as to overlap the first sheet, so the serial number is automatically incremented in the order of output copies In the case of distribution, the number is assigned in order from the top, so it is convenient for distribution and there is no problem, but in the normal mode, the first copy paper is output with the front side up and After the eyes, the output is output with the front side up so as to overlap the first sheet. Therefore, if the serial number is auto-incremented in the order of the output copy, the number is assigned from the bottom in reverse order to the reverse mode. This requires the operator to confirm and is troublesome. The same can be said for the sort mode, the stack mode, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to print a different security number for each copy when the same document is successively copied, and to improve the efficiency of the security number printing.

[0006]

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image reading means (8) for scanning a document in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction and outputting image data for each read pixel; Image data forming means ((a), (b), 206) for forming a character; character image data formed by the image data forming means ((a), (b), 206) and image reading means (8). Image data synthesizing means (3) for synthesizing the read image data
09); image forming means (A) for forming an image corresponding to the image data synthesized by the image data synthesizing means (309); image data forming means ((a) ), (b), image data setting changing means for sequentially changing the characters formed by (206) along the order of the characters in the character group consisting of a plurality of characters.
((a), (b)); input means (150) for inputting a selected copy mode; and recording paper on which an image has been formed is stacked on a paper output table from the bottom in the order in which the image was formed. In the case of the normal copy mode or the stack mode, the image data setting change means is arranged in a reverse order to the order in which the image data is discharged out of the apparatus.
The character change direction of ((a), (b)) is determined, and in the case of the sort mode, the reverse mode or the reverse mode and the stack mode, the image data setting change means ((a) , (b))
Image control means ((a), (b)). The symbols in parentheses are corresponding elements in the embodiments described later.

[0007]

According to this, the image control means ((a), (b)) operates in the normal copy mode in which the recording paper on which the image is formed is stacked from the bottom on the sheet discharge table in the order in which the image was formed. Alternatively, in the case of the stack mode, the character change direction of the image data setting change means ((a), (b)) is determined in the reverse order of the order in which the images are discharged out of the apparatus. In the case of the stack mode, the character change direction of the image data setting change means ((a), (b)) is determined according to the order of discharge in the outside of the apparatus, so that discharge is always performed regardless of which discharge mode is selected. Characters can be formed in order from the top of the copied copy paper, for example, numbering can be performed. Therefore,
The operator only has to distribute the copy sheet from the discharged copy sheet without any particular confusion in the operation, and the efficiency can be improved.

Further, image data setting change means ((a), (b))
Automatically changes the character of the character image data formed by the image data forming means ((a), (b), 206) every time an image is formed during continuous image formation for the same document. It is not necessary to give an operation instruction such as a character change every time, and workability is improved. Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0009]

FIG. 1 shows a main body mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a digital copying machine, and its mechanism is composed of four units: a copying machine main body A, an automatic document feeder (ADF) B, a sorter C, and a duplex reversing unit D.

The copying machine main body A includes a scanner unit, a writing unit, a photoconductor unit, a developing unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like. Next, the configuration and operation of each unit will be described.

(1) Scanner unit A first scanner which is equipped with a reflecting mirror 1, a light source 3 and a first mirror 2 and moves at a constant speed, and a second mirror 4 and a third mirror 5 which are equipped with the first mirror A second scanner that moves following the first scanner at half the speed of the scanner;
An original (not shown) on the contact glass 9 is optically scanned by the first scanner and the second scanner, and the reflected image is guided to the lens 7 via the color filter 6 and formed on the one-dimensional solid-state imaging device 8. Image.

As the light source 3, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, or the like is used, and a fluorescent lamp is generally used because its wavelength is stable and its life is long. In this embodiment, the reflecting mirror 1 is attached to one light source 3, but two or more light sources may be used. Since the solid-state imaging device 8 has a fixed sampling clock, the fluorescent lamp has an adverse effect on the image unless it is turned on at a higher frequency.

As the solid-state image pickup device 8, generally, C
CDs are used. Since the image signal read by the solid-state imaging device (CCD image sensor) 8 is an analog value, it is converted from analog to digital (A / D) and various image processing (binarization, multi-value conversion) is performed on the image processing board 10. , Gradation processing, scaling processing, editing processing, etc.) and converted into a digital signal as a set of spots.

In order to obtain color image information, in the present embodiment, a color filter 6 that transmits only necessary color information is disposed in the optical path guided from the document to the solid-state imaging device 8 so as to be able to enter and exit. The color filter 6 is moved in and out in accordance with the scanning of the original, and each time a function such as multiple transfer or double-sided copy is operated, various kinds of copies can be created.

(2) Writing Unit The image information after image processing is written on the photosensitive drum 40 in the form of a set of light points by raster scanning of laser light in an optical writing unit.

As a laser light source, a He-Ne laser has been used. The wavelength of this He-Ne laser is 633.
nm, which has been used because it matches well with the sensitivity of the copier photoreceptor used.However, the laser light source itself is very expensive, and the device cannot be directly modulated. Have. In recent years, semiconductor lasers that are inexpensive and capable of direct modulation have been used due to high sensitivity in the long wavelength region of photoconductors. This embodiment also uses this semiconductor laser.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the writing section.
The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 20 is changed into a parallel light beam by the collimator lens 21, and is shaped into a light beam of a predetermined shape by the aperture 32. The shaped laser beam enters the polygon mirror 24 in a form compressed by the first cylinder lens 22 in the sub-scanning direction. The polygon mirror 24 has an accurate polygon, and is rotated by a polygon motor 25 at a constant speed in a constant direction. This rotation speed is determined by the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 40, the writing density, and the number of surfaces of the polygon mirror 24.

