JP3350799B2 - Electrophotographic copying machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a digital copying machine,
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic copying apparatus such as a facsimile, a scanner, and a printer.

[0002]

[Unknown Technology] In recent years, electrophotographic copying machines have become widespread,
Digital copiers have also been put into practical use, and copies of various originals have been easily obtained.

In these digital copying machines, a histogram is created from density data of an image of a document, and the density data is corrected by a look-up table (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-133158).

[0004]

In a conventional electrophotographic copying machine, density control is performed when an original image is formed on a copy sheet, but until the toner consumption is sufficiently reduced. Was not reached.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce toner consumption by controlling the density, character size, and character line width of a document.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic copying apparatus comprising: an image reading unit for optically reading a document image and converting the image into an image signal; in an electrophotographic copying apparatus having an image output means for forming and outputting a, the character detecting means for detecting the character data obtained by the reading means, the character size obtained by the character detecting means
Character size calculating means for calculating
The character size obtained depends on the document size or paper size.
Is larger than the specified font size
Character size determining means for determining whether or not
Output control means for reducing the character size when outputting. Reduce font size
Therefore, the toner consumption can be reduced. Ma
Depending on the original size or paper size when
The size of the character is obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic copying apparatus, comprising: an image reading means for optically reading a document image and converting the read image into an image signal; in an electrophotographic copying apparatus equipped with an image output unit, and character detection means for detecting the character data obtained by the reading means, the line width calculation for calculating the line width of the obtained character by the character detecting means
The line width of the character obtained by the
Appropriately determined according to size or paper size
Line width determining means for determining whether or not the line width is larger than
Output control means for reducing the line width when it is determined to be large and outputting the result. Character line width
Since the thickness is reduced, the amount of toner consumption can be reduced.
Also, readability is impaired because the font size does not change
Nothing.

[0008]

[0009]

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an electrophotographic copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, a digital copying machine will be described as an example of the electrophotographic copying apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the digital copying machine 30. The digital copying machine 30 is roughly composed of a scanner unit 31, a laser recording unit 32, a multi-stage paper feeding unit 33, and a post-processing device.

The scanner section 31 includes a document table 35 made of transparent glass and a double-sided automatic document feeder (RAD) for automatically supplying and conveying the document onto the document table 35.
F) 36, and a scanner unit 40 for scanning and reading an image of the document placed on the document table 35.

Automatic Document Feeder (RADF) 3 for both sides
Reference numeral 6 denotes a device in which a plurality of documents are set on a predetermined document tray, and the set documents are automatically fed one by one to the document table 35. The double-sided automatic document feeder 36 causes the scanner unit 40 to read one or both sides of the document according to the operator's selection.
It comprises a transport path for one-sided originals, a transport path for double-sided originals, and a transport path switching unit.

The scanner unit 40 includes a first scanning unit 40a including a lamp reflector assembly 41 for exposing the surface of a document and a first reflecting mirror 42a, and a second scanning unit including a second reflecting mirror 42b and a third reflecting mirror 42c. A unit 40b, an optical lens body 43, a CCD 44 as a photoelectric conversion element for converting a light image into an electric image signal, and the like are provided. The first scanning unit 40a and the second scanning unit 40b use the optical lens 4
3 to the CCD 44. The optical lens body 43 forms an image on the CCD 44.

The scanner unit 31 is configured to sequentially feed the originals to be read on the original mounting table 35 by the related operations of the automatic original feeder 36 and the scanner unit 31 for the both sides, while the lower surface of the original mounting table 35 The original image is read by moving the scanner unit 40 along.

The image data obtained by reading the original image by the scanner unit 40 is sent to an image processing unit 60 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later. Once memorized,
The image data in the memory 73 is given to the laser recording unit 32 in response to the output instruction to form an image on a sheet.

The multi-stage paper feed unit 33 includes a first cassette 51,
It has a second cassette 52, a duplex copying unit 53, and a multi-bypass tray 54. Each cassette in the multi-stage paper feed unit 33 stores a bundle of sheets for each size. When an operator selects a cassette containing a desired size, the cassette is stacked from the top of the bundle of sheets in the cassette. The sheets are sequentially sent out one by one, and are conveyed toward the laser recording unit 32 via the conveyance path 55.

