JP4975853B2 - Document reading apparatus, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and copying apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an original reading apparatus that reads an image of an original and generates image data representing the image, and an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a copying apparatus using the original, for example, an original scanner, a digital copying machine, a multifunction printer, Used for Faximiri equipment.

  One of the typical image reading devices that read an image of an original is a flatbed type original scanner that can read not only a sheet original but also a book original, and the original size can be changed before the original reading scan is completed. Some are automatically detected. An infrared sensor has been used as a method for detecting the document size during reading in the flatbed method, but in recent years, a line sensor (CCD) for reading a document image is used instead of an infrared sensor for detecting the document size in the main scanning direction. A method of detecting a document size using a document has been used. Although not only the document size in the main scanning direction but also the document size in the sub-scanning direction is required, if the document size detection in the sub-scanning direction is to be performed, it is necessary to pre-scan the entire document surface. In this case, since document reading is delayed, the document size detection in the sub-scanning direction is actually performed by an infrared sensor as in the past, and a method using line sensor reading data is mainly used only for main scanning direction detection.

JP-A-10-257255, JP 2000-138798 A, JP 2003-198809 A, JP2003-250028, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-96157.

In Patent Document 1, when an original cover is closed, an illumination lamp is turned on, and an image is read using a CCD sensor for reading an original image between the start of closing the original cover and contact with the original. A document size detection device that detects the edge of the document in the main scanning direction based on the read image data is described. Even if the document cover begins to close, the illumination light is reflected from the document area and detected brightly by the CCD sensor until the document cover almost contacts the document, but the illumination light is reflected by the CCD sensor in the outer area of the document. Not detected dark. This difference in brightness appears at the edge of the original of the read image data.
In Patent Document 2, when the original mat is opened, the illumination lamp is driven from the home position HP to the original reading position, and when the original mat is closed, the illumination lamp is turned on to detect the document size in the main scanning direction. A document size detection device for returning the illumination lamp to HP is described. The size in the sub-scanning direction is detected by a reflection type optical sensor.
In Patent Document 3, the illumination lamp is first turned on with the original platen closed, and the reading data of the CCD line sensor is read only in a plurality of sampling areas in the main scanning direction, and the contents in the areas are added and sampled. A document size detection device is described in which the presence / absence of a document in an area is determined to determine the document size in the main scanning direction.
In Patent Document 4, a platen cover closing operation is detected by a first detection means, an exposure lamp is turned on, a scanner unit is moved in the sub-scanning direction, and a plurality of lines are read by an image sensor. The second detection means detects the completion of the closing, turns on the exposure lamp again, moves the scanner unit in the reverse direction, reads a plurality of lines with the image sensor, and obtains a total of two sets for each of the forward and backward movements Describes an image forming apparatus that determines the document size in the main scanning direction from the read information and detects the document size in the sub-scanning direction using a photosensor.

  In Patent Document 5, each reading value (each detection point consisting of n pixels including each pixel at a position corresponding to each document width in the main scanning direction of each standard size document and a plurality of neighboring pixels in the main scanning direction (n pixels) is disclosed. A document size determination method for determining whether a document exists at each detection point based on an average value) and determining the document size is described.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-260260 is a method for judging the size of a document in the main scanning direction on the assumption that the inside of the document is white and the outside of the document is black when the pressure plate is opened. The size detection is performed with a white line in the original. Patent Document 2 uses the same method as Patent Document 1 to determine the document size in the main scanning direction, assuming that the inside of the document is white and the outside of the document is black when the pressure plate is opened, but the lamp is turned on and the lamp is turned off. It is characterized by taking the data under two conditions and eliminating the influence of ambient light. Patent Documents 1 and 2 are effective in increasing the accuracy of document size detection from two or more types of read data, but mention that it is easier for the user to reduce the time until the platen closes. Not. In Patent Documents 3 and 5, the method for determining the document size in the main scanning direction on the assumption that the inside of the document is white and the outside of the document is black when the pressure plate is opened is the same as that in Patent Document 1, but the line sensors at a plurality of points in the main scanning direction The main scanning document size is detected using the read data. In Patent Documents 3 and 5, it takes only a short time until the pressure plate is closed, but when the CCD line sensor reads, the light amount of the lamp may be unstable while the light amount of the lamp is rising. Further, since the read data is simply averaged in the region in the main scanning direction, there is a high possibility that the main scanning document size detection malfunctions due to the rise of the lamp light amount and the reading timing of the CCD line sensor. In Patent Document 4, the same problem as that of Patent Document 3 can be considered for the first reading during the closing operation of the platen cover. Since the second reading with the platen cover closed reads the image on the document, it is difficult to determine the size of the document surface, and size determination processing based on the first and second reading results. Is considered to be complicated.

  The first object of the present invention is to increase the reliability of document size detection. A second object is to eliminate document reading delay caused by executing document size detection. In document size detection performed while the platen is moving, the start of lighting of the illumination lamp when the platen is closed is made as late as possible. A third object is to realize document size detection with high detection accuracy with little influence of variations such as reading sensitivity of the image sensor, lamp light amount accuracy, and optical accuracy. A fifth object is to facilitate setting or changing the size group.

(1) An illumination lamp (232) for illuminating the original, driving means (238) for driving the illumination lamp in a sub-scanning direction, and reading the original in the main scanning direction (x) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction (y) In an original reading apparatus comprising: an image sensor (207) that outputs a line of the read image signal; and optical means (233-236) that projects the original image illuminated by the illumination lamp on the image sensor.
The illuminating lamp (232) is sub-scanning driven via the driving means (238), and the first and second positions in the sub-scanning direction of the image signal of the line output in the main scanning direction at each position. Means (IPU1: FIG. 13) for extracting image signals at a plurality of locations (B11-B51, B12-B52: FIGS. 14, 15);
An original detection means (IPU1) for generating binary data representing the presence / absence of an original at each position in the main scanning direction by comparing the image signals at the same position in the main scanning direction at the first and second positions;
A size detection means (IPU1: FIG. 13) for determining the document size in the main scanning direction based on the distribution of the binary data in the main scanning direction.
A document reading device (FIG. 13-15), comprising:

  In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, the code | symbol or corresponding matter of the corresponding | compatible element of the Example shown in drawing and mentioned later in parentheses was added as reference for reference. The same applies to the following.

  According to this, since the document presence / absence reading image signals at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction (B11 and B12, B21 and B22,...) Are collated, the presence / absence of the document at each location in the main scanning direction is determined. The reliability of detecting the presence / absence of the document at each location in the scanning direction can be increased, and the reliability of determining the document size in the main scanning direction is increased.

  (2) The document detection means (IPU1: FIG. 13) calculates an average value of the image data obtained by digitally converting the image signal in each of the plurality of locations, and in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction. The document reading apparatus according to (1), wherein the average values of a plurality of locations are collated. According to this, since the average value is used, the variation in reading for each line is leveled, the detection of whether or not there is a document at each position in the main scanning direction by collation is high, and the document size detection in the main scanning direction is performed. High reliability.

  (3) The document detection means is configured such that a difference between image signals at a plurality of positions (B11 and B12, B21 and B22,...) At the same position (B1-B5) in the main scanning direction (B11 and B12, B21 and B22,. The document reading apparatus according to (1) or (2) above, wherein a document is present at a position in the main scanning direction equal to or greater than ΔD) (FIG. 10).

  In the case of a document having a dark background density, even if the image sensor reads the inside of the document, it may be erroneously determined that there is no document because the image signal does not exceed the threshold TH for reading white (document). Therefore, in this embodiment, when there is a difference of ΔD or more between different positions in the sub-scanning direction, even if TH does not exceed TH, it is determined that there is a document, and detection of a document having a dark background density is prevented. It is less affected by variations in the reading sensitivity of the image sensor, lamp light quantity accuracy, optical accuracy, etc., and detection accuracy is improved.

(4) The document detection means binarizes the image data obtained by digitally converting the image signals at each of the plurality of locations into binary data indicating that there is a document or binary data indicating that there is no document (47) ; size detection means, the same position in the main scanning direction (B1-B5), when the binary data at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction Ru document Aridea in any position in the main scanning direction, the binary data The document reading apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the document size in the main scanning direction is determined based on the distribution of the presence or absence of the document in the main scanning direction (55 , 56) . When there is no document at any position in the main scanning direction (55, 58) , the reliability of the document presence / absence detection is low. Since such a case is excluded and the document size in the main scanning direction is determined, the reliability of the document size determination is high.

(5) The document detection means is configured such that a difference between image signals at a plurality of positions (B11 and B12, B21 and B22,...) In the sub-scanning direction at the same position (B1-B5) in the main scanning direction is a set value. The position in the main scanning direction equal to or larger than (ΔD) is (B1-B5), binary data with a document (“1”) (46 , 49 , 50) , and the position in the other main scanning direction in the sub-scanning direction. The image data obtained by digital conversion of the image signal at a plurality of locations is binarized into binary data (“1”) indicating that there is a document or binary data (“0”) indicating that there is no document (47, 49, 51, 52). ) ; The size detection means determines that if the binary data at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction at the same position (B1-B5) in the main scanning direction is a document at any position in the main scanning direction , the 2 The document reading device according to (1) or (2) , wherein the document size in the main scanning direction is determined based on the distribution of the value data in the main scanning direction (55 , 56) . According to this, the effects described in the above (3) and (4) can be expected.

  (6) If there is a discrepancy between the binary data at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction, the size detection means notifies a document confirmation request (51, 58 in FIG. 10). The document reading apparatus according to the above (4) or (5). When there is a discrepancy between the binary data at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction, the reliability of the document presence / absence detection is low. At this time, since the document confirmation request is notified, it can be expected that the user opens the pressure plate in accordance with the request and rearranges the document at an appropriate position.

