JP3359651B2 - Image direction recognition / unification method and image direction recognition / unification 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 direction recognition / unification method and an image direction recognition / unification apparatus in a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, an OCR, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various document image processing apparatuses have been proposed. Among them, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-25018
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 4 (1999) -1999, a character image is cut out from image information of a document read by a scanner, a feature amount of the cut out character image is extracted, and the extracted feature amount is converted according to a rotation angle of the character. Rotated characters are recognized by comparing and comparing the subsequent features with the dictionary. If the rotation angle of the characters is not known in advance, the cut-out character image is recognized as rotated characters having two or more different angles. To determine the rotation angle of a character.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-105266 discloses that a proper number of character images are cut out in a vertical direction from image information of a document read by an image scanner (from the head of a read document image to the end of a line). The width and the width from the end of the line to the head of the line are cut out). At this time, the number of black pixels included in the predetermined width from the head of the line to the end of the line is within the predetermined width from the end of the line to the head of the line. Utilizing the property that the number of black pixels is larger than the number of black pixels included in the document image, the top and bottom (vertical relationship) of the document image is determined. If the top and bottom of the document image are determined to be opposite, the document is rotated by the image rotation means. A technique has been proposed in which an image is rotated to make the top and bottom normal.

[0004]

Here, when there is a possibility that a small number of inverted originals are mixed in a large number of originals,
It is desirable to automatically search for this upside down original, confirm the matching of the image directionality, and perform recovery at the time of mismatch.

In such a case, in the former of the prior arts described above, the direction of the input character is matched with a reference character direction (image direction) preset in the apparatus, and the direction is confirmed. Therefore, when the input document image covers a large number of sheets (in many cases, a series of originals are aligned in almost one direction), the originals are temporarily moved in a direction different from the reference character direction preset in the apparatus. If the input is made (in the setting direction to the scanner), the majority of the originals are determined to be inconsistent (conversely, a small number of upside-down originals are determined to be in alignment). It was also subjected to image rotation processing. In this case, in particular, in an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic document feeder, it is expected that the processing speed, that is, the productivity will be significantly reduced.

[0006] In the latter, a cut-out portion of a character image, an image memory portion for storing the cut-out character image, a counting portion for counting the number of black pixels in the character image, and a counted number of black pixels in the left and right end regions Since various components such as a black pixel number comparison unit for comparing the character direction are required, the character direction recognition processing step and processing configuration are still complicated, and there is still a point to be improved in terms of responsiveness in processing speed. I was

Further, in the above-described character direction recognition method, since the top and bottom (up and down relationship) of the document image is determined based on the number of black pixels in the left and right end regions which are cut out evenly, an error may occur in the top and bottom determination. is there. For example, in a document image with correct orientation (horizontal writing), if a large number of characters such as kanji have a large number of pixels per character in the right end area (from the end of the line to the beginning of the line) of the document image, the number of pixels in the predetermined area is large. The end area is erroneously recognized as the left end area (beginning of the line to the end of the line). In this case, it is determined that the top and bottom of the document image are reversed, and the document image is rotated.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, enables simple, accurate and quick confirmation of image direction matching between a large number of document images, and is suitably applied to machines of various layers (segments). It is another object of the present invention to provide an image direction recognition / unification method and an image direction recognition / unification device with high image direction recognition accuracy.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems To achieve the above object ,
Therefore, the image direction recognition / unification method according to the first means is the first method .
First to detect predetermined image information in the image information page area
A detection step, a first recognition step of recognizing the image direction of the first image information from the detected image information data, a storage step of storing the recognized image direction of the first image information, and a second image information page area A second detection step of detecting predetermined image information in the image information; a second recognition step of recognizing an image direction of the second image information from the detected image information data; A determining step of determining the image direction consistency of the two pieces of image information; and a recovering step of avoiding the inconsistent state when the image direction inconsistency between the first image information and the second image information is confirmed in the determining step. Has,
In the determining step, the first image information and the second image information
When the image orientation mismatch condition of
The image reading operation for the image information from the reverse direction.
It is characterized by performing.

[0010] In order to achieve the above purpose Symbol, engaged to the second means
The image direction recognition / unification device is configured to include a first image information page area.
First detecting means for detecting predetermined image information in the
The image direction of the first image information from the obtained image information data
First recognizing means for recognizing and recognizing the image of the first image information
Storage means for storing the direction, and a second image information page area.
Second detection means for detecting predetermined image information;
Recognizing the image direction of the second image information from the image information data
A second recognizing means, in the image direction of the stored first image information;
For determining image direction consistency of second image information with respect to
And the first image information and the second image information in the determination means.
When the image direction mismatch condition with the information is confirmed,
Recovery means for avoiding the situation, wherein the determination means
Check the image direction mismatch between the image information and the second image information
The recovery means performs image reading for the image information.
It is characterized in that the sampling operation is performed from the reverse direction.

[0011]

In each of the above means , predetermined image information in the first image information page area is detected, the image direction of the first image information is recognized from the detected image information data, and the recognized first image information is displayed. The image direction is stored, predetermined image information in the second image information page area is detected, the image direction of the second image information is recognized from the detected image information data, and the stored image of the first image information is stored. The image direction consistency of the second image information with respect to the direction is determined, and when the image direction inconsistency between the first image information and the second image information is confirmed, the image information is matched .
The image reading operation to be performed is performed in the reverse direction to avoid an inconsistent state.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In order to make the explanation easy to understand, the divided items are shown as a table of contents.

1. 1. Schematic Configuration of Digital Copier According to Embodiment 1.1 Overall Configuration 1.2 Scanner Unit 1.3 Writing Unit 1.4 Photoconductor Unit 1.5 Developing Unit 1.6 Feeding Unit 1.7 Automatic Document Feeder ( ADF) 1.8 Sorter stapler (III) 1.9 Electrical control unit 1.9.1 Sequence control 1.9.2 Image data processing 1.9.3 Application unit 1.9.3.1 APL1 1. 9.3.2 About APL2 1.9.3.3 About APL3 1.9.3.4 About APL4 1.9.3.5 About APL5 1.9.3.6 About display 1.9.4 Fax operation 1.9.5 Image processing unit 1.9.5.1 Shift, scaling, rotation, reverse scan, mirroring 1.9.5.2 shift 1.9.5.3 scaling 1.10 Human body detection sensor 2 . 2. Image direction determination Recognition of Image Direction by Detecting Edge Blank Area 3.1.1 Detecting Maximum Margin in Page Area of Output Image Information and Recognizing Image Direction from Detected Data 3.1.2 Original Size and Original Setting Direction (Image Information Direction) to determine the reference 2 end face, and recognize the image direction from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face 3.1.3 At the time of a large number of originals, the maximum end face margin in the page area is detected with respect to the image information of the second page transition, Check image directionality matching with start page image information 3.1.4 Recover when image directionality NG is detected on many originals 3.1.4.1 Only warning display after image formation 3.1.4. 2 Copy interruption and warning display when the orientation is different in original scanning 3.1.4.3 Mismatch of margin area at end 3.1.5 Correspondence when identification is not possible 3.1.5.1 Predetermined predetermined Image formation / warning display in direction 3.1. 5.2 Uniform image formation / warning display in the direction of the identified predetermined reference image information 3.1.5.3 Image formation suspension / warning display 3.1.6 Blank document support 3.1.7 For many sheets of document Of image directionality NG detection (when image processing cannot be performed at the time of detection of inconsistency in end margin areas by margin recognition) 3.2.1 Detect maximum end face margin in page area of output image information and detect from detected data 3.2.2 Staple position determination 3.2.2 Staple at the detected maximum end face margin 3.2.3 Determine the reference 2 end face from the document size and the document setting direction (image information direction), and staple from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face Position determination 3.2.4 Recognize image direction from maximum margin data
3.2.5 Check image direction consistency by comparing with standard staple position data 3.2.5 Recognize image direction from maximum end face margin data
Image directionality N by comparison with reference staple position data
G-recovery 3.2.6 When an image exists at the staple position determined from the maximum end-face margin data 3.3.1 Selection control of image direction identification detection according to image formation mode 3.3.2 After sorting operation is completed When the manual stapling instruction is input, the staple position N
In the case of G Image direction recognition by layout judgment 4.1.1 Image direction recognition by layout judgment of entire image 4.1.2 Image blank area detection method at layout judgment 4.2.1 Image direction recognition based on layout judgment [Image information direction Combination of Data (Original Setting Direction) and Image Information Output Size Data (Original Size) 4.2.2 Image Direction Recognition from Corner Margin Data in Page Area of Output Image Information Based on Layout Determination 4.2.3 Many Sheets For originals, check image directionality matching with other image information based on layout judgment (unified image direction) 4.2.4 For multi-sheet originals, from corner blank data in page area of reference output image information based on layout judgment, etc. 4.2.5 Confirmation of matching of image direction with image information (unification of image direction) 4.2.5 Predetermined standard when multiple sheets and vertical / horizontal documents are mixed 4. Confirmation of image direction matching based on layout judgment for image information (unified image direction) 4.2.6 Recovery when image direction NG is detected in a large number of originals (corner margin area mismatch) 4.2.7 Identification 3.2.8 Support for blank documents 4.2.9 Support for detection of image directionality NG in a large number of documents (when image processing cannot be performed when mismatch of corner blank areas is detected based on layout judgment) 3.1 Staple position determination based on layout determination (determined based on document setting direction and document size) 4.3.2 Staple position determination based on layout determination from page margin corner data in page area of output image information (staple at proper corner) 4 3.3.3 Staples in detected margin margins 4.3.4 When there are many originals,
Detect stapling position by detecting common corner margin of each output image information 4.3.5 Check image direction consistency by comparing corner margin and reference staple position data based on layout judgment 4.3.6 Layout judgment Of the image directionality N by comparing the corner margins based on
G recovery 4.3.7 When an image exists at the staple position based on the common corner margin data based on the layout judgment 4.3.8 When a large number of sheets / horizontal / horizontal documents are mixed, the image orientation is matched based on the layout judgment, 4.4.1 Staple position determination 4.4.1 Selective control of image direction identification detection according to image forming mode 4.4.2 After sorting operation is completed, when manual step instruction is input, staple position NG based on margin data on end face
In the case of 5. Image direction recognition detection based on character direction determination 5.1.1 Image direction recognition in output image information page based on character recognition 5.1.2 When a large number of documents are used, other image information is extracted from reference output image information based on character recognition. 5.1.3 Confirmation of matching of image directionality (unification of image direction) 5.1.3 Identification detection method for portrait document and landscape document [Identification detection based on document size / direction data, character direction data, and line direction data (all types: Vertical / horizontal writing can be supported)] 5.1.4 When multiple sheets / horizontal / horizontal documents are mixed, matching of image directionality based on character orientation recognition with respect to predetermined reference image information 5.1.5 When multiple sheets / documents are used 5.1.6 Recovering when directional NG is detected (misalignment of character direction) 5.1.6 Compatible with detecting directional NG for many originals (when image processing is not supported) 5.1.7 Support for blank originals 5.1 .8 Correspondence when identification is not possible .8.1.1 Image formation / warning display in predetermined direction 5.1.8.2 Image formation / warning display unified to identified predetermined reference image information direction 5.1.8. 3 Image Interruption / Warning Display 5.2.1 Staple Position Determination by Character Recognition 5.2.2 Comparison of Character String Direction Data with Reference Staple Position 5.2.3 Predetermined Reference when Mixed Multiple Documents / Vertical / Horizontal Documents The image information direction is identified from the character direction recognition data for the image information, and the consistency of the image direction is confirmed by comparison with the reference stapler position data. 5.2.4 The consistency between the character string direction data and the reference staple position is recovered at the time of NG. 3.3.1 Selection control of image direction discrimination detection according to image forming mode 5.3.2 After manual sorting is completed, a staple position N based on character direction data is input when manual stapling is input.
In the case of G 5.3.2.1 Warning display 5.3.2.2 Staple prohibited 6. 6.1.1 Image direction recognition based on detection of punch holes and staple holes 6.1.1 Image direction recognition based on detection of punch holes in documents 6.1.2 Image direction recognition based on detection of staple holes in documents 6.1.3 Detects punch holes or staple holes in originals and checks consistency of image directionality with reference image information 6.1.4 Recovers when image directionality NG is detected for many originals 6.1.4.1 Image formation Only after warning display 6.1.4.2 When direction is different in original scanning, copy is interrupted and warning is displayed 6.1.4.3 Image rotation processing and original reverse scanning 6.1.5 Correspondence when identification is not possible 6.1 5.5.1 Image formation / warning display in predetermined direction 6.1.5.2 Image formation / warning display unified to identified predetermined reference image information direction 6.1.5.3 Operation Image interruption / warning display 6.1.6 Blank page Correspondence 6.1.7 Correspondence at the time of document directionality NG detection at the time of many documents (when image processing is not supported) 6.2.1 Staple operation control based on original punch hole detection data (staple position determination-original punch hole side) 6.2.2 Staple operation control based on original staple hole detection data (staple position determination-staple on original staple hole side) 6.2.3 Staple execution confirmation after job completion based on original staple hole detection data At the time of staple execution confirmation, stapling operation is interrupted by stapling prohibition input. 6.2.4 Image information direction is identified from the punch hole or staple hole data of the document, and the consistency of the image direction is confirmed by comparison with the reference staple position data. .5 Comparison of image direction based on punch hole detection with reference staple position data Image Directivity NG Recovery 6.2.6 When an Image Exists at Punch Hole Position Based on Punch Hole Detection 6.3.1 Selective Control of Punch Hole or Staple Hole Identification Detection of Document According to Image Forming Mode 6.3 .2 Detecting punched holes in the original and erasing punched holes when forming an image on a recording sheet 6.3.3 Detecting staple holes in the original and erasing staple holes when forming an image on a recording sheet 6.3.4 Sorting operation 6. After completion, when manual stapling instruction is input, the stapling position is NG based on various data. A detection method in which the detection is performed in the order of margin detection, layout detection, and character recognition detection, and the image direction is efficiently performed . 1. Schematic Configuration of Digital Copying Machine According to Embodiment 1.1 Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the entire digital copying machine, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are a plan view and a side view of a writing unit in the digital copying machine.

First, a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the digital copying machine has a copying machine body (I) and an automatic document feeder [ADF].
II, a sorter stapler (III) which is a sorter with a stapler, and a double-sided reversing unit (IV). The copier body (I)
Has a scanner unit, a writing unit, a photoconductor unit, a developing unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of each unit will be described.

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

As the light source 3, a fluorescent lamp or a halogen lamp is used. Generally, a fluorescent lamp is used because the wavelength is stable and the life is long. In this embodiment, the reflecting mirror 1 is attached to one light source 3, but two or more light sources 3 may be used. Since the solid-state imaging device 8 has a constant 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 imaging device 8, generally, C
A CD is used. Since the image signal read by the solid-state imaging device 8 is an analog value, it is subjected to analog / digital (A / D) conversion, and various image processing (binarization, multi-level conversion, gradation processing, Magnification processing, editing processing, etc.), and converted into a digital signal as a set of spots. In this embodiment, in order to obtain color image information, a color filter 6 that transmits only necessary color information is disposed in the middle of an optical path guided from a document to the solid-state imaging device 8 so as to be able to enter and exit. Color filter 6 according to the scanning of the original
In and out, the functions such as multiple transfer and double-sided copy are activated each time, so that various kinds of copies can be created. Also, R (red), G (green),
A color original may be read using a three-line CCD or the like in order to simultaneously obtain three pieces of B (blue) information.

1.3 Writing Unit 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. 2 and 3 are a plan view and a side view showing the writing unit. The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 20 is converted into a parallel light beam by the collimating lens 21, and is shaped into a light beam of a predetermined shape by the aperture 32. The shaped laser light enters the polygon mirror 24 in a form compressed in the sub-scanning direction by the first cylinder lens 22. 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 laser light that has entered the polygon mirror 24 is reflected by the polygon mirror 2.
4 is deflected by rotation. The deflected laser light is f
sequentially enter the θ lenses 26a and 26b. fθ lens 2
Reference numerals 6a and 26b denote scanning light beams having a constant angle
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 and 26b is guided to a synchronization detection light input section (synchronization detection plate) 30 by a synchronization detection mirror 29 outside the image area, and is propagated to the sensor section by an optical fiber to be scanned in the main scanning direction. It performs synchronization detection as a reference for cueing, and issues a synchronization signal. 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.

In FIG. 2, 27 is a mirror, 31
Is a lens holding unit.

1.4 Photosensitive Member A photosensitive layer is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40.
Organic photoreceptor (OPC), α-Si, Se-T as photosensitive layer sensitive to semiconductor laser (wavelength 780 nm)
e is known, and in this embodiment, the organic photoconductor (OPC) is used. Generally, in the case of laser writing, there are two types of processes: a negative / positive (N / P) process in which light is applied to an image portion, and a positive / positive (P / P) process in which light is applied to a background portion. The N / P process is adopted.

The charging charger 41 is of a scorotron type having a grid on the photoconductor side.
Is uniformly (-) charged, and the image forming portion is irradiated with laser light to lower the potential of that portion. Then, the background portion on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40 has a potential of -750 to -800 V and the image portion has a potential of about -500 V, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40. This is supplied to the developing devices 42a and 4
In step 2b, a bias voltage of -500 to -600 V is applied to the developing roller, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by attaching the charged toner to (-).

1.5 Developing Unit The apparatus of the present 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 4
Black toner is supplied to the toner replenisher 43a paired with the secondary developer 2a and color toner is supplied to the toner replenisher 43b paired with the sub-developer 42b. Selectively develop by changing the position.

Using such a developing device, color information can be read by switching the color filter 6 of the scanner, and multifunctional color copying and color editing can be performed by combining multiple transfer and double-sided copying functions of a paper transport system. Becomes 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 three or more developing devices, and 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 subjected to AC static elimination by a separation charger 45 held integrally with the transfer charger 44, and is separated from the photosensitive drum 40. 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 the attached tank 48. Further, the pattern of the potential remaining on the photosensitive drum 40 is erased by irradiating light with a neutralization lamp.

A photo sensor 50 is provided at a position immediately after the development. The photo sensor 50 includes 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. This is a certain pattern (eg black or halftone pattern) in the optical writing part
Is written in a position corresponding to the photo sensor reading position, and the image density is determined from the ratio of the reflectance of the pattern portion after development and the reflectance of the photosensitive drum 40 other than the pattern portion. Give a signal. 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.

1.6 Paper Feeding Unit In this embodiment, a plurality of cassettes 60 a, 60 b, and 60 c are provided, and once transferred paper 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 of the cassettes 60a, 60b, and 60c is selected, a sheet feed roller 61 (61a, 61b, 61c) near the selected cassette 60 is pressed. ) Rotates and the paper is 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 toner image is transferred at the transfer unit, and the paper is sucked and conveyed by the separation and conveyance unit 63, and the transferred toner image is transferred onto the paper surface by a fixing roller including a pair of a heat roller 64 and a pressure roller 65. Settle.

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

The case of double-sided copying will be described. The paper is guided downward by the switching claw 67 and is guided by the next switching claw 69 to the tray 70 further below the paper re-feeding loop 72. Then, the sheet is fed again in the reverse direction by the reversal of the roller 71, and the switching claw 69
Is switched to the sheet feeding loop 72 and fed to the registration rollers 62.

1.7 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) The original placed on the original table 100 is called by the calling roller 104. The retrieved originals are pulled out of the pull-out rollers 105 and 106 and the separation belt 1 wound around the pull-out rollers 105.
07 prevents double feed, and guide plate 10 for one sheet.
Sent along 8. The original sent along the guide plate 108 is contacted with the contact glass 9 by the belt conveying device 125.
To a predetermined exposure position and stop.

The belt conveying device 125 includes the driving roller 10
The belt 10 is wound around the roller 9 and the driven roller 110, the insertion position of the document is set by the fixed roller 111, and the document is pressed against the contact glass 9 by the pressing roller.
2 Hereinafter, a description of a known operation will be omitted.

1.8 Sorter Stapler (III) Entrance guide plates 1101 and 1102 are provided at the receiving port A on the copy discharged from the copying machine. A switching claw 1103 is provided. The path above the switching claw 1103 is the entrance guide plate 1101, the guide plate 111
0, 1114, transport roller 1108, driven roller 1109,
The upper transport unit 1100 has a discharge roller 1111, a driven roller 1115, and a proof tray 1116. In addition, the path below the switching claw 1103 includes an oblique portion guide plate 1205, an oblique portion driven guide plate 1217, a lower transport portion guide plate 1308, and driven guide plates 1309 and 131.
0, oblique section receiving roller 1201, oblique roller 1202,
Slanted portion discharge roller 1203, driven roller 1214, 121
6, a sloping portion 1200 that passes through the ball 1215, the transport rollers 1301 and 1302, and the driven rollers 1305 and 1306 and continues to the deflecting portion B path.

At a position corresponding to each bin 1350 on the path of the deflecting section B, a deflecting claw 1312 and a deflecting section discharge roller 130
The driven rollers 1307 are pressed against the deflecting unit discharge rollers 1304 with the copy vertical transport path interposed therebetween. The transport roller 1108 and the discharge roller 1111 are driven by a proof motor 1117, and the oblique portion receiving roller 1201, the oblique roller 1202, and the oblique portion discharge roller 1117 are driven.
The drive roller 1313 drives the conveying roller 203, the conveying rollers 1301 and 1302, and the deflecting unit discharge roller 1304.

The description of the post-processing units such as the stapler mechanism and the punch mechanism and the double-side reversing unit will be omitted. 46 is a separation claw, 80 is a main motor,
81 is a fan motor.

1.9 Electrical Control Unit FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams showing a control unit of the copying machine, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are control block diagrams of the entire copying system. In FIG. 4, the control unit has two CPUs, and the CPU (a) 200 controls a sequence, and the CPU (b) 201 controls an operation. CPU (a) 200 and C
PU (b) 201 is a serial interface (R
S232C). In FIG. 4, reference numeral 202 denotes an image control circuit, 203 denotes a signal switching gate array, 204 denotes an operation unit, 205 denotes an editor, 206 denotes a scanner control circuit, 207 denotes a page memory, 208 denotes an image processing unit, and 209 denotes a calendar I.
C and 210 are application systems, and 211 is a laser beam scanner unit.

In FIG. 5, the same parts as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, 220 is a main control plate, 221 is a paper feed control plate, 222 is a sorter control plate, 223 is a double-sided control plate,
Reference numeral 4 denotes an ADF control plate.

1.9.1 Sequence Control First, sequence control will be described. The sequence is used to set and output conditions related to paper conveyance timing and image formation, such as paper size sensors, paper conveyance sensors such as paper ejection detection and registration detection, duplex units, high voltage power supply units, relays, solenoids, motors, etc. A driver, a sorter unit, a laser unit, a scanner 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 a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a supply such as toner end, and a sensor that detects a machine abnormality such as a door open or a fuse blown.

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, a paper There is a sensor related to the transport of the data.

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 the duty obtained by the PWM control. In the PWM control, the feedback value of the output of each high-voltage power is converted into a digital value by A / D conversion, and is controlled so as to be equal to the target value. Drivers include a paper feed clutch, a registration clutch, a counter, a motor, a toner supply solenoid, a power relay, and a fixing heater. The sheet is connected to the sorter unit by a serial interface, and the sheet is conveyed at a predetermined timing according to a signal from the sequence, and is discharged 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 by an input from a thermistor in the fixing unit so that the temperature of the fixing unit becomes constant. 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. Further, the toner end is also detected based on the density.

As a mechanism for adjusting the power of the laser diode to be constant, an A / D converter and an analog input of a CPU are used. This is a preset reference voltage (this voltage is controlled so that the monitor voltage when the laser diode is turned on in this embodiment matches).

Next, the control of the operation relation will be described. The main CPU (b) 201 controls a plurality of serial ports and the calendar IC 209. In addition to the sequence control CPU (a) 200, an operation unit 204, a scanner control circuit 206,
An application system 210, an editor 205, and the like are connected. The operation unit 204 has a display for displaying the key input of the operator and the state of the copying machine,
The key input information is notified to the main CPU (b) 201 by serial communication. Based on this information, the main CPU (b) 201 determines whether the display of the operation unit 204 is turned on, off, or blinks, and serially transmits the display to the operation unit 204. The operation unit CPU turns on, off, and blinks the display based on information from the main CPU (b) 201. Further, a CPU that performs sequence control at the start of copying by determining operating conditions of the machine from the obtained information.
(A) Inform 200 of the information.

The scanner section (scanner control circuit 206) serially transmits information related to scanner servo motor drive control, image processing, and image reading to the main CPU (b) 201, and also performs ADF (ADF control board 224).
Then, the interface processing of the main CPU (b) 201 is performed.

The application (application system 210) includes external devices (fax, printer,
Etc.) and the main CPU (b) 201, and exchanges preset information contents. An editor 205 is a unit for inputting an editing function, and stores image editing data (masking, trimming, image shift, etc.) input by an operator into a main CPU (b).
Serial transmission to 201 is performed. Calendar IC209
The main CPU (b) 201 stores the date and time.
Can be called at any time, so that the ON / OFF of the power of the machine can be timer-controlled by displaying the current time on the operation unit display and setting the ON time and OFF time of the machine.

1.9.2 Processing of Image Data Next, the flow of processing of image data will be described. The gate array 203 receives image data (DATA0 to DATA) in the following three directions according to a select signal from the CPU (b) 201.
7) and outputs a synchronization signal.

1) Scanner control circuit 206 → Image control circuit 202 In this case, an image signal continuously transmitted by 8-bit data (however, 4 bits or 1 bit) from the scanner is synchronized with the laser beam scanner unit 211. Signal PM
The data is output to the image control circuit in synchronization with SYNC.

2) Scanner control circuit 206 → application 210 In this case, an image signal continuously transmitted as 8-bit data (however, 4 bits or 1 bit) from the scanner is output to the application 210 in parallel. The application 210 outputs the input image data to an externally connected output device such as a printer.

3) Application 210 → Image Control Circuit 202 In this case, the application 210 is continuously transmitted as 8-bit data (4 bits or 1 bit can be used) from an externally connected input device (fax or the like). The image signal is synchronized with a synchronization signal PMSYNC from the laser beam scanner unit 211 and output to the image control circuit.
In this case, when the external image signal is 1 bit or 4 bits, it is necessary to perform a process of converting the signal into 8-bit data.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the image scanner unit. An analog image signal output from the CCD image sensor 250 is output to an image preprocessor (IPP) 2.
The signal is amplified and corrected in the signal processing circuit 252 in the internal circuit 51, and is converted into a digital multilevel signal by the A / D converter 253. This signal is subjected to correction processing by the shading correction circuit 254, and is processed by the image processing unit (I
PU) 255.

