JP3516934B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applied to, for example, a copying machine or a facsimile, and relates to an image forming apparatus which handles halftone expression of a document in which characters and photographs are mixed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a copied image which reproduces a halftone of a document in which characters and photographs are mixed. In such an image forming apparatus capable of selecting either the character processing mode or the photo processing mode, the procedure as shown in FIG.
Image data is processed. That is, CCD (Charge Coupl
image data of 256 gradations (8 bits) per pixel read via an ed device)
When the correction processing such as TF and gamma correction is performed and the photo processing mode is selected, it is binarized by the processing by the area gradation expression method such as the error diffusion method which will be described later in detail.
It is sent to the laser output section as bit image data. Further, when the character processing mode is selected, it is binarized by the binarization processing described in detail later, and is similarly sent to the laser output section as 1-bit image data.

As described above, the reason why the image data of 256 gradations (8 bits) per pixel is converted into the image data of 1 bit is to cope with the problem that the data amount becomes huge.

The error diffusion method or the area gradation expression method such as the dither method, which is used in the above-mentioned photographic processing mode, is effective for improving the reproducibility of halftone images such as photographs. When applied to, the edges of the characters will not be sharp, and the image quality will be blurred due to dot dots.

Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional image forming apparatus, it is necessary to select either the character processing mode or the photo processing mode. Therefore, for example, when the character processing mode is selected, the photo area is displayed. As a result, the photo image is output as an image with poor gradation, and conversely, when the photo processing mode is selected, the photo process is also applied to the text area. There is a problem that the edges of the characters are blurred and the output image cannot be obtained with good image quality in any case.

Therefore, in order to obtain a copy image quality that is faithful to the original by separately processing the character area and the photograph area, the processing corresponding to the portion of the original in which the character and the photograph are mixed is selectively performed. An image forming apparatus having a mode is also known. In such an image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), a prescan for recognizing a character area and a photographic area from image data read through a CCD and corrected is performed before a copy image forming operation. It is supposed to be executed. After that, a scan for character processing is performed, and the image data of the character area is binarized using the result of area recognition, and then sent to the laser output unit, and further scanned for photographic processing. Is performed again, halftone processing is performed on the image data in the photographic area, and then the image data is sent to the laser output unit.

Further, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-114571, a line image (character) area and a gradation image (photograph) of an original image are obtained from an optical information signal obtained by optically scanning an original image to be copied. There is disclosed an image forming apparatus intended to improve image quality by discriminating areas and performing image signal processing suitable for each area.

More specifically, when the light emitted from the optical system illuminates the original, the reflected light is received by a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in the main scanning direction and converted into an image signal. At this time, one photoelectric conversion element has a region (for example, 0.01 mm ² ,
Reflected light is preferably received from 1 mm ² ) and average image information is output.

The image signal output by the photoelectric conversion element is
The amplified image data is sampled, and the image data is binarized by comparison with the image density threshold value. This image data corresponds to a gradation image area of, for example, a photograph, 1,
It is 0 corresponding to the line drawing area such as characters. The position of the boundary between the gradation image area and the line image area is specified by the correspondence with the number of pulses generated by the encoder, for example, and is stored in the memory. The position information in the main scanning direction is repeatedly obtained as the optical system moves in the sub scanning direction, and is stored in the memory. In this way, the two-dimensional position information for discriminating the line drawing area and the gradation drawing area is obtained.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-27592,
A configuration is disclosed in which a toner replenishment amount is calculated based on an image information signal and toner replenishment is performed.

[0011]

However, the above-mentioned FIG.
The image processing method shown in FIG. 4 (b) has a problem in that the processing speed becomes slow because it requires three scans of prescan, character processing scan, and photo processing scan.

Further, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-114571 only discloses obtaining two-dimensional position information for discriminating a line drawing area and a gradation drawing area. It does not mention at what timing and at what timing the image signal processing suitable for the area and the image signal processing suitable for the gradation image area are performed. Therefore, in the disclosure of the above-mentioned publication, the technical problem of what kind of configuration and control is required to copy an original having a mixture of a line drawing and a gradation image with a good image quality without decreasing the copying speed is still unsolved. It remains.

Further, in the structure disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-27592, since the difference in the toner consumption amount between the line drawing and the gradation image is not taken into consideration, the original document in which the line drawing and the gradation image are mixed is not printed. In the case of handling, there is a problem that a sufficient image quality cannot be obtained due to the excess and deficiency of the toner due to the difference in the toner consumption amount.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a good image quality even when handling a document in which a plurality of types of images are mixed. There is.

[0015]

In order to solve the above problems BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION, images forming apparatus of the present invention, the image signal processing for forming a reading means, an output image based on the read image reading an image from a document Control means for controlling the reading means and the image signal processing means by a plurality of types of operation modes corresponding to at least the type of the original ,
Printout means for printing out the output image, and the above output
And a transmission means for transmitting the image to the outside, the output image
In an image forming apparatus for performing a printout or an output process for transmitting to the outside, a document discriminating unit for discriminating a document type according to a type of an image on a document, and a document total storage for storing a total number of documents by document type. Means and the above output processing
Time to the sense operation, a document accumulation means for updating the cumulative based on the determination result of the document discrimination means, said control means compares the cumulative each other, according to the type of the most accumulated many document The feature is that the operation mode is selected as the initial setting mode .

According to the above arrangement, the document discriminating unit discriminates the type of the document according to the type of the image read by the reading unit, and the cumulative total of the documents is stored based on the discrimination result by the document discriminating unit at every output processing operation. The total number of originals stored in the means is updated by the original totalizing means, the control means compares the totals with each other, and selects the operation mode corresponding to the type of the original having the largest total and initializes. Set.

As a result, the operator performing the output processing operation selects and initializes the operation mode most suitable for the type of document used most frequently, so that the operator sets the operation mode for each copying operation. You can save time and effort,
The operating procedure can be simplified.

It should be noted that the original document accumulating means performs the output processing.
After the above has been completed normally,
The configuration may be such that the data is definitely stored in each tier.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention
Ming image forming apparatus reads the image from the document
And forming an output image based on the read image
Image signal processing means, the reading means, and the image signal
Multiple types of processing means depending on at least the type of original
Control means to control according to the operation mode of
And a prohibited article judging means for judging whether the object is prohibited or not.
In an image forming apparatus that forms an image,
An original discriminating means for discriminating the original type according to the type,
Document total storage that stores the total number of drafts by type of document
Means and the discrimination of the document discrimination means every time the image forming operation is performed.
A manuscript accumulating means for updating the above-mentioned total based on the result is provided.
Well, the control means compares the above totals with each other and
Initialize the operation mode according to the type of document with many
Which is selected as a copy
If the stage determines that the manuscript is prohibited from copying
Can terminate the copy operation without updating the above total.
It is characterized by.

Further, the image forming apparatus having each of the above-mentioned configurations is external
The receiving means for receiving data from
Image data received by
Image data read from the above original without adding
The same processing may be performed.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference Example 1 A reference example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18, 25 and 28 to 32. In the description of this reference example, first, a general configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied will be described.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the overall construction of a digital copying machine 30 as an image forming apparatus in this reference example. As shown in the figure, the digital copying machine 30 includes a scanner unit 31, a laser printer unit 32, a multi-stage paper feeding unit 33, and a sorter 34.

First, the scanner section 31 includes a document placing table 35 made of transparent glass, an RDF (double-sided automatic document feeder) 36, and a movably arranged scanner unit 4.
0 (reading means).

The RDF 36 sets a plurality of originals at one time, automatically feeds the originals one by one to the scanner unit 40, and one side or both sides of the original is scanned by the scanner unit 40 according to the operator's selection. It is configured to be read by.

The scanner unit 40 includes a lamp reflector assembly 41 for irradiating a document with light, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 42 as a photoelectric conversion element, a plurality of reflecting mirrors 43 for guiding a reflected light image from the document to the CCD 42, And a lens 44 for forming a reflected light image from the document on the CCD 42.

In the scanner section 31, when scanning an original placed on the original placing table 35, the scanner unit 40 moves along the lower surface of the original placing table 35 to read the original image, while using the RDF 36. In case of RD
The scanner unit 40 stopped at a predetermined position below the F36 reads the image of the document conveyed by the RDF 36.

Secondly, the laser printer section 32 includes a manual document tray 45, a laser writing unit 46, and an electrophotographic process section 47 for forming an image.
The laser writing unit 46 is a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam according to image data obtained from a memory 73 described later, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular velocity, and a laser beam that is deflected at a constant angular velocity in the electrophotographic process section 47. It has an f-θ lens and the like for performing correction so that the light is deflected at a constant speed on the photosensitive drum 48.

The electrophotographic process section 47 is provided with a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, a peeling device, a cleaning device, a static eliminator and a fixing device 49 around the photosensitive drum 48 according to a well-known mode.

Thirdly, the multi-stage paper feeding unit 33 is arranged below the laser printer section 32, and has a first cassette 51, a second cassette 52, a third cassette 53, and a fourth cassette which can be optionally added. Have 55. In the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 33, one sheet is loaded from a stack of sheets of various sizes accommodated in the cassettes in each stage in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.
The sheets are sent out one by one and conveyed toward the laser printer unit 32.

The sheet feeding units of the first cassette 51, the second cassette 52, and the third cassette 53 are connected to a common transport path 56, and the common transport path 56 joins the transport path 59 from the fourth cassette 55. It becomes the conveyance path 60 and communicates with the electrophotographic process section 47. A transport path 50 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 49 in the sheet transport direction, and the transport path 50 leads to the sorter 34 on the further downstream side.
And a conveying path 58 that faces the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 33 side.

The conveyance path 58 is branched into an inversion conveyance path 50a and a screen / composite conveyance path 50b which returns to the electrophotographic process section 47. The reverse conveyance path 50a is used to switch the front and back of a sheet of paper that has been copied on one side when the double-sided copy mode is selected. The screen / composite conveyance path 50b is used when the paper whose front and back sides are turned upside down in the reversal conveyance path 50a is retransmitted to the electrophotographic process section 47, or when copying is performed a plurality of times on one side of the paper.

The above-mentioned transport path 60 and the screen / composite transport path 50b and the transport path 61 from the manual feed tray 45 merge at a merge point 62 to form the photosensitive drum 48 of the electrophotographic process section 47 and the transfer device. Is formed so as to lead to the image forming position between the three conveyance paths.
2 is provided at a position close to the image forming position.

Next, the configuration of the scanner unit 31 is shown in FIG.
A detailed description will be given based on (a) and (b). As shown in FIG. 3A, the scanner unit 31 includes the scanner unit 40, in addition to the above-described scanner unit 40, and a document table 35.
(See FIG. 2) A brushless scanner motor 81 that moves in parallel to the scanner unit 40 and a guide 86 that is arranged on both wings of the scanner unit 40 and guides the movement of the scanner unit 40.
It has and. Further, the scanner unit 40 includes a halogen lamp 87 which is arranged along the main scanning direction and irradiates the original with light, and the above-described CCD 42 (see FIG. 2) which receives reflected light from the original and converts it into an electric signal. C arranged in the main scanning direction and connected to the data line 89
It has a built-in CD substrate 88.

As shown in FIG. 25B, the scanner unit 3
A photo interrupter (HPS) 8 is provided on the inner wall of No. 1 at the position corresponding to the home position of the scanner unit 40.
4 is attached. On the other hand, the scanner unit 40
A shield plate 85 is attached to the side wall of the. When the shielding plate 85 shields the sensing portion of the photo interrupter 84, the photo interrupter 84 indicates that the scanner unit 40 is at the home position HP.
The S signal (see FIG. 26) is output.

The scanner motor 81 comprises a photo interrupter (RE) 82 and a PT disk 83 which rotates integrally with the scanner motor 81. The PT disk 83 is provided with a plurality of holes (or slits) at equal intervals on the circumference, and the disk portions between the holes pass through the sensing portion of the photo interrupter 82 one after another, so that the photo The interrupter 82 outputs a RE signal composed of a pulse train (see FIG. 26). The RE signal is input to a PCU (central control unit) 75 described later to count the number of pulses, so that the moving distance of the scanner unit 40 can be calculated. By counting the number of pulses of the RE signal from the output time, the distance of the scanner unit 40 from the home position, that is, the position in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction can be calculated. ing.

The digital copying machine 30 further includes an image processing section shown in FIG. The image processing unit includes an image data input unit 70, an image data processing unit 71, an image data output unit 72, a RAM (random access memory) and the like, and the above-mentioned memory 73 and a CPU (central processing unit) 7.
It is equipped with 4.

The image data input section 70 is a CCD section 70a,
A histogram / color processing unit 70b and an error diffusion processing unit 70c are included, and the image data of the original read from the CCD 42 is binarized and converted and temporarily stored in the memory 73.

That is, in the CCD section 70a, an analog electric signal corresponding to each pixel density of image data is A / D (analog / digital) converted, and then MTF (Modulation).
Transfer Function) correction, black-and-white correction, or gamma correction is performed, and the histogram / color processing unit 7 outputs a 256-gradation (8-bit) digital signal (first image signal).
It is output to 0b. Histogram / color processing unit 70b
Then, the digital signal output from the CCD unit 70a is added for each pixel density of 256 gradations to obtain density information (histogram data), and the color data can be processed and the color information can be recognized. At this time, if necessary, the obtained color information and histogram data are C
It is sent to the PU 74 or as image data to the error diffusion processing unit 70c. In the error diffusion processing unit 70c,
Image data of 256 gradations (8 bits) is converted into 2 gradations (1 bit by an error diffusion method which is a kind of pseudo halftone processing, that is, a method of reflecting a binarization error in the binarization judgment of an adjacent pixel. ).

