JP3592067B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a document table for supporting a document, document scanning means for scanning an image of the document supported on the document table, and detecting a size of the document supported on the document table. An image forming apparatus such as a scanner, a printer, a copying machine, or the like, comprising: a document size detecting means; and a document scanning area determining means for determining a scanning area by the document scanning means according to the document size detected by the document size detecting means. It concerns the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A copying machine, which is a conventional image forming apparatus, is equipped with an image scanning device (scanner) for reading an image of a document set on a document table. ) Is provided.
[0003]
Then, the scanning range of the document by the scanner unit is determined according to the document size detected by the document size detecting device, so that useless area scanning is suppressed.
Further, if the original size detected by the original size detection device and a sheet of a desired size (size) are indicated, the copy magnification is automatically determined, converted to an image of an appropriate size, and reproduced. It has become.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-30148 describes this document size detection device and the control of the range over which a document is scanned based on document size information obtained by this detection unit.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, there is a document which cannot be detected even by such a document size detecting device.
In recent years, color copiers capable of forming color images have become widespread, and the environment in which black-and-white copiers have been used has changed and the range of use has been expanded. Originals of all forms (sizes) have been set in copiers.
[0006]
For this reason, if the sensor of the document size detection device is arranged to detect the document size corresponding to all document sizes, the number of sensors is required more than before, and the number of operations during product assembly increases. Therefore, there is a problem that the production cost increases and the parts cost of the product also increases.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention performs a reliable scan on a specific small-sized document (such as a photograph) without unnecessarily increasing the number of sensors of a document size detecting unit for detecting the document size, and It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of recording and reproducing an image of a document.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above objectives The present invention The image forming apparatus includes a document table for supporting a document, document scanning means for scanning an image of the document supported on the document table, and detecting a size of the document supported on the document table. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a document size detecting means for determining a scanning area by the document scanning means according to a document size detected by the document size detecting means; A specific size document instructing means for indicating that a document of a specific size that cannot be detected by the document size detecting means is supported on the platen; Electronic image reading means for reading the image of the document scanned by the document scanning means as electronic image data, and indication that a document of a specific size is supported on a document table by the specific size document instruction means. Image data processing means for executing a specific image processing mode for performing image processing of image data read by the electronic image reading means as specific image data, and processing by the image data processing means being in a specific image processing mode And a display unit for displaying a unique function that can function in the specific image processing mode. The document scanning area determination means includes: the above Specific size manuscript Instructions When the means indicates that a document of a specific size is supported, the scanning area of the document scanning means is determined to be a predetermined area.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A configuration of a digital color copying machine which is an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of an embodiment of a digital color copying machine.
[0019]
A document table 111 and an operation panel are provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1. The document table 111 is supported on the upper surface of the document table 111 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 111. The automatic document feeder 112 is mounted with a predetermined positional relationship.
Further, an image reading unit 110 and an image forming unit 210 are configured inside the copying machine main body 1.
[0020]
First, the automatic document feeder 112 mounted on the document table 111 on the upper surface of the copying machine body 1 is a double-sided automatic document feeder corresponding to a double-sided document. The document is conveyed so as to face each other, and after the image reading on one side is completed, the document is turned over so that the other side faces at a predetermined position on the platen 111 and conveyed toward the platen 111 .
[0021]
Then, after reading the image on both sides of one document, the document is discharged, and the double-sided conveyance operation for the next document is executed. The operation of conveying the original and the operation of turning over the original are controlled in relation to the operation of the entire copying machine.
[0022]
Further, in order to read an image of the original conveyed onto the original platen 111 by the automatic two-sided automatic document feeder 112, an original scanning body which reciprocates in parallel along the lower surface of the original platen 111 below the original platen 111. Is arranged.
