JP4206583B2 - Image copying apparatus and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image copying apparatus capable of copying an image from original paper to recording paper, for example, an image copying apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine, and a storage medium storing a program for controlling the image copying apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, some recent facsimile machines have a printer function and a scanner function in addition to the original facsimile communication function and are used as peripheral input / output devices for personal computers. As a further development of such multi-functionalization, there is a facsimile apparatus having a copying function of copying an image read from a document sheet onto a recording sheet. In a facsimile machine having this copying function, in the same way as a general copying machine, in addition to a single copying mode in which an image read from one sheet of original paper is copied to one sheet of recording paper, On the other hand, it is possible to set a duplex copy mode in which the same image is copied.
[0003]
In the duplex copy mode, a method generally called stack copy and a method called sort copy are prepared. In stack copying, for example, when there are three original paper sheets A, B, and C, and three copies are designated as the number of copies, the original paper A is read, and then the original paper A is placed on three recording papers. Copy the image, then read the original paper B, and then copy the image of the original paper B onto three recording papers. Copying is performed on recording paper. Therefore, a memory for storing an image for at least one sheet of recording paper is required. Further, in the sort copy, for example, when there are three original paper sheets A, B, and C, and 3 copies are designated as the number of copies, first, the original paper A is read and copied onto one recording paper, The original paper B is read and copied onto one recording paper while leaving the image data of the original paper A, and the original paper C is similarly copied while leaving the image data of the original paper B. Complete the copy. Thereafter, based on the remaining image data of the original papers A to C, two parts are copied in the same order. Therefore, a memory for storing images corresponding to the number of document sheets is required.
[0004]
On the other hand, in an inkjet color printer, a color image is formed using inks having four standard colors of CMYK. Recently, special inks such as light cyan (LC) and light magenta (LM) are used in addition to the four colors of CMYK. Some color printers have improved color reproducibility by using the. A color printer using such special ink is also used in the facsimile machine having the above-mentioned copying function in order to achieve multi-functions. During copying, copy data corresponding to the number of colors is stored in a memory. The image forming process is performed while being performed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a facsimile apparatus having a copying function employing the above-described conventional color printer mechanism using special ink, for example, when copying in a multi-color expression system with six colors more than the standard four colors, copying stored in a memory in image forming processing The data size is larger than that of the standard four colors, and depending on the operation mode during copying, the entire data storage area of the memory is occupied by the copy data. This is a particular problem in the duplex copying mode in which the image data of at least one original sheet needs to be stored in the memory. When such a state occurs in the memory, the CPU or the like that controls the entire facsimile apparatus cannot stably perform the requested copying operation, which hinders the operation of the entire apparatus. As a means for solving such a problem, it is easiest to increase the capacity of the memory, but this leads to an increase in cost, and a review has been requested from the viewpoint of cost.
[0006]
The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and can stably perform a requested copying operation through such a memory while keeping the memory size constant in order to reduce costs. An object is to provide an image copying apparatus and a storage medium storing a program for controlling the image copying apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the image copying apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention has a larger number of colors than the main standard color when copying an image read from a document sheet onto a recording sheet. This is an image copying apparatus that uses multi-color materials and allows copying using the multi-color expression method that performs image formation processing with a greater number of colors than the standard color and the standard expression method that performs image formation processing with standard colors. Thus, an image read from one sheet of the original paper is discriminated between a single copy mode for copying on one sheet of the recording paper and a multiple copy mode for copying on a plurality of sheets of the recording paper. When the copy mode discriminating unit and the copy mode discriminating unit discriminate the single copy mode, the copying in the multi-color expression mode is started. On the other hand, when the duplication mode is discriminated, the standard expression mode is used. It is characterized by having a copy operation control means for starting the shooting.
