JP3760789B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that rotates acquired image data and records the image data on a sheet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Developed image forming devices such as facsimile machines and digital copying machines that not only record the acquired image data on the paper in the same direction but also record the image data on the paper rotated by 90 degrees. Has been. In the recording unit of the image forming apparatus, the recording paper can be loaded in either the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. However, when loaded in the horizontal direction, compared to loading in the vertical direction. Since the paper transport distance is shortened, the number of prints per unit time is increased. Accordingly, even when image data is acquired by reading a document in the vertical direction, the processing speed can be increased by rotating the acquired image data and recording the rotated image data on a sheet loaded in the horizontal direction. it can.
[0003]
By the way, in an image forming apparatus, in order to compensate for a difference in operation speed between image data acquisition processing and image data recording processing, the acquired image data is generally temporarily stored in an image memory. . The rotation processing for the acquired image data includes the rotation processing at the time of acquisition (rotates the acquired image data and stores the rotated image data in the image memory), and the rotation processing at the time of recording (the acquired image The data is stored in the image memory as it is, and the image data read from the image memory is rotated). However, when recording a large number of images, the rotation processing at the time of acquisition of the former is more effective at the time of recording of the latter. Since the number of rotation processes can be reduced as compared with the rotation process in, the burden on the apparatus can be reduced.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In this way, when the acquired image data is rotated and stored in the image memory, the stored rotated image data is read, and the read rotated image data is recorded on the paper loaded in the horizontal direction, the horizontal direction If the paper becomes unfeedable, that is, if there is no paper in the horizontal direction, or if a paper jam occurs at the paper pickup section in the horizontal direction, the recording process stops, There is a problem that the recording process cannot be resumed until a new paper is loaded in the horizontal direction or the jam is cleared.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when a lateral sheet cannot be fed, the recording process is not interrupted, and an image that can improve the utilization efficiency. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus for acquiring image data, a first rotating unit for rotating the acquired image data, and a first rotating unit for rotating the rotated image data rotated by the first rotating unit. The first and second papers having the same size and different loading directions are loaded with the two-rotation means, the recording means for recording the image data on one of the papers, and the rotated image data on the first paper When recording, if the first paper becomes unfeedable, control is performed so that the rotated image data is re-rotated by the second rotating means and recorded on the second paper. With means The first rotating means and the second rotating means are operated independently. It is characterized by that.
[0007]
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotated image data obtained by rotating the acquired image data in one direction (longitudinal direction) by the first rotating unit is recorded on the first sheet in the other direction (transverse direction). If the first paper is lost or cannot be fed due to a jam, the rotated image data is re-rotated by the second rotating means, and the re-rotated image data is reconstituted. Recording on the second sheet in the direction (longitudinal direction). Therefore, even if the first sheet cannot be fed, it can be continuously recorded on the second sheet, the recording operation is not stopped, and the utilization efficiency is improved.
[0008]
An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the encoding unit encodes the rotated image data rotated by the first rotating unit, and the encoded rotation is encoded by the encoding unit. An image memory for storing image data; and a decoding unit for decoding the encoded rotated image data stored in the image memory and outputting the decoded rotated image data to the recording unit or the second rotating unit. It is characterized by that.
[0009]
In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, the rotated image data rotated by the first rotating means is encoded and stored in the image memory, and the encoded rotated image data is decoded and recorded by the recording means or the second image data. Output to 2 rotation means. Therefore, the rotated image data is efficiently stored.
[0010]
An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the first rotating means and the second rotating means are shared.
[0011]
In the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the first rotating means and the second rotating means are shared, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an example of a facsimile apparatus as an image forming apparatus of the present invention. The facsimile apparatus of the present invention includes a main control unit 1, a scanner 2, a scanner image processing circuit 3, an image memory 4a, 4b, first image rotation circuit 5a, second image rotation circuit 5b, encoding unit 6a, decoding unit 6b, printer control unit 7, printer 8, first paper feed cassette 9a, second paper feed cassette 9b, operation panel 10 , A display unit 11, an image memory 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a modem 15, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 16, and the like.
