JP3473805B2 - Digital color image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital color image forming apparatus such as a digital color copying machine or a digital color facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital color image forming apparatus such as a digital color copying machine or a digital color facsimile is usually an image reading apparatus for reading an original as digital image data of a plurality of colors, and a predetermined digital image data from the image reading apparatus. And an image output device for forming a color image on the paper fed from a selected paper storage unit of the plurality of paper storage units by digital image data from the image processing device. Have.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 5-88428, it is determined whether the original is a full-color original or a mono-color original, and if the original is a full-color original, the whiteness of the paper is high. Is described, and if the original is a mono-color original, a full-color copying machine that selects paper with low whiteness is described. A color image forming apparatus that determines whether a document is a full-color document or a mono-color document and switches the control is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-90258.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-64773, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-58
No. 176, etc.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-296165, an operation mode input means for inputting an operation mode composed of copy data including a document size, and a plurality of operation modes input by the operation mode input means are stored. And an operation mode calling means for calling the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means to the controller, and an operation mode storage for controlling the operation of the apparatus so as to realize copy data forming the operation mode. In a copying machine having a function, an operation mode including an original size detecting means for detecting the size of an original in a copy operation standby state and an operation mode including the original size detected by the original size detecting means when the operation mode calling means is operated. Operation mode storage provided with operation mode selection means for selecting from the operation modes stored in the mode storage means Copier having ability is described.

[0005]

In a full-color image forming apparatus such as a full-color copying machine, it is possible to use the paper stored in a plurality of paper storage units by setting the use condition for each paper storage unit. Thus, for example, the paper can be set and used as either expensive high-whiteness paper for full-color image formation, recycled paper for black-and-white image formation, or back-side image-formed paper.

However, even if the use condition of the paper is simply set, an image forming error occurs by mistakenly selecting the paper storage unit due to an operation error and using the paper under the use condition that does not meet the set use condition. In some cases, for example, an image forming error such as forming a color image on the back side image formed sheet may occur. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital color image forming apparatus capable of automatically using a sheet under set use conditions, preventing image forming mistakes, and improving operability.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image reading device for reading an original as digital image data of a plurality of colors, and a predetermined digital image data from the image reading device. And an image processing device that performs the processing described above, and forms either a color image or a black-and-white image on paper fed from a selected paper storage unit of a plurality of paper storage units by digital image data from the image processing device. In the digital color image forming apparatus having the image output device, a paper size setting means for setting the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units, and a storage unit for each of the plurality of paper storage units. Is used as a condition for using paper to form color images.
User decides whether to use or to use paper to form a black and white image
And paper used condition setting means for setting by the type of document
Then, a color original is automatically discriminated between a color original and a black-and-white original, and a color image is formed on the image output device according to the color original.
Automatic color selection means for executing an automatic color selection mode for forming a black-and-white image according to the original, and the type of original discriminated by the automatic color selection means and the paper use condition when the automatic color selection mode is selected When the usage conditions of the paper set by the setting means match, the operation of the image reading device, the image processing device, and the image output device is enabled, and the type of the original discriminated by the automatic color selecting device When the use conditions of the paper set by the paper use condition setting means do not match, at least the operation of the image output device is interrupted and a warning message is output.

Therefore, when the type of the original and the usage conditions of the paper do not match, the operation of the image output device is interrupted and a warning message is output, and when the type of the original matches the usage conditions of the paper. The image reading device, the image processing device, and the image output device can be operated, and the sheet is automatically used under the set use condition to prevent an image forming error and improve the operability.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the sheet size setting means and the sheet use condition setting means are sheets stored in the plurality of sheet storage sections, respectively. The size and use condition of the paper can be set by the operation unit, and the operability can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the paper size setting means sets the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units to the plurality of papers. The paper use condition setting means can be set in the storage unit, and the paper use condition setting means includes an operation unit for inputting the use condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units. It is possible to set the size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit without making a mistake.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an image reading device for reading an original as digital image data of a plurality of colors,
An image processing device that performs a predetermined process on digital image data from the image reading device, and a color image or a monochrome image based on the digital image data from the image processing device.
In a digital color image forming apparatus having an image output device that forms one of them on a sheet fed from a selected sheet storage section among a plurality of sheet storage sections Paper size setting means for setting the size of the paper to be stored, and a color image as a usage condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units.
Paper use condition setting means for setting by the user whether the paper is used for forming a sheet or forming a black and white image, and a document.
As a type of the color original, a color original and a black-and-white original are automatically discriminated, and a color image type corresponding to the color original is displayed in the image output device.
The automatic color selection means for executing the automatic color selection mode for forming a black and white image according to the original, the original size detection means for detecting the size of the original, and the detection signal from the original size detection means. Depending on the document size,
The automatic paper selection mode for automatically selecting the paper suitable for the size, and the automatic paper selection when both the automatic color selection mode and the automatic paper selection mode are selected. At least the image output when the use condition set by the paper use condition setting device for the paper selected by the automatic paper selection mode does not match the type of the original selected by the automatic color selection device in the automatic color selection mode. Means for interrupting the operation of the device and outputting a warning message.

Therefore, when both the automatic color selection mode and the automatic paper selection mode are selected, the setting use condition of the paper selected in the automatic paper selection mode and the type of the original selected in the automatic color selection mode are set. If they do not match, at least the operation of the image output device is interrupted and a warning message is output to prevent an error in image formation and improve operability.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the sheet size setting means and the sheet use condition setting means are sheets stored in the plurality of sheet storage sections, respectively. The size and use condition of the paper can be set by the operation unit, and the operability can be improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the paper size setting means sets the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units to the plurality of papers. The paper use condition setting means can be set in the storage unit, and the paper use condition setting means includes an operation unit for inputting the use condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units. It is possible to set the size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit without making a mistake.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, a plurality of sheets of the same size which can be selected by the automatic sheet selection means in the automatic sheet selection mode are included in the sheet storage section. Of the plurality of paper storage units, the usage conditions set by the paper usage condition setting unit and the type of the original selected by the automatic color selection unit in the automatic color selection mode are the same. It is equipped with a means to select the paper storage unit that contains the paper to be stored. Optimal in the automatic color selection mode when the same size paper that can be selected in the automatic paper selection mode exists in multiple paper storage units. A proper paper is selected, and it is possible to prevent erroneous image formation and improve operability.

[0016]

1 and 2 show an embodiment of the invention described in claims 1 and 2. This embodiment is one embodiment of a digital color image forming apparatus including a digital color copying machine, and a copying operation is started by turning on a print start key described later. In this embodiment, full color copying is performed in the full color mode, single color copying is performed in the single color mode, and black and white copying is performed in the monochrome mode. Further, in this embodiment, when the automatic color selection mode is selected by the operation unit, a color original and a black-and-white original are automatically discriminated and full-color copying or black-and-white copying is performed according to the original. Further, this embodiment has a document size detecting unit that detects the size of the document, and when the automatic paper selection mode is selected by the operation unit, the size and direction are determined according to the detection signal from the document size detecting unit. Automatically select the correct paper for the original.