The reflected laser light incident on the polygon mirror 24 is deflected by the rotation of the polygon mirror 24. The deflected laser light is applied to the fθ lenses 26a and 26a.
b, 26c. fθ lenses 26a, 26
b, 26c are scanning light beams having a constant angular velocity
Is converted to scan at a constant speed on the photosensitive drum 40
An image is formed so as to have a minimum light spot on the top, and a surface tilt correction mechanism is also provided.

The laser light that has passed through the fθ lenses 26a, 26b, 26c is guided to the synchronization detection light input section 30 by the synchronization detection mirror 29 outside the image area, propagates to the sensor section by an optical fiber, and finds the head in the main scanning direction. The synchronization detection is performed as a reference for and the synchronization signal is output. One line of image data is output after a certain period of time from the output of the synchronizing signal. By repeating this operation, one image is formed.

(3) Photosensitive Member A photosensitive layer is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. As a photosensitive layer sensitive to a semiconductor laser (wavelength 780 nm), a structured photoconductor (OPC), α-Si, Se-Te, and the like are known. In the present embodiment, a structured photoconductor (OPC) is used. doing. In general, in the case of laser writing, there are two types of processes: a negative / positive (N / P) process for applying light to an image portion and a positive / positive (P / P) process for applying light to a background portion. A negative / positive (N / P) process is employed.

The charging charger 41 is of a scorotron type having a grid on the photoconductor side.
The surface of No. 0 is uniformly (-) charged, and the image forming portion is irradiated with laser light to lower the potential of that portion. Then, the background portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 40 is -750 to -800 V, and the image portion is-
The potential becomes about 500, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40. This is applied with a bias voltage of -500 to -600 V to the developing roller by the developing devices 42a and 42b,
The electrostatic latent image is visualized by attaching the charged toner to (−).

(4) Developing Unit The apparatus of this embodiment has two developing units, a main developing unit 42a and a sub developing unit 42b. In the case of a single black color, the sub-developing device 42b and the toner replenishing device 43b are detached. In this embodiment having two developing units, the main developing unit 42a
The black toner is put into the toner supply unit 43a paired with the sub-developing unit 42b, and the color toner is put into the toner supply unit 43b paired with the sub-developing unit 42b. And selectively develop.

Using this development, the color filter 6 of the scanner is used.
The color information can be read by switching the color information, and the multi-transfer and double-side copy functions of the paper transport system can be combined to perform multifunctional color copy and color editing. The development of three or more colors can be achieved by a method of arranging three or more developing devices around the photosensitive drum 40, a revolver method of rotating and switching the three or more developing devices, or the like.

The images visualized by the developing devices 42a and 42b are transferred to the paper surface synchronized with the photosensitive drum 40 by applying (+) charge from the back surface of the paper by the transfer charger 44. You. The transferred paper is discharged from the photosensitive drum 40 by an AC charge removal by a separation charger 45 held integrally with the transfer charger 44. The toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 40 without being transferred to the paper is scraped off from the photoconductor drum 40 by the cleaning blade 47 and collected in an attached tank 48. Further, the pattern of the potential remaining on the photosensitive drum 40 is erased by irradiating light with the charge removing lamp 49.

A photo sensor 50 is provided immediately after the development. This photo sensor 50
Is composed of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the reflection density on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40. In this method, a certain pattern (for example, a black pattern or a halftone dot pattern) is written in a position corresponding to a reading position of a photo sensor by an optical writing unit, and after the development, the reflectance of the pattern unit and the photoconductor other than the pattern unit are developed. The image density is determined from the ratio of the reflectance of the drum 40. If the image density is low, a toner supply signal is output. In addition, the fact that the density does not increase even after replenishment can be used to detect the lack of the remaining amount of toner.

(5) Paper Feeding Unit In this embodiment, a plurality of cassettes 60a, 60b and 60c are provided, and the paper once transferred is passed through a re-feeding loop 72 so that double-sided copying or re-feeding is possible. .

When a start button is pressed after one cassette 60 is selected from the plurality of cassettes 60a, 60b, and 60c, the paper feed rollers 61 (61a, 61b, 61c) near the selected cassette. Are fed until the leading edge of the paper hits the registration roller 62. Although the registration roller 62 is stopped at this time, the registration roller 62 starts rotating at a timing corresponding to the image position formed on the photosensitive drum 40 and feeds the paper to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. Thereafter, the paper is transferred to a toner image at a transfer unit, is suction-conveyed by a separation conveyance unit 63, and the toner image transferred by a fixing roller including a pair of a heat roller 64 and a pressure roller 65 is fixed on the paper surface. I do.

During normal copying (normal copy mode), the paper transferred in this manner is guided to the paper discharge port on the sorter C side by the switching claw 67. On the other hand, at the time of multiple copying, the direction is changed by the switching claws 68 and 69 and the sheet is guided to the registration roller 62 again through the lower sheet re-feeding loop 72 without being discharged to the sorter C side.

