JP3595899B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a digital color copying machine or a printer that develops and outputs a plurality of pieces of image information input as image data on a single recording sheet as a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-278463 discloses a method of multi-copying a plurality of images on a recording paper as a recording medium.
[0003]
In the multi-copy system of this digital copying machine, an image stored in a memory is generated a plurality of times in units of lines and copied onto a recording sheet when a recording scan of one line is performed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the digital copy machine of the multi-copy type is divided printing in the main scanning direction, and can only handle transfer processing in line units.
Therefore, in order to repeatedly reproduce the original image in the sub-scanning direction, it is necessary to drive the original reading unit again to read the image data of the original, or to have a page memory and create an image group on this page memory. However, there are problems in processing (transfer) time of image information, memory capacity for managing the image information, and the like. In such a digital copying machine, the processing speed from image input to output is slow, and the cost is high. There was a problem that would.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently recording and reproducing an image group in which a plurality of single images are arranged in parallel.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image information inputting means for inputting image information, an image information storing means for storing the image information input by the image information inputting means, and an image processing means for processing the image information. Image processing means for performing, a recording medium on which the image information is recorded and reproduced, a transport unit for transporting the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, and the image information stored in the image information storage means. An image information recording / reproducing means comprising a main scanning recording / reproducing unit for sequentially performing image recording in the main scanning direction on the recording medium, and based on the image information stored in the image information storing means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image recording / reproducing control unit for controlling recording / reproduction of an image by the image information recording / reproducing unit; wherein the image information input from the image information input unit is In the image information storage means, there is provided input image information developing means for developing and storing a predetermined number in the main scanning direction by the main scanning recording and reproducing means, and the image information recording and reproducing means records the image information. Based on the original size in the main scanning direction of the original image detected by the original size detection unit and the size of the recording medium in the main scanning direction , the recording is reproduced so as to be parallel to and close to one end of the recording medium. The number m of the document images that can be accommodated in the main scanning direction of the recording medium was calculated, and the document images were secured so that m-1 images in the main scanning direction matched the width of the recording medium. It is characterized in that the image is developed so as to be arranged at the left end of the memory width and one image is arranged at the right end of the memory width .
[0008]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the document image can be accommodated in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium based on the document size in the sub-scanning direction of the document image detected by the document size detecting means and the size of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction. The number k of the manuscript images is calculated, and a manuscript image sequence in which m manuscript images are arranged in the main scanning direction is repeatedly transferred to the image information recording / reproducing means k-1 times, and the length of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction is obtained. After the sheet is conveyed by a length obtained by subtracting k times the length of the original image in the sub-scanning direction from the original, the original image sequence is transferred once and the image is recorded.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The configuration of a digital color copying machine which is an image processing 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.
[0018]
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, a document reading unit 110 and an image forming unit 210 are configured inside the copying machine main body 1.
[0019]
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 .
[0020]
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.
[0021]
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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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. .
[0024]
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.
[0025]
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.
[0026]
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.
[0027]
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.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
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, 223d for uniformly charging the photosensitive drums 222a, 222b, 222c, 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 to 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.
[0031]
Above the photosensitive drums 222a, 222b, 222c, and 222d, a semiconductor laser device that emits dot light modulated in accordance with image data, and a device for deflecting light from the semiconductor laser device in the main scanning direction. Laser beam scanner units 227a, 227b, and 227c each including a deflecting device 240, an fθ lens 241 for forming an image of the laser beam deflected by the deflecting device 240 on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222, and reflecting mirrors 242 and 243. , 227d are provided.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
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.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
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.
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.
[0037]
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.
[0038]
(Description of the configuration of the network system including the digital color copier)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network system configuration centering on the digital color copying machine 1 instead of the digital color copying machine 1 (the copying machine body 1) as a stand-alone.
[0039]
The image information input method includes not only the input of document information from the document reading unit 110 of the digital color copying machine 1 but also the use of a personal computer 2, digital camera 3, digital video camera 4, communication portable terminal 5, etc. It supports image information input.