First, full-color copying of this embodiment will be described. The image reading device 1 starts a reading operation by a command from the system control device 48, illuminates the document set on the document table 3 with the illumination lamp 5, and reflects the reflected light image on the mirror groups 6 to 8 and the lens 9. An image is formed on the reading sensor 10 such as a 3-line CCD via the scanning line, and the original on the original table 3 is scanned by the movement of the illumination lamp 5 and the mirror groups 6 to 8 so that the color image information of the original, for example, blue (hereinafter, B Color), green (hereinafter G), and red (hereinafter R) are color-separated and read, and converted into electrical image signals. Here, the document is manually set on the document table 3 and covered with a pressure plate.

B, G, R obtained by the reading sensor 10
The image signal for each color is A / D converted by a signal conversion unit (not shown) to become digital image data of B, G, R colors,
It is output to the image processing device 11. The image processing device 11
Scanner γ correction, chromatic / achromatic determination, for digital image data of B, G, and R colors from the image reading device 1,
Image processing such as character / photo judgment, color conversion, main scanning scaling, processing, area processing, editing, gradation correction processing, writing modulation processing, etc., and image processing according to each image forming mode (copy mode) , Output as image data of each color of black (hereinafter referred to as K), cyan (hereinafter referred to as C), magenta (hereinafter referred to as M), and yellow (hereinafter referred to as Y) to the image writing device 13 in the image output device 12. . Here, the image data of each color of K, C, M, and Y is output from the image processing device 11 to the image output device 12 in synchronization with the reading operation of the image reading device 1 for each color.

In the image output device 12, the image writing device 13 as an exposing means is the image processing device 11 described above.
The color image data from is converted into an optical signal, and optical writing corresponding to the original image is performed on the photoconductor drum 14 as an image carrier made of a photoconductor. That is, the image writing device 13 drives the semiconductor laser 15 to be modulated by the light emission drive control section (not shown) by the image data from the image processing device 11, and emits the laser light intensity-modulated by the image data. The laser light is deflected and scanned by the rotary polygon mirror 17 which is rotationally driven by the motor 16, and the f / θ lens 1
8 and the reflecting mirror 19 to irradiate the photosensitive drum 14.

The photoconductor drum 14 is rotationally driven by a drive unit and rotates counterclockwise as shown by an arrow. Around the photoconductor drum 14, a photoconductor cleaning device (cleaning blade or pre-cleaning device) is provided along the rotation direction. A charge removing device 21 is included), a charge removing lamp 22, a charging device 23 as a charging unit, a K developing device 24, a C developing device 25, an M developing device 26, a Y developing device 27, an intermediate transfer belt 28, and the like are arranged. . Each color developing device 24-27 as a developing means
It has developing rollers 241, 251, 261 and 271, which form a developing brush (brush of developer) for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 14 and rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

Each of the developing devices 24-27 includes a developing roller 24.
When the developing roller drive motors 1, 251 and 261 and 271 are driven in the reverse direction, the developing state and the developing state are switched. That is, the developing roller 241,
Nos. 251, 261, and 271 are in a non-development state because the developer spikes up when the forward rotation of the developing roller drive motor causes the developer to be developed, and when the reverse rotation occurs due to the developing roller drive motor, the developer is in the spike cutting state. Becomes

In the intermediate transfer portion including the intermediate transfer belt 28, the intermediate transfer belt 28 includes bias rollers 29 and 30, a transfer belt driving roller 31 capable of forward and reverse rotation,
The transfer belt driving roller 31 is driven to rotate around the driven rollers 32 and 33. This intermediate transfer belt 2
Reference numeral 8 is in contact with the photoconductor drum 14 by the bias rollers 29 and 30, and a transfer bias is applied from the transfer power source through the bias rollers 29 and 30 so that the toner images of the respective colors on the photoconductor drum 14 are transferred in an overlapping manner. It

The paper transfer device 32 as a transfer means has a paper transfer bias roller 33 arranged to face the intermediate transfer belt 28. The paper transfer bias roller 33 is normally separated from the intermediate transfer belt 28. However, when the four-color superposed images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 28 are collectively transferred to the paper, they are brought into contact with each other at a timing. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 28 is pressed by the separating mechanism to come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 28, and a transfer bias is applied from the transfer power source to the paper transfer bias roller 33 so that the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 28 is transferred to the transfer belt drive roller 3
At 1 position, the paper transfer bias roller 33 and the intermediate transfer belt 2
8 is transferred to a sheet passing between

The intermediate transfer belt 28 after the toner image is transferred onto the paper is cleaned by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 34. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 28 is brought into contact with and separated from the photosensitive drum 14 by a contacting / separating mechanism, and the paper transfer bias roller 33 is brought into contact with and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 28 by a contacting / separating mechanism. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 34 is brought into contact with and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 28 by a contacting / separating mechanism.

Next, in the color image forming operation, the order of the developing operation of each color (color image forming operation order) is K developing operation, C
The development operation, the M development operation, and the Y development operation will be described in this order. However, the order of developing operations for each color is not limited to the above order. When the color image forming operation is started, the image reading device 1 starts a reading operation for obtaining K image data at a predetermined timing, and B, G, R
The digital image data of each color is output to the image processing apparatus 11, and the image processing apparatus 11 outputs B from the image reading apparatus 1,
The G and R color digital image data are processed and K image data is output to the image output device 12.

In the image output device 12, the photosensitive drum 14 rotates and is uniformly charged by the charger 23, and the image writing device 13 is exposed to laser light according to K image data input from the image processing device 11. Body drum 14
An optical latent image is formed by performing optical writing on. Hereinafter, the electrostatic latent image based on this K image data is referred to as a K latent image. Similarly, an electrostatic latent image based on each image data of C, M, and Y is converted into a C latent image, M
It is called a latent image or a Y latent image.

This K latent image is developed by the K developing device 24 to become a K toner image, and the K toner image on the photosensitive drum 14 is the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 28 which is driven at the same speed as the photosensitive drum 14. (Hereinafter, the toner image transfer from the photosensitive drum 14 to the intermediate transfer belt 28 is referred to as belt transfer). The belt transfer is performed by applying a predetermined bias voltage from the transfer power source to the transfer bias roller 29 while the photosensitive drum 14 and the intermediate transfer belt 28 are in contact with each other. After the transfer of the K toner image, the photoconductor drum 14 is subjected to charge removal and cleaning by a photoconductor cleaning device 21 including a pre-cleaning charge remover 20.