[0023]
The original scanning body has a predetermined scanning speed while maintaining a constant distance on the lower surface of an original table 111 including an exposure lamp for exposing the original image surface and a first mirror for deflecting a reflected light image from the original in a predetermined direction. From the first scanning unit 113 which reciprocates in parallel, and the second and third mirrors which further deflect the reflected light image from the document deflected by the first mirror of the first scanning unit 113 in a predetermined direction. A second scanning unit 114 that reciprocates in parallel with a constant speed relationship with the first scanning unit 113, and a reflected light image from a document deflected by the third mirror of the second scanning unit 114 is reduced to a predetermined size. An optical lens 115 for forming an optical image at the position of the optical lens 115, and a light image formed by forming the optical image reduced by the optical lens 115 is sequentially subjected to photoelectric conversion, and a reflected light image from the original is electrically converted. And an output photoelectric conversion element 116. As items.
The document image information converted into an electric signal by the photoelectric conversion element 116 is further transferred to an image processing unit described later and subjected to predetermined processing as image data.
[0024]
When performing image processing on an original without using the automatic two-sided automatic document feeder, the original is directly set on the original platen 111 and the original is scanned. At this time, an original detection unit 120 for automatically reading the original size is provided. The document detection unit 120 is provided separately from a light emitting unit 121 and a light receiving unit 122.
Thereby, a document of a specific size that can be detected by the document detection unit 120 can be recognized.
[0025]
Next, the image forming section 210 located on the lower side of the copying main body 1 will be described. A sheet feeding mechanism 211 is provided below the image forming unit 210 shown in FIG. 1, and separates sheets stored in a sheet tray one by one and supplies the sheets toward the recording unit. .
[0026]
The paper separated and supplied one by one is conveyed with the timing controlled by a pair of registration rollers 212 disposed in front of the image forming unit 210, and is reconveyed and conveyed at a timing with the image forming unit 210.
[0027]
A transfer conveyance belt 213 extending substantially in parallel is disposed below the image forming unit 210, and the sheet is statically transferred to a transfer conveyance belt 216 stretched between a plurality of rollers such as a driving roller 214 and a driven roller 215. It is configured to be electro-adsorbed and transported.
[0028]
Further, a fixing device 217 for fixing the toner image transferred and formed on the sheet onto the sheet is disposed downstream of the transfer conveyance belt 213. The sheet that has passed between the fixing roller nips of the fixing device 217 is The sheet is discharged by a discharge roller 219 through a transfer direction switching gate 218 onto a sheet discharge tray 220 attached to an outer wall of the apparatus.
[0029]
The conveyance direction switching gate 218 discharges the sheet after fixing to the outside of the copying machine, and selectively switches the sheet conveyance path again to supply the sheet to the image forming unit 210 again. The sheet whose transport direction has been switched again toward the image forming unit 210 by the switching gate 218 is supplied again to the image forming unit 210 after turning over the sheet via the switchback transport path 221.
[0030]
On the upper side of the transfer conveyance belt 216 stretched substantially in parallel by the driving roller 214 and the driven roller 215 and the like, first, second, third , And fourth image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.
[0031]
The transfer conveyance belt 216 is frictionally driven by the drive roller 214 in the direction indicated by the arrow Z in FIG. 1 and carries the paper fed through the paper feed mechanism 211 as described above. It is sequentially conveyed to the forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd.
[0032]
Each of the image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd has substantially the same configuration, and includes photosensitive drums 222a, 222b, 222c, and 222d that are driven to rotate in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. Around the drum 222, chargers 223a, 223b, 223c and 223d for uniformly charging the photosensitive drums 222222a, 222b, 222c and 222d, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 222 are developed. Developing devices 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, transfer dischargers 225a, 225b, 225c, 225d for transferring the developed toner image onto paper, and cleaning means 226a for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 222; 226 b, 226 c, and 226 d are sequentially arranged along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 222.
[0033]
Above each of the photosensitive drums 222a, 222b, 222c and 222d, a semiconductor laser device for emitting dot light modulated in accordance with image data, and a device for deflecting light from the semiconductor laser device in the main scanning direction. A deflecting device and laser beam scanner units 227a, 227b, 227c, and 227d each including an fθ lens for forming an image of the laser beam deflected by the deflecting device on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 are provided.