Image processing unit (IPU) 25
5 is a schematic block diagram of FIG. The image signal applied to the IPU 255 is emphasized in a high frequency range by an MTF correction circuit 270, is electrically scaled by a scaling circuit 271, and is converted to a γ conversion circuit 272.
Is applied to The gamma conversion circuit 272 optimizes the input characteristics according to the characteristics of the machine. γ conversion circuit 272
Is converted into a predetermined quantization level by SW1 of the data depth switching mechanism. This switching mechanism switches between the three data types shown in FIG.
The 4-bit conversion circuit 273 outputs 4-bit data,
The binarization circuit 274 converts the input 8-bit multi-valued data into binary data using a preset fixed threshold and outputs 1-bit data. Dither circuit 275
Is 1-bit data and produces area gradation. SW1 is 3
One of the two data types and select DATA0-DATA
7 is output.

Referring back to FIG. 6, the scanner control circuit 206
Controls the fluorescent lamp ballast (lamp control circuit) 256, the timing control circuit 257, the electric scaling circuit of the IPU 255, and the scanner drive motor 258 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU (b) 201. The fluorescent light stabilizer 256
In accordance with an instruction from the scanner control circuit 206, ON / OFF of the fluorescent lamp 1 and light amount control are performed. Scanner drive motor 2
A rotary encoder 259 is connected to the drive shaft 58, and the position sensor 260 detects a reference position of the sub-scanning drive mechanism. The electric variable power circuit is a scanner control circuit 20.
The electric scaling process is performed in accordance with the magnification on the main scanning side set by 6.

The timing control circuit 257 outputs each signal according to the instruction from the scanner control circuit 206. That is, when reading is started, the CCD image sensor (C
CD) 250, a transfer signal for transferring one line of data to the shift register, and a shift clock pulse for outputting the data of the shift register one bit at a time. A pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK, a main scanning synchronization pulse LSYNC, and a main scanning valid period signal LGATE are output to the image reproduction system control unit.

The pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK is C
This signal is almost the same as the shift clock pulse given to the CD image sensor 250. Also, the main scanning synchronization pulse L
SYNC is substantially the same as the main scanning synchronization signal PMSYNC output from the beam sensor of the image writing unit, but is output in synchronization with the pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK. The main scanning valid period signal LGATE becomes high level H at the timing when the output data DATA0 to DATA7 are regarded as valid data.

In this example, the CCD image sensor 2
Reference numeral 50 outputs 4800 bits of valid data per line. The scanner control circuit 206 is a main CPU
(B) When a reading start instruction is received from 201, the illumination fluorescent lamp 1 is turned on, the scanner driving motor 258 is started to drive, the timing control circuit 257 is controlled, and the reading of the CCD image sensor 250 is started. Further, the sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to a high level H.
The signal FGATE goes low when the time required to scan the maximum reading length (in this example, the size in the longitudinal direction of the A size) in the sub-scanning direction after the signal FGATE is set to the high level H goes low.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a memory system of the present apparatus. The image signal from the CCD 250 is output as 8-bit data through an image preprocessor (IPP) 251 having functions of shading correction, black level correction, and light amount correction. This data is stored in the multiplexer (1).
(MUX1) Selected by 280, has spatial frequency high frequency emphasis (MTF correction) function, speed conversion function (magnification change), γ conversion function, data depth conversion function (8 bits / 4 bits / 1 bit conversion) Image processing unit (IPU) 2
It is processed at 55 and output to the printer PR through MUX (3) 282. 281 is a MUX (2), and 283 is a memory device (MEM).

In a system having a frame memory for image data, image data from the IPU 255 is temporarily stored in a memory device (MEM) 283 as shown in FIG.
When necessary, it is taken out of the memory device (MEM) 283 and output to the printer (PR). Also,
Printer (PR) of image data from IPU 255
To the memory device (MEM) 283 and simultaneously store the second and subsequent copies in the memory device (MEM) 2
The method using the image data from 83 was also common.

The present device is configured so that the data flow shown in FIG. 11 can be performed so that both the processed data and the raw data from the IPU 255 can be taken into the memory device 283. That is, the three multiplexers (MUX1, MUX2, MUX3) 280, 281, and 2 in FIG.
The data flow can be changed by switching 82. For example, a plurality of I
When outputting a copy in which the parameters of the PU 255 are changed, the copy can be achieved by the following procedure. When MUX (1) is set to A at the time of scanner scanning, MUX
The first sheet is output by setting (2) to B and MUX (3) to A. At this time, the raw data enters the memory device (MEM) 283 through the MUX (2). For the second and subsequent sheets, MUX (1) is set to B, data from the memory device (MEM) 283 is input to the IPU 255, and output to the printer (PR) through the MUX (3). At this time, the IPU parameters can be changed each time one copy is made.

When holding compact data such as 1-bit data, MUX (2) is set to A and I
The output of PU 255 is taken into the memory device. In this case, the printer switches to the binary data (1 bit) mode for copying. EXTIN and EXTOUT in FIG. 9 are an external image data input signal and an external output signal.

FIG. 12 shows that a compressor (COMP) 290 and an expander (EXP) 291 are connected to a memory unit (Memory).
(Unit) 292 so that compressed data other than actual data can be stored. In this configuration, the compressor (COMP) 290 needs to operate at the speed of the scanner, and the expander (EXP) 291 needs to operate at the speed of the printer. When storing actual data, the multiplexer MUX (4) 293 and the MUX
(5) Set 294 to A, and set to B when using compressed data. 295 is an error detector.

The inside of the memory unit 292 in FIG.
The configuration is as shown in FIG. In order to handle the three image data types shown in FIG. 14 and code data which is compressed data, data width converters 300 and 301 are provided for input and output of a memory block (Memory Block) 302. Direct memory controller (DMC1, DMC
C2) 303 and 304 write data to a predetermined address of the memory block 302 according to the number of packed data and the memory data width, and perform a read operation.

FIG. 14 shows the data type of the image data as described above. Usually from a scanner,
Alternatively, the speed of image data to the printer is constant irrespective 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, M of eight data lines
From the SB side, 1-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. 15 shows a pixel processing unit (PPU) 310 arranged outside the memory unit 292 instead of the compressor (COMP) 290 and the decompressor (EXP) 291. The functions of the PPU 310 are logical operations between image data (eg, AND, OR, EXOR, N
A unit that realizes OT) can calculate memory output data and input data and output it to the printer, and can calculate memory output and input data (for example, scan data) and store it in the memory unit 292 again. Switching between output destination printer and memory unit 292 is MUX
(6) 311 and MUX (7) 312 are performed. This function is generally used for image synthesis.
This is used for placing overlay data in 92 and overlaying scanner data on the scanner data.

FIG. 16 shows a configuration for storing image data using an external storage device. When saving the image data to a floppy disk,
File control (File Control) from XTOUT through interface (I / F) 320
er) 321 and outputs it to a floppy disk controller (FDC) 322 controlled by a floppy disk drive (FDD) 323 and stores it on a floppy disk. Under the control of the file controller 321, there are a hard disk controller (HDC) 324 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 325, which are readable and writable on the storage medium of the hard disk. A hard disk drive (HDD) 325 stores commonly used format data and overlay data so that they can be used as needed.

FIG. 17 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 292, compressed data and image data enter the memory unit 292 simultaneously with scanning of the scanner. The incoming data is respectively stored in different memory areas, but the compressed data is directly entered into an expander (EXP) 291 and expanded. Compressor (CO) until all data of one page enters memory unit 292
When the processing time of the MP) 290 and the decompressor (EXP) 291 is completed in time, the memory area of the compressed data remains, and the area of the raw data is canceled. if,
An error detection circuit (Error Detect) 295 is a compressor (COMP) 290 or an expander (EXP) 291.
, The compressed data area is immediately canceled and the raw data is adopted.

The memory management unit (MMU) 330
This is a unit that controls the memory so that two input data and one output data can be input / output to / from the memory unit 292 at the same time. By performing compression and decompression tests in real time, high speed, certainty, and effective use of the memory area became possible. This configuration in the present embodiment allows the memory management unit (MMU) 330 to dynamically allocate the memory area.
Two memory units for raw data and compressed data may be provided.

The configuration shown in FIG. 17 is most suitable for applications such as electronic sorting in which a plurality of pages are stored and output to a printer in real time, and the number of stored pages and the printing speed must be compatible.

1.9.3 Application Unit FIGS. 18A and 18B are block diagrams of the application unit, which will be described. In this example, APL1 (file unit), APL2 (FAX unit), APL3
(On / off printer unit), APL4 (LA
N), APL5 (image direction recognition unit), display (T /
S, LCD). First, the base will be described. The engine I / F 340 converts the image data in parallel because the image data is sent in serial. The parallel data in the page memory 341 is converted into serial data by the engine I / F 340 and sent to EXTIN. The control signal is serial and the engine I / F3
40 and a system bus via an SCI (serial communication interface) 342. In this example, the page memory 341 has a size of one page in A3, converts the data into a BIT image, and arbitrates the data speed of EXTIN and EXTOUT and the processing speed of the CPU. The scaling circuit 343 is a page memory 34
In order to perform high-speed processing of enlarging or reducing the data on 1 in this circuit, the DMAC 344 is used to perform high-speed processing without the intervention of the CPU 352. In the rotation control, for example, the original sent by FAX transmission is A4 portrait and the reception is A
In the case of four widths, the sending side automatically reduces the size by 71% and transmits, and the receiving side becomes difficult to see. In order to prevent this, in the case of the above size, the transmission original is rotated by 90 degrees, converted to A4 landscape, and transmitted at the same size.

Another purpose is to rotate the output image by 90 degrees by the rotation control unit and output it in A4 length when the reception size is A4 width and the cassette size is A4 length when receiving and outputting. This eliminates the need to distinguish between vertical and horizontal cassettes.

The CEP 345 is a circuit having a function of compressing, expanding, and passing through image data. Bus Arbiter 3
Reference numeral 46 performs processing for sending data from the AGDC 385 to the image bus and sending the data to the system bus. Timer 348
Has a function of generating a predetermined clock. RTC34
Reference numeral 9 denotes a clock which generates the current time. The console is a terminal for control. With this terminal, software development can be performed using a debug tool, which is one function of the internal OS, in addition to reading and rewriting data in the system. The ROM 350 has basic functions such as an OS. The RAM 351 is mainly used for working. This unit performs basic control of this system.

1.9.3.1 APL1 SCSI 360 is HDD (Hard Disk) 325, O
An I / F for DD (optical disk) 361 and FDD (floppy disk) 323. ROM 362 is SCSI
HDD 325, ODD 361, FDD3 via 360
23, and software as a filing system is included.

1.9.3.2 APL2 is a unit for facsimile control and includes the following parts. G4
The FAX controller 370 is a unit for controlling a protocol for G4, and this unit is a unit that supports G1, Class 2, and Class 3 of G4. Needless to say, ISDN is supported and NET64 is 2
G4 / G4, G4 / G3, G3 / G3, G4 only, G3 because B + 1D (64 KB × 2 + 16 KB) line
Only one of the units can be selected. G3FA
The X controller 371 is a unit for controlling a protocol for G3, and in this part, the G3F using an analog line is used.
The AX protocol also has a modem that converts digital signals to analog signals. An NCU (network control unit) 372 has a function of dialing when connecting to the other party using the exchange or receiving an incoming call from the other party. SAF (Store and Forward) 373
Is for storing image data (including image data, code data, and the like) when transmitting and receiving faxes.

This unit is a semiconductor memory or HDD 3
25, ODD 361 and the like are used. The ROM 374 stores a program for controlling the APL2. The RAM 375 is used for these works and is made non-volatile by a battery at the same time. The RAM 375 contains the telephone number of the other party, the name of the other party, data for controlling the FAX function, and the like. The setting can be easily made using the LCD.

1.9.3.3 APL3 APL3 is a control unit for an online printer and an offline printer. FDC (Floppy Disk Controller)
380 controls the floppy disk 381. Recent floppies support SCSI,
Here, SCSI and ST506 interfaces are supported. An SCI (Serial Communication Interface) 382 is used to connect to a HOST computer. The Centro I / F 383 is similar to the SCI 382. The emulation card 384 performs the following functions. When I look at the printer from HOST, the status is NEC,
Many printers, such as those manufactured by EPSON, have released their respective products. The specifications of these printers have changed slightly.
The software used in ST may not run.
In order to eliminate such a problem, an emulation card 384 is provided so that the software contained therein operates as a printer of each manufacturer when apparently viewed from the HOST.

An AGDC (Advanced Graphics Display Controller) 385 transfers the code data sent from the HOST to the CGROM 386 and the CG card 3.
FONT image in page memory 341 at high speed
It expands to. The ROM 388 contains software for controlling these. CGROM (Character Generator ROM) 389 is a FO corresponding to code data.
It contains NT data. The format of FONT includes data such as outline FONT. The CG card 387 is an external CGFONT, and the contents are CG
It is similar to the ROM 386. 395 is a RAM.

1.9.3.4 This is a unit that controls the LAN for APL4 . Here, the LAN controller 390 controls the currently operating LAN, such as the Internet, omni, and star run. A
The PL2 (FAX) and the APL4 (LAN) operate in the background while other APLs are operating. 3
91 is a CPU.

1.9.3.5 This unit identifies the image direction of the image read by the scanner for APL5 . 400 is a page memory, 401 is an area memory, 402 is a database, 403 is a CPU, 404 is a ROM, and 405 is a RAM.

1.9.3.6 Display For this unit, the LCD 410 and the touch switch (T /
S) is controlled. The LCD 410 can display graphics and characters, and the CG 412 among them has a second level code of ANK and kanji. A TSC 413 is a touch switch controller that controls T / S. The T / S is divided by X and Y grids, and the size of the switch used by the operator is TSC41.
3 can be set freely by determining the number of grids for one key. The LCD 410 and the T / S have a two-layer structure, and the size of the key and the frame of the key of the LCD 410 can be matched. 414 is CP
U, 415 is SCI, 416 is ROM, 417 is RA
M and 418 are LCDC and 419 are DPRAMs.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the display. As fixed keys, there are a ten key 430 for setting the number of copies and the like, a start key 431 for starting copying, and function keys 432, 433, and 434 that can be set by the user. The mode can be freely set by the user on this function key. For example, a sort mode is assigned to the key 432, a staple mode is assigned to the key 433, a double-sided mode is assigned to the key 434, and the like. The display is a copy number display 43.
5 and the set number display 436 are fixed displays, and the other displays are displayed on the LCD 410. Also, the LCD 41
Reference numeral 0 denotes a touch switch, and a mode can be selected by pressing an object displayed on the LCD 410.

Next, the operation of the APL will be described. 1.9.4 Fax Operation First, the facsimile operation will be described. This fax is M
It has the functions of F, G2, G3, G4 and the transmission density is 3.8
5,7.7,15.4 lines / mm 20 for G4
It supports 0, 240, 300, and 400 dpi, and can perform density conversion with each other using a scaling function. In addition, memory transmission / reception, relaying, confidential reception, polling, and the like can be realized using the SAF memory. Further, memory transmission, memory reception, reception output, and the like can be simultaneously performed during storage of a transmission original in a memory. Will be described. By setting the original and pressing the start key 431,
Dial the other party in the RAM 375 of the APL 2 and call the other party. When it is determined that the other party is a facsimile, a document reading operation starts. If the start key 431 is pressed in a state where there is no original, a display for urging re-setting of the original is displayed. By the document reading start operation, the scanner operates, reads the document, and outputs data to the EXTOUT terminal via the individual circuits in FIG. At this time, by selecting MUX (1) and MUX (3), IPU
255 or not, and the IPU
The internal functions of the 255 can be freely selected by a program.
This signal enters the engine I / F 340 of FIG. 18 and is stored in the page memory 341 in accordance with the bit size of the page memory 341 (EXTOUT is sent as a multi-value of 8 bits per pixel. Memory 341
Corresponds to 16 bits, and the bit configuration is different, so they are adjusted here).

Data from the scanner is stored in the page memory 34.
1, when the data is compressed, the APL2 SA
It accumulates in F memory. By transmitting the data from the scanner while accumulating it in the SAF 373 in this manner,
The following features are obtained. The reading from the scanner is A4
One size can be read in about 2 seconds. In contrast,
The G4 transmission time is about 9 seconds for A4 size transmission. Thus, the transmission time is about 4.5 times as long as the reading. Copying machine, FA
For devices that can be used in combination with X and printers,
For example, if the next person wants to make a copy during fax transmission,
I want to finish my fax transmission work soon. However, fax transmission may be faster or slower depending on the performance of the partner machine. As in the present embodiment, the read data is stored in the SAF373.
The transmission speed can be increased by transmitting the data while storing the data in the storage device. Further, since the transmission original is stored in the SAF memory, when an error occurs during transmission, when the line is disconnected, etc., the image can be transmitted correctly by re-sending or re-calling. Thus, the data stored in the SAF 373 is transmitted to the G3 fax,
Or it can be accessed from the G4 fax unit.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of IPU 255 shown in FIG. 20. In addition to the circuit shown in FIG.
40, marker editing circuit 441, outline circuit 44
2. It has an error enlarging circuit 443 and the like.

Next, reception of image information will be described. FIG.
2 (a) and 2 (b), the received image data is
At 50, it is converted to a digital signal. This is DCR45
The raw data is corrected via 1 and is further compressed and stored in the SAF memory 452. At this time, the reason why the DCR 451 returns to the raw data and compresses the raw data again is that the normal reception data includes an error on the line, and the SAF 45
This is because if the data is accumulated in 2, it becomes impossible to distinguish between a hardware error and a data error. When recompressing, adopt a method with good memory efficiency. The data stored in the SAF memory 452 is printed out for each page (it is also possible to store and output one file according to the mode setting).

In order to output from the SAF memory 452, it is necessary that the page memory 341 of FIG. 18 is not used by another APL and that the copier is open. When these conditions are met, the data in the SAF memory 452 is stored in CEP3.
The data is expanded to the page memory while being returned to the raw data via 45. After the development is completed, select the optimal paper size. At this time, if the data in the page memory 341 is A4 portrait and the optimal paper is A4 landscape, the page memory 3 is controlled by rotation control.
The data 41 is rotated by 90 degrees and output on the selected paper. With this function, A4 size paper has been
It is now possible to prevent vertical margins from appearing. This function can rotate the image information read by meeting the partner machine by 90 degrees not only in the reception output but also in the transmission mode.
Until now, it was sent at 71% reduction in the case of 4 verticals, but by incorporating a 90-degree rotation, it can be sent at the same magnification, making it easier to see on the receiving side.

Here, instead of the SAF memory 452, H
When the DD 325 is used, the HDD 325 can be driven via the SCSI interface of the APL 1 using the SAF memory 452 as a buffer. The basic operation of FAX has been described above.

1.9.5 Image Processing Unit 1.9.5.1 Shift, Zoom, Rotation, Reverse Scan, Mi
If describing the function of the image processing of the base portion of the mirroring Figure 18 at block becomes Figure 23. As shown in FIG. 23, the image processing unit 208 can access the bitmap page memory 207. In order to leave the original document image, it is desirable that the bitmap page memory 207 has two copies of the maximum document size that can be copied. That is, the original image data of the original is set in A of the bitmap page memory 207 in FIG. 23, and the image data processed by the image processing unit 208 is set in B. The input to the image processing unit 208 is an image data (video) bus 50.
0 and the image processing command 501.

The image data bus 500 is an 8-bit data bus, and each pixel has 8 bits, that is, 256 density gradations. The image processing command is input via a system bus from a system controller (CPU (b) 201 in FIG. 4) that controls a system not shown in FIG. For the data, a code is determined for each image processing function. For example, in the case of an image shift, a shift code, a shift direction, and a shift dimension are transmitted from the system controller. Also, the scaling function is a scaling command,
The X axis magnification and the Y axis magnification are sequentially transmitted. Naturally, in the case of normal magnification, the X-axis magnification code and the Y-axis magnification code have the same value. In addition, a rotation angle code is added to the rotation command.

When reverse scanning is performed by a scanner, mirroring of an image is required. In this case, a mirroring command or reverse scan command and reference axis information at the time of mirroring are transmitted.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the bitmap memory 207.
It is shown in FIG. In the read image data, one byte is assigned to one pixel as an address. One-byte data is the above-described image density data. The byte size is
When the maximum document size is A3, 297 m in the main scanning direction
m, in the sub-scanning direction of 420 mm and a resolution of 400 dpi, (297 ÷ 25.4) × 400 = 46 in the main scanning direction.
78 bytes (420 副 25.4) × 400 = 66 in the sub-scanning direction
Therefore, to store a bitmap image for one A3 document requires 4678 × 6615 = about 30 Mbytes.

Here, for easy understanding, an array is defined for the main scanning direction, the sub-scanning direction, and the density gradation of each bit map, and the main scanning direction is X, the sub-scanning direction is Y, and the density gradation is defined. Z, and each bit is DIM (X, Y, Z). Point A shown in FIG. 24 is (0, 0, 0), and point B is (46, 0).
78,0,0) and the point C is (6615,4678,0).

Next, an operation processing method of the image processing unit 208 in response to a command from the system controller will be described.

1.9.5.2 Shift First, when a shift command is received, the direction to shift and the mm size to shift are transmitted at the same time. The number of dots to be shifted is calculated from the mm size to be shifted. Based on the shift direction data, it is determined whether the data is in the forward direction in the main scanning X direction (the direction in which the value of X in the array increases) or in the reverse direction, or in the sub-scanning Y direction in the forward direction or in the reverse direction. When the above determination is completed, the image processing operation is started. For example, main scan X
If a shift command of 25.4 mm is received in the forward direction, the number of shift dots is 400. The bitmap data of the image is stored in the bitmap page memory A by the DMA control in the image processing unit.
To B. At the time of transfer, the following processing is performed. A (X, Y, Z) = B (X + 400, Y, Z) X is processed from 0 to 4678-400, and Y is 0
To 6615. Z is the DMA in bytes
In the case of (1), since 0 to bit 7 are simultaneously transferred, it is not necessary to consider.

The shift amount from the system controller is determined as follows. In FIG. 28, when the image start position is X1, the X coordinate of the punch or staple position is 20 mm.
If the diameter of the punch hole is 6 mm, and if X1> (20 + 6/2) mm, there is no need to shift since the punch hole and the image do not overlap. When X1 ≦ (20 + 6/2) mm, the punch hole and the image overlap. In this case, the shift amount SFx of the image is SFx = (20 + 6/2) -X1. This value is transmitted after the shift direction X-axis forward shift command. The same applies to staples.

On the other hand, the case where the image is spilled due to the shift of SFx, that is, the case where the value of X2 in FIG. 28 is smaller than the shifted SFx. At this time, when the shifted image is developed on the transfer paper, the image is cut off. To prevent the image from being cut off, the original image must be reduced.

1.9.5.3 When the scaling process is received, for example, in the case of 50% reduction, the even bytes of X and Y are thinned out and transferred from A to B. In the case of 99%, 0 to 98 of A's X and Y are transferred to B, and then 100 to 198 of A's X and Y are transferred to B. By doing so, one of the 100 pixels is thinned out, resulting in a 99% reduction. 98% as well
At this time, one pixel out of 50 pixels may be thinned out.

When performing the enlargement, if the bits are enlarged as they are, the pixels become coarse and become mosaic. To smooth this (smoothing), interpolation or a spatial low-pass filter (after two-dimensional Fourier transform) is used. In general, processing such as attenuating the high frequency band and performing an inverse Fourier transform) is performed. The magnification in the case where an image is generated at the above-described punch position and the image is cut when shifting and the image must be reduced is determined as follows. Assuming that the length of the original in the X-axis direction is Lx, M (magnification) = (Lx- (20 + 6/2) / Lx. In order to guarantee an image, only reduction in the X-axis direction may be performed. Normally, both the X-axis and the Y-axis are scaled to keep the vertical and horizontal ratios of the normal image constant.

1.9.5.4 Rotation The rotation is transmitted in units of 90 degrees. In the case of a 90-degree clockwise rotation, the pixel data at point A becomes the pixel at point B,
The pixel data of the image may be transferred from the memory A to B so that the pixel data at the point B becomes the pixel data at the point (4678, 4678). However, in this state, since the number of pixels differs in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, pixels in the longitudinal direction (sub-scanning direction) overflow from the memory in the case of rotation by 90 degrees. However, since the paper overflows from the transfer paper, this state may be maintained if no reduction processing is performed. It becomes.

When the rotation angle is 180 degrees, the pixel of A corresponds to the pixel of C. Thus, the transformation is: A (X, Y, Z) = B (6615-X, 4678-Y,
Z)

1.9.5.5 Reverse Scan and Mirror
In mirroring, it is possible to obtain an image in which an image is mirrored with respect to a normal copy. This is useful as an application for image processing in the design department or the like, but the following application is also possible.

Normally, the scanner reads the original data from the original reference position and develops it in the memory. However, if the size of the original is known, the original is read from the end opposite to the original reference and developed in the memory. FIG. 25 shows the image information expanded in the memory in the normal scan described above (a, b). The oblique lines and arrows from left to right of the document indicate the direction of main scanning. FIG. 26 shows a state in which the original is scanned in the reverse direction and expanded in the memory ((a), (b)). In both cases, the pixel scanned first is (0, 0, 0) in the page memory 207 shown in FIG.
Will be expanded to. When mirroring is performed on the memory assuming that the M line in FIG. This is, for example, due to the mirror axis information received simultaneously with the reception of the mirroring command or the reverse scan command, for example,
If it is axis information, the data is transferred to the memory shown in FIG. A (X, Y, Z) = B (4678-X, Y, Z) In the case of mirroring on the X axis, A (X, Y, Z) = B (X, 6615-Y, Z). FIG. 27A to FIG. 27C show a state in which an original document originally placed upside down is reversely scanned and mirrored.
Shown in

In the present description, the data is once taken into the memory and mirrored. However, it is also possible to read the data in real time and output the M line as a mirror axis.
Even in a low-cost apparatus that does not have a page memory, it is possible to rotate an image by 180 degrees with simple processing.