The image data processing unit 71 is a multi-value processing unit 71.
a and 71b, combination processing unit 71c, density conversion processing unit 71
d, a scaling processing unit 71e, an image processing unit 71f, an error diffusion processing unit 71g, and a compression processing unit 71h.
The image data processing unit 71 is a processing unit that subjects the input image data to photographic processing or character processing, which will be described later, and finally converts it into output image data. The output image data finally converted into the memory 73. It is configured to be processed by this processing unit until it is stored as. However, the above-mentioned processing units included in the image data processing unit 71 function as necessary and may not function.

The above-mentioned photographic processing is an error diffusion method which is a kind of pseudo-halftone processing, that is, the binarization error of adjacent pixels is reflected in the binarization judgment of adjacent pixels to faithfully reproduce the local area density in the original. By doing so, the image data (first image signal), which is a digital signal of 1-bit 8-bit, is converted into 1-bit (second image signal). As a result, the original image is not expressed in gradation by one pixel, but expressed in area in a certain macroscopic area. The error diffusion method is a processing method that is a further development of the dither method, which is a general pseudo halftone processing method.

Further, the character processing is to compare the image data (first image signal), which is a digital signal of 8 bits per pixel, with a certain threshold value (for example, 128), and based on the comparison result, 1 It is a simple binarization process for converting 0 to 1-bit data (second image signal).

In the multi-valued processing units 71a and 71b, the data binarized by the error diffusion processing unit 70c is converted again into 256 gradations.

In the synthesizing unit 71c, a logical operation for each pixel, that is, a logical sum, a logical product or an exclusive logical sum is selectively performed. The data to be subjected to this calculation are the image data stored in the memory 73 and the bit data from the pattern generator (PG).

In the density conversion processing unit 71d, the relationship between the input density and the output density is arbitrarily set for the 256 gradation data signal based on a predetermined gradation conversion table.

In the scaling processing section 71e, the surface element data (density value) for the scaled target pixel is obtained by performing interpolation processing with known data that is input according to the designated scaling rate. After the sub scanning is scaled, the main scanning is scaled.

In the image processing section 71f, various image processes can be performed on the input image data, and information collection such as feature extraction can be performed on the data sequence.

The error diffusion processing section 71g performs the same processing as the error diffusion processing section 70c of the image data input section 70.

In the compression processing section 71h, the data amount of binary data is compressed by run length coding. Also,
Regarding the compression of image data, the compression functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed.

The image data output unit 72 includes a restoration unit 72a, a multi-value quantization processing unit 72b, an error diffusion processing unit 72c, and a laser output unit 72d. The image data output unit 72
The image data stored in the memory 73 in a compressed state is decompressed, converted to the original 256 gradations again, and the error diffusion of the four-valued data which is a smoother halftone expression than the binary data is performed. It is configured to transfer data to 72d.

That is, in the decompression unit 72a, the compression processing unit 71
The image data compressed by h is restored. In the multi-value quantization processing unit 72b, the multi-value quantization processing unit 71 of the image data processing unit 71 is used.
Processing similar to that of a and 71b is performed. In the error diffusion processing unit 72c, the error diffusion processing unit 7 of the image data input unit 70 is used.
The same process as 0c is performed. The laser output unit 72d turns on / off the image data for driving the laser.
Converted to a signal. The ON / OFF control of the output laser is performed by this signal.

The data handled by the image data input unit 70 and the image data output unit 72 is basically converted into binary data in order to reduce the capacity of the memory 73, and is stored in the memory 73 at 1 bit / pixel. I remember
It is also possible to process in the form of four-valued data in consideration of deterioration of image data.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the control system of the digital copying machine 30. The center of the control system is a PCU (central control unit) 75 (control means) equipped with a main board composed of a CPU and peripheral devices (RAM, ROM, I / F, etc.). An OP that controls the input of instructions and the display of operation contents related to the copying operation as the load to be controlled by the PCU 75.
U (operation board unit) 76, FCU (sorter control unit) that controls the paper discharge operation using the sorter 34
77, and an ICU (image processing unit) 78 (image signal processing means) that is a collection of the image data processing unit 71, the memory 73, and the CPU 74 described in FIG. The OPU 76, the FCU 77, and the ICU 78 are each provided with a CPU, and are in a relationship of being controlled by communication via the communication control line with the PCU 75.

Further, an electric load related to various operations of the copying machine is arranged around the PCU 75. As the electric load, for example, an ADF-related load 79a including a motor, a clutch, a switch and the like related to an ADF (automatic document feeder), a desk-related load 79b including a motor and a clutch related to a sorter, and a scanner unit 31. Scanner-related load 79c including motors and solenoids related to
Also, there is a printer-related load 79d including a motor, a solenoid, a high-voltage generating unit, and the like related to the laser printer unit 32. Various control signals are sent from the PCU 75 to the related loads 79a to 79d as needed.

Further, the output of the CCD 42 is the CCU corresponding to the image data input section 70 via the data line.
(Input data preprocessing unit) 70 ', ICU 78, and LCU (laser control unit) 72' corresponding to the image data output unit 72 are sequentially processed while being processed. CCU70 ', LCU72' is ICU78
Receives a control signal from the CPU 74.

Further, the PCU 75 generates a scanner reading synchronization signal (SHSYNC) for adjusting the reading timing of the original image in the scanner section 31,
Supply to ICU78. On the other hand, the ICU 78 generates a laser writing synchronization signal (PHSYNC) for adjusting the timing of latent image formation in the laser printer unit 32 and supplies it to the PCU 75.

Now, a specific example of the scanner motor control signal supplied from the PCU 75 to the scanner motor 81 as the scanner-related load 79c will be described. As shown in FIG. 27, the scanner motor 81 is SMON,
It is controlled by three types of signals, SMDR and SMCON. The SMON signal is ON / OFF of the scanner motor 81.
The OFF control is performed, and the SMDR signal is sent to the scanner motor 81.
Rotation direction switching control is performed, and the SMCON signal controls the rotation speed of the scanner motor 81.

The specific operation of the scanner motor 81 is apparent from the figure, and when the SMON signal is at the low level, the scanner motor 81 is stopped and S
When the MON signal rises to the high level, the rotation starts. At this time, if the SMDR signal is low level, clockwise rotation is performed, and if the SMDR signal is high level, counterclockwise rotation is performed. The rotation speed becomes slower as the pulse period of the SMCON signal becomes longer, and becomes higher as the pulse period becomes shorter. When the SMON signal falls to the low level, it stops regardless of the states of other signals.

Lastly, the operation panel 91 of the digital copying machine 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6 to 18. The operation panel 91 is provided on the upper surface of the digital copying machine 30, and the liquid crystal panel 9 is provided.
2. A numeric keypad 93, a copy switch 94, etc. are provided as numerical input means. The liquid crystal panel 92 also serves as a display unit for displaying messages regarding operation contents and a touch panel for setting and instructing a copying operation.

For example, when the power switch of the digital copying machine 30 is turned ON, the basic screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 92.

FIG. 6 shows how the screen display of the liquid crystal panel 92 transits in response to a touch input from the touch panel, and “7” and “8” displayed on the side, upper left or upper right of each rectangle in FIG. The numbers such as indicate the correspondence between the screen displayed in each rectangle and the numbers in each figure showing an example of the display. For example, in FIG. 6, a rectangle displayed with “10” in the upper left portion is internally displayed with “image quality setting screen”, which means that FIG. 10 shows the image quality setting screen. ing.

When the portion displayed as "function setting" on the basic screen of FIG. 7 is touched, the first page of the function setting screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. When the user touches "next page" on this screen, the second page of the function setting screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Further, for example, when “italic” is touched, an italic setting screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

Similarly, when "picture quality setting", "post-processing setting" and "initial setting" are touched on the basic screen, respectively, as shown in FIG.
0 image quality setting screen, the post-processing setting screen shown in FIG.
The initial setting screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. When "fingerprint registration", "department management", and "simulation" displayed on the initial setting screen are touched, the fingerprint registration screen of FIG. 14, the department management setting screen of FIG. 15, and the simulation screen of FIG. 17 are displayed, respectively. When the "limiter setting" on the department management setting screen is touched, the limiter setting screen of FIG. 16 is displayed.

Further, the user can set the data processing mode according to the content of the original by touching "character", "photograph" and "mixed" displayed on the image quality setting screen shown in FIG. It can be configured. In addition,
Each of the "text", "photograph", and "mixed" displays is inverted in black and white by touch input, so that which data processing mode is valid can be seen at a glance.

In the above-mentioned structure, the image signal obtained by reading the original image with the scanner unit 40 is binarized by the image data input unit 70, and is converted into image data. Become. This image data is sent to the image data processing unit 71, subjected to various kinds of processing, and then temporarily stored in the memory 73. After that, the image data in the memory 73 is given from the image data output unit 72 to the laser printer unit 32 according to the output command.

In the laser printer section 32, the laser writing unit 46 scans a laser beam on the basis of the image data output from the image data output section 72, whereby the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 of the electrophotographic process section 47 is scanned. An electrostatic latent image is formed on. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by the toner and becomes a toner image. The toner image is electrostatically transferred and fixed on the surface of the sheet conveyed from the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 33. The sheet on which the image is formed in this way is fixed in the fixing unit 49.
Is conveyed to the sorter 34 via the conveying paths 50 and 57, or is conveyed to the reversing conveying path 50a via the conveying paths 50 and 58.

Next, the operation of the digital copying machine 30 in the case of copying a mixed text / photo original will be described with reference to FIGS.
It will be described with reference to FIG.

Prior to the start of copying, the user selects one of the three types of data processing modes of character / photo / mixed according to the content of the original, and touches the image on the image quality setting screen of the operation panel 91 to enter the mode. Settings are made (step 1, hereinafter referred to as S1).

Next, the scanner unit 40 starts the feed operation from the home position at the normal speed in response to the copy instruction by turning on the copy switch 94, and C
The image data of the original is read from the CD 42. The read image data of 256 gradations of one pixel is converted into binary data by photographic processing, that is, error diffusion processing in the error diffusion processing unit 70c, regardless of the data processing mode set by the user in S1. It is temporarily stored in the memory 73 to obtain various information. Acquiring various information here means determining whether or not copying is prohibited, acquiring position information of the color area, acquiring position information of the original area, and acquiring position information of each of the text area and the photo area. (S2).

To determine whether or not a copy-prohibited object, binarized image data of a copy-prohibited object such as a banknote is stored in advance in the hard disk in the image data processing unit 71, and is read and binarized. This is performed by sequentially comparing with the image data of the prepared original document (S3). As a result, if it is determined that the document is a copy prohibited item, all the image data that has already been read is erased from the memory 73, the scanner unit 40 is returned to the home position at high speed, and the copy operation is stopped (S10).

Further, according to the constitution in which the color CCD having the RGB color separation function is used as the CCD 42, one pixel has three pixels.
It is possible to determine whether or not the image data read from the original is color data by decomposing the image into three types (three primary colors).

Here, a method of acquiring each position information of the manuscript area, the character area, and the photograph area will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30. The image data that has been converted into binary data and temporarily stored in the memory 73 is immediately read out, and the multilevel halftoning processing unit 7 of the image data processing unit 71 is read.
1a and 71b, and 1 pixel 2 by multi-value processing
After being returned to the data of 56 gradations, the image processing unit 71f
Is output to. As a result, as shown in FIG. 30, in the image processing unit 71f, the main scanning line AA ′ is obtained.
An image data string having a gradation of 0 to 255 is input along.

As shown in FIG. 28, the OC cover 101
According to the configuration using a material having a high reflectance, the coordinates A and B in the main scanning direction of the boundary between the density level Dw of the blank sheet and the density portion lower than Dw are obtained as shown in FIG. . That is, this coordinate A is recognized as the rear end of the document placed on the document table 35, and the coordinate B is recognized as the front end of the document.
B is the image data processing unit 71 as position information of the document area.
It is stored in the internal RAM.

As shown in FIG. 30, the image processing section 71f successively calculates the density change rates α and β in the image data string, and based on the calculated change rates and density values, the character area and the photograph are displayed. Area location information (M1, M
2, P1, P2) can be obtained. Coordinates M1 and M2
Is the position information of the character area and the coordinates P1 and P2.
Are stored in the RAM in the image data processing unit 71 as position information of the photo area. The position information of the document area, the character area and the photograph area is recognized for each main scanning line and stored in the RAM in the image data processing unit 71.

While the scanner unit 40 is moved in the sub-scanning direction, the above-mentioned various kinds of information are acquired for each main-scanning line. During the feeding operation, the read image data can acquire various kinds of information. The data is temporarily stored in the memory 73 for execution, but is deleted from the memory 73 after the acquisition of various information is completed. After the feed operation is completed, the scanner unit 40 starts the return operation, the image data is read and processed again based on the position information of various areas obtained by the acquisition of various information at the time of feeding, and the memory is rewritten. 73.