[0008]
According to such an image copying apparatus, in a single copy mode that handles copy data for one sheet of recording paper, copying in a multicolor expression system that processes a data amount larger than the standard data amount as a standard color is started. On the other hand, in the duplicate copy mode that handles copy data for a plurality of sheets, copying in the standard expression method for processing the standard data amount is started. The amount is optimized to fit in the memory. Especially in the duplicate copy mode, the copy data can be made as small as possible by reducing the number of colors by the standard expression method, and the occupied state of the memory by the copy data is avoided as much as possible. The copy operation in each copy mode requested through such a memory can be performed stably while keeping the memory size constant to reduce the cost. Door can be.
[0009]
An image copying apparatus according to claim 2 When copying an image read from manuscript paper onto recording paper, a multi-color material that uses a multi-color material that has more colors than the main standard color and performs image formation with more colors than the standard color An image copying apparatus capable of copying in an expression method and a standard expression method for performing image formation processing using standard colors, wherein an image read from one of the original sheets is printed on one of the recording sheets Copy mode discriminating means for discriminating either a single copy mode for copying in a copy mode or a duplex copy mode for copying on a plurality of sheets of the recording paper; Representation method setting means to set in advance whether to perform copying in the standard expression method or multi-color expression method And above If the copy mode discriminating means discriminates the duplex copy mode, the above Regardless of the setting status of the expression method setting means, when copying in the standard expression method is started, and it is determined that the single copy mode is selected, Up Copying with the method set by the expression method setting means The Start Copying operation control means It is characterized by that.
[0010]
According to such an image copying apparatus, since copying is normally performed according to the method set by the expression method setting means, it is possible to obtain a copy result according to the user's setting, Because the standard expression method is forcibly selected even if the multi-color expression method is set by the user, it is possible to avoid the memory occupied state by the copy data, and the copying operation in the duplicate copy mode is stable. Can be done.
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
Claims of the invention 3 The storage medium described in the above uses a multi-color material that has a larger number of colors than the main standard color when copying the image read from the original paper to the recording paper, and has a larger number of colors than the standard color. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image copying apparatus capable of copying in a multi-color expression system that performs image formation processing and a standard expression system that performs image formation processing using standard colors, the document A setting mode for discriminating between an image read from one sheet of paper and a single copy mode for copying on one of the recording sheets or a multiple copy mode for copying on a plurality of sheets of the recording paper When the single copy mode is determined based on the determination program and the setting mode determination program, copying in the multi-color expression mode is started, whereas when the dual copy mode is determined It is characterized by storing a program including a copy operation control program for starting the copying of a standard expression scheme.
[0022]
According to such a storage medium, the operation of the image copying apparatus according to the first aspect can be realized by operating the CPU based on the stored program.
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of an image copying apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, a facsimile machine is applied as an image copying machine, and this facsimile machine can be used by being connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 20.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus includes a CPU 1, an NCU 2, a RAM 3, a modem 4, a ROM 5, an EEPROM 6, a gate array 7, a codec 8, a DMAC 9, an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a display unit. 14. The CPU 1, NCU 2, RAM 3, modem 4, ROM 5, EEPROM 6, gate array 7, codec 8, and DMAC 9 are connected to each other by a bus line 15. The bus line 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line. An image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a display unit 14 are connected to the gate array 7. The gate array 7 is connected to an external PC 20 via an input / output port (not shown). A public telephone line 16 is connected to the NCU 2.
[0030]
The CPU 1 controls the entire facsimile apparatus. The NCU 2 is connected to the public telephone line 16 and performs network control. The RAM 3 is backed up by a rechargeable battery or the like, and provides a work area for the CPU 1 and a storage area for various data. The modem 4 modulates or demodulates facsimile data. The ROM 5 stores data such as various programs and setting values. The EEPROM 6 stores various flags and setting data. The gate array 7 functions as an input / output interface for the CPU 1. The codec 8 encodes and decodes facsimile data. The DMAC 9 writes and reads data to and from the RAM 3.
[0031]
The image reading unit 11 includes a light source, an image sensor, and the like, reads an image from a document sheet, and outputs an image signal. The image forming unit 12 includes a printer mechanism such as an ink jet method, and forms an image on recording paper. Here, in the printer mechanism of the image forming unit 12, a standard expression method (hereinafter referred to as “standard color method”) that forms a color image using four CMYK standard inks, and light cyan (LC) other than the CMYK four colors. In addition, a printing operation by a multi-color expression method (hereinafter referred to as “fine color method”) that forms a color image using special ink such as light magenta (LM) is possible. The operation unit 13 includes a key switch group and outputs an input signal such as a copy mode to be described later according to a user input operation. The display unit 14 includes an LCD for displaying various information such as characters and numbers.