  (7) The means (IPU1) for extracting the image signal is a plurality of sub-scanning directions in which the image signal is extracted before notifying the document confirmation request when reading the document immediately after the size detection means notifies the document confirmation request. Extract image signals at a plurality of positions (Yaa-Yba and Yca-Yda: FIGS. 12 and 16) in the sub-scanning direction different from the positions (Yr-Ya and Yb-Yc); the document reading apparatus according to (6) above . According to this, the possibility of success in detecting the presence / absence of a document increases due to the rearrangement of the document by the user or the change of the reading position in the sub-scanning direction, and the reliability of the detection of the presence / absence of the document is increased.

  (8) The document reading apparatus further stores a size determination table in which data representing the document size corresponding to the distribution is associated with the distribution in the main scanning direction of the binary data at each position in the main scanning direction. HDD, IPU2), and the size detecting means (IPU1) stores the document size data associated with the distribution in the main scanning direction of binary data at each position (B1-B5) in the main scanning direction. Read from means; Document reading apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7) above. According to this, binary size data at each position (B1-B5) in the main scanning direction can be given to the size discrimination table, and document size data corresponding to the binary data distribution in the main scanning direction can be read. In other words, since document size data can be obtained immediately by so-called table access, document size determination is simplified.

(9) The document reading apparatus further includes a plurality of fixed size groups each including a data group representing a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction for detecting which document size is in one fixed size group. A reference sensor table including a plurality of tables to be applied to the data, and data representing a document size corresponding to the distribution in the main scanning direction distribution of the binary data at a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction of one reference sensor table Non-volatile storage means (HDD) storing a size discrimination table including a plurality of tables to be applied to each of a plurality of standard size groups, in which one table is associated with each other; means for designating one standard size group (220 ); Usage table for storing each one reference sensor table and size discrimination table applied to the designated standard size group of the nonvolatile storage means (HDD)憶 means (IPU 2); provided with,
The document detection unit generates the binary data at a plurality of locations in the main scanning direction of the reference sensor table in the use table storage unit; the size detection unit performs main scanning for the presence / absence of a document of these binary data. The document size data associated with the direction distribution is read from a size determination table in the use table storage unit; the document reading device according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

  For each country or region, the standard size of everyday paper is large or subtly different. Therefore, there is a need for a document reading device that designs a document presence / absence detection portion that matches a general standard size group at a destination (use area). However, manufacturing a document reading device suitable for each of a plurality of destinations lowers the production efficiency of the document reading device. According to this embodiment, after the document reading apparatus is manufactured, one reference sensor table and a size determination table that match the standard size group of the destination or the standard size group desired by the user are stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. Since it is only necessary to write from the (HDD) to the usage table storage means (IPU2), it is easy to set or change the standard size group determined by the document size detection.

  (10) The document reading apparatus further includes a Y sensor (Sy1-Sy6) for detecting the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction; the size detecting means includes the determined document size in the main scanning direction and the Y The document reading apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein an overall size of the document is determined based on a combination of the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction detected by the sensor. According to this, document size data representing the size of the front surface of the document is obtained.

  (11) The document reading apparatus further includes a Y sensor (Sy1-Sy6) for detecting the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction, and distribution of binary data at each position in the main scanning direction in the main scanning direction. And a storage means (HDD, IPU2) for storing a size determination table in which data indicating the original size of the combination is associated with a combination of the presence / absence of a plurality of positions where the Y sensor detects the presence / absence of the original; The size detection means outputs document size data associated with distribution in the main scanning direction of binary data at each position in the main scanning direction and presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction detected by the Y sensor. The document reading apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), which is read from the storage unit. Since the document size data can be obtained immediately by accessing the size determination table, the document size determination is simplified.

(12) The document reading apparatus further includes a Y sensor (Sy1-Sy6) for detecting the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction and a main scanning direction for detecting which document size is in one standard size group. A plurality of data applied to each of a plurality of standard size groups, in which a data group representing a plurality of positions and a data group representing a position to be referred to in a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction in which the Y sensor detects the presence or absence of a document are used as one table. A reference sensor table including a table, a data group representing a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction in one reference sensor table, and a position to be referred to among a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction where the Y sensor detects the presence / absence of a document. The combination of the specified binary data at each position in the main scanning direction and the distribution in the main scanning direction of the presence / absence of the document and the presence / absence of the document at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction is combined. Non-volatile storage means (HDD) storing a size discriminating table including a plurality of tables to be applied to each of a plurality of standard size groups as one table by associating data representing the data; means for designating one standard size group (220 And a use table storage means (IPU2) for storing each set of reference sensor table and size discrimination table applied to the standard size group designated in the nonvolatile storage means,
The size detection means includes binary data obtained based on read image data at a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction of the reference sensor table in the use table storage means, and a plurality of sub sensor scanning directions in the reference sensor table. The document size data corresponding to the position detection result of the document by the Y sensor is read from the size determination table in the use table storage means; any one of (1) to (7) above Document reading device. According to this, the effects described in (13) and (15) above can be expected.

  (13) Further, when the document size data is obtained when receiving the document reading instruction, the illumination lamp is driven forward to the sub-scanning inversion position corresponding to the document size, and the illumination lamp is driven at the sub-scanning inversion position. The document reading device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, further comprising: a reading control means (206) for returning to a standby position (HP) waiting for a reading instruction. According to this, the forward scanning of the document image reading is completed at the sub-scanning inversion position corresponding to the document size, and the time required for one document reading can be saved.

  (14) The document reading apparatus further transfers the translucent window (240) illuminated by the illumination lamp (232) in the standby position (HP) and the sheet-form document so as to pass through the translucent window in the sub-scanning direction. A document transporting means (230) for carrying out the operation; the reading control means (206) is configured to fix an illumination lamp at the standby position and to read a sheet-through reading mode for reading an image of the transported sheet-like document; One of the flatbed reading modes driven in the sub-scanning direction is selected and executed; the document reading apparatus according to (13) above. According to this, the user can automatically read a plurality of sheet document bundles (sheet through reading) without manually feeding each document.

  (15) The document reading device further includes document placement detecting means (223) for detecting whether or not there is a document on the document tray (241); when the reading control means (206) receives the document reading instruction, When the document placement detection unit detects the presence of a document, the sheet-through reading mode is executed; the document reading device according to (14) above. According to this, when the user places a sheet document on the document tray and inputs a document reading instruction, the sheet document is automatically read.

  (16) The reading control means (206) executes the flatbed reading mode when the original placement detection means (223) does not detect the presence of an original when receiving an original reading instruction; ) Or (15). According to this, when a user places a sheet document at a flat bed reading position and inputs a document reading instruction, the sheet document in the flat bed reading mode is automatically read.

(17) The document reading device further includes a translucent plate (231); a pressure plate (250p) that presses the manuscript toward the translucent plate; An opening degree detecting means (252) for detecting whether it is "closed"; and in response to a change from "closed" to "open" detected by the opening degree detecting means, the illumination lamp is turned on via the driving means. Change from “open” to “closed” detection of the opening detection means by driving forward (forward) to the first backward movement position (Yr / Yra) in the sub-scanning direction that has entered the original placement area of the translucent plate In response to, a reading control means (206) for turning on the illuminating lamp and driving the illuminating lamp to return via the driving means (206);
The means for extracting the image signal extracts the image signals of the imaging elements at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction during the backward driving; any one of the above (1) to (5) Document reading device.

  When the pressure plate (250p) is opened, if the illumination lamp (232) is driven forward to the first backward movement position (Yr / Yra) in the sub-scanning direction that has entered the document placement area of the translucent plate, It is possible to read the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction by re-driving the illumination lamp within a narrow opening range from when (250p) is closed to the set opening until it is fully closed. When this document reading is completed, the illumination lamp can be returned to the position before starting the forward drive. Therefore, when the user places the document on the translucent plate and closes the pressure plate, the user can immediately input a document reading start instruction and perform document reading. There is no delay in document reading due to document size detection.

  (18) The document reading device according to (17), wherein the first backward movement position (Yr / Yra) in the sub-scanning direction is within an area of a minimum document size defined in the document reading device. According to this, it is possible to detect the size in the main scanning direction of a document having a size equal to or larger than the minimum document size determined in the document reading apparatus.

  (19) If there is a discrepancy between the binary data at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction, the size detection unit notifies a document confirmation request (51, 58 in FIG. 10). The document reading device according to the above (17) or (18).

  (20) The means for extracting the image signal extracts the image signal during the backward driving before notifying the document confirmation request during the backward driving after the size detection means notifies the document confirmation request. The image reading apparatus according to (19), wherein image signals at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction different from the plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction are extracted.

  (21) The document reading device further includes a Y sensor for detecting presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction on the translucent plate; the reading control means from “open” to “open” detected by the opening degree detecting means. In response to the change to “closed”, the detection signal of the Y sensor is read; the size detecting means reads the document size in the main scanning direction determined and the documents in a plurality of positions in the sub scanning direction detected by the Y sensor. The whole document size is determined based on the combination of presence / absence; the document reading device according to any one of (17) to (20) above.

  (22) The document reading device further includes a Y sensor for detecting the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction on the translucent plate, and binary data at each position in the main scanning direction in the main scanning direction Storing means for storing a size discrimination table in which data representing the original document size corresponding to the combination is combined with a combination of distribution and presence / absence of originals at a plurality of positions where the Y sensor detects presence / absence of originals; Reads the detection signal of the Y sensor in response to a change from “open” to “closed” detected by the opening degree detection means; the size detection means is binary data at each position in the main scanning direction. The document size data associated with the distribution of the presence / absence of the document in the main scanning direction and the presence / absence of the document at the plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction detected by the Y sensor is read from the storage means; Document reading apparatus according to any one.