Subsequently, the K image forming step, the C image forming step, the M image forming step, and the Y image forming step are sequentially performed, and the developing step for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 14 is performed. The belt transfer process and the belt transfer process are performed in the same manner as the K image forming process. That is, on the side of the photosensitive drum 14, the C image forming process is performed after the above K image forming process. In this C image forming process, the image reading apparatus 1 starts reading for obtaining C image data at a predetermined timing. , The photosensitive drum 14 is uniformly charged again by the charger 23,
The image writing device 13 performs optical writing with a laser beam on the photoconductor drum 14 according to C image data input from the image reading device 1 via the image processing device 11, and C
Form a latent image.

This C latent image is developed by the C developing device 25 to become a C toner image, and the C toner image on the photosensitive drum 14 is transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 28 so as to be superposed on the K toner image. After the transfer of the C toner image, the photoconductor drum 14 is subjected to static elimination and cleaning by the photoconductor cleaning device 21 including the pre-cleaning static eliminator 20, and is uniformly charged again by the charger 23.

On the side of the photosensitive drum 14, the C image forming process is followed by the M image forming process. In this M image forming process, the image reading apparatus 1 starts reading for obtaining M image data at a predetermined timing. The image writing device 13 performs optical writing with laser light on the photosensitive drum 14 in accordance with M image data input from the image reading device 1 via the image processing device 11 to form an M latent image.

This M latent image is developed by the M developing device 26 to become an M toner image, and the M toner image on the photosensitive drum 14 is transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 28 so as to be superposed with the K toner image and the C toner image. To be done. After the transfer of the M toner image, the photoconductor drum 14 is subjected to static elimination and cleaning by the photoconductor cleaning device 21 including the pre-cleaning static eliminator 20, and is again uniformly charged by the charger 23.

On the side of the photosensitive drum 14, the M image forming process is followed by the Y image forming process. In this Y image forming process, the image reading device 1 starts reading for obtaining Y image data at a predetermined timing. The image writing device 13 performs optical writing with laser light on the photosensitive drum 14 based on Y image data obtained from the image reading device 1 via the image processing device 11 to form a Y latent image. This Y
The latent image is developed by the Y developing device 27 into a Y toner image, and the Y toner image on the photosensitive drum 14 is transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 28 so as to be superposed with the K toner image, the C toner image, and the M toner image. It

The paper is the first paper feed unit 3 as a paper storage unit.
5, a sheet selected from the second sheet feeding section 36 and the third sheet feeding section 37 is fed to the registration roller 43 by one of the sheet feeding rollers 39 to 41, or a sheet manually fed from the manual sheet feeding section 38. Register roller 43 by paper feed roller 42
Is fed to. Here, the sheet feeding units 35 to 37 are configured by a sheet feeding stage configured by using a sheet tray, but may be configured by using a sheet cassette or the like.

The registration roller 43 sends out the paper at the timing when the leading edge of the four-color superimposed image on the intermediate transfer belt 28 reaches the paper transfer position. On this paper, a four-color superposed toner image is collectively transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 28 by the paper transfer device 32, and is fixed by the conveyance belt 44 to the fixing unit 45.
The toner image is fixed by the fixing roller and the pressure roller in the fixing unit 45, and is discharged to the outside as a full-color copy by the paper discharge roller 46.

When performing black-and-white copying in the black-and-white mode, the original image is read by the image reading device 1, and the image processing device 11 outputs digital image data of B, G, and R colors from the image reading device 1. And outputs only the K digital image data to the image writing device 13. Then, the image output device 12 forms only the K toner image on the photosensitive drum 14 by the K digital image data from the image processing device 11, and forms the K toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 28.
The K toner image is transferred to a sheet by the paper transfer device 32 and fixed by the fixing unit 45, and the sheet is discharged as a black and white copy to the outside.

When performing single color copying in the single color mode, the original image is read by the image reading device 1, and the image processing device 11 digitally outputs B, G, and R colors from the image reading device 1. The image data is processed and only one digital image data of the designated color is output to the image writing device 13. Then, the image output device 12 forms only the toner image of the designated color on the photosensitive drum 14 by the digital image data of the designated color from the image processing device 11 and transfers the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 28. The image is transferred onto the paper by the paper transfer device 32 and fixed by the fixing unit 45, and the paper is discharged to the outside as a single color copy.

What is set by the operator, such as the copy mode, is input and set by the operation unit 47, and the operation mode such as the copy mode set by the operation unit 47 is sent to the system controller 48 as a control means. The system control device 48 performs control processing for executing an operation mode such as the setting copy mode in response to a signal sent from the operation unit 47. At this time, the system controller 4
Reference numeral 8 denotes a control instruction to the image reading device 1, the image processing device 11, the image writing device 13, the image display unit 49 as a display unit in the operation unit 47, the mechanical unit 50 of this digital color copying machine, and the like. , The operation mode such as the copy mode is executed.

The system controller 48 has a CPU 51 for controlling the entire digital color copying machine, a ROM 52 containing a control program and data, and a RAM 53 for storing data for control processing. CPU51
The image reading device 1, the image processing device 11, the operation unit 47,
CPU that controls each unit such as the image display unit 49
And control the entire digital color copier. The CPU 51 also controls the digital still camera (DSC) interface unit 54.

In the image reading apparatus 1, the signal processing unit performs analog processing on the image signals of B, G, and R colors from the reading sensor 10 such as CCD, and the signal conversion unit performs digital processing of B, G, and R colors. The signal is converted into an image signal, and the signal correction processing unit performs signal correction processing such as shading.
In addition, the image reading apparatus 1 uses the line-to-line correction memory and the line-to-line correction processing unit for the line-to-line correction memories for the digital image signals of B, G, and R colors when the 3-line reduction CCD is used as the reading sensor 10. Correct the deviation of the digital image signal of. Further, the image reading device 1 is
Scanner γ for digital image signals of B, G, and R colors
Scanner γ correction processing is performed by the processing unit.

In the image processing device 11, the selector 5
Reference numeral 5 switches between the image signal from the image reading device 1 and the image signal from the DSC interface unit 54 based on a control instruction from the system control device 48 and outputs it. The B, G, and R digital image signals from the selector 55 are converted into K, C, M, and Y color digital image signals by a process including a filtering process by a color conversion processing unit 56, and a scaling processing unit. A variable magnification process in the main scanning direction is performed by 57.

The digital image signal from the scaling processing unit 57 is processed by the processing / editing processing unit 58 to be inverted, italicized, hollowed out,
Image processing such as mirroring is performed, and the gradation processing unit 59 performs YMCK filter processing, printer γ correction, gradation processing, and the like. The selector 60 is the system controller 48.
The digital image signal from the gradation processing unit 59 is switched to either the writing processing unit 61 or the image display unit 49 of the operation unit 47 based on a control instruction from the output unit.

The writing processing unit 61 processes the image signal from the selector 60 and outputs it to the image writing device 13,
Further, the processing / editing processing unit 58 uses the image memory (synthesis / editing processing unit) 62 to perform processing such as image synthesis / editing of digital image signals. The operation unit 47 includes an input unit for setting and selecting various modes when using this digital color copying machine, a display unit for displaying the set various modes, and a display unit for displaying image data. Have.