[0032]
The gist of the present invention will be briefly described. The facsimile apparatus, in addition to the original general facsimile communication function, has a function of recording an answering machine using digital voice and a memory for transmitting a facsimile image to a desired destination at a reserved time. A timer transmission function is provided. In addition to these functions, the facsimile machine has a printer function for forming an image based on a print queue from the PC 20, a scanner function for reading an image based on a read queue from the PC 20, and a stand-alone device. As one form of use, it has a copying function similar to a so-called general copying machine that copies an image read from a document sheet onto a recording sheet. In particular, in the copying function, a single copy mode (hereinafter referred to as “single copy mode”) in which an image read from one original sheet is copied to one recording sheet, and an image read from one original sheet. Can be set as a copy mode such as copying a plurality of recording sheets on a plurality of recording sheets (hereinafter referred to as “multi-copy mode”). The multi-copy mode described below refers to the case of stack copy or sort copy in which Y copies are made on X document sheets. Further, when copying, as described above, a multi-color material (ink) having a larger number of colors (for example, six colors including special ink) than the main standard colors (for example, four colors of CMYK). By using this, it is possible to form a color image by a standard color method or a fine color method. The user can set in advance which color system is normally used when copying is performed, and the setting status is stored in the EEPROM 6.
[0033]
When copying is performed according to the copy mode and color system as described above, the CPU 1 performs image forming processing while storing copy data in the RAM 3 functioning as a printer buffer memory. At this time, if the single copy mode is set as the copy mode, the CPU 1 starts copying in the fine color system while storing the copy data for one sheet in the RAM 3, but the multi-copy mode is set for it. In this case, the CPU 1 starts copying in the standard color system while storing, in the RAM 3, copy data corresponding to a minimum number of original sheets required for copying Y copies. When the multi-copy mode is set, the CPU 1 can reduce the resolution of the copy data than usual and can start copying in the fine color system based on the copy data. Further, the CPU 1 calculates the remaining memory capacity for the empty area in which no data is stored in the RAM 3, compares the calculated remaining memory capacity with a predetermined value, and if the remaining memory capacity falls below the predetermined value. , Copying with the fine color method is prohibited and copying with the standard color method is started. In this way, the operation mode at the time of copying is controlled by the CPU 1, so that the copy data is handled after ensuring a sufficient free space in the RAM 3.
[0034]
That is, the CPU 1 determines whether the image read from one sheet of original paper is in a single copy mode for copying on one sheet of recording paper or in a multiple copy mode for copying on multiple sheets of recording paper. If the setting mode discriminating unit and the setting mode discriminating unit discriminate the single mode copying mode, the copying in the multi-color expression mode is started. The copying operation control means for starting is realized.
[0035]
Further, when the setting mode discriminating means discriminates the duplex copy mode, the CPU 1 reduces the resolution of the copy data from the normal level and starts copying in the multi-color expression system based on the copy data. Realize the means.
[0036]
Further, the CPU 1 includes a memory remaining amount calculating unit that calculates a remaining memory amount that is an unused portion of the memory, and a memory remaining amount comparing unit that compares the memory remaining amount calculated by the memory remaining amount calculating unit with a predetermined value. When the result that the remaining memory capacity is less than the predetermined value is obtained by the remaining memory capacity comparing means, copying in the multi-color expression system is prohibited, and copying operation control means that enables copying in the standard expression system And realized.
[0037]
The operation unit 13 and the EEPROM 6 for storing the contents set by the operation unit 13 set in advance whether to perform copying in the standard expression method or in the multicolor expression method. An expression method setting means is realized.