(23) The document reading device further includes a Y sensor for detecting presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction on the translucent plate, and a main scanning direction for detecting which document size is in one standard size group. A data group representing a plurality of positions and a data group representing a position to be referred to among a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction in which the Y sensor detects the presence or absence of a document are applied to each of a plurality of standard size groups. A reference sensor table including a plurality of tables, a data group representing a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction in one reference sensor table, and a position to be referred to in a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction where the Y sensor detects the presence or absence of a document Is a combination of the distribution in the main scanning direction of binary data at each position in the main scanning direction and the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction. A non-volatile storage means for storing a size discrimination table including a plurality of tables applied to each of a plurality of standard size groups in association with data representing the document size; a means for designating one standard size group; and Use table storage means for storing a set of reference sensor tables and a size determination table applied to a fixed size group designated in the nonvolatile storage means;
The size detecting means includes binary data obtained based on the read image data at a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction of the reference sensor table in the use table storage means, and the sub-scanning of the reference sensor table. Read the document size data corresponding to the document presence / absence detection result by the Y sensor at a plurality of positions in the direction from the size discrimination table in the use table storage means; any one of (17) to (20) above The document reading device described in 1.

  (24) When the reading control means obtains the original size data when receiving the original reading instruction, it drives the illumination lamp to the sub-scanning inversion position corresponding to the original size, and illuminates at the sub-scanning inversion position. The lamp is returned and returned to a waiting position for waiting for a reading instruction; The document reading apparatus according to any one of (13) to (19) above.

  (25) The document reading device further includes a translucent window illuminated by an illuminating lamp at a standby position and a document transporting unit that transports the sheet-form document so as to pass through the translucent window in the sub-scanning direction; The control means fixes an illuminating lamp at the standby position, and reads a sheet-through reading mode for reading an image of the sheet-like document being transferred, and a flat for driving the illuminating lamp along the translucent plate in the sub-scanning direction. One of the bed reading modes is selected and executed; The document reading apparatus according to any one of (17) to (24) above.

  (26) The document reading device further includes document placement detection means for detecting whether or not a document is on the document tray; and when the document reading instruction is received, the document placement detection means indicates that the document placement detection means When it is detected, the sheet-through reading mode is executed; The document reading apparatus according to (25) above.

  (27) The reading control means executes the flatbed reading mode when the original placement detection means does not detect the presence of an original when receiving an original reading instruction; the above (25) or (26) The document reading device described.

(28) The image reading device according to any one of (1) to (27) above;
Storage means for storing image data (MEM, HDD); and
Image data processing means (ACP) for storing image data output by the image reading device in the storage means (MEM, HDD) and reading out from the storage means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: According to this, the image can be read by the image reading device, stored in the storage means (MEM, HDD), and read at an arbitrary time.

(29) The image reading apparatus according to any one of (1) to (27) above;
A printer (PTR) that forms an image represented by the image data on paper; and
An image forming apparatus comprising: image data processing means (ACP) that converts image data read by the image reading apparatus into image data suitable for image formation of the printer and outputs the image data to the printer. According to this, the original image can be read and printed out by the image reading device.

(30) The image reading device according to any one of (1) to (27) above;
Storage means for storing image data (MEM, HDD);
A printer (PTR) that forms an image represented by the image data on paper; and
Image data processing means (ACP) for storing image data output by the image reading device in the storage means, reading out from the storage means, converting the image data into image data suitable for image formation of the printer, and outputting the image data to the printer;
A copying apparatus having an image storage function. According to this, the original image can be read by the image reading device, stored in the storage means, and read out and printed out.

  (31) The apparatus according to (28) or (30), further including communication means (38) for sending image data read from the storage means to a communication network. According to this, image data of many images can be stored in the storage means (MEM, HDD), read out, and distributed to the client or the host via the communication network.

  Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a multi-function full-color digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This full-color copying machine is roughly constituted by units of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 230, an operation board 220, a color scanner 210, a color printer PTR and a finisher 100. The operation board 220, the color scanner 210 with the ADF 230, and the finisher 100 are units that can be separated from the printer PTR. The color scanner 210 includes a control board having a power device driver, sensor inputs, and a controller. Communication with the data processing apparatus ACP (FIG. 4) is performed, the timing is controlled, and the original image is read. The personal computer PC is connected to the image data processing apparatus ACP (FIG. 4) of the copying machine via a LAN (Local Area Network). An exchange PBX connected to a telephone line PN (facsimile communication line) is connected to the facsimile control unit FCU (FIG. 4). The printed paper of the color printer PTR is discharged to the finisher 100.

  FIG. 2 shows the mechanism of the color printer PTR. The color printer PTR of this embodiment is a laser printer. An assembly (image forming unit) of a photosensitive member 15 and a developing device 27 and a charger, a cleaning device, and a transfer device (illustration unit) (not shown) that forms a one-color toner image is Bk (black), C (cyan), M ( There are four sets in total, one for each image formation of magenta) and Y (yellow), arranged in tandem along the conveyor belt 16, and each color toner image formed by them is sequentially one sheet. Are transferred onto the transfer paper.

  The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first paper feeding device 11, the second paper feeding device 12, and the third paper feeding device 13, respectively, and are conveyed vertically. The unit 14 is transported to a position where it abuts on the photoreceptor 15. Image data read by the scanner 50 is written onto the uniformly charged photoreceptor 15 by a charger (not shown) by laser exposure from the writing unit 60, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. As the electrostatic latent image passes through the developing unit 27, a toner image appears on the photoreceptor 15. The toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred while the transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. Thereafter, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 17 and discharged to the finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus by the paper discharge unit 18.

  The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 2 can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge unit 18 of the main body in the normal paper discharge roller 103 direction and the staple processing unit direction. By switching the switching plate 101 upward, the sheet can be discharged to the normal discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103. Further, by switching the switching plate 101 downward, the switching plate 101 can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveying rollers 105 and 107. The transfer paper loaded on the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper aligning jogger 109 each time it is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of partial copying. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

  On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth (in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2). The paper discharge tray section 104 that can be moved back and forth moves forward and backward for each original or each copy section sorted by the image memory, and sorts copy paper that is simply discharged.

  When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 is not guided to the discharge tray 104 side, and the branch claw 19 for switching the path is provided. By turning it downward, it is once guided to the reversing unit 112 and then stocked in the duplex feeding unit 111.

  Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked on the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 15 again, and the branching claw 112 for switching the path. Is returned to the horizontal in the figure and guided to the paper discharge tray 104. In this way, when creating images on both sides of the transfer paper, the reversing unit 112 and the duplex feeding unit 111 are used.

  The photoreceptor 15, the conveyance belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharge unit 18, and the development unit 27 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 does not drive the main motor. It is driven by being transmitted by each sheet feeding clutch. The vertical conveyance unit 14 is driven by transmitting the drive of the main motor by an intermediate clutch (not shown).

  FIG. 3 shows a document image reading mechanism of the scanner 210 and the ADF 230 attached thereto. The document placed on the contact glass 231 of the scanner 210 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 232, and the reflected light (image light) of the document is reflected by the first mirror 233 in parallel with the sub-scanning direction y. The illumination lamp 232 and the first mirror 233 are mounted on a first carriage (not shown) that is driven at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction y. Second and third mirrors 234 and 235 are mounted on a second carriage (not shown) driven in the same direction as the first carriage, and the image light reflected by the first mirror 233 is The light is reflected downward (z) by the second mirror 234, reflected in the sub-scanning direction y by the third mirror 235, converged by the lens 236, irradiated to the CCD 207, and converted into an electrical signal. The first and second carriages are driven in the y direction forward (original scanning) and backward (return) using the traveling body motor 238 as a drive source. As described above, the scanner 210 is a flatbed type original scanner that scans the original on the contact glass 231 with the lamp 232 and the mirror 233 and projects the original image on the CCD 207. A glass 240 serving as a sheet-through reading window is located at a reading visual field position of the first mirror 233 when one carriage is stopped at a home position (standby position) HP. ) 230 is mounted, and the transport drum (platen) 244 of the ADF 230 faces the glass 240.

  The documents stacked on the document tray 241 of the ADF 230 are fed between the conveyance drum 244 and the pressing roller 245 by the pickup roller 242 and the registration roller pair 243, and are in close contact with the conveyance drum 244 and pass over the reading glass 240. Then, the paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 248 serving as a pressure plate below the document tray 241 by the paper discharge rollers 246 and 247.

  When the image on the surface of the document passes through the reading glass 240 serving as a document reading window, the image is irradiated by the illumination lamp 232 that is moving immediately below the image, and the reflected light on the surface of the document is optical below the first mirror 233. The CCD 207 is irradiated through the system and subjected to photoelectric conversion. That is, it is converted into RGB color image signals. The surface of the transport drum 244 is a white back plate facing the reading glass 240 and is white so as to be a white reference plane.

  Between the reading glass 240 and the scale 251 for positioning the starting edge of the document, there are a reference white plate 239 and a base point sensor 249 for detecting the first carriage. Although the reference white plate 239 reads a document having a uniform density due to variations in individual emission intensities of the illumination lamps 232, variations in the main scanning direction, sensitivity variations among the pixels of the CCD 207, and the like, It is prepared to correct the phenomenon in which read data varies (shading correction).