1.10 Human Body Detection Sensor As shown in the overall block of FIG.
Is connected to a human body detection sensor 225. This is to detect whether or not the copier operator is present in front of the copier. The installation location is the operation unit of the copier,
Alternatively, it is near the display unit, the document table, and the front side. The sensor 225 is a reflection sensor in which an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor are combined. This sensor 22
5 is used, for example, to turn on / off control of preheating of a copying machine (lower the fixing temperature when the machine is not used to save power), control of guidance explanation, on / off of voice guidance, judgment of machine operation control, and the like. Will be

The determination as to whether or not an operator exists is performed as follows. The reflection type human body detection sensor 225 is turned on within a distance of about 1 m from the sensor to the reflection object. When the output of the sensor 225 is directly used as an operator presence signal, even when a person passes in front of the copying machine,
Since the presence of the operator is instantaneously detected, if the sensor output is continuously turned on for a certain period of time, it is determined that the operator is present. This certain time is generally 5
It is from 00 msec to 800 msec. Further, this time may be made by software using a timer by the CPU, or the signal may be delayed by hardware of the sensor 225.

[0105] 2. Image direction judgment The image direction judgment method is as follows: ・ Detecting the image direction by detecting the edge blank area ・ Recognizing the image direction by layout judgment ・ Character direction judgment, recognizing the image direction by character recognition means ・ Punch There is a method of recognizing the image direction by detecting holes and staple holes. Recognizing the image direction by detecting an end blank area.
APL5 and various functional hardware of the base unit function in combination. Hereinafter, each method will be described in detail.

[0106] 3. Image direction recognition by detecting edge blank areas
In certain formats, such as internal reports and applications submitted to government offices, the blank area at the edge is determined to some extent. In addition, a document created by a word processor is printed out by a printer, and the original is set with a binding margin (left margin setting, etc.).
For these documents, the image direction can be determined by judging the maximum blank area on the end face.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a method for detecting the number of pixels from the document end face to the image start position in order to detect a blank area on the end face. First, a method for detecting the image start position in the main scanning direction will be described.

The counter 510 selects the level at which the pixels of the CCD 250 are recognized as white by the comparator 511,
While the output of the comparator 511 is present, the counter 510
Is counted. On the other hand, the output of the comparator 511 is also connected to the latch of the counter, and every time the pixel signal changes from white to black, the pixel clock 51 is output.
2 latches the count value, and the count value is stored in the counter latch 513. At this timing, the count of the pixel clock 512 is reset. The count value is reset by input of a line synchronization signal (LSYNC) 514. With such a circuit, the start position of the image can be detected from the end of the document, and the position information is stored in the counter 510.
Is stored in the pixel latch unit 513 in pixel clock units. In order to detect the number of white pixels at the rear end of the document, the value of the counter latch 513 may be read at the output timing of the rear signal of the document. The sub-scanning direction can be detected by counting the number of continuous main scans by the sub-scan counter 515 when the counter latch 513 has the number of pixels of the size of the document. This counting is performed at the document end surface and the end portion according to the document size, and the respective sub-scanning counters
Is stored. On the other hand, this circuit can also be used to determine whether or not there is an image on the document. If no black pixel is recognized in the document size area (latch output is not obtained), the document can be recognized as a blank sheet. By the above means, X1, X2, Y1, Y2 in FIG. 28 are detected.

A method for detecting the location of a blank area will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28B shows the waveform of the main scanning output from the original as shown in FIG. 28A at the timing of the sub-scanning L. From this waveform, X1 and X2 shown in the figure are compared. As shown in the figure, if X1> X2, it can be determined that a blank exists in the sub-scanning direction on the reference point side, and the document direction can be determined. In addition to this, a blank in the vertical direction is focused on an arbitrary plural or single pixel in the main scanning direction, a signal change with respect to the time axis in the sub-scanning direction is stored, and Y1 and Y2 are compared. If Y1> Y2, it can be determined that the installation in the vertical direction is correctly installed.

The above-described method for detecting the document direction will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart. 30 will be described using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513 and Y1 and Y2 stored in the sub-scanning counter 515. In step S1, X1 and X2 are compared. If X1 is larger than X2, step S2
Proceed to. In step S2, Y1 and Y2 are compared. Y
If 1 is larger than Y2, the process proceeds to step S3, and it is determined that the vertical orientation of the original is correctly set in the original. If n in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4,
Judgment is upside down in horizontal writing. If n is determined in step S1, the process proceeds to step S5, where Y1 and Y2 are compared in the same manner as in step S2. If Y1 is larger, it is determined that the original image is written vertically and upside down (step S6); otherwise, it is determined that the original is a horizontally written original placed upside down (step S7). The images determined respectively are shown in FIG. (A) is the image determined in step S3, (b) is step S4, (c) is step S6, (d)
Is step S7.

According to the above-described method, vertical writing, horizontal writing,
It can be used as a means for issuing a warning or automatically aligning the top and bottom in one direction, for example, when trying to copy a document group in which the top and bottom are mixed upside down.

Further, staple,
When punching, etc., the position, width, etc. of the top and bottom and the end blank area are accurate by the above means, so that stapling and punching while avoiding images (movement of staple punch position), punch position, staple position It is possible to input information to the punch / staple determination processing means, such as generating a warning when the end and the blank portion do not match.

3.1.1 In Page Area of Output Image Information
It has been described in the previous section for detecting an image orientation by detecting the maximum margin detect the edge margin area of the image orientation recognition document detection data or al. This makes it possible to detect the image direction of the formatted original image with a simple configuration, and from the image information, write the original vertically, horizontally,
It is possible to detect the set direction of the top and bottom.

3.1.2 Original Size and Original Setting Direction
Based on the (image information direction), the reference 2 end face is determined, and the image direction recognition is performed based on the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face. The image direction is detected by detecting an end margin area of the side, and the image direction of the document is recognized based on each detected document direction.

The contents will be described below. The binding margin position of a document usually used in an office is determined according to the document size. For example, in the case of A4 paper, the document size is 210 mm × 297 mm, but one side of 297 mm in the longitudinal direction is usually a binding margin position. Therefore, if the original is placed as shown in FIG.
And X2 alone, the top and bottom of the document can be determined from the margin area of the document.

When the document is determined to be vertical by the known document size detection, the binding margin position is determined using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513, and when the document size is determined to be horizontal, The binding margin position of the document is determined using Y1 and Y2 stored in the scanning counter 517.

Here, a method for detecting the binding margin position of the document from X1 and X2 in FIG. 28 detected by the white portion detection circuit on the document will be described. This will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In step S11, it is determined whether the document size is vertical or horizontal, and if it is vertical, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S13. Step S
In step 12, X1 and X2 are compared. X1 is X
If it is larger than 2, it is determined that the binding margin position of the document is on the reference position side (the document is placed in the correct direction),
On the other hand, if it is smaller, it is determined that there is a binding margin on the side opposite to the reference position (the document is placed upside down). In step S13, Y1 and Y2 are compared. If Y1 is larger than Y2, it is determined that the binding margin is on the reference position side (the document is placed in the correct direction). Is placed in). In this way, with a simple configuration,
The binding margin position of the formatted document image and the document image direction can be detected.

3.1.3 Move to the 2nd Page at the Time of Many Documents
Detects the maximum edge margin in the page area for line image information and confirms image directionality matching with start page image information.For many originals, detects image orientation by detecting end margin area of each original. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group copied according to each detected document direction. This content is described at the beginning of the above-mentioned “3. Image direction recognition by detecting end blank area”. FIG. 33 shows a flowchart of this process.

In this process, in step S21, X1> X
2 is determined. If y, Y1> Y2 is determined in step S22. If n, horizontal writing is reversed in step S23, and the counter b is counted up in step S24. If y is determined in step S22, the vertical writing position is adjusted in step S25, and the counter a is counted up in step S21. If n in step S21, Y1> Y2 is determined in step S27, and if y, vertical writing is reversed in step S28 and the counter c is counted up in step S29. If n is determined in step S27, the horizontal writing position is determined to be positive in step S30, and the counter d is counted up in step S31.

From the result of the count-up, the number of original pages counter a in the vertical writing direction, the number of original pages counter b in the horizontal writing direction, the number of original pages counter c in the horizontal writing direction, and the number of original pages counter d in the horizontal writing direction. 34, it is determined according to FIG. 34 whether or not different document directions are mixed in a large number of documents in one job.
The number of document orientations is counted, that is, the document (image) orientation counter E is first cleared (step S
41). In step S42, it is checked whether or not the counter indicating the direction of each document (image) from a to d is 0. If 0, the document (image) direction counter E is set to 1
Add. In step S43, it is determined whether the document (image) direction counter E is 3 or not. If the document (image) direction counter E is 3, all document (image) directions are the same and different It is determined that the document indicating the (image) direction does not exist in the group of many documents of one job (step S).
44). On the other hand, if the value is other than 3, it is determined that a document having a different document (image) direction exists in the multiple document group (step S45). In this way, a simple device,
It is possible to detect the directionality of each original in a large number of originals in the flow and detect whether or not the originals indicating different original directions are mixed in the originals.

3.1.4 Image Directivity N for Many Originals
3.1.4.1 Recovering when G is detected 3.1.4.1 Only the warning display after image formation When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area at the end of each original, and copying is performed based on the detected original orientation. It is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in
If it is determined that there is a document having a different image direction from that of the first document, a warning display is displayed on the operation unit so that the document having the different image direction and the copy of the document are included in the document group and the copies of the document group. Is notified to the operator.

The contents will be described below. As shown in FIG. 35, when the copying is completed in the flow of FIG. 34 (step S51), and it is determined that the document directions are mixed (y in step S52), all the document groups are sent to the operation unit 204. Of the operation unit 204 after the copying of the
If U is in the READY state (y in step S53),
A display request code is sent to perform the following warning display (step S54). -Documents with vertical writing, horizontal writing, or images with upside down image orientation are mixed.・ Check the copy paper and align the image orientation. FIG. 36 shows an example of the operation unit display. In this manner, when the operator is warned that the document directions are mixed, the operator performs the post-processing of copy binding such as punching, stapling, and the like with respect to the copy group after image formation, usually using only the cover sheet. If a copy in a different image direction exists in a copy group for a document, the page is lost. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent such missing pages, after the copy is completed, the operator is automatically notified that copies having different image directions are mixed, and the operator checks the image directionality of the copy and checks the image direction. By requiring alignment. This makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

3.1.4.2 Directionality in Scanning Original
Interruption of copy and warning when different When multiple documents are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area at the end of each document, and the first It is determined whether there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the original document.If the result of the determination is that a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document is By displaying a warning display on the operation unit, a document having a different image direction exists in the document group, and the operator is notified to change the document installation direction.

The contents will be described below. This processing is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this processing, in the case of a document in the vertical writing direction, the original is in the forward direction (X1> X2), and the flag a is used as the direction flag and the memory FLGDI in byte units is used.
R is set (step S61). If the horizontal writing direction is reversed, the flag b is set (X1> X2 and Y1 ≦ Y2) (step S62). Similarly, if the vertical writing direction is reversed (X1 ≦ Y1> Y2 at X2) Flag c (Step S6)
3) If the horizontal writing direction is the vertical direction (X1 ≦ X2 and Y1 ≦
Y2) The flag c (step S63) is set to the flag d if the horizontal writing direction is vertical (step S64). The bit configuration of the memory FLGDIR in units of bytes in which the flags are stored is as shown in FIG. a is 01H,
b is 02H, c is 04H, and d is 08H.

The operation flow of copy suspension and warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40. This FIG.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 40 is performed for each first scan of one document. FLGDIR in step S71
Clear The subsequent steps up to step S72 are the same as those in FIG. If it is determined that the document directions are mixed, a copy interruption request flag is set in step S72. With this flag, the copy sequence control interrupts the development of a new document image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like, and enters a copy operation stop sequence.

At step S73, the direction flag FLG
The image directional counter is cleared according to the flag set in DIR. For example, if the flag c is set, the image directionality counter c is cleared. This is to make this flow effective for the next original. In step S74, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, a warning display code is transmitted if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state.

FIG. 41 shows an example of a display on the operation unit. By detecting the mixture of document directions to the operator, stopping the copy operation and displaying a warning, it is possible to obtain a uniform copy in the image direction of the first sheet for a copy group formed by the operator. . In particular, when performing post-binding processing such as punching and stapling after copying, judgment is usually made only on the cover, punching and stapling are performed, and if there is a copy of the original in a different image direction in the copy group, the page is deleted. The next page turns, and looks bad. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such missing pages, an operator is automatically notified that originals having different image directions are mixed during copying, and the operator checks the image directionality of the originals and copies the originals. It required changing the installation direction, which made it possible to prevent missing pages.

3.1.4.3 In the case of a large number of originals in which the margins of the margins do not match , the image direction is detected by detecting the marginal margins of the respective originals. When an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document in which the image direction differs from the image direction of the first document in the image forming apparatus detects that the document has a different image direction, the image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) is performed. Performing: Performing reverse scanning of a document, for example, to notify the existence of a document having a different image direction or to recover image directional NG to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction. Less than,
The contents will be described. The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (reversal on memory) by image processing will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of a multi-sheet document, if a document having a different image direction is detected by detecting the maximum margin area of each document, the image processing mode is entered in step S81, and after the image processing, the process proceeds to step S82. Step S8
In 2, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, a warning display code is transmitted, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

FIG. 43 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.
An operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of a multi-sheet document, if a document having a different image direction is detected by detecting the margin area of each document, the process enters the document reverse scan mode in step S91, and the image direction is corrected by the reverse scan.
Go to 92. In step S92, a warning display code is sent out if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state to display a warning on the operation unit, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

FIG. 45 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.
The above-described processing is of course also effective in the case of forming double-sided images (double-sided copying).

As described above, the image direction is detected by detecting the marginal area at the end of each document, and when the number of originals is larger than each of the detected document directions, the reference image direction is obtained from the marginal area detection data. When it is determined that the image direction of the original (first original) is different from the image direction, a warning display, image rotation processing, original reverse scanning, and the like are performed to notify the operator that there is an original having the image direction different. In addition, it is possible to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified by recovering the image directionality NG, and to prevent missing pages.

3.1.1.5 Handling when identification is not possible 3.1.5.1 Image formation in a predetermined direction
In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area at the end of each original, and the image direction and image direction of the first original in the copy group from the detected original directions In the image forming apparatus that determines whether a different document exists, if it is recognized that the image direction cannot be identified, an image is formed in a predetermined direction, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. The fact that a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document are present in the document group and its copy group are notified.

The contents will be described below. First, X1, X2, and X2 shown in FIG.
A method for detecting the document direction from Y1 and Y2 will be described. X1 stored in the counter latch 513 shown in FIG.
The flow of FIG. 46 will be described using X2 and Y1 and Y2 stored in the sub-scanning counter 515. X1, X2, Y
When detecting 1, 1 or Y2, if any of X1, X2, Y1 and Y2 cannot be recognized, "-1" is stored in the counter. In steps S101 and S102, X1, X
It is determined whether 2, 2, Y1 and Y2 have been recognized. In the case of y, it is determined that the image direction cannot be identified (step S110). If n, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, X1 and X2 are compared. X1
Is larger than X2, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, Y1 and Y2 are compared. Y
If 1 is greater than Y2, the process proceeds to step S105, and it is determined that the vertical orientation of the original is correctly set in the original. If n in step S104, step S104
Proceeding to 106, it is determined that the horizontal writing original is upside down. In the case of n in step S103, the process proceeds to step S107, and Y1 and Y2 are compared as in step S104. If Y1 is larger, it is determined that the original image is vertically written and upside down (step S108); otherwise, it is determined that the original is a horizontally written original and placed upright (step S10).
9). The images determined respectively are shown in FIG. 31 described above.
(A) is the document determined in step S105, (b) is step S106, and (c) is step S10.
8, (d) is step S109, (e) is step S1
01 and S102. Based on the image information detection result, each document state is counted up by one for each document.

From the result of the count-up, the number of original pages counter a in the vertical writing direction, the number of original pages counter b in the horizontal writing direction, the number of original pages counter c in the horizontal writing direction, and the number of original pages counter in the horizontal writing direction d, using the counter of the document number counter e in which the image direction cannot be identified,
According to FIGS. 48 and 49, it is determined whether or not originals in different directions are mixed in a large number of originals of one job, and whether or not originals whose image directions cannot be identified are mixed.

First, the image direction counter E for counting the type of direction of the document is cleared (step S13).
1). In step S132, it is checked whether or not the counter indicating each document direction from a to d is 0. If 0, 1 is added to the image direction counter E. Step S
In 133, it is checked whether or not the counter indicating the image direction recognizable addition of e is 0. If it is not 0, 4 is subtracted from the image direction counter E.

In step S134, it is determined whether or not the image direction counter E is three. If the image direction counter E is three, all document directions match, and a document indicating a different document direction is It is determined that the document does not exist in the group of multiple sheets of one job (step S136). If the value is other than 3, it is determined that there is a document with a different document direction or a document in which the image direction cannot be recognized in the group of many documents, and the process proceeds to step S135. In step S135, it is determined whether or not the image direction counter E is> 0. When the image direction counter E is> 0, it is determined that documents having different document directions are mixed in the multiple document group ( Step S13
7). If the image direction counter E is not> 0,
It is determined that there is a document whose image direction cannot be recognized in the large number of document groups (step S138).

As shown in FIG. 47, when it is determined that the image direction cannot be identified in the flow of FIG. 46 (step S1).
21, y in S122), an image is formed in a predetermined direction, and if the CPU of the operation unit 204 is in the READY state with respect to the operation unit 204 after copying of all the document groups is completed. (Y in step S123), a display request code is sent to perform the following warning display (step S124). The number of the originals whose image direction cannot be identified is known from the counter e. The display of the warning is as shown in FIG.

Documents with indistinguishable image orientations are mixed <e pages>.・ Check the copy paper and align the image orientation. By doing so, a warning is displayed to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified, thereby preventing missing pages.

3.1.5.2 Identified predetermined reference image
Unified image information direction and image display / warning display For a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area at the end of each original, and that information is used as the reference image direction information. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether the image direction is different from the image direction and aligns the image direction, if the image direction of the reference page is recognized as being indistinguishable,
The next page is determined as the reference image direction page, and the image directions are aligned based on the information of the page. By displaying a warning display of the above matter on the operation unit, the operator is notified of the presence of a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document.

The contents will be described below. FIG.
First, in step S141, the number of pages of the reference document is counted. FLGDIR flag D described later
The page counter m is cleared before the first document is scanned. When reading the first document, F
Since the flag D of LGDIR is OFF, the page counter m is counted by one. Next step to step S
The description up to 142 is the same as that described later with reference to FIG.
In the case of a document in the vertical writing direction, the flag a is set as a direction flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units. If the writing direction is the horizontal writing direction, the flag b is set. If the flag c is in the horizontal writing direction, the flag is set to the flag d. If the document direction is identified, the process proceeds to step S142. If the flag D of FLGDIR is OFF, the flag D is set as a data flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units, and the reference direction data is stored. When the flag D is on (when reference direction data is stored), the process proceeds to the next step. FLGD memory in bytes where flags are stored
The bit configuration of the IR is as shown in FIG. a is 0
1H, b is 02H, c is 04H, d is 08H, e is 10
H and D are 20H. If the CPU of the copy end operation unit 204 of all the document groups is in the READY state, a warning display code is sent to the operation unit 204, and the page counter m identifies which page is used as the reference document. Page number is also displayed. FIG. 53 shows an example of the operation unit. By doing so, a warning is displayed to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified, thereby preventing missing pages.

3.1.5.3 Image Formation Interruption / Warning Display In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area at the end of each original, and copying is performed according to each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus which determines whether or not there is a document having a different image direction from the image direction of the first document in the document group, if it is recognized that the image direction cannot be identified, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed. Is displayed on the operation unit to indicate that a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document exist in the document group and the copy group, and notify the operator to change the document setting direction. .

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. FIG.
In the case of an original in the vertical writing direction, the original is set as the flag a in the memory FLGDIR in byte units (step S151), and if the original is written in the horizontal writing direction, the flag b is set (step S152). If the writing direction is the reverse direction, the flag c is set (step S153), and if the writing direction is the horizontal direction, the flag d is set (step S15).
4). In the case of a document in which the image direction cannot be recognized, the flag e is set as the direction flag in the flag e (step S15).
5). Byte-wise memory FLG in which flags are stored
The bit configuration of the DIR is as shown in FIG. a is 01H, b is 02H, c is 04H, d is 08H, e is 1
0H.

The operation flow of copy suspension and warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. 56, 57 and 58. The flow shown in these figures is performed for each first scan of one document. In step S161, FLGDIR is cleared. 48 and 49 up to step S170.
It is the same as the description. If it is determined that the document directions are mixed, a copy interruption request flag is set in step S161-1 (FIG. 57). With this flag, the copy sequence control interrupts the development of a new document image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like, and enters the sequence of stopping the copy operation. In step S161-2 (FIG. 57), the image direction counter is cleared according to the flag set in the direction flag FLGDIR. For example, if the flag c is set, the image directionality counter c is cleared. This is to make this flow effective for the next original. However, since the value of the image directionality counter e is used for the warning display for the flag e, it is cleared in step S171 after the warning display code is transmitted. Step S
At 170, a warning display code is transmitted if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state so as to display a warning on the operation unit. FIG. 59 shows an example of display on the operation unit.

3.1.6 Blank Documents In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area at the end of each original, and the originals copied in each detected original direction are included in the original group. In the image forming apparatus which determines whether or not there is a document having a different image direction from the image direction of the first document, when it is recognized that the document is blank, the document is reversed by the document reversing means and then the image is re-printed. It is conceivable that the reading operation is performed and the image direction is detected again for the read image.

The contents will be described below. In the reading operation of the ADF (II) shown in FIG. 1, if there is no image information in an image signal for one sheet for an arbitrary document, the document is regarded as being inverted. At this time, the automatic document feeder does not discharge the original, but reverses the original in the automatic document feeder and performs the reading operation by the scanner again. If the information of the re-read original is blank again, it is regarded that both sides are blank, the original is discharged without performing the copying copper operation, the image information on this original is discarded, and the next original is discarded. Perform a read operation. The image direction is detected from the information of the read original again, and if the image direction is the same as the image direction of the series of originals, a normal image forming operation is performed based on the image information of the inverted original. . At this time, if the detected image direction is different from a series of image directions, the image formation is interrupted to request confirmation, or a warning is displayed. When the detected image direction is different from a series of image directions, the read image information is rotated on a memory to unify the image directions.

The above processing will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. In step S181, a document is set on the document table 100, and in step S182, a document number counter CNT is initialized to zero. In step S183, the blank document determination flag is set to 0. Step S18
At step S4, only one document is conveyed and set at a predetermined position on the contact glass 9. Then, at step S185, the document is read. An edge margin area of the document is detected in the edge margin area detecting step S186 for the read image information. In step S187, a blank page detection process is performed to determine whether the read document is a blank document, and if not, the direction is confirmed in the direction confirmation routine in step S188. If the direction is correct, a normal copy operation is performed in step S189, the value of the document counter CNT is increased by 1 in step S190, and the document is discharged from the document feeder in step S191. It is checked in step S192 whether there is any remaining document. If there is any remaining document, the process returns to step S183. If no original remains, the job is terminated and the printer enters the standby mode.

If it is determined in step S187 that the document is a blank document, a blank document determination flag is determined in step S193. If the determination flag is 0 individually, the process proceeds to step S196, where the original is reversed and the process proceeds to step S196.
At step 197, the judgment flag is set to 1 and step S185
And the document is read again. Step S193
When the determination flag FLG is 1, it is determined that both sides are blank originals, so it is regarded as a slip sheet, and step S1 is executed.
From step 94, the process proceeds to step S195, the image data is canceled, and the process proceeds to step S189. After performing a normal copy operation, the document is discharged in step S191, and if it is determined in step S192 that there is a remaining document, The process advances to step S183 to start processing of the next original. If the direction is determined to be incorrect in the direction confirmation routine of step S188, the process proceeds to a recovery process routine of step S198, which will be described later. After performing a predetermined recovery process, the process proceeds to a copy operation of step S189.

Next, the recovery processing routine of step S198 will be described. The recovery processing routine includes the following. a. Interrupt the copy operation and display a warning display on the operation unit. B. Perform image rotation on memory c. Performing reverse scanning of a document Each item is described below.

The operation flow of copy suspension and warning display output will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed every time one document is scanned. If a command has been written in the ROM of the copying machine in advance to interrupt the copying operation when the detected staple position and the detected image direction do not match in the staple mode (copy interruption mode), step S201 is shown. Thus, the copy suspension request flag is set. With this flag, the copy sequence control interrupts the development of a new document image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like, and enters the sequence of stopping the copy operation. If the copy interruption instruction has not been written, step S201 is ignored and step S201 is ignored.
Proceed to 202.

In step S202, the operation unit 2
In order to display a warning on the LCD 410 of the controller 04, a warning display code is transmitted if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. FIG. 63 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (reversal on memory) by image processing is the same as the flow shown in FIG. Also, the warning display is the same as in FIG.

The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as that in FIG. The warning display is the same as that in FIG.

In the case of a code of a plurality of originals, if there is an original whose front and back are reversed, if the code is executed as it is, a missing page will occur. In order to prevent this, it is determined whether or not the document is blank, and when it is recognized that the document is blank, the document can be reversed in the apparatus to return to a state where the document is not turned over. If the inverted document is recognized as blank again, it is determined that both the front and back sides are blank, and the copy operation is stopped for this document to prevent missing pages.

In addition to the above operations, by recognizing the direction of the original document, it is determined whether or not the original document has the same orientation as another document. Stop, rotate the image, reverse scan the original, etc. to notify that there is an original with a different image direction, recover the image directionality NG, and obtain a copy with a uniform image direction Can be prevented and missing pages can be prevented.

3.1.7 Image Directivity N for Many Documents
Correspondence at the time of G detection ( when image processing cannot be performed at the time of detection of inconsistency in the marginal area by margin recognition ) In the case of a large number of originals, the image is oriented by detecting the marginal area of each original. An image forming apparatus that determines whether or not a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copy group based on the document direction. If the system does not have a recovery function for NG and it is impossible to obtain a uniform copy in the image direction without a corresponding action by the operator, Aa) the number of sorts is equal to or more than a predetermined number according to the number of sorts (arbitrary) In the case of ()), the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call attention of the operator. After a predetermined time has elapsed, if the operator has not taken any corresponding action, the copying operation is restarted. b) According to the number of copies, when the number of copies is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the copying operation is continuously performed, and only a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Ba) When the human body detection sensor is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call attention of the operator. After a predetermined time has elapsed, if the operator has not taken any corresponding action, the copying operation is restarted. b) When the human body detection sensor is OFF, the copying operation is continuously performed, and only a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Notify that there is a document with a different image direction by, for example, request the operator to perform processing for unifying the image direction, and if there is no correspondence, perform a predetermined operation to reduce the dead time of the machine Is performed.