In the case of double-sided copying (double-sided copy mode), a case where only copying machine body A is used and a case where both-side reversing unit D
Are used. Here, the former case will be described. The paper guided downward by the switching claw 67 is further guided downward by the switching claw 68, and is guided by the next switching claw 69 to the tray 70 further below the sheet re-feeding loop 72. The sheet is fed again in the reverse direction by the reversal of the roller 71, and is guided to the re-feeding loop 72 by the switching of the switching claw 69, and is fed to the registration roller 62.

The automatic document feeder (ADF) B will be described. The automatic document feeder (ADF) B automatically guides documents one by one onto the contact glass 9 and automatically discharges them after copying. Document feeder table 100
Are placed in the width direction of the original by the side guide 101. The placed document is fed by the feed roller 10
In step 4, the paper is separated and fed one by one, transported to a predetermined position on the contact glass 9 by the rotation of the conveyor belt 102, and positioned. When the predetermined number of copies have been completed, the original is discharged onto the discharge tray 103 by the rotation of the transport belt 102 again. The document size can be detected by counting the position of the side guide 101 and the document feeding time.

The sorter C will be described. This sorter C
Indicates that the copy paper discharged from the copying machine main body A is stored in, for example, a page order (stack mode), page by page (sort mode), or bins 111a to 111x set in advance.
This is a device that selectively feeds the paper. Copy paper fed by a plurality of rollers rotated by the motor 110
The finger is guided to the selected bin 111 by switching the nail near the entrance of the bin 11.

The double-sided reversing unit D will be described. As described above, the copying machine main body A can perform only double-sided copying for each sheet. However, by providing the double-sided reversing unit D, double-sided copying can be performed collectively. When making a double-sided copy of a plurality of sheets, the paper guided downward by the paper discharge rollers 66 is sent to the double-sided reversing unit D by the next switching claw 67. The paper that has entered the double-sided reversing unit D is stacked on the tray 123 by the paper discharge rollers 120. At this time, the length and width of the copy paper are aligned by the feed roller 121 and the side alignment guide 122. The copy sheets stacked on the tray 123 are re-supplied by the re-feed roller 124 during backside copying. At this time, the refeeding loop 7 is directly
It is led to 2. In addition, by this mechanism, a plurality of sheets can be collectively copied in front-side mode (front side mode) or back-side only (back side mode) in the both-side mode, and the image to be discharged in the normal copy mode is reversed (inverted) and discharged. (Inversion mode). In FIG. 1, 27 is a mirror, 28 is a dustproof glass, 31 is a lens holding unit, 46 is a separation claw, 80 is a main motor, 81
Is a fan motor.

Next, a description will be given of an electrical control unit for controlling the components described above.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams of the electrical control unit of the entire copying machine. Both figures are obtained by dividing one block diagram, and are partially overlapped with the central processing unit CPU (a). If these figures are connected at that part, it becomes a whole block diagram.

The control unit of the copying machine has two CPUs.
(A) and (b), the CPU (a) controls the sequence relation, the CPU (b) controls the operation relation, and both control the serial interface (RS).
232C).

First, the control of the sequence relation will be described. The sequence sets and outputs the conditions for paper conveyance timing and image formation.
Sensors related to paper conveyance such as paper ejection detection and registration detection, duplex unit, high voltage power supply unit, relay, solenoid,
A driver such as a motor, a sorter unit, a laser beam scanner (writing) unit, and the like are connected.

In terms of sensors, a paper size sensor that detects the size and orientation of the paper loaded in the paper feed cassette and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result, a sensor related to paper conveyance such as registration detection and paper discharge detection, an oil end, There are inputs from sensors that detect the presence or absence of supplies such as toner end, and sensors that detect mechanical errors such as door open and fuse blow.

In the double-sided unit, a motor for aligning the paper width, a paper feed clutch, a solenoid for changing the transport path, a paper presence / absence detection sensor, a side fence home position sensor for aligning the paper width, and a paper transport And other sensors.

The high-voltage power supply unit applies predetermined high-voltage power to the outputs of the charging charger, the transfer charger, the separation charger, and the developing bias electrode by a duty obtained by PWM control.

The driver includes a paper feed clutch, a registration clutch, a counter, a motor, a toner supply solenoid, a power relay, a fixing heater, and the like.

The sorter unit is connected by a serial interface, and conveys the paper at a predetermined timing according to a signal from the sequence and discharges the paper to each bin.

The analog input includes a fixing temperature, a photo sensor input, a monitor input of a laser diode, a reference voltage of a laser diode, a feedback value of an output value from various high-voltage power supplies, and the like. On / off control or phase control of the heater is performed so that the temperature of the fixing unit becomes constant by an input from a thermistor in the fixing unit. As for the photo sensor input, a photo pattern formed at a predetermined timing is input by a photo transistor and the density of the pattern is detected to control the toner supply clutch on / off to control the toner density. As a mechanism for adjusting the power of the laser diode to be constant, an A / D converter and an analog input of the sequence CPU (a) are used. This is controlled so that the monitor voltage when the laser diode is turned on matches a preset reference voltage (this voltage is set so that the laser diode becomes 3 mW in this embodiment).