  The base body 248 of the ADF 230 is hinge-coupled (hinge connected) to the base body of the scanner 210 on the back side (the back side of the paper surface in FIG. 3), and has a handle 250m on the near side of the base body 248 (the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 3). By pulling up the base 248, the ADF 230 can be raised to a standing posture that forms approximately 60 degrees on the contact glass 231. On the back side of the base body 248 of the ADF 230, the base level 248 of the ADF 230 is high level H (“1”) indicating “open” with a wide opening of about 20 degrees or more with respect to the contact glass 231 and smaller than about 20 degrees. There is a pressure plate opening degree detection switch 252 that generates a low level L (“0”) signal indicating “closed” by the opening degree. When the pressure plate 250p of the ADF 230 facing the contact glass 231 is attached to the bottom surface portion of the ADF 230 and the opening degree of the ADF 230 is 0 degree, the lower surface of the pressure plate 250p is the upper surface of the contact glass 231 as shown in FIG. Close contact with.

  When the opening degree detection signal of the pressure plate opening degree detection switch 252 is H indicating “open” and the ADF 230 is opened to about 60 degrees, the lamp 232 is temporarily located below the contact glass 231 and visible to the user. When lit, the light enters the user's eyes. However, when the opening detection signal of the pressure plate opening detection switch 252 is L indicating “closed” and the opening of the ADF 230 is about 20 degrees or less, the lamp 232 is temporarily located below the contact glass 231 and in a position where it can be seen from the outside. Even if it is turned on, the light is blocked by the pressure plate 250p and hardly enters the eyes of the user.

  A reflection type optical sensor Sy1 for determining the document size in the sub-scanning direction y at a position below the reciprocating optical path in the sub-scanning direction y of the first carriage and the second carriage that is not buffered by the movement of the carriage in the sub-scanning direction. ˜Sy6 are arranged, and the detection position of these sensors in the direction (z) perpendicular to the contact glass 231 is set on the upper surface of the contact glass 231 (the glass contact surface of the document placed on the glass 231). ing. FIG. 11 (enlarged plan view of the contact glass 231 looking down z) shows the arrangement positions of the reflective photosensors Sy1 to Sy6 on the x and y two-dimensional planes. In this embodiment, each of the reflection type photosensors Sy1 to Sy6 is on the contact glass 231 after the business card, postcard, A4 (horizontal), B5 (vertical), B4 (vertical), and A3 (vertical) in the sub-scanning y direction. It is detected whether there is paper (original) at a position corresponding to the edge portion. Each of the reflection type optical sensors Sy1 to Sy6 has a paper at the detection point on the contact glass 231 (receives the reflected light of the emitted light), a high level H (“1”) indicating that there is a document, and no paper ( A low-level L (“0”) original detection signal indicating that there is no original is generated. Even if the base body 248 of the ADF 230 is less than 20 degrees, if there is no original and the pressure plate 250p is separated from the upper surface of the contact glass 231 by several mm or more, the light pressure plate 250p of the light projected by the reflective photosensors Sy1 to Sy6 The reflected light does not return to the sensor, and the document detection signal of the sensor is at a low level L indicating no document. The document detection signal of the sensor where the document is located on the contact glass 231 is at a high level H indicating that there is a document regardless of whether the substrate 248 is open or closed.

  FIG. 4 shows the system configuration of the image processing system of the copying machine shown in FIG. In this system, a color document scanner 210 including a reading unit 211 and an image data output I / F (Interface) 212 is connected to an image data interface control CDIC (hereinafter simply referred to as CDIC) of the image data processing apparatus ACP. Yes. A color printer PTR is also connected to the image data processing apparatus ACP. The color printer PTR receives YMCK recording image data from the image data processor IPU2 (Image Processing Unit; hereinafter simply referred to as IPU2) of the image data processing apparatus ACP to the writing I / F 134 and prints it out at the image forming unit 135. To do. The image forming unit 135 is shown in FIG.

  The image data processing device ACP (FIG. 4) is connected to a router, and a LAN hub (not shown) connected to the personal computer PC and a modem (not shown) connected to the Internet are connected to the router. The image data processing apparatus ACP can send and receive image data by communicating with devices connected to the LAN (for example, a personal computer PC, a server DSR, a printer, a scanner, a multi-function copying machine, etc.). In addition, image data can be transmitted and received by communicating with other devices having an Internet communication function via the Internet. The distribution server DSR connected to the LAN hub is a computer that distributes a file (mail, image) transmitted or stored therein to a designated or registered destination (LAN connection device or Internet connection device). is there.

  An image data processing device ACP (hereinafter simply referred to as ACP) includes a parallel bus Pb, an image memory access control IMAC (hereinafter simply referred to as IMAC), an image memory MEM (memory module; hereinafter simply referred to as MEM), and a hard disk device. An HDD (hereinafter simply referred to as HDD), a system controller 31a, a RAM 34, a nonvolatile memory 35, a font ROM 36, a CDIC, an IPU 2, and the like are provided. A facsimile control unit FCU (hereinafter simply referred to as FCU) is connected to the parallel bus Pb. The operation board 220 is connected to the system controller 31a.

  The RGB image signal generated by the image sensor of the CCD 207 of the reading unit 211 that optically reads the document of the color document scanner 210 is signal-processed on the sensor board unit SBU, converted into RGB image data, and subjected to shading correction. The data is sent to the CDIC via the output I / F 212.

  The CDIC performs data transfer between the output I / F 212, the parallel bus Pb, and the IPU 2 and communication between the process controller 131 and the system controller 31a that controls the entire ACP with respect to image data. The RAM 132 is used as a work area for the process controller 131, and the nonvolatile memory 133 stores an operation program for the process controller 131. In addition to the semiconductor memory MEM, there is an HDD for storing a lot of image data. By using the HDD, there is a feature that an external power source is unnecessary and an image can be held permanently. Many original images can be read by a scanner and held in the HDD, and many document images provided by the PC can be held.

  The image memory access control IMAC (hereinafter simply referred to as IMAC) is equivalent to the hardware and software of a personal computer. In addition to controlling the writing / reading of image data and control data to / from the MEM and HDD, A web server (software), an FTP server (software), an SMTP server (software), a DHCP server (software), and other files and servers (software) used for sending and receiving mail are set up. These software (programs) are stored in the HDD.

  The system controller 31a controls the operation of each component connected to the parallel bus Pb. The RAM 34 is used as a work area for the system controller 31a, and the nonvolatile memory 35 stores an operation program for the system controller 31a.

  The operation board 220 inputs processing to be performed by the ACP. For example, the type of processing (copying, facsimile transmission, image reading, printing, etc.), the number of processings, etc. are input. Thereby, the image data control information can be input.

  The RGB image data read by the scanner 210 and the CCD 207 of the ADF is subjected to image processing for correcting reading distortion such as scanner gamma correction and filter processing by the IPU 2 and then stored in the MEM. When printing out MEM image data, the IPU 2 performs color conversion of RGB signals to YMCK signals, and performs image quality processing such as printer gamma conversion, gradation conversion, and gradation processing such as dither processing or error diffusion processing. The image data after the image quality processing is transferred from the IPU 2 to the writing I / F 134. The writing I / F 134 performs laser control on the gradation processed signal by pulse width and power modulation. Thereafter, the image data is sent to the image forming unit 135, and the image forming unit 135 forms a reproduced image on the transfer paper.

  Based on the control of the system controller 31a, the IMAC controls the access of image data, MEM, and HDD, develops data for printing on a personal computer PC (hereinafter simply referred to as PC) connected to the LAN, and effectively uses the MEM and HDD. Secondary compression / decompression of image data for image data, generation of an image file using various servers (software), and transmission and reception via a LAN or the Internet.

  The image data sent to the IMAC is stored in the MEM or HDD after data compression, and the stored image data is read out as necessary. The image data read out for printing is decompressed, returned to primary compressed data, returned from the IMAC to the CDIC via the parallel bus Pb, and primarily decompressed by the CDIC to return to the original image data. After transfer from the CDIC to the IPU 2, image quality processing is performed and output to the writing I / F 134, and a reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper (paper) in the image forming unit 135. When transmitting via the LAN or the Internet, the secondary compressed data is compressed as it is, or compressed by another compression method having high compatibility with the PC, and sent to the LAN or the Internet via the network I / F 38 and the router. Send it out.

  In the flow of image data, the functions of the digital multi-function peripheral are realized by the bus control by the parallel bus Pb and the CDIC. The facsimile transmission is performed by performing image processing on the image data read by the scanner 210 and the ADF 230 by the IPU 2 and transferring the image data to the FCU via the CDIC and the parallel bus Pb. The FCU performs data conversion to the communication network and transmits it as facsimile data to the public line PN. Facsimile reception is performed by converting line data from the public line PN into image data by the FCU and transferring it to the IPU 2 via the parallel bus Pb and CDIC. In this case, no special image quality processing is performed, and the image is output from the writing I / F 134 and a reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper in the image forming unit 135.

  In a situation where a plurality of jobs, for example, an image reading function, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a printer output function operate in parallel, the usage rights of the reading unit 211, the image forming unit 135, and the parallel bus Pb are allocated to the system. Control is performed by the controller 31a and the process controller 131. The process controller 131 controls the flow of image data, and the system controller 31a controls the entire system and manages the activation of each resource (job). The function selection of the digital multi-function peripheral is performed on the operation board 220, and processing contents such as an image reading function, an image data registration function, a copy function, a print function, a facsimile function, and a connection transfer function are selected by the operation board 220. Set.

  The system controller 31a and the process controller 131 communicate with each other via the parallel bus Pb, CDIC, and serial bus Sb. Specifically, communication between the system controller 31a and the process controller 131 is performed by performing data format conversion for data and interface between the parallel bus Pb and the serial bus Sb in the CDIC.