[0038]
On the other hand, the ROM 5 performs an image forming process while storing copy data in a memory when copying an image read from a document sheet onto a recording sheet, while having a larger number of colors than the main standard color. To control an image copying apparatus capable of copying in a multi-color expression system that performs image formation processing with a larger number of colors than standard colors and a standard expression system that performs image formation processing using standard colors A storage medium storing a program, wherein an image read from one of the original sheets is copied in a single copy mode for copying on one of the recording sheets, or a multiple copy mode for copying on a plurality of sheets of the recording paper When the single mode copy mode is determined based on the setting mode determination program for determining any of the copy modes and the setting mode determination program, copying in the multi-color expression method is performed. While for moving, when it is determined that the dual copy mode realizes a storage medium storing a program including a copy operation control program for starting the copying of a standard expression scheme.
[0039]
Further, the ROM 5 reduces the resolution of the copy data than usual when it is determined to be the duplex copy mode based on the setting mode determination program, and starts copying in the multi-color expression system based on the copy data. And a storage medium storing a program including a copying operation control program for causing the program to be executed.
[0040]
Further, the ROM 5 compares the memory remaining amount calculation program for calculating the memory remaining amount which is the unused portion of the memory with the memory remaining amount calculated based on the memory remaining amount calculating program and a predetermined value. When the result that the remaining memory capacity is less than a predetermined value is obtained based on the remaining memory capacity comparison program and the memory remaining capacity comparison program, copying in the multi-color expression system is prohibited and the standard expression system And a storage medium storing a program including a copy operation control program for enabling copying.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0042]
2 to 6 are flowcharts showing the operation procedure of the facsimile apparatus at the time of copying.
[0043]
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the CPU 1 detects that a document for copying is set by an unillustrated document detection sensor or the like, the CPU 1 accepts various inputs such as a copy mode change and the number of copies, and the user presses the start button. (S1). When the start button is pressed (S1: YES), it is determined whether or not the set copy mode is “multi-copy mode” (S2). In the multi-copy mode, the number of copies set to 2 or more is set by the user. The multi-copy mode here refers to a case where a plurality of copies are made on a continuous document sheet, that is, X copies. This refers to a case where Y copies such as stack copy and sort copy are performed on original paper, and in the following description, a case where sort copy is performed will be described.
[0044]
When the multi-copy mode is set (S2: YES), the CPU 1 starts an image reading process (S3). As a result, the image reading unit 11 reads an image from one original sheet, and the CPU 1 generates copy data based on the read data thus obtained. In the present embodiment, when the multi-copy mode is set, a standard color system, which will be described later, is automatically selected as the color system, so that copy data handled by this standard color system is generated.
[0045]
Here, the CPU 1 sequentially stores the copy data for the set number X of originals in the empty area of the RAM 3 in order to perform copying of Y copies corresponding to the multi-copy mode (S4). At this time, the copy data is stored as data for, for example, four colors of CMYK according to the standard color system.
[0046]
Then, while accumulating necessary copy data, the CPU 1 starts image forming processing by the standard color method (S5). As a result, the image forming unit 12 starts to form color images of, for example, four colors of CMYK on the recording paper. At this time, the CPU 1 also starts counting the number of copies.
[0047]
After starting such image forming processing, the CPU 1 detects whether or not the next original sheet is set (S6), and if the next original sheet is not set (S6: YES). The CPU 1 determines whether or not the number of copies Y, which is the number of copies, has been counted up (S7). If the number has been counted up (S7: YES), the CPU 1 erases the copy data stored in the RAM 3 (S8). The execution of the main program relating to this copying process is terminated. Note that the copy data may be erased collectively when the set number of copies is counted up or sequentially from the copy data that is no longer needed.
[0048]
In S7, when the number of copies Y, which is the number of copies, is not counted up (S7: NO), the CPU 1 returns to S5 and continues the image forming process for the remaining number of copies.
[0049]
If the next original sheet is set in S6 (S6: NO), the CPU 1 returns to S3 and performs image reading processing on the set original sheet.