Further, image information can be input from a remote place through the Internet, an intranet, or a rapidly growing communication infrastructure.
[0040]
Therefore, the digital color copying machine 1 that outputs such image information plays an important role as a multifunction printer and as a network printer, and has an added value in addition to the functions of the digital, from the viewpoint of further use. It has a system configuration that can be used.
[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.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image processing unit included in the digital color copying machine.
[0042]
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 external interface units 46 and 47.
[0043]
An image data input unit 40 is a three-line color CCD 40a capable of reading a black-and-white original or color original image and outputting line data separated into RGB color components, and a line image level of line data read by the color CCD 40a. Correction circuit 40b that corrects the color of the line data of each color output from the three-line color CCD 40a, such as a line matching unit 40c such as a line buffer that corrects the deviation of the image line data read by the three-line color CCD 40a. A sensor color correction unit 40d that corrects data, an MTF correction unit 40e that corrects the change in the signal of each pixel so as to have a sharpness, a γ correction unit 40f that corrects the visibility by correcting the brightness of the image, and the like. .
[0044]
The image processing unit 41 is a monochrome data generation unit 41a (monochrome original) that generates monochrome data from an RGB signal that is a color original signal input from the image data input unit 40, and corresponds to each recording unit of the recording apparatus. An input processing unit 41b that converts the input image data into a YMC signal and a clock, an area separation unit 41c that separates whether the input image data is a character portion, a halftone photograph, or a photographic paper photograph; A black generation unit 41d that performs under color removal processing based on the output YMC signal to generate black, a color correction circuit 41e that adjusts each color of a color image signal based on each color conversion table, and an input based on a set magnification. A zoom processing circuit 41f for converting the scaled image information into a magnification, a spatial filter 41g, and gradation characteristics such as multi-value error diffusion and multi-value dither are expressed. It is made from, such as because of the halftone processing unit 41h.
[0045]
The halftone-processed color image data is temporarily stored in the image memory unit 43. The image memory unit 42 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 them in a buffer. And four hard disks (rotary storage media) 43a, 43b, 43c and 43d for storing image data for each color.
[0046]
Further, since the positions of the respective image stations are different, the respective color image data is temporarily stored in the image memory (semiconductor memory) 43e of the image memory unit 43, and the time is shifted so that the image data is transmitted to the respective laser scanner units at the timing. Prevent misalignment.
Further, the image memory unit 43 also includes an image synthesis memory (image memory 43e) for synthesizing a plurality of images.
[0047]
The image data output unit 42 performs a pulse width modulation based on the image data of each color from the halftone processing unit 41h, a laser control unit (LSU) 42a, and a pulse width corresponding to the image signal of each color output from the laser control unit 42a. It is composed of laser scanner units 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d for each color for performing laser recording based on the modulation signal.
[0048]
The central processing unit (CPU) 44 includes an image data input unit 40, an image processing unit 41, an image data output unit 42, an image memory 43, an image editing unit 45, external interface units 46 and 47, and a DMA controller 48, which will be described later. Is controlled based on a predetermined sequence.
[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 (communication portable terminal, digital camera, digital video camera, etc.) 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. Then, recording and management are performed on the hard disks 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d.
[0052]
Further, the external interface 47 is a printer interface for inputting image data created by the personal computer 2, and is a color black or color FAX interface for receiving image data received by facsimile. The image data input from the external interface 47 is already a YMCK signal, is subjected to halftone processing by the halftone processing unit 41h, and is stored in the hard disks 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d of the image memory 43. . The images input from both interfaces become original images, and also become specific images (for example, advertisement images) through the specific image information management unit 48.
[0053]
(Explanation of the control structure of the entire digital color copier)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control circuit including a central processing unit (CPU) 44 for controlling each part of the entire apparatus of the digital color copying machine.
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.
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.
[0054]
Further, an operation board unit 49 including an operation panel is connected to the central processing unit (CPU) 44 in a mutually communicable state, and the copy mode contents set and input by the operator in accordance with the operation of the operation panel 75. Is transmitted to the central processing unit (CPU) 44 to control the digital color copying machine to operate according to the mode.