  Various bus interfaces such as a parallel bus I / F 37, a serial bus I / F 39, a local bus I / F 33AA, and a network I / F 38 are connected to the IMAC. The system controller 31a is connected to related units via a plurality of types of buses in order to maintain independence in the entire ACP.

  The system controller 31a controls other functional units via the parallel bus Pb. The parallel bus Pb is used for transferring image data. The system controller 31a issues to the IMAC an operation control command for storing image data in the MEM and HDD. This operation control command is sent via IMAC, parallel bus I / F 37, and parallel bus Pb.

  In response to this operation control command, the image data is sent from the CDIC to the IMAC via the parallel bus Pb and the parallel bus I / F 37. The image data is stored in the MEM or HDD under the control of the IMAC.

  On the other hand, the ACP system controller 31a functions as a printer controller, network control, and serial bus control in the case of a call from the PC as a printer function. In the case of via the network, the IMAC receives print output request data via the network I / F 38.

  In the case of a general-purpose serial bus connection, the IMAC receives print output request data via the serial bus I / F 39. The general-purpose serial bus I / F 39 corresponds to a plurality of types of standards.

  Print output request data from the PC is developed into image data by the system controller 31a. The development destination is an area in MEM. Font data necessary for expansion is obtained by referring to the font ROM 36a via the local bus I / F 33a and the local bus Rb. The local bus Rb connects the controller 31a to the nonvolatile memory 35a and the RAM 34a. Regarding the serial bus Sb, in addition to the external serial port 32a for connection with the PC, there is also an interface for transfer with the operation board 220 which is an operation unit of the ACP. This is not print development data, but communicates with the system controller 31a via the IMAC, accepts processing procedures, displays the system status, and the like. Data transmission / reception between the system controller 31a and the MEM, HDD, and various buses is performed via the IMAC. Jobs that use MEM and HDD are centrally managed in the entire ACP.

  The CDIC receives image data output from the color document scanner 210 (SBU) and outputs it to the IPU 2. The IPU 2 performs “scanner image processing” 190 and sends it to the CDIC. The CDIC performs primary compression of image data in order to increase transfer efficiency on the parallel bus Pb. The compressed image data is sent to the parallel bus Pb. Image data input from the parallel data bus Pb is primarily compressed for bus transfer and is expanded by CDIC. The decompressed image data is transferred to the IPU 2. In the IPU 2, RGB image data is converted into YMCK image data by “image quality processing”, converted into image data Yp, Mp, Cp, Kp for image output of the printer 100 and output to the color printer 100.

  The CDIC has a conversion function of parallel data transferred by the parallel bus Pb and serial data transferred by the serial bus Sb. The system controller 31a transfers data to the parallel bus Pb, and the process controller 131 transfers data to the serial bus Sb. The CDIC performs parallel / serial data conversion for communication between the two controllers 1 and 131.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration of an electric system for image reading of the scanner 210 and the ADF 230. The electrical signals output from the image sensor 207, that is, R, G, B color analog image signals are respectively amplified by the signal processing 208 and converted into digital image signals, that is, image data by the A / D conversion 209. This image data is output to the image data processor IPU2 via the CDIC through the processing stages of the shading correction 210, the document size detection 211, the pixel density conversion 212a, and the scaling 212b. In the A / D conversion 209, the analog image signal is digitally converted into image data.

  The scanner control circuit 206 controls the lighting timing control circuit 205, the signal processing timing control circuit 213, and the motor control unit 260 in accordance with instructions from the ACP system controller 31a and the process controller 131. The lighting timing control circuit 205 controls on / off of the exposure lamp 232 (232a, 232b) in accordance with an instruction from the scanner control circuit 206, and the illuminance (light quantity) instructed by the process controller 131 via the signal processing timing control circuit 213. ) Defines the brightness (time-series average value or smooth value) of the exposure lamp 232. Reference numerals 232a and 232b may be collectively indicated by reference numeral 232. The scanner control circuit 206 also performs reading control (RCP) for detecting the size of the document placed on the contact glass 231. This will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The motor control unit 260 controls the sub-scanning drive motor 238 and the ADF motor 224 in accordance with instructions from the scanner control circuit 206. These motors are all stepping motors, and rotary encoders (E) 221 and 225 are connected to the shaft of the drive system. The scanning position (y) and the driving amount of the document, and the front and rear end positions and the feeding amount of the ADF-fed document are grasped by counting the electric pulses generated by the rotary encoders 221 and 225. The paper sensor 223 shown in FIG. 5 includes a sensor that detects whether a document is on the document tray of the ADF 30, a paper jam detection sensor, and a document size detection sensor. The base point sensor 249 detects passage of the first carriage at the reference position. As shown in FIG. 3, the position returned from the reference position by a in the return direction is the home position (standby position) HP of the first carriage. This is the sheet-through reading position facing the window plate 240.

  The signal processing timing control circuit 213 generates various signals in accordance with instructions or control signals from the scanner control circuit 206, the ACP system controller 31a, and the process controller 131. That is, when image reading is started, control signals including a shift gate signal SH, a transfer clock, a reset signal RS, a clamp gate signal CLP, and the like are given to the image sensor 207, and pixel synchronization is given to the system controller 31a. A clock pulse CLK, a line synchronization signal LSYNC, and a main scanning effective period signal LGATE are output. The pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK is substantially the same signal as the shift clock given to the image sensor 207. Further, the line synchronization signal LSYNC is a signal corresponding to the line synchronization signal MSYNC output from the beam sensor of the image forming unit 135 of the printer 14, but output is prohibited when the image is not read. The main scanning effective period signal LGATE becomes a high level H at a timing at which the image signal output from the image sensor 207 can be regarded as effective (original area reading period).

  Upon receiving a reading start instruction (start) from the ACP system controller 31a, the scanner control circuit 206 switches the control signal Se to the switching regulator 203 to a level instructing to turn on the power supply output, and controls the signal processing timing control circuit 213 (control of the signal processing timing control circuit 213). Signal generation) is controlled to start reading of the image sensor 207, the exposure lamp 232 is turned on, and driving of the sub-scanning drive motor 238 (manual feed mode) or the ADF motor (ADF mode) is started. Further, the sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to a high level H (outside the document area). This signal FGATE is switched to L indicating the inside of the document area when the first carriage reaches the document start end position in the manual feed mode (flatbed reading method), and from the registration roller in the ADF mode (sheet through reading method). When the feed amount of the document (leading edge) reaches the feed amount to the document reading position in the ADF mode using the ADF 13, the document is switched to L indicating the inside of the document area. When scanning of the document tail end is completed in the manual feed mode and the document tail end passes HP in the ADF mode, the sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is returned to H indicating the outside of the document area.

  Commercial alternating current is applied to the alternating current input circuit 201 of the reading unit 11, and the direct current power supply circuit 202 converts the commercial alternating current into direct current. The switching regulator 203 converts the DC voltage into a boosted DC voltage, controls it to a constant voltage, and applies it as a discharge lamp power source to drive circuits 204a and 204b including inverters. In response to the lighting control signals TG1 and TG2 given by the lighting timing control circuit 205, the inverters of the drive circuits 204a and 204b convert the high voltage direct current into the high voltage alternating current during the low level L that is the lighting instruction. Applied to the exposure lamps 232a and 232b. The exposure lamps 232a and 232b are discharge lamps that are driven by the high voltage alternating current to emit light and illuminate the original. The high level H of the lighting control signals TG1 and TG2 is a turn-off instruction. When the lighting control signals TG1 and TG2 are switched to the high level H, the inverters of the drive circuits 204a and 204b are switched to high-voltage direct current and high-voltage alternating current. That is, the high-voltage AC output to the exposure lamp is stopped, and the exposure lamps 232a and 232b are turned off.

  The sensor board unit SBU includes a first image processing unit IPU1.

  FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the IPU 1. The input / output I / F 31 includes image ports 0 to 4 for inputting and outputting image data, a mode setting unit (mode designation decoder) for exchanging control data, control signals, or synchronization signals, and an SCI (System Control Interface). ), Interrupt controller, JTAG (circuit automatic test), host I / F and clock generator, and timer. Image ports 0 and 1 are dedicated to input of image data, image port 2 is dedicated to input / output of image data, and image ports 3 and 4 are dedicated to output.

  Each of the image ports 0 to 4 has a first port and a second port, and 1-byte data can be input and output simultaneously at the first and second ports. Thereby, each image port 0-4 can input and / or output 2-byte data simultaneously in parallel. RGB color image data (multilevel gradation) is 8 bits, and read output data (multilevel gradation) when monochrome reading (monochrome processing mode) is designated is also 8 bits. Therefore, in the monochrome processing mode, two image data, that is, image data of two pixels can be input / output simultaneously in parallel. In the color processing mode, two pieces of RGB image data of one pixel can be input / output simultaneously in parallel.

  Each of the RAMs 0 to 15 as the memories of the buffer memory device 32 has a storage capacity of 8 Kbytes. 8K bytes is a capacity capable of storing 600 dpi multi-value image data (8 bits: one type of R, G, B image data) of one line parallel to the short side of the A3 plate, and the input of image data as a line buffer. And / or used for output, or as a LUT (Look Up Table). There are 16 RAMs of this type, each of which can select 2-byte batch read / write and 1-byte read / write. Each of the two RAMs 16 and 17 has a capacity of 2 Kbytes. These are cyclic shift registers that cyclically shift image data in order to absorb the speed difference of serial data transfer with the image data transfer source or transfer destination. It is intended to be used as

  These RAMs 0 to 17 are connected to any one of the memory switches SW1 to SW3. Memory controllers “memo controllers” 0 to 17 are interposed between the image ports 0 to 4, the memory switches SW 1 to SW 3, and the SIMD type processor 33. The memocons 0 to 5, 11 and 12 connected to the image ports 0 to 4, respectively, have a data input / output function for the image port according to the input / output mode designation given by the SIMD type processor 33. For these memo controllers, the image port, SIMD type processor 33 or RAM (0 to 17) is the data transfer sending side and the data transfer receiving side.