First, a copy operation flow to cope with the number of sorts will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed for each first scan of one document. If there is a document determined to be image orientation NG with respect to the reference document in the copy document, as shown in step S231, the predetermined number N (arbitrary) and the number of sorts set by the operator are compared by the comparing means. If the set number is larger than the predetermined number N, an instruction is written in advance in the ROM of the copying machine to interrupt the copy operation (copy interrupt mode), and the copy interrupt request flag is set. . With this flag, the copy sequence control interrupts the development of a new document image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like, and enters the sequence of stopping the copy operation. Then, in step S232, a warning display as shown in FIG. 65 is performed to request confirmation from the operator. On the other hand, when the operator takes some action and presses the start key 431 again, the copying operation is restarted.

On the other hand, when a warning is not taken, such as when the operator is away from the copying machine, a timer in the main body that monitors the elapsed time (TIME) after the copy is interrupted. By the predetermined P
If no action is taken after waiting for the SET time, the copying operation is restarted. If the number of copies set by the operator is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number N in step S231, step S232 is ignored and the copy operation is continued.

After the copy is completed, in step S233, if a warning display for notifying the operator that a document having a different image direction is present is displayed on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the copy reception ready state, a warning display copy is performed. Is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. FIG. 66 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

Next, an operation flow of the copier equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed for each first scan of one document. If there is a document determined to be image orientation NG with respect to the reference document in the copy document, step S
As indicated by reference numeral 241, when the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, an instruction is written in advance in the ROM of the copying machine to interrupt the copy operation (copy interrupt mode), and a copy interrupt request flag is written to the memory. And the feeding of a new transfer sheet is interrupted, and the sequence for stopping the copying operation is started. Then, a warning display (similar to FIG. 65) for prompting the operator to confirm is performed in step S242. On the other hand, when the operator takes some action and presses the start key 431 again, the copying operation is restarted.

On the other hand, when no response can be made to the warning, such as when the human body detection sensor 225 is operating for an object other than the operator, the elapsed time (TIME) after the copy is interrupted is monitored. When the timer in the main body does not solve the problem even after waiting for a predetermined PSET time, the copying operation is restarted. Step S
If the operator has left the copying machine in 241 (when the human body detection sensor is OFF), step S242 is ignored and the copying operation is continued.

After the copying is completed, in step S243, if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, a warning display code is displayed on the operation unit to notify the operator that a document having a different image direction exists. Is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The warning display on the operation unit is the same as in FIG.

By doing so, the following effects can be obtained.
In the copy operation using the sorter, the image direction N
When it is recognized that the G original exists, if the number of copies that can be easily corrected after copying is small, the copy operation is performed without interruption according to the number of copies, and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copy is completed. As a result, missing pages can be prevented.

On the other hand, when there is a large number of sort copies that are difficult to correct later, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, thereby preventing missing pages. If the number of sorts is large and the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, if no action can be taken even after the elapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is automatically restarted, and the unnecessary stop time of the machine, In addition, unnecessary occupation time by the current job can be omitted. At the same time, a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copy is completed, so that when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, NG originals (copy) in the image direction are mixed. Automatically, the operator is requested to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself, thereby preventing missing pages.

In the copying operation of the copier equipped with the human body detection sensor 225, when it is recognized that an original in the image direction NG is present, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is output in accordance with the output signal of the human body detection sensor 225. Is OFF (when the operator is not in front of the copier)
By performing a copy operation without interruption and displaying a warning on the operation unit after the copy operation is completed, the operator can perform post-copy binding processing such as punching, stapling, etc. on a copy group after image formation. It is automatically notified that direction NG originals (copy) are mixed, and it is requested that the operator himself confirm the image direction of the copy, thereby preventing missing pages.

On the other hand, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON
In this case, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, thereby preventing the missing page. Furthermore, after the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copy operation is interrupted, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the copy operation is automatically restarted. However, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary useless stopping time of the machine and unnecessary useless time of the current job. At the same time, a warning is displayed on the operation unit after copying is completed, so that when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, NG originals (copy) in the image direction are mixed. Automatically, and request that the operator himself check the image direction of the copy,
This makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

3.2.1 In Page Area of Output Image Information
It detects the maximum edge margins, when the staple number of sheets document maximum edge margin which is stapling position determined 3.2.2 detection from the detection data, and detects the image orientation by detecting the end margin areas of the document The staple position is determined from the detected image data. Although the contents are as described above, the present invention is also effective in the case of forming a double-sided image (double-sided copying). By doing so, miss staples can be prevented in advance.

3.2.3 Original Size and Original Setting Direction
The reference 2 end face is determined from the (image information direction), and the staple position is determined from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face. The image direction is detected by detecting the margin area at the end of the side, the image direction of the document is recognized based on the detected document direction, and the staple position is determined.

The contents will be described below. The binding margin position of a document usually used in an office is determined according to the document size. For example, in the case of A4 paper, the document size is 210 mm × 297 mm, but one side of 297 mm in the longitudinal direction is usually a binding margin position. Therefore, if the document is placed as shown in FIG. 28, the top and bottom of the document can be determined from the margin area of the document by comparing only X1 and X2.

If the original is determined to be vertical by the original size detection, the binding margin position is determined using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513 shown in FIG. 29, and the original is determined to be horizontal. In the case, the sub-scanning counter 51
5, the binding margin position of the document is determined using Y1 and Y2. The method of detecting the binding margin position of the document from X1 and X2 in FIG. 28 detected by the white portion detection circuit on the document is the same as that in FIG.

The binding margin position of the document is detected by the above method, and the flow shown in FIG. 68 is performed. When the copy is completed (y in step S261), the original binding position of the copy group is determined from the original binding position data (step S262). In the staple mode (y in step S263), the staple position is determined from the result of determination of the binding margin position of the copy group (step S26).
4) The stapler is activated and stapled (step S265). After stapling, the apparatus enters a standby mode (step S266). When the mode is not the staple mode, the apparatus directly enters the standby mode.

The above processing is performed for both-side image formation (two-sided copying)
It is also effective when targeting. In this way, the stapling position is determined by detecting the binding margin position and the original image direction of the formatted original image with a simple configuration, and post-processing after copying is efficiently performed. Can be.

3.2.4 Image from Maximum Edge Space Data
Recognizes the direction and confirms image direction consistency by comparing it with the reference staple position data When using a large number of documents, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area at the end of each document, and the detected image data and the reference staple position are detected. The method for confirming the consistency in this case is as described above. Note that the present invention is also effective in a case where two-sided image formation (two-sided copying) is targeted.

As described above, by determining the consistency between the image direction detected from the maximum end surface margin data and the reference staple position, misstaples can be prevented in advance.

3.2.5 Image from Maximum Edge Margin Data
Image orientation NG recovery by recognizing direction and comparing with standard staple position data When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the marginal area at the end of each original, and the staple position is detected based on the detected image data. When the reference stapling position data and the detected image direction do not match, the image forming apparatus determines: a) suspends the copying operation and displays a warning display on the operation unit; b) continues the copying operation and continues the stapling operation. Prohibit c) Perform image rotation processing (reverse on memory) d) Perform reverse scan of original to prevent mis-staples.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. The operation flow of copy suspension and warning display output is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. An operation flow of image formation continuation and staple inhibition will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed for each first scan of one document. When the staple mode is set by an input from the operation unit, a staple request flag is set. At this time, if it is determined that the image direction detected from the maximum margin detection data does not match the reference staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S281. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. Note that the staple mode is turned on /
After the OFF state is confirmed once, the process may be started from step S281 for the second and subsequent originals. Step S28
In 2, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, a warning display code is transmitted, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (reversal on the memory) or the like by image processing is the same as that in FIG. The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as that in FIG. Although not described above, a) to d) are also effective in the case of two-sided image formation (two-sided copying).

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction detected from the maximum margin detection data does not match the reference staple position, a warning display, a stop of the copy operation, an image rotation process, a document reverse scan, and a staple mode automatic By canceling or the like, misstaples can be prevented in the staple mode.

3.2.6 Determined from Maximum Edge Face Margin Data
When a large number of sheets document when the image exists on the staple position, and detects the image orientation by detecting the end margin areas of the document, an image forming apparatus for determining a stapling position by each of the detected image data In the above, when an image exists at the determined stapling position, a) suspending the copying operation and displaying a warning display on the operation unit b) continuing the image forming and prohibiting stapling c) shifting and changing the image by image processing Perform doubling (reduction), etc. d) Change the staple position e) Automatically release the staple mode (default), etc., so that the staples do not enter the image,
The stapling is performed to prevent the copy original from being damaged.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. The operation flow of copying suspension and warning display output will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is performed for each first scan of one document. If an instruction has been written in the ROM of the copier in advance to interrupt the copying operation when an image is present at the stapling position in the stapling mode, a copy interruption request flag is set as shown in step S311. . With this flag, the copy sequence control interrupts the development of a new document image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like, and enters the sequence of stopping the copy operation. If the copy interruption command has not been written, step S311 is ignored, and step S311 is ignored.
Go to 312. In step S311, a warning display code is sent out if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state to display a warning on the operation unit, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation flow for continuing image formation and stapling will be described with reference to FIG. The flow shown in this figure is
This is performed for each first scan of one document. When the staple mode is set by an input from the operation unit, a staple request flag is set. At this time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S321. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. After the ON / OFF of the staple mode has been confirmed once, the flow of step S321 may be started for the second and subsequent originals. In step S322, to display a warning on the operation unit, a warning display code is transmitted if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

Sequence / magnification (reduction) by image processing
The operation flow for performing the above operation will be described with reference to FIG.
When the staple mode is set, a staple request flag is set. At that time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position,
In step S331, the process enters the image processing mode. In step S332, a warning display code is sent out if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state to display a warning on the operation unit, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation flow for changing the staple position will be described with reference to FIG. When the staple mode is set, a staple request flag is set.
At this time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, in step S341, the staple position is changed to the staple position change mode so as to staple outside the image area. Step S3
At 42, a warning display code is sent out if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state so as to display a warning on the operation unit, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation flow when the staple mode is automatically canceled (at the time of default) will be described with reference to FIG. When the staple mode is set by default, a staple request flag is set. then,
If it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S321. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. After the ON / OFF of the staple mode has been confirmed once, the flow of step S321 may be started for the second and subsequent originals. In step S322, to display a warning on the operation unit, a warning display code is transmitted if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The above-described processing is also effective in the case of forming a double-sided image (double-sided copying). FIG. 74 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

As described above, when an image exists at the determined staple position, the stop of the copy operation / warning display,
By performing image shift / magnification, staple position change, staple mode automatic release, and the like, it is possible to prevent image damage due to staples in the staple mode.

3.3.1 Image according to image forming mode
Selection control of direction identification detection In the case of a large number of originals, an image forming apparatus that detects an image direction by detecting an edge margin area of each original, and identifies and detects an image direction based on each detected image data. In the forming mode (excluding post-processing), the image direction identification detection is disabled, and the efficiency of the copying operation is prevented from lowering.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. The image direction is detected by detecting the margin area of the document,
In order to identify and detect the image direction based on each detected image data, an operation such as image processing must be performed. This operation must be performed every time each document is scanned, which takes a very long time, and is inefficient for a normal copying operation. Therefore, in the case of a normal copy operation, the copy operation is performed without passing through the image direction recognition detection unit, and it is determined whether or not the image direction identification is detected in step S351 of the flowchart shown in FIG. When post-processing such as stapling and punching is performed, the direction identification detection is performed unconditionally, and the direction identification flag is set. When the direction identification flag is set, the process proceeds to the image direction identification detection mode of step S352. After the copy is completed, the process proceeds to the staple mode (post-processing mode) in step S354. After the process is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode in step S355, and waits for a key input instruction from the operator. When the direction identification flag is off, the process proceeds to the normal copy mode in step S353, and after the copy is completed, proceeds to the standby mode in step S355, and waits for a key input instruction by the operator.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus which detects the image direction by detecting the margin area at the end of the document and discriminates and detects the image direction, the image direction identification is performed in the normal image forming mode (excluding post-processing). By making the detection inoperative, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the efficiency of the copying operation.

3.3.2 Manual after completion of sorting operation
Le when stapling instruction input, when many sheets the document when the staple position NG on the basis of the end face extra white data, detects the image orientation by detecting the end margin areas of each original, staple positions by each of the detected image data After the sorting operation is completed, when the manual stapling instruction is input, from the detected image data, when it is determined that the image direction of the document is inconsistent, and when the image is determined at the determined staple position, When it is determined that the staple is present, a) a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B) the staple is prohibited so that no mis-staple is generated.
The stapling is performed to prevent the copy original from being damaged.

Hereinafter, the contents thereof will be described. The operation flow of the warning display output will be described with reference to FIG. After the end of the copying operation and the sorting operation, the staple counter K is cleared. When the operator enters a staple mode during the copy / sort operation and before the start of the operation, the staple flag S is set. The machine enters the READY mode once after the copy / sort operation is completed, and waits for the next command. If the staple flag S is set, the staple mode is entered. The staple mode is also entered by an operator's key input, and the staple counter K is counted by one. If the image directions of the copied document are not consistent, or if an image exists at the staple position, the process proceeds to step S362 as shown in step S361, where a staple interruption code is issued.

In step S363, a warning display code is sent out if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state so as to display a warning on the operation unit, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. Then, the system again enters the READY mode and waits for the next command. Here, when the staple key is turned on again, the staple count K is further increased by one.
It is counted and goes to the staple operation mode by the flow. FIG. 77 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

The operation flow of stapling inhibition will be described with reference to FIG. After the copy operation and the sort operation are completed, the staple flag S is set when the machine is in the READY mode state or when the staple mode input instruction is issued by the operator during the copy / sort operation.

When the machine finishes the copy / sort operation, 1
The system enters the ready mode and waits for the next command.
If the staple flag S is set, the staple mode is entered as it is, and the staple mode is entered also by an operator's key input. If the image direction of the copy document is inconsistent, or if there is an image at the stapling position, as shown in step S371, step S3
Go to 72 to issue a staple inhibit code. In step S373, a warning display code is sent out if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state to display a warning on the operation unit, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. Then, the system again enters the READY mode and waits for the next command. FIG. 79 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

In this way, when the image direction of the copied document is inconsistent or when an image exists at the staple position, a warning display, staple inhibition, and the like are performed to prevent the image from being damaged by staples. Can be.

[0194] 4. Image Direction Recognition by Layout Judgment In the above-described apparatus that cuts out characters and judges the top and bottom, it takes a long time to make the judgment, and real-time control requires a considerable cost. Therefore, practical application is difficult unless the image processing apparatus has a large shift. Therefore, as a method of easily recognizing the top and bottom directions, there is a method of determining the layout of a page character string without cutting out characters.
In this method, characters are written horizontally and fixed from the left side, and an attempt is made to determine top and bottom by judging the end position of a sentence.

4.1.1 Layout Determination of Entire Image
Image Direction Recognition As a method for easily recognizing the vertical direction, there is the following method. This method determines the layout of a page character string without performing character recognition. In other words, the top and bottom judgments are to be made based on the judgment of the blank area at the beginning of the sentence and the blank area at the end of the sentence. Line cutting can be determined by, for example, a black-and-white pattern in the main scanning direction of a scanner. If one line after the filtering process described later is entirely a white pattern, it can be determined to be a line feed unit.

The rotation of the image is controlled so that the layout can be determined according to the type of the original, whether it is a vertical writing original, a horizontal writing original, or whether the original is placed vertically or horizontally. It is necessary to switch the main scanning and the sub-scanning. By performing such image rotation, it is possible to make a good determination even for a document written vertically, horizontally, vertically, or horizontally (rotation of a filter in the following embodiments). In order to determine the length of a line, it is only necessary to recognize the start of a continuous white pattern in one cut line. As shown in FIG. 80, when the result is obtained from the line segmentation result, it can be determined that all the line end positions are on the right side,
It can be determined that the image is upside down. In the above example, the paper direction of the original document is described only in the vertical direction. However, when the paper direction is the horizontal direction, the image can be rotated as described above, and the same determination can be made.

Next, the actual judgment method will be described in detail. First, a method of cutting out lines will be described. Usually, a document has a larger space between lines than between characters. An image closer to the image filter in the image processing stage is treated as a large dot lump. A very similar process is image mosaic processing. In the mosaic processing, for example, a large dot lump is composed of 200 dots × 200 dots (200 ×
200 filters), the average density of each pixel contained therein is obtained, and the density is set to 20 × 20 for a large block. That is, this is a process for averaging the densities of the peripheral pixels.

The line segmentation is an application of the mosaic processing. For example, a filter of 50 dots × 50 dots is prepared, and a certain one pixel is set at the center, and 50 dots × 5
If an image exists in a pixel of 0 dot, the density of that pixel is set to black. Conversely, if there is no image in the surrounding pixels, it is determined to be white. That is, the image of the document image is filtered to perform the binary expression. Normally, a value read by a scanner is read with several gradations. Assuming that the number of gradations is 256, one pixel is represented by 8 bits (1 byte), 0 is white having the highest reflectance, and 255 (OFFH) is black where reflected light does not return to the sensor. Data when expressed by binary with a filter of × 50 is 0 or OFF
H. FIG. 83 shows a visual representation of what is obtained by the above-described image processing and is developed on a one-page bitmap memory.

When the number of pixels of the filter is reduced, the influence of the peripheral image is eliminated, and the character is cut out as shown in FIG. 84 instead of the line cut as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, if the number of pixels of the filter is set to be large, the line spacing cannot be recognized, and only the portion having no character in the line is determined to be white as shown in FIG. When the number of pixels of the filter is further increased and the number of dots becomes equal to or greater than the line feed width, the entire original is black as shown in FIG. In other words, a filter that is smaller than the space between lines and larger than the space between characters is required to perform line segmentation successfully. In addition, a filter that is larger than the line spacing and smaller than the line feed width is required to know the schematic layout.

[0200] Furthermore, in order to ensure that lines are cut out, a square filter is used in the above description. However, when only horizontal writing characters are supported, a horizontally long rectangular filter can be used to cut out lines with high accuracy. it can. For example, 60
Using a filter of dot × 30 dots (horizontal × vertical) (FIG. 87), if the resolution is 15 dots / mm, 2 mm
You can recognize up to the line spacing. At this time, even if the distance between the characters is about 4 mm, it is connected to the next character and can be determined as one line.

If the line cannot be cut out properly even if a rectangular filter such as 60 dots × 30 dots is used (for example, in the case of a vertically written original such as a Japanese language textbook), the filter is set to the vertical position. , 30 dots x 60
Image processing is performed on the original image with a dot filter. By doing so, it becomes possible to cut out a vertical writing original in a vertical line.

Next, a method for recognizing the original image direction will be described. As described above, by changing the number of vertical and horizontal dots of the filter, it was possible to determine whether the document was a vertical writing document or a horizontal writing document.
However, it is not possible to determine whether the read original is correctly placed on the top or bottom. The determination as to whether the top and bottom are correctly placed is performed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 87, when a horizontally long filter is used, it is confirmed whether or not the pixel of each Y-axis bit at the X-axis (main operation direction) address is OFFH. At this time,
Instead of checking every bit of the Y axis,
For example, if the filter is 60 × 30, it may be checked every 15 dots. It is not necessary to check all pixels on the X axis. Check any pixel from the Xmin point where the X-axis image starts. Horizontal writing, 1 paragraph, 1
In order to provide a character space, if the filter is a 60 × 30 filter, pixels of about 4 times the number of horizontal dots (240 dots) are checked for 0 or OFFH at every 30 dots. It is sufficient to check 240 pixels in the document reference direction in the same manner from the pixel of Xmax, which is the maximum value on the X axis, and Xmax. From the dot information on the Y axis of Xmin and Xmax on the X axis, it can be determined whether the end of the line is on the Xmin side or the Xmax side.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 88, X
The number of black level (OFFH) pixels checked on the min side is compared with the number of black level pixels checked on the Xmax side (step S381). If the number of black pixels detected on the Xmin side is larger than that on the Xmax side, it can be determined that the Xmin side is the write start position (step S382). Conversely, when the number of black pixels on the Xmax side is large, it is possible to determine that the Xmax side is the writing start position (step S383), and it is possible to determine that the original is upside down. As described above, by performing image processing, it is possible to determine whether the original is written vertically or horizontally and whether the original is upside down.

[0205] On the other hand, for a vertically long document, a sentence is usually described in horizontal writing. If the document size detecting means detects that the portrait document is set on the document table in the vertical direction, the discrimination time can be reduced by preferentially selecting a horizontal filter of 60 × 30. Conversely, if the filter is set in the horizontal direction, the filter is rotated 90 degrees and 3
Make it 0x60. When the number of black pixels on the Xmax side is equal to the number of black pixels on the Xmin side, that is, in the case of a manuscript, characters are completely written on the entire surface of the manuscript. Becomes impossible. In such a case, detection can be performed by the following method.

As shown in FIG. 86, the address of the black pixel closest to the X-axis and Y-axis reference points and the point (point A) that is diagonal to the X-axis and Y-axis reference points. The address of the black pixel is detected, and the distance from each corner is calculated. Normally, the writing start position is larger in distance from the corner, so L1 in FIG.
And L2, and if L1 ≧ L2, the top-to-bottom direction, L2>
If it is L1, it can be easily determined that the direction is upside down (step S384 in FIG. 88). This is determined based on the result of cutting out the line, that is, the character string occupying area. However, the same processing can be performed even with the character occupying area (character arranging area occupying area) as a result of further reducing the filter as shown in FIG. Become. Since line spacing is usually wider than character spacing,
It is possible to determine whether it is vertical writing or horizontal writing based on the distance between adjacent four character arrangement sections. The distance between the adjacent character arrangement sections may be determined by calculating the center of gravity of each character arrangement section by image processing and measuring the distance between the centers of gravity (generally, the center of gravity is also referred to as centroid).

In FIG. 89, the average value Xave of the distance between the centers of gravity of the character array sections in the X-axis direction is compared with the average value Yave of the distance between the centers of gravity of the character array sections in the Y-axis direction. 5 shows a flow for determining horizontal writing. Step S39
In 1, if Xave <Yave, it can be determined that the document is written horizontally, otherwise it is written vertically. From such processing and the document size, it is possible to determine the orientation in the top and bottom, how to write (vertical writing, horizontal writing), and the direction of the document (portrait and landscape), and 16 types of original image can be recognized.

4.1.2 Image blank at the time of layout judgment
In the above example, the top and bottom and the direction of the image are determined.However, when staples and punches are considered, it is also important to determine whether or not there is an image at the staple portion or punch portion of the transfer paper. Come. The stapling location is one of the four corners of the transfer paper if staples are stopped at one place, or
In the case of two or more staples, the staple is one of the four sides of the transfer paper. By taking AND of each white area of a plurality of originals, a blank area common to the originals of one job can be obtained.

In the case of one stop, a triangle pattern is prepared as a blank area pattern as shown in FIG. 81, and the lengths of two sides, X1 and Y1, of this triangle pattern are determined by the blank area of each document. Then, the length of Xmin and Ymin is calculated, and it is determined whether or not a straight line connecting Xmin and Ymin spans the staple range.

In the case of double-sided stop or punch, the blank area pattern is compared with the blank area of a rectangular pattern original image as shown in FIG. The length of the rectangle in the vertical direction (Y-axis length Y) is the same as the length of the document in the vertical direction.
The blank area of each document is indicated by the value of X1. Xmin
, It is possible to detect a blank area common to each document of one job.

4.2.1 Image Based on Layout Judgment
Direction recognition [combination of image information direction data (document setting direction) and image information output size data (document size)] 4.2.2 Output image information page based on layout judgment
Image direction recognition from corner margin data in page area Image direction is detected based on layout judgment (from document setting direction and document size) or by detecting corner margin area in page area based on layout judgment. Gender matching is confirmed, and a copy in which the image direction is unified can be obtained.

The contents will be described below. The document whose image direction has been determined follows the copy interruption and warning display output operation flow shown in FIG. 62 described above. The warning display is the same as in FIG. Further, the present embodiment is of course also effective in the case of forming a double-sided image (double-sided copying). As described above, the image direction is detected based on the layout determination (from the document setting direction and the document size) or by detecting the corner margin area in the page area based on the layout determination, and based on each detected document direction, By judging whether or not the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction, and confirming the consistency of the image direction, it is possible to notify that there is a document having the image direction different from that of the original, and to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified. It is possible to prevent missing pages.

4.2.3 Layout of Large Number of Documents
Verification function of images direction with the other image information based on the cross (Orientation unity) 4.2.4 when many sheets original group based on the layout determined
Quasi output image directionality of confirmation matching with the image information of the page area other image information from the corner margin data (image orientation unity) when many sheets document, based on the layout determined in each document, or a reference output based on the layout determined The image direction is detected by detecting the corner margin area in the page area of the image information, and it is determined whether or not the image direction of the reference document is different from the image direction of the reference document in the copy group from each detected document direction. , The image orientation is checked for consistency. When the image direction mismatch state is confirmed, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that a copy in which the image directions are unified can be obtained.

The contents will be described below. In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected based on the layout judgment of each original, or by detecting the corner margin area in the page area of the reference output image information based on the layout judgment, and copying is performed from each detected original direction. It is determined whether or not the image direction of the reference document is different from the image direction in the group, and matching of the image direction is confirmed. At this time, there are two possible ways: a) use the reference output image information as the first output image information (start page); b) use an arbitrary page according to the number of originals. Arbitrarily means that the operator may set it himself or write it in advance in the ROM so that the page of the reference document is automatically determined based on the number of documents. The document whose image direction has been determined follows the copy interruption and warning display output operation flow shown in FIG. 62 as described above. FIG. 90 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit. The above-described processing is, of course, also effective for a case where two-sided image formation (two-sided copying) is performed.

As described above, based on the layout judgment,
Or, by detecting a corner margin area in the page area of the reference output image information based on the layout judgment, the image direction is detected, and it is determined whether the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction based on the respective detected document directions. Judge,
By confirming the matching of the image direction, it is possible to notify that a document having a different image direction exists, to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified, and to prevent missing pages.