[0034]
The laser beam scanner unit 227a receives a pixel signal corresponding to the yellow component image of the color original image, the laser beam scanner unit 227b receives a pixel signal corresponding to the magenta component image of the color original image, and the laser beam scanner unit 227c receives the color signal. A pixel signal corresponding to the cyan component image of the original image is input to the laser beam scanner unit 227d, and a pixel signal corresponding to the black component image of the color original image is input to the laser beam scanner unit 227d.
[0035]
As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the color-converted original image information is formed on each photosensitive drum 222, the yellow toner is applied to the developing device 227a, and the magenta toner is applied to the developing device 227b. Since the cyan toner is stored in the device 227a and the black toner is stored in the developing device 227b, the document image information color-converted in each of the image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd is converted into the toner of each color. Reproduced as an image.
[0036]
Further, a paper suction (brush) charger 228 is provided between the first image forming station Pa and the paper feed mechanism 211, and the paper suction charger 228 charges the surface of the transfer conveyance belt 216. Then, the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding mechanism 211 is transported without displacement between the first image forming station Pa and the fourth image forming station Pd in a state where the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding mechanism 211 is securely attracted onto the transfer transport belt 216.
[0037]
On the other hand, a static eliminator (not shown) is provided almost directly above the drive roller 214 between the fourth image forming station Pd and the fixing device 217. An alternating current for separating the electroadsorbed paper is applied.
[0038]
In the digital color copier having the above-described configuration, a cut sheet is used as a sheet. When the sheet is sent out from the sheet cassette and supplied into the guide of the sheet feeding path of the sheet feeding mechanism 211, the sheet Is detected by the above-described sensor, and the sheet is temporarily stopped by the pair of registration rollers 212 according to a detection signal output from the sensor.
Then, the sheet is sent to the transfer / conveying belt 216 rotating in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 1 at the timing of each of the image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.
[0039]
At this time, the transfer / conveying belt 216 is charged at a predetermined level by the above-described paper suction charger 228, so that the transfer / conveying belt 216 is stably conveyed and supplied while passing through the image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd. The Rukoto.
[0040]
In each of the image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd, a toner image of each color is formed by the above-described configuration, and is superimposed on a support surface of a sheet that is electrostatically conveyed and conveyed by the transfer conveyance belt 216 to form a fourth image. When the transfer of the image by the forming station Pd is completed, the image is guided from the leading end portion of the sheet to the fixing device 217 separated from the transfer conveyance belt 216 by the charge eliminator. Then, the sheet on which the toner image has been finally fixed is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 220 from the sheet discharge port.
[0041]
(Circuit description of image processing unit)
Next, the configuration and functions of a color image information image processing unit mounted on a digital color copying machine will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing unit included in the digital color copying machine.
[0043]
The image processing unit included in the digital color copying machine includes an image data input unit 40, an image processing unit 41, an image data output unit 42, an image memory 43 including a hard disk device or a RAM (random access memory), and the like. It comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 44, an image editing unit 45, and an external interface unit 46.
[0044]
The image data input unit 40 is capable of reading a color original image and outputting line data obtained by color separation into YMC color components, and corrects the line image level of the line data read by the three line CCD 40a and the color CCD 40a. A shading correction circuit 40b, a line matching unit 40c such as a line buffer for correcting a deviation of image line data read by the three-line color CCD 40a, and correcting color data of line data of each color output from the three-line color CCD 40a. A MTF correction unit 40e that corrects the change of the signal of each pixel so that the change of the signal of each pixel has a sharpness, and a γ correction unit 40f that corrects the visibility by correcting the brightness of the image.