[0055]
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 49, and the operation board unit 49 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.
[0056]
(Explanation of operation panel)
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the digital color copying machine.
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.
[0057]
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.
[0058]
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).
[0059]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a density switching key for switching the copy density adjustment from automatic to manual or photo mode, reference numeral 14 denotes a density adjustment key for finely setting the density level in the 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.
[0060]
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.
[0061]
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.
[0062]
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.
[0063]
An embodiment of an image processing method for arranging and reproducing a plurality of images in a digital color copying machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0064]
First, the document image a read by the document reading unit 110 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 41, and is stored in the image memory 43e.
Then, images a ′ and a ″ are created in the main scanning direction on the image memory 43e.
[0065]
In this state, the image forming unit 210 is activated, and the image data of the image a, the image a ′, and the image a ″ in the image memory 43e are transferred to the laser control 42, and the laser beam scanners 227a to 227d are driven to drive the photosensitive drums. The images are written to 222a to 222d, formed on a sheet, and further fixed by a fixing device 217 to output a sheet, and an image group is printed on the sheet.
[0066]
When a document image is read by the document reading unit 110, the size of the document image a in the main scanning direction detected by the conventional document size detection and the size of the paper stored in the paper feed mechanism 211. Based on the size in the main scanning direction, the number of times the original image a can be expanded in the main scanning direction of the paper is calculated. Based on the calculation result, the image a (FIG. 6A) that fits in the main scanning direction of the paper is calculated. The number (development number) is obtained, and the obtained number image a is developed and formed.
[0067]
Here, as a method of creating a plurality of image groups in the main scanning direction, the image reading unit 110 is driven a plurality of times to read the document images a plurality of times, so that the image groups a, a ′, and a ″ are stored in the image memory 43e. It is possible to create
As another method, it is possible to create image groups a, a ′, and a ″ on the image memory 43e by expanding the image a read from the document reading unit 110 on the image memory 43e. .
[0068]
Here, when storing the image data in the image memory 43e, the memory width (data amount) in the main scanning direction is obtained in advance based on the size of the paper mounted on the paper feeding mechanism 211 in the main scanning direction, and the memory is secured. .
[0069]
Next, the width of the document image a detected in the document size detection in the main scanning direction and the length in the sub-scanning direction and the memory width obtained from the paper are specified, and a DMA (direct memory access) connected to the image data bus is designated. 3.) The image data is transferred by the DMA method by the controller 48, and the image a is recorded on the image memory 43e.
Similarly, the images a 'and a''are also stored in the image memory 43e (FIG. 6B), and the image group data is read out from the image memory 43e and printed on paper (FIG. 6C). .
[0070]
As described above, on the image memory 43e, the image group developed in the main scanning direction is converted into a width in the main scanning direction and a length in the sub scanning direction on the image memory 43e by the DMA controller 48 connected to the image data bus. The recording length in the sub-scanning direction of the paper is designated, and the image data is transferred to the laser control 42 by the DMA method. At this time, when the DMA controller 48 finishes sending the image group data (image a, image a ', image a'') in the image memory 43e, if the recording length is shorter than the previously set recording length, the DMA controller 48 automatically sets the image memory. 43e has a function of returning to the beginning of the image group data (image a, image a ', and image a'') and transferring the image group data once. The image group b ′ by the third reading is printed, and the image group b ″ by the third reading (FIG. 7C) is printed.
[0071]
Here, as shown in FIG. 7, when a document image is read by the document reading unit 110, the document size in the sub-scanning direction of the document image detected by the document size detection performed conventionally, and By performing the calculation based on the size of the accommodated sheet in the sub-scanning direction, the number of images a that can be accommodated in the sheet in the sub-scanning direction (the number of repetitions of data transfer of the image memory 43e) can be obtained.