The image control circuit generates timing signals such as masking, trimming, erasing, and photo sensor patterns, and sends out a video signal (VDATA) to the laser beam scanner unit. The laser beam scanner unit receives the input video signal (VDAT
The signal is converted into an analog signal again by performing pulse width modulation according to A), and a laser diode is turned on by the modulated pulse to form an electrostatic latent image of one pixel multi-tone on the photosensitive member.

The gate array converts an image signal from the scanner into a synchronization signal PMS from the laser beam scanner unit.
Synchronize with YNC, and furthermore, image writing signal RGATE
To a signal (ODATA) synchronized with the image data, and outputs the signal to the image control circuit.

Next, operation-related control will be described. The main CPU (b) controls a plurality of serial ports and a calendar IC. An operation unit, a scanner control circuit (reading unit), a facsimile, an interface unit, and the like are connected to the plurality of serial ports in addition to the sequence CPU (a).

The operation unit has a display for displaying the key input of the operator and the state of the copying machine. The information of the key input is transmitted serially to the main CPU (b), and the display is displayed by serial reception from the main CPU. Light. What is a scanner?
Information regarding image processing and image reading is transmitted serially, and predetermined information contents are exchanged with the facsimile and the interface unit. Calendar IC
Stores the date and time and can be called at any time by the main CPU (b). By displaying the current time on the operation unit display and setting the on / off time of the machine, the power of the machine is turned on / off. Can be controlled by a timer.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the image scanner unit. The scanner control circuit 460 controls the lamp control circuit 458, the timing control circuit 459, and the scanner drive motor 465 according to an instruction from the printer control unit. The lamp control circuit 458 includes the scanner control circuit 4
In accordance with an instruction from 60, ON / OFF of the fluorescent lamp 3 and light amount control are performed. A rotary encoder 466 is connected to the drive shaft of the scanner drive motor 465, and the position sensor 462 detects the reference position of the sub-scanning drive mechanism. The analog image signal output from the CCD image sensor 8 is subjected to processing such as A / D conversion by the processing circuit 451 and then sent to the writing unit via the interface 461.

The timing control circuit 459 outputs each signal according to the instruction from the scanner control circuit 460. That is, when reading is started, a transfer signal for transferring one line of data to the shift register and a shift clock pulse for outputting the shift register data one bit at a time are applied to the CCD image sensor 8. For the image reproduction system control unit, the pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK,
Main scanning synchronization pulse LSYNC and main scanning effective period signal LGA
Output TE.

The pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK is CC
This signal is almost the same as the shift clock pulse given to the D image sensor 8. In addition, the main scanning synchronization pulse LSYNC
Is substantially the same as the main scanning synchronization signal PMSYNC output from the beam sensor of the laser beam scanner (writing) unit, but the output is prohibited when the image is not being read. The main scanning valid period signal LGATE becomes high level H at the timing when the output data is regarded as valid data.

The scanner control circuit 460 is a main CPU
When the reading start instruction is received from (b), the exposure lamp 3
Is turned on to start driving the scanner drive motor 465 to control the timing control circuit 459 to start reading the CCD image sensor 8. The sub-scanning valid period signal FG
Set ATE to high level H. The sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to the high level H, and after the time required to scan the maximum reading length (in this example, the size in the A-size longitudinal direction) in the sub-scanning direction has passed to the low level L,
Becomes

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the signal processing circuit section (scanner control circuit + image control circuit). The analog image signal output from the CCD image sensor 8 is
The signal is amplified by 1 and converted into digital image data (for example, 6 bits or 8 bits) by the A / D converter 202. The digital image data is subjected to correction such as black set-off correction, shading correction, MTF correction, and smoothing by the correction circuit 203, and is subjected to magnification processing in the main scanning direction by the magnification circuit 204 (magnification in the sub-scanning direction). Is performed optically by changing the speed of the first mirror during document scanning.) Further, the image data is subjected to gamma correction, error diffusion,
Dither processing is performed, and a secret number adding circuit 206 is provided.
It is output via the editing / processing circuit 207 and the interface 208. The editing / processing circuit 207 undergoes processing such as black-and-white inversion, masking / trimming, shading / shading, shadowing, and hollowing. The processing order of the confidentiality number adding circuit 206 and the editing / processing circuit 207 may be reversed, in which case the configuration is as shown in FIG. Each signal processing unit from the correction circuit 203 to the interface 208 is connected to the microprocessors (a) and (b), and settings are made according to each copy mode.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the security number adding circuit 206. The confidentiality number adding circuit 206 includes an X counter 301, a Y counter 302, a character code register (upper digit) 303, a character code register (lower digit) 304, and an output switching selector 305.
It comprises a character generator ROM (hereinafter referred to as a character generator) 306, a parallel / serial converter 307, a density setting (multi-value conversion) circuit 308, and an image synthesizing circuit 309.

The X counter 301 has a main scanning synchronization signal XSY.
NC, the pixel clock CLK or CLK
Is a counter in the main scanning direction that counts at CLK / n obtained by dividing the frequency by several times. The Y counter 302 outputs a sub-scanning valid signal FG.
Reset at the rising edge of ATE, and the main scanning synchronization signal XS
This is a counter in the sub-scanning direction that counts at XSYNC / n obtained by dividing YNC or XSYNC by several. By changing the frequency division ratio n, the size of the secret number can be changed.