  The other memocons 6 to 10 and 13 to 19 also have a data selection function that determines the data transfer direction (From / To) in accordance with the input / output mode designation given by the SIMD processor 33. The SIMD type processor 33 or RAM (0 to 17) is the data transfer sending side and the data transfer receiving side. However, there is no connection function for the image port. In any of the memocons 0 to 19, the memory switches (SW1 to SW3) are set so as to connect the self memocons to the designated RAMs (0 to 17) in accordance with the RAM designation given by the SIMD type processor 33.

  In each of the memocons 0 to 19, the setting information register for storing the memocon setting information given by the SIMD (Single Instruction Stream Multiple Data Stream) processor 33 and the connection destination RAM (0 to 17) designated by the SIMD processor 33 are managed. There is a management information register for storing information and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller (DMAC). The DMAC includes an address counter that determines the read / write address of the connection destination RAM (0 to 17), a start address register (latch), an end address register, a use mode register, and a memory input / output control circuit. Each of these start address register, end address register and use mode register has a plurality of pieces of information so as to hold a start address, end address and use mode (buffer memory / LUT) addressed to each area in a plurality of area sections of the RAM. Can be stored. The memory input / output control circuit includes a decoder that decodes a data group of the setting information register and the management information register, and generates a control signal and a timing signal to the receiving side in synchronization with a timing signal on a sending side of data transfer In addition, 8K bytes of RAM 0 to 15 separate one line data into odd-numbered pixel data and even-numbered pixel data, and vice versa, to collect odd-numbered pixel data and even-numbered pixel data into one line. And a 1/2 frequency divider that divides the pixel synchronization pulse by 1/2 to generate an even-numbered (or odd-numbered) pixel synchronization signal used for each data processing.

  When reading / writing data from / to the buffer memory RAM (0 to 17), the decoder of the memory input / output control circuit uses the count value (pixel address) of the pixel synchronization pulse of the address counter as the start address register and the end address. Compared with the data in the register, the current RAM access area is detected, the use mode data of the detected area is read from the use mode register, is decoded into an operation mode control signal, and is read / written to the RAM (0-17). To control.

  According to the memo control setting information, a certain RAMa (one of 0 to 17) to be connected is specified for a certain memo control A (one of 0 to 19), and “buffer memory” (write / read) is specified as its use mode. If so, the memocon A determines the data selector inside the memory switch (SW1 to SW3) as a connection for the memocon A to access the RAMa. In this case, when the memo control setting information designates, for example, reading of the input color image data, the color image data that similarly enters the designated image port is written into the RAMa (0 to 17) designated by the processor 33.

  FIG. 7 shows an outline of the configuration of the SIMD type processor 33 shown in FIG. The SIMD type processor 33 which is a data processing device has a local memory RAM group of processor element PE section inside, and controls the memory area to be used and the path of the data path by the data bus control in the global processor 38. The input data and the data for output are allocated to the local memory RAM group as a buffer memory, stored in each, and output to the outside by the external I / F 39. The global processor 38 simultaneously gives the same operation instruction to a processor element PE group, that is, a data processor PEG, which includes the local memory RAM and performs the same image processing in parallel on multi-valued image data each including 8 bits or more. The calculation result of the processor element PE is stored again in the local memory RAM. And it outputs to memo control through external I / F39.

  The processing procedure of the processor element PE, parameters for processing, and the like are exchanged between the program RAM 36 and the data RAM 37. The programs and data of the hard disk HDD are downloaded to the program RAM 36 and the data RAM 37 via the IMAC / parallel bus Pb / CDIC / serial bus Sb according to instructions from the system controller 106. This data transfer is executed by a DMAC (direct memory access controller) in the external I / F 39 in response to a load command given by the system controller 106. This data flow is set by the process controller 101 according to the request of the DMAC.

  The RAM 0 to 17 group is a buffer memory BM, and the buffer controller BC for reading and writing data to the RAM includes a memory switch SW 1 to SW 3 group, a memory controller 0 to 19 group, an external I / F 39 and a global processor 38. The buffer controller BC controls data transfer among the three data processors PEG including the image ports 0 to 4 group, the buffer memory BM, and the processor element PE group. The global processor 38 determines the data transfer mode between the three parties based on the data program in the program RAM 36, and determines the data processing content of the data processor PEG.

  In the data program of the program RAM 36, there are transfer mode data for determining the data transfer mode and processing mode data addressed to the data processor PEG. At the control stage (timing) when the global processor 38 recognizes (reads) the transfer mode data, the global mode 38 decodes the transfer mode data and reads from the data RAM 37 the external IF 39 (data selector Ds20, Ds21) for controlling lower-level control data (memocon designation data) and lower-level control information data (setting information & management information) to be given to the memocon specified by the lower-level control data are read out to the external IF 39 and then to the memocon give.

  Further, the global processor 38 decodes the data processing mode and reads the data processing program, reference data, and setting data of the data processor PEG addressed to the data processing mode from the data RAM 37 at the control stage that recognizes the processing mode data. Are written in the internal RAM of each processor element PE of the data processor PEG. A control information memory CM composed of a program RAM 36 and a data RAM 37 is a control information memory for storing control information data of the buffer memory BM (RAM 0 to 17) and conversion data including a conversion table or calculation data.

  The buffer memory BM stores sequentially input data, outputs a predetermined number of stored data simultaneously to the data processor PEG, and temporarily stores a predetermined number of processed data processed by the data processor PEG Output buffer memory. A data processor PEG, which is a processor element PE group, is a data processor that inputs and processes a predetermined number of data in the buffer memory BM simultaneously in parallel or outputs a predetermined number of processed data simultaneously in parallel. . Then, the buffer controller BC adaptively changes the connection between the two so that the buffer memory BM has a shape suitable for parallel input / output of the data processor (PEG), and the control information memory (CM ) Based on the conversion data, a buffer controller capable of forming the same plurality of conversion tables in the buffer memory (BM).

  Thus, after setting the buffer memory BM to a state suitable for parallel input / output of the data processor (PEG), a part or all of the memory (any one of the RAMs 0 to 17) is set from the buffer memory (BM). A predetermined number of data is simultaneously input in parallel to the data processor (PEG), or a predetermined number of data processed by the data processor (PEG) is simultaneously output to the buffer memory BM, or the buffer memory BM The conversion data corresponding to each series of converted data is read out in parallel from each conversion table in association with each series of the plurality of conversion data to each of the plurality of conversion tables formed in the Both processes are performed.

  When the contents of image processing are changed or the processing form (combination of image processing) required by the system is changed, the operation board selects the data set to be transferred from the HDD to the program RAM 36 and the data RAM 37 by the system controller 106. Change according to instructions from OPB or PC. In some cases, the data set transferred to the program RAM 36 and the data RAM 37 of the HDD is rewritten to correspond.

  A RAM in each element PE of a processor element PE group (PEG: FIG. 7) as a data processor is connected to an input / output bus in the external I / F 39, and a global processor 38 is connected to each element PE. By setting the RAM read / write DMA transfer in the memo controller, data is written to the RAM in the individual element PE from the outside of the SIMD type processor 33, or from the RAM in the individual element PE, the SIMD type processor 33 Data can be read out of the area. That is, data transfer between the image ports 0 to 4 and RAM0 to RAM17 shown in FIG. 6 and the processor element PE group (PEG) of the SIMD type processor 33 is possible. One line of data lines between the RAMs 0 to 17 and the SIMD type processor 33 means a set of buses that can transfer 8-bit data in bit parallel.

  When the RAM use mode is LUT generation and the memo control setting information is to generate a shading LUT (write LUT data to the RAM), the memo control B (one of 0 to 19) is given by the SIMD processor 33. The shading correction data is written to the address (start address to end address) designated by the processor 33 in the RAMb (one of 0 to 15) designated by the processor 33.

  When the designation mode based on the memo control setting information is transmission of color image data, the processor 33 outputs, or the color image data of the RAMe (one of 0 to 15) designated by the processor 33 is transmitted to the image port. The designated mode includes shading correction 210, document size detection 211, pixel density conversion 212a, scaling 212b, and others, and color image data to RAM (0 to 17) that performs parallel / serial conversion or vice versa. Writing and reading of color image data from the RAM (0 to 17). The programs and data for these various processes are all stored in the HDD, and the IPU 1 (the global processor 38) performs system controller 31a in initialization executed when the scanner 210 is powered on and an operating voltage is applied to the global processor 38. And read from the HDD via the IMAC and stored in the control information memory CM.

  The scanner control circuit 206 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and main control is performed by the microcomputer. When power is applied to the scanner 210 and an operating voltage is applied to the scanner control circuit 206, the scanner control circuit 206 (CPU of the scanner 210) initializes the scanner 210 and the ADF 230. When the IPU 1 completes the above initialization, the scanner control circuit 206 forms a shading correction LUT in the buffer memory device 32 (a part of the RAMs 0 to 17) of the IPU 1. That is, the lamp 232 is turned on and adjusted to a predetermined brightness, and when the brightness of the lamp 232 is stabilized at a predetermined level, the first carriage (lamp 232, first mirror 233) is driven to the position of the white reference plate 239. The IPU 1 (the global processor 38) is instructed to generate the shading correction LUT via the signal processing timing control circuit 213. In response to this, the IPU 1 reads several lines of image data obtained by converting the image signal read by the CCD 207 into digital data by the A / D converter 209, and calculates the average value of the image data at the same main scanning x position. Then, each gain necessary for setting the image data (average value) at each pixel position (x position) on one main scanning line to the set level is calculated, and each gain is assigned to the buffer memory device 32 (RAM0 to RAM0) of the IPU1. 17 is written to each pixel position (x position). When the reading of the white reference plate 239 is completed, the scanner control circuit 206 turns off the lamp 232 and returns the first carriage to the home position HP.