4.2.5 When multiple sheets / horizontal / horizontal originals are mixed,
Verification function of the image orientation based on the layout determined with respect to the reference image information of a constant (Orientation unity) when many sheets document, based on the layout determined in each document, or a reference output image data within the page area based on the layout determined The image direction is detected by detecting the corner margin area, and it is determined whether or not the image direction of the reference document is different from the image direction of the reference document in the copy group based on the detected document directions. Make a confirmation. When the image direction mismatch state is confirmed, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that a copy in which the image directions are unified can be obtained.

The contents will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 91 and 92, the original is written horizontally (vertical in paper direction, written in alphanumeric characters), horizontally in original (horizontal in paper direction,
There are four types: alphanumeric writing, vertical original writing (vertical orientation in paper direction, Japanese language writing), and horizontal original writing vertically (horizontal orientation in paper direction, Japanese writing). When a large number of originals are stacked, it is considered that the above four types of originals are mixed. However, it is considered that a vertically written document and a horizontally written document are not mixed. Therefore, (1) a case where both a vertical document and a horizontal document are mixed (2) a vertical document and a horizontal document It is considered that there are two types: the case where the writing is mixed. The four types of originals can be identified including the top and bottom of the image using the layout determination.

In the case where a portrait document and a landscape document are mixed, the reference image information is determined, and
Unify the image direction of each document. The following methods A, B, C, and the like can be considered as a method of determining the reference image information.

A. When the image information of the document corresponding to the cover is used as the reference image information: a) When the cover is a vertical document, the vertical document is used as the reference image information. B) When the cover is a horizontal document, the horizontal document is used as the reference image information. In the automatic document feeder (ADF) II shown in FIG. 1, the original is set with the original surface facing upward and the sheet is inverted and fed from the bottom sheet, so that the image information of the original corresponding to the cover is recognized at the end. Become. Therefore, when all the pages of the loaded document are stored in memory and the image information of the document corresponding to the front cover is confirmed, the image information of the document is unified by using the image information as reference image information. There is also a type of automatic document feeder that sets the document face down and feeds from the first sheet. Since the image information of the document corresponding to the cover can be recognized first, the image information is used as the reference image information. Unify the image direction of the fed document.

The automatic document recirculating paper feeder (RDH) copies one document, discharges it, simultaneously feeds the second document, and returns the first document to the top of the document stacker. The copy is finished one copy at a time in the page order while repeatedly preparing for the next feeding. In RDH, where the original surface is set upward and the sheet is reversed and fed from the bottom sheet, the image information of the original is recognized once while the original is idle-fed, and when the image information of the original corresponding to the front cover is confirmed, the image information is used as a reference. The image direction of a document fed as image information is unified. In the RDH in which the original surface is set downward and the first sheet is fed, the image information of the original corresponding to the front cover can be recognized first, so that the image information is used as the reference image information, and the image direction of the subsequently fed original is changed. Unify.

B. Detecting the ratio between portrait and landscape documents and using the document with the highest ratio as reference image information a) If the ratio of portrait documents is large, use the portrait document as reference image information b) If the ratio of landscape documents is large, landscape document In the case of an automatic document feeder (ADF) in which is used as reference image information, all pages of a stacked document are stored in memory, the number of vertical documents and the number of horizontal documents are counted, and the ratio of vertical documents to horizontal documents is detected.

In the case of an automatic document recirculation feeder (RDH), the number of vertical documents and the number of horizontal documents are counted, respectively, while the documents are fed idle, and the ratio of vertical documents to horizontal documents is detected. C. When manually selecting, for example, whether to use a vertical document as the reference image information or a horizontal document as the reference image information, the reference image information is manually selected. But
Method of setting whether to use the horizontal document as the reference image information (can be set for each of horizontal writing and vertical writing documents, and can be set for only one of them). There is a method of manually selecting which of horizontal original document, vertical original document, vertical original document, and horizontal original document is used as the reference image information (which can be selectively set each time copying is performed).

Next, how to match the original when the reference image information is determined will be described. (1) When horizontal original and horizontal original are mixed (see FIG. 91) When the vertical original is determined as the reference image information, the upper end of the horizontal original is aligned with the left end surface of the vertical original. When the horizontal document is determined as the reference image information, the vertical document aligns the right end surface with the upper end surface of the horizontal document. (2) When both vertical original and horizontal original are mixed (see FIG. 92) When the vertical original is determined as the reference image information, the upper end of the horizontal original is aligned with the right end surface of the vertical original. When the horizontal document is determined as the reference image information, the vertical document aligns the upper end surface with the left end surface of the horizontal document.

As shown in FIG. 93, the unification of the image direction of the recording paper is performed by changing the image information read into the page memory by 180 °.
This is done by rotating. For example, the above (1)-
When horizontal and horizontal originals are mixed,
A case where a vertical document is determined as the reference image information will be described. When the vertical original horizontal writing as shown in (a) is the reference image information, the left end surface of the vertical original and the upper end surface of the horizontal original are aligned as shown in (1) of FIG. According to the layout determination, when the original is written horizontally and vertically, as shown in (b), the image is rotated 180 °. When it is recognized as a horizontal original document and the top and bottom of the image are as shown in FIG.
In this case, the image is rotated by 180 ° to match the reference image information shown in FIG. FIG. 94 shows the relationship between each reference image and the staple position and the punch position.

Next, an operation flow will be described with reference to FIG. After the copy is completed, the image direction consistency is checked in step S421. RE when consistency is OK
Enter ADY mode. If the consistency is NG, a warning is displayed on the operation unit in step S422. If the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

Although not described above, the present invention is of course effective even in the case of forming a double-sided image (double-sided copying).

When the operator performs post-copy binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, the operator usually makes a judgment only on the cover, performs punching and stapling, and performs different processing in the copy group. If there is a copy in the image direction, the page will be lost and the page will turn, and the appearance will be poor.
In the present embodiment, in order to prevent such missing pages, the consistency of the image direction is checked by layout judgment. If there is a mixture of inconsistent documents, the image direction is unified by image processing, etc.・ It is possible to prevent missing pages during post-processing such as punching.

4.2.6 Image Directivity N for Many Documents
Recovering when G is detected (corner margin area mismatch) In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the marginal area based on the layout judgment of each original. In the image forming apparatus which determines whether or not there is a document having an image direction different from the image direction of the document, if a document having a different image direction is detected, a) the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B) Perform image rotation processing (reverse in memory) c) Perform reverse scanning of the document to notify that a document with a different image direction exists, perform recovery for image directionality NG, and perform image direction It is done to get a unified copy of. Less than,
The contents will be described. The operation flow of copy suspension and warning display output is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. FIG. 42 shows an operation flow when performing image rotation processing (inversion on memory) by image processing.
Is the same as The warning display is the same as in FIG. The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. Although not described above, a) to c) are for double-sided image formation (double-sided copying)
Of course, it is also effective when targeting.

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction detected from the maximum margin detection data does not match the reference staple position, the warning display / copy operation is stopped, the image is rotated, and the document is reverse scanned. Informs that a document having a different image direction exists,
By recovering G, a copy in which the image direction is unified can be obtained, and missing pages can be prevented.

4.2.7 Correspondence at the Time of Unrecognizable In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area based on the layout judgment of each original, and the originals copied from each detected original direction In the image forming apparatus which determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document, if the reference document is recognized as being indistinguishable from the image direction: The image is formed in a predetermined direction, and a warning is displayed on the operation unit. B) The next page or the subsequent page is used as a reference direction original to unify the image direction to form an image and a warning is displayed. C) Image formation is interrupted. By displaying a warning display on the operation unit or the like, it is performed to notify that a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document exist in the document group and the copy group.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. A flowchart for forming an image direction in a predetermined direction and displaying a warning on the operation unit is the same as the flowchart in FIG.
The display contents are the same as those in FIG.

An operation flow for unifying the image direction using the next page or the subsequent page as a reference direction original to form an image and outputting a warning display will be described with reference to FIGS. 96 and 97. In FIG. 96, in step S471, the number of pages of the reference document is counted. The FLGDIR reference direction data flag D and page counter m, which will be described later,
Cleared before the original is scanned. When reading the first original, flag D of FLGDIR is OF
Since it is F, the page counter m is counted by one. In FIG. 97, the image direction is detected by detecting a margin area based on the layout determination of each document, and the state of each document is counted up one by one based on the image information detection result. Document counter in vertical writing orientation, counter a in horizontal writing direction, counter b in horizontal direction, document counter in vertical writing in reverse direction c, document counter in horizontal writing in vertical direction, document with indistinguishable image direction The counter of the number of sheets counter e is used. In the case of a document in the vertical writing direction, the flag a is set as a direction flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units. Flag c, flag d if horizontal writing
(Step S481). When the document direction is identified, the flow advances to step S482 to execute FLGDI
When the flag D of R is OFF, the flag D is set as a reference direction data flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units, and the reference direction data is stored. When the flag D is on (when reference direction data is stored), the process proceeds to the next step. When the image direction cannot be identified, the flag e is used as the direction flag and the memory FLGD in bytes is used.
It is set to IR (step S483).

The bit configuration of the memory FLGDIR is as shown in FIG. a is 01H, b is 02
H, c is 04H, d is 08H, e is 10H, D is 20H
It is.

If the CPU of the operation unit is in the READY state after the copy of all the document groups is completed, a warning display code is sent to the operation unit. Also, since the page counter m identifies which page is used as the reference document, the number of pages of the reference document is also displayed. The display contents of the operation unit are the same as those in FIG.

The operation flow for interrupting the image formation and displaying a warning display on the operation unit will be described with reference to FIG. The image direction is detected by detecting the margin area based on the layout judgment of each document, and based on the image information detection result, if there is a mixture of document directions in the document group or if there is a document whose direction cannot be identified Then, the flow proceeds to step S491, where the code interruption request flag is set. Step S
At 492, a warning display code is sent out if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state to display a warning on the operation unit, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The display contents of the operation unit are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, it is possible to prevent missing pages by alerting the operator that the image direction cannot be identified. In addition, the post-processing after copying is facilitated by alerting the operator of the number of originals whose image directions cannot be identified and the originals used as references when forming a copy image.
In addition, when the document directions are mixed or there is a document whose direction cannot be recognized, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed, thereby preventing missing pages.

4.2.8 Blank Documents In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting a margin area based on the layout determination of each original, and the original group copied from each detected original direction is detected. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document in which the image direction of the first document differs from the image direction of the first document, when recognizing that the document is blank, after reversing the document by the document reversing means, It is conceivable that the image reading operation is performed again and the image direction is detected again for the read image.

In the reading operation of the ADF (II) shown in FIG. 1, if no image information is present in an image signal for one sheet for an arbitrary document, the document is regarded as being inverted. At this time, the automatic document feeder does not discharge the original, but inverts it in the automatic document feeder, and performs the reading operation by the scanner again.

If the information of the read original is blank again, it is regarded that both sides are blank, the original is discharged without performing the copying operation, and the image information on this original is discarded. An original reading operation is performed. The image direction is detected from the information of the read original again, and if the image direction is the same as the image direction of the series of originals, a normal image forming operation is performed based on the image information of the inverted original. . At this time, if the detected image direction is different from a series of image directions, the image formation is interrupted to request confirmation, or a warning is displayed. When the detected image direction is different from a series of image directions, the read image information is rotated on a memory to unify the image directions.

The above processing is the same as that shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, and step S186 in FIG. 60 may be replaced by "margin area detection based on layout judgment".

The operation flow of copying suspension and warning display output is the same as that of FIG. The contents of the warning display are shown in FIG.
Is the same as The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (reversal on memory) or the like by image processing is the same as that in FIG.
The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

In the case of a code of a plurality of sheets of a document, if there is a document whose front and back are reversed, if the code is executed as it is, a missing page will occur. In order to prevent this, it is determined whether or not the document is blank, and when it is recognized that the document is blank, the document can be reversed in the apparatus to return to a state where the document is not turned over. If the inverted document is recognized as blank again, it is determined that both the front and back sides are blank, and the code operation is stopped for this document to prevent missing pages.

In addition to the above operations, by recognizing the direction of the original document, it is determined whether the original document has the same orientation as another document. Stop, image rotation processing, document reverse scanning, etc., to notify that a document with a different image direction exists, or to recover the image NG with positive image direction to obtain a code with a uniform image direction. It is possible to prevent missing pages.

4.2.9 Image Directivity N for Many Originals
Correspondence at the time of G detection ( when image processing cannot be performed at the time of detection of inconsistency in corner margin area based on layout judgment ) In the case of a large number of documents, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area based on the layout judgment of each document. The image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copy group based on the detected document direction is detected when a document whose image direction is different is detected. If the operator does not have a function of recovering the image directionality NG and cannot obtain a uniform copy of the image direction without a corresponding action by the operator, Aa) the number of sorts is determined according to the number of sorts When the number of copies is equal to or more than the number of copies (arbitrary), the copy operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call attention of the operator. After a predetermined time, if the operator does not take any corresponding action, the copying operation is restarted. b) According to the number of copies, when the number of copies is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the copying operation is continuously performed, and only a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Ba) When the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call attention of the operator. After a predetermined time has elapsed, if the operator has not taken any corresponding action, the copying operation is restarted.

B) When the human body detection sensor 225 is OFF,
The copying operation is continuously performed, and only the warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Inform the operator that there is a document with a different image direction, request the operator to take measures to unify the image direction, and if there is no response, perform a predetermined operation to reduce the dead time of the machine. Is performed.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. A above
Are the same as those shown in FIG. 64. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIGS. 65 and 66. The operation flow of the copier equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 corresponding to the above B is shown in FIG.
Is the same as The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

In this embodiment, the following effects are obtained. That is, in the case of A, when it is recognized that a document in the image direction NG exists in the copy operation using the sorter, the number of copies that can be easily corrected after copying is determined according to the number of copies. When the number is small, the copy operation is performed without interruption, and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copy is completed, thereby preventing missing pages. On the other hand, when the number of copies is difficult to correct later,
By interrupting the copy operation and displaying a warning on the operation unit,
It is possible to prevent missing pages. If the number of sorts is large and the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, if no action can be taken even after the elapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is automatically restarted, and the unnecessary stop time of the machine, In addition, unnecessary occupation time by the current job can be omitted. At the same time, by displaying a warning on the operation unit after the copy is completed, when the operator performs post-copy binding processing such as punching, stapling, or the like on the copy group after image formation, the image direction NG
Automatically notifies that originals (copies) are mixed,
The operator requested that the image direction of the copy be checked by himself, thereby preventing missing pages. In a copying operation performed by a copier equipped with the human body detection sensor 225, the image direction N
When it is recognized that the G original exists, the human body detection sensor 225 is output in accordance with the output signal of the human body detection sensor 225.
When the output is OFF (when the operator is not in front of the copying machine), the copying operation is performed without interruption, and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copying operation is completed, so that the operator can perform the post-imaging processing. When performing post-copy binding processing such as punching and stapling on copy groups,
The automatic notification that image orientation NG originals (copies) are mixed is required, and the operator is requested to confirm the image orientation of the copy by himself, thereby preventing missing pages.

On the other hand, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON
In this case, the copying operation was interrupted and a warning was displayed on the operation unit, thereby preventing the missing pages. Further, after the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copy operation is interrupted, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the copy operation is automatically restarted. ,
It is possible to eliminate unnecessary downtime of the machine and unnecessary occupation time of the current job. At the same time, after the copy is completed, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, so that when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, NG originals (copy) in the image direction are mixed. Automatically, the operator is requested to confirm the image direction of the copy, and the missing pages can be prevented.

4.3.1 Step based on layout judgment
4.3.2 Determine print position (determined from original setting direction and original size) 4.3.2 Copy output image information based on layout determination
4.3.3 Staple position is determined from corner margin data in the staging area (staples at appropriate corners) By doing so, the image direction is detected, the staple position is determined from the detected image data, and stapling is performed.

The contents will be described below. The staple position determination method based on the layout determination includes staple position determination based on the layout determination and the document setting direction / document size. The staple position determination based on the margin margin data in the page area of the output image information based on the layout determination (staple position staple at an appropriate corner). The street is conceivable. The data of the staple position determined by the above method determines one of the following two steps in step S571 as shown in the flow of FIG.

A) Standby mode: transmitted to the operation unit and waits until the next instruction input by the operator. B) Staple mode: transmitted as an operation instruction signal to the staple position changing mechanism. The stapling mechanism is controlled in advance, and after completion of the stapling operation, the process proceeds to the standby mode (step S572), and waits for the next instruction input. Note that the present embodiment is also effective in a case where two-sided image formation (two-sided copying) is targeted.

In this way, the stapling position can be determined in advance by detecting the image direction based on the document setting direction, document size, corner margin data, and the like based on the layout judgment, thereby preventing misstaples in advance.

4.3.4 Layout Decision for Many Originals
Based on the cross-sectional detects common corner margin of each output image information, when a large number of sheets document stapling position determination, detects the image orientation by detecting the common corner margin of each output image information based on the layout determined, The staple position is determined from the detected image data.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. The common margin of each image is detected based on the layout determination, and the staple position is determined based on the image data. As shown in the flow of FIG. 99, the data of the determined staple position determines one of the following two steps in step S571. A) Standby mode: transmitted to the operation unit and waits until the next instruction input by the operator. B) Staple mode: transmitted as an operation instruction signal to the staple position changing mechanism. In the staple mode, based on the operation signal, The stapling mechanism is controlled, and after completion of the stapling operation, the process proceeds to the standby mode (step S572), and waits for the next instruction input. Note that the present embodiment is also effective in a case where two-sided image formation (two-sided copying) is targeted.

As described above, based on the layout judgment,
Misstaples can be prevented in advance by detecting a common corner blank portion of each output image information and determining a staple position.

4.3.5 Code based on layout judgment
Image direction consistency is checked by comparing the margin area with the reference staple position data. Checking the consistency between the image data and the reference staple position is performed. In this case,
This is also effective in a case where two-sided image formation (two-sided copying) is targeted.

As described above, by determining the consistency between the corner blank portion and the reference staple position data based on the layout determination, misstaples can be prevented in advance.

4.3.6 Code based on layout judgment
The image direction is detected by comparing the corner margin and the reference staple position data. In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the common corner margin of each output image information based on the layout judgment. If the reference staple position does not match the detected image direction data in the image forming apparatus that determines the staple position based on the detected image direction data, a) suspends the copy operation and displays a warning display on the operation unit. B) Copy operation Is performed, and stapling operation is prohibited. C) Image rotation processing (reversal on the memory) is performed. D) Reverse scanning of the document is performed to prevent mis-stapling.

The contents will be described below. The operation flow of copy suspension and warning display output is the same as in FIG. FIG. 100 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit. The operation flow for continuing image formation and stapling is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.
The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (reversal on memory) or the like by image processing is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. These processes are also effective for the case of two-sided image formation (two-sided copying).

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction detected from the margin detection data based on the layout determination does not match the reference staple position, the warning display, the stop of the copy operation, the image rotation processing, the original reverse scan, and the like are performed. By doing so, it is possible to notify that a document with a different image direction exists, to recover the image directionality NG, to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction, and to prevent missing pages. 4.3.7 Common corner margin based on layout judgment
When a large number of sheets document when an image is present in Suthep Le position by the data, detects the image orientation by detecting the common corner margin area based on the layout determined in each document, determines the stapling position by the respective detected image data When an image is present at the determined stapling position in an image forming apparatus that performs stapling, a) suspends the copying operation and displays a warning display on the operation unit. B) continues the copying operation and inhibits stapling. C) Image processing. D) Change the staple position. E) Automatically release the staple mode (default) to prevent staples from entering the image.
The stapling is performed to prevent the copy original from being damaged.

The contents will be described below. The operation flow of copy suspension and warning display output is the same as in FIG. FIG. 7 shows an operation flow for continuing image formation and prohibiting stapling.
Same as 1. Shift / magnification (reduction) by image processing
The operation flow for performing such operations is the same as that in FIG. The operation flow for changing the staple position is the same as in FIG. The operation flow for automatically canceling the staple mode (at the time of default) is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. These processes are also effective for the case of two-sided image formation (two-sided copying).

As described above, when an image is present at the determined staple position, the copy operation is stopped and a warning is displayed.
By performing image shift / magnification, staple position change, staple mode automatic release, and the like, it is possible to prevent image damage due to staples in the staple mode.

4.3.8 When a large number of sheets / horizontal / horizontal documents are mixed,
Based on the layout judgment, the image orientation is matched and the staple position is determined.When there are many documents, based on the layout judgment of each document, or by detecting the corner margin area in the page area of the reference output image information based on the layout judgment , Detecting the image direction, determining whether or not the image direction of the reference document is different from the image direction of the reference document in the copy group from each detected document direction, confirming the matching of the image direction, and determining the staple position. I do. When the image orientation mismatch condition is confirmed,
By interrupting the copy operation and displaying a warning display on the operation unit, the attention of the operator is urged, and the copy original is prevented from being damaged by mis-stapling. The contents are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.

The reference staple position (or reference punch position) of the aligned recording paper is as follows in each of (1) and (2).
Streets are conceivable (see FIG. 94). (1)-When the horizontal writing is the reference image information (a) One-point binding → The upper left corner is the staple position (b) The plural-point binding (punch) → The left end face is the staple position When the horizontal writing is the reference image information ( B) One-staple binding → Staple position at upper right corner (B) Plural binding (punch) → Staple position at right end face (2)-When vertical writing is standard image information (B) Single binding → Upper right corner Staple position (b) Stapling at multiple locations (punch) → Right side stapling position When horizontal document horizontal writing is reference image information (a) Stapling at one location → Stapling position at upper left corner (b) Multiple stapling (punch) → Left end surface The unifying direction of the image to be aligned is determined by the recording paper post-processing device (sorter stapler, finisher) provided in the copier body. Therefore, since the staple (punch hole) position of the ejected recording paper is determined, the staple (punch hole) is determined so that the reference staple (punch hole) position of the discharged recording paper can be stapled.

An operation flow will be described with reference to FIG. After the copy is completed, it is determined in step S581 whether the mode is the staple mode. If the mode is the staple mode, the image direction consistency is checked in step S582. If the consistency is OK, the staple is activated and then the READY mode is entered. Consistency N
If G, staple operation is prohibited in step S583, and the flow advances to step S584. Step S584
In order to display a warning on the operation unit, a warning display code is transmitted if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state.
A warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. Although not described above, the present invention is of course also effective in the case of two-sided image formation (two-sided copying).

4.4.1 Image According to Image Forming Mode
In the image forming apparatus that detects the direction of the image by detecting the common corner margin area based on the layout judgment of each document, and determines the staple position based on each detected image data, in the case of a multi-sheet document , the selection control of the direction identification detection is performed . In the normal image forming mode (excluding post-processing), the image direction identification detection is disabled and the efficiency of the copying operation is prevented from lowering.

The contents will be described below. Based on the layout judgment of the document, the common corner margin area is detected,
In order to identify and detect the image direction based on the detected image data, an operation such as image processing must be performed. This operation must be performed every time each document is scanned, which takes a very long time, and is inefficient for a normal copying operation. Therefore, in the case of a normal copy operation, the copy operation is performed without passing through the image direction recognition detection unit, thereby improving the efficiency of the copy operation. This processing is the same as the flow shown in FIG.

Thus, in the image forming apparatus which detects the image direction by detecting the common corner margin area based on the layout determination of the document and determines the staple position based on each detected image data, the normal image forming operation is performed. In the mode (excluding the post-processing), the image direction identification detection is disabled, so that the efficiency of the copying operation can be prevented from lowering.

4.4.2 Manual after completion of sorting operation
In the case of stapling position NG based on edge margin data at the time of multi- step instruction input, when there are many originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the common corner margin area based on the layout judgment of each original, and each detected image data In the image forming apparatus that determines the staple position according to the following, after the sorting operation is completed, at the time of manual step instruction input, when it is determined from the detected image data that the image directionality of the document is inconsistent, and at the determined staple position When it is determined that an image is present, a) a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, b) staples are prohibited, and the like.
It is conceivable to prevent the copy original from being damaged by staples.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. The operation flow of the warning display output is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow for stapling prohibition is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, when the image orientation of the copied document is inconsistent, or when an image is present at the staple position, a warning is displayed, stapling is prohibited, etc. Can be prevented.

[0272] 5. Image orientation recognition by character orientation judgment The orientation of the detected image data is determined by the image orientation determination device.
Performed on the image memory. As the image memory, an image memory (a page memory, an arbitrary area memory) of a unit alone is used, but an image memory of another unit may be used. For example, the SAF memory described in the FAX unit, or a page memory necessary for compression and decompression at the time of reading a scanner may be used. here,
A method of determining the top and bottom direction of an image will be described. In general, character recognition is performed using OCR technology as a means to determine with high accuracy.
Some judge the top and bottom of the manuscript. In other words, one character, one character in each document is cut out, the characters are patterned,
This is a method in which the characteristics of the pattern are compared with the character pattern information in the database to determine the character. Neuro and fuzzy techniques are often used to determine characters. If a character pattern cannot be determined unless the read and cut character pattern is rotated by 180 degrees, it is determined that the document is placed upside down. In this case, the determination is performed not on one character but on several characters, and the top and bottom judgment is made more accurate.

Next, the above-described character direction recognition method will be described. Cut out the characters in an arbitrary character string from the original read from the scanner. At this time, on the basis of the horizontally written original, the cut out characters are rotated by 90 degrees in the vertically written original. In addition, characters cut out according to the orientation in which the original is set, such as the orientation of the original being irregular, are 0 degrees, 90 degrees, and 1 degree.
It may be rotating at various angles, such as 80 degrees, 270 degrees. As described above, in order to recognize a rotated character, a method of extracting a feature while rotating an image of an input character at various angles and comparing and matching with a dictionary corresponding to a regular angle, or various rotation angles There is a method in which a plurality of dictionaries are prepared in advance in accordance with the plurality of dictionaries, and the plurality of dictionaries are compared with the features of the input image.