[0050]
In S2, when the mode set by the user is the single copy mode (S2: NO), the CPU 1 starts the image reading process in the same manner as in S3 (S9). In the present embodiment, when the single copy mode is set, a fine color method, which will be described later, is automatically selected as the color method, so that copy data handled by this fine color method is generated. Then, the CPU 1 temporarily takes copy data corresponding to the single copy mode into an empty area of the RAM 3 (S10). At this time, the copy data is taken in as data for six colors obtained by adding special colors to, for example, four CMYK colors according to the fine color method.
[0051]
Then, the CPU 1 starts the image forming process by the fine color method while taking the copy data into the RAM 3 (S11). As a result, simultaneously with reading of the original paper, the image forming unit 12 forms a color image of six colors, for example, CMYK four colors plus special colors on one recording paper.
[0052]
Thereafter, the CPU 1 detects whether or not the next original sheet is set as in S6 (S12), and if the next original sheet is not set (S12: YES), the copy data is copied. It is determined whether or not the image forming process has been completed (S13). If the image forming process has been completed (S13: YES), the copy data fetched into the RAM 3 is erased (S8), and the main program relating to this copy process is executed. finish. In the single copy mode, the copy data once formed with the image forming unit 12 is unnecessary, so that new copy data can be taken in while deleting the unnecessary copy data from the RAM 3 sequentially. The area of the RAM 3 to be used can be minimized.
[0053]
If the image forming process is not completed in S13 (S13: NO), the CPU 1 returns to S11 and continues the image forming process for the remaining copy data.
[0054]
If the next original sheet is set in S12 (S12: NO), the CPU 1 returns to S9 and repeats the subsequent processing.
[0055]
As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus of the first embodiment, in the single copy mode in which the copy data for one sheet of original paper is image-formed only on one sheet of recording paper, for example, compared with the standard CMYK four colors. Copying in a fine color system that processes a large amount of data is started. On the other hand, in the multi-copy mode in which copy data for one original sheet is formed on a plurality of recording sheets, copying in the standard color system that processes the data amount for four colors of CMYK is started. . As a result, the amount of copy data to be processed in each copy mode is optimized so that it can be stored in the RAM 3. In particular, in the multi-copy mode, copy data can be produced by suppressing the number of colors by the standard color method. As small as possible, the occupation state of the RAM 3 by the copy data can be avoided as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to stably perform the copying operation in each copy mode requested via the RAM 3 while keeping the memory size of the RAM 3 constant in order to reduce the cost.
[0056]
In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the single copy mode is set in S2, the process proceeds to S9 and subsequent steps, and the fine color method is automatically selected. In various processes for operating the image forming unit 12 including the copying process, the user himself / herself can set in advance which color system, the standard color system or the fine color system, should be used preferentially. In this case, the copying process of FIG. 2 is usually performed using the color method set by the user, but the multi-copy mode is set in order to avoid the occupation state of the RAM 3 by the copy data. If the fine color method is set, the copy process is forcibly changed to the standard color method, and in other single copy modes, the copy process is performed according to the color method set by the user. It may be configured to do.
According to this configuration, since copying is normally performed according to the color method set by the user, it is possible to obtain a copy result according to the user's wishes. Even if the color method is set, the standard color method is forcibly selected, so that the occupied state of the memory by the copy data can be avoided, and the copying operation in the multi-copy mode can be performed stably.
[0057]
Next, a second embodiment will be described based on FIG. In the present embodiment, prior to the start of the copying process, the user is allowed to set, using the operation unit 13, which color system, the standard color system or the fine color system, should be prioritized in the copying process by the initial setting. It is assumed that the set value is stored in the EEPROM 6.
[0058]
As in the case of the first embodiment, the CPU 1 first waits for the user to press the start button (S21). When the start button is pressed (S21: YES), it is determined whether or not the set copy mode is “multi-copy mode” (S22).
[0059]
When the multi-copy mode is set (S22: YES), the CPU 1 further determines whether or not the set color system is the “fine color system” (S23). If the fine color method is set (S23: YES), the process proceeds to S24, and image reading processing with a resolution lower than normal is started. As a result, the image reading unit 11 reads an image from a single document sheet based on a low resolution, and the CPU 1 handles the image in the fine color method based on the read data having a coarse image quality. Generate duplicate data.