[0072]
Further, the number of desired output images (the number of reprints) input by the number setting key 16 or the like of the operation panel 75 is calculated from the document size and the paper size, and as a result of this calculation, the maximum in the main scanning direction is obtained. The number of developments and the maximum number of repetitions in the sub-scanning direction are compared to calculate the optimum number of developments in the main scanning direction and the number of repetitions in the sub-scanning direction, and printing is performed on paper (FIG. 7).
[0073]
Further, the maximum number of expansions in the main scanning direction and the maximum number of repetitions in the sub-scanning direction of each sheet that can be fed by the sheet feeding mechanism 211 are obtained from the document image, and the desired number input from the number setting key 16 or the like of the operation panel 75 is obtained. It is also possible to compare the number of output images (the number of additional prints) and select an optimal sheet.
[0074]
First, the width in the main scanning direction and the length in the sub-scanning direction are obtained from the document image data read by the document reading unit 110. Next, the maximum number of developments in the main scanning direction and the maximum number of repetitions in the sub-scanning direction are obtained from the width of the paper in the main scanning direction and the length in the sub-scanning direction by calculation. Further, the maximum number of developments in the main scanning direction and the maximum number of repetitions in the sub-scanning direction on the paper when the read original image data is rotated by 90 ° are obtained, and the maximum image that can be recorded on one sheet at this time is obtained. The number (n2) is calculated. Here, if n2 is larger than the previously calculated maximum number of images, more images can be recorded on one sheet of paper by rotating the original image data by 90 ° on the image memory 43e [FIG. ), FIG. 8 (d)].
[0075]
When a document image is read by the document reading unit 110, calculation is performed based on the document size of the document image detected by the document size detection in the main scanning direction and the size of the sheet stored in the paper feeding mechanism 211 in the main scanning direction. In this way, the number of images a (the number of developments m) that fits in the paper in the main scanning direction is obtained. Here, the development in the main scanning direction is performed such that the m-1 image is arranged at the left end and one image is arranged at the right end of the memory width secured for the paper.
[0076]
Next, an operation is performed based on the size of the original image (FIG. 6) in the sub-scanning direction and the size of the paper in the sub-scanning direction, so that the number of images that can be accommodated on the paper in the sub-scanning direction (repetition of data transfer from the image memory). Find the number k). Here, the image data in the image memory is repeatedly transferred to the laser control 42 k-1 times, and after the paper is conveyed by the length obtained by subtracting the length of the image a in the sub-scanning direction × k from the length of the paper in the sub-scanning direction. The image data is transferred and printed one more time, and the output image of FIG. 9 is obtained.
[0077]
According to the above embodiment, at least one document image is developed in the main scanning direction on the image memory, and the images on the image memory developed in the main scanning direction are sequentially read out and recorded and reproduced. The capacity of the memory is sufficient for one image in the sub-scanning direction, and it is not necessary to have one page. That is, since the amount of data to be developed is also reduced, the processing time can be reduced.
Therefore, by efficiently processing image information from input to output without requiring more processing time than necessary to prepare for recording of image data at the time of image output, the image information is recorded and reproduced in a desired form as a result. It is possible to do.
[0078]
Here, when image data for one image is placed on the image memory in the main scanning direction and read out repeatedly, data transfer to the image forming unit requires transfer setting processing for each line of one image. . Then, only by forming one image group (image a, image a ′, and image a ″), the transfer setting processing is required several times in the main scanning direction × several sub-scanning lines.
However, if image data is developed in the main scanning direction to form an image group (image a, image a ', image a''), image data in the main scanning direction can be prepared for one line of paper. Can be transferred with one transfer setting for this one image group, greatly reducing CPU control, and performing high-speed and efficient processing.
[0079]
Further, it is possible to sufficiently cope with speeding up of the image output processing by adding a simple processing step (image development) in consideration of the image output before the recording output.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
According to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect, at least one original image is developed in the main scanning direction on the image information storage management means, and at least one original image is developed on the image information storage management means in the main scanning direction. Since the images are sequentially read and recorded and reproduced, the capacity of the image information storage and management means is sufficient for one image in the sub-scanning direction, and there is no need to have one page. That is, since the amount of data to be developed is also reduced accordingly, the processing time can be reduced.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently process image information from input to output without requiring an unnecessarily long processing time for recording of image information at the time of image output.