The operation at the time of return will be described below with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32.

Here, the feeding operation of the scanner unit 40 is performed on the document shown in FIG. 31, and the positional information of each area, that is, the coordinates of the document area ((0,0) to
(SX, SY)) and the coordinates of the photo area ((X1, Y
1) to (X2, Y2)) are R in the image data processing unit 71.
It is assumed to be stored in AM. In addition, the document placing table 3
The width on the left and right of 5 is 1.

First, the scanner unit 40 is returned at high speed to the trailing edge of the original (1-SX) based on the position information obtained during the feeding (S4). Scanner unit 4
In the case of 0, after returning to the trailing edge of the original (1-SX), the return speed is reduced to the normal speed for reading the image data again.

The scanner motor control signals for controlling the return operation of the scanner unit 40 as described above, that is, the three types of signals SMON, SMDR and SMCON are as shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S5 whether or not the original contains color data, and if the original contains color data, the image data is read as color data to perform color correction or color information processing. Settings are made on the machine side so as to perform color processing such as (S6). If the original does not include color data, the process proceeds to S7.

When the mixed mode is set as the data processing mode (S7), the photograph area (coordinates (X1, Y1) to
The data (X2, Y2)) is read by the CCD 42 and then subjected to photographic processing, that is, error diffusion processing to be converted into binary data, while the data other than the photographic area is converted by the CCD 42. After the reading, character processing, that is, simple binarization processing is performed to convert into binary data, which is stored in the memory 73 (S8).

On the other hand, when the character mode is set as the data processing mode in S7, even if the manuscript contains a halftone image such as a photograph, it is uniform for all the image data. Is subjected to character processing, converted into binary data and stored in the memory 73 (S11).

When the photo mode is set as the data processing mode in S7, the photo processing is uniformly performed on all the image data, converted into binary data and stored in the memory 73 (S11). .

As described above, after the scanner unit 40 returns to the home position while reading and processing the image data according to the set data processing mode, the image converted into binary data and stored in the memory 73. The data is output by the image data output unit 7 according to the output command.
It is output to the laser printer unit 32 via 2 and is output as a copied image on a sheet. If copying of a plurality of sheets is instructed, the copying operation is performed by repeating the reading of the image data from the memory 73 and the output by the laser for the set number of sheets (S9).

In this reference example, the scanner unit 40 has been described as an example in which processing is performed while moving on the surface of the document, but the document is moved while the scanner unit 40 is stopped at a certain position. It is also possible to perform the processing with the configuration.

Reference Example 2 Another reference example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 33.

For the sake of convenience of description, configurations having the same functions as the configurations shown in the above-described reference example are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The digital copying machine 30 of this reference example is shown in FIG.
According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the copying operation is performed on the mixed original of characters / photographs.

According to this flow chart, the user
Depending on the content of the manuscript, characters, photos, and
It is necessary to select one of the three types of mixed data processing modes, and when the mixed mode is selected, it is also necessary to select either character processing or photo processing during feed.

The data processing mode selected by the user can be set by touch input on the image quality setting screen of the operation panel 91. To select and set the mixed mode, touch both the “Mixed” display and the display (“Character” or “Photo”) of the processing during feeding. When the input mode setting is made, the corresponding display section is reversed in black and white. However, as for the processing mode at the time of feeding when the mixed mode is selected, it is possible to follow the processing mode preset in the machine. In this case, the user only has to touch input the "mixed" display section. (S2
1).

After the mode is set in S21, it is determined whether or not the mixed mode is set (S22). Here, a case where the mixed mode is set and the photo mode is set as the processing at the time of feeding will be described below.

In response to a copy instruction by turning on the copy switch 94, the scanner unit 40 starts the feed operation at the normal speed from the home position, and the CCD 4
The image data of the original is read from 2. As for the read image data of 256 gradations per pixel, the photo mode is set as the data processing mode at the time of feeding,
The error diffusion processing unit 70c converts the binary data by photographic processing, that is, error diffusion processing, and stores the binary data in the memory 73. At the same time, various information is acquired. The acquisition of various kinds of information referred to here is determination of whether or not copying is prohibited, acquisition of position information of color area, acquisition of position information of original area,
And the acquisition of position information of each of the character area and the photograph area (S23).

To determine whether or not a copy-prohibited object, binarized image data of a copy-prohibited object such as a banknote is stored in advance in the hard disk in the image data processing unit 71, and is read and binarized. This is performed by sequentially comparing with the image data of the document that has been created (S24). As a result, if it is determined that the document is a copy-prohibited object, all the image data that has already been read is erased from the memory 73, the scanner unit 40 is returned to the home position at high speed, and the copy operation is stopped (S34). If the copy is not prohibited, the scanner unit 40 is returned to the rear end of the document area at high speed based on the position information of the document area acquired during the feeding operation (S25).

Further, according to the structure in which the CCD 42 is a color CCD having an RGB color separation function, one pixel is composed of 3 pixels.
It is possible to determine whether the data is color data or not during the feeding operation by separating the data into three types (three primary colors).
As a result, if it is determined that the original includes color data (S26), the image data is read as color data and color processing such as color correction and color information processing can be performed by the machine. Side setting (S2
7). However, at the time of feeding, it is only necessary to determine whether it is color data and to store the position information of the color area in the RAM in the image data processing unit 71, and to perform color processing such as color correction and color detection. Do on return. On the other hand, if it is determined that the original does not include color data (S26), the process proceeds to S28.

Next, after confirming whether the mixed mode is set or not (S28), an area which does not correspond to the processing mode set at the time of feeding, that is, a color area is determined based on various information obtained at the time of feeding. Alternatively, it is determined whether the text area is included in the document (S2).
9). If it is determined that there is neither a color area nor a character area in the document, the scanner unit 40 is returned to the home position at high speed, and the image data is not read (S31).

However, if it is determined in S29 that the original contains a color area or a character area, the coordinates of the rear end of the area other than the photograph area are calculated from the position information of each area obtained at the time of feeding. Then, the scanner unit 40 is returned to high speed just before that, the image data is read while the speed of the scanner unit 40 is reduced to the normal speed to return, and the image data in the character area is subjected to character processing to obtain an image in the color area. The data is color processed and then stored in the memory 73 (S30).
In this way, after returning to the front end of the area other than the photograph area, the scanner unit 40 is returned to the home position at high speed (S31).

After the scanner unit 40 completes the return to the home position as described above, a part of the image data stored in the memory 73, which is binarized by the photographic process at the time of feeding, other than the photographic area, that is, the character area. The image data in the color area and the image data in the color area are replaced with the image data stored in the memory 73 after being subjected to appropriate processing. If there is no return data, the image data from the feed is used as is.
After that, the image data stored in the memory 73 is output to the laser printer unit 32 in response to the output command and is output as a copied image on the paper (S32).

As a result, the photographic area in the document is composed of photographic processed image data, the character area is composed of character processed image data, and the color area is composed of color processed image data. Therefore, optimum image data can be obtained over the entire document. Furthermore, when performing color processing on image data,
Since it is necessary to process three times or more data as compared with monochrome processing, the processing time and required memory amount become enormous, but in this reference example, all image data is processed as monochrome data at the time of feeding, and the color area After storing only the position information, by performing color processing only on the color area based on the position information stored at the time of feeding at the time of return, it is possible to reduce the processing time and the amount of memory required. Has become.

Further, for example, when copying a character / photograph mixed original document in which the character data area occupies a larger proportion than the photograph data area, the user sets the mixed mode in S21 and the character mode is set as the processing at the time of feeding. By setting, during scanning, the scanner unit 40 performs character processing on the entire document while feeding at the normal speed, and during the return operation, the scanner unit 40 returns at the normal speed only for the photo data area. While performing the photo processing, the area other than the photo data area is returned at high speed. That is, the user sets the data processing mode so that the processing suitable for the data area occupying a large portion of the document is performed at the time of feeding, so that the scanner unit 40 returns at a high rate during the return operation. Therefore, the time required for the return operation can be shortened.

Next, the processing when the character mode or the photograph mode is set as the data processing mode in S21 will be described below.

If it is confirmed in S22 that the mixed mode is not set, the image data of 256 gradations of 1 pixel read through the CCD 42 is processed in accordance with the set processing mode. Various information is acquired. The acquisition of various kinds of information referred to here refers to determination as to whether or not a copy is prohibited, acquisition of position information of color area, and acquisition of position information of original area (S33).

Further, through S24 to S27 described above, S
If it is confirmed in 28 that the mixed mode is not set, only the color processing for the color area is executed at the time of return. That is, when it is determined in S26 that the original includes the color area, the coordinates of the rear end of the color area are calculated from the position information of the color area stored in the RAM in the image data processing unit 71, and the coordinates before that are calculated. After the scanner unit 40 is returned to high speed, the image data is read while reducing the speed of the scanner unit 40 to the normal speed and returning to perform color processing such as color correction and color detection, and then stored in the memory 73 ( S35).

When the return to the front end of the color area is completed based on the position information obtained at the time of feeding,
The scanner unit 40 is returned to the home position at high speed (S31).

When it is determined that the original does not include the color area, the scanner unit 40 is returned to the home position at high speed without reading the data at the time of return (S31). As a result, the time required for one scanning operation can be further shortened.

After the scanner unit 40 completes the return to the home position as described above, it corresponds to the color area of the image data stored in the memory 73 which has been binarized by the monochrome processing such as the photographic processing or the character processing at the time of feeding. The partial image data is replaced with the image data that has been color-processed and stored in the memory 73 at the time of return. If there is no return data, the image data from the feed is used as is. After that, the image data stored in the memory 73 is output to the laser printer unit 32 in response to the output command and is output as a copied image on the paper (S32).

As a result, the photographic area in the document is subjected to photographic processing, the character area is subjected to character processing, and the color area is composed of image data subjected to color processing. It is possible to obtain various image data. Further, when color processing is performed on image data, processing time and required memory amount become enormous because it is necessary to process data that is three times or more that of monochrome processing. However, in the present reference example, By processing all image data as monochrome data at the time of feeding, storing only the position information of the color area, and then performing color processing only on the color area based on the position information stored at the time of feeding at the time of return, It is possible to reduce the processing time and the required memory amount.

In this reference example, the scanner unit 40 is described as an example in which processing is performed while moving on the surface of the original, but the original is moved while the scanner unit 40 is stopped at a certain position. It is also possible to perform the processing with the configuration.

As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a function capable of individual processing (character processing or photo processing) for each of the characters, photographs, and color areas in the document, and is required. The feature is that all the individual processes are performed during one scan of the image reading unit (scanner). As a result, by realizing in one scanning operation including area recognition for each of the character, photograph, and color areas in the document, it is possible to faithfully reproduce the character / photo mixed document without reducing copy productivity. It will be possible.

Further, since the above-mentioned individual processing mode can be selected, it is possible to reflect the user's judgment regarding the user's preference and the type of the original document.

Further, when the user does not select the above-mentioned individual processing mode, the processing is performed according to the initial setting on the machine side. Therefore, the frequently used mode can be selected according to the usage situation. By performing the initial setting in advance, it is possible to save the user the trouble of input operation.

When it is determined that the original is a copy-prohibited object, the image data stored at the time of feeding is erased, the image reading unit is returned at a high speed, and the copying operation is stopped, whereby a bill or the like is printed. It is possible to prevent unauthorized copying of a copy prohibited item.

Furthermore, when the image reading unit returns,
By scanning the image data of the document from the trailing edge of the document, the number of scanning operations of the image reading unit can be reduced, which enables copying without lowering copy productivity, and at the same time saves power. Also, it is possible to reduce the consumption of parts of the image reading unit.

During the return operation of the image reading section, the image reading section is returned at high speed up to the trailing edge of the original based on the information of the original area acquired during the feeding operation of the image reading section, and then the return speed is set. Since the data is read while reducing the speed to the normal speed and returning, the time required for one scanning operation can be shortened. Further, at the time of the return operation of the image reading unit, the area where data is read operates at normal speed, and the other areas operate at high speed to further reduce the time required for one scanning operation. Is possible.

Further, if there is no image data area that is not suitable for the processing mode during the feed operation, data is not read during the return operation of the image reading section,
By returning the image reading unit to the home position at high speed, the time required for one scanning operation can be further shortened.

If there is an area of image data that is not suitable for the data processing mode during the feed operation, reading and data processing are performed only on the image data in that area during the return operation of the image reading section. By combining with the data obtained at the time of feeding after the end of the return, data processing suitable for the nature of each image data is performed during one scanning operation of the image reading unit over the entire original, It is possible to faithfully reproduce a text / photograph mixed original without lowering productivity.

Further, if it is recognized that there is color data based on the acquisition of various information at the time of the feed operation, the color data area at the time of the return operation and the OR area of the area of the image data not suitable for the data processing mode at the time of the feed operation. On the other hand, by performing processing suitable for each image data, combining with the image data obtained at the time of feeding after the end of return, and outputting it, data processing suitable for the nature of each image data Since it is performed during one scanning operation of the reading unit, it is possible to faithfully reproduce a character / photograph mixed original without lowering copy productivity. Further, since the color processing is performed only on the color data area, it is possible to reduce the processing time and the required memory amount.