[0060]
The CPU 1 that has generated the copy data by the fine color method sequentially stores the copy data for the X number of document sheets in the empty area of the RAM 3 in order to perform the copy of the Y number corresponding to the multi-copy mode (S25). . At this time, the copy data is stored as data for six colors obtained by adding two colors such as a special color to four colors of CMYK according to the fine color method. Using this copy data, the first embodiment is used. In the same manner as described above, the copying process for the set number of copies is executed (S26 to S29).
[0061]
If it is determined in S23 that the “fine color system” is not set, that is, it is determined that the “standard color system” is set (S23: NO), the image reading process with the normal resolution is started (S30). As a result, the image reading unit 11 reads an image from one original sheet based on the normal resolution, and the CPU 1 handles the image in the standard color system based on the read data of the normal image quality thus obtained. Copy data to be generated.
[0062]
The CPU 1 that has generated the copy data by the standard color method sequentially stores the copy data for the X number of document sheets in the empty area of the RAM 3 in order to perform the Y copy corresponding to the multi-copy mode (S31). . At this time, the copy data is stored as data for, for example, four colors of CMYK according to the standard color system. Using this copy data, the copy processing of the set number of copies is performed as in the first embodiment. Is executed (S32 to S34, S29).
[0063]
In S22, when the set copy mode is not “multi-copy mode” (S22: NO), it is determined that it is “single copy mode”, and the process proceeds to S35 to execute single copy processing. The processing executed in this single copy processing corresponds to S9 to S13 and S8 of FIG. 2 described in the first embodiment. In S11, the color system stored in advance in the EEPROM 6 is selected.
[0064]
As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus of the second embodiment, in the multi-copy mode, even if the copy in the fine color system is started, the resolution of the copy data is reduced more than usual. Even when copying with the fine color method, the copy data can be made as small as possible by reducing the resolution, so that the occupied state of memory by such copy data can be avoided as much as possible, and the cost can be reduced. Thus, while keeping the memory size of the RAM 3 constant, a copying operation involving a large amount of data processing requested through the RAM 3 can be stably performed.
[0065]
In addition, since copying is performed according to the color method set by the user, it is possible to obtain a copy result according to the user's wishes, and in the multi-copy mode, the fine color method is set by the user. In this case, copying is performed by automatically reducing the resolution of the copy data from that of the standard color method, so that the memory occupied state by the copy data can be avoided, while maintaining the color method setting function by the user, The copying operation in the multi-copy mode can be performed reliably.
[0066]
Next, a third embodiment will be described based on FIG. As in the case of the first embodiment, the CPU 1 first waits for the user to press the start button (S41). When the start button is pressed (S41: YES), the remaining memory capacity of the RAM 3 storing various data at that time is calculated (S42). Here, the remaining memory capacity excludes all areas used such as an area storing voice data and image data based on the answering voice recording function and the memory timer transmission function in addition to the area reserved for the work of the CPU 1 in the RAM 3. The size of unused area.
[0067]
The CPU 1 which has calculated the remaining memory capacity compares the remaining memory capacity with a predetermined value (S43). Here, the predetermined value that is used as a comparison reference value for the remaining amount of memory is determined based on the minimum memory capacity required when performing image forming processing in the fine color method described later. Although it is a threshold value, for reference, it is not the threshold value itself. However, when image forming processing is performed by the fine color method, an area of about several hundred kilobytes is required as a copy data storage area. The
[0068]
When the remaining memory capacity is larger than the predetermined value (S43: YES), the CPU 1 selects the fine color method as the color method (S44), and executes the copying process according to the fine color method (S46, S47). Here, regardless of whether the set copy mode is the single copy mode or the multi-copy mode, the copying process is performed by the fine color method, and the processing content is the same as the processing executed in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted.
[0069]
On the other hand, when the remaining memory capacity is smaller than the predetermined value (S43: NO), the CPU 1 selects the standard color system as the color system (S45), and executes the copying process according to the standard color system (S46, S47). In this case as well, the standard color method is used for copying regardless of the set copy mode.