[0045]
The image processing unit 41 includes a color space correction circuit 41a that corrects a color gamut of a color image signal input via the image data input unit 40 or an external interface unit 46, which will be described later, to a color gamut by color toner in the recording apparatus. And a masking circuit 41b for converting the input image data RGB signals into YMC signals corresponding to the respective recording units of the recording apparatus, RGB of the color image input via the image data input unit 40 or the external interface unit 46 to be described later. A black detection circuit 41c for detecting a black component from a signal, an under color removal process for performing black detection based on a YMC signal output from a masking circuit 41b, and a black addition process for adding a black component signal output from the black detection circuit 41c Color removal / black addition circuit (UCR / BP) 41d that performs color conversion based on the density conversion table A density processing circuit 41e for adjusting the density of an image signal, a scaling processing circuit 41f for converting the magnification of input image information based on a set magnification, and characters / photos / dots in image information from input image data. It is composed of a separation / screen circuit 41g for detecting an area and separating the area and determining an output pattern of an image.
[0046]
An image data output unit 42 performs a laser control unit (LSU) 42a that performs pulse width modulation based on image data of each color, and performs laser recording based on a pulse width modulation signal corresponding to an image signal of each color output from the laser control unit 42a. And a laser scanner unit 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d for each color.
[0047]
The image memory 43 sequentially receives the 8-bit 4-color (32-bit) image data serially output from the image processing unit 41 and converts the 32-bit data into 8-bit 4-color image data while temporarily storing the data in a buffer. A hard disk control unit 43a that outputs data in parallel to divide and manage four hard disks, and four hard disks (rotary storage media) 43b, 43c that store and manage 8-bit, four-color image data as image data for each color 43d and 43e.
[0048]
The central processing unit (CPU) 44 controls the image data input unit 40, the image processing unit 41, the image data output unit 42, the image memory 43, an image editing unit 45, and an external interface unit 46, which will be described later, based on a predetermined sequence. Control.
[0049]
The image editing unit 45 is for performing a predetermined image editing on the image data once stored in the image memory 43 via the image data input unit 40, the image processing unit 41, or the external interface unit 46 described later. It is.
[0050]
Further, the external interface unit 46 is a communication interface means for receiving image data from an external image input processing device provided separately from the digital color copying machine.
[0051]
The image data input from the external interface unit 46 is converted into a data level that can be handled by the image recording unit 210 of the digital color copying machine by temporarily inputting the image data into the image processing unit 41 and performing color space correction and the like. As a result, recording and management are performed on the hard disks 43b, 43c, 43d, and 43e.
[0052]
(Explanation of the control structure of the entire digital color copier)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control circuit including a central processing unit (CPU) 44 for controlling each unit of the entire digital color copying machine. .
[0053]
The image data input unit 40, the image processing unit 41, the image data output unit 42, the image memory 43, and the central processing unit (CPU) 44 are the same as those in FIG.
[0054]
A central processing unit (CPU) 44 manages, by sequence control, drive mechanisms constituting the digital color copying machine such as a RADF 2-1, a scanner unit, and a laser printer unit, and outputs a control signal to each unit.
[0055]
Further, an operation board unit 47 composed of an operation panel is connected to the central processing unit (CPU) 44 in a mutually communicable state, and transmits a control signal in accordance with a copy mode set and input by an operator. The digital color copier is transferred to a (CPU) 44 to operate according to the mode.
[0056]
Also, a control signal indicating the operation state of the digital color copying machine is transferred from the central processing unit (CPU) 44 to the operation board unit 47, and the operation board unit 47 uses the control signal to determine what state the apparatus is currently in. The operation state is displayed on a display unit or the like as shown to the operator.
[0057]
Reference numeral 46 denotes an external interface unit provided to enable information communication with other digital image devices such as image information and image control signals.
[0058]
Reference numeral 48 denotes a sensor input unit to which a signal from a sensor or the like in each unit of the copying machine is input. Document size information obtained from the document detection unit 120 is also obtained from the sensor input unit 48, whereby the central processing unit (CPU) 44 controls each load.
[0059]
(Explanation of operation panel)
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the digital color copying machine.
[0060]
A touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 is arranged at the center of the operation panel, and various mode setting keys are arranged around it.