[0013]
The main control unit 1 is specifically composed of a CPU, and is connected to the above-described hardware units of the facsimile apparatus via the bus 17 and controls them, and is a computer stored in the ROM 13. Various software functions are executed according to the program. The main control unit 1 controls the operation processing of the first and second image rotation circuits 5a and 5b, which is a characteristic part of the present invention.
[0014]
The scanner 2 and the scanner image processing circuit 3 constitute a reading unit as acquisition means. For example, the scanner 2 using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) reads the document, and the scanned image data is scanned by the scanner image processing. Various corrections (shading correction, ground color correction, edge correction, gamma correction) and binarization processing are performed by the circuit 3, and the serial data is output to the first image rotation circuit 5a as the first rotation means. The first image rotation circuit 5a performs a rotation process on the input image data and outputs the rotated image data to the encoding unit 6a.
[0015]
The image memory 4a and the image memory 4b temporarily store image data when performing various processes including a rotation process in the first image rotation circuit 5a and the second image rotation circuit 5b as the second rotation means, respectively. The encoding unit 6 a encodes the rotated image data from the first image rotating circuit 5 a and outputs the encoded rotated image data to the image memory 12. The decoding unit 6b decodes the encoded rotated image data read from the image memory 12, and outputs the decoded rotated image data to the second image rotating circuit 5b. The second image rotation circuit 5 b outputs the input rotated image data or re-rotated image data obtained by re-rotating it as necessary to the printer control unit 7.
[0016]
The printer control unit 7, the printer 8, and the first and second paper feed cassettes 9a and 9b constitute recording means. For example, the electrophotographic printer 8 includes image data of a document read by the reading unit, The rotated image data or the re-rotated image data is printed out as a hard copy. The first paper feed cassette 9a is loaded with paper in the A4 size horizontal direction (direction in which the paper transport direction coincides with the short side of the paper) as the first paper, and the second paper feed cassette 9b. A sheet of A4 size longitudinal direction (direction in which the sheet conveyance direction coincides with the long side of the sheet) is loaded as the second sheet. Then, the original is read in the vertical direction by the reading unit, and the rotated image data (lateral image data) obtained by rotating the acquired image data is recorded on the first paper (lateral paper) and acquired. Image data and re-rotated image data obtained by re-rotating the rotated image data (both image data in the vertical direction) are recorded on a second sheet (vertical sheet).
[0017]
The operation panel 10 includes character keys, numeric keys, speed dial keys, one-touch dial keys, various function keys, and the like necessary for operating the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. The function keys include a start key for instructing start of document reading / printing, a rotation setting key for setting presence / absence of rotation processing for image data, and the like. The display unit 11 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT display, and displays the operating state of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.
[0018]
The image memory 12 is composed of a DRAM or the like, and stores the read image data of the original or its rotated image data, or received image data. The ROM 13 stores in advance various software programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. The RAM 14 is configured by SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and stores temporary data generated when software is executed.
[0019]
The modem 15 is connected to the bus 17 and includes a fax modem capable of facsimile communication. Similarly, the modem 15 is directly connected to the NCU 16 connected to the bus 17. The NCU 16 is hardware for closing and opening the analog line L with the public telephone line network, and connects the modem 15 to the public telephone line network as necessary.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the first image rotation circuit 5a. The first image rotation circuit 5a includes a rotation unit 51a, an input serial interface (I / F) 52a, an output parallel interface (I / F) 54a, and a buffer memory 56a. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the second image rotation circuit 5b. The second image rotation circuit 5b includes a rotation unit 51b, an input parallel interface (I / F) 53b, an output serial interface (I / F) 55b, and a buffer memory 56b.
[0021]
The rotation units 51a and 51b are controlled by the main control unit 1 and rotate image data. At this time, the image data to be rotated is temporarily stored in the external image memories 4a and 4b, and is gradually read out to the buffer memories 56a and 56b to be rotated. The input serial interface 52a inputs image data of the read original from the scanner image processing circuit 3 in a serial format. The output parallel interface 54a outputs the input image data or the rotated image data obtained by rotating the image data to the encoding unit 6a in a parallel format for encoding. The input parallel interface 53b inputs the image data or the rotated image data obtained by decoding the encoded image data or the encoded rotated image data stored in the image memory 12 from the decoding unit 6b in a parallel format. The output serial interface 55b outputs image data to be printed out (image data of the read original, its rotated image data, or its re-rotated image data) to the printer control unit 7 in a serial format.