The DSC interface unit 54 includes
An IC card interface processing unit 64 for connecting the IC card 63 is provided, and D input from the IC card 63 via the IC card interface processing unit 64
The image data captured by the SC is converted by the signal conversion unit 65 into image data that can be processed by the image processing apparatus 11 and output to the selector 55. Further, the RS232C standard signal and the RS422 standard signal are output to the selector 55 via the RS232C / RS422 interface processing unit 66 and the signal conversion unit 65.

FIG. 4 shows the outline of the DSC. DSC6
The image reading unit 68 optically reads an image by converting the read image into a digital image signal by taking an image through the taking lens 69 in the image reading unit 68 as in a normal camera. It is configured to be stored in the memory in the IC card 63. Here, the IC card 63 is configured so that it can be attached to and detached from the DSC 67, and image data taken by the DSC 67 can be easily taken out from the DSC 67 by the IC card 63 and can be carried around. In addition, the digital image data stored in the IC card 63 is the communication interface (I
/ F) unit 70 for RS232C signal, RS42
It is possible to convert into two signals and output to the outside.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the operation section 47. The operation unit 47 includes a numeric keypad 71, a mode clear / preheat key 72,
Interrupt key 73, image quality adjustment key 74, program key 75, clear / stop key 76, option key 7
7, a brightness adjusting knob 78, a touch panel key 79 arranged on the LCD panel of the operation unit 47, an area processing key 8
0, a print start key 81 and the like.

The numeric keypad 71 is used to input a numerical value such as the number of copies. The mode clear / preheat key 72 is used when canceling the set mode and returning to the initial setting, or when making the preheat state by continuously pressing for a predetermined time or longer. The interrupt key 73 is used when the copying operation is interrupted and a document different from the document being copied is copied. The image quality adjustment key 74 is used when adjusting the image quality. The program key 75 is used to register or call a frequently used mode.

The print start key 81 is a key for instructing the start of copying. Clear / Stop key 76
Is used to clear the input numerical value or to suspend the copying operation during the copying operation. The area processing key 80 is used when using a mode such as area processing / editing on the image display unit 49 (display editor). The brightness adjustment knob 78 adjusts the brightness of the screen of the LCD panel.

The touch panel key 79 sets a key area in the same range as the range of various keys displayed on the LCD panel, and when the touch panel detects pressing within the set range, the set key is processed. I do. Option key 77 is projector, printer, scanner, D
This is a key to call a screen for making various settings when using the SC or the like.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the LCD panel screen of the operation unit 47. On the LCD panel screen of the operation unit 47, as shown in FIG. 6, single color mode, monochrome mode, full color mode, automatic color selection mode, automatic density, manual density, image quality mode, automatic paper selection mode, paper tray, paper Mode selection states such as automatic scaling, normal scaling, sorting, and stacking are displayed, and sub-screen selection display such as create, color processing, move / book processing, and scaling is performed. On the LCD panel screen, keys having the same size as the size of each display are set on the touch panel.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a table of contents of the menu screen of the user program setting screen which can be set by the user on the operation unit 47. On the menu screen of the user program setting screen on the operation unit 47, the touch panel key is set for the item number, and by pressing the item number portion, the screen changes to the setting screen for each item. Each paper feed unit (paper feed stage) 35
The paper size setting of items 37 to 37 is performed in the paper size setting of item 4, and the use condition setting of the paper of each of the paper feed units 35 to 37 is performed in the paper use condition setting of item 5.

FIG. 8 shows the setting screen when the item 4 paper size setting is selected on the menu screen of the user program setting screen on the operation unit 47. The paper size setting for each paper feed unit 35-37 is selected by pressing the direction (vertical direction, horizontal direction) and size of the paper set for each paper feed unit 35-37 and inverting black / white. And set.

FIG. 9 shows a setting screen when the item 5 sheet use condition setting is selected on the menu screen of the user program setting screen on the operation unit 47. When setting the usage conditions of the paper, the copy mode (single color mode,
By selecting either the monochrome mode or the full color mode and pressing the selected copy mode portion, it is set which copy mode may be used.
Further, the selection of the copy mode is not limited to one kind for each of the papers in the paper feeding sections 35 to 37, and it is also possible to set the copy mode so that it may be used in two kinds or all the copy modes. is there.

FIG. 10 shows a setting example on the paper size setting screen shown in FIG. In this setting example, the first paper feeding unit 35 is A3
Size paper size and vertical paper direction, the second paper feed unit 36 is A5 size paper size and horizontal paper direction,
The third paper feed unit 37 is an example in which the A4 size paper size and the vertical paper direction are set.

11 and 12 show setting examples on the sheet use condition setting screen shown in FIG. The setting example of FIG. 11 is the first
The paper feed unit 35 is used under the conditions of using the paper in the full color mode, the second paper feed unit 36 is under the condition of use of the paper in the single color mode, and the third paper feed unit 37 is under the condition of use of the paper in monochrome mode. This is an example of setting. In the setting example of FIG. 12, the first paper feed unit 35 is used under conditions of using the paper in the full color mode and the single color mode, and the second paper feed unit 36 is used.
Is an example in which the sheet is used in the single color mode and the black and white mode, and the third sheet feeder 37 is set in a condition that the sheet is used in the full color mode, the single color mode and the monochrome mode. The operation unit 47 is the paper feeding unit 35.
The setting use conditions of the papers of 37 to 37 are stored in the memory.

FIG. 13 shows a document size detection sensor for detecting the size of the document and the presence / absence of the document. This document size detection sensor is a reflection type photo sensor, and the light from one light emitting diode 82 is dispersed into three beams by passing through a special grating element 83, and these three beams are document on the document table 3. And the reflected light is detected by the three light receiving elements 84 to 86, respectively.

This document size detecting sensor is provided with a light receiving element 84.
40 to 50 on the document table 3 due to the characteristics (directivity) of
Detects only documents up to mm, and does not malfunction due to ambient light or reflected light from the pressure plate. The original size detection sensor also detects a black portion of the original on the original table 3 as an original. A plurality of such document size detection sensors are used in combination, and the size of the document and the presence or absence of the document are detected by the document size reading unit from the detection signal.

FIG. 14 shows an example of reading the document size.
Document size detection sensor (APS sensor) for document length detection
The APS sensors 87 and 88 and the document width detecting APS sensor 89 are configured as described above and are arranged at different positions in the document length direction as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.
The sensor 87 detects an original with three beams at different predetermined positions on the original table 3 from different predetermined positions. The document length detecting APS sensor 88 detects a document with one beam at a predetermined position on the document table 3, and the document width detecting APS sensor 89 detects a document at a different position on the document table 3 in different document width directions. The original is detected by the beam.

The original size reading unit (not shown) is shown in FIG.
With the table as shown in FIG.
The size of the document on the document table 3 and the presence or absence of the document are detected from the combination of the respective detection signals 89. The original size reading section and the APS sensors 87 to 89 constitute an original size detecting means for detecting the size of the original on the third original. In the table shown in FIG. 14C, black circles indicate the original detection state of the APS sensors 87 to 89, and x indicates the original non-detection state of the APS sensors 87 to 89.