[0061]
On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6, there is a screen switching instruction area for constantly switching to a screen for selecting an image editing function. By directly pressing this area with a finger, various image editing functions can be selected. A list of various editing functions is displayed on the LCD screen.
From among the displayed various editing functions, the editing function is set by the operator touching an area where the desired function is displayed with a finger.
[0062]
Briefly describing the various setting keys arranged on the operation panel, reference numeral 7 denotes a dial for adjusting the brightness of the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a magnification automatic setting key for setting a mode for automatically selecting a magnification, reference numeral 9 denotes a zoom key for setting a copy magnification in increments of 1%, reference numerals 10 and 11 denote fixed magnification keys for reading and selecting a fixed magnification, Reference numeral 12 denotes an equal-magnification key for returning the copy magnification to the standard magnification (actual magnification).
[0063]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a density switching key for switching the copy density adjustment from automatic to means or photo mode, reference numeral 14 denotes a density adjustment key for finely setting the density level in manual mode or photo mode, and reference numeral 15 denotes a paper feeder of a copying machine. Is a tray selection key for selecting a desired paper size from the paper sizes set in.
[0064]
16 is a copy number setting key for setting the number of copies, 17 is a clear key operated when clearing the number of copies or stopping continuous copying, 18 is a start key for instructing the start of copying, and 19 is a current key. An all key for canceling all set modes and returning to the standard state, an interrupt key 20 for operating a copy of another original during continuous copying, and an operation key 21 for copier operation. An operation guide key 22 for displaying a message on the operation method of the copier by operating when there is no operation, and a message forward key 22 for displaying a continuation of the message displayed by operating the operation guide key 21.
[0065]
Reference numeral 23 denotes a double-sided mode setting key for setting a double-sided copying mode, and reference numeral 24 denotes a post-processing mode setting key for setting an operation mode of a post-processing device for sorting copies discharged from a copying machine.
25 to 27 are setting keys for a printer mode and a facsimile mode, 25 is a memory transmission mode key for temporarily storing a transmission original in a memory and then transmitting the same, and 26 is a digital copying machine mode for copying and faxing, and between the printer. A copy / fax / printer mode switching key 27 for switching is used to store a destination telephone number in advance, and is a one-touch dial key for transmitting a telephone call to the destination by one-touch operation during transmission.
[0066]
The operation panel presented this time and the various keys arranged on the operation panel are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on various functions mounted on the digital color copier. Nor.
[0067]
(Description of the configuration of document detection)
FIGS. 5 and 6 show the configuration of document detection by the document detection unit 120. The light emitting unit 121 includes a B5 light emitting sensor 121a for detecting B5 paper, and a B5 light emitting sensor 121a for detecting A4 paper. A4 light emitting sensor 121b, a B4 light emitting sensor 121c for detecting B4 paper, and an A3 light emitting sensor 121d for detecting A3 paper are arranged, and the light receiving unit 122 detects B5 paper. B5 light receiving sensor 122a, A4 light receiving sensor 122b for detecting A4 paper, B4 light receiving sensor 122c for detecting B4 paper, and A3 light receiving sensor 122d for detecting A3 paper. Each is arranged.
[0068]
The sensors 121 and 122 emit light emitted from the light emission sensor 121 in the vicinity of the inside of the rear end of the paper when the paper of each size is set with the leading edge aligned with the reference end (left end in FIG. 5) of the document table 111. The light receiving sensor 122 corresponding to the paper traversing the center of the sheet indicated by the one-dot chain line is disposed.
[0069]
Then, the sheet is positioned between each light emitting sensor 121 and each light receiving sensor 122 to block the light, and the light receiving sensor 122 at the corresponding location stops receiving the light. The paper size is detected based on this detection signal.