[0022]
Next, an operation in the case where the read image data is rotated and recorded in the facsimile apparatus of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure at the time of reading, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an operation procedure at the time of recording.
[0023]
When the document to be read is set (step S1) and the main control unit 1 detects that the start key is turned on (step S2: YES), the main control unit 1 rotates the first image rotation circuit 5a. The unit 51a, the input serial interface 52a, the output parallel interface 54a, and the buffer memory 56a are activated (step S3), and the encoding unit 6a is activated (step S4).
[0024]
Then, reading of the document is started by the scanner 2 of the reading unit (step S5), and the acquired image data is input from the scanner image processing circuit 3 to the first image rotation circuit 5a. In the first image rotation circuit 5a, the rotation unit 51a performs rotation processing on the input image data and outputs the rotation image data to the encoding unit 6a. The encoding unit 6a encodes the input rotated image data, outputs the encoded rotated image data to the image memory 12, and the image memory 12 stores it (step S6).
[0025]
The main control unit 1 determines whether or not the reading of the document has been completed (step S7). If it has been completed (S7: YES), the main control unit 1 resets the first image rotation circuit 5a (step S8), resets the encoding unit 6a (step S9), and ends the reading process. . On the other hand, if not completed (S7: NO), the process of S6 is continued.
[0026]
The main control unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined amount of encoded rotated image data is stored in the image memory 12 (step S11). When a predetermined amount of image data has already been stored in the image memory 12 (S11: YES), the main control unit 1 activates the printer 8 (step S12), and the input parallel interface 53b in the second image rotation circuit 5b, The output serial interface 55b and the buffer memory 56b are activated (step S13), and the decoding unit 6b is activated (step S14).
[0027]
When the main control unit 1 determines that the print preparation by the recording unit is completed (step S15: YES), the first sheet cassette 9a is selected and the first sheet (A4) loaded in the first sheet cassette 9a is selected. The horizontal (horizontal) recording process is started (step S16). At this time, the encoded rotated image data stored in the image memory 12 is read out and decoded by the decoding unit 6b, and the decoded rotated image data is input to the second image rotating circuit 5b. Is further output to the printer 8 via the printer controller 7, and the rotated image data is printed out on the first sheet (A4 side).
[0028]
During such a recording process, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the first sheet (A4 landscape) in the first sheet cassette 9a cannot be fed, that is, the first sheet (A4 landscape) It is determined whether or not a jam has occurred in the pickup section of the first sheet (A4 side) (step S17). If the first sheet (A4 landscape) is not fed (S17: NO) and all printing is completed (step S18: YES), the main control unit 1 resets the decoding unit 6b (step S18: NO). In step S24, the second image rotation circuit 5b is reset (step S25), the printer 8 is stopped (step S26), and the recording process is terminated.
[0029]
If the first sheet (A4 landscape) cannot be fed during the recording process, that is, the first sheet (A4 landscape) has run out or a jam has occurred in the pickup section of the first sheet (A4 landscape) In this case (S17: YES), the main control unit 1 selects the second paper feed cassette 9b loaded with the second paper (A4 portrait) (step S19), and rotates in the second image rotation circuit 5b. The unit 51b is activated (step S20), and the recording process is resumed (step S21). At this time, the encoded rotated image data stored in the image memory 12 is read out and decoded by the decoding unit 6b, and the decoded rotated image data is input to the second image rotating circuit 5b to rotate the second image. In the circuit 5b, the rotation unit 51b performs rotation processing on the input rotation image data, the re-rotation image data is output to the printer 8 via the printer control unit 7, and the re-rotation image data is output to the second sheet. Printed out (vertical A4).
[0030]
The main control unit 1 determines whether or not the second sheet (A4 portrait) in the second sheet cassette 9b cannot be fed during the recording process (step S22). If paper feed is disabled (S22: YES), “no paper” or “jam” is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S27). When the second sheet (A4 portrait) is not fed (S22: NO) and all printing is completed (step S23: YES), the main control unit 1 resets the decoding unit 6b (step S23). In step S24, the second image rotation circuit 5b is reset (step S25), the printer 8 is stopped (step S26), and the recording process is terminated.