Further, since the image reproduced on the recording medium is recorded and reproduced so as to be parallel to and close to one end of the recording medium, the image portions recorded and reproduced as a plurality of image groups on the recording medium are further added. When you want to cut out, it becomes the reference for cutting out.
Further, at least one original image is developed on the image memory in the main scanning direction, and the images on the image memory developed at least one in the main scanning direction are sequentially read and recorded and reproduced. One image in the scanning direction does not need to have one page. That is, since the amount of data to be developed is also reduced, the processing time can be reduced.
Therefore, by efficiently processing image information from input to output without requiring more processing time than necessary to prepare for recording of image data at the time of image output, the image information is recorded and reproduced in a desired form as a result. It is possible to do.
[0082]
According to the image processing apparatus according to claim 2, the original image on the image memory in advance to expand at least one in the main scanning direction, the recording sequentially reads the image on the image memory that is deployed at least one to the main scanning direction Since the image is reproduced, the capacity of the image memory is sufficient for one image in the sub-scanning direction, and it is not necessary to have one page. That is, since the amount of data to be developed is also reduced, the processing time can be reduced.
Therefore, by efficiently processing image information from input to output without requiring more processing time than necessary to prepare for recording of image data at the time of image output, the image information is recorded and reproduced in a desired form as a result. It is possible to 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 processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a network system centering on the digital color copying machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing unit included in the digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control circuit including a central processing circuit for controlling each unit of the entire digital color copying machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing expansion of image data read from a document to an image memory in the digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing recording from image data in an image memory to a sheet in a digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a rotation state of image data on an image memory in the digital color copying machine of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of image data in an image memory and an arrangement of an image group on paper in the digital color copying machine of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
40 image data input unit 41 image processing unit 42 image data output unit 43 image memory 44 central processing unit (CPU)
45 image editing units 46, 47 external interface unit 48 DMA controller

Claims (2)

Image information input means for inputting image information;
Image information storage means for storing image information input by the image information input means,
Image processing means for performing image processing on the image information,
A recording medium on which the image information is recorded and reproduced, a transport unit for transporting the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, and a recording medium on the recording medium based on the image information stored in the image information storage unit. An image information recording / reproducing means including a main scanning recording / reproducing unit for sequentially performing image recording in the main scanning direction;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image recording / reproducing control unit for controlling recording / reproduction of an image by the image information recording / reproducing unit based on the image information stored in the image information storage unit.
The image information input from the image information input means, the image information storage means, provided with input image information expanding means for expanding and storing a predetermined number in the main scanning direction by the main scanning recording and reproducing means,
The image information recording / reproducing means records and reproduces the image information so as to be parallel to and close to one end of a recording medium on which recording is performed ,
The number m of the manuscript images that can be accommodated in the main scanning direction of the recording medium is determined based on the manuscript size of the manuscript image in the main scanning direction detected by the manuscript size detecting means and the size of the recording medium in the main scanning direction. Calculate,
The document image is arranged such that m-1 images in the main scanning direction are arranged at the left end of a memory width secured to match the width of the recording medium, and one image is arranged at the right end of the memory width. An image processing apparatus characterized in that the image processing apparatus is developed . Calculating a sub-scanning direction of the document size detected original image by the original size detecting means, based on the sub-scanning direction size of the recording medium, the number k of the original image can be accommodated in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium And
The document image sequence in which m pieces of the document images are arranged in the main scanning direction is repeatedly transferred to the image information recording / reproducing means k-1 times, and the length of the recording medium in the sub scanning direction is calculated based on the length of the recording medium in the sub scanning direction. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the sheet is conveyed by a length obtained by subtracting k times, the document image sequence is transferred once and image recording is performed .

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