For example, in the case of B5 size paper, only the light receiving sensor 122a for B5 does not receive the light from the light emitting sensor 121, and the other light receiving sensors 122b, 122c, 122d receive the light. It is determined that the printed sheet is a B5 size sheet. In the case of an A4 size sheet, the B5 light receiving sensors 122a and 122b do not receive light, and the remaining B4 light receiving sensors 122c and A3 122d. Receives light, it is determined that the sheet set on the document table 111 is a B5 size sheet.
[0070]
Next, the digital color copying machine of the present invention Reference Example 1 Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and display examples (1) and (2) of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 of FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0071]
First, after the initial setting (S1), whether or not the original is set on the original platen 111, the size of the original is detected if the original is set (S2). A screen is displayed to prompt the user to set an arbitrary document (S3). When the user sets the document and detects that the original cover (OC) or the duplex automatic document feeder 112 has been closed (S4), the document is again set. Detection is performed (S5), and the setting state of the original on the original platen 111 is confirmed again.
When the original is set, the copying machine is ready for copying, and the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 shifts to a copy start screen (FIG. 8C) (S6).
[0072]
Even if the document is detected in S2, the user can input the "small size document" key shown in FIG. If there is no input of the "small size original" key, the process directly proceeds to S6, and if the "small size original" key is input, the original detection data is reset and the confirmed original size information is invalidated ( S8).
[0073]
If the original cannot be detected in S5, an input from the "small-size original" key is awaited (S9). When the original cover or the automatic two-sided automatic document feeder 112 is opened (S10), the process returns to S3 and the original is set. Start over.
[0074]
When the "small size document" key is pressed, the process starts as a copy mode for a small size document in which the document cannot be detected.
First, a small-size original copy is displayed (S11). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a small-size original is to be specified (S12). If a small-size original is to be selected, this fact is recognized by inputting a specific size (S12). S13), a specific size display is performed on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 of FIG. 4 (S14).
When the size of the document is determined, the copying machine automatically selects a sheet of a size suitable for a specific size by an APS function (automatic sheet selection function) (S15).
[0075]
If the specific size original of the small size original is not selected, the AMS function (automatic magnification setting function) is canceled (S16).
Then, it is confirmed whether or not the setting sheet is present in the copying machine main body (S17). If there is a sheet, the setting sheet size is displayed on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 (S18), and the process proceeds to S6.
[0076]
When there is no paper, two types of control are possible. First, a message indicating that there is no paper is output (S19), and after the paper is replenished (S20), the set paper size is displayed, and the process proceeds to S18. Second, paper of the size closest to the set original size is automatically selected from the copy paper set in the copying machine body (S21), the set paper size is displayed on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6, and the process proceeds to S18. Transition. When copying is started, a document operation processing operation is executed only in a predetermined area in accordance with the document size set before (S22), and the copy operation ends. When the copying is completed (S23), the operation is completed.
[0077]
When the specific size original is designated in S12 to S15, the scanning unit 113 scans only the scanning area of the specific size original in the scanning processing operation of S22. FIG. 8A shows a state in which the original size has not yet been determined by the original detection by the original detection unit 120. At this time, the user has pressed the "small size original" to set an original of a size that cannot be detected. Recognize By causing the user to select the type of the small-size original according to FIG. 8B, the small-size original size is recognized, and the screen shifts to the copy available screen in FIG. 8C.
This is realized by displaying the specific size original on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 in S14. FIG. 8C shows the type of the small-size document.
[0078]
This is achieved by invalidating the original detection data by pressing the “small-size original” key in FIG. 9A, which is the set key in S7 and S8 described above. In FIG. 9A, it is recognized that the document is, for example, an A4 size document. However, when the "small size document" key is pressed, the document detection data becomes invalid, and the display shown in FIG.
[0079]
After the document detection data is invalidated by pressing the "small size document" key in S7 and S8, scanning control is performed based on the information of the document specified in S22.
[0080]
By not selecting a specific size original in S11 and S12, the size of the original is not specified, but it is determined that the original is a small size original that cannot be detected. This is realized by performing a scanning process in the scanning region. In FIG. 9B, the copying machine recognizes the document as a small size document.