  8 and 9 show an outline of document reading control (RCP) by the scanner control circuit 206. FIG. Reference is first made to FIG. When the ADF 230 is raised by the user and the pressure plate 250p is separated from the contact glass 231 and the ADF 230 is inclined (opening) by about 20 degrees or more with respect to the contact glass 231, a detection signal of the pressure plate opening detection switch 252 (FIG. 3). Switches from L (“closed”) to H (“open”). In response to this, the scanner control circuit 206 writes “1” indicating the pressure plate open to the register (one area of the internal RAM of the CPU in the scanner control circuit 206) rPB (4), and the lamp 232 and the first mirror 233 are written. The mounted first carriage is driven forward (forward) to the first backward movement position Yr in the sub-scanning direction y (steps 1 to 6; the second carriage is also interlocked with this, but the speed is 1/2 that of the first carriage. The same applies to the following). Step 5 refers to whether or not the data in the register rFB is “1” indicating that the first document size has been read (the first document size detection has failed). The data in this register rFB is manipulated (changed) in steps 14, 16 and 21 described later.

  In the following description, the word “step” is omitted in parentheses, and step no. Write only the symbol.

  The register rPB holds a detection signal (“1” (H): open / “0” (L): closed) of the pressure plate opening detection switch 252, and the scanner control circuit 206 reads the detection signal. Each time it is written in the register rPB. When the detection signal is read, if the level (“1” / “0”) and the data in the register rPB are different, immediately before the detection signal is read. It can be seen that the platen has changed from closed to open or vice versa. That is, if the data in the register rPB is “0” and the detection signal of the pressure plate opening detection switch 252 is “1”, the pressure plate 250p has changed from closed to open, that is, the pressure plate has been opened. Recognize. If the data in the register rPB is “1” and the detection signal of the pressure plate opening detection switch 252 is “0”, it can be seen that the pressure plate 250p has changed from open to closed, that is, the pressure plate has been closed. The route of step 2-3-4-5 detects that the pressure plate 250p has changed from closed to open, and the route of step 2-9-10 detects that the pressure plate 250p has changed from open to closed. Is the root.

  As described above, when the first carriage is driven forward to the first backward movement position Yr in the sub-scanning direction y in response to the change of the pressure plate 250p from closing to opening, the contact glass reading position of the first mirror 233 is as shown in FIG. 11 is a position indicated by a thick alternate long and short dash line. In the present embodiment, the leading edge side (the origin 0 in the sub-scanning direction y) of the “business card” that is the smallest standard document size to be detected from the vertical rear edge. The field of view of the reflective photosensors Sy1 to Sy6 for detecting the document size in the sub-scanning direction y is not obstructed and does not cross. Note that image data obtained by line reading of the CCD 207 is extracted for detecting the document size in the main scanning direction x in two groups B11 to B51 and B12 to B52 shown in FIG. The positions of the locations B12 to B52 in the main scanning direction x are the same as the positions of the locations B12 to B52 of the first group in the main scanning direction x. Locations (base points) B11 and B12 close to the origin 0 are areas where the paper is present when a paper having a size equal to or larger than a business card (minimum standard size) is placed with the corner at the origin 0. When the short side of the business card is set parallel to the main scanning direction x and the corner is set to the origin 0, the business card is positioned in contact with the long side of the business card inside the business card. Similarly, B21 and B22 are positioned on the inside of the postcard, approximately in contact with the long side of the vertically arranged postcard, and B31, B32 are positioned on the inside of the B5 sheet, approximately in contact with the long side of the vertically disposed B5 sheet. , B42 are located on the inner side of the B4 paper substantially in contact with the long side of the vertically arranged B4 paper, and B51, B52 are located on the inner side of the A3 paper, substantially in contact with the long side of the vertically arranged A3 paper.

  Refer to FIG. 8 again. When the first carriage is positioned at the first backward movement position Yr, the scanner control circuit 206 detects that the detection signal of the pressure plate opening degree detection switch 252 changes from “1” (H: “open”) to “0” (L: “closed”). (1, 2-9-1, 2-9), and when switched, the laser diodes of the lamp 232 and the reflection type photosensors Sy1 to Sy6 (hereinafter referred to as Y sensor) are turned on (10 ), The first carriage is driven to return (11), and a “size detection instruction 1” is given to the IPU 1 via the signal processing timing circuit 213 (12, 13). Then, “1” indicating that the first document size has been read is written in the register rFB (14). In response to the “size detection instruction 1”, the IPU 1 reads the line reading image signal repeatedly generated by the CCD 207 and detects the X original size, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the scanner control circuit 206 writes “0” indicating that the pressure plate is closed in the register rPB and “1” indicating that the first document size has been detected in the register rFB (14), and the Y sensor (Sy1 to Sy6). When the detection signal is read (17) and the reading field of the first carriage deviates from the starting end of the contact glass 231 (the origin 0 in FIG. 11), the lamp 232 is turned off, and the first carriage is set to the home position (standby position) HP. Stop (18).

  Next, when the IPU 1 notifies the end of X document size detection (X document size data ready), the scanner control circuit 206 receives the X document size data, stores it in the register (20a), and reads it in step 17. The Y document size is determined based on the detection signals of the Y sensors (Sy1 to Sy6) to generate Y document size data (20b), and the size of the entire document surface is determined from the X document size data and the Y document size data. One of the document sizes is determined (20c), and the determined standard document size data is output to the ACP (system controller 31a) (20d). The ACP determines the processing target area of the document image data processing to be executed therein as the standard document size. In the case of the copy mode, a required paper size is determined from the standard document size and a specified copy magnification, and the paper of that size is set as a paper feed for printing.

  When the X document size data is obtained as described above, “1” indicating that the first document size has been detected is deleted from the register rFB (21). That is, “0” is written to the register rFB. Thereby, the next time the pressure plate 250p is opened, the first carriage is driven to the first backward movement position Yr (5-6).

  However, when the IPU 1 notifies the X document size detection failure, the scanner control circuit 206 instructs the operation board 220 to display a document confirmation request via the ACP (system controller 31a) (22). The operation board 220 displays on the display panel on the operation board 220 the message “Please open the pressure plate and place the original” assigned to the original confirmation request, and then interrupt the operation board 220 three times. Sound the buzzer equipped to the. Next, the scanner control circuit 206 returns to the operation reading of the pressure plate 250 (1-2-3-2). At this time, it should be noted that the data in the register rFB is “1”.

  When the pressure plate 250p is opened, the scanner control circuit 206 forward-drives the first carriage to the second setting position Yra in the sub-scanning direction y (Steps 1-5-7). When the first carriage is forward-driven to the second set position Yra in the sub-scanning direction y, the contact glass reading position of the first mirror 233 is a position indicated by a thick dashed line in FIG. 12, and is more than the first reverse movement position Yr. The position further advances in the forward direction (further enters the minimum size (business card) area). There are two groups of areas B11 to B51 and B12 to B52 shown in FIG. 12 where image data obtained by line reading of the CCD 207 is extracted for detecting the document size in the main scanning direction x, and each part B12 of the second group. The positions of B52 in the main scanning direction x are the same as the positions in the main scanning direction x of the portions B12 to B52 of the first group. Similarly to the arrangement shown in FIG. 11, B11 and B12 have the minimum size (business card). Within the area, B21 to B51 and B22 to B52 are positions corresponding to the inside of the rear end edge of the main scanning direction x in each standard size (business card, postcard, B5 side, B4 side, and A3 side (A4 length)), respectively. However, the reading locations B11 to B51 and B12 to B52 for the second X document size detection shown in FIG. Also for setting the position of the scanning start (Yra), it is different in position from the reading position B11~B51 and B12~B52 for the first round of X document size detection shown in FIG. 11.

  The field of view of the first mirror 233 on the first carriage until the lamp 232 is turned on at the set position (Yr, Yra) in the sub-scanning direction and the first carriage is driven to return to the home position HP is returned. Since the image data in the regions B11 to B51 and B12 to B52 is taken into the IPU 1 for X document size determination, the rise and fall of the light amount of the lamp 232, the closing speed of the pressure plate, and the image density distribution on the document Depending on the combination, the image reading conditions may be poor at the locations B11 to B51 and B12 to B52. Therefore, as described above, the two types of setting positions (Yr, Yra) and reading are performed. If the location is set and the first X document size detection (FIG. 11) fails, the second X document having a different set position and read location Is detected and be executed (FIG. 12).

  After the first carriage is driven to the second setting position Yra in the sub-scanning direction y, when the pressure plate 250p changes to the closed state, the scanner control circuit 206 turns on the lamp 232 and the laser diode of the Y sensor (10), and the first carriage Is returned (11), and a “size detection instruction 2” is given to the IPU 1 via the signal processing timing circuit 213 (12, 15). Then, “0” representing the pressure plate closing is written to the register rPB, “1” indicating that the first document size has been detected in the register rFB is deleted and set to “0” (16), and detection by the Y sensors (Sy1 to Sy6) is performed. When the signal is read (17), the reading field of the first carriage deviates from the starting end of the contact glass 231 (the origin 0 in FIG. 12), the lamp 232 is turned off, and the first carriage is stopped at the home position HP (18). The subsequent processing of the scanner control circuit 206 is the same as the first X document size determination processing (19 to 22) described above.