The laser recording unit 32 includes a laser writing unit 46 and an electrophotographic processing unit 47 for forming an image. The laser writing unit 46
An image processing unit 60 shown in FIG. 2, a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam corresponding to the image data from the memory 73 in the image processing unit 60, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular speed, An f-θ lens and the like (both not shown) for correcting the laser beam so as to be deflected at a constant speed on the photosensitive drum 48 of the electrophotographic process section 47 are provided. 56 is a laser writing unit 4
6 is a mirror for reflecting the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 6 toward the photosensitive drum 48.

The electrophotographic process unit 47 includes a charging unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a peeling unit, a cleaning unit, a static eliminator, and a fixing unit 49 around the photosensitive drum 48 in a known manner.
Are arranged. Reference numeral 59 denotes a transport belt that transports a sheet on which an image is to be formed from the photosensitive drum 48 to the fixing device 49. A paper discharge transport path 50 is provided downstream of the fixing device 49 in the transport direction, and the paper discharge transport path 50 is connected to the transport path 5 leading to the post-processing device 34.
7 and a transport path 58 leading to the duplex copying unit 53.

In the laser writing unit 46 and the electrophotographic processing unit 47, the laser writing unit 4
6 is formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 48 by emitting a laser beam from a semiconductor laser for scanning, and the toner image is visualized with toner. Is electrostatically transferred onto the surface of the paper conveyed from the multi-stage paper supply unit 33 and is fixed in the fixing unit 49. The sheet on which the image has been formed in this manner is sent from the fixing device 49 to the post-processing device 34 via the transport path 50 and the transport path 57, or is transported to the post-processing device 34.
8 is selectively conveyed to the duplex copying unit 53.

Next, the configuration and functions of an image processing section 60 in the digital copying machine 30 for performing various image processings on the read document image information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing unit 60 included in the laser writing unit 46 of FIG. The image processing unit 60 includes an image data input unit 70, an image processing unit 71, an image data output unit 72, a memory 73 including a RAM (random access memory) and a hard disk, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). ).

The image data input unit 70 includes a CCD unit 70a
, A histogram processing unit 70b, and an error diffusion processing unit 70
c. The image data input unit 70 binarizes the image data of the original read from the CCD 44 of the scanner unit 31 and processes the image data by an error diffusion method while taking a histogram as a binary digital amount. The memory 73 is configured to be temporarily stored.

That is, in the CCD section 70a, after an analog electric signal corresponding to each pixel density of the image data is A / D converted, MTF correction, monochrome correction or gamma correction is performed, and 256 gradations (8 bits) are performed. To the histogram processing unit 70b. In the histogram processing unit 70b, the digital signal output from the CCD unit 70a is added for each of the 256 grayscale pixel densities to obtain density information (histogram data), and if necessary, the obtained histogram data is sent to the CPU 74. It is sent to the error diffusion processing unit 70c as pixel data. The error diffusion processing unit 70c employs an error diffusion method, which is a kind of pseudo intermediate processing, that is, a method in which a binarization error is reflected in the binarization determination of a pixel at a distance.
The digital signal of 8 bits / pixel output from a is converted into 1 bit (binarized), and a redistribution operation is performed to faithfully reproduce the local area density in the document.

The image processing section 71 includes a multi-value processing section 71a,
71b, a combination processing unit 71c, and a density conversion processing unit 71d
, A scaling unit 71e, an image processing unit 71f, an error diffusion processing unit 71g, and a compression processing unit 71h. The image processing unit 71 is a processing unit that finally converts the input image data into image data desired by the operator, and performs this image processing until it is stored in the memory 73 as the finally converted output image data. The unit 71 is configured to process the image data. However, the above-described processing units included in the image processing unit 71 function as needed, and may not function in some cases.