The system control unit 48 executes the automatic paper selection mode when the automatic paper selection mode is selected by the operating section 47, that is, the size and direction of the original are selected according to the detection signal from the original size reading section. Automatically selects a sheet suitable for the sheet size, and selects a sheet supply section of the sheet supply sections 35 to 37 in which the size and direction of the original are stored, and supplies the sheet from the sheet supply section. Let

FIG. 15 shows an opening / closing detection sensor 90 for detecting opening / closing of the pressure plate 2. The open / close detection sensor 90 detects whether the pressure plate 2 is in the open state or the closed state, and the document size reading unit detects the detection signal of the open / close detection sensor 90 and the APS when the pressure plate 2 changes from the open state to the closed state. Sensor 87 ~
The detection signal from 89 is confirmed, and the size of the document on the document table 3 and the presence or absence of the document are detected from the detection signal.

Since the APS sensors 87 to 89 also detect the black portion of the original document on the original table 3 as the original document, the original size reading unit has the APS sensors 87 to 8 with the pressure plate 2 closed.
It is not necessary to determine the detection signal from 9. If the pressure plate 2 remains open, the document size reading section determines the detection signals from the APS sensors 87 to 89 immediately after the print start key 81 is turned on.

FIG. 16 shows an example of warning message output from the operation unit 47. In this example, when the size and direction of the paper are set as shown in FIG. 10 and the usage conditions of the paper are set as shown in FIG. 11, the original is determined to be a full-color original in the automatic color selection mode. Is an example of a warning message output of. In this example, since the use condition of the paper of the third paper feed unit 37 is set to the monochrome mode, the operation unit 47 displays a message that the paper of the third paper feed unit 37 cannot be used for the full-color original. To warn.

FIG. 17 shows a processing flow when the automatic color selection mode (ACS mode) is selected by the operation unit 47 and a copying operation is executed. The system controller 48
It is determined whether or not the ACS mode is selected by the operation unit 47, and when the ACS mode is selected, the image reading apparatus 1 is prescanned when the print start key 81 is turned on and the copying operation is started. Let it run.
At this time, the image reading apparatus 1 operates the document table 3 as described above.
The upper original is scanned and read, and digital image data of B, G, and R colors are output to the image processing apparatus 11.

The system control device 48 causes the image processing device 11 to process the digital image data of B, G, and R colors from the image reading device 1 into color image data of K, C, M, and Y colors. , C, M, and Y color image data, it is determined from the color image data of C, M, and Y colors whether the type of document on the platen 3 is a color document or a monochrome document. The type of document is stored in the memory and the ACS mode is executed.

That is, when the type of original on the original table 3 is a color original, the system control unit 48 gives a control instruction to each unit of the digital color copying machine to perform the color copying operation as described above. When the type of the original on the original table 3 is a black-and-white original, a control instruction is given to each unit of the digital color copying machine to perform the black-and-white copying operation as described above.

Further, the system control device 48 is provided for the manuscript table 3
When the type of the upper document is a color document, it is determined which one of the first to third sheet feeding units 35 to 37 is selected, and the paper in the selected sheet feeding unit is selected. If the set use conditions match the type of original (color original), that is, the set use conditions of the paper in the selected paper feed section match the color mode (full color mode or single color mode) If the usage conditions used in () are met, the color copying operation is continued.

If the set use condition of the paper in the selected paper feed unit does not match the type of the original (color original), that is, the system control unit 48 determines that the paper in the selected paper feed unit is not used. If the set usage conditions do not match the usage conditions for using the paper in the color mode (full color mode or single color mode) that is suitable for copying color originals, give control instructions to each part of this digital color copying machine to perform copying operation. The operation is interrupted and a message is displayed to the effect that the use condition of the paper does not match the type of the original, and a warning is given.

Further, the system control device 48 is arranged so that the document table 3
When the type of the original document is not the color original document but the monochrome original document, it is determined which one of the first to third paper feeding units 35 to 37 is selected, and the selected paper feeding unit is selected. The settings for the paper in the paper section are based on the type of original (black and white original B
K), that is, if the set use condition of the paper in the selected paper feed unit matches the use condition of using the paper in the black and white mode suitable for copying the black and white original, the black and white copying operation is continued. .

The system control unit 48 determines that the set use condition of the paper in the selected paper feed unit does not match the type of the original (black and white original), that is, the set use condition of the paper in the selected paper feed unit is used. If the conditions do not match the usage conditions for using the paper in the black-and-white mode, which is suitable for copying black-and-white originals, a control instruction is issued to each part of this digital color copying machine to interrupt the copying operation, and the operation part 47 is made to use the paper. A warning is displayed by displaying a message that the conditions do not match the type of document.

As described above, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention described in claim 1, and is an image reading device 1 for reading an original as digital image data of a plurality of colors, and a digital image from the image reading device 1. An image processing apparatus 11 for performing a predetermined process on image data, and this image processing apparatus 1
A digital color copying machine having an image output device 12 for forming a color image on a sheet fed from a selected sheet storage section among a plurality of sheet storage sections 35 to 37 by digital image data from In the color image forming apparatus, the operation unit 47 as a paper size setting unit for setting the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units 35 to 37, and the plurality of paper storage units 35 to 3
7, an operation unit 47 as a sheet use condition setting means for setting the use conditions of the sheets to be stored, and a color original and a black and white original are automatically discriminated, and an image corresponding to the original is displayed on the image output device 12. A system control device 48 as an automatic color selecting means for executing an automatic color selecting mode for forming, and an original type and a sheet use condition setting means judged by the automatic color selecting means 48 when the automatic color selecting mode is selected. If the usage conditions of the paper set in 47 match, the image reading device 1, the image processing device 11 and the image output device 12 are enabled to operate, and the type of the original and the paper determined by the automatic color selecting means 48. If the use conditions of the paper set by the use condition setting means 47 do not match, at least the operation of the image output device 12 is interrupted and a warning message is issued. Since a system control device 48 and the operation section 47 as a means for, it is possible to prevent the image forming mistakes can be used with automatically set operating conditions the paper, it is possible to improve the operability.

Further, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention described in claim 2, and in the digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the paper size setting means and the paper use condition setting means are a plurality of papers. Since the operation unit 47 for inputting the size and use condition of the paper stored in each of the storage units 35 to 37, the size and use condition of the paper can be set by the operation unit, and the operability can be improved. .