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 7, 10 and 13.
The following description is based on FIGS. 17, 19 and 35 to 42.

For the sake of convenience of description, configurations having the same functions as the configurations shown in the above-mentioned respective reference examples are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The digital copying machine 30 of this embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as copying machine 30) has a configuration as shown in FIG. 35 in addition to the configuration of the image processing section shown in FIG. 4 in each of the reference examples. , A FAX data receiving unit 20 and a FAX data transmitting unit 21.

The FAX data receiving section 20 receives facsimile data from the outside through the public line, and the copying machine 3 receives the facsimile data.
The data is converted into data that can be processed by 0 and stored in the memory 73 inside the image processing unit. The facsimile data stored in the memory 73 is then printed out on paper by the same processing as the image data read from the original by the scanner unit. On the other hand, the image data read from the original by the scanner unit is converted into a facsimile data format by the FAX data transmitting unit 21 by outputting the image data to the FAX data transmitting unit 21 after performing various kinds of image processing. Can be sent to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 35, the image processing unit includes an error diffusion processing unit 70 in the image data input unit 70 instead of the error diffusion processing unit 70c of each of the reference examples.
c ′, and the pixel counting unit 22 and the calculation unit 24
Is further equipped. The reference example 1 shown in FIG.
The error diffusion processing unit 70c converts data signals of 256 gradations (8 bits) into 2 gradations (1 bit), whereas the error diffusion processing unit 70c 'described above converts 4 gradations (1 bit). Convert to 2 bits).

In the above structure, the image data read from the original by the CCD 42 and input to the image processing unit is processed by the error diffusion processing unit 70c 'based on the position information of the character area / photo area to obtain 256 gradations. (8
Bits are converted to 4 gradations (2 bits) by the error diffusion method. That is, for the data signals of the pixels that form the character area, "tone 1" is obtained by simple binarization
Alternatively, the data signals of the pixels forming the photographic area after being converted into “gradation 4” are converted into “gradation 1”, “gradation 2”, “gradation 3” or “gradation 4” by the error diffusion method. Convert.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an image of an original in which characters and photographs are mixed is converted into four gradations by the processing of the error diffusion processing section 70c '. The character portion in the character area shown in the figure is converted to gradation 4, and the white portion other than the characters in the character area is converted to gradation 1. As for the photographic area, as shown by the four types of patterns in the figure, the gradation 1 is calculated based on the density of the image.
Or converted to gradation 4. It should be noted that, for the sake of easy understanding of the description, in the figure, an example is shown in which the area of the image converted into the same gradation in the photographic area is a single area having a relatively large area. Since the above conversion is performed for each pixel, it goes without saying that the area of the image converted into the same gradation can be an area having an extremely small area and can also be a plurality of scattered areas.

Further, the pixel counting unit 22 inputs the data signal of 4 gradations output from the error diffusion processing unit 70c ', and counts the number of pixels of each gradation for each character area / photo area. That is, the pixel counting unit 22 internally includes a counter (not shown) provided for each gradation of each area, and the calculation unit 2 calculates the number of pixels counted by each counter.
Output to 4. The calculation unit 24 inputs the above-described number of pixels and calculates the total number of pixels in the photo area and the character area, respectively.

Now, the operations of the pixel counting section 22 and the calculating section 24 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, each counter provided inside the pixel counting section 22 is reset to 0 (S41). Then, the data signals of four gradations are sequentially input from the error diffusion processing unit 70c ', and the number of pixels of each gradation is counted for each of the character area / photo area by the counters (S42). In the following, the number of pixels counted by each counter here is fw1, the number of pixels of gradation 4 of the character area is fw4, the number of pixels of gradation 4 of the character area is fw4, and the number of pixels of gradation 1 of the photo area is The number of pixels having gradation 2 in the photo area is represented by fp2, the number of pixels having gradation 3 in the photo area is represented by fp3, and the number of pixels having gradation 4 in the photo area is represented by fp4.

Next, it is determined whether or not the original is a copy prohibited object such as a banknote (S43), and if it is not a copy prohibited object, the total number of pixels in the character area and the photograph area is calculated (S44). That is, the total number of pixels in the character area is fwT
, FwT = fw1 + fw4 fpT = fp1 + fp2 + fp3 + fp4, where fpT is the total number of pixels in the photo area.

On the other hand, if the copy is prohibited, the contents of the counter are all cleared and the process is terminated (S4).
5).

Hereinafter, the processing of S41 to S45 will be referred to as dot count processing. By this dot count processing, it is possible to determine the type of document as described later.

Next, the operation of determining the type of the original based on the result of the dot count processing and learning the tendency of the type of the original copied by the copying machine 30 will be described. The copying machine 30 includes the CPU 7 of the image processing unit shown in FIG.
4 is further provided with a document counting unit (not shown). Also, the RAM inside the PCU 75 shown in FIG.
In addition, an original total memory is provided for separately storing the total number of originals copied up to the previous copying operation into three types of character originals, photographic originals, and mixed originals.

The document counting section determines the type of document based on the result of the dot count processing, and updates the total number of sheets stored in the document total memory. The RAM including the original document cumulative memory is a non-volatile memory, and can retain the stored contents even when the power supply is cut off.

The above processing will be referred to as original count processing hereinafter. By this document counting process,
The present copying machine 30 learns the tendency of the types of originals copied by the operator by accumulating the number of originals copied according to type and storing them in the original total memory.

Regarding the flow of the above document count processing, the flowchart of FIG. 38 and FIGS. 39 (a) to 39 (c)
Will be described below with reference to. It is assumed that the dot count processing is performed prior to the start of the original count processing to obtain the fwT and fpT. Further, in the following, the cumulative total number of the character originals accumulated up to the previous copying operation and stored in the original cumulative total memory is W, the cumulative total number of the photo originals is P, and the cumulative total number of the mixed originals is, respectively. Represented by M.

First, it is determined whether or not the image data for one document input to the image processing section is the facsimile data received by the FAX data receiving section 20 (S5).
1) If it is the received facsimile data, the facsimile data is not added to the cumulative total of the originals, and the process is ended without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is not the received facsimile data, then it is determined whether or not the image data is facsimile data transmitted to the outside by the FAX data transmission unit 20 (S52). If it is data, 1 is added to W in the original cumulative memory to update it, and the flag α is set to 0 (S53).

In S53, the original of the facsimile data to be transmitted to the outside is treated as a character original, and 1 is added to the total number of the character originals. The reason for this is that the image data output as the facsimile data is from the original to the scanner unit. This is because the same processing as that of a character original is performed by simple binarization after being read by.

On the other hand, if the result of S52 is that the facsimile data is not to be transmitted, the total number of pixels in the character area fwT obtained by the above dot count processing.
Then, the document type is determined based on the total number of pixels fpT in the photo area (S54). That is, when fpT = 0, it is determined that the original document is composed of only the character data as shown in FIG. 39A, and when fwT = 0, only the photographic data as shown in FIG. If fpT ≠ 0 and fwT ≠ 0, it is determined that the original is a mixed original in which character data and photographic data are mixed as shown in FIG.

As a result of the above judgment, if the document is a character document, the process proceeds to S53, and if it is not a character document, S5.
The process moves to 6 (S55). If the original is a photographic original, the process proceeds to S57, and if it is a mixed original, the process proceeds to S58 (S56).

At S57, 1 is added to the cumulative number P of photographic originals to be updated and 1 is set to the flag α. Further, in S58, 1 is added to the cumulative number M of mixed originals to be updated.

The flag α is set to 0 at the same time as W is updated in S53 and is set to 1 at the same time as P is updated in S57. Therefore, α is either 0 or 1. It is possible to determine which of P and W has been updated recently.

As described above, the copying machine 30 determines the type of original document that the operator tried to copy by the dot count process, and further accumulates the number of original documents copied by the operator by the original document count process. By doing so, the tendency of the document type copied by the copying machine 30 is learned. Further, the copying machine 30 is configured so as to be able to automatically initialize the processing mode for copying based on the learned tendency of the document type, as described below.

The setting of the processing mode in the copying machine 30 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7, 13, 17, 19, 40.
And it demonstrates based on FIG.

The copying machine 30 has the following three types of processing modes when copying a document. In other words, the operator can perform a photographic process on the entire image data of the document, that is, a process in which the error diffusion method is performed uniformly according to the content and use of the document, and a character mode for the entire image data of the document. One of the processing modes is selected from the character mode in which the processing, that is, the processing by simple binarization is uniformly performed, and the mixed mode in which the photograph area and the character area on the document are identified and the processing suitable for each area is performed. can do.

The above processing mode can be selected and set according to the contents of the original each time the operator performs a copying operation, but can be initialized to save such trouble.

When initializing the processing mode, the simulation is performed in the following procedure. First, as shown in FIG. 7, when the operator touches a portion displayed as “initial setting” on the basic screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 92, the display on the liquid crystal panel 92 is initialized as shown in FIG. When the operator makes a transition to the setting screen, and the operator touches the portion displayed as “simulation” on the initial setting screen, a simulation screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 92.

On the simulation screen, when the operator touches the portion displayed as "setting of original processing mode", the display of the liquid crystal panel further shifts to the setting screen of original processing mode shown in FIG. In the field labeled "Initial selection of image quality mode" on this setting screen, the operator touches any one of "Text", "Photo", "Mixed" and "Automatic" to set the processing mode to be initialized. You can choose. The black and white display of the part touched by the operator allows the operator to check the settings that he / she has set. Confirmed by touching. To cancel the setting,
Just touch the part that says "Cancel".

When the operator selects any one of "character", "photo" and "mixed", the selected processing mode is fixedly initialized. On the other hand, when "automatic" is selected by the operator, the process that is considered to be most frequently used is based on the learned document type tendency, that is, based on the number of sheets for each document type accumulated up to the previous copying operation. The mode is selected and initialized.

Here, the procedure of initial setting of the processing mode will be described.
This will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the operator selects a processing mode by the above simulation (S61). At this time, as described above, the operator selects "character", "photograph", "mixed" and "automatic" on the document processing mode setting screen.
Select one of

Subsequently, when it is determined in S61 that the operator has selected a mode other than "automatic" (S62), the processing mode selected by the operator, that is, "character" or "photograph".
And fixedly set to either "Mixed" (S
63).

If it is determined in S62 that "automatic" has been selected by the operator, it is calculated by the above-described document count processing up to the previous copying operation,
Three types of cumulative totals stored in the memory 73, that is, the number of copy images output as character images (W), the number of copy images output as photographic images (P), and output as a mixed image of characters and photos The maximum number is obtained by comparing the numbers (M) of the copied images with each other. At this time, the maximum value of W, P and M is 2
It is determined whether or not there is one or more (S64), and if the result of this determination is that there is one, the processing mode is determined as the processing mode to be initialized (S6).
5). For example, if the maximum value of W, P, and M is P, the photo mode is initialized, or
If the maximum value is M, the mixed mode is initialized.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in S64,
If two or more of W, P, and M have the maximum value, the processing mode corresponding to the one that reaches the maximum value latest is initialized (S66). For example, W = P> M
If it is, the processing mode corresponding to the one in which the maximum value is reached later in either W or P is initialized.

As described above, the processing mode is initialized during the copying operation, but when the operator changes the initialized processing mode, as described in Reference Example 1 above, The liquid crystal panel provided in the main body of the copying machine is shown in FIG.
In the image quality setting screen displayed as shown in, the operator can change the setting to the desired processing mode by touching any of the parts labeled "text", "mixed" and "photo". it can.

As described above, since the processing mode suitable for the most frequently copied document type is automatically initialized based on the total number of document types copied up to the previous copying operation, the operator Can save the trouble of setting the processing mode and can simplify the operation procedure.

Further, the copying machine 30 has the following two types of methods for copying operation in the mixed mode, method 1 and method 2, and which method is to be used for the copying operation is preset. You need to do it.

The method 1 acquires various kinds of information based on the image data read during the feeding operation of the scanner unit, newly reads the image data at the time of return, and reads the read image data based on the above information. This is the method described in the first reference example, in which the character area image data is subjected to character processing, and the photograph area image data is subjected to photographic processing and output.

In method 2, when the scanner unit is in the feeding operation, either the photographic processing or the character processing is uniformly performed on the read image data, and at the time of return, the read image data is uniformly fed. This is the method described in Reference Example 2 in which the processing not performed during operation is performed and the processing results during the feed operation and the return operation are combined and output on the memory. In addition, in this method 2, it is necessary to set in advance which of the photo process and the character process is to be performed during the feeding operation of the scanner unit.

If the original is a single original of characters or photographs, the method 2 is selected and the processing at the time of the feed operation is set according to the type of the original. As described above, since the speed at the time of return increases, the copying speed can be increased and the copying efficiency can be improved. On the other hand, when copying a mixed original of characters and photographs, the copying speed does not change by either method 1 or method 2, but method 1 has an advantage that a smaller memory capacity can be used. Consequently, it is possible to save power by setting only the area of the required capacity in the memory to the active state and supplying no power to the other areas.

Which of the above two methods should be selected can be fixedly initially set to either method 1 or method 2 in advance according to the use situation or the like, or , Same as the initial setting of the processing mode,
It is also possible to make an initial setting so that the apparatus automatically sets the method that is considered to be most frequently used, based on the cumulative number of sheets for each document type up to the previous copying operation. These initial settings can be similarly performed by the above-mentioned simulation.