That is, in the multi-value processing sections 71a and 71b, the data binarized by the error diffusion processing section 70c is converted again into 256 gradations. The synthesis processing unit 71c selectively performs a logical operation for each pixel, that is, a logical sum, a logical product, or an exclusive logical sum. The data to be subjected to this calculation is the pixel data stored in the memory 73 and the bit data from the pattern generator (PG). The density conversion processing unit 71d arbitrarily sets the relationship between the input density and the output density for the 256-level data signal based on a predetermined tone conversion table. The scaling unit 71d interpolates the input known data in accordance with the designated scaling factor, thereby obtaining pixel data (density value) for the target pixel after scaling and changing the sub-scanning. After the double processing, the main scan is subjected to the magnification processing. In the image processing unit 71f, various image processing is performed on the input pixel data, and information collection on a data sequence such as feature extraction can be performed. Error diffusion processing unit 7
1g, the error diffusion processing unit 70 of the image data input unit 70
The same processing as in c is performed. The compression processing unit 71h compresses the binary data by encoding called run length. As for the compression of image data, the compression functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed.

The image data output unit 72 includes a restoration unit 72a
Multi-value processing section 72b, error diffusion processing section 72c,
A laser output section 72d is included. Image data output unit 7
2 decompresses the image data stored in the memory 73 in a compressed state, converts the image data back into 256 gradations, and performs error diffusion of quaternary data that is a smoother halftone expression than binary data, It is configured to transfer data to the laser output unit 72d.

That is, in the restoration section 72a, the image data compressed by the compression processing section 71h is restored. The multi-value processing section 72b performs the same processing as the multi-value processing sections 71a and 71b of the image processing section 71. The error diffusion processing unit 72c performs the same processing as the error diffusion processing unit 70c of the image data input unit 70. In the laser output unit 72d, digital pixel data is converted into a laser on / off signal based on a control signal from a sequence controller (not shown), and the semiconductor laser in the laser writing unit 46 is turned on / off, and the photosensitive drum An electrostatic latent image is written on 48.

The data handled in the image data input section 70 and the image data output section 72 is stored in a memory 73.
Although the data is basically stored in the memory 73 in the form of binary data in order to reduce the capacity of the image data, it is also possible to perform processing in the form of quaternary data in consideration of the deterioration of the image data.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the operation of each part of the entire digital copying machine 30 is managed by a central processing unit (CPU) 74.

A CCD 44, an image data input unit 70, an image processing unit 71, an image data output unit 72, a memory 73 such as a hard disk, and a central processing unit (CPU) 74.
Is duplicated with FIG. 2 and will not be described. The central processing unit (CPU) 74 manages each drive mechanism unit constituting the digital copying machine such as the RADF 36, the scanner unit 31, and the laser recording unit 32 by sequence control, and outputs a control signal to each unit.

Further, a central processing unit (CPU) 74
, An operation board unit 75 including an operation panel is connected in a mutually communicable state, and a control signal is transmitted to the central processing unit 74 in accordance with a copy mode set and input by an operator.
And the digital copier 30 is operated according to the mode. Also, the central processing unit 74
Transmits a control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copying machine 30 to the operation board unit 75, and the operation board unit 75 uses the control signal to determine what state the digital copying machine 30 is currently in. The operation state is displayed on a display unit or the like as shown in FIG. 7
Reference numeral 6 denotes a sorter control unit, which is a control unit that manages the operation of the post-processing device 34 that sorts copies output by the digital copying machine 30. 77
Is an image data communication unit provided for enabling information communication with other digital image equipment such as image information and image control signals.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the operation panel 80 of the digital copying machine 30.

The operation panel 80 has a central part
A touch panel liquid crystal display device 1 is arranged, and various mode setting keys are arranged around it. On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 1, there is always an image switching instruction area for switching to a screen for selecting an image editing function. By directly pressing this area with a finger, various image editing functions can be selected. A list of various editing functions is displayed on the LCD screen. From among the displayed various editing functions, the editing function is set by the operator touching an area where the desired function is displayed with a finger.