FIG. 18 (a) shows a paper size setting means according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sheet size setting means as shown in FIG. 18A is used in the embodiment of the invention described in claims 1 and 2. The paper feed unit 35 including a paper tray is provided so as to be able to be pulled out (openable and closable) so that paper can be set, and a size lever 91 is attached to an upper end portion on the back side of the paper tray 35 so as to be movable laterally. A pressing plate 92 is integrally fixed to the back side of the size lever 91, and the pressing plate 92 is provided with a recess 98 that does not turn on any one of the sensors 93 to 97 composed of push switches. The size of the paper is set by moving the size lever 91 laterally by the user and setting it at a position corresponding to the size of the paper set in the paper tray 35.

In this embodiment, the sensors 93 to 97 are fixed at positions facing the pressing plate 92, and one sensor corresponding to the size of the paper set in the paper tray 35 when the paper tray 35 is mounted. Is turned off by the recess 98 of the pressing plate 92, but another sensor is turned on by the pressing plate 98 to detect the size of the paper set in the paper tray 35. Sensor 93
The relationship between the detection signals of ~ 97 and the paper size set by the size lever 91 is as shown in FIG. 18 (b).

Similar to the paper feeding unit 35, the paper feeding units 36 and 37 are also provided with paper size setting means as shown in FIG. The system control device 48 uses the sensors 93 to in the paper size setting means provided in the paper feeding unit 35.
The signals from the 97 and the signals from the sensors in the paper size setting means provided in the paper feed units 36 and 37 are stored in the memory, and these signals are stored in the paper size setting signal from the operation unit 47 in the above embodiment. Use instead.

In the embodiment of the invention described in claim 3,
In the embodiment of the invention described in claims 1 and 2, the paper size setting means sets the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units 35 to 37 to the plurality of paper storage units 35 to 35.
The sheet size setting means 37 can be set by the size lever 91, and the sheet use condition setting means includes the operation section 47 for inputting the use conditions of the sheets stored in the plurality of sheet storage sections 35 to 37. The size of the paper stored in the paper storage section can be set easily without mistake.

19 and 20, the automatic paper selection mode (APS mode) and the automatic color selection mode (ACS mode) are selected at the same time by the operation unit 47 in the embodiment of the invention described in claims 4, 5, and 7. The processing flow when there is is shown. In this embodiment, in the embodiment of the invention described in claims 1 and 2, the system control device 48 determines whether the APS mode is selected by the operation unit 47, and when the APS mode is selected. Is above A
A paper having a size and a direction suitable for a document is automatically selected by a detection signal input from a document size detection unit configured by the PS sensors 87 to 89 and a document size reading unit and stored in a memory. Among the 37, the paper feed unit in which the paper of which the size and the direction match the original is stored is selected.

Next, the system control device 48 determines which of the first to third sheet feeding units 35 to 37 is selected, and whether or not the ACS mode is selected by the operation unit 47. To judge. The system controller 48 is A
When the CS mode is selected, the image reading apparatus 1 is caused to execute the prescan when the print start key 81 is turned on and the copying operation is started. At this time, the image reading device 1 scans and reads the document on the document table 3 as described above, and outputs digital image data of B, G, and R colors to the image processing device 11.

The system control device 48 causes the image processing device 11 to process the digital image data of B, G, and R colors from the image reading device 1 into color image data of K, C, M, and Y colors. , C, M, and Y color image data, it is determined from the color image data of C, M, and Y colors whether the type of document on the platen 3 is a color document or a monochrome document. The type of document is stored in the memory and the ACS mode is executed.

That is, when the type of the original on the original table 3 is a color original, the system controller 48 gives a control instruction to each unit of the digital color copying machine to cause the color copying operation as described above. When the type of the original on the original table 3 is a black-and-white original, a control instruction is given to each unit of the digital color copying machine to perform the black-and-white copying operation as described above.

Further, the system control device 48 uses the document table 3
If the original type above is a color original, determine whether the set usage conditions for the paper in the selected paper feed unit match the original type (color original). Check whether the set usage conditions for the paper in the paper feed section match the usage conditions for using the paper in the color mode (full color mode or single color mode) suitable for copying color originals, and select the selected paper If the setting conditions of the paper in the paper section match the type of original (color original),
Continue the color copying operation.

Further, the system control device 48 determines that the set use condition of the paper in the selected paper feed unit does not match the type of the original (color original), that is, the paper of the selected paper feed unit is used. If the set usage conditions do not match the usage conditions for using the paper in the color mode (full color mode or single color mode) suitable for copying color originals, the paper of the same size as the paper in the selected paper feed unit It is determined whether or not the paper is set in the other paper feeding unit by the paper size setting signal from the operation unit 47, and the paper of the same size as the paper in the selected paper feeding unit is not set in another paper feeding unit. In this case, a control instruction is given to each section of this digital color copying machine to interrupt the copying operation, and the operation section 47 is operated.
A message is displayed to the effect that the conditions of use of the paper do not match the type of the original to warn.

When the same size paper as the paper in the selected paper feed unit is set in the other paper feed unit, the system control device 48 sets the use condition of the paper in the other paper feed unit again. If it matches the original type (color original), and if the set usage conditions of the paper in the other paper feed section match the original type (color original), then change the other paper feed section. Select to continue the color copying operation.

Further, the system control device 48 is arranged so that the document table 3
When the type of the original document is not the color original document but the monochrome original document, it is determined which one of the first to third paper feeding units 35 to 37 is selected, and the selected paper feeding unit is selected. If the settings and usage conditions for the paper in the paper section match the type of original (black and white original), that is, the settings and usage conditions for the paper in the selected paper source are used in black and white mode that is suitable for copying black and white originals. If it matches the usage condition, the black-and-white copying operation is continued.

If the set use condition of the paper in the selected paper feed unit does not match the type of the original (black and white original), that is, the system control device 48 uses the set use of the paper in the selected paper feed unit. If the conditions do not match the conditions for using the paper in black and white mode, which is suitable for copying black and white originals, check whether the paper of the same size as the paper in the selected paper feed unit is set in another paper feed unit. Whether or not the paper of the same size as the paper in the selected paper feed unit is set in another paper feed unit is judged by the paper size setting signal from the operation unit 47. To issue a control instruction to interrupt the copying operation, and to display a message on the operation unit 47 indicating that the usage conditions of the paper do not match the type of the document to warn the operator.

When the paper of the same size as the paper in the selected paper feed unit is set in the other paper feed unit, the system controller 48 sets and uses the conditions of the paper in the other paper feed unit again. If it matches the type of original (black and white original), and if the set usage conditions for the paper in the other paper feed section match the type of original (black and white original), select the other paper feed section. Select to continue the black and white copying operation.

FIG. 21 shows the operation unit 4 in this embodiment.
7 shows an example of warning message output of No. 7. This example is an example in which the size and direction of the paper are set as shown in FIG. 10 and the usage conditions of the paper are set as shown in FIG. 11, and B5 size suitable for the original in the automatic paper selection mode. This is an example of a warning message output when a horizontal paper is selected with, the second paper feed unit 36 storing the B5 size horizontal paper is selected, and the original is determined to be a black and white original in the automatic color selection mode. . In this example, since the use condition of the paper of the second paper feed unit 36 is set to the single color mode, the operation unit 47 displays a message that the paper of the second paper feed unit 36 cannot be used for the black and white original. And warn.