The character code register is a register for designating the security number to be printed on the transfer paper. When the security number to be printed on the transfer paper is, for example, 1 to 99, the character code register is the upper digit register 303 and the lower digit. Two registers, register 304, are required.

A character generator 306 is a ROM in which data expressing a secret holding number expressed in dots is stored. Outputs of an X counter 301, a Y counter 302, and character code registers 303 and 304 are input to an address of the character generator 306, and the X counter 301, Y counter 302, and outputs data corresponding to the contents of character code registers 303 and 304. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the number “0” is represented by 16 × 16 (dots).

The parallel / serial converter 307 converts the parallel data (for example, 8 bits) output from the character generator 306 into serial data and obtains an output for each dot. The same signal as the clock input of the X counter 301 is input to the clock. The loading of the parallel data is performed at the output timing of the last bit of the previous serial output, and the serial output continues without interruption and in synchronization with the clock. FIG. 10 shows a timing chart of the parallel / serial conversion.

The density assigning (multi-value conversion) circuit 308 converts the dot representation of the confidentiality number represented by 1 bit into multiple bits. This gives a gradation to the print density of the secret number. FIG. 11 shows a density setting (multi-value conversion) circuit (4-bit conversion circuit). Desired density data is written into the density setting register 308a by the CPU, and data obtained by logically ANDing this output with a dot expression (output of the parallel / serial converter 307) of the secret number indicated by 1 bit is output. An output of the attaching (multi-value) circuit 308. This circuit 3
In 08, it is possible to select and express the print density of the confidentiality number from 2 ⁴ = 16 gradations. Whether or not to output a secret number is set in the secret number valid register 308b. When the secret number is not output, 0 is stored in this register 308b by the microprocessor.
Is written, the output of the density setting register 308b is set to 0, and the output of the density setting (multi-value conversion) circuit 308 is
It is fixed to 0 regardless of the output of the serial converter 307.

The image synthesizing circuit 309 synthesizes with read image data (output of the image quality processing 205 in FIG. 6, output of the editing / processing circuit 207 in FIG. 7). FIG. 12 shows an image composition circuit. Data obtained by calculating the logical sum of the corresponding bits of the read image data and the output data of the density assigning (multi-value conversion) circuit 308 is the output of the secret number number adding circuit 206.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another circuit different from the security number adding circuit shown in FIG. In this example, instead of the character generation ROM 306, a character generation RAM 306a is used.
Outputs the dot representation data of the secret number. The CPU loads the dot representation data of the secret number into the character generator RAM 306a. When loading data into the character generator RAM, both the character generator RAM input address selector 306b and the character generator RAM data selector 306c are set to select the A side. X counter 301, Y counter 302, character code register (upper digit) 303, character code register (lower digit) 304 and its output switching selector 305, parallel / serial converter 307, density (multi-valued) circuit 3
08, the operation of the image composition circuit 309 is the same as the example shown in FIG.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show examples of copy output to which a confidentiality number has been added. The size of the confidentiality number is set to a size that does not significantly interfere with the information (characters and the like) of the document (a size different from the characters of the document information). In addition, the density of the confidentiality number is lower than the density of the original by a predetermined density so as not to impair the information of the original, and
The density is set so as not to be lost even by repeated copying.

FIG. 16 shows a part of the appearance of an operation unit 150 provided in the copying machine. Each key and display will be described. Reference numeral 151 denotes a print start key for inputting a copy start instruction; 152, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, etc .; 153, a stop / clear key for inputting instructions for clearing the number of copies and interrupting copying; 7-segment display of the number of copies, 155
Reference numeral 56 denotes a sort mode key, 157 denotes a stack mode key, 158 denotes a reverse mode key, and 159 denotes a double-sided mode key. Reference numeral 160 denotes a secret number key for setting / releasing the secret number mode. Various keys and indicators, such as a density key for adjusting the density and a scaling key for setting reduction or enlargement, are provided on the operation board 150, but are omitted here.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show the operation flow of the CPU. Please refer to FIG. When the power is turned on, initialization is performed (Step 1: the word "step" is omitted in parentheses hereinafter). Then, an input from the operation unit 150 is read (2). When a copy start instruction is given in a copy enabled state (3, 4), it is determined whether or not the secret number mode is selected (5). If the mode is not the holding number mode, the secret holding number valid register is cleared and the normal copy sequence is started (21, 22). In the security number mode, the output of the security number valid register 308b is set to 1, the parameters of the security number size and density are set (6 to 8), the designated number of copies is written in the register P, and the copy is performed. A register n indicating the number is set to 1 (9). Next, “Secret N
O. Write Order Setting Process ”(10). This process is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. NO. In the writing order setting process, numbering is performed in the output order of the copy paper output corresponding to each input mode (the flag F is set to 0), or
Alternatively, it is a process of determining whether or not to perform numbering in the reverse order of discharge (set the flag F to 1). That is, in the inversion mode (101-102-103-104 (YE
S)), in the sort mode (101-102 (YE
S)), in reverse and stack mode (101-102-)
103-105 (YES), double-sided, back-side and in reverse mode (101-108-102-103-104 (YE
S)), both sides, back side and in sort mode (101-10)
8-102 (YES)), double-sided, back-side, stacked and in reverse mode (101-108-102-103-105)
(YES)), in double-sided and surface mode (101-108)
-109-110-111 (NO)) and in the double-sided, front-side and stack mode (101-108-109-11)
At 0-112 (NO), the flag F is set to 0 (106 or 114). On the other hand, in the normal mode (101-
102-103-104 (NO)), in the stack mode (101-102-103-105 (NO)), in both-side and back-side mode (101-108-102-103-1).
04 (NO)), both sides, back side and stack mode (1
01-108-102-103-105 (NO)), double-sided, front-side, and in reverse mode (101-108-109-
110-111 (YES)), double-sided, front-side, stacked and in reverse mode (101-108-109 (YES)), and double-sided, front-side, stacked and inverted mode (101-10)
8-109-110-112 (YES)) contains the flag F
Is set to 1 (107 or 113).