In other words, on the document processing mode setting screen shown in FIG. 19, the operator is displayed in the section displayed as "method 1" or "method 2" in the section displayed as "select mixed processing method". By touching, the method 1 or the method 2 is fixedly initialized as the method of the copying operation. Further, when the operator touches a portion displayed as “automatic” in the above column, either the method 1 or the method 2 is selected based on the usage status in the copying operation up to the last time learned by the copying machine 30. It is initialized so that it is automatically selected at each copying operation.

Here, according to the initial setting as described above,
The procedure for setting the copying operation method will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the operator selects any one of "method 1", "method 2" and "automatic" by simulation and initializes them (S71).

If it is determined in S71 that "method 1" has been selected (S72, S73), method 1 is set and the process is terminated (S74). When it is determined in S71 that "automatic" is selected, it is determined whether the memory of the image processing unit has a free memory capacity sufficient to execute the method 2 (S75). As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the above memory capacity is insufficient, the process proceeds to S74, the method 1 is set, and the process ends.
As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the process is performed by the method 2 and the process is interrupted due to lack of memory.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S75, when it is determined that there is the above-mentioned free memory capacity, the PCU 75 is further calculated by the above-mentioned document count.
Of the three types of cumulative totals stored in the original cumulative total memory, that is, the number of copy images output as character images (W),
Whether or not the sum of P and W is larger than M is determined based on the number (P) of copy images output as photographic images and the number (M) of copy images output as a mixed image of characters and photographs. Yes (S76). As a result, if it is determined that the sum of P and W is not larger than M, that is, if the mixed originals are copied more than individual originals of characters or photographs by the previous copying operation, The method proceeds to S74 and the method 1 is set.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S71 that "method 2" has been selected (S72, S73), and if it is determined in S76 that the sum of P and W is greater than M, the method is 2 is set (S77). In addition,
In the case of the method 2, it is necessary to set whether the processing at the time of the feed operation is the photographic processing or the character processing. Therefore, it is further determined whether P is larger than W (S7).
8) If it is large, that is, if more photographic images are copied than character images, the process during the feed operation is photographic process (S79). When P is smaller than W, that is, when more character images are copied than photographic images (S80), the processing during the feed operation is set to character processing (S81). In addition, the above S77
If it is determined that P and W are equal as a result of S79 and S79, the process corresponding to the one of P and W that has reached the current value later is the process at the time of feeding. That is, it is determined whether or not α is 0 (S82), and when α = 0,
Since it is judged that W reached the current value later,
The processing at the time of feed is character processing (S83). on the other hand,
If α = 1, it is determined that P has reached the current value later, so the processing at the time of feeding is set to photographic processing (S84).

As described above, the copying operation method suitable for the type of the most frequently copied original in the copying machine 30 is selected and set based on the total number of originals copied up to the previous copying operation. For example, when the text original or the photo original is used more frequently than the mixed original, the method 2 is selected by the above-mentioned procedure, so that the copying speed is likely to be high and the copying efficiency is high. It is possible to improve. On the contrary to the above, when the mixed document is frequently used, the method 1 is selected, so that the memory capacity can be saved.

This is because in method 2, since the data for one original processed at the time of feeding and the data for one original processed at the time of return are both stored, the memory capacity of at least two originals is required. Is needed,
This is because the method 1 only needs to have a capacity for storing data to be processed at the time of return.

In addition, when there are a plurality of cumulative totals having the maximum value, the latest usage status is determined by selecting the processing mode corresponding to the cumulative total that is determined to have reached the maximum value latest. It can be reflected in the determination of the processing mode.

The overall flow of the copying operation of the copying machine 30 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 37, 38, 40, 41 and 42.

First, as described above with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 40, the processing mode is initialized (S91). Next, when the operator wants to change the initially set processing mode, the operator selects the desired processing mode on the image quality setting screen shown in FIG. 10 to change the processing mode setting (S92). . If the processing mode initially set in S91 is acceptable, this step can be omitted.

Next, as described above with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 41, the method of copying operation is set (S93).

Then, according to the processing mode and the copying operation method set in S91 to S93, the scanner unit performs the feed process to read the image from the document and acquire various information (S94). further,
Based on the information and the like acquired in S94, it is determined whether or not the original is a copy prohibited item such as a banknote (S95). As a result, when it is determined that the copy is prohibited, the copying operation is ended without performing the subsequent processing.

As a result, it is not necessary to include the number of illegal documents in the total number of documents. The FAX data receiving unit 20
When processing the facsimile data received by the above, the scanner unit does not perform the feed operation in S94, and the same processing as described above is performed on the image data output to the memory of the image processing unit by the FAX data receiving unit 20. Is done.

If it is determined in S95 that the copy is not prohibited, the dot count processing described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 37 is performed on the image data obtained from the original (S96). Further, the document counting process described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 38 is performed, and the cumulative number of sheets is calculated according to the type of document to be copied this time (S97). However, the total number of sheets calculated at this time is not stored in the original total memory yet, but is temporarily stored in a predetermined work memory or the like.

Subsequently, the copy image is printed out or FA
An output process of transmitting to the outside via the X data transmitting unit 21 is performed (S97), and after the above S97 is normally completed, various temporarily stored totals are stored in the original total memory of the PCU 75 (S99). ), The processing ends. As described above, after the output process is normally completed, various cumulative totals are definitely stored in the memory, so that, for example, after a problem such as a paper jam occurs and the output process is abnormally ended, the same original is copied. It is possible to prevent the same original document from being accumulated in duplicate when the process is repeated.

As described above, the copying machine 30 of the present embodiment learns and stores the usage status of the operator based on the results of the dot count processing and the document count processing, and at the same time, the usage status of the operator. It is possible to automatically select and set an operation mode and a processing mode that are suitable for the above and have good copying efficiency. Therefore, the operator can save the labor of selecting and setting various modes prior to the copying operation, simplifying the operating procedure, and providing a copying machine with good operability.

Further, as described above, the mode can be set to be automatically selected, or the operator can select the desired mode by himself. Copying is possible.

The description of the present embodiment does not limit the present invention, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the example in which the original is classified into the character part and the photo part and the number of pixels of each is counted has been described, but the present invention is also applied to the case where the original is classified into the monochrome part and the color part. It is possible. Also, regarding the cumulative total number of manuscripts, the example in which the manuscripts are classified into three types of character manuscripts, photo manuscripts, and mixed manuscripts and summed up is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various classifications can be performed according to the usage status of the operator. Is possible.

Further, an example has been described in which the pixel density is converted from 256 gradations to 4 gradations in order to perform the dot count processing, but it is not necessary to limit it to 4 gradations.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in the document count process, the total number of three types of the character document, the photographic document, and the mixed document is counted according to the image type of the document, and the processing mode is selected. I explained about
Similar to such a data processing mode, for example, in a configuration in which a processing mode such as a "map mode" for changing the contrast of an image to make it easier to see and an "AE mode" for background removal can be selected. Is
A counter is further provided for accumulating the number of documents processed in these processing modes, and a selection is made from a plurality of processing modes including the above-mentioned processing modes based on the result of the document counting process. It is also possible.

Further, it is not always necessary to provide a counter for counting the originals processed in the processing mode for all the processing modes provided in the copying machine 30, and only a few types of processing modes that are relatively frequently used. It is also possible to eliminate waste by providing a counter corresponding to the above, and selecting from the above-mentioned several processing modes based on the count result.

Reference Example 3 Still another reference example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 18 (a) to (c), FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 30, and FIG. 43 to FIG. .

For the sake of convenience of description, configurations having the same functions as the configurations shown in the above-described embodiments and reference examples are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The amount of toner consumed when outputting a copied image is
Although it is almost proportional to the total density of the print data, comparing the case of copying a character image with the case of copying a photographic image, as shown in FIG. Toner consumption is higher in the character area printing than in the photo area printing. This is because a character image is composed of a collection of binary data and is therefore composed of edge portions and black solids, whereas a photographic image is composed of smooth gradation changes. is there.

That is, in the edge portion of the character, as shown in FIG. 30, the rate of change of the density, that is, the rate of change of the latent image potential for forming the electrostatic latent image is larger than that of the photographic portion. In such a portion where the latent image potential, that is, the density, suddenly changes, there is a phenomenon generally referred to as an edge effect in which toner easily adheres to the photosensitive drum.

As described above, the degree of adhesion of toner to the photosensitive drum changes depending on the type of image on the document and the image structure such as the occupation ratio of the character portion and the photograph portion.
As a result, the toner consumption also changes. Since the degree of adhesion greatly varies depending on the developing characteristics, the relationship between the total amount of characters / photographs and the amount of toner consumption is not determined unconditionally and needs to be calculated for each device.

In the copying machine 30 of the present reference example, in addition to the document counting process described in the first embodiment, the number of pixels in the character area and the photograph area is counted based on the image data read from the document. Counting processing and output dot counting processing for counting the number of pixels in the character area and the photo area based on the image data immediately before being output on the paper, respectively, are obtained by the original dot counting processing and the output dot counting processing. Various toner-related controls are performed based on the number of pixels.

For example, when copying a mixed original in which a character image and a photographic image are mixed, the original dot count processing counts each pixel in the character area as a character pixel according to the kind of the image on the original. , Each pixel in the photo area is counted as a photo pixel, but in the output dot counting process, it depends on the data processing mode selected by the operator whether each pixel is counted as a character pixel or a photo pixel. . That is, when the operator selects the character mode as the data processing mode when copying the mixed original, all the pixels on the original are processed and output as character pixels. Even if the originals are mixed originals, all pixels on the originals are counted as character pixels in the output dot counting process.

As described above, the document dot count process and the output dot count process are performed each time the copying operation is performed.
Further, by accumulating the number of pixels obtained in each of the above-described processes, the tendency of the image of the original document copied by the operator of the copying machine 30 and the tendency of the image output by the operator can be obtained.
0 can be learned.

The configuration and operation of the copying machine 30 in this reference example will be described below.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image processing section of the copying machine 30. This copying machine 30 is shown in FIG.
In addition to the configuration of the image processing unit of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, in the image data output unit 72, a pixel counting unit is provided between the error diffusion processing unit 72c and the laser output unit 72d as shown in FIG. 23 and a calculator 25 are further provided. Further, the image data input unit 70 includes a calculation unit 24 'instead of the calculation unit 24 described in the first embodiment.

In the above structure, the image data once stored in the memory 73 and then read out from the memory 73 for output is processed by the restoration unit 72a and the multi-value conversion processing as described in the first reference example. Unit 72b and error diffusion processing unit 7
After being converted to data of 4 gradations (2 bits) via 2c, it is output to the pixel counting unit 23. Similar to the pixel counting unit 22 described in the first embodiment, the pixel counting unit 23 counts the number of pixels of each gradation for each character area and photo area, and outputs the counted number of pixels to the calculation unit 25. To do. The calculation unit 25 performs various calculations based on the input pixel number, as will be described later in detail.

Next, with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 44, the procedure for performing various toner-related controls during the copying operation of the copying machine 30 will be described.

First, the image data is read from the original by the scanner unit, and various processes are performed by the image processing section as described in detail in the first reference example (S131).
Next, based on the image data read from the original, original dot count processing, which will be described in detail later, is performed (S132).
By doing so, the operator learns the tendency of the image type in the document to be copied.

Next, after performing various processing in S131, the image data once stored in the memory is read again to generate an output image (S133).
Based on the output image, output dot counting, which will be described in detail later, is performed to calculate the number of pixels in each of the photo area and the character area of the output image (S134), thereby learning the tendency of the image type output by the operator To do.

Subsequently, the output image is laser-outputted by the laser output section to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum in the electrophotographic process section (S135), and the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner. A copy process of transferring and fixing on paper and outputting is executed (S136).

After S136 is finished, the amount of toner consumed is calculated as described in detail later (S137), and the amount of toner to be replenished is calculated, and the toner is supplied to the developing device of the electrophotographic process section. Replenish (S138). Then, the remaining toner amount in the toner hopper is calculated (S13
9) Further, based on the remaining toner amount, the number of sheets that can be copied is further predicted (S140), the empty capacity of the waste toner bottle is calculated (S141), and the replacement time of the waste toner container is predicted (S142). ).

As described above, the copying machine 30 updates the cumulative number of pixels of the copied original for each gradation and for each area at the timings of S132 and S134 each time the copying operation is performed. The various processes of S137 to S142 are performed on the basis of the thus updated cumulative total.

Hereinafter, the document dot counting process of S132 and the output dot counting process of S134 will be described in detail, and various processes of S137 to S142 will also be described in detail.

First, the document dot count process of S132 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 43 and 46. Copy machine 30
As described above, in the image data input section 70 of the image processing section shown in FIG.
4'and. The pixel counting unit 22 includes a counter (not shown) that counts the number of pixels for each area and for each gradation based on the image data converted into four gradations by the error diffusion processing unit 70c '. In addition, the calculation unit 24 '
Is provided with a pixel total memory which stores the total number of pixels in the original copied up to the previous copying operation for each area and for each gradation.