[0031]
(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the case where two image rotation circuits are used has been described. However, the same can be achieved by using one image rotation circuit. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus in such a case, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one image rotation circuit 5 thereof.
[0032]
In FIG. 7, the same parts as those in FIG. This facsimile apparatus has one image rotation circuit 5 that also serves as the first rotation means and the second rotation means, and one image memory 4 and one codec unit 6 corresponding thereto. The image memory 4 is the same as the image memories 4a and 4b, and temporarily stores image data when performing various processes including the rotation process in the image rotation circuit 5. A codec (CODER: Coder and Decoder) unit 6 has both the function of the encoding unit 6a and the function of the decoding unit 6b, and performs encoding processing of image data or rotated image data and encoded image data or code. The decoding processing of the rotated image data is performed.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 8, the image rotation circuit 5 includes a rotation unit 51 having the same function as the rotation units 51a and 51b, and an input serial interface (I / F) 52 having the same function as the input serial interface 52a. An input parallel interface (I / F) 53 having the same function as the input parallel interface 53b, an output parallel interface (I / F) 54 having the same function as the output parallel interface 54a, and the output serial interface An output serial interface (I / F) 55 having the same function as 55b, and a buffer memory 56 having the same function as the buffer memories 56a and 56b.
[0034]
Next, an operation in the case where the read image data is rotated and recorded in the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure at the time of reading, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an operation procedure at the time of recording.
[0035]
When the document to be read is set (step S31) and the main control unit 1 detects the start key being turned on (step S32: YES), the main control unit 1 sets the rotation unit 51 in the image rotation circuit 5. , The input serial interface 52, the output parallel interface 54, and the buffer memory 56 are activated (step S33), and the codec unit 6 (encoding function) is activated (step S34).
[0036]
Then, reading of the original is started by the scanner 2 of the reading unit (step S35), and the acquired image data is input from the scanner image processing circuit 3 to the image rotation circuit 5. In the image rotation circuit 5, the rotation unit 51 performs rotation processing on the input image data, and outputs the rotation image data to the codec unit 6. The codec unit 6 encodes the input rotated image data, outputs the encoded rotated image data to the image memory 12, and the image memory 12 stores it (step S36).
[0037]
The main control unit 1 determines whether or not the reading of the document has been completed (step S37). If it has been completed (S37: YES), the main control unit 1 resets the image rotation circuit 5 (step S38), resets the codec unit 6 (encoding function) (step S39), and performs the reading process. finish. On the other hand, if not completed (S37: NO), the process of S36 is continued.
[0038]
The main control unit 1 determines whether the encoded rotated image data to be printed is stored in the image memory 12 (step S41). If stored (S41: YES), the main control unit 1 activates the printer 8 (step S42), and activates the input parallel interface 53, the output serial interface 55, and the buffer memory 56 in the image rotation circuit 5 ( In step S43, the codec unit 6 (decoding function) is activated (step S44).
[0039]
When the main control unit 1 determines that the print preparation in the recording unit is completed (step S45: YES), the first paper cassette 9a is selected and the first paper (A4) loaded in the first paper cassette 9a is selected. Horizontal) recording processing is started (step S46). At this time, the encoded rotated image data stored in the image memory 12 is read out and decoded by the codec unit 6, and the decoded rotated image data is input to the image rotating circuit 5. The image is output to the printer 8 via the printer control unit 7, and the rotated image data is printed out on the first sheet (A4 side).
[0040]
The main control unit 1 determines whether or not the first sheet (A4 side) in the first sheet cassette 9a cannot be fed during such a recording process (step S47). When the first sheet (A4 landscape) is not fed (S47: NO) and all printing is completed (step S48: YES), the main control unit 1 activates the codec unit 6 (decoding function). The image rotation circuit 5 is reset (step S55), the printer 8 is stopped (step S56), and the recording process is terminated.