The group of various setting keys arranged on the operation panel 80 will be briefly described. Reference numeral 2 denotes a dial for adjusting the brightness of the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 1.
Reference numeral 3 denotes an automatic magnification setting key for setting a mode for automatically selecting a magnification, reference numeral 4 denotes a zoom key for setting a copy magnification in increments of 1%, reference numerals 5 and 6 denote fixed magnification keys for reading and selecting a fixed magnification, 7 is the standard magnification (actual magnification)
1x key to return to Reference numeral 8 denotes a density switching key for switching the copy density adjustment from automatic to manual or photo mode, 9 denotes a density adjustment key for finely setting the density level in the manual mode or photo mode, and 1
Reference numeral 0 denotes a tray selection key for selecting a desired paper size from among the paper sizes set in the multi-stage paper feed unit 33 of the copying machine. Reference numeral 11 denotes a copy number setting key for setting the number of copies, 12 denotes a clear key which is operated when clearing the number of copies or stops continuous copying in the middle, 13 denotes a start key for instructing the start of copying, and 14 denotes a copy key. All release key for releasing all the currently set modes and returning to the standard state, 15 is an interrupt key which is operated when a user wants to copy another original during continuous copying, and 16 is a copy machine operation Is an operation guide key for displaying a message on the operation method of the copying machine by operating when the user does not understand the operation, and a message forward key 17 for displaying a continuation of the message displayed by operating the operation guide key 16. Reference numeral 18 denotes a two-sided mode setting key for setting both image copying modes, and 19 denotes a post-processing mode setting key for setting an operation mode of the post-processing device 34 for sorting copy paper discharged from the copying machine. Reference numerals 20 to 22 denote setting keys for a printer mode and a facsimile mode. Reference numeral 20 denotes a memory transmission mode key for temporarily storing a document to be transmitted and then transmitting the document. Reference numeral 21 switches the mode of the digital copying machine between copy, facsimile, and printer. A copy / fax / printer mode switching key 22 is a one-touch dial key for storing a destination telephone number in advance and transmitting a telephone call to the destination by one-touch operation during transmission.

The operation panel 80 presented this time and the various keys arranged on the operation panel are merely examples, and the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on various functions mounted on the digital copying machine. Not even.

Hereinafter, several embodiments for reducing the toner consumption of the digital copying machine configured as described above will be described. In each embodiment, an operation executed by the CPU 74 will be described as a control mode of the image processing unit 60 shown in FIG.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment.
First, a document is set on a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) 36, and a copy switch is pressed to feed a document from the double-sided automatic document feeder 36 onto the document mounting table 35. By driving, the image data of the document on the document table 35 is read (n11).
0). Next, characters and figures in the read document image data are detected (n120), and a density histogram is calculated from the detected data (n130). Then, a high density portion is determined on the image data based on the calculation result of the density histogram (n140), and it is determined whether there is a bias toward the high density on the density histogram in the character and graphic data in the original image data. Is determined (n150). In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, it is detected whether or not the histogram frequency has exceeded the threshold value B in the density range exceeding the density threshold value A. It is determined that there is a bias toward higher concentrations. In the determination of (n150), if there is no bias toward high density, the printout is executed as it is (n170). However, if the bias is toward high density in the determination of (n150), FIG. As in the change to b), the density of the entire character is reduced (n160).
Then, printout is executed under the reduced density (n170).

FIG. 6 is a density histogram according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a density histogram of image data obtained by reading a document. This is done by shifting the entire density histogram to the left as shown in FIG. 6B, thereby reducing the density of the entire image data.

When the distribution of the density histogram obtained by the calculation as described above is biased toward a high density, the printout is performed with the density of the entire character lowered, so that the toner consumption can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the second embodiment.
First, as in the first embodiment, image data of a document is read (n210), and then characters and figures in the read document image data are detected (n220), and a density histogram is calculated from the detected data. (N230)
The high density portion is determined on the image data based on the calculation result of the density histogram (n240), and it is determined whether or not there is a bias toward the high density on the density histogram in the character and graphic data in the original image data. Judge (n25
0). This determination is also made as shown in FIG. In this determination of (n250), if there is no bias toward high density, printout is executed as it is (n270), but (n250)
If biased to high concentrations in decision 250), the threshold A concentration only threshold A ₁ or more high-density portion of the concentration as a change in the FIG. 8 (c) from Fig. 8 (b) It is reduced to ₁ or less (n260). Then, printout is executed under the reduced density (n270).