[0070]
As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus of the third embodiment, when the remaining amount of memory is smaller than the predetermined value, copying is performed by the standard color method without performing copying by the fine color method. The situation where copy data cannot be stored due to the small amount can be avoided as much as possible, and the copy operation requested via such RAM 3 is performed while keeping the memory size of RAM 3 constant in order to reduce costs. It can be performed stably.
[0071]
In the third embodiment, when it is determined in S43 that the remaining memory capacity is low, the process proceeds to S45 and subsequent steps, and the standard color system is automatically selected. In the case where the user can set in advance which color scheme of the fine color scheme is preferentially used, for example, the operation shown in FIG. 5 can be considered.
[0072]
That is, based on the pressing of the start button (S51: YES), the remaining memory capacity is calculated (S52). If the remaining memory capacity is larger than the predetermined value (S53: YES), the type of the set copy mode Regardless of the color method set by the user (S56), the copying process is performed (S57, S58). On the other hand, if the remaining memory capacity is smaller than the predetermined value (S53: NO), it is further determined whether or not the set copy mode is “single copy mode” (S54). In the case of the single copy mode (S54: YES), since the memory used is relatively small, copy processing is performed based on the color method set by the user (S56 to S58). In the case of the multi-copy mode instead of the single copy mode (S54: NO), the standard color method is forcibly selected (S55) and copy processing is performed in order to prevent problems caused by the low remaining memory capacity (S55). (S57, S58)
According to such a configuration, in the single copy mode when the remaining amount of memory is low, or in copying when the remaining amount of memory is large, copying is performed according to the method set by the user. In the multi-copy mode when the remaining amount of memory is low, the standard method is forcibly selected even if the fine color method is set by the user. The occupied state of the memory can be avoided, and the copying operation in the multi-copy mode can be stably performed.
[0073]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described based on FIG. This embodiment incorporates each point of the above three embodiments.
[0074]
As in the other embodiments, the CPU 1 first waits for the user to press the start button (S61). When the start button is pressed (S61: YES), the CPU 1 determines whether or not the copy mode set by the user is the multi-copy mode (S62).
[0075]
When the multi-copy mode is set (S62: YES), the CPU 1 determines whether “image quality priority” or “color tone priority” is selected by the user (S63).
[0076]
When “image quality priority” is selected (S63: YES), the CPU 1 performs image reading processing with normal resolution (S64). As a result, the image reading unit 11 reads an image from one original sheet based on the normal resolution, and the CPU 1 reads the copy data handled in the standard color system based on the read data thus obtained. It is generated and accumulated in the free area of RAM 3 (S65). Using this copy data, the copy processing for the set number of copies is executed by the standard color method, as in the above embodiment (S66 to S69).
[0077]
When “color tone priority” is selected in S63 (S63: NO), the CPU 1 performs an image reading process with a resolution lower than normal (S70). As a result, the image reading unit 11 reads an image from a single document sheet based on a low resolution, and the CPU 1 handles the image in the fine color method based on the read data having a coarse image quality. Copy data is generated and stored in an empty area of the RAM 3 (S71). Using this copy data, the set copy processing of a plurality of copies is executed by the fine color method as in the above embodiment (S72 to S74, S69).
[0078]
In S62, when the copy mode set by the user is not the multi-copy mode (S62: NO), the process proceeds to S75, and the single copy process is executed. The processing executed in this single copy processing corresponds to S9 to S13 of FIG. 2 described in the first embodiment.
[0079]
As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus of the fourth embodiment, in the multi-copy mode, copying is performed by the standard color method with a reduced number of colors, or copying is performed by the fine color method by reducing the normal resolution. Any one of these can be selected arbitrarily, so that the user can select whether to give priority to image quality or color tone before starting copying, and to perform multi-copy mode copying. In any method, the occupied state of the memory by the copy data can be avoided, and the copy operation in the multi-copy mode can be stably performed.
[0080]
In the above embodiment, the color copying operation such as the standard color method and the fine color method is configured to be switched. However, the copying operation may be switched between monochrome and color.