Referring back to FIG. After the “secretivity NO. Write order setting process” (10) ends, it is checked whether or not the flag F is 0 (11). If the flag F is 0, the initial data of the secrecy number is set in the register m (12). ) If it is 1, a value obtained by subtracting 1 from a value obtained by adding the designated number of copies P to the initial data of the security number (the last copy when the security number is sequentially formed from the initial data, that is, the copy output on the P-th sheet) Is set in the register m (13), a character code register is set (14), and copy processing is performed (15). As described above, in setting the security number, the size of the security number is set to a size that does not significantly interfere with the information (characters, etc.) of the document (a size different from the characters of the document information), and the density of the security number is set. Is set to a density that is lower than the density of the original by a predetermined density so as not to impair the information of the original and that the density is not lost even by repeated copying. As a result, a copy is output in which the character with the security number set in the character code register is superimposed on the image signal. After the copy is completed, it is determined whether or not the copy for the designated number of copies is completed (16). When the copy for the designated number of sheets is completed, a series of operations is terminated. If the specified number of copies have not been completed, the count value of the number of copies n
Is incremented by 1 (17), and it is checked whether the flag F is set to 0 (18). If it is 0, the value of the character data m of the secret number is incremented by 1 (19), and if it is 1, it is decremented by 1 (2
0) Return to step 14. Then, the next copy processing is performed, and thereafter, the processing of steps 15 to 19 or 20-14-15 is repeated until the processing for the specified number of copies is completed.

For example, assuming that the initial value of the confidentiality number is “1” and the designated number of copies P is 10, the reverse mode, the sort mode, the reverse and stack mode, the duplex mode, the reverse mode and the reverse mode, the duplex mode, In the back and sort mode, the both sides, the back, the stack and the reverse mode, the both sides and the front mode and the both sides, the front and the stack mode (F = 0), the first copy sheet is output with the front side down. Since the second and subsequent sheets are output with the front side down so as to overlap the first sheet, the initial value of the confidentiality number is changed from “1” (12) to 1 in accordance with the output order.
An image is formed by combining the incremented (19) character with the entire image. That is, the character “1” is displayed on the first sheet.
However, the character “2” is synthesized on the second sheet, and the character “10” is synthesized on the tenth sheet. On the other hand, in the normal mode,
In stack mode, double-sided and backside mode, double-sided, backside and stack mode, double-sided, frontside and reverse mode,
In the duplex mode, the front mode and the sort mode, and in the duplex mode, the front mode, the stack and the reverse mode (F = 1), the first copy sheet is output with the front face up, and the second copy and thereafter are output on the first copy sheet. The character with the initial value of the confidentiality number decremented (10) from "10 (= 1 + 10-1)" (13) by 1 according to the output copy order because the image is output with the front side up so as to overlap with the image An image is formed by combining images over the entire surface. That is, the character “10” is synthesized on the first sheet, the character “9” is synthesized on the second sheet, and the character “1” is synthesized on the tenth sheet.

Thus, no matter which mode is selected,
The confidentiality number can be sequentially numbered in order from the top of the discharged copy paper.

In the present embodiment, a numeral is used as a confidentiality keeping number and is incremented or decremented by one for each copy. However, a special image other than a numeral, for example, an alphabet or the like is incremented by one for each copy. Alternatively, a memory may be stored in association with the number to be decremented by one, and these may be combined with the image to be copied.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a memory system of the present apparatus. An image signal from the CCD image sensor 8 is transmitted through an image preprocessor IPP having functions of shading correction, black level correction, and light amount correction.
Output as t data. This data is stored in the multiplexer M
UX1 selected, spatial frequency high frequency emphasis (MTF correction)
The image processing unit IPU having a function, a speed conversion function (magnification change), a γ conversion function, and a data depth conversion function (8 bit / 4 bit / 1 bit conversion) is output to the printer unit PR through the multiplexer MUX3. In addition,
EXTIN and EXTOUT are an external image data input signal and an external output signal.

FIG. 20 shows a general configuration of an image processing unit IPU and a frame memory MEM. According to this, a method is employed in which image data from the image processing unit IPU is output to the printer PR and simultaneously stored in the frame memory MEM, and the second and subsequent copies are made using the image data from the frame memory MEM. .