In step S11, the document is determined to be a small size document, and is displayed.
[0081]
For the document determined to be a small-size document in S15, the paper designated for the small-size document is automatically set from among the sizes that can be set by the copying machine body.
In FIG. 9B, the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 informs the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 that B5 portrait has been selected as the optimal size in the paper sizes (for example, four types of B5 portrait, A4 portrait, B4, and A3) that the copier can prepare as specifications. To display.
[0082]
If there is no predetermined sheet (B5 portrait) automatically set in S19 and S20, a message indicating that there is no sheet is displayed to prompt the user to replenish the sheet.
[0083]
In step S21, an optimal size for copying a document of a predetermined size is selected from the sheets of the copying machine main body.
In FIG. 9C, when there is no B5 portrait paper, which is the optimal size among the paper sizes (for example, B5 portrait, A4 portrait, B4, and A3) that can be prepared as the specifications of the copying machine, the paper size is changed. It is reselected and the paper size is displayed.
[0084]
By not selecting a specific size original in S12 and S16, the size of the original cannot be specified, but the original cannot be detected, so it is determined that the original is a small size original, and the AMS function (automatic magnification setting function) is released. .
[0085]
Next, the digital color copying machine of the present invention Reference examples related to Operation 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10 and display examples (1) and (2) of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 of FIGS.
[0086]
First, after the initial setting (S31), whether a document is set on the platen 111 is detected if the document is set (S32). A screen prompting the user to set an arbitrary document (FIG. 8A) is displayed (S33), and it is detected that the user has set the document and the original cover (OC) or the automatic duplex document feeder 112 has been closed. Then, the presence or absence of a document is detected by the document presence / absence sensor (S35).
[0087]
If the original is not set, the process returns to S33 (FIG. 8A) to prompt the user to set the original.
When it is detected that the document is set, the document size is detected again (S36), and the setting state of the document on the document table 111 is confirmed again.
When the document is set, the copying machine is ready for copying, and the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 shifts to a copy start screen (S37).
[0088]
If the document is detected in S35 and the document size is not detected in S36, it is determined that a small-size document is set, and the small-size mode is displayed (FIG. 8C) (S38). Then, the size of the small-size document is selected (S39). When the size is specified (S40), the display of the specific size is performed (S41), and the paper of the optimum size based on the specific-size document is automatically set (S42). After displaying the set paper size (S43), the flow shifts to S7 to shift to the copy start screen.
[0089]
When copying is started, a document scanning process operation is performed only in a predetermined area in accordance with the document size set up before (S44), and a copy operation process is performed. When the copying is completed (S45), the operation is completed.
[0090]
Next, an embodiment of the digital color copying machine of the present invention 1 Will be described together with the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the display example (3) of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 of FIG.
[0091]
First, after the initial setting (S51), whether a document is set on the document table 111 is detected if the document is set or not (S52). A screen for prompting the user to set an arbitrary document is displayed (S53). When the user sets the document and detects that the original cover (OC) or the duplex automatic document feeder 112 is closed, the document size detection is performed again. Then, the state of setting the original on the original platen 111 is checked again (S55).
When the original is set, the copying machine is ready for copying, and the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 shifts to a copy start screen (S56).
[0092]
Even when a document is detected in S52, the user can input a "small size document" key which is a set key for designating a document of a size for which no document is detected (S57). If there is no input of the "small size document" key, the process directly proceeds to S56, and if the "small size document" key is input, the document detection data is reset to invalidate the confirmed document size information (S58).
[0093]
If the original cannot be detected in S55, input from the "small-size original" key is awaited (S59). When the original cover or the automatic two-sided automatic document feeder is opened (S60), the flow returns to S53 and starts again from the setting of the original. .
[0094]
When the "small size document" key is pressed, the process starts as a copy mode for a small size document in which the document cannot be detected, and at the same time, the function starts as a specific image processing mode.