The document dot count processing performed by the pixel counting section 22 and the calculating section 24 'will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the pixel counting section 22 resets the value of each counter provided corresponding to each gradation of the character area and the photograph area to 0 (S181). Next, the pixel counting unit 22 sequentially inputs the data signals of four gradations output from the error diffusion processing unit 70c ′ shown in FIG. 43, and counts the number of pixels of each gradation for each character area and photo area ( S182).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the original is a copy prohibited material (S183), and if it is a copy prohibited material, all the above counters are cleared (S186), and the processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the copy is not prohibited, the calculation unit 2 is used.
4 ′ retrieves the cumulative total number of pixels up to the previous copying operation stored in the cumulative pixel memory, and executes the above S182.
The cumulative number of pixels for each gradation is updated by adding the number of pixels counted in (S184). Below, the cumulative total of the number of pixels updated here, the cumulative total of the number of pixels of gradation 1 and the total of the number of pixels of gradation 4 of the character area are respectively calculated as FW1.
, FW4, the total number of pixels of gradation 1 or the total number of pixels of gradation 4 in the photo area are FP1, FP2, and FP, respectively.
3 and FP4.

Next, the total number of pixels in the photograph area and the character area is calculated (S185). That is,
When the total number of pixels in the character area is FWT and the total number of pixels in the photo area is FPT, FWT = FW1 + FW4 FPT = FP1 + FP2 + FP3 + FP4.

The cumulative total of the number of pixels calculated in this way is
It is stored in the RAM inside the PCU 75.

Next, the output dot count processing of S134 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the image data read from the memory 73 for output is to be transmitted to the outside via the FAX data transmitting unit 21, and is transmitted to the outside. In this case, since the image is not printed out by the copying machine 30, the process is terminated without counting the pixels, while if not transmitted to the outside, the process proceeds to S122 (S121).

At S122, the counters provided inside the pixel counting unit 23 corresponding to the respective gradations of the character and photo areas are reset to zero. Subsequently, the data signal converted into four gradations is sequentially input from the error diffusion processing unit 72c, and the number of pixels of each gradation is counted for each character area / photo area by the above counters (S).
123). In the following, the number of pixels counted by each counter here will be referred to as the number of pixels of gradation 1 in the character area as sw1.
, The number of pixels of gradation 4 in the character area is sw4, the number of pixels of gradation 1 in the photo area is sp1, the number of pixels of gradation 2 in the photo area is sp2, the number of pixels in gradation 3 of the photo area is sp3, The number of pixels of gradation 4 in the area is expressed as sp4.

Further, the total number of pixels in the character area and the photograph area is calculated based on the total updated in S124 (S124). That is, if the total number of pixels in the character area is swT and the total number of pixels in the photo area is spT, then swT = sw1 + sw4 spT = sp1 + sp2 + sp3 + sp4.

Next, for each of the character area and the photo area, the occupancy ratio of the pixels of each gradation to the total number of pixels of the output image is calculated (S125). That is, for example, the occupancy ratio of the pixels of gradation 1 and gradation 4 in the character area to the total number of pixels in the character area is βw1 and βw.
Let w4 be βw1 = sw1 / swT βw4 = sw4 / swT, and the occupancy ratio of the pixels of gradation 1 to gradation 4 in the photo area to the total number of pixels in the photo area is β, respectively.
Assuming p1, βp2, βp3, and βp4, then βP1 = sp1 / spT βP2 = sp2 / spT βP3 = sp3 / spT βP4 = sp4 / spT.

Next, the toner consumption amount calculation processing in S137 will be described. The toner consumption amount in the output image is calculated based on the result calculated by the output dot count process according to the following procedure.

First, the print data density is calculated for each gradation in each area. That is, for example, the print data density of the pixel of gradation 1 in the character area is calculated by multiplying the number of pixels sw1 of gradation 1 of the character area obtained by the output dot count processing by the gradation density D1. It should be noted that, in the present reference example , the above gradation density means that 256 gradations are 4
Since the gradation is converted, for example, D1 = 0, D2 = 6
It is a preset constant such as 4, D3 = 128, D4 = 256.

Next, the print data densities are summed up for each of the character area and the photograph area, and the print data total density DSw of the character area and the print data total density DSp of the photograph area are obtained. That is, DSw = sw1 * D1 + sw4 * D4 DSp = sp1 * D1 + sp2 * D2 + sp3 * D3 + sp4 * D4.

On the basis of the print data total densities DSw and DSp thus obtained, a correspondence table relating the print data total density and the toner consumption amount according to the relationship shown in the graph of FIG. The toner consumption amount CSw in the character area and the toner consumption amount CSp in the photograph area are respectively stored by being stored in the processing unit in advance and by referring to the correspondence table.

Further, by obtaining the sum of CSw and CSp, the toner consumption amount C for one copy original is calculated.
St is calculated.

Next, the toner replenishment control of S138 in the flow chart of FIG. 44 will be described with reference to FIG. 48 (b). The copying machine 30 is equipped with a toner motor composed of a stepping motor capable of obtaining a rotation angle corresponding to the number of pulses of the control signal in order to supply toner to the developing device in the electrophotographic process section. As shown, the amount of toner supplied to the developing device is proportional to the rotation speed of the toner motor. That is, the toner supply amount can be controlled by controlling the pulse number of the control signal output to the toner motor.

Therefore, the PCU 75 changes the pulse number of the control signal to be output to the toner motor based on the toner consumption amount CSt obtained by the output dot count processing, and controls so that the toner is appropriately replenished. .

As described above, since the toner replenishment control is performed based on the toner consumption amount calculated based on the image data immediately before being output, the well-known toner density provided inside the developing device or the like is detected. Toner replenishment can be performed accurately without the need for a sensor for
The number of parts constituting the device can be reduced, and eventually the manufacturing cost of the device can be suppressed.

Next, the toner remaining amount calculation of S139 in the flow chart of FIG. 44 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 51, the copying machine 30 includes a toner hopper 120 for supplying toner to the electrophotographic process section 47.
When 0 becomes empty and the operator or service engineer replenishes the toner to the full, the toner full detection sensor 1
24 detects this and sends a detection signal to PCU75. When the detection signal is input, the PCU 75 stores the amount of toner fully stored in the toner hopper in the internal RAM as the initial value of the remaining amount of toner.

In the subsequent copying operation, the toner consumption amount calculated in S137 is subtracted from the toner remaining amount to update the toner remaining amount. The updated remaining toner amount is held in the RAM inside the PCU 75.

Next, the predictable copy number processing of S140 in the flowchart of FIG. 44 will be described.

Next, regarding the process of predicting the number of possible copies in S140 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
This will be described in detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, from the total FWT of the pixel number of the character area and the total FPT of the pixel number of the photo area obtained by the above-mentioned document dot count process, the pixel number of the character area in the document copied by the copying machine 30 is occupied. The ratio Kw and the ratio Kp of the number of pixels in the photo area are calculated as follows. That is, Kw = FWT / (FWT + FPT) Kp = FPT / (FWT + FPT), which means that the occupancy of each area in the original copied by the copying machine 30 has been calculated on average. (S191).

Next, the occupancy rate of pixels for each gradation in each area is calculated. That is, when the occupation ratio of the gradation 1 pixel in the character area is αW1, αW1 = FW1 / FWT, and similarly, αW4 = FW4 / FWT, and the occupation ratio of each gradation pixel in the photo area .alpha.P1, .alpha.P2, .alpha.P3 and .alpha.P4 are also calculated as follows. That is, αP1 = FP1 / FPT αP2 = FP2 / FPT αP3 = FP3 / FPT αP4 = FP4 / FPT, whereby the pixel occupancy of each gradation in the original copied by the copying machine 30 was calculated on average. This is the case (S192).

Next, the predicted value of the document data density for one document is calculated based on the above values. Note that here, the size of the document is calculated as A4. That is, the total number of pixels in one A4 size original document is A,
The gradation density which is the density for each gradation is D1,
Letting D2, D3 and D4 be the original data density DFw in the text area and the original data density DFp in the photo area.
Is calculated as follows. That is, DFw = A * Kw * ([alpha] W1 * D1 + [alpha] W4 * D4) DFp = A * Kp * ([alpha] P1 * D1 + [alpha] P2 * D2 + [alpha] P3 * D3 + [alpha] P4 * D4). As a result, the document data densities of the areas of one A4 size document are calculated on average (S193).

Next, based on the above DFw and DFp, the toner consumption amount when the document data is printed out is predicted. The image processing section of the copying machine 30 is shown in FIG.
A correspondence table that correlates the document data density and the toner consumption amount is stored in advance according to the relationship represented by the graph shown in FIG. 7. By referring to the correspondence table, the toner consumption amount CFw in the character area and the toner consumption amount in the photo area are stored. The amounts CFp are obtained (S194).

Further, the toner consumption CFt for copying one A4 size original is calculated by obtaining the sum of the above CFw and CFp, and S in FIG.
By dividing the toner remaining amount already calculated in 139 by the CFt, the number of sheets that can be copied with respect to the toner remaining amount can be predicted for each A4 size sheet. It should be noted that when calculating the number of sheets, the decimal point and below are rounded down (S19).
5).

If the operator can uniformly set the density of the entire copy image to be lighter or darker, the toner consumption amount varies depending on the set density. For example, when the density can be set in five steps from the lightest density 1 to the darkest density 5, the original data density and the toner consumption when the density 1 or 5 is set. The relationship with the amount is shown in FIG.
And (b) respectively. In addition,
9A shows the toner consumption amount with respect to the document data density in the character area, and FIG. 9B shows the toner consumption amount with respect to the document data density in the photo area.

For example, as is clear from the graph shown in FIG. 14A, the toner consumption amount is CF when the density 1 is set for the document data density DFw of the character area.
w1 and the toner consumption amount when the density is set to 5 is CFw5, which is larger than CFw1. Also,
Although the toner consumption amount when the density is set to 2, 3 or 4 is not shown in the figure,
And CFw5.

The density can be set on the image quality setting screen shown in FIG. 10. When the operator sets the density in this way, when calculating the toner consumption amount in S194, the original By referring to the correspondence table according to the relationship represented by the graphs shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B, which correlates the data density and the toner consumption amount according to the set density, the toner consumption of the character area is referred to. Quantity C
Fw and the toner consumption amount CFp of the photograph area are obtained.

As is clear from the comparison of the graphs shown in (a) and (b) of the figure, when the original data densities are the same and the set densities are the same, the character areas are compared. Therefore, the toner consumption in the photo area is smaller.

Next, the process of calculating the empty amount of the waste toner container in S141 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 44 will be described.

The copying machine 30 is a waste toner in which the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum without being transferred to the paper at the transfer section of the electrophotographic process section is peeled from the photoconductor drum and the peeled toner is stored as waste toner. The bottle 121 is shown in FIG.
It is equipped as shown in. The waste toner bottle 121
Is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the copying machine, and when the waste toner is full, it is removed from the main body of the copying machine and an empty waste toner bottle is newly attached.

As shown in the figure, a spring 123 that expands and contracts according to the weight of the waste toner stored in the waste toner bottle 121 is provided at the bottom of the waste toner bottle 121. When it is detected that an empty waste toner bottle is attached based on the expansion / contraction amount of 123,
A waste toner empty detection sensor 125 that outputs a detection signal to the PCU 75 is further provided. PCU75 is
When the detection signal is input, the capacity of the waste toner bottle is set to the internal R as the initial value of the empty capacity of the waste toner bottle.
Remember in AM. Every time the copying operation is performed, the waste toner generation amount is calculated based on the toner consumption amount calculated in S137 of FIG. 44 and the toner transfer rate T (%) at the transfer portion as described above, The free space is updated by subtracting from the free space. When the waste toner generation amount is HT and the toner consumption amount is CSt, HT = CSt × (1−T / 100). The updated free space of the waste toner bottle is stored in the RAM.

Next, the waste toner bottle replacement timing prediction process of S142 in the flow chart shown in FIG. 44 will be described.

First, the calculator 25 calculates the data density of the output image based on the number of pixels for each gradation obtained by the output dot count of S137 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Furthermore, FIG.
(A) Alternatively, the toner consumption amount for one output image is calculated based on the graphs shown in FIGS. 49 (a) and 49 (b), and the empty capacity of the waste toner bottle calculated in S141 is calculated as the toner amount. By dividing by the consumption amount, the number of sheets that can be copied before the waste toner bottle becomes full can be calculated. The number of sheets calculated in this way is PCU75
It is stored in the internal RAM.

As described above, various predicted values stored in the RAM inside the PCU 75, that is, the remaining toner amount, the number of copies that can be made with the current remaining toner amount, the empty capacity of the waste toner bottle, and the waste toner bottle The number of copies that can be copied before the toner bottle is full is displayed on the LCD panel as shown in Fig. 8 in the "Maintenance management" screen.
It can be confirmed by the maintenance management setting screen shown in FIG. 20, which is displayed when the operator touches the part displayed as. As shown in the figure, the remaining toner amount and the empty capacity of the waste toner bottle are displayed in the capacity display units 204 and 206.
In, the rectangle is divided into black and white so that it can be visually displayed at a glance, and the arrow indicating the specified value described later is also displayed with the letters "Limit", so the toner hopper and waste toner bottle It is now possible to predict when the toner will run out and when to replace the waste toner bottle without directly checking.