[0081]
In addition, although it has been described that the image forming process is performed with the CMYK four colors in the standard color method and the six colors including the special colors in the fine color method, this is merely an example, and can be switched according to the number of colors. Of course, it can be applied if necessary.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image copying apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, in the single copy mode that handles copy data for one sheet of recording paper, a data amount larger than the standard data amount set as the standard color is processed. Copying in the multi-color expression system is started, while in the duplex copying mode that handles copy data for a plurality of sheets, copying in the standard expression system that processes the standard data amount is started. The amount of copy data to be processed in the copy mode is optimized to fit in the memory. Especially in the duplex copy mode, the copy data can be made as small as possible by reducing the number of colors using the standard expression method. Each copy requested through such memory can be avoided as much as possible, while keeping the memory size constant to reduce costs. It is possible to perform the copying operation by the over-de stably.
[0083]
According to the image copying apparatus of the present invention, since copying is normally performed according to the method set by the expression method setting means, it is possible to obtain a copy result according to the user's setting. Also, in the multiple copy mode, even if the multi-color expression method is set by the user, the standard expression method is forcibly selected, so it is possible to avoid the memory occupied state by the copy data, and the multiple copy method. The copying operation by mode can be performed stably.
[0084]
[0085]
[0086]
[0087]
[0088]
[0089]
Claims 3 According to the image copying apparatus of the invention described in item 1, the operation of the image copying apparatus according to claim 1 can be realized by operating the CPU based on the stored program.
[0090]
[0091]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of an image copying apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the facsimile apparatus during copying.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the facsimile apparatus during copying.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the facsimile apparatus during copying.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the facsimile apparatus during copying.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the facsimile apparatus during copying.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 CPU
2 NCU
3 RAM
4 Modem
5 ROM
6 EEPROM
7 Gate array
8 codec
9 DMAC
11 Image reader
12 Image forming unit
13 Operation unit
14 Display section
16 Public telephone line
20 Personal computer (PC)

Claims (3)

When copying an image read from manuscript paper onto recording paper, a multi-color material that uses a multi-color material that has more colors than the main standard color and performs image formation with more colors than the standard color An image copying apparatus capable of copying in an expression system and a standard expression system that performs image formation processing using standard colors,
A copy mode for discriminating between an image read from one of the original sheets and a single copy mode for copying on one of the recording sheets or a multiple copy mode for copying on a plurality of the recording sheets Discrimination means;
When the copying mode discriminating means determines that the copying mode is a single copying mode, the copying operation control is started to start copying in the multi-color expression mode. And an image copying apparatus. When copying an image read from manuscript paper onto recording paper, a multi-color material that uses a multi-color material that has more colors than the main standard color and performs image formation with more colors than the standard color An image copying apparatus capable of copying in an expression system and a standard expression system that performs image formation processing using standard colors,
A copy mode for discriminating between an image read from one of the original sheets and a single copy mode for copying on one of the recording sheets or a multiple copy mode for copying on a plurality of the recording sheets Discrimination means;
An expression method setting means for setting in advance whether to perform copying in a standard expression method or to perform copying in a multicolor expression method ;
If it is determined that the dual copy mode by the copy mode determination means, regardless of the setting status of the representation method setting unit, while starting the copying of a standard expression scheme, if it is determined that simplex copy mode, the upper Symbol representation Copying operation control means for starting copying in the method set by the method setting means;
Images copying apparatus characterized by having a. When copying an image read from manuscript paper onto recording paper, a multi-color material that uses a multi-color material that has more colors than the main standard color and performs image formation with more colors than the standard color A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image copying apparatus capable of copying in an expression method and a standard expression method for performing image formation processing using standard colors,
For determining whether an image read from one of the original sheets is a single copy mode for copying on one of the recording sheets or a multiple copy mode for copying on a plurality of sheets of the recording paper. A setting mode discrimination program;
When it is determined that the single copy mode is determined based on the above setting mode determination program, copying in the multi-color expression mode is started. On the other hand, when it is determined that the duplex copy mode is selected, copying in the standard expression mode is started. A storage medium storing a program including a copying operation control program.

Images