First, the small-size document is fixed to the mode for performing the specific image processing (S61), the fact that the mode is the specific image processing mode is displayed on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 (S62), and further, it can function in this specific image processing mode. The unique function is also displayed at the same time (S63).
[0095]
When the setting of the unique function is performed (S64), the function setting is completed by pressing a predetermined key (S65), and the screen shifts to the copy start screen. When the copy is started, the specific image mode is reconfirmed (S66), and if the mode is set, the image processing is executed by the specific image processing unit (S67), and the process proceeds to the copy operation. The document scanning processing operation is executed only in a predetermined area in accordance with the document size set as described above (S68), and the copying operation is processed. When the copying is completed (S69), the operation is completed.
[0096]
The document determined in S11 to S13 is a small-size document and is also determined to be a document to be processed by the specific image processing. By instructing a small-size original according to FIG. 8A, the screen directly shifts to a photo copy size selection screen shown in FIG. 12A, and the size of the small-size original is recognized. Shift to different image processing methods at the same time so that you can copy more beautifully.
The fact that the specific image processing mode process is being performed is displayed in S12.
[0097]
The setting of the unique function is enabled by the above S13 to S15.
As shown in FIG. 12B, for example, only a copyable screen of a photo can use a function of a reprint function as a unique function that is effective in photocopying.
The additional printing function is a function that can copy as many copies as possible per copy sheet on a set photo original.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention According to the image forming apparatus of When it is instructed that a small original that cannot be detected is set on the platen, a specific image processing mode is executed in which image data of the original image read by the electronic image reading unit is processed as specific image data. In addition, image processing of a document image of a specific size can be automatically performed according to the document. In addition, since the unique function that can function in the specific image processing mode can be used, the user can easily perform the setting operation procedure of the unique function. can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing the entire structure of an embodiment of a digital color copying machine which is an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing unit included in the digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control circuit including a central processing circuit for controlling each unit of the entire digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a document detection unit of the digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a digital color copying machine of the present invention. Reference examples related to 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG.
FIGS. 8A and 8B show display examples (1) of the touch panel liquid crystal display device of the present invention, wherein FIG. 8A is an explanatory view showing a document setting screen when a document is not detected, and FIG. (C) is an explanatory diagram showing a copy available screen after a small-size document is determined.
FIGS. 9A and 9B show display examples (2) of the touch panel liquid crystal display device of the present invention, wherein FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing a screen when document detection (A4) data is present, and FIG. FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram showing a screen at the time of automatic selection of an optimum size of copyable paper when no particular size is specified.
FIG. 10 is a digital color copying machine of the present invention. Reference examples related to 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG.
FIG. 11 is an embodiment of a digital color copying machine of the present invention. 1 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.
FIGS. 12A and 12B show display examples (3) of the touch panel liquid crystal display device of the present invention, wherein FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy-enabled screen (with a unique function display) in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Copier body
40 Image data input unit
41 Image processing unit
42 Image data output unit
43 Image memory
44 Central control circuit
45 Image Editing Department
46 External interface
48 Each sensor input section

Claims (1)

A platen for supporting the manuscript,
Document scanning means for scanning an image of a document supported on the document table,
Document size detection means for detecting the size of the document supported on the platen,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a document scanning area determining unit that determines a scanning area by the document scanning unit according to a document size detected by the document size detecting unit;
A specific size document instructing means for indicating that a document of a specific size that cannot be detected by the document size detecting means is supported on the platen,
Electronic image reading means for reading the image of the document scanned by the document scanning means as electronic image data,
When the specific size original designating unit indicates that a document of a specific size is supported on the platen, specific image processing for performing image processing on the image data read by the electronic image reading unit as specific image data Image data processing means for executing the mode,
Display means for displaying that the processing by the image data processing means is in the specific image processing mode,
Thereby enabling use specific features that may function in the specific image processing mode, the document scanning area determining means, when it is instructed that the document of a particular size are supported by the particular size document instructing means An image forming apparatus, wherein a scanning area of the document scanning means is determined to be a predetermined area.

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