[0041]
When the first sheet (A4 landscape) cannot be fed during the recording process (S47: YES), the main control unit 1 performs the second sheet feed with the second sheet (A4 portrait) loaded. The cassette 9b is selected (step S49), the rotation unit 51 in the image rotation circuit 5 is activated (step S50), and the recording process is resumed (step S51). At this time, the encoded rotated image data stored in the image memory 12 is read and decoded by the codec unit 6, and the decoded rotated image data is input to the image rotating circuit 5. The rotation unit 51 performs rotation processing on the input rotated image data, and the re-rotated image data is output to the printer 8 via the printer control unit 7, and the re-rotated image data is the second sheet (A4 portrait). Printed out.
[0042]
The main control unit 1 determines whether or not the second sheet (A4 portrait) in the second sheet cassette 9b cannot be fed during the recording process (step S52). If paper feed is disabled (S52: YES), “no paper” or “jam” is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S57). When the second sheet (A4 portrait) is not fed (S52: NO) and all printing is completed (step S53: YES), the main control unit 1 activates the codec unit 6 (decoding function). The image rotation circuit 5 is reset (step S55), the printer 8 is stopped (step S56), and the recording process is terminated.
[0043]
In the first and second embodiments described above, even if the first sheet (A4 landscape) cannot be fed, the rotated image data is re-rotated, and the re-rotated image data is transferred to the second sheet (A4). The recording process is not interrupted until the first sheet (A4 landscape) is replenished or the jam is cleared as in the prior art, so that wasted time is saved. Can be eliminated.
[0044]
In the first embodiment, the reading process and the recording process are independently performed by the different first image rotation circuit 5a and second image rotation circuit 5b, so that the reading operation and the recording operation are processed in parallel. Is possible. In the first embodiment, the internal configuration of each of the first and second image rotation circuits 5a and 5b is the minimum necessary configuration (FIGS. 2 and 3). It is good also as a structure (FIG. 8) of the rotation circuit 5. FIG. In this case, since the first and second image rotation circuits 5a and 5b can be shared by one type of configuration, the production cost can be reduced.
[0045]
In the second embodiment, since the rotation processing and re-rotation processing can be performed by one image rotation circuit 5, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the apparatus.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the rotated image data rotated by the first rotating unit is recorded on the first paper in the transverse direction, the first paper cannot be fed. In this case, the rotated image data is re-rotated by the second rotating means, and the re-rotated image data is recorded on the second sheet in the vertical direction. Even if it becomes impossible, recording can be continued on the second sheet, and the recording operation will not be stopped, and the utilization efficiency can be improved.
[0047]
Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the rotated image data rotated by the first rotating means is encoded and stored in the image memory, and the encoded rotated image data is decoded to be recorded by the recording means or the second rotation. Since the data is output to the means, the rotated image data can be stored efficiently, and the capacity of the image memory can be reduced.
[0048]
Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first rotating means and the second rotating means are shared, so that the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example (first embodiment) of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first image rotation circuit.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second image rotation circuit.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure at the time of reading in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure at the time of recording in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure during recording according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example (second embodiment) of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image rotation circuit.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure at the time of reading in the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure during recording in the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure at the time of recording in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Main control unit
2 Scanner
3 Scanner image processing circuit
5a First image rotation circuit
5b Second image rotation circuit
5 Image rotation circuit
6a Encoder
6b Decryption unit
6 Codec section
7 Printer control unit
8 Printer
9a First paper cassette
9b Second paper cassette
12 Image memory
51a, 51b, 51 rotating part

Claims (3)

Loading at the same size with an acquisition means for acquiring image data, a first rotation means for rotating the acquired image data, and a second rotation means for re-rotating the rotated image data rotated by the first rotation means When the first and second papers having different directions are loaded, the recording means for recording the image data on one of the papers, and the rotating image data are recorded on the first paper, the first Control means for controlling the rotated image data to be re-rotated by the second rotating means and recorded on the second paper when the paper cannot be fed . An image forming apparatus , wherein the rotating means and the second rotating means are operated independently .   An encoding unit that encodes the rotated image data rotated by the first rotating means; an image memory that stores the encoded rotated image data encoded by the encoding unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a decoding unit that decodes the encoded rotated image data and outputs the decoded rotated image data to the recording unit or the second rotating unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit are shared.

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