As shown in FIG. 21, the present apparatus has a configuration capable of performing a data flow such that both processed data and raw data from the image processing unit IPU can be loaded into the frame memory MEM. That is, FIG.
9, three multiplexers MUX1, MUX2, M
The data flow can be changed by switching UX3. For example, in the case of outputting a copy in which the parameters of a plurality of image processing units IPU are changed by one scanning of the scanner, the following procedure can be achieved.

(1) Multiplexer MU during scanner scanning
The first sheet is output by setting X1 to A, multiplexer MUX2 to B, and multiplexer MUX3 to A. At this time,
Raw data enters the frame memory MEM through the multiplexer MUX2.

(2) The multiplexer MUX1 for the second and subsequent sheets
To B, the data from the frame memory MEM is put into the image processing unit IPU, and the multiplexer M
Output to the printer PR through UX3. At this time, the parameters of the image processing unit IPU are changed each time one copy is made.

This can be realized in this manner. Also, 1bit
If you want to keep compact data like data,
The multiplexer MUX2 is set to A, and the output of the image processing unit IPU is taken into the frame memory MEM. In this case, the printer PR uses binary data (1 bit).
Switch to mode and copy.

FIG. 22 shows a compressor COMP and an expander EXP.
Is inserted before and after the memory unit so that compressed data other than actual data can be stored. In this configuration, the compressor COMP needs to operate at the speed of the scanner, and the expander EXP needs to operate at the speed of the printer. When storing actual data, the multiplexers MUX4 and MUX5 are set to A, respectively, and when using compressed data, each is set to B.

FIG. 23 shows the structure of the memory unit shown in FIG. The memory unit has three image data types as shown in FIG. 24 and data width converters for handling code data as compressed data at the input and output of the memory block. Direct memory controller DMC
1, the DMC 2 writes and reads data at a predetermined address of a memory block according to the number of packed data and the memory data width. FIG. 24 shows the data type of the image data. Usually, the speed of image data from a scanner or to a printer is constant regardless of 8-bit data, 4-bit data, or 1-bit data. That is, the period of one pixel is fixed in the device. In this device, one of the eight data lines is
Bit data, 4 bit data, 8 bit data and MSB justification are defined. Blocks for packing and unpacking this data to the data width (16 bits) of the memory block are an input data width converter and an output data width converter. By packing, the memory can be used according to the data depth, and the memory device can be effectively used.

FIG. 25 shows a pixel processing unit PPU in place of the compressor COMP and the decompressor EXP shown in FIG.
Are arranged outside the memory unit. The function of the pixel process unit PPU is a logical operation between image data (for example, AND, OR, EOR, NOT)
The input data (for example, scanner data) can be calculated by a unit that realizes the above and stored in the memory unit again. Switching between the output destination printer and the memory unit is performed by the multiplexers MUX6 and MUX7. This function is generally used for image synthesis, for example, for placing overlay data in a memory unit and overlaying scanner data. FIG. 26 shows a configuration for storing image data using an external storage device. When saving image data to a floppy disk, the interface I /
The data is output to the floppy disk controller FDC controlled by the file controller FC through F and stored in the floppy disk on the floppy disk drive FDD. The hard disk controller HDC and the hard disk drive HD are controlled by the file controller FC.
D so that it can be read and written on the storage medium of the hard disk. Hard disk drive HD
D stores format data and overlay data that are often used so that they can be used as needed.

FIG. 27 shows a configuration in which 100% recovery can be performed when the processing speed of compression and decompression is not enough. In the memory unit, the compressed data and image data enter the memory unit simultaneously with the scanning of the scanner. The incoming data is stored in different memory areas, respectively, but the compressed data is directly entered into the decompressor EXP and decompressed. If the processing time of the compressor COMP and the decompressor EXP is completed in time before all the data of one page enters the memory unit, only the memory area of the compressed data remains and the area of the raw data is canceled. If the error detection circuit detects an error signal from the compressor COMP or the decompressor EXP, the compressed data area is immediately canceled and the raw data is adopted. The memory management unit MMU has two input dates 1 for the memory unit.
This is a unit that performs memory control so that two output data can be input and output simultaneously. This real-time compressor CO
By testing the MP and the extender EXP, high speed, certainty, and effective use of the memory area became possible. This configuration stores multiple pages like an electronic reading,
It is ideal for applications where the number of stored pages to be output to a printer in real time and the printing speed must be compatible. Note that this configuration corresponds to the memory management unit M
Although the MU allows dynamic allocation of the memory area, two memory units for raw data and compressed data may be provided.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image control means ((a), (b)) transfers the recording paper on which the image has been formed from the bottom onto the paper output table in the order in which the image has been formed. In the case of the normal copy mode or the stack mode, the image data setting change means ((a),
(b)) the character change direction is determined, and in the case of the sort mode, the reverse mode or the reverse mode and the stack mode, the image data setting change means ((a), (b)) The character change direction is determined, so that characters can always be formed in order from the top of the discharged copy sheet, for example, numbering, regardless of which discharge mode is selected. Therefore, the operator only has to distribute the copy paper from the discharged copy sheet without any particular confusion in the operation, and the efficiency can be improved.