FIGS. 102 to 10 show examples of character direction recognition.
Described based on 6. FIG. 102 shows a schematic flow of one embodiment of the character recognition method. A character image is input (step S601), and its features are extracted (step S602). Here, the feature extraction is performed by extracting the outline of the input character image and adding the direction code shown in FIG. 103 to the outline. Next, a histogram for each direction code is generated for the direction code added to the contour portion of the input character image as shown in FIG. (Step S603). This represents the feature amount H of the input character itself. Next, the histogram is rearranged according to the rotation angle of the input character, and a histogram corresponding to the input character without rotation is generated (step S604). This is called a rotation histogram. The rotation histogram is compared with a dictionary (steps S605 and S6).
06) The recognition result is output (step S608). If they do not match in step S606, the value of the rotation control register is changed (step S607), the histogram of the cut-out character is rotated by 90 degrees to generate a rotation histogram again (step S604), and the recognition dictionary comparison (step S6)
05).

FIG. 105 shows an example of the hardware configuration for implementing the character recognition method. Reference numeral 206 denotes a scanner control circuit (scanner), and 255 an image of the APL 5 including an image memory for storing an input image from the scanner 206.
A processing unit (IPU) 255 in which the character direction is recognized.

The IPU 255 includes an input unit 600 for handling image data with the scanner 206 and a rotation information register 6 for storing how much the original character image has been rotated.
01, a recognition unit 602 for performing character recognition.

The recognizing unit 602 cuts out a character image from the binary image information of the original read by the scanner 206, and performs a preprocessing unit 603 for performing normalization such as noise removal.
Feature extraction unit 60 for extracting the features of the normalized character image
4. a histogram generation unit 605 that generates a histogram of the extracted features; a rotation histogram generation unit 606 that rearranges the generated histogram according to the rotation angle of the rotation information register 601 to generate a rotation histogram;
A dictionary matching unit 607 for performing dictionary matching on the generated rotation histogram to determine candidate characters, an output result output unit 608 for recognition results, and a dictionary 609 storing a standard histogram without rotation for each character. . The rotation histogram generation unit 606 further includes a conversion unit 610 and a calculation unit 611.

For example, FIG. 106 shows a direction code corresponding to each angle of the character “sentence”. When a character is read in a direction as shown in FIG. 3B, the character is read into a direction code by the feature extracting unit 604 as shown in FIG. I do. In this state, the rotation information register 601 contains information of 0 degrees, and the output information of the histogram generation unit 605 and the information of the rotation histogram generation unit 606 match. This data is compared with the information of the standard histogram dictionary 609. However, the word "sentence" is 9
Since the data is read after being rotated by 0 degrees, the determination result of the dictionary matching unit 607 cannot be determined. In this case, the value of the rotation information register 601 is rewritten, the data of the histogram generation unit is again converted into rotation histogram data using the value of the rotation information register 601 and compared with the dictionary 609. Such an operation is performed until the dictionary matching unit that compares the data with the dictionary 609 determines a match. However, if there is no match even after rotating by 270 degrees, the determination is impossible, and the same determination is performed using the next character extracted. By the above method, the character direction data is set in the rotation information register 601.

A method of generating rotation histogram data from the value of the histogram generation unit 605 based on the information of the rotation information register 601 will be described. In FIG. 106, for example, comparing the case of the rotation angle of 0 degree shown in FIG. 106A with the case of the rotation angle of 90 degrees shown in FIG. By replacing the code 2 with a direction code obtained by adding 6, such as a direction code 8, it is possible to convert the code into the same direction code as when the rotation angle is 0 degree. However, when the result added to 6 exceeds 8, the result is replaced with a direction code obtained by subtracting 8 from the result. This conversion is represented by the following formula. D = MOD (d + c-1) +1 d: Direction code before conversion c: Constant depending on rotation angle (0 at 0 degree, 6 at 90 degree,
It is 4 at 180 degrees and 2 at 270 degrees. D: Direction code after conversion In addition to the processing up to the determination of the character direction described above, the following application is also possible using a document size detecting means which is a known technique.

In Japan, horizontal writing (alphanumeric writing),
Vertical writing (Japanese writing) exists, and the paper direction also has a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation. These combination types and the scanner 206
Is determined when the original is placed on the document.
As shown in FIG. 107, the input means used for the determination are, as shown in FIG. The difference is used. When the above combination is applied to the A4 document size, the scanner 20
A4 in the document mounting table in the vertical direction, that is, a in FIG.
108 to h, and the horizontal direction, that is, the installation directions from i to p in FIG. 108 are conceivable. As described above, vertical writing, horizontal writing, and upside-down can be considered. Such 16 types of document states are determined by the table in FIG. 107, and p is output from document states a to p.

5.1.1 Output Image Information Based on Character Recognition
Image direction recognition in the report page The image direction in the output image information page is detected based on the document character recognition judgment, the matching of the image direction is confirmed, and a copy with a uniform image direction is obtained.

Hereinafter, the contents thereof will be described. The following three methods are conceivable as means and methods for character recognition depending on the configuration of the copying system. (A) In the case of a digital copying machine having an area memory At this time, a predetermined area or an area where image data other than the background area is automatically recognized by a pre-scan is taken into the area memory to extract characters. And perform character recognition. (B) In the case of a digital copying machine having a page memory (full memory) In this case, in the case of a page memory, a character is extracted from a page read at the time of reading scanning and character recognition is performed. (C) An analog copying machine or a case without sufficient memory capacity In this case, an automatic document feeder (ADF) having reading means capable of reading only a predetermined range, an area memory, and a CPU for recognition is used. By reading an image while a document is being conveyed, a predetermined area or a range in which image data is not automatically recognized is taken into an area memory to extract characters and perform character recognition. .

The original whose image direction has been determined follows the copy interruption and warning display output operation flow shown in FIG. 62 described above. Further, a warning display shown in FIG. 65 is performed. Further, the present embodiment is of course also effective in the case of forming a double-sided image (double-sided copying).

As described above, the image direction is detected based on the character recognition (from the document setting direction and the document size), and it is determined whether or not the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction based on each detected document direction. By judging and confirming the matching of the image direction, it is notified that there is a document having a different image direction, and a copy in which the image direction is unified can be obtained.

5.1.2 In the case of a large number of originals,
From the reference output image information brute, the verification function of the image orientation of the other image information (image orientation unity) when many sheets document, detects the image orientation based on character recognition of the document, from each detected document orientation It is determined whether or not the image direction of the reference document is different from the image direction in the copy group, and matching of the image direction is confirmed. When the image direction mismatch state is confirmed, the copy operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to obtain a copy in which the image directions are unified.

Hereinafter, the contents thereof will be described. At the time of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected based on the character recognition of each original,
It is determined whether or not the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction based on each detected document direction, and matching of the image direction is confirmed. At this time, there are two possible cases: a) the reference image is set as the first output image information (start page), and b) the arbitrary image is set as the output image information according to the number of originals. Arbitrarily means that the operator may set it himself or write it in advance in the ROM so that the page of the reference document is automatically determined based on the number of documents. The document whose image direction has been determined follows the copy interruption and warning display output operation flow shown in FIG. Also, the same warning display as in FIG. 90 is performed. Although not described above, double-sided image formation (double-sided copying)
Of course, it is also effective when targeting.

As described above, the image direction is detected based on the character recognition, and it is determined whether or not the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction based on each detected document direction. By doing so, it is possible to notify that there is a document having a different image direction, to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified, and to prevent missing pages.

5.1.3 Detection of distinction between vertical original and horizontal original
Method [ Identification Detection Based on Document Size / Direction Data, Character Direction Data, and Line Direction Data (All Types: Applicable to Vertical / Horizontal Writing)] Document Size / Direction Data Obtained by Document Size Detecting Unit and Document It is conceivable to detect the image direction and the line direction in the output image information page based on the character recognition judgment, and to perform the discrimination detection between the vertical and horizontal writing and the vertical writing and horizontal writing of the document.

The contents will be described below. FIG.
7. As shown in FIG. 108, even if the document size is the same, a depends on the document setting direction and the character direction / line direction.
~ P can be distinguished in 16 ways. However,
With only character recognition, the three parameters of the character direction, the line direction, and the phase difference between the character and the line in FIG. It is possible. However, by adding the document size detection data to the reference data, that is, by adding two parameters, the document size and the document direction can be identified, so that a and i, b and j, etc. can be distinguished. Becomes

As described above, by detecting the document size and direction in addition to detecting the character direction and line direction by character recognition, it is possible to distinguish not only the image direction but also a vertical document or a horizontal document. , It is possible to identify with higher accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine the consistency between the originals and unify the image directions.

5.1.4 When multiple sheets / horizontal / horizontal originals are mixed,
Vertical document horizontally as the reference image information of a constant in character side image direction of the alignment confirmation document based on direction recognition shown in FIG. 109 (paper direction Vertical, alphanumeric writing), landscape original horizontal (paper direction Horizontal, There are four types: alphanumeric writing, vertical original writing (vertical orientation in paper direction, Japanese writing), and horizontal original writing (horizontal orientation in paper direction, Japanese writing).

When a large number of originals are stacked, it is considered that the above four types of originals are mixed. However, it is considered that a vertically written document and a horizontally written document are not mixed. Therefore, here, as an example of mixed loading, (i) a case where a horizontal document and a horizontal document are mixed (ii) a vertical document There are two types: vertical writing and horizontal original writing. The four types of originals can be identified including the character orientation by the character recognition unit and the top and bottom of the image using the original size detection unit. When a vertical original and a horizontal original are mixed, the reference image information is determined, and the image directions of the respective originals are unified with respect to the reference image information. The method of determining the reference image information is as described above. The reference staple position (or reference punch position) of the aligned recording paper is also as described above.

5.1.5 Image Directivity N for Many Documents
G detected during recovery (not match the character direction) when many sheets document, detects the image orientation based on character recognition of the document, each of the detected image orientation and image of the first document from the document orientation in the copy group In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not a document in a different direction exists, if a document in a different image direction is detected, a) the copying operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B) Image C) Perform rotation processing (reverse on memory) c) Perform reverse scanning of the document to notify that a document with a different image direction exists, recover the image directionality MG, and make a copy with a uniform image direction Getting done is done. The copy interruption and warning display output operation flow is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (reversal on memory) or the like by image processing is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. Of course, these processes are also effective in the case of two-sided image formation (two-sided copying).

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction detected by the character recognition does not match the reference staple position, the warning display / copy operation is stopped, the image is rotated, and the document is reverse scanned. By notifying that a document having a different image direction exists, or by recovering the image directionality NG, it is possible to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified, and to prevent missing pages.

5.1.6 Image Directivity N for Many Documents
When detecting G (when image processing is not possible ) For a large number of originals, the image direction is detected based on the character recognition of each original, and the image direction of the first original in the copy group is determined from the detected original directions. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document with a different image direction, if a document with a different image direction is detected, the image directional NG cannot be recovered, and without the operator's corresponding action, When it is not possible to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified, a) -1 When the number of copies is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Further, if the operator does not take any countermeasure after the elapse of the predetermined time, the copying operation is restarted. a) -2 When the number of copies is equal to or less than the predetermined number of copies, the copy operation is continued, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. b) -1 When the human body detection sensor is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Further, if the operator does not take any countermeasure after the elapse of the predetermined time, the copying operation is restarted. b) -2 When the human body detection sensor is OFF, the copying operation is continued and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Inform the operator that there is a document with a different image direction, request the operator to take measures to unify the image direction, and if there is no response, perform a predetermined operation to reduce the dead time of the machine. Is performed.

In this case, the operation flow corresponding to the number of sorts is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. A warning display as shown in FIG. 110 is also displayed. The operation flow of the copier equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 is the same as that in FIG. The same warning display as that shown in FIGS. 65 and 110 is output.

In the copy operation using the sorter, if it is recognized that a document in the image direction NG exists, the number of copies is easily changed according to the number of sorts. By making a copy and displaying a warning on the copy end operation section, it is possible to prevent missing pages. On the other hand, when there is a large number of copies that are difficult to correct later, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, thereby preventing missing pages. Furthermore, after the copy operation is interrupted by a large number of copies and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, the copy operation is automatically restarted if no action is taken even after a predetermined time has elapsed,
It is possible to eliminate unnecessary downtime of the machine and unnecessary occupation time due to the current job. At the same time, a warning is displayed on the operation unit after copying is completed, so that when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, NG originals (copy) in the image direction are mixed. Automatically, the operator is required to check the image direction of the copy himself, thereby preventing missing pages.

In the copying operation of the copier equipped with the human body detection sensor 225, when it is recognized that an original in the image direction NG exists, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is turned off in accordance with the output signal of the human body detection sensor 225. In other words, when the operator is not in front of the copy machine, the copy is performed without interruption and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copy is completed. When performing post-binding processing such as copy stitching, it is automatically notified that NG originals (copies) are mixed in the image direction, and it is requested that the operator himself confirms the image direction of the copy to prevent missing pages. Was made possible. On the other hand, the human body detection sensor 22
When the output 5 is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, thereby preventing missing pages. Further, after the human body detection sensor output 25 is ON, the copy operation is interrupted, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the copy operation is automatically restarted. In addition, unnecessary downtime of the machine and unnecessary occupation time due to the current job can be eliminated. At the same time, a warning is displayed on the operation unit after copying is completed, so that when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, NG originals (copy) in the image direction are mixed. Automatically, the operator is required to check the image direction of the copy himself, thereby preventing missing pages.

5.1.7 When a large number of originals correspond to a blank original , the image direction of each original is detected based on the recognition of the character direction by the character recognizing means. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether there is a document having a different image direction from the image direction of the first document, when recognizing that the document is blank, after reversing the document by the document reversing unit,
It is conceivable that the image reading operation is performed again and the image direction is detected again for the read image. The contents are shown in FIGS. 42, 44, 60, 61, and 62 described above.
43 and the warning display examples of FIGS. 43, 45, and 63. However, in FIG.
“Document reading / character direction recognition” may be performed in the portions 505 and S506.

5.1.1.8 Countermeasure when identification is not possible 5.1.8.1 Image form in predetermined direction
In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction of each original is detected from character direction recognition by character recognition means, and the image direction of the first original in a group of originals copied by each detected original direction is determined. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether there is a document having a different image direction, if it is recognized that the image direction cannot be identified, an image is formed in a predetermined direction, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. The display indicates that a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document exist in the document group and the copy group.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. The operation flow of the warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. When the copy is started by the copy start button of the main body (step S611), the value of the counter e is set to 0.
(Step S612). The value of the counter e will be described later. When the copy is started, the image direction is detected by reading the document and recognizing the character direction (step S613). When the image direction is detected by character direction recognition, it is determined whether the character direction can be identified (step S614).

If the character direction cannot be identified in step S614, counter e = counter e + 1 (step S615), and 1 is added to the value of counter e. Counter e
Is the number of documents whose character direction cannot be identified. When copying is started in step S612, the value of the counter e is set to 0, and every time a document whose character direction cannot be identified is found, the value of the counter e is reduced in step S615. By adding 1, the number of documents whose character direction cannot be identified after the copy is completed can be determined from the value of the counter e. If the character direction can be identified in step S614, the consistency of the image direction is checked. If the image direction is matched, the image data is copied as it is. If the image direction is not matched, the image data is rotated. Copy is performed (step S619).

After the copy is completed (step S616), the value of the counter e is determined in step S617. When the value of the counter e is 0, the mode is set to the READY mode and the process waits for the next copy start. If the value of the counter e is not 0, a warning display code is sent out (step S618), and a warning display code is sent out if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state to display a warning on the operation unit (step S618). Have been. The contents of the operation unit display are the same as those in FIG. As described above, by displaying a warning to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified, it is possible to prevent missing pages.

5.1.8.2 Identified Predefined Reference Image
Unified image information direction and image display / warning display For a large number of documents, the character recognition means detects the image direction of each document from the recognition of the character direction, and uses that information as information on the reference image direction. In an image forming apparatus that determines whether the image direction is different from the image direction and aligns the image direction,
If the image direction of the reference page is recognized as unidentifiable, the next page is determined as the reference image direction page, and the image directions are aligned based on the information of the page. By displaying the above-mentioned warning display on the operation unit, the operator is notified that there is a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document exists.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. It has an automatic document feeder that sets the document face down and feeds the document from the first sheet of the bottom paper (document corresponding to the cover).
When an image forming apparatus that matches the image direction using the image information of the document corresponding to the front cover as the reference image information is used as an example, the image direction of the first page serving as the reference image information cannot be determined by the character direction confirmation by the character recognition unit. The operation flow will be described with reference to FIGS. 113, 114, and 115.

Copy start button (start key 43
When the copy is started according to 1) (step S62)
1), the value of the page counter m is initialized to 1 (step S622), and the value of the counter a is initialized to 0 (step S623). The value of the page counter m and the value of the counter a will be described later. When the copy is started, the image direction is detected by reading the document and recognizing the character direction (step S624). The value of the counter a indicates whether or not the reference image information has been determined. When the value of the counter a is 0, it means that the reference image information has not been determined, and the value of the counter a is 0. If not, it means that the reference image information has been determined. The value of the counter a is 0 by default (step S623), and when the reference image information is determined in step S633, the value of the counter a is incremented by one. In step S625, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter a is 0. If the value of the counter a is 0, the process proceeds to step S62.
If the value of the counter a is not 0 in step S63, step S63
Proceed to 1.

In step S626, it is determined whether the character direction cannot be identified. If the character direction cannot be identified in step S626, page counter m = page counter m + 1 (step S627), 1 is added to the value of the page counter, and copying is performed as it is. The value of the page counter m is a value indicating how many pages of the original document cannot be identified in the character direction. In step S622, the value of the page counter m at copy start is initialized to 1 and the original document in which the character direction cannot be identified. By adding 1 to the value of the page counter m every time is found, it can be understood that the character direction could not be identified up to m sheets of the document.

If the character direction can be identified in step S626, the image information of the m-th document is used as the reference image information, the consistency in the image direction is confirmed, and if the image directions are matched, the image is copied as it is. If the image directions are not aligned, the image data is rotated and copied (step S632). Then, in step S633, the counter a = a
It is set to +1 and 1 is added to the value of the counter a.

After the copy is completed (step S628), it is determined in step S629 whether or not the value of the page counter m is 1, and if the page counter m = 1, the mode is set to the READY mode, and the process waits for the next copy start. When the page counter m = 1, the document image information corresponding to the cover is the reference image information. If the page counter m is not 1, a warning display code is sent out to display a warning if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state (step S630), and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The contents of the operation unit display are the same as those in FIG. By doing so, a warning is displayed to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified, and missing pages can be prevented.

5.1.8.3 Image Creation Interruption / Warning Display In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction of each original was detected from the recognition of the character direction by the character recognizing means, and copying was performed in accordance with each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not a document having a different image direction from the image direction of the first document exists in the document group, if the image direction cannot be identified, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed. The display on the operation unit indicates that the document whose image direction cannot be identified and the copy of the document exist in the document group and the copy group, and informs the operator to change the document setting direction.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. The operation flow of image formation interruption / warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. When the copy is started by the copy start button (step S641), the image direction is detected by reading the document and recognizing the character direction (step S642). In step S643, it is determined whether or not the character direction cannot be identified. The image direction is checked for consistency. If the image directions are matched, the image data is copied as it is. If the image directions are not matched, the image data is rotated and copied (step S648). If the character direction cannot be identified in step S643, the copying operation is stopped (step S644), and if the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, a warning display code is sent out to the operator to display a warning on the operation unit. A warning is displayed to request confirmation (step S645). The contents of the operation unit display are the same as those in FIG.

When the copy start button is turned on after the warning is displayed, the document whose stopped character direction cannot be identified on the contact glass 9 is copied as it is (step S646), and a warning is displayed on the operation unit. If the operation unit is in the code reception ready state, a warning display code is sent out, and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. After the copy is completed (step S647), the RE
The mode becomes the ADY mode and waits for the next copy start. After the warning is displayed in step S645, when the ADF is opened and closed, it is determined that the document stopped on the contact glass 9 has been removed, the mode is set to the READY mode, and the next copy start is awaited. FIG. 118, FIG.
19 shows a warning display example.

As described above, by detecting the mixture of the document directions and the inability to recognize the document direction, and displaying the stop and warning of the copy operation to the operator, the operator can copy the first sheet to the copy group formed by the operator. A uniform copy can be obtained in the image direction of the eyes. In particular, when performing post-binding processing such as punching and staples after copying, judgment is usually made only on the cover, punching and stapling are performed, and if copies in different image directions exist in the copy group, pages will be lost. Turns over and looks bad. In order to prevent such missing pages, the present invention automatically notifies the operator that originals with different rear image directions are mixed during copying, and the operator checks the image direction of the original and sets the original. It required a change in direction, enabling prevention of missing pages.

5.2.1 Staple Position by Character Recognition
Detecting the image direction of the original by recognizing the direction of characters and character strings with respect to the original paper using the position determination character recognition,
An optimal post-processing (sorter / stapler, finisher, etc.) position is determined from the relationship between the paper and the character string.

The contents will be described below. As described above, when the direction of the character and the character string with respect to the original paper is recognized by using the character recognition method, the relationship between the paper and the character string viewed from the normal character direction (0 °) is shown in the table of FIG. From the sixteen ways, the number is limited to four as shown in FIG. At this time, it is usually limited as follows depending on what kind of post-processing (sorter / stapler, finisher, etc.) the user desires. (I) In the case of staple at one place As shown in FIG. 120, the upper left corner is (a, b) in horizontal writing, and the upper right corner is (c, b) in vertical writing.
d) Determine the staple position.

(Ii) In the case of stapling or punching holes at two locations In this case, as shown in FIG. 121, the left band is (a, b) for horizontal writing, and the right band is (c, b) for vertical writing. d)
It is determined as the staple position or the punch hole punching position (the figure shows the case of staple).

The following three methods are conceivable as means and methods for character recognition depending on the configuration of the copying system. (A) In the case of a digital copying machine having an area memory, a predetermined area or a range in which image data is not automatically recognized by a non-skin area is taken into the area memory to extract characters. The one that performs recognition.

(B) In the case of a digital copying machine having a page memory (full memory) In the case of a page memory, a character is extracted from a page read at the time of reading scanning and character recognition is performed.

(C) In case of not having an analog copying machine or a sufficient memory capacity An automatic document feeder (ADF) having reading means capable of reading only a predetermined range inside, an area memory and a CPU for recognition is used. By reading the image data while the original is being conveyed, a predetermined area or a range in which an area other than the background portion of the image data is automatically recognized is extracted into the area memory to extract characters,
One that performs character recognition.

The flow of the actual copy operation is as shown in FIG. When the copy start key is pressed by the operator, the control CPU identifies whether or not the mode is the stapling post-processing mode (step S651). If the mode is not the stapling mode, a normal copying operation is performed (step S652). If the mode is the staple mode, it is determined whether or not the designation is one place (step S).
653) In the next step, the processing position is determined as shown in FIGS. 120 and 121 by the discriminating means according to each case (steps S654 and S655).

As described above, the optimum post-processing position is automatically determined by the character recognition from the direction of the character / character string of the original to be read. Becomes possible. Further, there is an advantage that the operation is easy because the operator does not need to specify the position as occasion demands, and that the operation is performed quickly and time is saved.

5.2.2 Character string direction data and reference
Optimized post-processing (stapling, punching) determined from the relationship between the paper and the character string by detecting the image direction of the document from the direction of the characters and character strings with respect to the paper using the comparison character recognition with the paper position
Confirmation of the consistency between the position and the post-processing position constrained by the hardware is performed.

As described above, in the sorter / stapler, the operating position is limited to only one position at the fixed corner position, and in the case of the finisher, the operating position is limited to a straight line on one end side. Therefore, in the related art, if the user's instruction input and the document setting direction are not in a correct positional relationship in order to save hardware, there is a possibility that post-processing may be performed on an incorrect position. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the image direction recognizing means using the above-described character recognition method, a position that can be post-processed by hardware is compared with an optimal post-processing position determined based on character string direction data. And a step of checking the consistency of the positional relationship between the two. S / S
In this case, stapling is performed in a shaded portion with respect to the sheet direction as shown in FIG. At this time, the original is
In the case of the vertical original document horizontal writing as shown in FIG. 4A, the original document is aligned with the reference staple position. However, in the case of vertical original document vertical writing as shown in FIG. An example of the judgment performed on the actual CPU is as follows. As shown in FIG. 125, numbers 1 to 8 are assigned to the absolute staple positions when output is made on the sorter tray. Assuming that the staple position obtained as a result of the character recognition is i, i = 4 in the case of FIG. Assuming that the staple position on the hardware side is k, the staple position on the hardware side is limited to 4 or 8 depending on the paper direction due to S / S restrictions. In the case of FIG. 123, k = 4. The CPU compares i and k, and it is determined that they match only when i = k. In the case of FIG. 124 (b), i
= 3, and it is determined that there is no match because i ≠ k. In the copy operation, the flow is as shown in FIG. This flow is the same as that of FIG. 122 from step S651 to step S655, and is followed by hardware constraint conditions (step S656) and consistency check processing (step S6).
57, S658).

As described above, the optimum post-processing position is automatically determined by the character recognition from the direction of the character or character string of the original to be read, so that the work and confusion of the operator in the post-processing are avoided. It becomes possible. Further, there is an advantage that the operation is easy because the operator does not need to specify the position as occasion demands, and that the operation is performed quickly and time is saved. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to check whether or not the determination result matches the constraint condition by hardware, so that post-processing to an incorrect position can be prevented.

5.2.3 When multiple sheets / horizontal and vertical originals are mixed,
Image information orientation identification from character Direction recognition data to the reference image information of a constant, and ensure alignment of the image direction 5.2.4 string direction data and the reference stapling position by comparison with the reference stapler position data
Detecting the image orientation of the document from the direction of the character and the character string for the paper original using the integrity NG when Rika bar a) imaging suspension or warning display character recognition, is determined from the relationship between the sheet and the string Optimal post-processing (staple, punch)
The consistency between the position and the post-processing position constrained by the hardware is checked. If it is determined that the position does not match, the copying operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that the optimum staple position and the copier The post-processing device indicates that the post-processing position does not match, and informs the operator to change the document setting direction or the sheet direction.

The contents will be described below. FIG.
7. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 128, as a result of comparing the post-processing position determined based on the character string direction data with the position that can be post-processed by hardware using character recognition,
If it is determined that the positional relationship between the two is not consistent, the image formation is interrupted (step S659), and a warning such as "Cannot staple at the correct position. Check the paper or document orientation" is displayed on the display unit. It is displayed (step S660). Steps S651 to S658 are performed in FIG.
22 and FIG. When the DF or the like is used and the image formation is interrupted and a warning is displayed, the DF also stops. In this case, the DF processing is described separately.