FIG. 8 is a density histogram according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8A is a density histogram of image data obtained by reading a document. This is compared with a threshold value A ₁ at a concentration as shown in FIG. 8 (b). If the threshold is exceeded A ₁ is dropping its beyond that portion as shown in FIG. 8 (c) the threshold value A ₁ below.

When there is a high-density portion exceeding the threshold value in the distribution of the density histogram obtained by the above calculation, the density of the high-density portion is reduced to print out, so that the toner consumption is reduced. Can be done.
In addition, since the density of only the high-density portion exceeding the threshold value is reduced, compared to the first embodiment in which the density of the entire image data is reduced, the density is not lowered as a whole, and a readable copy is obtained. Can be

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the third embodiment.
First, as in the case of the first embodiment, image data of a document is read (n310), and then characters and figures in the read document image data are detected (n320). Then, the density (the degree of clogging of pixels of one character) of the detected characters and graphics within the designated range is calculated (n
330). In this case, for example, it is assumed that the density of the character “small” is lower than the density of the character “double”. Next, the character density for the detected character and figure is calculated (n340). Further, (n330), (n3
40) whether the relationship between the density and the density of the characters and figures obtained is appropriate, that is, the density corresponding to the obtained density is within a specified range, ie, “preset density” (original density per character ÷ density) ) Is determined (n350). If the value does not exceed the determination in (n350), the printout is executed as it is (n37).
If (0) exceeds (n350), the density of high-density characters and graphics is reduced to a preset density (n360). Then, printout is executed under the reduced density (n370).

When the character density obtained by the calculation as described above is higher than a certain value, the density of the high-density character is reduced to print out, so that the toner consumption can be reduced. In addition, during copy-to-copy, the image formation of high-density characters is prevented from being destroyed.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the fourth embodiment. First, as in the case of the first embodiment, image data of a document is read (n410), and then characters in the read document image data are detected (n420). Then, the detected character size is calculated (n430), and it is determined whether the calculated character size is larger than the character size for the preset document size shown in Table 1 (n44).
0).

[0046]

[Table 1]

If it is determined in step (n440) that the character size calculated for the predetermined character size with respect to the document size is not large, the printout is executed as it is (n4).
If (60) determines that the character size calculated for the predetermined character size with respect to the document size is large in (n440), the character size is reduced to the predetermined character size for the document size shown in Table 1 (n450). Then, printout is executed with the character size reduced (n460).

When the character size obtained by the calculation as described above is larger than the character size with respect to the document size set in advance, the printout is performed with the character size reduced, so that the toner consumption is reduced. be able to.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the fifth embodiment. First, as in the first embodiment, image data of a document is read (n510), and then characters in the read document image data are detected (n520). Then, as in the case of the fourth embodiment, the detected character size is calculated (n530), and it is determined whether the calculated character size is larger than the character size for the preset paper size shown in Table 1. A determination is made (n540). If the character size calculated for the predetermined character size with respect to the paper size is not large in the determination of (n540), the printout is executed as it is (n560), but the predetermined character size for the paper size is determined in the determination of (n540). If the calculated character size is large, the character size is reduced to a predetermined character size for the paper size shown in Table 1 (n550). Then, printout is executed with the character size reduced (n560).

When the character size obtained by the calculation as described above is larger than the character size with respect to the preset paper size, the printout is performed with the character size reduced, so that the toner consumption is reduced. be able to.

[Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the sixth embodiment. First, as in the first embodiment, image data of a document is read (n610), and then characters in the read document image data are detected (n620). Then, the line width of the detected character is calculated (n630), and it is determined whether the calculated line width of the character is larger than the line width for the preset document size shown in Table 2 (n640).

[0052]

[Table 2]

If it is determined in step (n640) that the line width calculated for the predetermined line width with respect to the document size is not large, the printout is executed as it is (n660).
If the line width calculated for the predetermined line width for the document size is large in the determination of 640), the line width is reduced to the predetermined line width for the document size shown in Table 2 (n650).