The image data setting change means ((a), (b))
Automatically changes the character of the character image data formed by the image data forming means ((a), (b), 206) every time an image is formed during continuous image formation for the same document. It is not necessary to give an operation instruction such as a character change every time, and workability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a mechanism section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a writing unit of the copying machine main body A shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an entire electrical control unit of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the entire electrical control unit of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image scanner unit centering on the scanner control circuit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a signal processing circuit unit centering on the scanner control circuit and the image control circuit shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an image scanner different from the block diagram of the image scanner shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a security number adding circuit 206 shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of character data of 16 × 16 (dots).

FIG. 10 is a time chart of each signal in the secret number adding circuit 206;

11 is a density assigning (multi-valued) circuit 308 shown in FIG.
FIG.

12 is a circuit diagram of the image synthesis circuit 309 shown in FIG.

13 is a confidentiality number adding circuit 206 shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a confidentiality number adding circuit, which is another example.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of a composite image according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating an example of a composite image according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a part of the external appearance of the operation unit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 17 is a control flowchart of the CPU ((a), (b)).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of “Secret keeping No. writing order setting processing” (10) shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a memory system of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a general image processing unit IP.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a U and a frame memory MEM.

21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit IPU and a frame memory MEM shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a frame memory MEM illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a memory unit shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing an example of a data type of image data.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing another configuration outline of the frame memory MEM shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration for storing image data using an external storage device.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a memory that replaces the frame memory MEM shown in FIG. 22 and performs 100% recovery when the processing speed of compression and decompression is not enough.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: Copy machine body (image forming means) B: Automatic document feeder C: Sorter D: Double-sided reversing unit 8: CCD image sensor (image reading means) (a): Main CPU (b): Sequence C
PU ((a), (b): image data setting change means, image control means) 150: operation unit (input means) 201: amplifier 202: A / D conversion circuit 203: correction circuit 204: magnification circuit 205: Image quality circuit 206: confidential number adding circuit ((a), (b), 206: image data forming means) 207: editing / processing circuit 208: interface circuit 301: X direction counter 302: Y direction counter 303, 304: character Code registers 305, 306b, 306c: Selector 306: Character generator ROM 306a: Character generator RAM 307: P / S converter 308: Density setting (multi-valued) circuit 308a: Density setting register 308b: Valid register 309: Image synthesis circuit (Image data combining means)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/38-1/393

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An image reading unit that scans a document in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction and outputs image data for each read pixel; an image data forming unit that forms a numeric character or a character; Image data combining means for combining the formed character image data with the image data read by the image reading means; image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data combined by the image data combining means on recording paper; Image data setting changing means for sequentially changing the characters formed by the image data forming means in accordance with the order of the characters in the character group consisting of a plurality of characters for each image formation at the time of continuous image formation; And input means for inputting the recording paper on which the image is formed.
In the case of a normal copy mode in which images are stacked on a paper discharge tray in the order in which images are formed, an image control unit that determines a character change direction of the image data setting change unit in a reverse order to the order in which images are discharged outside the apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. An image reading means for scanning a document in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction and outputting image data for each read pixel; an image data forming means for forming a numeral or a character; Image data combining means for combining the formed character image data with the image data read by the image reading means; image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data combined by the image data combining means on recording paper; Image data setting changing means for sequentially changing the characters formed by the image data forming means in accordance with the order of the characters in the character group consisting of a plurality of characters for each image formation at the time of continuous image formation; Input means for inputting; and in the case of the sort mode, the recording paper on which the image is formed is An image forming apparatus comprising: an image control unit that determines a character change direction of the image data setting change unit in the order in which the image data is set to be discharged outside the apparatus. 3. An image reading means for scanning a document in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction and outputting image data for each read pixel; an image data forming means for forming a numeral or a character; Image data combining means for combining the formed character image data with the image data read by the image reading means; image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data combined by the image data combining means on recording paper; Image data setting changing means for sequentially changing the characters formed by the image data forming means in accordance with the order of the characters in the character group consisting of a plurality of characters for each image formation at the time of continuous image formation; Input means for inputting an image; and, in the case of a stack mode, a recording sheet on which an image is formed An image forming apparatus comprising: an image control unit that determines a character change direction of the image data setting change unit in a reverse order of the order in which images are discharged outside the apparatus. 4. An image reading means for scanning a document in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction and outputting image data for each read pixel; an image data forming means for forming a numeral or a character; Image data combining means for combining the formed character image data with the image data read by the image reading means; image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data combined by the image data combining means on recording paper; Image data setting changing means for sequentially changing the characters formed by the image data forming means in accordance with the order of the characters in the character group consisting of a plurality of characters for each image formation at the time of continuous image formation; And input means for inputting the recording paper on which the image is formed in the case of the reverse mode. In the order of the order of discharge to the outside,
An image control unit that determines a character change direction of the image data setting change unit; 5. An image reading means for scanning a document in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction and outputting image data for each read pixel; an image data forming means for forming a numeral or a character; Image data combining means for combining the formed character image data with the image data read by the image reading means; image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data combined by the image data combining means on recording paper; Image data setting changing means for sequentially changing the characters formed by the image data forming means in accordance with the order of the characters in the character group consisting of a plurality of characters for each image formation at the time of continuous image formation; Input means for inputting the image; and, in the case of the inversion mode and the stack mode, the image is formed An image control unit that determines a character change direction of the image data setting change unit in the order in which the formed recording paper is discharged out of the apparatus.