Further, as shown in the figure, a numerical value display section showing the number of copyable sheets with respect to the remaining amount of toner and the number of copyable sheets until the time of exchanging the waste toner bottle are converted into A4 sheets. 205 and 206 are provided so that the operator can determine whether or not there is a margin for the number of copies to be made. Further, on the screen, the operator can touch the selection unit 203 displayed as "print output" to print out the display content of the screen as it is. That is, the PC shown in FIG.
The predicted value stored in the RAM in the U75 can be displayed on the screen by transmitting it to the OPU 76 via the communication line, and can be printed out by transmitting it to the ICU 78.

As described above, since the operator can confirm the various predicted values by the display or the printout, the toner may be exhausted or the waste toner bottle may become full during the copying operation. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the copying operation is interrupted. Further, it is possible to prepare new toner or a waste toner bottle in advance by confirming the number of copies that can be made with respect to the remaining amount of toner and the number of copies that can be made until the waste toner bottle becomes full. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation where the copying operation is interrupted as described above, and new toner and waste toner bottles are not prepared.

As described above, various predictive values such as the remaining toner amount can be confirmed by the operator on the screen display or the printout, but the operator is required to periodically confirm the predictive value. For the sake of saving, the copying machine 30 is provided with a configuration for automatically issuing a warning when various predicted values reach preset specified values.

In the maintenance management setting screen shown in FIG. 20, the selection section 20 displayed as "Maintenance warning setting".
When the operator touches 1, the display transitions to the maintenance warning setting screen shown in FIG. 21. On this screen, the preset value for various predicted values and the warning means when the preset value is reached are set. be able to.

As shown in FIG. 21, the maintenance warning setting screen is provided at the lower left part of the screen with prescribed value input sections 211 and 212 for setting the prescribed values. Further, the upper part of the screen is provided with specified value display sections 213, 214, 215 and 216 which display specified values set for the respective predicted values. The specified value display sections 213 and 215 divide the inside of each rectangle into black and white, as shown in the same figure, as to the ratio of the remaining amount of toner to the total capacity of the toner hopper and the ratio of the free capacity to the total capacity of the waste toner bottle. It is designed to be displayed visually. Further, the specified value display portions 214 and 216 display the number of A4 converted sheets as a numerical value.

On the maintenance warning setting screen, for example, when it is desired to set a prescribed value for the timing of warning for the remaining toner amount, first, the prescribed value display portion 213 is touched to display the prescribed value display portion 213. After black-and-white inversion, the specified value input section 211 or 21
Just touch 2.

For example, when the operator touches the prescribed value input portion 211, the portion shown in black in the prescribed value display portion 213 decreases in accordance with the length and strength of the time the operator is touching. To the specified value or the specified value input section 2
When the operator touches 12, similarly, the specified value display unit 2
In 13, the portion shown in black in the figure moves in the increasing direction. When the operator releases the hand and further touches the setting end input section 220 at the lower right of the screen, a value corresponding to the display content of the specified value display section 213 is stored in the RAM in the PCU as a specified value for the remaining toner amount. To be done.

The specified value display section 214 or 216
In the case of the specified value displayed in, for example, the numerical value decreases while the operator is touching the specified value input unit 211, and the numerical value increases while the specified value input unit 212 is touched. To do. When the operator releases the hand and further touches the setting end input section 220 at the lower right of the screen, the value corresponding to the display content of the specified value display section 214 or 216 can be copied by the number of copyable sheets or the waste toner replacement time. It is stored in the RAM in the PCU as a specified value for a certain number of sheets.

Furthermore, it is possible to select, on the same screen, how to give a warning when each predicted value reaches the specified value. That is, when the operator touches the warning means setting sections 217, 218, and 219 provided at the lower portion of the screen, the display of that portion is highlighted and turned ON, indicating that the selection has been made. When the same portion is touched again, the reverse display returns to the original state and the state becomes OFF.

For example, when the warning means setting unit 217 is touched, the maintenance management setting screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel when at least one of the predicted values reaches the specified value. The PCU 75 shown controls the OPU 76. When the warning means setting unit 218 is touched,
To print out the maintenance management setting screen,
The CU 75 controls the ICU 78. Further, when the warning means setting unit 219 is touched, the PCU 75 controls the OPU 76 so that the buzzer sounds.

The warning means setting sections 217 and 218 are also provided.
It is possible to select a plurality of 219, and all the selected warning means issue a warning. On the other hand, if no warning means setting part is selected, that is, if no part is highlighted, no warning is given.

The above operation will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 20, 21, 44 and 50.
First, the maintenance management setting mode is activated by displaying the maintenance management setting screen shown in FIG. 20 (S16).
1). When the operator touches the selection unit 203 for selecting printout processing of various predicted values on the screen (S16).
2) The various predicted values displayed on the screen are printed out (S163). Further, when the operator touches the selection unit 201 for selecting the setting process of the specified value for each predicted value (S164), the screen display is transited to the maintenance warning setting screen of FIG. 21, and the setting of the specified value is performed as described above. Do (S1
65).

Subsequently, the operations of S131 to S142 described in the flowchart of FIG. 44 are performed (S166),
Subsequently, on the maintenance warning setting screen shown in FIG. 21, it is determined whether at least one of the warning means setting units 217, 218, and 219 is in the ON state, and it is determined that at least one of the above is in the ON state. If S
The process proceeds to 168, and if there is no one that is in the ON state, the process ends (S167).

In S168, it is determined whether or not some of the predicted values have reached the specified value. If any of the predicted values has reached the specified value, the process proceeds to S169, and if not, the processing ends. S1
At 69, it is determined whether or not the warning means setting unit 218 is in the ON state, and if it is in the ON state, S1
In step 70, various predicted values are printed out, and if not in the ON state, step S171 is entered.

In step S171, the warning means setting unit 217 turns on.
It is determined whether or not it is in the N state, and if it is in the ON state, the process proceeds to S172 to display various predicted values on the screen,
If it is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to S173.

At S173, the warning means setting section 219 turns off.
If it is in the N state, it is judged whether it is in the N state or not.
If it is not in the N state, the process proceeds to S175.

[0252] In S175, it is determined whether or not the clear button has been pressed. If the clear button has been pressed by the operator, the process proceeds to S176, and the buzzer sounds or the warning display is stopped in S176.

As described above, the copying machine 30 calculates various predicted values each time the copying operation is performed, and the operator sets a specified value for each predicted value, and the calculated predicted value reaches the specified value. In this case, the warning means warns the operator. As a result, it is possible to predict in advance the time to replace the toner hopper and the waste toner bottle, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which the toner hopper becomes empty during the copying operation and the copying operation is interrupted. In addition, the number of copies that can be copied with respect to the remaining amount of toner and the number of copies that can be copied by the time when the waste toner bottle is replaced are displayed as numerical values. It can be determined whether there is a possibility of interruption.

Next, the resetting of the learning content will be described. As described above, various numerical values learned by performing the totaling for each copying operation, for example, the total number of sheets for each document type stored in the RAM inside the PCU 75 is not reset at a certain point. As long as it continues to accumulate. Therefore, if the usage environment changes, such as when the department that uses this copier changes, in order to re-learn the usage status in the new usage environment, reset the contents learned so far. Will be required.

In addition to the above case, it may be necessary to reset the predicted value of the remaining toner amount when the toner hopper or the waste toner bottle is replaced.

FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reset screen for the operator to instruct the resetting of the numerical values such as the above-mentioned cumulative value and predicted value. The reset screen is provided with a message display unit 181 that displays a message instructing the operator how to operate. On the message display unit 181, a message for instructing an operating procedure to the operator is displayed as shown in (b) and (c) of the same figure, and in accordance with this message, the operation instruction shown in (a) of the figure is displayed. When the operator touches the sections 182 to 189, the operator's instruction is input.

For example, when the operator touches any of the operation instructing units 182 to 187 when the message shown in FIG.
The display of the touched indicator flashes and the message display 1
At 81, the message shown in FIG. It is possible to select a plurality of operation instruction units 182 to 187, and the instruction unit touched by the operator allows the operator to identify which instruction is selected by blinking the display as described above. You can Also, if you want to cancel the selected instruction, touch the instruction section you want to cancel again as instructed by the above message,
The blinking is canceled and the selection is canceled.

As described above, after all the desired instruction sections have been selected, the operator touches the operation instruction section 189 displayed as "execute", and
Reset is executed. Further, by touching the operation instructing unit 188, it is possible to return to the basic screen shown in FIG. 7 even during the operation.

For example, when the copying machine 30 breaks down,
When it is desired to reset all the accumulated results so far, the operator selects the operation instructing unit 182 displayed as "All Reset" to reset all accumulated learning by the copying machine 30. Further, when the operation instruction sections 182 to 187 are selected, the items displayed on the respective display sections are reset.

When the operation instruction section 185 displayed as "first counter reset" is selected, the total number of sheets for each type of document is reset, and the operation displayed as "second counter reset" is reset. When the instruction section 186 is selected, the total of the number of pixels of the document for each gradation and each area is reset.

As described above, the operator can selectively reset the items desired to be reset. When all the items are to be reset, the items can be reset by selecting only "All Reset". You can save the trouble of selecting.

As described above, in addition to the method in which the operator selects and resets the item to be reset, it is possible to set so that only the numerical values of the necessary items are automatically reset when necessary. The procedure for setting the reset method will be described below.

On the maintenance management setting screen shown in FIG. 20, when the operator touches the selection section 202 displayed as “reset management”, the reset management screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. A person can set the reset method. On the reset management screen, as shown in the figure, three types of reset methods, "maintenance auto reset", "movement reset" and "forced reset" can be selected and set.

When the operator touches the display portion on which the desired reset method is displayed, the touched display portion is displayed in black and white, indicating that the selection has been made. The reset method is set by touching the display portion displayed as. Further, among the three types of reset methods, a plurality of types can be simultaneously selected and set.

Reset setting will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, as described above, the reset management mode is activated by displaying the reset management screen on the liquid crystal panel (S20).
1).

If "forced reset" is set as a result of the setting made by the operator as described above (S20
2) Immediately reset the numerical values of the items set by the operator (S203).

When "movement reset" is set (S204), the reset execution movement distance setting screen shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel (S205), and the operator uses the ten keys 241 on the screen. Then, the reset execution movement amount is set (S206). The set value is
When it is desired to change the movement amount which is displayed on the numerical value display section 244 and is once set, the display of the numerical value display section 244 is cleared to 0 by touching the selection section 243 displayed as “CLEAR”. The setting can be reset again using the ten keys 241.

After the reset execution movement amount is set as described above, when the operator touches the selection section 242 displayed as "setting completed" on the screen (S207), the operation shown in FIG.
The display returns to the reset management screen shown in, and when the operator touches the part displayed as “setting completed” on the screen, the reset method is set to the moving reset mode described in detail later (S208).

When "maintenance automatic reset" is set (S209), the reset method is set to the maintenance automatic reset mode described in detail later (S210).

Then, when the operator touches the portion displayed as "setting completed" on the reset management screen (S21).
1) Then, the reset mode set by the above procedure is confirmed (S212), and the process ends.

Now, the movement reset mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 53 (a) and 53 (b) and FIG. The movement reset mode is a mode in which various items are automatically reset when it is detected that the installation place of the copying machine 30 has been moved. The items reset in this movement reset mode are the total number of pixels for each gradation and the total number of sheets for each document type.

That is, for example, in the company, the copying machine 30
When the copier 30 is relocated due to a change in the department that uses, the operator who uses the copier 30 changes, so the tendency of the document image learned up to that point can be determined when determining the processing mode or the like. Will be unworthy of reference. Therefore, in the above case, it is necessary to clear all the above-mentioned totals up to that point and start a new total.

In order to detect that the installation place has moved, the copying machine 30 is connected to the wheel 115 attached to the bottom of the main body and the wheel 115, as shown in FIG. 53 (a). An encoder 114 that generates a pulse signal (ECP) in response to rotation, and a movement management unit (MCU) that inputs the ECP, counts the number of pulses, calculates the movement distance of the copying machine 30 and outputs the movement distance to the PCU 75.
111, an AC power supply line 117 that connects the AC power outlet to the copying machine 30, a DC power supply 112 that converts an alternating current from the AC power supply into a direct current, and a case where the power supply from the AC power supply is cut off. And the encoder 1
Battery 113 for supplying electric power to the MCU 14 and the MCU 111
And are further equipped.

The encoder 114 outputs the ECP as shown in FIG.
11 includes a CPU, a ROM, and an SRAM as a backup memory, which are not shown, inside the ECP 11.
Is input to calculate the moving distance of the copying machine 30.

Below, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 54, the copying machine 3 when the movement reset is set.
The operation procedure of 0 will be described.

First, the power switch of the copying machine 30 is turned off.
Or the AC power supply line 117
Is removed from the outlet 116, the copying machine 3
When the power supply to 0 is cut off (S221), the MCU1
The value (MC) of the movement amount counter stored in the SRAM in 11 is reset to 0 (S222). When the power is turned off as described above, electric power is supplied from the battery 113 to the MCU 111, the encoder 114 and the like.

When the MCU 111 receives the ECP output from the encoder 114 and detects the edge (rising pulse) of the ECP (S223), it adds 1 to the MC and updates the MC (S224). While the power of the copying machine 30 is off, the processes of S223 and S224 are repeated.