As described above, the optimal post-processing position is automatically determined by the character recognition from the direction of the character or character string of the original to be read. It becomes possible. Further, there is an advantage that the operation is easy because the operator does not need to specify the position as occasion demands, and that the operation is performed quickly and time is saved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the determination result does not match the hardware constraint, the copying operation is stopped, the operator is notified that the post-processing direction does not match, the original or paper setting direction is confirmed, and the setting direction is changed. This makes it possible to prevent post-processing at an incorrect position.

B) Image Rotation Processing The image orientation of the original is detected from the direction of the characters and character strings on the original paper using character recognition, and the optimal post-processing (staple, punch)
The consistency between the position and the post-processing position constrained by the hardware is checked, and if it is determined that the position does not match, the image data taken into the frame memory is rotated to thereby optimize the staple position and the post-processing device of the copying machine. It is conceivable to perform the optimal post-processing by matching the position with the post-processable position.

The contents will be described below. When the data copying machine has a page memory, as shown in FIG. 127, image data can be loaded into the frame memory prior to image direction recognition. As a result of comparing the post-processing position determined based on the character string direction data with the post-processing position, if it is determined that the positional relationship between the two is not consistent, FIG.
As shown in the flow, the required rotation angle is calculated by using the direction data obtained by the image direction recognition means and the direction data of the post-processing device, and the image data on the memory is rotated (step S662). Thereafter, copy execution and post-processing execution are performed (step S663).

As described above, the optimum post-processing position is automatically determined by the character recognition from the direction of the character / character string of the original to be read, so that the work and confusion of the operator in the post-processing are avoided. It becomes possible. Further, there is an advantage that the operation is easy because the operator does not need to specify the position as occasion demands, and that the operation is performed quickly and time is saved. Further, in the present embodiment, when the determination result does not match the restriction condition by the hardware, the image data is rotated so as to match the direction of the post-processing.
Staples can be stapled to the optimal post-processing position without any work such as changing the set.

C) Document Reverse Scan The character image recognition is used to detect the image direction of the document from the direction of the characters and character strings on the document paper, and the optimal post-processing (staple, punch)
The consistency between the position and the post-processing position constrained by hardware is checked. If it is determined that the position does not match, the optimum staple position and post-processing of the copier are performed under limited conditions, even if there is no frame memory. The device automatically matches the post-processable position and performs post-processing. If it is determined that restoration is not possible in the device, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. , Indicates that the optimum staple position does not match the post-processing position possible by the post-processing device of the copying machine, and informs the operator to change the document setting direction or the paper direction.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, as a result of comparing a post-processing position determined based on character string direction data with a position that can be post-processed by hardware using character recognition, it was determined that there was no consistency between the two. In this case, even if the digital copying machine does not have a page memory, the line direction is normally set as shown in the flow of FIG. 129 because the line buffer usually has several lines (step S6).
64, y), the reference staple position and the optimal post-processing position are 1
If it is shifted by 80 ° (y in step S665), the image forming process is performed correctly by inverting the image in the main scanning direction while returning at the reading speed at the time of return without performing the reading operation at the time of normal scanning (step S666). Post-processing can be performed on the position (step S667).
Otherwise, the imaging is interrupted (step S66)
8) For example, a warning such as "Cannot staple at the correct position. Check the direction of paper or original" is displayed on the display unit (step S669). If you are using DF etc. and want to interrupt the image formation and give a warning, use DF
Also stop. In this case, the DF processing is described separately.

As described above, the optimal post-processing position is automatically determined by the character recognition from the direction of the character or character string of the document to be read, thereby avoiding the operator's work and confusion in the post-processing. It becomes possible. Further, there is an advantage that the operation is easy because the operator does not need to specify the position as occasion demands, and that the operation is performed quickly and time is saved. Further, in the present embodiment, when the determination result does not match the constraint condition by the hardware, it is considered that the erroneous setting is most likely to occur.
For the setting error of 80 °, the image data is apparently rotated so as to match the direction of the post-processing, so that the staples are moved to the optimum post-processing position without the operation of changing the original (paper) setting by the operator. It becomes possible. In the case of any other incorrect setting, the copying operation is stopped, the operator is notified that the post-processing direction is not correct, and the original or paper setting direction is checked and a request is made to change the setting direction. Post-processing of the position can be prevented beforehand.

5.3.1 Image According to Image Forming Mode
Selection control of direction identification detection Using the character recognition means, the image direction is detected by recognizing the character direction, and work such as image processing is performed to identify and detect the image direction based on each detected image data. There must be. This operation must be performed every time each document is scanned, which takes a very long time, and is inefficient for a normal copying operation. Therefore, in the case of a normal copy operation, the copy operation is performed without passing through the image direction recognition detection unit, thereby improving the efficiency of the copy operation. The contents of the processing are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG.

5.3.2 Manual after completion of sorting operation
Le when stapling instruction input, Figure 130 the operation flow when 5.3.2.1 warning display warning display output stapling position NG on the basis of the character Direction data will be described with reference to FIG. 131. When the staple key is turned on and copying is started (step S681), the image direction is determined based on the character direction recognition by the character recognizing unit for each original, and the consistency of the image direction is confirmed. If the consistency in the image direction is not ensured, the image data is rotated and copied, and the copy is terminated (step S682). After the copy is completed, the stapler operates (step S683), and R
The mode becomes the EASY mode. If the staple key is not turned on, the copy is started (step S68).
4) The image direction of each document is determined based on the recognition of the character direction by the character recognizing means, and copying is performed while confirming the consistency of the image direction, and the copy is terminated (step S685). After copying, if the staple key is not turned on, the stapler does not operate and enters the READY mode. Further, even if the staple key is turned on after copying is completed, if the recording paper is not left in the bin, the stapler does not operate and the apparatus enters the READY mode. This is performed regardless of whether the image direction is consistent (step S686) or the image direction is not consistent (step S687). When the stapling key is turned on (manual staple) after copying is completed, if the consistency in the image direction is maintained and the recording paper remains in the bin, the stapler operates (step S688).
It becomes ready mode.

At the time of manual stapling, if consistency in the image direction is not ensured, the stapler does not operate even if recording paper remains in the bin, and a warning is displayed on the operation panel (step S689).

5.3.2.2 Staple Prohibition The flow of the staple prohibition operation will be described with reference to FIG. At the time of manual stapling, if consistency in the image direction is not ensured, the operation of the stapler is prohibited even if recording paper remains in the bin, and a warning is displayed on the operation panel (step S691). FIG. 133 shows an example of the warning display.

[0338] 6. Image by detecting punch holes and staple holes
The image direction can be recognized by recognizing the pattern of the binding portion such as the image direction recognition punch holes and staple holes. So, first,
A method for recognizing a pattern of punch holes and detecting an image direction will be described. The punched hole is a round hole having a substantially constant diameter (a commonly used hole is 6 mm in diameter) according to the standard. By image recognition, two or more circular images having a diameter of about 6 mm are detected. In this case, it is not necessary to recognize all the document image information. The punch hole exists within about 20 mm from the edge of the document. Therefore, the image to be recognized is specified as a range shown in FIG. 134 within 20 mm from each of the four sides of the document. If there is a punch image,
In 34, a, a, c, and d, there always exist two or more round hole images. For example, if only one circular image having a diameter of about 6 mm is recognized in the area A, this image is not recognized as a punched hole. With the above-described method, it is possible to shorten the recognition determination time and reduce the amount of image memory.

In order to further improve the accuracy of the determination results of the positions of two or more round holes, the following arithmetic means is used. As shown in FIG. 135 (a), the respective center coordinates of the round hole are calculated, and the calculation results are, for example, A (Xa, Ya), B (X
b, Yb) and C (Xc, Yc). The maximum image length is assumed to be XL or YL based on the size of the document.

Assuming that the main scanning direction of the scanner is the Y-axis direction and the sub-scanning direction is the X-axis direction, the output waveform in the main scanning direction at the point Xa is as shown in FIG. 135 (b). Where V1
Is the punch hole detection level, V2 is the white portion level on the document, V
Reference numeral 3 denotes a black portion level on the document. Since V1, V2, and V3 are clearly at different signal levels, it is easy to determine. From such a waveform, each coordinate of the punched hole can be calculated. The coordinates of each hole are between X mm and X−20 mm from the aforementioned image range. Based on this coordinate information, it is possible to detect a match between the X coordinates and a match between the Y coordinates of the holes A, B, and C, and if they substantially match, it is possible to recognize the hole as a punched hole. In the example shown in FIG. 135, if Xa and Xb are substantially open at the left end face and above as shown in FIGS. 136 (a) and (b), the image direction is determined from the fixed information.

The flow of the punch hole detection method will be described with reference to FIGS. 135, 139 and 140. Step S7
01, the image coordinates P (i, j) are set at the upper left corner of the document in S702. In step S703, it is determined whether the signal level SGL read by the CCD is equal to the punch hole level V1 shown in FIG. 135 (b). If they are equal, after executing (min, man determination routine) of step S704 described later, the process proceeds to step S705. If not equal, S704 is skipped and the process proceeds to S705. Step S705
It is determined whether or not the value of the Y coordinate has reached the end of the document. If not, the Y coordinate is advanced by 1 in step S718, and the process returns to step S703, and is repeated until the Y coordinate j reaches yl. When the document reaches the document end, the X coordinate is advanced by 1 in step S706, and the above steps are repeated in step S707 until the X coordinate on the right boundary of the area A shown in FIG. 134 is reached.

Steps S708 to S711 show scanning of the area c in FIG. Step S711
When the edge reaches the end of the area C, the area E is skipped in step S712, and the area D is scanned in steps S713 to S716. If the end of the Y coordinate is reached in step S717, the X coordinate is advanced by one in step S721, and
Returning to step 08, steps S708 to S717 and steps S719 to S721 are repeated, and scanning is performed alternately between the c and d regions until the X coordinate reaches the rightmost coordinate XL-s of the c and d regions. Step S722
Steps S727 to S727 indicate the scanning of the area A. When the reading coordinate position reaches the lower right corner, the reading scanning ends.

Next, steps S704, S710, S7
15, S724 (min, max determination routine) will be described. In this routine, the maximum and minimum values of the X and Y coordinate values of the outer periphery of the punch hole area are obtained. As shown in FIG. 143, since the punch hole has a circular shape, if the maximum and minimum values of the outer periphery are obtained, other information such as the center value and the radius can be easily obtained. When a plurality of punched hole areas are recognized, the maximum value and the minimum value of each of the continuous areas are obtained and written to the storage area.

Next, a description will be given of FIGS. 141 and 142. Using the maximum and minimum values of the punch hole level area obtained according to FIGS. 139 and 140, it is determined whether each area is a punch hole. Steps S730 to S73
In step 6, the shape of the punch hole level area is determined, and step S
In 737 to S742, the distance between two points is determined.

In step S730, i is set at the head of the array storing the maximum and minimum values of the punch hole area level. When the shape of the punch hole area level determined as the shape is recognized as the punch hole shape, another array for storing the array is prepared, and the array variable m is initialized to 0 in order to write the array. I will make it.

In step S731, the center coordinates are obtained, and in step S732, the radius is obtained. Here, Rx is the radius obtained from the X coordinate, and Ry is the radius obtained from the Y coordinate. In steps S733 and S734, it is determined whether or not the radius is a value allowed for a punched hole. Here, r is a value of the reference radius, and δ represents an allowable width of a reading error or the like. If Rx and Ry are within the permissible range for punch holes in steps S734 and S735, the values of that area are stored in the array Q
(M), the presence or absence of an area that has not been determined in step S736 is checked. If there is any remaining area, the array position is advanced in step S743. repeat.

Next, the routine proceeds to a routine for judging between areas determined to be acceptable as punch hole shapes. In step S737, a pointer is set to the array position where the coordinate values of the two areas to be compared are stored, and the distance between the centers is set to L in step S738. In step S739, it is determined whether the distance L is an allowable value. Where l is the center value of the distance,
ε is an allowable width. If this determination is OK, these combinations are determined as punch holes. The area to be judged is 3
If there are more than one, the determination is repeated for all combinations in steps S741 to S746. 1. The reading operation is performed on the document by the reading optical system. 2. The coordinates (x, y) indicating the signal level V1 are obtained. 3. x, y maximum value xmax, ymax, minimum value xmi
Find n and ymin. 4. Center coordinates A (Xa, Ya) of the signal level V1 area,
B (Xb, Yb) and radii Ra, Rb are obtained. X0 = (xmax + xmin) / 2 Y0 = (ymax + ymin) / 2 R = (xmax−xmin) or R = (ymax−
ymin) 4. Ra and Rb are determined. Is Ra and Rb included in γ-δ <R <γ + δ? (Γ is the radius of the hole, δ is the allowable value) The center distance L is obtained. L = {(Xa-Xb) ² + (Ya-Yb) ² } ^1/2 6. L is determined. Is L in l−ε <L <l + ε? (L is the distance between two points, ε is an allowable value) If 7.5 and 6 are satisfied, it is recognized as a punched hole, and if not, it is not recognized. By using the same method, it is possible to cope with the case where the number of punch holes and the size of punch holes are different. Further, when determining the image direction by determining the holes of the staple marks, the same method as the image direction determination method based on the above-described punch hole detection is performed.

The shape of the staple hole is about 1 mm or less in diameter, and the distance between the holes is determined by a standard. A commonly used staple is about 10 mm. Further, since staples are applied to the end face or the corner of the paper, a pattern search may be performed on an image within 20 mm from the end face of the original image as in the case of punching holes. However, in the case of staples, it is necessary to detect whether the staple is located at a corner or an end face. As shown in FIG. 137, the original image is divided into four areas at the end face (a, c, o, c) and four corners (a, e, c, c). 10m radius when one 1mm image is detected at the corner
It is only necessary to detect another 1 mm image within m.
By doing so, the recognition time is reduced. The pattern search method is the same as that for punch holes. The search target image has two or more even holes. The image direction is determined based on the detection result and the information fixed in the determination unit. FIG. 138 shows the information fixed in the determination means.

In the case of corner stop, the image direction is determined to be the direction of a or b with respect to the staple hole. Also,
In the case of the edge stop, the image direction is determined as in c. The flowchart of the detection method is the same as that in the case of punch hole detection.

6.1.1 Based on Original Punch Hole Detection
Punch holes formed on the image direction recognition document are detected, and the image direction of the document is detected from the hole information. Hereinafter, the contents will be described. A method of recognizing an image direction using the above-described punch hole detection routine will be described. In the case where the original is written horizontally in a vertical original as shown in FIG. 144, the punch holes are usually provided at the left end of FIG. 144A and the upper end of FIG. 144C. (B) and (d) are obtained by rotating (a) and (c) by 180 degrees, respectively. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, each image state will be referred to as follows. (A) Left punch upside down (b) Left punch upside down (c) Upper punch upside down (d) Upper punch upside down The determination can be made by confirming which of (a), (a), (c), and (d) has a punched hole. FIG. 145 shows the processing procedure. By doing so, the image direction of the formatted document image can be detected with a simple configuration. In a copy operation of a document having a punched hole, the image direction can be determined by detecting the punched hole.

6.1.2 Based on staple hole detection of original
Then, a staple hole existing on the image direction recognizing document is detected, and the image direction of the document is detected from the hole information. Hereinafter, the contents will be described. A method for recognizing the image direction using the staple hole detection routine will be described. As in the case of the above-described punched hole detection, when the original is the horizontal original shown in FIG. 146, the staple positions are generally considered to be six types of (a) to (f) in FIG. (D) to (f)
(A) to (c) are rotated by 180 degrees. Each image state will be referred to as follows.
(A) Edge stop edge upright (b) Edge edge upside down (c) Upper edge upside down (d) Upper edge upside down (e) Corner stop upside down (f) Corner stop upside down As described in the staple trace detection routine described above, the determination can be made by confirming at which position of (a) to (f) the staple trace exists in FIG. 146 (g). FIG. 147 shows the flow. As described above, the image direction of the formatted document image can be detected with a simple configuration. In a copy operation of a document having a staple hole, the image direction can be determined by detecting the staple hole.

6.1.3 Punching of Originals on Many Originals
Detect holes or staple holes and check the consistency of the image direction with the reference image information. It is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the reference document in the document group copied according to the direction. Hereinafter, the contents will be described. There are two types of reference images: a) using image information of a start page; b) using an arbitrary page as image information depending on the number of documents. Here, "arbitrary" means either the setting by the operator or the writing in advance in the ROM.

Based on the image information detection result described in "Recognition of Image Direction Based on Detection of Punch Holes or Staple Holes of Document", each document state is incremented by one for each document (FIG. 148). .

Based on the result of the count-up, the number of originals counter a in the left punch upside-down direction (step S771) and the number of originals counter b in the left punch upside-down direction (step S7)
72), using a counter of a document number counter c in the upper-punch vertical direction (step S773) and a document number counter d in the upper-punch vertical direction (step S774).
According to the flow of 4, it is determined whether or not different document directions are mixed in a large number of documents of one job.

As described above, the image directivity of each document is detected based on the detection of punch holes or staple marks, and it is determined whether documents indicating different document directions are mixed in the document group. Becomes possible.

6.1.4 Image Directivity N for Many Documents
6.1.4.1 Recovering when G is detected 6.1.4.1 Only the warning display after image formation When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes or staple holes, and the original document It is determined whether there is a document with a different image direction from the image direction of the reference document. By displaying, the operator is notified that a document having a different image direction and a copy of the document exist in the document group and the copies of the document group.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 34, when it is determined in the flow of FIG.
After copying all groups of documents, the CP of the operation unit
If U is in READY state • There is a document whose punch hole position or image direction is upside down.・ Check the copy paper and align the image orientation. And the like, and sends a display request code to perform a warning display. The contents of the operation display are the same except that the “vertical writing, horizontal writing” portion in FIG. 36 is changed to the “punch hole position”.

6.1.4.2 Directional Difference in Original Scan
When copy interrupt warned Display large number document may become, it detects an image direction by detecting the punched holes or staples holes in each document, in the copied original group by each detected document orientation, It is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the reference document. By displaying a warning display on the operation unit, a document having a different image direction is present in the document group, and the operator is notified to change the document installation direction.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. FIG.
According to No. 9, if the original is in the left punch upright orientation, the flag a
Is set as the direction flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units (step S781). If the left punch is in the reverse direction, the flag b is set (step S782). Similarly, if the upper punch is in the forward direction, the flag c ( Step S
783) If the upper punch is in the reverse direction, the flag d is set (step S784). FIG. 38 shows the bit configuration of the memory FLGDIR in units of bytes in which flags are stored.
It is like. The copy interruption and warning display output operation flows are the same as those in FIGS. FIG. 150 shows an example of the display on the operation unit.

As described above, by detecting the mixture of document directions to the operator, the copy operation is stopped and a warning is displayed, so that the copy group formed by the operator is unified with the image direction of the first sheet. You can get a copied copy.

6.1.4.3 Image Rotation Processing and Original
When scanning multiple reverse originals, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes and staple holes in each original, and the image direction of the reference original differs from the image direction in the copy group depending on the detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not a document exists, if a document with a different image direction is detected, the image direction is changed by performing image rotation processing (reversal in memory) or performing reverse scanning of the document. Informing that a different document exists or recovering the image directionality NG is performed to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction. The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (reversal on memory) or the like by image processing is the same as that in FIG.
The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, the image direction is detected by detecting the punch hole or the staple hole of each document.
Depending on the detected document direction,
When the image direction of the reference image direction original (first original) is determined to be different from the image direction based on the edge margin area detection data, a warning display, image rotation processing, original reverse scanning, and the like are performed to perform image orientation. However, it is possible to notify the operator of the existence of a document having a different image direction, or to recover the image directionality NG, to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified, and to prevent missing pages.

6.1.5 Correspondence when Unrecognizable 6.1.5.1 Image Form in Predetermined Predetermined Direction
In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the punch holes or staple holes in each original, and the image direction of the reference original in the group of originals copied according to each detected original direction In the image forming apparatus which determines whether or not there is a document having a different image direction, if it is recognized that the image direction cannot be identified, an image is formed in a predetermined direction, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Is displayed to indicate that a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document exist in the document group and the copy group.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. Based on the image information detection result, each document state is counted up by one for each document. From the result of the count-up, the number of original sheets counter a in the left punch upside down direction, the number of originals counter b in the left punch upside down direction, the number of originals counter c in the upper punch upside down direction, the number of originals counter d in the upper punch upside down direction, Document number counter e with indistinguishable image direction
48 and FIG. 49, it is determined whether or not originals in different directions are mixed in a large number of originals in one job, and whether or not an original whose image direction cannot be identified is mixed. to decide. Hereinafter, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 47, when it is determined in the flow of FIG. 151 that the image direction cannot be identified (step S
791) If an image is formed in a predetermined direction and the CPU of the operation unit is in the READY state to the operation unit 204 after copying all the original groups, the following warning is issued. Sends a display request code to perform display. The number of the originals whose image direction cannot be identified is known from the counter e. -Documents with indistinguishable image orientation are mixed <e sheets>.・ Check the copy paper and align the image orientation. The contents of the operation unit display are the same as those in FIG. As described above, it is possible to prevent missing pages by alerting the operator of the inability to identify the image direction.

6.1.5.2 Uniform image formation / warning display in the identified predetermined reference image information direction In the case of a large number of documents, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes or staple holes in each document. The information is used as reference image direction information, and it is determined whether or not the image direction of the document is different from the reference image direction. In the image forming apparatus that aligns the image directions, it is recognized that the image direction of the reference page cannot be identified. In this case, the next page is determined as the reference image direction page, and the image directions are aligned based on the information of the page. By displaying the above-mentioned warning display on the operation unit, the operator is notified that there is a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document exists.

The contents will be described below. FIG.
In step 2, the number of pages of the reference document is counted in step S801. A flag D of FLGDIR and a page counter m, which will be described later, are cleared before the first document is scanned. When reading the first document,
Since the flag D of FLGDIR is OFF, the page counter m is counted by one. From the next step to before step S802, the description is the same as that of FIG. 151. In the case of the original in the left punch upright direction, the flag a is set as a direction flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units. If the left punch is upside down, the flag b is set. If it is the opposite direction, the flag c is set. When the document direction is identified, the process proceeds to step S802, where FLGDI
When the flag D of R is OFF, the flag D is set as a data flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units, and the reference direction data is stored. When the flag D is on (when reference direction data is stored), the process proceeds to the next step. The memory F in bytes in which the flag is stored
The bit configuration of LGDIR is as shown in FIG.
After the copying of all original groups is completed, the CPU of the operation unit
In the EASY state, a warning display code is sent to the operation unit, and the page counter m identifies the page number as the reference document, so that the number of pages of the reference document is also displayed. The display contents of the operation unit are the same as those in FIG. As described above, it is possible to prevent missing pages by alerting the operator of the inability to identify the image direction.

6.1.5.3 Image Forming Interruption / Warning Display In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting a punch hole or a staple hole of each original, and a copy group is determined based on each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document in which the image direction of the reference document is different from the image direction of the reference document, if it is recognized that the image cannot be identified, the copying operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Indicates that an original whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the original exist in the original group and its copy group, and informs the operator to change the original setting direction.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. FIG.
In the case of an original in the left punch upright direction according to
Is set as the direction flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units (step S781). If the left punch is in the reverse direction, the flag b is set (step S782). Similarly, if the upper punch is in the forward direction, the flag c ( Step S
783) If the upper punch is in the reverse direction, the flag d is set (step S784). In the case of a document whose image direction cannot be recognized, the flag e is set as the direction flag and set in the flag e (step S811). The bit configuration of the memory FLGDIR in units of bytes in which the flags are stored is as shown in FIG. The operation flow of copy suspension and warning display output is the same as in FIGS. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, by detecting the mixture of the document directions and the inability to recognize the document direction, and displaying the stop / warning of the copy operation to the operator, the first copy group to be formed by the operator is displayed. It is possible to obtain a unified copy in the image direction of the first sheet. 6.1.6 Blank Documents When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the punch holes and staple holes of each original, and the first group of originals copied according to the detected original directions is included. When the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the document exists and recognizes that the document is blank, the document is reversed by the document reversing means, and then the image reading operation is performed again. Is performed, and the image direction is detected again for the read image.

In the reading operation of the ADF (II) shown in FIG. 1, image information other than the above-described image information (punch holes and staple holes) of the binding portion is used as image information in an image signal for one sheet of an arbitrary document. If no image information exists or no image information exists, it is considered that the document is inverted. The original is reversed in the automatic document feeder without discharging the original from the automatic document feeder, and the reading operation by the scanner is performed again. If the information of the document read again is blank page information, since both sides are blank, it is regarded as a slip sheet, the image data is canceled and the document is ejected, and the blank sheet is ejected as recording paper, and the next document is ejected. Is performed. The image direction is detected from the information of the document read again, and when the image direction is the same as the image direction in a series of documents, a normal image forming operation is performed based on the inverted image information.

At this time, if the detected image direction is different from the series of image directions, the image formation is interrupted and confirmation is requested or a warning is displayed. If the detected image direction is
When the image direction is different from the series of image directions, the read image information is rotated on a memory to unify the image directions.

The above processing is the same as that shown in FIGS. 42, 60, 61 and 62. However, the portion of step 186 in FIG. 60 is referred to as “punch hole detection”. The contents of the warning display are the same as those shown in FIGS. 43, 45, and 90.

In copying a plurality of originals, if there is an original whose front and back are reversed, if the copy is executed as it is, page missing will occur. In order to prevent this, it is determined that the original is a blank sheet, and at this time, the original is inverted in the apparatus, thereby returning the original to a state in which the original is not reversed. If the inverted document is blank again, the front and back sides are blank, so that it is determined that the document is a slip sheet, and the blank is discharged as the recording paper for this document, thereby preventing missing pages.

In addition to the above operations, by checking the direction of the original document, it is determined whether the original document matches the original document. If there is an original document that is not aligned, a warning display / copy operation is performed. Stop, rotation of the image, reverse scanning of the original, etc., to notify that there is an original with a different image direction or to recover the image directionality NG to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction. Can be done, and missing pages can be prevented.

6.1.7 Document Directivity N for Many Documents
When detecting G (when image processing is not supported ) For a large number of documents, the punch holes or staple holes of each document are detected, and the image direction of the first document in the copy group is determined from the detected document directions. In an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document having a different image direction, if a document having a different image direction is detected, the image directional NG cannot be recovered, and without the operator taking a corresponding action. If it is not possible to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified, it is notified that there is a document with a different image direction as follows, and requests the operator to take measures to unify the image direction, and If not, a predetermined operation is performed to reduce the dead time of the machine.