As described above, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention described in claim 4, and is an image reading apparatus 1 for reading an original as digital image data of a plurality of colors, and a digital image from the image reading apparatus 1. An image processing apparatus 11 for performing a predetermined process on image data, and this image processing apparatus 1
A digital color copying machine having an image output device 12 for forming a color image on a sheet fed from a selected sheet storage section among a plurality of sheet storage sections 35 to 37 by digital image data from In the color image forming apparatus, the operation unit 47 as a paper size setting unit for setting the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units 35 to 37, and the plurality of paper storage units 35 to 3
7, an operation unit 47 as a sheet use condition setting means for setting the use conditions of the sheets to be stored, and a color original and a black and white original are automatically discriminated, and an image corresponding to the original is displayed on the image output device 12. A system control device 48 as an automatic color selection unit that executes an automatic color selection mode for forming a document, a document size detection unit that detects the size of a document, and a document according to a detection signal from the document size detection unit. A system controller 48 as an automatic paper selection means for automatically selecting a paper suitable for the automatic paper selection mode and an automatic paper selection mode when both the automatic color selection mode and the automatic paper selection mode are selected. The setting use condition of the paper selected in the automatic paper selection mode by the paper selection means 48 and the automatic color selection means 48 by the paper use condition setting means 48 Since the system controller 48 and the operation unit 47 are provided as means for interrupting at least the operation of the image output device 12 and outputting a warning message when the type of the original selected in the automatic color selection mode does not match. , When both the automatic color selection mode and the automatic paper selection mode are selected, the settings of the paper selected in the automatic paper selection mode and the type of original selected in the automatic color selection mode do not match. By at least interrupting the operation of the image output device and outputting a warning message, it is possible to prevent image formation errors and improve operability.

Further, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention described in claim 5, and in the digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 4, the paper size setting means and the paper use condition setting means are a plurality of papers. Since the operation unit 47 for inputting the size and use condition of the paper stored in each of the storage units 35 to 37, the size and use condition of the paper can be set by the operation unit, and the operability can be improved. .

This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention described in claim 7, and in the digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 4, the automatic paper selection means 48 can select in the automatic paper selection mode. When sheets of the same size are present in a plurality of sheet storage units of the sheet storage units 35 to 37, the use conditions set by the sheet use condition setting unit 48 and the automatic color selection unit 4 among the plurality of sheet storage units.
Since the system controller 48 is provided as a means for selecting the paper storage unit in which the paper that matches the type of the original selected in the automatic color selection mode by 8 is provided, the same size that can be selected in the automatic paper selection mode is provided. When the sheets of paper are present in a plurality of sheet storage portions, the optimum sheet can be selected in the automatic color selection mode, and it is possible to prevent image forming errors and improve operability.

According to an embodiment of the invention described in claim 6, in the embodiment of the invention described in claims 4, 5 and 7, as in the embodiment of the invention described in claim 3, each sheet feeding section 35 to 35 is provided.
37 is provided with a paper size setting means as shown in FIG. The system controller 48 sends signals from the sensors 93 to 97 in the paper size setting means provided in the paper feeding section 35 and signals from the sensors in the paper size setting means provided in the paper feeding sections 36 and 37. The signals are stored in the memory and these signals are used in place of the paper size setting signal from the operation unit 47 in the above embodiment.

In the embodiment of the invention described in claim 6,
In the embodiments of the invention described in claims 4, 5, and 7,
The paper size setting means determines the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units 35 to 37.
5 to 37 can be set by the size lever 91, and the paper use condition setting means inputs the use condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units 35 to 37.
Since it is composed of 7, the size of the paper can be easily set, and the size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit can be surely set without mistake.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, an automatic document feeder 99 and a document size detecting device as shown in FIG. 22A can be used in place of the pressure plate 2 and the document size detecting device. The automatic document feeder 99 is openably and closably attached to the upper portion of each embodiment, and automatically feeds the document 100 onto the document table 3 and ejects it after copying. The document size detecting means detects the document at different positions in the document width direction on the document transport path by the three reflection type photo sensors 101 to 103, and detects the document at a predetermined position on the document transport path by the registration sensor. Then, the length of the document is detected by counting the pulses by the counting means during the document conveyance by the detection signal of the registration sensor. The relationship between the document detection signals of the reflection type photo sensors 101 to 103 and the count value of the counting means and the document size is shown in FIG.
The system controller 48 uses the original detection signals of the reflection type photosensors 101 to 103 and the count value of the counting means instead of the original size detection signals of the original size detection means.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the single color mode may be eliminated in the above embodiment, and the present invention can be applied to a digital color image forming apparatus such as a digital color facsimile. You can

[0094]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image reading device for reading a document as digital image data of a plurality of colors, and an image for performing a predetermined process on the digital image data from the image reading device. Digital color image forming having a processing device and an image output device for forming a color image on a sheet fed from a selected sheet storage portion of a plurality of sheet storage portions by digital image data from the image processing apparatus In the apparatus, paper size setting means for setting the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units, and paper use for setting the use condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units Condition setting means and an automatic color selection mode for automatically distinguishing between a color original and a black-and-white original and causing the image output device to form an image according to the original. When the automatic color selection mode is selected and the automatic color selection mode is selected, the type of original discriminated by the automatic color selection means and the paper use conditions set by the paper use condition setting means match. In this case, the image reading device, the image processing device, and the image output device can operate, and the type of the original discriminated by the automatic color selection means and the use condition of the paper set by the paper use condition setting device. And a means for outputting a warning message by interrupting the operation of the image output device at least when the values do not match, so that the paper can be automatically used under the set use condition and an image forming error can be prevented. Therefore, the operability can be improved.

According to the invention described in claim 2, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the paper size setting means and the paper use condition setting means are respectively housed in the plurality of paper housing parts. Since it comprises the operation unit for inputting the size and use condition of the sheet to be used, the size and use condition of the sheet can be set by the operation unit, and the operability can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the paper size setting means sets the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units to the plurality of sizes. It is possible to set the paper size by using the paper storage unit, and the paper use condition setting means includes an operation unit for inputting the use conditions of the paper stored in the plurality of paper storage units. You can
The size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit can be set without fail.

According to the invention described in claim 4, an image reading device for reading an original as digital image data of a plurality of colors, an image processing device for subjecting the digital image data from the image reading device to a predetermined process, and this image. A digital color image forming apparatus having an image output device for forming a color image on a sheet fed from a selected sheet storage section among a plurality of sheet storage sections based on digital image data from a processing apparatus. Paper size setting means for setting the size of the paper stored in the paper storage portion, paper use condition setting means for setting the use conditions of the paper stored in the plurality of paper storage portions, and color When selecting the automatic color selection mode that automatically distinguishes between originals and black-and-white originals and causes the image output device to perform image formation according to the originals When the automatic paper selection mode is selected, the automatic color selection means for performing the original size detection, the original size detection means for detecting the size of the original, and the automatic paper selection mode for automatically selecting the paper suitable for the original according to the detection signal from the original size detection means. Automatic paper selecting means for performing, and when both the automatic color selecting mode and the automatic paper selecting mode are selected, the paper using condition setting means for the paper selected in the automatic paper selecting mode by the automatic paper selecting means And a means for outputting a warning message by interrupting at least the operation of the image output device when the set use condition according to 1. and the type of the document selected in the automatic color selection mode by the automatic color selection means do not match. , Selected in automatic paper selection mode when both automatic color selection mode and automatic paper selection mode are selected When the setting use conditions and the document type selected in the automatic color selection mode do not match, at least the operation of the image output device is interrupted and a warning message is output to prevent an error in image formation and improve operability. Can be measured.

According to the invention of claim 5, in the digital color image forming apparatus of claim 4, the paper size setting means and the paper use condition setting means are respectively housed in the plurality of paper housing parts. Since it comprises the operation unit for inputting the size and use condition of the sheet to be used, the size and use condition of the sheet can be set by the operation unit, and the operability can be improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the paper size setting means sets the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units to the plurality of sizes. It is possible to set the paper size by using the paper storage unit, and the paper use condition setting means includes an operation unit for inputting the use conditions of the paper stored in the plurality of paper storage units. You can
The size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit can be set without fail.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital color image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the sheets of the same size that can be selected by the automatic sheet selection means in the automatic sheet selection mode are among the sheet storage units. Of the plurality of paper storage units, the use conditions set by the paper use condition setting unit among the plurality of paper storage units, and the types of originals selected in the automatic color selection mode by the automatic color selection unit Since it is equipped with a means to select the paper storage unit where the papers with the same size are stored, it is optimal in the automatic color selection mode when the same size paper that can be selected in the automatic paper selection mode exists in multiple paper storage units. It is possible to select a suitable paper, prevent image formation errors, and improve operability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the invention described in claims 1 and 2. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a part of the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a DSC of the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of an LCD panel screen of the operation unit in the same embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of a table of contents of a menu screen of a user program setting screen on the operation unit in the same embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a setting screen when paper size setting on the operation unit is selected in the same embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a setting screen when a sheet use condition setting on the operation unit is selected in the same embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a setting example on a paper size setting screen in the same embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a setting example on a sheet use condition setting screen in the same embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing another setting example on the sheet use condition setting screen in the same embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a document size detection sensor of the same embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of document size reading of the same embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the open / close detection sensor of the same embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing an output example of a warning message according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the ACS mode of the embodiment is selected and a copy operation is executed.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a paper size setting unit according to an embodiment of the invention described in claim 3 and a view showing the relationship between the paper size setting signal and the paper size.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow when the APS mode and the ACS mode are simultaneously selected according to the embodiment of the invention as claimed in claims 4, 5 and 7;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another part of the processing flow.

FIG. 21 is a front view showing an example of outputting a warning message according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an example of an automatic document feeder and a document size detecting means, and a diagram showing the relationship between the document size detection signal and the document size.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image reading device 11 Image processing device 12 Image output device 47 Operation part 48 system controller 87-89 APS sensor 91 size lever 93-97 sensor

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI H04N 1/00 108 H04N 1/00 108Q (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370- 512 G03G 15/00 514 G03G 15/01 H04N 1/00 108

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image reading device for reading an original as digital image data of a plurality of colors, an image processing device for performing a predetermined process on the digital image data from the image reading device, and digital image data from the image processing device. A digital color image forming apparatus having an image output device for forming either a color image or a monochrome image on a sheet fed from a selected sheet storage section among a plurality of sheet storage sections. Paper size setting means for setting the size of the paper stored for each set,
Whether the paper is used for forming a color image as the usage condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units
Ca and paper use condition setting means for setting by the user or used to form a monochrome image, the automatically discriminated by the image output device color document and a monochrome document as a type of the document
Color image formation in accordance with the color manuscript, white in accordance with the black-and-white document
Automatic color selection means for executing an automatic color selection mode for forming a black image when selected, and when the automatic color selection mode is selected, the type of the original discriminated by the automatic color selection means and the paper use condition setting means are set. If the usage conditions of the selected paper match, the operation of the image reading device, the image processing device, and the image output device is enabled, and the type of the original discriminated by the automatic color selection means and the paper usage conditions. A digital color image forming apparatus comprising: a means for interrupting at least the operation of the image output device to output a warning message when the usage conditions of the paper set by the setting means do not match. 2. The digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper size setting means and the paper use condition setting means indicate the size and use condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units. A digital color image forming apparatus comprising an operation unit for inputting. 3. The digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper size setting means can set the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units in the plurality of paper storage units. The digital color image forming apparatus is characterized in that the paper use condition setting means comprises an operation unit for inputting the use condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units. 4. An image reading device for reading an original as digital image data of a plurality of colors, an image processing device for subjecting the digital image data from the image reading device to a predetermined process, and digital image data from the image processing device. A digital color image forming apparatus having an image output device for forming either a color image or a monochrome image on a sheet fed from a selected sheet storage section among a plurality of sheet storage sections. Paper size setting means for setting the size of the paper stored for each set,
Whether the paper is used for forming a color image as the usage condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units
Ca and paper use condition setting means for setting by the user or used to form a monochrome image, the automatically discriminated by the image output device color document and a monochrome document as a type of the document
Color image formation in accordance with the color manuscript, white in accordance with the black-and-white document
An automatic color selection unit that executes an automatic color selection mode for forming a black image when selected, an original size detection unit that detects the size of the original, and an original size that matches the original size according to a detection signal from the original size detection unit. The automatic paper selection mode for automatically selecting the selected paper, and when both the automatic color selection mode and the automatic paper selection mode are selected, the automatic paper selection means automatically At least the operation of the image output device when the use condition set by the paper use condition setting means of the paper selected in the paper selection mode does not match the type of the original selected by the automatic color selection means in the automatic color selection mode. And a means for outputting a warning message. 5. The digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the paper size setting means and the paper use condition setting means indicate the size and use condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units. A digital color image forming apparatus comprising an operation unit for inputting. 6. The digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the paper size setting means can set the size of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units in the plurality of paper storage units. The digital color image forming apparatus is characterized in that the paper use condition setting means comprises an operation unit for inputting the use condition of the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper storage units. 7. The digital color image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein sheets of the same size that can be selected by the automatic sheet selection means in the automatic sheet selection mode are present in a plurality of sheet storage sections of the sheet storage sections. In this case, among the plurality of paper storage units, the paper in which the use condition set by the paper use condition setting unit and the type of the original selected in the automatic color selection mode by the automatic color selection unit are stored is stored. A digital color image forming apparatus comprising means for selecting a paper storage unit.