The ECP output from the encoder
Is raised every time the wheel 115 rotates by a predetermined rotation angle, the MCU 111 calculates the number of rotations of the wheel by counting the MC. MCU111
Is based on the number of rotations and the diameter of the wheels.
A movement amount of 0 is calculated.

After that, when the power of the copying machine 30 is turned on (S225), the movement amount calculated based on the MC counted while the power is off is changed by the operator as described above. It is determined whether or not the reset execution movement amount set by is exceeded (S226), and as a result of this determination, if the movement amount exceeds the value set by the operator, the respective counters are reset ( S227).
On the other hand, if it does not exceed, it is in the copy waiting state (S2
28) After that, a normal copy operation is performed.

As described above, the amount of movement of the copying machine 30 is automatically calculated, and when it is determined that the copying machine 30 has moved a distance equal to or greater than the specified value, each counter is automatically reset, thereby It is possible to save the operator the trouble of resetting when the use environment changes. Further, since the operator can set the above-mentioned specified value, it is possible to set a value suitable as a criterion for judging that the usage environment has changed according to the size of the installed floor, etc., so that an accurate movement reset is executed. be able to.

Next, the maintenance automatic reset mode will be described. When this reset mode is set, the toner full detection sensor 124 shown in FIG.
When it is detected that the toner is fully supplied to the toner hopper 120, the PCU 75 once resets the remaining toner amount stored in the internal RAM and sets the capacity of the toner hopper 120 as an initial value, Alternatively, when the waste toner empty detection sensor 125 detects that the waste toner bottle 121 has been replaced, the PCU 75
However, the empty capacity of the waste toner bottle stored in the RAM is once reset and the capacity of the waste toner bottle 121 is set as an initial value.

As described above, when the maintenance automatic reset mode is set, the reset and the initial value are automatically set when the toner-related maintenance as described above is performed, and therefore the operator is not allowed to perform the reset. You can always get an accurate prediction without forgetting.

As described above, according to the configuration of this reference example , the usage status is learned by the original dot count processing and the output dot count processing, and various predicted values are calculated based on the learned usage status. By displaying and printing out, the operator can prepare in advance when maintenance is required. For example, when toner needs to be replenished during the copying operation, it should be replenished. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which toner is not ordered, and it is possible to improve the convenience of operation.

Further, the learned contents, the mode for automatically resetting various predicted values, the mode for selectively resetting certain items by the operator, etc. can be used properly according to the usage situation. It is possible to deal with various situations.

The description of this reference example does not limit the present invention, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the example in which the original is classified into the character part and the photo part and the number of pixels of each is counted has been described, but the present invention is also applied to the case where the original is classified into the monochrome part and the color part. It is possible.

In addition, the image forming apparatus described in this reference example is
Cumulative for each tone density for each type of image in the original image
The total number of original pixels, which is the number of pixels
It is the total number of pixels for each gradation density for each type of image.
Record the total number of output pixels and various predicted values for maintenance work.
The storage means to remember and the original image is recorded every time the image forming operation is performed.
The number of pixels for each gradation density is counted for each type of image,
By adding to the total number of original pixels, the original image
Document pixel accumulation means for updating the accumulated prime number and image forming operation
The number of pixels for each gradation density in the output image.
Count by image type and add to the total output pixel count above.
The output pixel total that updates the above output pixel total by
Means and the total number of original pixels or the total number of output pixels
Based on the above, the various predicted values are calculated and recorded in the storage means.
Prediction value calculation means for updating the stored value, and the above various
And a display means for displaying the predicted value.
You can also

According to the above arrangement, every time an image forming operation is performed.
In the original image, the original pixel accumulating means
Gradation density for each type of image such as character image and photo image
Documents stored in storage means by counting the number of pixels for each
By adding to the total number of pixels,
The output pixel summing means updates the image in the output image.
The number of pixels for each gradation density is counted for each type, and the storage means
By adding to the total number of output pixels stored in
The above-mentioned cumulative number of output pixels is updated, and the prediction calculation means
Is based on the total number of original pixels or the total number of output pixels
The amount of toner remaining in the toner container,
In contrast, the number of sheets of paper on which images can be formed and the empty waste toner container
The image is displayed before the capacity and the waste toner container are full.
Various predicted values for maintenance work such as the number of sheets that can be formed
Calculate and update. In addition, the various predicted values calculated above
Is displayed on the display means.

[0288] As described above, in the manuscript used by the operator,
Of the type of image that the operator outputs and the type of image that the operator outputs.
The tendency is that the total number of original pixels and the total number of output pixels are
Will be remembered. With this, based on the above trend,
The various predicted values described above can be calculated more accurately.
Furthermore, the calculated predicted value should be displayed on the display means.
Allows the operator to, based on these predicted values,
Toner supply to the toner container, replacement of waste toner container, etc.
Of when to perform maintenance work on
A waste toner container or the like can be prepared in advance. This
As a result, during the copying operation, for example, the maintenance work as described above
The copying operation may be interrupted due to the need to perform work.
It is possible to avoid such a situation.

Further, in the image forming apparatus having the above structure,
An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image on the original is formed on the image carrier
The latent image forming means and the electrostatic latent image are developed by a developer containing toner.
Developing means for developing and supplying toner to the developing means
Corresponds to the toner supply means and the type and gradation density of the image.
Unit toner consumption per pixel and the above output pixel count
Counted for each gradation density according to image type by measuring means
Image on paper based on the number of pixels in the output image and
Calculating means for calculating the toner consumption amount when forming
Supply the amount of toner calculated based on the toner consumption.
So as to control the toner supply means.
The configuration may further include.

According to the above arrangement, for example, a character image and a copy are
You can print multiple types of images, such as
Toner consumption when forming an image based on the included original
For each pixel corresponding to the image type and gradation density
The unit toner consumption that is the toner consumption and the image of the output image
Based on the number of pixels counted for each gradation density for each image type
Based on the calculated toner consumption
Then, the control means controls the toner supply means to control the developing means.
Supply toner to.

As a result, even if the gradation density is the same,
Mixing multiple types of images, such as different toner consumption
Even if the image is formed based on the original to be printed,
It is possible to more accurately calculate the consumption amount of the gnar. this
As a result, the toner to the developing means is based on the toner consumption amount.
Since the supply amount is controlled, the toner suitable for the developing means is
-Density of electrostatic latent image
It is possible to form an image with high image quality.

[0292] will be described below with reference to still another reference example of Reference Example 4 This invention in FIGS. 15 and 55.

For the sake of convenience of description, configurations having the same functions as the configurations shown in the above-described embodiments and reference examples are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The copying machine 30 of this reference example manages the toner consumption amount for each department such as a department in a company. That is, the department code corresponding to the department is registered in advance in the copying machine 30, and the copying operation is permitted only when the operator inputs the correct department code.

The flow of copying operation in the copying machine 30 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the operator inputs the department code (S
151). Next, an image is read from the original by the scanner unit, and an output image is generated based on the read image (S152). The generated output image is formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum in the electrophotographic process section by the laser output section (S15).
4) After the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner, a copy process of transferring and fixing it on a sheet and outputting it is executed (S).
155). Subsequently, the toner consumption amount is calculated based on the number of pixels counted in S153 (S15).
6) The calculated toner consumption amount is added to the cumulative toner consumption amount of the department corresponding to the department code input in S151, and the toner consumption amount of each department is updated (S1).
57).

Note that the updated toner consumption amount is the PCU
Finally, the RAM is stored and held in the RAM provided inside, and is displayed on the department management setting screen shown in FIG. 15 and can be confirmed by the operator.

As described above, the toner consumption amount can be accumulated for each department, and the toner consumption amount can be managed for each department.

[0299]

As is apparent from the above description, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention has the document discriminating means for discriminating the type of the document according to the type of the image on the document and the total number of the documents. And a control means for comparing the above totals with each other, and a totalizing means for storing the totals for each type of originals, a totaling means for updating the totals based on the discrimination result of the originals discriminating means every time an image forming operation is performed, and the above control means for comparing the totals with each other. However, the operation mode is selected as the initial setting mode in accordance with the type of the document having the largest cumulative total.

As a result, the operator who performs the image forming operation selects and initializes the operation mode suitable for the type of document that is used most frequently. Therefore, the operator sets the operation mode for each copy operation. You can save time and effort,
This has the effect of simplifying the operating procedure .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an operation of a digital copying machine (image forming apparatus) showing a reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a basic structure of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a screen transition diagram of the operation panel.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a basic screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another function setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image quality setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a post-processing setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a parameter setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fingerprint registration screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a department management setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a limiter setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a simulation screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 18 (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a counter reset screen displayed on the operation panel, and FIG. 18 (b).
And (c) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a message displayed on a part of the screen.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a document processing mode setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a maintenance management setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a maintenance warning setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reset management screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a use environment confirmation screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reset execution movement distance setting screen displayed on the operation panel.

FIG. 25A is an enlarged perspective view showing a scanner unit included in the digital copying machine, and FIG. 25B is an enlarged plan view showing a scanner unit included in the scanner unit.

FIG. 26 is a time chart of the HPS signal and the RE signal output based on the operation of the scanner unit.

FIG. 27 is a time chart showing the relationship between the scanner motor control signal and the operation of the scanner motor.

FIG. 28 is a schematic configuration diagram of a scanner unit included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 29 is a graph of the density of image data of a document in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 30 is a graph of densities of respective image data in a character area and a photograph area.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the scanner unit with respect to a document.

FIG. 32 is a time chart of control signals of a scanner motor when reading a document.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the operation of a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus in another reference example of the present invention.

34A and 34B are explanatory diagrams showing a conventional processing method of image data read from a document.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit included in a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a character / photograph mixed original copied by the digital copying machine.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a procedure of dot count processing in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a procedure of document counting processing in the digital copying machine.

39A and 39B are explanatory views showing an example of an original copied by the digital copying machine. FIG. 39A is a character original, FIG. 39B is a photographic original, and FIG. FIG.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a procedure of setting a processing mode in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting a copying operation method in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a copying operation in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit included in a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus in still another reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a copying operation in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the procedure of output dot count processing in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a procedure of document dot count processing in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for calculating the number of copies that can be made with respect to the remaining amount of toner in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 48A is a graph showing the relationship between the total print data density of an output image and the toner consumption amount,
FIG. 6B is a graph showing the relationship between the toner motor rotation speed and the toner replenishment amount.

FIG. 49 is a graph showing the relationship between the data density of the original image and the toner consumption amount when the operator can set the density of the output image step by step. FIG. A graph relating to images, and FIG. 7B is a graph relating to photographic images.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting a maintenance warning in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration for detecting the capacities of a toner hopper and a waste toner bottle in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the procedure of reset processing in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 53 (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration for calculating the movement amount of the digital copying machine, and FIG. 53 (b) is output in accordance with the movement of the digital copying machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows ECP.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating a movement amount in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus in still another reference example of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

22 Pixel counting unit (original pixel accumulation means) 23 Pixel counter (output pixel accumulator) 24 Calculation Unit (Document Pixel Accumulation Unit) 25 Calculation Unit (Output Pixel Accumulation Means) 30 Digital copier (image forming device) 40 Scanner unit (reading means) 73 memory (image signal storage means) 75 PCU (control means) 78 ICU (Image signal processing means) 92 Liquid crystal panel (input means / display means)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A reading unit for reading an image from a document,
An image signal processing unit that forms an output image based on the read image, a control unit that controls the reading unit and the image signal processing unit by a plurality of types of operation modes depending on at least the type of document, and the output unit. Print image
Print output means to output and send the above output image to the outside
And a printing means for outputting the output image or
In the image forming apparatus performs output processing for transmitting to the outside, and the document discrimination means for discriminating the type of the document according to the type of image on the original, and the original cumulative storage means for storing the cumulative number of documents for each type of document, the An original document accumulating means for updating the above-mentioned total based on the discrimination result of the original document discriminating means at each output processing operation is provided , and the control means compares the above-mentioned totals with each other and determines the type of the original having the largest total. An image forming apparatus, wherein the operation mode is selected as an initial setting mode. 2. The manuscript accumulating means performs the output processing normally.
After the above, the above totals are stored in the original total storage means.
The image according to claim 1, wherein the image is stored regularly.
Image forming device. 3. Reading means for reading an image from an original,
Image signal that forms an output image based on the read image
Processing means, reading means, and image signal processing means
And multiple operation modes depending on the type of original.
Control means for controlling the mode and whether the original is a copy prohibited item.
An image forming is provided with a copy prohibited object determining means for determining whether or not
Documents that determine the document type according to the image type on the document in the image forming apparatus that performs
Discrimination means and total document count that stores the total number of documents by type of document
The storage means and, based on the determination result of the original determination means, each time the image forming operation is performed.
Based on the above, the control means compares the above-mentioned totals with each other, and the most total is calculated.
The operation mode corresponding to the type of many documents is called the initial setting mode.
Be one that selected by the copy inhibit object determining unit, document copy inhibit thereof der
If it is determined that the number is
An image forming apparatus characterized by terminating a copying operation. 4. A receiving means for receiving data from the outside is provided.
For example, the image data received by said receiving means,
Read from the above manuscript without adding to the above total
The same processing as image data is performed.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3.