Then, printout is executed under the condition that the line width is reduced (n660).

When the line width of the character obtained by the calculation as described above is larger than the line width with respect to the preset document size, printing is performed with the line width reduced, so that the toner consumption is reduced. Can be done. Also,
Since the font size does not change, readability is not impaired.

[Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the seventh embodiment. First, as in the first embodiment, image data of a document is read (n710), and then characters in the read document image data are detected (n720). Then, as in the case of the sixth embodiment, the line width of the detected character is calculated (n730), and the calculated line width of the character is larger than the line width for the preset paper size shown in Table 1. It is determined whether or not it is (n740).

If the line width calculated for the predetermined line width for the paper size is not large in the judgment of (n740), printout is executed as it is (n760), but (n760)
If it is determined in step 740) that the line width calculated for the predetermined line width for the sheet size is large, the line width is reduced to the predetermined line width for the sheet size shown in Table 2 (n750).

Then, printout is executed with the line width reduced (n760).

When the line width of the character obtained by the above calculation is larger than the line width corresponding to the predetermined paper size, the printout is performed with the line width reduced, so that the toner consumption is reduced. Can be done. Also,
Since the font size does not change, readability is not impaired.

[0060]

According to the electrophotographic copying apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the character size is equal to the document size or the paper size.
Larger than the predetermined character size appropriately determined according to
Output, the character size is reduced.
The consumption can be reduced. Also, when expanded
Characters of the size corresponding to the original size or paper size
Can be

According to the electrophotographic copying apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the line width of the character is set to the original size or the paper size.
If it is larger than the predetermined line width appropriately determined
Outputs with a reduced line width, reducing toner consumption.
Can be Also, since the font size does not change,
There is no loss of legibility.

[0062]

[0063]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of a digital copying machine as an example of an electrophotographic copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit included in the laser writing unit in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the operation of each unit of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment is managed by a central processing unit.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the digital copying machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a density histogram according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a density histogram according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine according to the seventh embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Numeral 30: Digital copier 31: Scanner unit 32: Laser recording unit 33: Multi-stage paper feed unit 35: Original mounting table 36: Automatic document feeder for both sides 40: Scanner unit 44: CCD 46 ... Laser writing unit 47 ... Electrophotographic processing unit 48 ... Photoreceptor drum 49 ... Fixing unit 60 ... Image processing unit 70 ... Image data input unit 71 ... Image processing unit 72 ... Image data output unit 73 ... … Memory 74 …… CPU

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Miyoshi Buntoku 22-22, Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Toshio Tonoue 22-22, Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Osaka Sharp shares In-company (56) References JP-A-63-40461 (JP, A) JP-A-6-86057 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/38- 1/419 H04N 1/46 H04N 1/60 G03G 15/00 303 G03G 15/36 G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 21/02-21/04 G03G 21/14 G06T 5/00

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electrophotographic copying apparatus comprising: an image reading unit that optically reads a document image and converts the read image into an image signal; and an image output unit that forms an image obtained by the reading unit on a sheet and outputs the image. , a character detecting means for detecting the character data obtained by the reading means, a character size calculating means for calculating the size of the character obtained by the character detecting means, said calculating
The character size obtained by means is the original size or paper
From a predetermined character size appropriately determined according to the size
Character size determining means for determining whether or not
And an output control means for reducing the size of the character when it is determined that the image is to be output. 2. An electrophotographic copying apparatus comprising: an image reading means for optically reading a document image and converting the image into an image signal; and an image output means for forming an image obtained by the reading means on a sheet and outputting the image. , a character detecting means for detecting the character data obtained by the reading means, and the line width calculation unit that calculates the line width of the obtained character by the character detecting means, said calculation means
The line width of the resulting characters to the original size or paper size.
Whether the line width is larger than the predetermined line width appropriately determined
Line width determining means for determining
An electrophotographic copying apparatus, comprising: output control means for outputting an image with a reduced width .