A) -1 If the number of copies is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Further, if the operator does not take any countermeasure even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the copying operation is restarted. a) -2 When the number of copies is equal to or less than the predetermined number of copies, the copy operation is continued, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. b) 1 When the human body detection sensor 25 is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Further, if the operator does not take any countermeasure even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the copying operation is restarted. b) -2 When the human body detection sensor 225 is OFF, the copying operation is continued and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit.

An operation flow corresponding to the number of sorts is shown in FIG.
Is the same as The contents of the warning display are shown in FIG. 65 and FIG.
Same as 10. The operation flow of the copier equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those shown in FIGS.

As described above, in the above-described processing, when it is recognized that a document in the image direction NG exists in the copy operation using the sorter, it is easy to correct later according to the number of sorts. When the number of copies is very small, copying is performed without interruption, and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copying is completed, thereby preventing missing pages. On the other hand, when there is a large number of sort copies that are difficult to correct later, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, thereby preventing missing pages. further,
If the number of copies is large and the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, the copy operation is automatically restarted if no action is taken even after the lapse of a predetermined time, resulting in wasted machine stoppage time. , And wasteful occupation time by the current job can be omitted. At the same time, a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copy is completed, so that when the operator performs post-copy binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. Automatically, the operator is required to check the image direction of the copy himself, and it is possible to prevent missing pages.

In a copying operation using a copier equipped with the human body detection sensor 225, if it is recognized that an original in the image direction NG exists, the human body detection sensor 225 is detected.
When the output of the human body detection sensor is OFF in response to the output signal, that is, when the operator is not in front of the copying machine, the copying is performed without interruption, and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copying is completed. Automatically performs the post-copy binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after the image formation, automatically notifies that the image direction NG original (copy) is mixed, and automatically copies the copy. It is required to check the image direction, and it is possible to prevent missing pages. On the other hand, when the output of the human body detection sensor is ON, the copy operation is interrupted, and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, thereby preventing missing pages. Further, when the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copy operation is interrupted, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the copy operation is automatically restarted. In addition, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary downtime of the machine and unnecessary occupation time of the current job. At the same time, a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copy is completed, so that when the operator performs post-copy binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. Automatically, the operator is required to check the image direction of the copy himself, and it is possible to prevent missing pages.

6.2.1 Based on Original Punch Hole Detection Data
Staple actuation control brute (stapled positioning - staples original punch hole side) during multiple document sheet, by detecting the image orientation by detecting the punched holes of each document to determine the stapling position from the detected image data It is conceivable to perform a stapling operation.

The contents will be described below. The staple position determination method based on punch hole detection is shown in FIG.
As shown at 54, a stapling operation is performed on the same end as the detected punch hole. That is, in the case of two stops, (a ') to (d') are respectively shown in (a) to (d) of the figure, and in the case of one stop, (a '') is shown in each of (a) to (d) of the figure. ) To (d ″) correspond. In this case, it is sufficient that each position is located in a region indicated by oblique lines in the figure. The data of the staple position determined by the above method is shown in FIG.
As shown in the flow of 55, in step S821, one of the following two steps is determined.

A) Standby mode: It is transmitted to the operation section and waits until the next instruction input by the operator. B) Staple mode: transmitted as an operation instruction signal to the staple position changing mechanism. In the stapling mode, the stapling mechanism is controlled based on the operation signal, and after the stapling operation is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode (step S822), and waits for the next instruction input.

As described above, by detecting the image direction based on the punch hole determination and determining the staple position, misstaple can be prevented in advance.

6.2.2 Original Staple Hole Detection Data
Staple operation control based on (the staple positioning - staples document staple holes side) during multiple document sheet, by detecting the image orientation by detecting the staple holes of each document, determines the stapling position from the detected image data Then, a stapling operation may be performed.

The contents will be described below. Staple position determination methods based on staple hole detection include:
As shown in FIG. 156, a stapling operation is performed on the same end as the detected punch hole. In other words, in the case of two stops, (a ') to (d') in the figures (a) to (d) respectively
However, in the case of one stop, (a ") to (d") correspond to (a) to (d) in the figure, respectively. In this case, it is sufficient that each position is located in a region indicated by oblique lines in the figure. The data of the staple position determined by the above method is shown in FIG.
As shown in the flow of 57, in step S831, one of the following two steps is determined.

A) Standby mode: sent to the operation unit and waits for the next instruction input by the operator. B) Staple mode: transmitted as an operation instruction signal to the staple position changing mechanism. Then, in the staple mode, the stapling mechanism is controlled based on the operation signal, and after the stapling operation is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode (step S832), and waits for the next instruction input. As described above, by detecting the image direction based on the staple hole determination and determining the staple position, misstaple can be prevented in advance.

6.2.3 Original Staple Hole Detection Data
Based on the staple execution confirmation and staple execution confirmation after the job is completed, the stapling operation is interrupted by stapling prohibition input.When there are many documents, the image direction is detected by detecting the staple holes in each document and the detected image data is used. In an image forming apparatus having a mode in which a stapling position is determined and a stapling operation is performed, a stapling operation is confirmed after the recording operation is completed, and when a prohibition input is received,
Prohibiting the stapling operation is performed.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. The operation flow will be described with reference to FIG. In step S841, a staple hole is detected, and in step S842, a copy operation is performed on a series of originals. After the completion of one job, the operator is requested to confirm the execution of the stapling operation in step S843. If there is a key input for stapling, after stapling is executed, the recording sheet is discharged in step S844, and the apparatus enters the standby mode in step S845. In response to a key input for stapling prohibition, the recording paper is discharged as it is and the apparatus enters the standby mode.

As described above, when the stapling operation is in the default mode, a stapling operation is confirmed to the operator before the stapling operation, and a stapling prohibition input is accepted, thereby preventing a miss stapling.

6.2.4 Punch holes or stays in original
And specific image information direction identification from the pull hole data, using a check character recognition image orientation integrity detects an image direction of the document from the direction of the character and the character string with respect to the paper of the document by comparing the reference stapling position data, Optimal post-processing determined from the relationship between paper and character strings (staples and punches)
Confirmation of the consistency between the position and the post-processing position constrained by the hardware is performed.

Hereinafter, the contents will be described. In the sorter stapler (S / S), only one place at a fixed corner position,
In the case of the finisher, the operating position is limited on a straight line on one end side. Therefore, in the related art, if the user's instruction input and the document setting method are not in a correct positional relationship due to hardware restrictions, post-processing may be performed at an incorrect position. Therefore, in the present invention, in addition to the image direction recognizing means using character confirmation as described in the above section, a position that can be post-processed by hardware and an optimal post-processing position determined based on character string direction data are set. It has a comparing means for comparing and has a step of confirming the consistency of the positional relationship between the two.

In the case of S / S, FIG.
The staple position is limited to the hatched portion 9 (a). At this time, if the staple position determined from the image direction is the position of the hatched portion in FIG. 159 (b), the staple position does not match the reference staple position, resulting in mismatch. An example of the actual determination is as follows. As shown in FIG. 160, numbers 1 to 8 are assigned to the absolute staple positions assuming that the staples are output on the sorter tray. Assuming that the staple position obtained as a result of punch hole recognition is i, i = 2 in the case of FIG. 159 (b). Assuming that the staple position on the hardware side is k, the staple position on the hardware side is limited to 6 to 8 depending on the paper direction due to S / S restrictions. In the example of FIG. 159, k = 6, 7, or 8. i and k are compared, and it is determined that they match only when i = k. In the case of FIG. 159 (b), i = 2, and it is determined that there is no matching because i ≠ k. In the copy operation, the flow is as shown in FIG. That is, the punch holes are recognized depending on whether or not one stop is made, the staple position is determined, and the consistency is checked (steps S851 and S852). As described above, the position of the optimal post-processing is automatically determined from the direction of the original document character / character string to be read by detecting the punched hole, so that the operation and confusion of the operator in the post-processing are avoided. It becomes possible. Further, there is an advantage that the operation is easy because the operator does not need to specify the position as occasion demands, and that the operation is performed quickly and time is saved. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to check whether or not the determination result conforms to the constraint condition by hardware, so that post-processing to an incorrect position can be prevented beforehand.

6.2.5 Image Method Based on Punch Hole Detection
Image directionality NG recovery by comparing orientation and reference staple position data When a large number of originals are used, an image direction is detected by detecting punch holes, and a staple position is determined based on each detected image direction data. In the above, when the reference staple position and the detected image direction data do not match, a) suspend the copy operation and display a warning display on the operation unit b) continue the copy operation and inhibit the staple operation c) rotate the image Perform processing (reversal on the memory). D) Perform reverse scanning of the document.

The operation flow of copying suspension and warning display output is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow for continuing image formation and stapling is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow when performing image rotation processing (reversal on memory) or the like by image processing is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as that in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction recognized by punch hole detection does not match the reference staple position, a warning display, a stop of the copy operation, an image rotation process,
By performing document reverse scanning, etc., it is possible to notify that a document with a different image direction exists, to recover image directionality NG, to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction, and to prevent missing pages. Made it possible.

6.2.6 Punch Based on Punch Hole Detection
When there is an image at the hole position When forming a large number of originals, image formation is performed by detecting the punch direction based on the punch hole detection of each original to detect the image direction and determining the punch hole position based on the detected image data. When an image is present at the determined punch hole position in the apparatus, a) suspend the copying operation, display a warning display on the operation unit, b) continue image forming, and prohibit stapling, c) shift by image processing.・ Perform scaling (reduction), etc. d) Change the staple position. E) Automatically cancel the staple mode (default) to prevent staples from entering the image.
The stapling is performed to prevent the copy original from being damaged.

The operation flow of copying suspension and warning display output is the same as that of FIG. The operation flow for continuing image formation and stapling is the same as in FIG. The operation flow at the time of performing shift / magnification (reduction) by image processing is the same as that in FIG. The operation flow for changing the staple position is the same as that in FIG.

E) The operation flow when the staple mode is automatically released (default) is shown in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, when an image exists at the determined staple position, the copy operation is stopped / warned, the image is shifted / magnified, the staple position is changed, the staple mode is automatically released, and so on. In this case, it is possible to prevent image damage due to staples.

6.3.1 Original According to Image Forming Mode
The punch holes or staple Ana識 by detecting detects the selection control punched holes or staples holes in your to a device having means for identifying image orientation in the normal image forming mode, the identification detection of punch holes or staple holes Is activated, and in the image forming mode including post-processing, activation of identification of punch holes or staple holes is performed. The contents are the same as the flow shown in FIG.

It is a waste of time and inefficient to always operate these identification detection operations in a device capable of identifying and detecting punch holes and staple holes. Therefore, by selectively controlling the process of identifying punch holes or staple holes in accordance with the image forming mode, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the copying operation.

6.3.2 Detect punch holes in original and record
Erasing punch holes when forming an image on a recording sheet If a punch hole exists in a document, this is detected and the corresponding punch hole image on the recording paper is erased, and unnecessary punch holes are recorded on the recording paper. Can be prevented.

The contents will be described below. FIG.
In the original shown in FIG. 2A, when two punch holes B and C are formed in the image area A, the image information captured in the memory is compared with the image in the punch hole area at the time of recording. Is ignored as recording information, and writing on the photoconductor is not performed. As a result, the obtained image on the recording paper becomes an image of only image information without a punch hole mark as shown in FIG. 162 (b), and a clear image can be obtained. As another direction, if a method of recognizing a punch hole before writing to the memory is used, unnecessary writing operation can be performed without writing unnecessary punch hole information to the memory and unnecessary writing operation can be performed. The determination operation can be omitted, and the processing speed increases.

When a copy operation is performed using a document having a punched hole in the document, a punched hole mark is written on the recording paper.
Although a poor-looking image is created, in this embodiment, punch holes are automatically recognized, and writing of a portion corresponding to the punch holes on the recording paper is not performed. Only recorded images can be obtained.

[0406]6.3.3 Detect staple holes in original
Steps for forming an image on a recording sheetIf there are staple holes in the original, this is detected.
Erase the staple hole image on the corresponding recording paper, and
To prevent unnecessary staple holes from being recorded on the
Is performed.

The contents will be described below. FIG.
In the original shown in FIG. 3A, when there are two staple marks B and C in the image area A, the image information captured in the memory is replaced with the staple mark image information in the recording information. Is ignored, and writing on the photoconductor is not performed. As a result, the obtained image on the recording paper becomes an image of only image information without staple marks as shown in FIG. 163 (b), and a clear image can be obtained. As another method, if a method of recognizing a staple mark before writing to the memory is used, unnecessary staple mark information is not written to the memory, and unnecessary writing operation and writing time can be reduced. Can be omitted, and the processing speed increases.

When a copy operation is performed using a document having a staple hole in the document, a trace of the staple hole is recorded on the recording paper and an unattractive image is created. In this embodiment, the staple hole is automatically recognized. By not writing the portion corresponding to the staple hole on the recording paper, unnecessary image information is not recorded, and a recorded image of only necessary information can be obtained.

6.3.4 Manual after completion of sorting operation
Le when stapling instruction input, when many sheets the document when the staple position NG on the basis of various data, identifying the image orientation by punching holes or staples hole detection of each document, determines the stapling position by the respective detected image data In the image forming apparatus, when the stapling operation is manually input after the sorting operation, if image data exists at the instructed stapling position, a) a warning display is displayed on the operation unit b) the staple is displayed By prohibiting the operation, the staple is operated so as not to cover the image area, and the staple is prevented from damaging the copy recording paper.

The operation flow of the warning display output is the same as that in FIG. However, “image consistency OK” in step S361
Judgment deleted. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG. The operation flow for stapling prohibition is the same as that in FIG. However, “image consistency OK” in step S371
Judgment deleted. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

When an image is present at the staple position in this way, by displaying a warning, prohibiting staples, and the like, it is possible to prevent the image from being damaged by staples.

[0412] 7. Margin detection, layout detection, character recognition
Detection method that performs detection in the order of detection and efficiently changes the image direction. When any document image direction detection means cannot detect, the other document image direction recognition means is activated. Providing a method for detecting direction is performed.

The present embodiment is executed by the image direction judging means having a high processing speed, and only when the image direction judging means judges that the judgment is impossible, the image direction judging means having the next fastest processing judgment is executed. Is used to recognize the image direction.

FIG. 164 shows a specific flow. In step S861, the image direction of the document is determined by detecting a margin. In step S862, it is determined whether it is impossible to determine the image direction by the margin detection. If it is determined that the layout cannot be determined, the layout is determined in step S863. If it is determined in step S864 that the image direction cannot be recognized based on the layout determination, the process advances to step S865 to execute the image direction determination unit based on the character direction determination. If it cannot be determined in step S866, it is determined that the image direction cannot be determined. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately determine the image direction.

[0415]

According to the present invention, the first image information and the second image information
When the image direction mismatch with the image information is confirmed,
The image reading operation for the
This makes it possible to achieve consistency in the image direction.
And quickly match the image directionality between many document images.
Can be

[0416]

[0417]

[0418]

[0419]

[0420]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an optical writing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an optical writing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the overall electrical control of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an image scanner unit.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing unit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing data switched by a data switching mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a memory device.

FIG. 13 is an internal block diagram of a memory unit of the memory device.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing three image data types.

FIG. 15 is an internal block diagram of a memory device.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a memory system using an external storage device.

FIG. 17 is an internal block diagram of a memory device.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an application unit.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing unit.

FIG. 22 is a reception block diagram of image information.

FIG. 23 is an image processing function block diagram.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a bitmap page memory.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of image information data expanded in a memory at the time of normal scanning.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of image information data expanded in a memory at the time of reverse scanning.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of image information data mirrored on a memory.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating margins in the X and Y directions of a document.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram for detecting the number of pixels from the document end face to the image start position.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a document direction detection method.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an image determined in the flow of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a method of detecting a binding margin position of a document.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for matching the image directionality between the maximum end face margin and the start page image information.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for determining whether or not different document directions are mixed in a large number of documents in one job.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a warning display of a document in which directions are mixed.

FIG. 36 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart for determining whether or not a document having a different image direction exists in a copied document group.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a bit configuration of a memory of a flag used in the flow of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of copy suspension and warning display output.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of copy suspension and warning display output.

FIG. 41 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart when image rotation processing is performed by image processing.

FIG. 43 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart for performing reverse scanning of a document.

FIG. 45 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart of a method for detecting a document direction from an edge margin area of the document.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart of a warning display when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 48 is a flow chart for judging the presence / absence of a mixture of documents having different directions and a document whose image direction cannot be identified in a large number of documents in one job.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not documents having different orientations from among a large number of documents in one job and documents having indistinguishable image directions are present;

FIG. 50 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart of control for unifying the identified reference image information direction.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram showing a bit configuration of a memory of a flag used in the flow of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart of an image direction identification inability determination.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing a bit configuration of a memory of a flag used in the flow of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a flowchart of a process of interrupting copying when an image direction cannot be identified and outputting a warning.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart of a process of interrupting copying and outputting a warning display when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing a process of interrupting copying when an image direction cannot be identified and outputting a warning display.

FIG. 59 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart of a blank document determination process.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart of a blank document determination process.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of interrupting copying and outputting a warning display when determining a blank document.

FIG. 63 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart of a copy operation for coping with an image direction irregularity according to the number of copies.

FIG. 65 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 66 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart for coping with a copying operation of a copying machine equipped with a human body detection sensor when image directions are not aligned.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart for performing stapling by determining a binding position;

FIG. 69 is a flowchart of continuation of image formation and staple inhibition when the reference staple position data and the image direction do not match.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart of a copy interruption and a warning display when an image exists at a determined stapling position.

FIG. 71 is a flowchart of an operation of continuing image formation and stapling prohibition when an image exists at a determined staple position.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart of a sequence / magnification process or the like when an image exists at a determined staple position.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart of a staple position changing operation when an image exists at a determined staple position.

FIG. 74 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 75 is a flowchart of selection control of image direction identification detection according to an image forming mode.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a warning display when the stapling position is inappropriate.

FIG. 77 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 78 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of prohibiting stapling when a stapling position is inappropriate.

FIG. 79 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 80 is an explanatory diagram for judging an image direction from a row cutout result.

FIG. 81 is an explanatory diagram showing a triangular pattern of one staple stop;

FIG. 82 is an explanatory diagram showing a staple two-side stop pattern.

FIG. 83 is an explanatory diagram in which a row cutout result by the mosaic processing is developed on a bitmap memory.

FIG. 84 is an explanatory diagram in which a row cutout result obtained by the mosaic processing when the number of pixels of the filter is reduced is developed on a bitmap memory.

FIG. 85 is an explanatory diagram in which a row cutout result by the mosaic processing when the number of pixels of the filter is increased is developed on a bitmap memory.

FIG. 86 is an explanatory diagram showing, on a bitmap memory, a result of extracting a line by mosaic processing when the number of pixels of the filter is large and dots larger than the line feed width are used.

FIG. 87 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a filter.

FIG. 88 is a flowchart of a top / bottom judgment of a document based on a main scanning direction address.

FIG. 89 is a flowchart for judging horizontal writing and vertical writing from the average value of the distance between the centers of gravity of the character array sections in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

FIG. 90 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 91 is an explanatory diagram showing types of originals.

FIG. 92 is an explanatory diagram showing types of originals.

FIG. 93 is an explanatory diagram showing a unified pattern of image directions.

FIG. 94 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between each reference image and a staple position and a punch position.

FIG. 95 is a flowchart of image direction consistency confirmation determination.

FIG. 96 is a flowchart for unifying image directions using a subsequent page as a reference direction original.

FIG. 97 is a flowchart for unifying the image direction using a subsequent page as a reference direction original.

FIG. 98 is a flowchart of a warning display operation when the document directions are mixed or the direction cannot be recognized.

FIG. 99 is a flowchart of stapling processing based on layout determination.

FIG. 100 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 101 is a flowchart of image consistency and stapling processing operation.

FIG. 102 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a character recognition method.

FIG. 103 is an explanatory diagram showing a direction code of an outline portion of an input character image.

FIG. 104 is an explanatory diagram of a histogram for each direction code.

FIG. 105 is a character recognition block diagram.

FIG. 106 is an explanatory diagram showing a direction code corresponding to each angle of a character “sentence”.

FIG. 107 is an explanatory diagram showing a combination table of a document size and a writing method;

FIG. 108 is an explanatory diagram illustrating positions of various types of document placement.

FIG. 109 is an explanatory diagram showing types of horizontal writing and vertical writing of a document.

FIG. 110 is a plan view of an operation display unit.

FIG. 111 is a flowchart of an operation of forming an image and displaying a warning in a predetermined direction determined in advance.

FIG. 112 is a flowchart of an operation of forming an image in a predetermined direction and displaying a warning.

FIG. 113 is a flowchart of an operation of performing image formation and warning display by unifying the identified reference image information direction.

FIG. 114 is a flowchart of an operation of performing image formation and warning display by unifying the identified reference image information direction.

FIG. 115 is a flowchart of an operation of performing image formation and warning display by unifying the identified reference image information direction.

FIG. 116 is a flowchart of an image formation interruption and warning display operation when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 117 is a flowchart of image formation interruption and warning display operation when image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 118 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 119 is a plan view of an operation display unit.

FIG. 120 is an explanatory diagram showing each pattern of one staple stop.

FIG. 121 is an explanatory view showing each pattern of two staples stopping.

FIG. 122 is a flowchart of staple position determination.

FIG. 123 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between the sheet direction and the staple position compatibility.

FIG. 124 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the paper direction and the staple position.

FIG. 125 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the sheet direction and the staple position.

FIG. 126 is a flowchart of staple position determination.

FIG. 127 is a flowchart of a warning display process when the consistency between the character string direction data and the reference staple position is NG.

FIG. 128 is a flowchart of an image rotation process when the consistency between character string direction data and a reference staple position is NG.

FIG. 129 is a flowchart of a document reverse scan process when the consistency between the character string direction data and the reference staple position is NG.

FIG. 130 is a flowchart of a warning display process when a stapling position is NG when a manual stapling instruction is input;

FIG. 131 is a flowchart of a warning display process when a stapling position is NG when a manual stapling instruction is input.

FIG. 132 is a flowchart of a stapling prohibiting operation when a manual stapling instruction is input and the stapling position is NG.

FIG. 133 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 134 is an explanatory diagram showing a punch hole area;

FIG. 135 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of calculating each coordinate of a punch hole.

FIG. 136 is an explanatory diagram showing punch hole positions.

FIG. 137 is an explanatory diagram showing a document image divided into ranges.

FIG. 138 is an explanatory diagram showing fixed image information.

FIG. 139 is a flowchart of a punch hole detection method.

FIG. 140 is a flowchart of a punch hole detection method.

FIG. 141 is a flowchart of a punch hole detection method.

FIG. 142 is a flowchart of a punch hole detection method.

FIG. 143 is an explanatory diagram showing coordinate values of punch holes.

FIG. 144 is an explanatory diagram showing each pattern of punch holes and a detection area.

FIG. 145 is a flowchart showing the relationship between the location of a punched hole and the image state.

FIG. 146 is an explanatory diagram showing each pattern of a staple position.

FIG. 147 is a flowchart illustrating processing based on a staple trace and an image state.

FIG. 148 is a flowchart of a process of counting each document state.

FIG. 149 is a flowchart of a process for counting each document state.

FIG. 150 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 151 is a flowchart for counting the state of each document and performing a non-recognizable process.

FIG. 152 is a flowchart of an image direction identification process using punch holes and staple holes in a multi-sheet document.

FIG. 153 is a flowchart of a process of counting each document state.

FIG. 154 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a punch hole position and a staple position.

FIG. 155 is a flowchart of stapling processing by punch hole detection.

FIG. 156 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a staple hole position and a staple position;

FIG. 157 is a flowchart of stapling processing by staple hole detection.

FIG. 158 is a flowchart of a stapling operation confirmation process.

FIG. 159 is an explanatory diagram showing staple positions on a document.

FIG. 160 is an explanatory diagram showing staple positions by reference numerals;

FIG. 161 is a flowchart of staple position determination processing based on staple location determination and punch hole recognition.

FIG. 162 is an explanatory diagram showing a punch hole erase;

FIG. 163 is an explanatory diagram showing a staple mark erase;

FIG. 164 is a flowchart of an image direction identification process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 200, 201 CPU 202 Image control circuit 203 Signal switching gate array 204 Operation unit unit 205 Editor 206 Scanner control circuit 207 Page memory 208 Image processing unit 209 Calendar IC 210 Application unit 220 Main control plate 221 Feed control plate 222 Sorter control plate 223 Double-sided control board 224 ADF control board 225 Human body detection sensor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Takashima 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyasu Sumita 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Fumio Kurusumi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Ricoh Co., Ltd. Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06T 7/60 G06T 1/00 H04N 1/04 106 JICST file (JOIS)

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A first detecting step of detecting predetermined image information in a first image information page area; a first recognizing step of recognizing an image direction of the first image information from the detected image information data; Storing a detected image direction of the first image information, a second detecting step of detecting predetermined image information in the second image information page area, and an image of the second image information from the detected image information data. A second recognition step of recognizing the direction; a determining step of determining the image direction consistency of the second image information with respect to the image direction of the stored first image information; And a recovery step for avoiding the inconsistent state when the inconsistent state of the image direction is confirmed. The method for recognizing and unifying the image direction and unifying the image direction by sequentially performing the above steps To
In the determination step, the image method of the first image information and the second image information
When the orientation mismatch state is confirmed, the image
Perform image reading operation on information from the opposite direction.
An image direction recognition and unification method characterized by the following . 2. A predetermined image in a first image information page area
First detecting means for detecting information, and an image direction of the first image information from the detected image information data
Recognition means for recognizing the image, and storage means for storing the image direction of the recognized first image information
And detecting predetermined image information in the second image information page area
A second detecting means, and an image direction of the second image information from the detected image information data
Second recognizing means for recognizing the image information, and a second image information for the image direction of the stored first image information.
Determining means for determining the image direction consistency of the report, and determining the first image information and the second image information by the determining means.
Avoid the mismatch state when the image direction mismatch state is confirmed
Recovering means for determining the image format of the first image information and the second image information.
When the direction mismatch is confirmed, the recovering means sets the image information.
The image reading operation for the
An image direction recognition / unification device characterized by: