JP3505777B2 - Image data processing device and recording 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 data processing device for processing image data for an image recording device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image recording apparatus that records an image by selectively forming dots with toner at each of a plurality of dot formation points defined by row numbers and column numbers, it is desired to save toner. ing. JP-A-2-
Japanese Patent No. 144574 describes an image data processing device that processes image data in order to save toner. This image data processing device comprises (1) original image data storage means for storing original image data corresponding to an original image, and (2)
Dot formation point calculation means for calculating whether or not dots are formed based on the original image data for each of all the dot formation points defined by the row number and column number of the original image data, and (3 ) It is possible to form a recorded image which includes dot non-formation instruction data for instructing dot non-formation at the dot formation point whose dot non-formation has been determined by the dot formation point calculation means, and which can recognize the original image. And a saving image data creating means for creating saving image data. That is, in this image data processing device, the dot formation point calculation means calculates whether or not to form a dot at each dot formation point defined by the row number and the column number.

[0003]

Therefore, there is a problem in that the calculation time for determining whether or not to form a dot becomes long and the processing time of image data becomes long. If the dot non-forming point is determined by an electronic circuit, the processing time can be shortened, but the image data processing device becomes expensive. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to obtain an image data processing device that is inexpensive and can reduce the processing time.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problems, operation and effect] claims
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one process the image data for an image recording apparatus for recording an image by selectively forming a dot on each of a plurality of dot formation point defined by a row number and column number in the image data processing apparatus which, (1) and the original image data storage means, (2) on the basis of the original image data, and all the dots forming point of the line defined by the row number for each one integer, one integer Change image data that includes a dot data group that represents dot non-formation at least at one of all dot formation points of the column specified by the column number of each column and that can form a recorded image that can recognize the original image (A) the one integer, and (b) the one integer is 3 or more, and 3
Set of at least one of the number of sets of dot data group representing at least one of the counted values are different from each other the dot non formation of the above row and column numbers for each integer
And a modified image data creating means including means for changing the image data. The gist of the invention according to claim 2 is that the modified image data creating means is configured to change the modified image data from the resolution of the original image.
Of the recorded image that can recognize the original image formed based on
If the image resolution is higher and the difference between them is large, it is small
Therefore, a resolution-corresponding integer determining unit that determines the integer to be a large value is included. The gist of the invention according to claim 3 is that the image data processing device includes an interface for connecting to an external computer , By
In the case of processing image data for an image recording device that records an image, the changed image data creating means is configured to use the toner save represented by the information indicating the toner save degree out of the information supplied from the external computer. Degree
When the match is high, the integer is set to a smaller value than when it is low.
At least the decision and the increase in the number of sets
The other is to include the external information corresponding integer determining unit for performing one of the above .

Here, "at least one of row and column"
Includes a case where processing is performed only in row units, a case where processing is performed only in column units, and a case where processing is performed in both row units and column units. However, in order to avoid complication, the following description will be given only for the lines unless otherwise necessary. In most cases, it is only necessary to read rows as columns.

Further, "at least one integer" includes a case where the integer is always determined as one integer and a case where one integer can be selected from a plurality of integers. In the former case, for example, if the integer is 2, a line in which dots are not formed occurs every two lines (called a dot non-formed line),
If the integer is 3, a dot non-formed line will occur every 3 lines. The same applies when the integer is 4 or more. Whatever the integer is, there will always be a non-dotted line for every integer line.

When the integer is 3 or more, it is possible to generate two or more sets of dot non-formed rows. For example, when the integer is 3, there are two sets of a set of dot non-formed lines every 3 lines starting from the second line and a set of dot non-formed lines every 3 lines starting from the third line. Can be generated. Then, it is possible to set both of these two sets as a dot non-formed line or only one of them as a dot non-formed line. The combination of starting rows can also be changed to the combination of the first row and the second row and the combination of the first row and the third row.

Further, when the integer is 4, it is possible to prevent dots from being formed in every four lines and not to form dots in all the other lines. It is also possible not to form. For example, when dots are formed in the first row, the fifth row, the ninth row, ..., The second row, the third row, the fourth row,
It is also possible to prevent dots from being formed on the 6th, 7th, 8th, ...
Prevent dots from being formed on lines, ...
Do not form dots in the rows, the third row, the sixth row, the seventh row, ... Or the third row, the fourth row, the seventh row, the eighth row
It is also possible to prevent dots from being formed on the lines, ....

In addition, it is possible to select the starting row, but it is also possible to have a configuration that is uniformly determined. For example, if the integer is 2, the starting row is always the second row, and if the integer is 3, it is the second and third rows.
In this case, the second row, the third row, and the fourth row are set, and in this case, it is not necessary to perform the setting operation of the starting row.

On the other hand, in the latter case, that is, when one integer can be selected from a plurality of integers, for example, one of two integers 2 and 3 is selected and adopted. It is configured to be able to. When 2 is selected, dot non-formation lines occur every two lines, and when 3 is selected, dot non-formation lines occur every 3 lines. Also in this case, a set of rows calculated from the second row and a set of rows calculated from the third row can be generated, and any one of the cases where both sets are the row of dot non-formed rows It is possible to have a configuration in which it is possible to select a case where only a set is a set of dot non-formed rows. The number of integers is 3
It is also possible to have more than one, and the combination of integers can be variously changed.

[0011]

In the modified image data created by the modified image data creating means of the image data creating apparatus, at least one row and / or column dot formation for each integer row (same for columns) is formed. It includes dot non-formation instruction data for instructing dot non-formation at a point. No dots are formed at all the dot formation points included in the line defined by the line number for each at least one integer indicated by the dot non-formation instruction data. However, the recorded image formed based on the changed image data can recognize the original image. This is because the modified image data is created as such.

In this image data processing apparatus, determination of dot non-formation for toner saving is made in units of rows. Therefore, in the conventional image data processing device, the dot non-formation determination is made in units of dot formation points, but the arithmetic processing required for the determination is simplified.

[0014]

Further, in the image data creating apparatus, the dot non-formation instruction data is the line in which the dot data for all the dot formation points of the line defined by the line number of at least one integer represents the dot non-formation. It is a group of dot data. That is, the dot data of all the dot formation points in one line are collectively treated as the data representing the dot non-formation. A dot data group as data representing formation is created in advance, and the dot data group is collectively copied.

In this image data creating apparatus, since the changed image data includes the dot data group representing the dot non-formation as the dot non-formation instruction data, if the recording image is formed on the basis of the changed image data, the toner is removed. You can save. Further, since the non-formation of dots is determined in units of rows (or in units of columns), the processing time can be shortened as compared with the case of the conventional recorded image data processing device. Further, when the dot data of all the dot formation points in one row are collectively used as the data representing the dot non-formation, the processing speed can be further shortened. Further, the cost of the device can be reduced as compared with the case where the image data processing device is provided with an electronic circuit for instructing dot non-formation.

[0017]

[0018]

It is also possible to process not on a row-by-row basis but on a column-by-column basis, and the image recording apparatus, like a serial printer, moves dots relative to the recording medium relative to the recording medium in a direction orthogonal to the columns. It is particularly effective in the case where it is provided with a recording section for forming. It is also possible to perform processing based on both row units and column units. In any case, the processing time can be shortened as compared with the case where processing is performed for each dot formation point.

In the image data processing apparatus according to the second aspect , one integer is the resolution of the original image and the changed image data.
Of the recorded image that can recognize the original image formed based on
It is determined based on the image degree (hereinafter, abbreviated as the resolution of the changed image) . For example, the resolution of the original image is standard
So , if the resolution of the changed image is super fine,
In resolution fine of the original image, it is possible to resolution changes the image in a case where Sue <br/> Pafain, change the frequency of the row or column dots not formed is indicated.

[0021] The resolution of the modified image is a super-fine
In case, the resolution of the original image when Ru Standard der, if integer determined 4, not forming dots every four rows by dots not formed instruction data is instructed. If the integer is determined to be 2 when the resolution of the original image is fine, dot formation is instructed every two rows. That is, in the case where there is one set of dot non-formation lines, the larger the integer, the less the frequency of lines in which dot non-formation is instructed. The ratio of the dot formation points for which dot non-formation is instructed to the entire dot formation points becomes low, and the degree of toner save (hereinafter abbreviated as toner save degree) becomes low. On the other hand, as described above, when the integer is 4,
It is possible to generate two or three sets of dot non-formed rows. For example, when two sets of non-dotted lines are to be generated, the starting line is the second line, the third line, and the third line.
It is also possible to specify in the line and the fourth line. When the integer sizes are the same, the toner save degree is higher as the number of sets of non-dotted rows is larger. If the resolution of the changed image is determined in advance, the size of the integer or the number of sets of non-dotted lines is determined according to the resolution of the original image. The gist of the invention according to claim 4 is an image recording device for recording an image by selectively forming dots at each of a plurality of dot formation points defined by a row number and a column number, and (1) A recording unit that records an image on a recording medium using toner, (2) an original image data storage unit that stores original image data corresponding to the original image, and (3) an integer based on the original image data. and all the dots forming point of the line defined by the line number of each, your one integer
At least one includes a dot data group representing dot not formed in, and to create modified image data capable of forming a recorded image can recognize the original image with all dot formation point of the column defined by column numbers with And (4) data corresponding to the original image data stored in the original image data storage means , which is determined by the integer.
The dot number of at least one of the full row number and column number
Corresponds to data that does not include a dot data group that represents formation
A non-toner save recording control unit that controls the recording unit so that an image is reproduced , and (5) a row number and a column number that are changed by the changed image data creating unit and are determined by the integer.
Dot Day, which indicates that at least one of the dots has not been formed
Image corresponding to the changed image data including the data group
As described above , a toner save recording control unit for controlling the recording unit is provided. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a case where the image recording apparatus includes a toner remaining amount detecting device that detects a remaining amount of toner contained in a toner cartridge that contains toner to be supplied to the recording unit, the modified image data creating means, said one integer, the bets
The toner remaining amount detected by the
If there are many cases, it also includes a means to determine a smaller value.
There to as, the gist of the invention according to claim 6, those
The image recording device collects the toner to be supplied to the recording unit.
The amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge
In the case of including a toner remaining amount detecting device for detecting, the change image data creating means determines (a) a toner save degree which is higher when the toner remaining amount detected by the toner remaining amount detecting device is smaller than when it is large. A toner save degree determining unit for performing the toner save,
When the degree is high
Is to be included. In addition, according to claim 7,
The essence of the present invention is that, in the case where the image recording apparatus includes an interface for connecting to an external computer, the modified image data creating means includes (i) the one integer is 3 or more.
And the row and column numbers for each integer greater than or equal to 3
Of at least one of the dots having different calculated values from each other
When the ratio of the number of sets of dot data groups representing non-formation to the total number of character code data of the character code data other than characters among the character code data supplied from the external computer is high,
Means for less than lower, the (ii) the single integer
Row number and column number for each integer that is 3 or more and that is 3 or more
The value calculated from at least one of the
The number of sets consisting of dot data groups representing dot non-formation,
Character code supplied from the external computer
Large data represented by the data that represents the size of the character
When the size is large , at least one of means for increasing the size is included, and the gist of the invention according to claim 8 is that the image recording apparatus is an external computer.
Including the interface to connect to the
The toner represented by the information representing the toner save degree supplied from the external computer is used in the modified image data creating unit.
If the degree of save is high,
The integer is 3 or more, and the line number for each integer of 3 or more
Before the calculated value of at least one of
The number of sets consisting of dot data groups that represent dot non-formation
It is to include means to do more. Further, the gist of the invention according to claim 9 is that the modified image data creating means includes means for modifying the original image data into image data matching the resolution of the recording unit, and the modified image data , All dot formation points of at least one row and / or column of the row number and column number of each of the integers are set as a dot data group representing dot non-formation, The gist of the invention according to item 10 is that when the resolution of the recording unit is equal to or higher than the resolution of the original image data, the changed image data creating unit is configured to change the dot data of the row of the original image data to one of these resolutions. Including a means to double the number determined by the difference,
The image data which is the doubled represents at least one row and at least one of all the dots forming point dots not formed in a column of the row and column numbers for each of the one integer <br/> number A dot data group is provided, and the gist of the invention according to claim 11 is that the changed image data creating means is configured to use the resolution of the original image and the recording unit.
If the resolution of the recorded image to be formed is the same,
It is to intended to include means you to serial stipulated integer preset value.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following is a description of a case where an image data processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine.
It will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a facsimile machine with a telephone. A handset 12 is attached to the side of the main body 10 of the facsimile machine,
An operation panel 14 is provided on the front portion of the upper surface, and a cassette mounting portion 16 is provided on the rear portion. A recording paper cassette 17 is detachably mounted on the cassette mounting portion 16 as shown in FIG.

The recording papers 18 accommodated in the recording paper cassette 17 are sent out one by one by an automatic paper feeder including a paper feed roller 20 and a separation pad 22. That is, the recording papers 18 stored in the recording paper cassette 17 are sequentially fed out from the uppermost recording paper 18 (on the side of the automatic paper feeder). When the recording paper 18 is set on the manual feed table 24 formed by the upper wall of the cassette mounting portion 16, the recording paper 18 set on the manual feed table 24 is sent out by the automatic paper feeder. . This is because the recording paper set on the manual feed table 24 is located above the recording paper stored in the recording paper cassette 17. The fact that the recording paper 18 is set on the manual feed table 24 means that the manual feed sensor 25
Detected by.

The recording paper 18 sent out by the automatic paper feeder is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 30 by a pair of conveying rollers 26.
And the transfer device 32. The surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is scanned by the laser light from the scanner unit 34, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. Scanner unit 34
Includes a laser emission unit 36, a lens 37, a reflection mirror 38, and the like. The laser emitting section 36 has a laser light source that emits laser light in accordance with a command from the control device 40, a polygon mirror that reflects the laser light, and the like. The laser light emitted from the laser emission unit 36 is condensed by the lens 37, supplied to the reflection mirror 38, reflected, and irradiated on the photosensitive drum 30.

An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 30 and the scanning of the laser light. This electrostatic latent image is the minimum when the latent image is formed. It is divided into dot formation points 42 (see FIG. 19) as a unit. The size of the dot formation point 42 in the scanning line direction is determined by the scanning speed of the laser beam, and the size in the sub-scanning line direction is determined by the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 30, but in the present facsimile apparatus, these are constant. It is set to the size of. The size of the dot formation point 42 in this embodiment is about 0.07 mm (1/16 mm) × 0.0.
It is 7 mm (15.4 lines / mm), and corresponds to the size of the minimum unit read when the resolution is set to super fine, which will be described later. A drum motor 44 (see FIG. 18) that rotates the photosensitive drum 30 is connected to the control device 40 via a drive circuit 45.

The scanner unit 34 is controlled based on the recording image data supplied from the control device 40. As will be described later, this recorded image data is dot data for the dot formation points 42 for one line (one dot line). The dot formation point 42 where dot formation is instructed by the dot data is irradiated with laser light, and the dot formation point 42 where dot formation is instructed is not irradiated with laser light. In this facsimile apparatus, there are two kinds of recorded image data. One of them is normal non-toner save recording image data, while the other is toner save recording image data for toner saving described later. When the former data is supplied, non-toner save recording is performed, and when the latter data is supplied,
Toner save recording is performed.

An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 30 by sequentially scanning the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 line by line while controlling the laser beam based on the recorded image data supplied to the scanner unit 34. It Photosensitive drum 3
The electrostatic latent image formed on 0 is developed by a developing device 48 to which a toner 50 (see FIG. 15) as a developer is attached, and is transferred to the recording paper 18 by a transfer device 32. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 30 without being transferred to the recording paper 18 is removed by the cleaning device 51.

The transfer device 32 has a transfer roller 52, applies an electric charge to the recording paper 18, and transfers the toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 30 to the recording paper 18. After the transfer, the charge is removed by a charge remover (not shown), and is guided to a fixing device 54 by being guided by a guide (not shown). Fixing device 5
4 has a heating roller 56 and a pressing roller 58, and the recording paper 18 on which the image has been fixed is discharged by a pair of discharge rollers 60 to a discharge tray 62 attached to the front surface of the main body 10. . On the other hand, in the vicinity of the developing device 48,
The humidity sensor 64 is attached and its output signal is supplied to the control device 40.

An image reading device 6 is provided on the upper portion of the main body 10.
6 is provided. Documents placed on a document table 68 provided at an intermediate portion of the upper surface of the main body 10 are fed one by one by a document feeding device 70 (see FIG. 18) based on a command to start reading. The fed original is sent to the image reading device 66 by a feed roller or the like. Platen 6
The document sensor 72 detects that the document is set on the sheet 8.

The image reading device 66 irradiates the original on the original support plate 76 with light by the light source 74, reflects the reflected light from the original by the mirrors 78 and 80, and collects the light by the lens 82 to collect the line image sensor 84. The image of the original is read line by line. Document support plate 76
Is made of an opaque member as a whole, but a transparent member such as glass is fitted only in a portion irradiated with light. The minimum unit of the image read by the line image sensor 84 differs depending on the resolution, but in the present embodiment, it is the same as the dot formation point 42 when the super fine is set. The rotation speed of the document feeding device 70 is controlled according to the resolution. After reading, the document is sent by the discharge roller 86 and discharged to the discharge tray 88 from the opening.

The developing device 48 is described in detail in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 6-19227, and will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 100 of the developing device 48 includes a partition wall 102,
A toner cartridge storage chamber 106, a stirring chamber 108, and a developing chamber 110 are divided into three chambers by 104.
In the stirring chamber 108 and the developing chamber 110, the first stirring member 112,
The second stirring member 114 is rotatably attached. Toner cartridge storage chamber 106 and stirring chamber 10
An opening 116 is formed in the partition wall 102 for partitioning
Similarly, an opening 118 is formed in the partition wall 104 that partitions the stirring chamber 108 and the developing chamber 110.

When the toner cartridge 120 shown in FIG. 5 is attached to the toner cartridge housing chamber 106, the toner 50 in the toner cartridge 120 is stirred by the third stirring member 122 shown in FIG. Is supplied to. The toner 50 supplied to the stirring chamber 108 is supplied to the developing chamber 110 through the opening 118 while being stirred by the first stirring member 112. The toner 50 supplied to the developing chamber 110 is agitated by the second agitating member 114 together with the magnetic carrier contained in advance, and is repelled toward the developing sleeve 124. The regulation plate 126 provided above the opening 118 is attached so that the toner 50 supplied from the stirring chamber 108 does not directly adhere to the developing sleeve 124 and is supplied to the second stirring member 114. It has been done. It should be noted that the partition wall 102 has a cross-sectional shape that is an arc shape centering on a point in the toner cartridge accommodating chamber 106, and extends along the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge 120.

Inside the developing sleeve 124, a magnet roller 128 is arranged, and both are rotated in opposite directions. The toner 50 carried on the magnetic carrier is attached to the surface of the developing sleeve 124, and the amount of the attached toner 50 is adjusted by the doctor blade 130. The toner 50 uniformly attached to the surface of the developing sleeve 124 is selectively supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 which is charged by the charger 131 and then scanned by the laser beam. The toner 50 is supplied to a portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 irradiated with the laser light, that is, a portion corresponding to the dot formation point 42 where dot formation is instructed, and to a portion not irradiated with the laser light. It is not done.

In the toner cartridge accommodating chamber 106, on both side walls 132 thereof, as shown in FIG.
U-shaped support groove 134 of the
Is formed along the arc centered on the center of the arc-shaped bottom portion 138 of the support groove 134. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an engaging protrusion 141 having a shaft portion 139 and a head portion 140 having a larger diameter than the shaft portion 139 is provided around the bottom portion 138. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging protrusion 141 is chamfered so that the width H2 is slightly smaller than the width H1 of the support groove 134. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a through hole 146 is formed in the bottom portion of the toner cartridge accommodating chamber 106 for allowing a detecting portion 144 of a toner remaining amount sensor 142 (see FIG. 15) described later to penetrate therethrough.

Inside the side walls 132 of the toner cartridge accommodating chamber 106, a pair of arms 150 shown in FIG. 6 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 9, a U-shaped support groove 15 having a width H1 is provided at a position of the arm 150 corresponding to the support groove 134.
4 is formed, and an engaging recess 156 that can be engaged with the engaging protrusion 141 is formed. The engaging protrusion 1
Since the width H2 of 41 is slightly smaller than the width H1 of the support groove 154, the engagement recess 156 can engage with the engagement protrusion 140 from the direction W with the opening 157 of the support groove 154 as the leading end. After the protrusion 141 reaches the deepest portion of the engagement recess 156, the arm 150 is rotated relatively to the side wall 132, so that the engagement protrusion 141 and the engagement recess 156 are formed.
Engage with each other so that they cannot be disengaged and can rotate relative to each other.

In this way, the arm 150 is attached to the side wall 132.
In the state in which the support groove 154 of the arm 150 is attached to the support groove 154 of the side wall 132, as shown in FIG.
And the cooperation portion 158 crosses the engagement groove 136 in a three-dimensional manner. Further, the arm 160 has a pin 160,
It is fixed by penetrating an arc-shaped elongated hole 162 formed in the side wall 132, and the rotation limit of the arm 150 is the elongated hole 162.
It is defined by the contact between both ends of the pin 160 and the pin 160.

A first shutter 164 is fixed to the arm 150. The first shutter 164 covers the opening 116. It is a plate-shaped member whose cross section forms an arc along the partition wall 102, and is fixed to both arms 150 at attachment portions formed at both ends thereof. Therefore,
The first shutter 164 and the arm 150 rotate integrally. The first shutter 164 has the opening 116 of the partition wall 102.
Is locked by the first locking device 166 above. The first lock device 166 will be described later.

The toner cartridge 120 is detachably mounted in the toner cartridge housing chamber 106.
As shown in FIG. 7, the toner cartridge 120 includes a main body 170, a pair of levers 172, a second shutter 174, and the like. The main body 170 has a cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction, and an opening 176 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in a part of the cylindrical surface thereof. The opening 176 is covered by the second shutter 174. Also, the main body 170
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a pair of hollow protrusions 178 formed of a transparent member are provided in the vicinity of the bottom portion of the space at intervals. The hollow protrusion 178 protrudes upward from the top surface of the bottom of the main body 170, and is hollow with a recess opening in the bottom surface of the bottom of the main body 170. When the toner cartridge 120 is mounted in the toner cartridge housing chamber 106, the detecting portion 144 of the toner remaining amount sensor 142 is fitted into the hollow protrusion 178.

The support shaft 1 is provided on both sides of the main body 170.
79 is rotatably attached to the main body 170,
A lever 172 is attached to the support shaft 179 so as to be relatively rotatable. The lever 172 includes a support portion 180 and a handle 181, and the second shutter 174 is fixed to the support portion 180. The second shutter 174 is a plate-shaped member having a circular cross section along the cylindrical surface of the main body 170, and both ends thereof are bent to form a fan-shaped attached portion 182. A U-shaped notch 184 is formed at the tip of the attached portion 182, and an engagement hole 186 is formed in the middle portion thereof.

On the other hand, the support portion 18 of the lever 172 is
Reference numeral 0 is substantially the same shape as the attached portion 182, and guides 188 having pull-out preventing claws 187 are provided on both edges of the attached portion 182. An engaging claw 190 whose cross-sectional shape is a right triangle is provided in the. Also, handle 1
An engaging protrusion 192 is provided at the base of 81 to engage with an engaging groove 136 formed in the side wall 132. Further, the tip ends of the pair of handles 181 are connected by a connecting rod 194, so that both levers 172 rotate integrally.

The second shutter 174 is fixed to the supporting portion 180 of the lever 172 by engaging both sides of the second shutter 174 with the guides 188 and 187 and the engaging hole 186 with the engaging claw 190. Has been. Therefore, the lever 172 and the second shutter 174 rotate integrally. Further, in this state, the bottom portion of the cutout 184 of the second shutter 174 and the support hole 195 formed in the support portion 180 are at the same position. The notch 184 and the support hole 1
A support shaft 179 of the main body 170 is fitted to the shaft 95 to form an integrated toner cartridge 120, which is attached to and detached from the toner cartridge storage chamber 106. Second shutter 174
Is locked above the opening 176 of the toner cartridge body 170 by a second lock device 196 described later.

Inside the toner cartridge body 170, a third stirring member 122 shown in FIG. 6 is rotatably provided integrally with the support shaft 179. The support shaft 179 is
It is rotated by a stirring motor 200 (see FIG. 18). The stirring motor 200 is connected to the control device 40 via a drive circuit 201, and the support shaft 179 and the third stirring member 122 are integrally rotated based on a command from the control device 40. In this facsimile apparatus, rotation is started based on a recording start command. The first stirring member 112 and the second stirring member 114 described above
Is also the same.

The third stirring member 122 has a toner stirring portion 202 located near the inner peripheral surface of the main body 170, and a U-shaped interference avoiding portion 203 is provided at the center of the toner stirring portion 202. The interference avoidance unit 203 is the toner stirring unit 20.
2 is provided in order to avoid interference between the transparent hollow protrusion 178 and the transparent hollow protrusion 178. When the third stirring member 122 rotates, the pair of hollow protrusions 178 pass inside the interference avoiding portion 203. A portion corresponding to the bottom of the interference avoiding portion 203 is coaxial with the support shaft 179, and the stirring arm 2 is attached to the portion.
04 is provided, and a wiper 206 is attached to the tip of the stirring arm 204. The wiper 206 is formed of a fiber aggregate material such as felt or a soft porous material such as sponge,
When the toner 50 passes between the pair of hollow protrusions 178, the toner 50 existing therein is removed, and the hollow protrusions 17 are also removed.
The function of wiping the surfaces of 8 facing each other is fulfilled.

The second lock device 196 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, the spring plate 220 fixed to the main body 170
And an engagement hole 222 provided in the second shutter 174. Part of the spring plate 220 is bent so that the engaging protrusion 2
24 is formed, whereas the above-mentioned engagement hole 222 is provided at a position facing the second shutter 174. When the engagement protrusion 224 is engaged with the engagement hole 222, the locked state is established, and the second shutter 174 is locked to the main body 170.

The spring plate 22 of the second shutter 174 is also
A U-shaped cutout 226 is formed at a position corresponding to 0, and this cutout 226 is provided to unlock the second locking device 196. On the other hand, a felt material 230 as a sealing member is attached around the opening 176 of the main body 170 as shown in FIG. 7, and the toner 50 does not leak to the outside from the gap between the second shutter 174 and the main body 170. It is like this.

At a position above the opening 116 of the partition wall 102 of the main body 100 and facing the notch 226 of the second shutter 174 in the state where the toner cartridge 120 is attached, a protrusion 232 as a second locking device releasing member.
Is provided. The protrusion 232 pushes the spring plate 220 toward the main body 170 through the notch 226, whereby the second locking device 196 is unlocked and the second shutter 174 is released.
And, the lever 172 is in a state in which it can rotate with respect to the main body 170.

The first locking device 166 is substantially the same as the second locking device 196, and as shown in FIG.
Spring plate 2 fixed above opening 116 of partition wall 102
The protrusion 242 of 40 engages with the engaging portion 244 formed on the upper edge of the first shutter 164 to lock the first shutter 164 in a state of covering the opening 116. Further, as in the case of the second lock device 196, a felt material 246 as a seal member is provided around the opening 116 of the partition wall 102.
Is pasted.

On the other hand, the main body 1 of the toner cartridge 120
Above the opening 176 of 70, a protrusion 250 as a first locking device releasing member is fixed. The protrusion 250 is
It is provided at a position facing the surface of the spring plate 240 of the first locking device 166, and the protrusion 250 pushes the spring plate 240 to unlock the first locking device 166, thereby partitioning the first shutter 164 and the arm 150. The wall 102 can be rotated relative to the wall 102.

The toner cartridge 120 is attached by fitting the support shaft 179 into the support grooves 154 and 134 from the direction E in FIG. In this state, the main body 170 of the toner cartridge 120 and the partition wall 1
02 and the protrusion 250 press the spring plate 240 of the first locking device 166, and the protrusion 232 presses the spring plate 220 of the second locking device 196, the first locking device 166 and the second locking device. 196 is unlocked.

In this state, when the lever 172 is rotated in the direction F by operating the handle 181, the second shutter 174 is rotated with respect to the main body 170 and the opening 176 is opened. At the same time, the engaging protrusion 192 is connected to the cooperation portion 158.
The arm 150 and the first shutter 164 are rotated via the, the first shutter 164 is rotated with respect to the partition wall 102, and the opening 116 is opened.

Further, in this state, the arm 150
Is rotated relative to the main body 100 (side wall 132), the support groove 154 and the support groove 134 intersect and the openings of these grooves are closed. Further, since the engagement protrusion 192 of the lever 172 is engaged with the engagement groove 136 of the arm 150, the toner cartridge 120 is prevented from being pulled out from the support groove 132.

Next, the toner remaining amount sensor 142 will be described. The toner remaining amount sensor 142 is provided with the detection unit 144 and the wiper 206, and the detection unit 144 is fixed on the lower support plate 256 of the facsimile apparatus. The toner remaining amount sensor 142 is a transmissive photo sensor type, and the detection unit 144 includes a pair of a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The detection unit 144 is the main body 100 of the developing device 48.
Through the opening 146 provided at the bottom of the main body 170 of the toner cartridge 120 and fitted into the two hollow protrusions 178 provided at the bottom. Hollow protrusion 178 with one light emitting portion
That is, the light receiving portion is located inside the other hollow protruding portion 178. Since the hollow protrusion 178 is made of a transparent material as described above, the toner cartridge 1
If there is no toner 50 in the toner 20 or if there is little toner 50 and the space between the pair of hollow protrusions 178 is not filled, the light emitted from the light emitting portion is received by the light receiving portion.

On the other hand, when the upper surface of the toner 50 is higher than the sensing portion of the detecting portion 144, the stirring arm 20
When 4 is stationary, the light emitted by the light emitting unit is blocked by the toner 50 between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and is not received by the light receiving unit.

The wiper 206 is rotated by the rotation of the third stirring member 122 and passes between the pair of hollow protrusions 178. With this passage, the toner existing between the pair of hollow protrusions 178 is scraped up, and the surfaces of the hollow protrusions 178 facing each other are wiped. As a result, the light from the light emitting unit is momentarily received by the light receiving unit, but when the toner 50 has a large remaining amount and the upper surface of the toner 50 is sufficiently higher than the sensing unit of the detection unit 144, the pair of hollow protrusions 178. A large amount of the toner 50 existing around the gap is immediately filled, and the light from the light emitting portion is immediately blocked.
Therefore, the light receiving time of the light receiving unit is shortened.

On the other hand, when the upper surface of the toner 50 is higher than the sensing unit of the detection unit 144 but the remaining amount of the toner 50 is small, the toner existing between them as the wiper 206 passes. The time required for the toner 50 in the peripheral part to fill the space between the pair of hollow protrusions 178 after the light is picked up and the light receiving part is in the light receiving state becomes longer,
Light receiving time becomes longer. Therefore, the light receiving time of the light receiving part,
That is, the remaining amount of the toner 50 can be detected by the time from when the light receiving unit is in the light receiving state until it is again in the light blocking state.

The light receiving time of the light receiving section, that is, the output signal of the toner remaining amount sensor 142 is supplied to the determination means which will be described later for determining whether the light receiving time of the light receiving section is longer than the set time. If the light receiving time is longer than the set time, toner 5
When the remaining amount of 0 is small and it is detected that the toner cartridge 120 is about to be replaced, the operating condition flag 1 described later is set. As described above, the third agitating member 122 is designed to be rotated during recording, so that the output signal of the toner remaining amount sensor 142 is generated during recording.

FIG. 20 shows the operation panel 14 provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the facsimile apparatus. A display unit 300, a toner save lamp 302 and the like are provided on the upper portion of the operation panel 14, and a numeric keypad 304, a speed dial key 306, a start key 308, a stop key 31 are provided on the lower portion.
0, a copy key 312 and the like are provided. Further, the function key 314 and the set key 31 are provided in the middle part.
6, clear key 318, resolution key 320, cursor keys 322, 324, etc. are provided.

The display 300 displays the state of the facsimile apparatus, the operating procedure of the user, and the like. The toner save lamp 302 is turned on when toner save recording is selected by the user, when a toner save flag described later is set, and the like. The ten-key pad 304 inputs the facsimile number of the partner device 325 when transmitting the facsimile information from this facsimile device to the partner facsimile device (hereinafter abbreviated as partner device) 325, or the facsimile number of the partner device 325 in advance. It is a key for registering in association with the abbreviated number and for selecting other functions of the facsimile device.

The speed dial key 306 is a key for generating the facsimile number of the partner device 325 registered in association with the speed dial number, and the start key 308 gives an instruction to start transmission of facsimile information or calls. This is a key for instructing signal registration. The stop key 310 is a key for instructing to stop selection of a function or the like.

The function key 314 is a key for instructing the start of display of various functions executable by the facsimile apparatus. The set key 316 is a key to be operated when instructing the selection of a function or the like,
The clear key 318 is a key for instructing cancellation of function selection and the like. The resolution key 320 is a key for selecting the resolution of this facsimile apparatus. The resolution is set to standard when the resolution key 320 is not pressed. Press once to set fine, and press twice to set super fine. When pressed three times, the gradation is set to halftone, and the gradation is set by the function key 314, the cursor keys 322, 3
It is selected by the operation of 24. Cursor key 322
Reference numeral 324 is a key operated when moving the cursor in the display device 300, selecting a function, or the like.
If you make a mistake when entering the speed dial number, you can correct it by moving the cursor.

As shown in FIG. 18, the control device 40 provided in the lower portion of the present facsimile machine has CPUs 330, R
In addition to the AM 332, ROM 334, and EEPROM 336, a binarization circuit 338, a threshold circuit 340, a parallel / serial circuit 342, an encoding / decoding control circuit 344, a transmission / reception control circuit 346, etc. are provided. Further, the control device 40 is connected with the image reading device 66, the operation panel 14, the toner remaining amount sensor 142, the manual feed sensor 25, the document sensor 72, the humidity sensor 64, and the like, and the modem 350, the network control unit (hereinafter, External line 3 via 352)
54 is connected to the partner device 325. Further, it is connected to the stirring motor 200 that drives the third stirring member 122, the document feeding device 70, and the ringing sound generation device 358 via the drive circuits 201, 354, and 356.

The binarization circuit 338 is a circuit for converting the image data read by the image reading device 66 into binarized data. The threshold circuit 340 converts the image data into binarized data. The threshold is supplied. The parallel / serial conversion circuit 342 is a circuit that converts a signal parallel-processed by the control device 40 into a serial signal, and vice versa, converts the serial signal into a parallel signal. It is a circuit that decodes the received encoded data into dot data, and encodes the read data as dot data when transmitting the read data. Further, the transmission / reception control circuit 346, when the present facsimile apparatus and the partner apparatus 325 are connected via the external line 354, communicates with the partner apparatus 325 the communication related information such as the facsimile number and the resolution of both parties. This is the circuit.

Further, the modem 350 modulates a digital signal into an analog signal, and transmits it to the external line 3 via the NCU 352.
The analog signal output to the circuit 54 and input from the external line 354 is demodulated into a digital signal.
The NCU 352 automatically receives a call from the external line 354 at the time of data reception, and automatically makes a call to the other party at the time of data transmission.

The ringing tone generator 358 is the partner device 325.
A voltage is supplied through the drive circuit 356 based on a ringing signal sent from the controller or a command from the control device 40, and a ringing tone is generated. The drive circuit 356 supplies or stops supply of voltage in response to the calling signal. The voltage that causes the ringing signal is lower than the voltage in the steady state where there is no image data transmission, and the magnitudes are different in two steps. When the voltage of the ringing signal is low, the ringing tone generator 358 sounds Occurs, and does not occur when it is high.

The ringing signal can be in two states depending on the difference in the voltage level. The ringing tone generator 358 is in the ON state and the ringing tone generator is not in the OFF state.
This is called the F state. Different types of ringing signals can be obtained by combining the numbers and lengths of the ON state and the OFF state, but the ringing signal of one cycle includes the same number of ON states and OFF states, and always one long OFF state. (Referred to as long-off) is included. Therefore, even if the time of one cycle of the calling signal is not known, one cycle is defined by the detection of long-off.

In the RAM 332, as shown in FIG. 21, the encoded received image data memory 360, the decoded received image data memory 362, the read image data memory 364, and the like.
A reception side facsimile number related data memory 366, a transmission source facsimile number data memory 368, a transmission destination information memory 370, a management report data memory 372 and the like are provided, and a flag, a counter and the like not shown are provided.

In the ROM 334, as shown in FIG.
Recording control program memory 380, importance flag 1 setting program memory 381, importance flag 2 setting program memory 382, destination information setting program memory 38
3, management report low importance setting program memory 38
4, toner save flag setting program memory 385
Toner save flag setting program memory 386, remaining toner amount detection program memory 387, type flag 1 setting program memory 388, resolution corresponding integer determination table memory 389, toner save mark recording image data creation program memory 390, management report output program A memory 391 and the like are provided.

As shown in FIG. 23, the EEPROM 336 is provided with a call signal memory 392 for storing a call signal registered as receiving side facsimile number related information and an operating condition flag 1. The operating condition flag 1 is a flag that is set when the toner remaining amount sensor 142, the above-described determination unit, and the like detect that the toner remaining amount is less than the set amount. The data, programs, etc. stored in each memory will be described below as appropriate.

The operation of the facsimile apparatus configured as described above will be described. In this facsimile apparatus, a recorded image is formed based on the received image data.
The recording is performed based on the recording image data supplied from the control device 40. When the toner save flag described later is reset, the scanner unit 34
Non-toner save recording image data is supplied, and non-toner save recording is performed. When the toner save flag is set, toner save recording image data is supplied and toner save recording is performed.

The toner save flag can be set by the user's operation, but in the present facsimile apparatus, it is automatically set based on the sender save information and toner save related information such as the remaining toner amount which will be described later. It The toner save flag is set based on the program stored in the toner save flag setting program memory 385. The toner save flag setting program is shown in FIG.
It is represented by the flow chart.

Step 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as S1).
The same applies to other steps), it is determined in S2 whether or not the importance flag 3 and the type flag 1 are set, and in S3, whether the other operating condition flags 1 to 3 and the user flag are set. Is determined.
If any one of the above flags is reset, S
If the toner save flag is reset at 4 and all the flags are set, the toner save flag is set at S5. That is, when the importance flag 3 is reset, the toner save flag is reset, but when it is set, it is based on the states of other flags such as the operation condition flags 1 to 3 and the user flag. Will be set.

The importance flag 3 is a flag that is reset when the content represented by the received image data, which is the main information included in the facsimile information, is estimated to be important. The importance flag 3 is set based on the states of the importance flag 1 and the importance flag 2, and is set when both are set, and reset when at least one is reset.

It is difficult to objectively judge whether or not the content represented by the received image data is important. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the other party (source) who has transmitted the image data is a specific source having a high possibility of transmitting important information, and the source is the specific source. In some cases, the content represented by the image data is presumed to be important.

Whether or not the sender is the specific sender is determined based on the data stored in the recipient facsimile number data memory 366 and the sender facsimile number data memory 368 as the communication related information included in the facsimile information. The determination is made according to the programs stored in the importance flag 1 setting program memory 381 and the importance flag 2 setting program memory 382. When it is determined that the sender is the specific sender, the importance flags 1 and 2 are reset.

The importance flag 1 is a reception-side facsimile number-related data corresponding importance flag. When a so-called distinctive ringing service is used, when a call is made with a ringing tone having a specific ringing signal pattern, the other party is determined to be the specific originator and is a flag that is reset. The distinctive ringing service is a service in which a plurality of different facsimile numbers are assigned to a facsimile machine and a different ringing tone corresponding to each facsimile number is used to make a call. Therefore, if the predetermined facsimile number is communicated only to a specific party, it can be known that the party is the specific originator when the ringing tone corresponding to the facsimile number is called. If the predetermined number is notified only to the person who sends the important information, when the ringing tone corresponding to the facsimile number is issued, the content represented by the transmitted image data is important. It can be estimated that

The ringing signal pattern of the ringing tone is registered by operating the operation panel 14 in accordance with a predetermined procedure by the length of time of each ON state and OFF state.
It is stored in the calling signal memory 392 of the ROM 336. Information indicating the facsimile number of the receiving side used by the sender and information such as a calling signal pattern corresponding to the information are stored in the receiving side facsimile number related information memory 366. If the incoming call signal pattern stored in the receiving side facsimile number related information memory 366 (the call signal pattern actually called) and the call signal pattern stored in the call signal memory 392 match, the respective call signals Judgment is made based on the agreement between the respective ON states and OFF states within the permissible error of the length of time.

Based on the program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 25, it is determined whether or not they match, and the importance flag 1 is set based on the determination result. In S11, CI (Calling indicatio
n) signal is detected, and it is determined in S12 whether the pattern of the CI signal matches the pattern stored in the call signal memory 392. If they match,
If YES is determined and the ringing tone of the pattern corresponding to the facsimile number is emitted in S13, if they do not match, the determination is NO and the ringing tone of the predetermined normal pattern is emitted in S14. Next, in S15, it is determined again whether or not the two patterns match, and if they match, in S16,
If the importance flag 1 is reset and they do not match,
In S17, the importance flag 1 is set.

The importance flag 2 is an importance flag corresponding to the source facsimile number, and the partner device 325 (source)
This is a flag that is reset when the facsimile number of No. 1 corresponds to the facsimile number stored in association with the speed dial number in this facsimile apparatus.
This is because the destination specified by the facsimile number generated by operating the speed dial key 306 and the ten key 304 is frequently transmitted, and it can be estimated that the information content from the destination is important.

In the present facsimile apparatus, the facsimile number of the destination, which is generated by operating the speed dial key 306 and the ten key 304, is stored in the destination information memory 370 in association with the speed dial number. Registration of the facsimile number of the other party is performed by the user's key operation. Further, the data representing the facsimile number of the sender is stored in the recipient facsimile number data memory 368. By executing the importance flag 2 setting program represented by the flowchart in FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not they match, and the importance flag 2 is set based on the determination result.

In S21, the TSI is calculated from the communication related information.
A signal, that is, a signal representing the facsimile number of the sender is detected, and it is determined in S22 whether or not the number matches the number stored in the destination information memory 370. If they match, YES is determined and S23
In step S24, the importance flag 2 is reset, and if they do not match, NO is determined, and the importance flag 2 is set in S24.

The type flag 1 is a halftone data flag, which is reset when the received image data is determined to be halftone data. If toner save recording is performed when the image data is halftone data, the gradation characteristics may be biased, and the density (gradation level)
This is because there is a risk of problems such as not being able to record according to the above. The halftone data is created based on the dither matrix according to the density. for that reason,
In the dot data, 0 and 1 frequently change. Therefore, when the number of dot data sets in which the dot data at adjacent dot formation points is 0 and 1, that is, the number of dot data changes from 0 to 1, 1 to 0 is greater than the set value, or when the run length is When the number of numbers in the compression-coded data (the number of changes in the dot data of 0 and the dot data of 1) is larger than the set value, it can be determined as the halftone data.

In the present embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the halftone data is the decoded reception image data shown in FIG. 31 after converting the encoded reception image data shown in FIG. 30 into dot data. It is done based on. Further, when it is determined that all three rows from the first row to the third row are halftone data, the decoded received image data is determined to be halftone data. This is because the judgment in one line may be erroneously made. The determination as to whether the decoded received image data is halftone data and the setting of the type flag 1 are performed based on the program stored in the type flag 1 setting program memory 388. This program is represented by the flowchart of FIG.

In S31, the initial values of the line number L and the counter C are set to 0, and in S32, the number Ns at which the dot data of the first line changes is detected. In S33, it is determined whether or not the number of changes (referred to as the number of changes) Ns is larger than the set number. If it is larger, YES is determined, and the count value of the counter C is incremented by 1 in S34. If the number is small, NO is determined and the count value of the counter C cannot be increased.

Next, in S36, it is determined whether or not the line number L is larger than the set value. The set value s is 3 in this embodiment. When S36 is executed first, the determination is NO because the line number L is 1, and S37
In, the line number L is incremented by 1, and the process returns to the execution of S32. The number of changes Ns in the second and third rows is detected, and the same execution is performed. After the detection of the third row is performed, the determination in S36 becomes YES, and in S38, it is determined whether or not the count value of the counter C is 3 or more. If it is 3, it is regarded as halftone data, and S
At 39, the type flag 1 is reset and 0 to 2
In the case of, it is determined that the data is not halftone data, and the type flag 1 is set in S40.

The operating condition corresponding toner save flag is a flag set in accordance with the operating condition of the present facsimile apparatus. The operating condition corresponding toner save flag is stored in the operating condition corresponding toner save flag setting program memory 386, and is set according to the program represented by the flowchart of FIG.

In S51 to S53, the operating condition flag 1
It is determined whether or not the flags 3 to 3 are set.
If any one of the operating condition flags is set,
If the toner save flag corresponding to the operating condition is set in S54 and neither is set, S5 is set.
At 5, it is reset.

The operating condition flag 1 is an operating condition flag corresponding to the remaining toner amount, which is set when the remaining amount of the toner 50 in the toner cartridge 120 is less than the set amount. When the toner 50 runs low,
This is because, if the toner save recording is selected, the decreasing speed of the toner 50 becomes slower, and the replacement time of the toner cartridge 120 can be delayed. The remaining amount of the toner 50 is detected based on the output signal of the toner remaining amount sensor 142 according to the program stored in the toner remaining amount detecting program memory 387. This program is represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment,
When the remaining toner amount sensor 142 determines that the remaining amount of the toner 50 is smaller than the set amount three times in a row, it is detected that the remaining amount of the toner 50 in the toner cartridge 120 is small. As described above, the remaining amount of toner is detected at the time of recording, and the state of the operating condition flag 1 is E.
It is stored in EPROM 336.

At S61, it is determined whether the operating condition flag 1 is set. When the remaining amount of the toner 50 is sufficient and the toner 50 is not set, the light receiving time t of three times is set to the set time Tu (see FIG. 17) in S62.
(See), it is determined whether or not it has become longer. If it is determined that the remaining amount of the toner 50 has become less than the set time Tu for all the set times Tu, the operating condition flag 1 is set in S63.

Next, when the operating condition flag 1 is set and the light receiving time t of three times is shorter than the set time Td, the determination in S64 is YES. It is determined that the remaining amount of the toner 50 is small, and it is determined that the remaining amount of the toner 50 is incorrect, and the operation condition flag is reset in S65. The setting time for switching the operating condition flag 1 from the reset state to the set state and the setting time for switching from the set state to the reset state are made different from each other to have hysteresis so that the flag state is frequently switched. This is to prevent it from being lost. When all the three light receiving times t are longer than the set time Td, the operating condition flag 1 remains set.

The operating condition flag 2 is a flag corresponding to the operating environment, and is a flag that is reset when the humidity inside the facsimile apparatus is higher than the set value. When the humidity is high,
Since the toner 50 easily adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, it becomes difficult to transfer the toner 50 onto the recording paper 18. In that state,
This is because if toner save recording is selected, the formed recorded image is likely to become unclear. The humidity is detected by the humidity sensor 64.

The operating condition flag 3 is a recording medium setting condition corresponding flag, and is set when it is detected that the recording paper 18 is set on the manual feed table 24. The recording paper 18 set on the manual feed table 24 is recycled paper or recycled paper (paper recorded on the back side).
In many cases, it is not necessary to store the contents of information for a long period of time, and therefore, the recorded image on the recording paper 18 set on the manual feed table 24 may be thin. Whether or not the recording paper 18 is set on the manual feed table 24 is detected by the manual feed sensor 25.

The user flag is a flag set by the user's key operation. Function key 314
When the ten-key 304 5 is pressed, the menu can be selected, and when the ten-key 304 6 is operated, "6.TONNER SAVE" is displayed on the display 300. After that, when the set key 316 is pressed, the display 300 displays “TONNERSAVE: OFF” and “SELECT <>& SET”.
Alternates with. The former indicates that non-toner save is currently set, and the latter operates the cursor keys 322 to select non-toner save and toner save.
This is guidance for teaching that the set key 316 should be pressed.

In accordance with this guidance, the cursor key 3
If the toner save is selected by the operation of 24, the display of the display 300 becomes "TONNER SAVE", and if the non-toner save is selected by the operation of the cursor key 322, the display of the display 300 becomes "TONNER SAVE: OFF. It will be. Whichever is selected, the selection is confirmed by pressing the set key 316 thereafter, and the display on the display unit 300 displays "6.
Return to TONNER SAVE. The user can set or reset the toner save flag depending on the situation such as when the importance of the content of the information to be received is known or when the toner save is positively desired.
When toner save is selected by the user, the user flag is set. These function keys 3
A toner save switching operation unit is constituted by 14, the ten-key pad 304, the set key 316, and the like.

On the other hand, when the output of the management report is set by the user, the toner save flag is automatically set. Since the management report is a report showing a part of the communication related information such as the transmission source and the transmission destination, it is considered to be of low importance. The toner save flag is set, and toner save recording is performed. The data shown in the management report is the management report data memory 3
It is stored in 72.

The management report is output based on the user's key operation. Function key 314 and numeric keypad 3
When 04 and 3 are pressed, "1.ACT.
"REPORT" is displayed. Next, when the set key 316 is pressed, the toner save flag is set. The display on the display unit 300 becomes "PRESS START KEY", and if the start key 308 is pressed according to the display, a management report is output, and the display on the display unit 300 is "1.ACT.REPORT".
Returned to.

The received image data is recorded based on the state of the toner save flag set as described above. The encoded received image data is stored in the encoded received image data memory 360. This encoded received image data is converted into decoded received image data by the encoding / decoding control circuit 344, and the decoded received image data memory 3
It is stored in 62.

The decoded received image data is dot matrix data, and each dot formation point 42 is defined by a row number and a column number. The number of dot formation points 42 forming the dot matrix varies depending on the size of the recording paper 18, but when the size of the recording paper 18 is A4 size, the number of dot formation points 42 in one line is 1728. The number of 8-bit dot data is 216 (D8). The decoded received image data is usually created page by page.

The scanner unit 34 is supplied with the dot data of the number designated by the data number data of the line designated by the address data described later in the decoded received image data. The surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is sequentially scanned row by row while controlling the laser beam based on the dot data. The address data and the data number data are set by the program stored in the recording control program memory 380. The recording control program is represented by the flowchart of FIG.

The integers K and M required for executing the program are the resolutions determined in the communication between the dot forming points 42 in the scanner unit 34 and the partner device 325 (hereinafter, partner resolutions). 32) stored in the resolution-corresponding integer determination table memory 389 of the ROM 334, and is automatically set based on the table shown in FIG. In this embodiment,
The size of the dot formation point 42 is set so as to correspond to the minimum unit read in the super fine as described above, but a scanner unit set to correspond to that in the fine is also conceivable. Hereinafter, the resolution corresponding to the size of the dot formation point 42 in the scanner unit 34 will be referred to as the self resolution. The self resolution corresponds to the resolution when the recorded image data is created. The resolution determined in the communication with the partner device 325 is the resolution when the original image data is created, and is the resolution when the document is read by the partner device 325.

The integer K is an integer for obtaining the reproducibility of the original image regardless of the difference between the own resolution and the partner resolution.
Specifically, when the other resolution is fine and the own resolution is super fine, if the decoded received image data is supplied to the scanner unit 34 as it is, it is halved in the scanning line direction and the sub-scanning line direction. A contracted recorded image is formed. In order to avoid this, 1 dot data is changed to 2 dot data in the scanning line direction of the above-mentioned decoded received image data, and 1 dot data is set in the sub scanning line direction.
The data for two lines may be changed to the data for two lines, and the reproducibility of the original image can be obtained. In this case, the integer K is set to 2.

The value of the integer K is determined based on the partner resolution and the own resolution. When the image data is read at the resolution of Super Fine (corresponding to the resolution of the other party), the minimum unit is about 0.07mm x 0.07mm (15.4 lines / mm). The unit is about 0.13 mm x 0.13 mm (7.7 lines / mm), and that of the standard is about 0.26 mm x
It is 0.26 mm (3.85 lines / mm). Therefore, when the own resolution and the other resolution are the same, the integer K is 1, fine and standard.
If set to, the reproducibility of the original image can be obtained.

The integer M is an integer "every at least one integer" in the claims, and sets the toner save degree. For example, if the size of the integer M is 2, the ratio of the number of recorded lines to the total number of lines is 1.
It becomes / 2, and when it becomes 4, it becomes 3/4. That is, the larger the integer M, the lower the degree of toner saving.

The size of the integer M may be determined independently of the size (resolution) of the integer K or according to the integer K, but in the present embodiment, it is determined according to the resolution. This is because it is possible to obtain a thin recorded image while guaranteeing the reproducibility of the original image if the determination is made according to the resolution. In this embodiment, when the own resolution is super fine and the partner resolution is standard, the integer K is set to 4 and the integer M is set to 2. Further, when the own resolution and the partner resolution are the same, the integer K is set to 1 and the integer M is set to 2, so that toner save recording can be performed even when both resolutions are the same.

Hereinafter, the non-toner save recording when the toner save flag is not set will be described. The initial values of the line number L and the integers m and n are both set to 0. The row number L is the row number of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, in other words, the order in which the dot data is supplied to the scanner unit 34, and the row number L of the decoded received image data. Not a line number.

The row number L changes from (K × n + 1) to {K × (n
+1)}, the dot data supplied to the scanner unit 34 is the line number (n +) of the decoded received image data.
It is 216 dot data of the line designated by the address value corresponding to 1). For example, when n is 0, the data in the first row of the decoded received image data is the first to Kth of the electrostatic latent image.
When n is 1, the dot data of the second row of the decoded received image data is supplied as the dot data of each row of K + 1 to 2 × K rows of the electrostatic latent image. Of.

In S81, the line number L is incremented by 1. Since the line number L is initially set to 0, the line number is set to 1. Therefore, in S82, it is determined whether or not the line number L is K × n + 1. Initially, n is 0, so 1 (=
It is determined whether or not (4 × 0 + 1). Here, since the line number L is 1, the determination is YES,
In S83, the address value A _L (= A ₁ ) is the address value 0 of the first row (n + 1 = 0 + 1) of the decoded received image data.
000, and the integer n is incremented by 1 in S84. In S85, it is determined whether or not the toner save flag is set. However, since it is assumed here that the toner save flag is not set, NO is determined, and the number of data is set to 216 in S86.

When the size of the recording paper 18 is A4, the number of dot data included in one line is 216, so the data number 216 means 8-bit dot data for one line. That is, the data supplied to the scanner unit 34 has the address value 0 of the decoded received image data.
The data becomes 216 dot data stored in the storage area starting from 000, and the scanning with the laser light is performed as shown in FIG. When the dot data at the dot formation point 42 is 1, laser light is emitted and the photosensitive drum 30
Surface is exposed, but if 0, it is not exposed. The scanning with the laser light is started after a set time has elapsed since the horizontal synchronizing signal was supplied. The horizontal synchronization signal is a signal for synchronizing the reading of the decoded reception image data and the scanning of the laser light. Further, the reason why the scanning is started after the set time is to prevent the formation of the recorded image at the position where the recording paper 18 is not present.

Next, the line number L is set to 2 in S81, and it is determined in S82 whether the line number L is 5 (4 × 1 + 1). Line number L is not 5, so NO
And the address value A ₂ of the line number 2 is determined in S87.
Is the address value 0000 of the first row (n = 1) of the decoded received image data. That is, the address value A ₂ is the same as the address value 0000 of the first row as described above. Next, since the determination in S85 is NO, the number of data is set to 216 in S86. In the case of line number 2, the dot data that is exactly the same as the dot data supplied in the case of line number 1 is supplied to the scanner unit 34.

Similarly, when the line numbers L are 3 and 4,
All the dot data of the row designated by the address value 0000 of the decoded received image data is supplied, and the scanning with the laser beam is performed based on the dot data. When the line number L is 5, the determination in S82 is YES, and in S83, the address value A ₅ is set to the address value 00D8 of the second line,
Similarly, the number of data is set to 216. Even when the line number L is 6 to 9, the same address value 00D8 and the number of data 216 as those in the line number 5 are set.

When the line number L is 1 to 4, the dot data of the line designated by the address value 0000 of the decoded received image data is supplied, and when the line number L is 5 to 8, the address value is The dot data of the line designated by 00D8 is supplied. Thereafter, by repeating the same execution, the recorded image 404 shown in FIG.
8 will be formed. In addition, the photosensitive drum 30
Is rotated at a speed according to its own resolution, Superfine.

A recorded image 406 is formed when the partner resolution is the same as the own resolution, and a recorded image 408 is formed when the partner resolution is fine. These dot data supplied to the scanner unit 34 when non-toner save recording is performed are referred to as non-toner save recording image data.

Next, the case where the toner save flag is set and toner save recording is performed will be described. In this case, the non-execution of dot formation is instructed for each integer M rows. When the line number L is (M × m + p), the number of data in the line with that line number is set to 0. That is, the number of data supplied to the scanner unit 34 becomes zero. If the number of data is 0, the dot data is not executed for that line, and no dot is formed. Since the dot data is not supplied to the scanner unit 34, laser light is not emitted and the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is not irradiated with laser light. On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 30 is rotated at a rotation speed according to the resolution. As a result, only the photosensitive drum 30 is rotated without forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, that is, without performing scanning with the laser beam.

The integer m is a value that can be increased separately from the integer n, and the counting row p is a row where dot non-formation is instructed first. The starting row p can be set arbitrarily, but in the present embodiment, it is predetermined in the second row. Therefore, dot non-formation is instructed for each integer M in the starting row 2.

When the line number L is 1, S81 to S81
Since the execution of S84 and S87 is the same as the above, the description thereof will be omitted. Since the toner save flag is set in S85, the determination is YES, and in S88,
It is determined whether or not the line number L is 2 (M × m + 2 = 2 × 0 + 2). When S88 is executed for the first time, the line number L is 1, so NO is determined, and the number of data is set to 216 in S86.

When the line number L becomes 2, the determination in S88 becomes YES, and in S89 and 90, the number of data is set to 0 and the integer m is incremented by 1. Address value 00
Even if 00 is designated, since the number of data is 0, the dot data is not supplied to the scanner unit 34. In the case of line number 2, scanning with laser light for dot formation is not performed. In the present embodiment, the data representing the data number 0 is the data instructing the non-formation of dots.

When the line number L is 3, it is determined in S88 whether the line number L is 4 (2 × 1 + 2). The determination is NO, and the number of data is 2 in S86.
It is set to 16. If the line number L is 4, the determination in S88 is YES, so the number of data is 0,
The integer m is incremented by 1. When the line number L becomes 5, S
The determination at 82 is YES. Address value A ₅ is 0
The number of data is set to 216. as a result,
The scanner unit 34 is supplied with all the dot data of the row designated by the address 00D8 of the decoded received image data. When the line number L becomes 6, the number of data is set to 0 and the dot data is not supplied.

By repeatedly performing the same process thereafter, the number of dot data of the line defined by the line number for each integer M (here, 2) such as the line numbers 2, 4, 6, ... becomes 0, Dot data is not supplied to the scanner unit 34. That is, the non-execution of dot formation is instructed. As a result, the recording image 410 shown in FIG. 1 is formed on the recording paper 18. The dot data supplied to the scanner unit 34 when toner save recording is performed is referred to as toner save recording image data.

Further, in this embodiment, when toner save recording image data is supplied to the scanner unit 34, toner save mark recording image data is also supplied. As a result, the toner save mark 411 shown in FIG. 35 is recorded on the recording paper 18 at the upper right end. The toner save mark 411 is formed based on the recorded image data created by executing the program stored in the toner save mark recorded image data creation program memory 390 of the ROM 334. Further, the toner save lamp 302 provided on the operation panel 14 is turned on.

Even when copying is performed in the present facsimile apparatus, non-toner save recording or toner save recording is similarly performed depending on the state of the toner save flag. The dot data read by the image reading device 66 and stored in the read image data memory 364 is supplied to the scanner unit 34 according to the toner save flag.

The toner save flag is stored in the ROM (not shown).
It is set based on the copy corresponding toner save flag setting program stored in. When copying is performed, since the importance flags 1 to 3 are not set, they are set based on the type flag 1 and the operating condition flag. The operating condition flags and the like are set in the same manner as when facsimile reception is performed, but the type flag 1 is reset when halftones are set by the operation of the resolution key 320 or the like in this facsimile apparatus. , Set when halftone is not set. Also, when copying is performed, the partner resolution corresponds to the resolution set by the user in the facsimile apparatus.

As described above, when toner save recording is performed in the facsimile apparatus of the present embodiment, data for instructing dot non-formation is created line by line.
The processing time is shorter than that of the dot formation point unit. Further, since the toner save recording image data is created based on the decoded received image data as the original image data so as to form a recording image that can recognize the original image, the recording image can be used without any trouble. it can. Also,
Since the integers K and M are set based on the own resolution and the partner resolution, a recorded image in which the original image is faithfully thinned can be obtained.

Further, since it is possible to know whether or not the present facsimile apparatus is in a state where the toner save recording is performed, from the lighting state of the toner save lamp 302,
Even if the recorded image formed on the recording paper 18 is thin, it is possible to know whether the cause is toner save recording or the toner remaining amount is small. In addition, since the toner save recording is displayed on the recording paper 18 with the toner save mark 411, even if the user is not near the facsimile apparatus, after a long time has elapsed from the execution of the recording. However, there is an advantage that whether or not the toner save recording is performed can be seen by looking at the recording paper 18.

Further, since the toner save flag is set automatically based on the toner save related information such as the operating conditions of the facsimile machine, the importance of the contents of the image data, and the type, toner save can be performed without troublesome operations. It can be carried out. In addition, it is possible to properly save toner. Further, there is an advantage that the toner save flag is automatically set even if the user does not know the toner save related information such as the operating condition of the facsimile apparatus. on the other hand,
Since the non-toner save recording and the toner save recording can be selected by the user's key operation, the recording paper 18
The density of the recorded image formed on the toner save mark 41
It is possible to switch from toner save recording to non-toner save recording, or vice versa, based on information such as presence / absence of 1.

As described above, in this embodiment, the recording section is constituted by the developing device 48 including the scanner unit 34 and the like. Further, the decoded received image data is the original image data, and the decoded received image data memory 362 constitutes the original image data storage means. The original image data storage means constitutes the main information recording means in the facsimile machine. However, the encoded received image data memory 360 can be considered as the original image data storage means. The changed image data is toner save recording image data, and the portion that executes S85 to 89 of the recording control program of the control device 40 constitutes the changed image data creating means. The changed image data creating unit can be considered as a toner save control unit or a toner save recording control unit. Also, a resolution corresponding integer determination table memory 389 for storing a resolution corresponding integer determination table
And a part that determines the integers K and M based on the resolution (self resolution and partner resolution) of the control device 40 constitute a resolution corresponding integer determining means. Control device 40
The non-toner save recording control means is constituted by the portion that executes S81 to 85, 87. Further, the toner save flag setting program memory 385 of the ROM and a portion for executing the program stored therein constitute toner save recording control section selecting means for selecting toner save recording and non-toner save recording.
The toner save recording control unit can also be considered as recording unit control selection means.

The toner save display image recording device is constituted by the toner save mark recording image forming program memory 390 and the part for executing the program stored therein in the control device 40.
02 and a portion that switches the lighting state of the toner save lamp 302 based on the state of the toner save flag of the control device 40, etc., constitutes a recording device toner save state display device. Furthermore, the toner save display image recording device, the recording device toner save state display device, and the like constitute a toner save notification device.

Further, the toner remaining amount sensor 142, the humidity sensor 64, the manual feed sensor 25, and the portion of the control device 40 that processes these detection signals, etc., respectively, the toner remaining amount detection device, the operating environment detection device, and the recording medium set, respectively. A condition detecting device is configured, and these devices and the like constitute an operating condition detecting device. Further, the toner save flag setting program memory 3 corresponding to the operating condition of the ROM 334
86, a part of the control device 40 that executes this program, and the like constitute an operating condition-corresponding recording control section selecting means.

Further, the part storing S32 of the type flag 1 setting program memory 388 of the ROM 334 of the control device 40 and the part for executing it constitute the halftone data detecting means, and the type flag 1 setting program memory The part storing S38 to S40 of 388 and the part for executing it constitute the halftone data correspondence recording control section selecting means. On the other hand, the halftone data detecting means constitutes the original image data type detecting means.

Further, the facsimile information includes communication related information and main information, the communication related information includes resolution information, source facsimile number data, receiving side facsimile number related data, etc., and the main information is encoded reception. image data,
It includes decoded received image data. Destination information memory 370
The destination facsimile number storage means is configured by
The reception side facsimile number related data memory 366 constitutes reception side facsimile number related data storage means, and these constitute communication related information storage means. Further, the non-toner save recording control unit, the toner save recording control unit, and the like constitute main information-corresponding recording image data creating means. The management report recording image data creating means is constituted by the management report output program of the control device 40 and the part that executes the management report outputting image data, and the management report recording image data creating means, the above-mentioned main information corresponding recording image data creating means, etc. Creating means is configured.

Further, the importance flag 1 setting program memory 381 of the control device 40 and the part for executing the program stored therein constitute the receiving side facsimile number related data corresponding importance detecting means, and the importance flag 2 setting program memory 382 and the portion that executes the program stored therein constitute sender facsimile number corresponding importance detecting means, and these constitute sender information corresponding importance detecting means. Further, the management report low importance level setting program memory 384 of the control device 40 and the part for executing the program stored therein constitute the management report low importance level detecting means, and the management report importance level detecting means etc. are important for dealing with recorded image data. The degree detection means is configured. Further, the management report toner save selection means is configured by a portion of the control device 40 in which the toner save flag is set by a key operation for outputting a management report.
The management report toner save selecting means constitutes an importance corresponding recording control section selecting means.

In the above embodiment, the operating condition flag 1 is set when the remaining amount of toner is less than the set amount. On the contrary, the operating condition flag 1 is reset. Good. When the toner remaining amount is low, the recorded image becomes lighter even if the toner save recording is not performed, so that it may be more difficult to recognize the recorded image. Therefore, if non-toner save recording is performed when the remaining toner amount is less than the set amount, the period during which a clear recorded image is obtained can be extended. In some cases, it is more important to extend the period in which a clear recorded image is obtained than to delay the toner reduction rate.

Similarly, with respect to the importance flags 1 and 2, if the sender is a specific sender, the importance flags 1 and 2 may be set. Partner device 32
If it is possible to easily estimate the content of the received image data sent from No. 5, or if it is unclear if it can be confirmed by telephone, etc., toner save recording may be performed. Because there is no.

Furthermore, non-toner save recording may be performed only on a specific portion of the same page, and toner save recording may be performed on other portions. For example, in the case of transmitting a document, the sender (the partner device 325 that has transmitted the image data to this facsimile device) is displayed at the top of the first page.
In many cases, a predetermined length (for example, 10
The 0 mm portion is the specific portion. According to this embodiment, even when the toner save recording is performed, the non-toner save recording is performed on the specific portion of the first page.

Further, a toner save flag may be partially set on the same page, and non-toner save recording and toner save recording may be selectively performed according to the toner save flag. For example, the setting of the type flag 1 may be partially different on the same page.

Further, in the above embodiment, the toner save flag is set only when all of the flags such as the importance flag are set, but the set number of flags or more are set. The toner save flag may be set when the flag is set or when at least one flag is set.
Further, the toner save flag may be set based only on the importance flag, only based on the operation condition flags 1 to 3, or may be set based on any one of these flags, or a plurality of flags may be set. It can also be set based on a combination of flags. Further, the method of setting the toner save flag is not limited to the above embodiment.

Further, whether or not the data is halftone data is determined based on the binarized dot data. For example, it is determined based on the encoded received image data. May be. For example, the determination is made based on the number of run length compression coded data in one page. Further, in the above embodiment, the determination is made based on the number of changes in the dot data of the first three lines of the decoded received image data, but the determination is made based on four or more lines. May be. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on the total number of changes in a plurality of rows.

Furthermore, when the number of changes in dot data is large, the original image data is fine (for example, when the image data is created based on the dither matrix) (for example,
It is also applicable when the characters are fine). Therefore, it is also possible to apply the halftone data detecting means and the like in this embodiment to the original image data fineness detecting means and the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, the user is informed that the toner save recording state is in the ON state by the lighting of the toner save lamp, but it is displayed on the display device 300 as shown in FIG. You may do it. In that case, it may be displayed only during recording, or may be always displayed. Further, when the toner save mark 411 is recorded on the output recording paper 18 or when the toner save recording can be recognized by other means, such as when the toner save recording is known from the recorded image itself, The toner save lamp 302 and the like are not essential.

Further, in the above embodiment, the recording image data was processed line by line at the time of supply to the scanner unit 34, but the data processed line by line is stored in a predetermined amount such as one page. The stored data may be supplied to the scanner unit 34 line by line.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the size of the integer M that determines the toner save degree is set based on the self resolution and the partner resolution. You may make it set based on a condition. For example, if the toner remaining amount detecting device is set to the toner 5
The remaining amount of 0 can be detected in at least a plurality of stages (continuous detection is considered to be an infinite number of stages), such as detecting the remaining amount of 0 continuously or stepwise according to the light receiving time. Then, the toner save degree is automatically changed based on the detection result. If the integer M is reduced as the remaining toner amount decreases, the toner save degree can be increased as the remaining toner amount decreases.
Therefore, when the remaining amount of toner becomes less than the set amount, the non-toner save is not suddenly switched to the toner save but is switched stepwise or continuously, so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. On the contrary, the toner saving degree can be lowered by increasing the integer M as the remaining toner amount is smaller. On the other hand, in the toner remaining amount detecting sensor 142, the stirring arm 204,
The wiper 206 is the toner stirring unit 20 of the third stirring member 122.
It may be attached in the same direction as 2.

Further, the sizes of the integers K and M can be changed based on both the resolution and the remaining amount of toner, and the integers K and M can be arbitrarily set regardless of the resolution and the remaining amount of toner. You can also Further, in the above embodiment, the counting line of the integer M is preset to the second line, but the counting line can be set to other line numbers such as the first line and the third line. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the resolution-corresponding integer determination table, when the own resolution is Superfine and the partner resolution is Standard, the integer M is 2. However, the integer M may be set to 4. it can. In that case, it is possible to set the number of sets of dot non-formed rows. When the number of sets is 2, the calculation lines can be set to the 2nd and 3rd lines, or can be set to the 2nd and 4th lines. When the number of sets is 3, It is possible to set the lines to the second line, the third line and the fourth line.

When the integer M is 4 and the starting line is set to the second line, S88 in the case where the line number L is 2, 6, 10 ... In the flowchart of FIG. 33 of the above embodiment. Is YES, the number of data is set to 0, and as a result, the recorded image 412 in FIG. 36 is formed. As described above, if the size of the integer M is increased, the frequency of lines instructing dot non-formation decreases, and thus the toner save degree can be reduced.

In addition, the calculation line is the second line, the third line, and the fourth line.
When the line is set, the process based on the flowchart of FIG. 37 is performed. The execution of S101 to S105 is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. When the line number L is 1, S10
At 7, it is determined whether the line number L is 2 (4 × 0 + 2). In this case, the determination is NO, and S
At 108 and 109, it is determined whether the line number L is 3 or 4. The judgment in these steps is also N
Since it becomes O, the number of data is set to 216 in S110. 216 dot data are supplied to the scanner unit 34 from the row designated by the address 0000 of the decoded received image data.

Next, when the line number L is 2, S1
The determination in 07 is YES, and the number of data is set to 0 in S111. If the line number L is 3, S
Since the determination in 108 is YES, the number of data is set to 0 in S112. If the line number L is 4,
Similarly, the number of data is set to 0 in S113, and S11
At 4, the integer m is incremented by 1. That is, when the line number L is 2 to 4, the scanner unit 34
Dot data will not be supplied to.

When the line number L becomes 5, the determination in S102 becomes YES and the address value becomes the address value (00D8) of the second line. Further, since the determinations in S107 to 109 are all NO, the number of data is set to 216 in S110. Similarly, when the line number L is 6 to 8, the number of data is set to 0. Thereafter, when the same process is repeated, the line numbers L are 1, 5, 9 ...
In the case of, the number of data is set to 216, and in the case of the row number L of 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, ..., The number of data is set to 0. As a result, the recorded image 414 shown in FIG. 38 is formed. Therefore, when the starting line is set to the second line, the third line, and the fourth line (when the number of sets is 3), when the starting line is set to only the second line (the number of sets is 1) In this case, the toner save degree is higher than

In the present embodiment, the dot non-formation is instructed for 3 lines per 4 lines, but the dot formation may be instructed for 1 line per 4 lines. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 33, S86
By replacing S89 with S89, it becomes the same as when the program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 37 is executed. That is, instructing dot non-formation for p rows (p <P) of the repeating unit rows P and instructing dot formation only for (P-p) rows are substantially the same. Therefore, claim 1 should be construed to include the latter case.

Next , the image data processing device of the present invention , the image
A case where the recording device is applied to a facsimile device will be described. Since the configuration of the facsimile apparatus is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, description thereof will be omitted and only execution of the recording control program will be described. In each of the above-described embodiments, the dot non-formation is instructed by instructing the dot non-execution. However, in the present embodiment, the dot data is set as the data representing the dot non-formation. No formation is indicated. In each of the above embodiments, the encoded received image data is converted into the decoded received image data shown in FIG. 31 by the encoding / decoding control circuit 344. However, in this embodiment, the decoded received image data is converted. The data is converted into the 0-data additional-decoded recording image data shown in FIG. 39 in which a line including only the dot formation points 42 where the dot data is 0 is provided. The row consisting of only the dot data of 0 (row consisting of 216 pieces of dot data of 0) is the 0th row designated by the address 0000.

In this embodiment, the recording control is as shown in FIG.
It is performed based on the program represented by the flowchart of. Further, the integers K and M are set to have the sizes of 4 and 2, respectively, as in the case of the above embodiment. Further, the initial values of the line number L and the integers m and n are both 0, which is the same as in the above embodiment.

Since the non-toner save recording in this embodiment is the same as that in the above embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the toner save recording will be described. If the line number L is 1, the determination in S202 is YES, so the address value A _L (= A ₁ ) is set to the address 00D8 of the first line in S203, and the integer n is incremented by 1 in S204. To be made. The number of data is set to 216 in S205. In this embodiment, the number of data is set to 216 for any row.

When the line number L is 2, the determination in S202 is NO and the determination in S206 is YES. Therefore, the determination in S207 is YES, and the address value A ₂ is set to 0000 in S208. The integer m is incremented by 1 to make the number of data 216. That is, the dot data of all the dot formation points 42 forming the line defined by the line number 2 are collectively set to 0. That is, a row dot data group including only dot data of 0 is created in advance, and the row dot data group is used as the dot data of the dot formation point 42 of the row defined by the row number 2. When the row number L is 2, this row dot data group is supplied to the scanner unit 34, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is scanned for one row without being irradiated with the laser beam.

If the line number L is 3, S202
Is NO, the determination in S206 is YES,
Determination in S207 is NO, the address value A ₃ is a 00D8. In addition, the number of data is set to 216 in S205. If the line number L is 4, S20
2, the determination result in S206 is similar to the case where the line number L is 3, but the determination in S207 is YES,
The address value A ₄ is set to 0000. A row dot data group including only 0 dot data is supplied to the scanner unit 34. Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly executed to form the recorded image 410 shown in FIG.

According to the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment, the dot data of the dot formation points 42 of all the lines are collectively set to the dot data of 0, so that the processing time can be shortened.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the recording control is performed by the image data processing apparatus, but the reading control may be performed. For example, in the image reading control device 66, the binarized data read by the line image sensor 84 is processed in accordance with the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 40, and the processed dot data is encoded and transmitted. You can also Further, the image reading itself can be performed so that the toner save recording image data can be obtained. The line in which dot formation is not planned is not read.

The creation of the toner save recording image data in the image reading control device 66 is particularly effective when the facsimile machine is used as a copying machine or in a dedicated copying machine, but can also be implemented in the facsimile machine. . For example, a toner save image reading is executed when it is determined that the other device is in the toner save image recording state by the facsimile device or the user's own judgment to transmit the original image data or by the communication with the other device. It should be done. In this case, if recording is performed in the partner device based on the decrypted received image data, toner save recording is performed.

Further, in this facsimile apparatus, the encoded image data supplied from the partner apparatus 352 is MH.
The image data may be coded image data created by a method, an MR method, or the like.

Further, in the image data processing apparatus according to the present invention , data for instructing dot non-formation may be created for each column. Even in that case, the processing time is shorter than the case where the calculation is performed for each dot formation point as in the conventional image data processing device. If the dot non-formation instruction data for each column is created, for example, after the decoded received image data or recorded image data for one page is created, the dot data for the specified row is collectively written. This is particularly easy because processing such as setting to 0 is possible, but it is also possible to perform dot data for each line in parallel when the dot data is supplied to the recording unit.

Further, it is also possible to generate the dot non-formation instruction data in both the row unit and the column unit. In this case, the dot non-formation instruction data in the row unit and the dot in the column unit are formed. The formation of the non-formation instruction data may be performed at the same time, or may be performed on separate occasions. For example, the dot non-formation instruction data for each column is created for the decoded received image data for one page, and the dot non-formation instruction data for each row is supplied for each line to the recording unit. It should be done in parallel.

Further, the case of being applied to the recording apparatus which is one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. An external computer is connected to the recorder.
There is. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the outer appearance of the recording apparatus. The front part of the upper surface of the main body 500 of this recording apparatus is covered with a cover 502, and a lamp 504 is provided on the side of the cover 502 along with various operation switches. Lamp 5
Reference numeral 04 is turned on when the toner save flag is set. Further, a cassette mounting portion 506 is provided on the rear portion of the upper surface. As shown in FIG. 43, the recording paper cassette 5 is attached to the cassette mounting portion 506.
08 is removably mounted. Recording paper cassette 50
The recording papers 18 accommodated in the paper 8 are sent out one by one by the automatic paper feeder.

The upper wall of the cassette mounting portion 506 serves as a manual feed table 510. Manual feed table 510
When the recording paper 18 is set on the paper, the recording paper 18 set on the manual feed table 510 is sent out by the automatic paper feeder.

On the other hand, the cover 502 is attached so as to be rotatable around a pin 512 provided in the intermediate portion of the main body 500. As a result, the cover 502 is pin 512
If it is rotated clockwise around, it becomes a paper discharge tray.
Since the other structure of the recording apparatus is the same as that of the facsimile apparatus, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 44, the control unit 520 of the present recording apparatus has a CPU 522, a RAM 524, and a ROM 52.
6, NVRAM 528, parallel / serial conversion circuit 342, encoding / decoding control circuit 532, interface 534, and the like. Further, the control device 520 includes
The lamp 504 is connected and is also connected to a plurality of external computers via the interface 534.
36 is described.

The encoding / decoding control circuit 532 is a circuit for decoding the character code data supplied from the external computer 536. Decoding of character code data into dot data is performed based on the pattern data stored in the character pattern data memory 540 of the ROM 526 shown in FIG. The pattern data is, for example, 48 × 48 dot matrix data representing the character “A”. In this recording apparatus, the dot matrix data has a resolution of super fine.

As shown in FIG. 45, the RAM 524 has a character code data memory 542, an external decoded image data memory 543, and a decoded recorded image data memory 54.
4, an external computer related information memory 546 and the like. The character code data memory 542 stores the character code data supplied from the external computer 536, and the external decoded image data memory 543 stores the supplied dot data. When image data representing a diagram or the like is supplied from the external computer 536, it is supplied as dot data.

The decoded recorded image data memory 544 contains
Data in which the external character code data is decoded based on the pattern data is stored. Information other than the character code data and the externally decoded image data supplied from the external computer 536 is stored in the external computer related information memory 546. The external computer related information memory 546 includes information indicating the size of the character, information indicating toner save recording or non-toner save recording, information indicating the toner save degree, and the like. The toner save degree can be set in three steps in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 46, the ROM 526 includes the character pattern data memory 540 as well as the operating condition corresponding toner save flag setting program memory 38.
6, toner save mark recording image data creation program memory 390, recording control program memory 550,
A type flag 2 setting program memory 551, a type flag 3 setting program memory 552, a toner save flag setting program memory 554, an external resolution correspondence integer determination table 555 and the like are provided.

Further, the NVRAM 528 is provided with an operating condition flag 1 as a toner remaining amount corresponding flag, as shown in FIG.

The operation of this recording apparatus will be described below. It should be noted that description of operations similar to those of the facsimile machine will be omitted. The toner save flag is set according to the program stored in the toner save flag setting program memory 554. The program is shown in Figure 4.
It is represented by the flowchart of FIG. Since the process for the external decoded image data is the same as that in the facsimile apparatus, only the process for the external character code data will be described.

In S301 to S303, it is determined whether the type flags 2 and 3 and other flags are set. If the determinations at all steps are YES, the toner save flag is set, and if the determinations at any one step are NO, the toner save flag is reset.

The type flag 2 is a flag that is set when the size of the character is larger than the set value. This is because when the character to be recorded is large, the character can be recognized even if the formed recorded image is thin, and therefore toner save recording may be performed. Information indicating the size of the character is represented by point number data,
It is stored in the external computer related information memory 546.

In the flowchart of FIG. 49, the number of points is detected from the external computer related information, and it is determined whether or not the number of points is larger than the set value. If it is larger, the determination is YES and the type flag 2 is set, and if it is smaller, the type flag 2 is reset.

The type flag 3 is reset when the ratio of the number of character code data representing numbers, symbols, etc. other than characters in the character code data to the total number of character code data is larger than the set value. Flag. For example, when the character code data is ASCII code data, each character is represented by a predetermined 8-bit code. for that reason,
The type of character represented by the ASCII code can be known from the ASCII code itself.

Most of the character code data is data representing characters. Therefore, when a recorded image is formed based on the decoded recorded image data created based on the character code data representing a character, even if it is difficult to read because the recorded image is partly thin, You can understand a part of the contents from the flow of sentences. However, numbers and symbols are often difficult to read due to their relationship, so if the ratio is larger than the set value,
The type flag 3 is reset.

When the set value is close to 0, it is reset when a small number of numbers or symbols are included, and when the set value is 0.1 or more or 0.3 or more, the character is It is estimated that the code data includes an expression, a table, etc., and the code data will be reset when it is estimated that the expression, a table is included.

S331 to 33 of the flowchart of FIG.
3, the total number D of the character code data for one page or a certain line and the number C of the character code data representing characters other than characters such as numbers and signs are detected, and the ratio C / D thereof is calculated. It In S334, it is determined whether or not the ratio C / D is larger than the set value. If it is smaller, the type flag 3 is set, and if it is larger, it is reset.

The other flags include flags set according to the remaining amount of toner, but since these are the same as those in the facsimile machine, the description thereof will be omitted. In addition to these flags, this recording apparatus has a flag set based on the toner save related information supplied from the external computer 536. External computer 53
If the information for instructing the toner save recording is supplied from 6, the external flag is set.

Recording control is performed based on the state of the toner save flag set as described above. In the scanner unit 34, as in the case of the facsimile apparatus, based on the decoded recorded image data shown in FIG. 52 stored in the decoded recorded image data memory 544, the data number data from the line defined by the address data is read. The specified number of dot data is supplied, and the photosensitive drum 3 is controlled while controlling the laser beam based on the dot data.
The surface of 0 is sequentially scanned row by row. The recording control is performed according to the program stored in the recording control program memory 550. The recording control program is represented by the flowchart of FIG.

Also, the integer M, the number of sets, etc. are determined based on a table (not shown) stored in the external information corresponding integer determination table memory 555. When the information indicating the toner save degree indicates one stage, it is set to the integer M4 of the calculation line 2 (the number of sets is 1), and when the information indicates two stages, the calculation line 2 is set.
And the integer M4 of 4 (the number of sets is 2), and in the case of representing three stages, the starting row is set to the integer M4 of 2, 3 and 4 (the number of sets is 3).

Hereinafter, the case where the integer M4 of the calculation line 2 is set will be described. The line number L and the integer m are set to the initial value 0. When the line number L is 1, the address value A
_L (= A ₁ ) is the _first of the externally decoded recorded image data 550.
The row address value is set to 0000. In S353, it is determined whether the toner save flag is set, and if it is not set, the number of data is set to 216. That is, the address value A _L of the row number L is set as the address value of the Lth row, and the number of data is set to 216. The scanner unit 34 is sequentially supplied with the dot data of the Lth row of the decoded recording image data. As a result, the recorded image 562 of FIG. 53 is formed.

If the toner flag is set, the line number L is 2 (2 × 0 + 2) in S355.
It is determined whether or not. In this case, since it is 1, it is determined as NO and the number of data is set to 216. Next, when the line number L is 2, the address value A ₂ is set to the address 00D8 of the second line, but the determination in S355 is YE.
Since it is S, the number of data is set to 0. That is, the dot data is not supplied to the scanner unit 34. Similarly, when the line number L is 3, the address value A ₃ is set to the address value 01B0 of the third line and the number of data is set to 216. Hereinafter, the same process is repeated to form the recorded image 564.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image recording data supplied to the recording apparatus is classified into the image data in a plurality of formats such as the externally decoded image data and the character code data. The setting of the toner save flag can be changed according to the format of image data. In addition, it is possible to determine the type of character from the character code data such as character data or non-character data, and the toner save flag can be set based on the determination result. It is also possible to set the toner flag based on the data representing the size of the character. Further, the toner save degree can be adjusted based on the user's request, and the toner save degree can be set in the external computer.

In this embodiment, the integer M is determined based on the external information supplied from the external computer 536, but it may be determined based on the ratio of the character code data other than the above character. Good. In that case, the ROM 526 may be provided with a ratio determination integer determination table memory other than characters. Also, an integer can be determined according to the number of points. In that case, a size-corresponding integer determination table memory is provided, and the integer is determined based on the table. Furthermore, a plurality of external computers may not necessarily be connected to the recording device. In addition, it goes without saying that the image data processing device of the third invention can be applied to a recording device.

In the present embodiment, the character code data corresponds to the original image data, and the external coded character data memory 542 and the like constitute coded data storage means. The encoding / decoding control circuit 532 constitutes a binarized data creating means, and the portion for executing S301 and S302 of the toner save setting program of the control device 520 constitutes an encoded data corresponding recording control section selecting means.

Further, the point number detecting means is constituted by the portion executing S321 of the type flag 2 setting program of the control device 520, and the point number corresponding recording control section selecting means is constituted by the portion executing S322 to 324. There is. Further, the part that executes S332 of the type flag 3 setting program of the control device 520 constitutes the non-character data detection means, and the part that executes S333 constitutes the non-character data number ratio detection means. Further, the ratio corresponding non-toner save recording control section selecting means is constituted by the section that executes S334 to 336. The external information corresponding integer determining means is constituted by the part that determines the integer based on the table stored in the external information corresponding integer determining table memory 555 of the control device 520.

Although not specifically exemplified, the present invention can be carried out in various modified and improved modes without departing from the scope of the claims based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an image data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention ,
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a recorded image formed on a recording sheet in a facsimile apparatus including a recording device .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an appearance of the facsimile device.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the facsimile device.

FIG. 4 is a partial side sectional view of a developing device of the facsimile device.

FIG. 5 is a side view (partial cross section) showing the periphery of the toner cartridge mounting portion in the developing device.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of a toner cartridge accommodating chamber in the developing device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of a toner cartridge housed in the toner cartridge housing chamber.

FIG. 8 is a view of a side wall of the toner cartridge accommodating chamber as viewed in the direction of arrow P in FIG.

9 is a P arrow view of FIG. 6 of the arm attached to the side wall.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view when a toner cartridge is attached to the toner cartridge storage chamber.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing a state where the lever of the toner cartridge is rotated.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the second lock device of the toner cartridge.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the periphery of the second locking device and the second locking device releasing member.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the periphery of a first locking device and a first locking device releasing member provided on a partition wall of the developing device.

FIG. 15 is a front cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a toner remaining amount sensor of the toner cartridge.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the toner cartridge.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state of an output signal of the toner remaining amount sensor.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a control device of the facsimile device.

FIG. 19 is a diagram conceptually showing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum in the facsimile device.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the periphery of an operation panel of the facsimile device.

FIG. 21 is a diagram conceptually showing the structure of a RAM of the control device.

FIG. 22 is a diagram conceptually showing the structure of a ROM of the control device.

FIG. 23 is a diagram conceptually showing the structure of an EEROM of the control device.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a toner save flag setting program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an importance flag 1 setting program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an importance flag 2 setting program stored in a ROM of the control device.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a type flag 1 setting program stored in a ROM of the control device.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operating condition flag setting program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an operating condition flag 1 setting program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 30 is a diagram conceptually showing encoded received image data stored in RAM of the control device.

FIG. 31 is a diagram conceptually showing the decoded received image data stored in the RAM of the control device.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a resolution-corresponding integer determination table stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a recording control program stored in a ROM of the control device.

FIG. 34 is a diagram conceptually showing a recorded image formed on a recording sheet when non-toner save recording is performed in the facsimile device.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing toner save marks recorded on a recording sheet when toner save recording is performed in the facsimile device.

FIG. 36 is an image data processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention .
If the recording and recording device is applied to a facsimile device,
It is a figure which represents notionally the recording image formed on the recording paper.

FIG. 37 is image data that is still another embodiment of the present invention .
6 is a flowchart showing a recording control program stored in a ROM of a control device when the processing device and the recording device are applied to a facsimile device.

FIG. 38 is a diagram conceptually showing a recorded image formed on a recording sheet outputted by the facsimile device.

FIG. 39 is an image data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention .
It is a figure which shows notionally the 0 data additional decoding recording image data produced by the control apparatus when a recording and recording apparatus is applied to a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a recording control program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 41 is image data which is still another embodiment of the present invention .
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an operation panel of a facsimile device to which a processing device and a recording device are applied.

FIG. 42 is an image data processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention .
FIG. 3 is an external view of a recording device to which the apparatus and the recording device are applied.

FIG. 43 is a side sectional view of the recording apparatus.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a control device of the recording apparatus.

FIG. 45 is a diagram conceptually showing the structure of the RAM of the control device.

FIG. 46 is a diagram conceptually showing the structure of the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 47 is a diagram conceptually showing the structure of NVRAM of the control device.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a toner save flag setting program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a type flag 2 setting program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a type flag 3 setting program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a recording control program stored in the ROM of the control device.

FIG. 52 is a diagram conceptually showing the decoded recorded image data stored in the ROM of the recording device.

FIG. 53 is a diagram conceptually showing a recorded image formed on a recording sheet when toner save recording is performed in the recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

30 Photosensitive Drum 34 Scanner Units 40, 520 Control Device 42 Dot Forming Point 44 Drum Motor 48 Developing Device 50 Toner 120 Toner Cartridge 122 Third Agitating Member 142 Toner Remaining Sensor 178 Hollow Projection 200 Agitating Motor 204 Agitating Arm 206 Wiper 302 Toner Save lamp 344 Encoding / decoding control circuit 346 Transmission / reception control circuit 358 Ring tone generating circuit 360 Encoded reception image data memory 362 Decoded reception image data memory 366 Receiving side facsimile number related data memory 368 Transmission source facsimile number data memory 370 Transmission Destination information memory 372 Management report data memory 380 Recording control program memory 381 Importance level 1 flag setting program memory 382 Importance level 2 flag setting program memory 385 Toner save Flag setting program memory 386 toner saving flag setting program memory 386 387 toner remaining amount detection program memory 388 type flag setting program memory 392 call signal memory 532 encoding / decoding control circuit 542 external encoding character code data memory 544 decoding recording Image data memory 546 External computer related information memory 554 Toner save flag setting program memory

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-2057 (JP, A) JP-A-5-69598 (JP, A) JP-A-3-216359 (JP, A) JP-A-2- 63860 (JP, A) JP-A-3-53951 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/387 101

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. Image data for processing image data for an image recording apparatus for recording an image by selectively forming dots at each of a plurality of dot formation points defined by a row number and a column number. in the processing apparatus, and the original image data storage means for storing the original image data corresponding to the original image, on the basis of the original image data, and all the dots forming point of the line defined by the row number for each one integer, 1 Two integers
Change image data that includes a dot data group representing dot non-formation in at least one of all the dot formation points in the column specified by the column number for each and that can form a recorded image that can recognize the original image is created. Is a means to
(a) the one integer, and (b) the one integer is 3 or more.
And a means for setting at least one of the number of sets of dot data groups representing the dot non-formation in which at least one of the row number and the column number for each integer of 3 or more is different from each other. An image data processing apparatus comprising: a modified image data creating unit. Wherein said modified image data creation means, said original
It is formed based on the changed image data from the image resolution.
The resolution of the recorded image that can recognize the recorded original image is higher,
When the difference between them is large, the integer is
The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a resolution corresponding integer determining unit that determines a large value . Wherein the image data processing apparatus comprises an interface for connecting an external computer, the toner
Image data for an image recording apparatus that records an image, and the changed image data creating unit is configured so that the information indicating the toner save degree is included in the information supplied from the external computer.
When the degree of toner save is high,
Decide the integer to a small value and increase the number of pairs.
The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an external information corresponding integer determining unit that performs at least one of: 4. An image recording apparatus for recording an image by selectively forming dots at each of a plurality of dot formation points defined by a row number and a column number, wherein the image is recorded using toner. A recording unit that records an image on a medium, an original image data storage unit that stores original image data corresponding to an original image, and all of the lines specified by a line number for each integer based on the original image data. Dot formation point and one integer
Change image data that includes a dot data group representing dot non-formation in at least one of all the dot formation points in the column specified by the column number for each and that can form a recorded image that can recognize the original image is created. a modified image data creation means for, in the original image data stored in said original image data storage means
Corresponding data, row number and column determined by the integer
A dot that indicates that at least one of the numbers has not been formed.
The image corresponding to the data that does not include the data group
As described above, the non-toner save recording control unit that controls the recording unit and the adjustment unit that is changed by the changed image data creating unit.
Number and / or column number
Image data including a dot data group that represents no dot formation
And a toner save recording control unit that controls the recording unit so as to reproduce an image corresponding to the image recording apparatus. 5. The image recording apparatus includes a toner remaining amount detecting device for detecting a remaining amount of toner contained in a toner cartridge containing toner to be supplied to the recording section,
Wherein the modified image data creating means, said single integer, before
The toner level detected by the toner level detector is
Includes a means to determine a smaller value when there is less than
The image recording apparatus according to no claim 4. 6. The image recording apparatus supplies the recording section.
Is stored in a toner cartridge that contains the toner to be
Including a toner remaining amount detection device that detects the remaining amount of toner,
The changed image data creating means determines a toner save degree which is higher when the toner remaining amount detected by the toner remaining amount detecting device is smaller than when the toner remaining amount is large ; Low if toner save is high
The image recording apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising means for determining a smaller value . 7. The image recording apparatus includes an interface connected to an external computer, and the modified image data creating means includes: (i) the one integer is 3 or more, and an adjustment of 3 or more.
Count at least one of row number and column number for each number
Dot data representing the non-formation of the dots having different values
The number of sets of the group, than when there is a high percentage of the total number of character code data of the number of character <br/> data code data other than the character of the character code data supplied is low from the external computer hand <br/> stage to reduce, (ii) the be one of the integers 3 or more and a three or more integer
Count at least one of row number and column number for each number
Dot data representing the non-formation of the dots having different values
The number of sets of groups supplied by the external computer.
If the size of the character code data represented by the character size is large, it may be small.
The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising at least one of means for increasing the number . 8. The image recording apparatus is an external computer.
The toner represented by the information indicating the toner save degree supplied from the external computer by the changed image data creating unit.
If the degree of save is high,
The integer is 3 or more, and the line number for each integer of 3 or more
Before the calculated value of at least one of
The number of sets consisting of dot data groups that represent dot non-formation
The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for increasing the number . 9. The modified image data creating means includes means for modifying the original image data into image data that matches the resolution of the recording section, and the modified image data for each one of the integers. 9. A dot data group representing dot non-formation, wherein all dot formation points of at least one of row and / or column of row number and column number are set as dot data group. The image recording device according to one. 10. The resolution of the recording unit is equal to or higher than the resolution of the original image data, and the changed image data creating unit doubles the dot data of the row of the original image data by a number determined by the difference between these resolutions. comprises means for, for the image data that has been allowed to its doubling, the single integer you
Any one of claims 4 to 8 in which the dot data group representing at least one of all the dots forming point dots not formed with at least one of the rows and columns of the line and column number of the The image recording device described in 1. Wherein said modified image data creation means, wherein
Original image resolution and recorded image formed by the recording unit
If the resolution is the same as the
The image recording apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 comprising means you to the set value.