  Please refer to FIG. When a document image reading start instruction is received from the ACP, the scanner control circuit 206 refers to the reading mode data attached to the start instruction (24), and if the flatbed reading mode is designated, steps 25 to 25 are performed. Perform 33 flatbed readings. That is, when the standard document size is determined and held, the lamp 232 is turned on to start the forward drive of the first carriage (25, 27), and the first carriage enters the white reference plate 239 reading area. The white reference plate reading timing signal is output to the IPU 1 via the signal processing timing control circuit 213 (28), and when the original reading origin 0 is reached, the original start timing signal and the original size data are output to the IPU 1 (29). ). When the sub-scanning position of the first carriage passes the trailing edge of the standard document size, the forward driving of the first carriage is stopped (31), the lamp 232 is turned off (32), and the first carriage is driven to return. (Return drive) to return to the home position HP (33).

  If the scanner control circuit 206 does not have a standard document size and is not included in the accompanying reading mode data in the start instruction, the scanner control circuit 206 requests the document size from the ACP (26). In response to this, the ACP displays “Please input the reading size” on the operation board 220, and when there is a size input, transmits it to the scanner control circuit 206. Upon receiving this, the scanner control circuit 206 turns on the lamp 232 and starts the forward drive of the first carriage (25, 27).

  When the reading mode data designates the ADF reading mode, the scanner control circuit 206 refers to the detection signal of the paper sensor 223 of the document tray 241 and turns on the lamp 232 if it indicates that there is paper. Then, the document feed by the ADF 230 is started and the ADF document reading is performed (35, 36). When the detection signal from the paper sensor 223 indicates that there is no paper, the ACP is requested to set (mount) a document (37). In response to this, the ACP displays “Please set the document on the document tray” on the operation board 220. When the reading mode data indicates that no mode is specified, the scanner control circuit 206 refers to the detection signal of the paper sensor 223 of the document tray 241 and reads the ADF document when it indicates the presence of paper ( 38, 36). When the detection signal of the paper sensor 223 indicates that there is no paper, flatbed reading (25 to 33) is executed (38-25).

  FIG. 10 shows the contents of “X document size detection” (SDPa) of IPU 1. Upon receiving the “size detection instruction 1” (13), the IPU 1 refers to the frame gate signal FGATE, the line synchronization signal LSYNC, and the pixel synchronization clock CLK generated by the signal processing timing control circuit 213, and the reading location B11 shown in FIG. The image data of .about.B51 and B12 to B52 are written in the RAM 8 to RAM 17 associated with the respective locations of the buffer memory BM (41 to 43). When the “size detection instruction 2” (15) is received, the image data of the reading locations B11 to B51 and B12 to B52 shown in FIG. 12 are written in the RAMs 8 to 17 associated with the respective locations of the buffer memory BM. (41, 44, 45).

  Next, the IPU 1 performs shading correction on the image data stored in each of the RAM 8 to RAM 17 and calculates average values M11 to M51 and M12 to M52 (average values in each part) of the image data after the shading correction. Then, the data is saved in a register (46), and each average value is binarized into data D11 to D51, D12 to D52, and saved in a register (47). In the shading correction, the pixel position (x position) of the correction target image data is given to the shading correction LUT, the gain stored in the LUT addressed to the x position is read, and the correction target image data is multiplied.

  Next, the IPU 1 calculates the difference between the average values Mi1 and Mi2 (i = 1 to 5) at the same location in the main scanning direction, and the binary value directed to the main scanning position i at the location where the difference is equal to or greater than the set value ΔD. Data Di (i = 1 to 5) is set to “1” which means that there is a document (49, 50). For locations where the difference is less than the set value ΔD, if Di1 and Di2 are the same, the binary data Di1 of the location is written to the binary data Di applied to the location i (51, 52) does not match. Then, the scanner control circuit 206 is notified of the failure of X document size detection (58). The processing of the scanner control circuit 206 in response to this has already been described in the explanation relating to step 19 in FIG. When binary data is written in all of Di (i = 1 to 5), the IPU 1 performs scanner control to detect X document size detection failure even when all binary data is “0” (black: no document). The circuit 206 is notified (55-58). Otherwise, it is determined that the X document size has been successfully detected, and the distribution in the main scanning direction of “1” / “0” of the binary data group Di (i = 1 to 5) is encoded into the X document size data. Then, the X document size data is transmitted to the scanner control circuit 206 (56, 57).

  The outline of the hardware configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of the first embodiment, but there are some changes, and the document size detection software (program) is considerably different from the first embodiment. Is different. Below, a different part is demonstrated. The structure of the mechanism and image processing system of the second embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, but in the second embodiment, the IPU 2 detects the document size. The image data necessary for this is subjected to shading correction by the IPU 1 and output to the IPU 2. The detection signals of the Y sensors (Sy 1 to Sy 8) are read by the scanner control circuit 206 and output to the IPU 2. IPU1 size detection (211 in FIG. 5) is omitted, and IPU1 does not detect document size.

  For each country or region, the standard size of everyday paper is large or subtly different. Therefore, there is a need for a document reading device that designs a document presence / absence detection portion that matches a general standard size group at a destination (use area). However, manufacturing a document reading device suitable for each of a plurality of destinations lowers the production efficiency of the document reading device. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, after the apparatus is manufactured, the document size detection is selected and set according to the fixed size group of the destination or the fixed size group desired by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, image data reading location candidates B11 to B71, B12 to B72, and Y sensor candidates (Sy1 to Sy8) can be adapted to detect the standard document size in any standard size group. Is set or installed. FIG. 15 shows the position (A pattern) of the location candidate applied in the first document size detection, and FIG. 16 fails in the first document size detection and is applied in the second document size detection. The position (B pattern) of a location candidate is shown.

  As shown in the following Table 1, the reference sensor table A (for the first document size detection) and the reference sensor table B (the second document size) for each standard size group of many scheduled destinations. For detection), a reference sensor table Y and a size discrimination table are allocated.

  For example, the reference sensor table 1A assigned to “standard size group 1. Japan” includes any of the standard size groups shown in FIG. 11 among the location candidates B11 to B71 and B12 to B72 shown in FIG. Or a candidate for a position suitable for determining the size in the x direction (x, y address) is written, and similarly assigned to “standard size group 1. Japan” The reference sensor table 1B determines which of the standard size groups shown in FIG. 12 is placed on the contact glass 231 among the location candidates B11 to B71 and B12 to B72 shown in FIG. Only candidate locations at positions suitable for this are written. The reference sensor table 1Y assigned to the “standard size group 1. Japan” indicates which of the standard size groups indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 11 and 12 is placed on the contact glass 231. The Y sensor reading position (sensor No. of the reflection type optical sensors Sy1 to Sy8) suitable for determining the size in the direction is written. For example, the size discrimination table 1 assigned to “standard size group 1. Japan” is determined as a location candidate (here, not a candidate, but a location) written in the reference sensor table 1A or 1B. A code in which data representing the size of the original document is written in association with the combination of the document presence / absence detection result at each position and the document presence / absence detection result at the y sensor reading position of the reference sensor table 1Y. Encoding (encoding) table or LUT.

  All reference sensor tables and size discrimination tables associated with the fixed size groups of many scheduled destinations are registered in the HDD (nonvolatile storage means). The operation board 220 has an initial setting key, and when it is operated by an operator, a menu screen for setting, changing or adjusting various modes and parameters is displayed on the display of the operation board 220, and items on the menu screen are displayed. There is an initial setting function for setting the item when the operator designates. The operator can select and change one of the standard size groups using this function. The standard size group selection information selected by the operator is registered in the HDD.

  When power is applied to the ACP and an operating voltage is applied to the system controller 31a, the system controller 31a executes initialization, and the standard size group selection information registered in the HDD is assigned to the standard size group specified in the process. The reference sensor tables A, B, Y and the size discrimination table are read from the HDD and written in the RAM (usage table storage means) of the IPU 2. Hereinafter, the table storage area of the RAM is expressed as “table memory”. Note that the hardware of the IPU 2 is the same as that of the IPU 1, but the scale is larger than that of the IPU 1, and the data (mainly programs) written from the HDD to the control information memory CM of the IPU 2 is different from that of the IPU 1, and therefore the IPU 2 The image data processing function is different from IPU1. The processing functions of the IPU 2 include document size detection, scanner gamma correction, filter processing, color conversion, printer gamma conversion, gradation conversion, dither processing, error diffusion processing, and others.

  FIG. 13 shows the contents of “read control” (RCPa) of the scanner control circuit 206 of the second embodiment. In this “reading control” (RCPa), as in the first embodiment (FIG. 8), the opening / closing change of the pressure plate 250p is detected, and when there is a change to the opening, the first carriage is driven to the set positions Yr and Yra. If there is a change to the closed position, the lamp is turned on and image reading is executed to return from the set positions Yr and Yra (18). However, in Steps 13 and 15, the scanner control circuit 206 outputs the size detection instruction 1 and the size detection instruction 2 to the IPU 1 and IPU 2, and the IPU 1 responds to this by shading correcting all of the line output image data. Output to IPU2. The operation of the IPU 2 at this time will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When this image reading is completed, the scanner control circuit 206 of the second embodiment outputs the detection signals of the Y sensors Sy1 to Sy8 (1 bit for 1 signal, 8 bits in total) to the IPU 2 (19a). Then, it waits for notification of the document size detection result from the IPU 2 (19b). When the IPU 2 transmits the document size data, it saves it and clears the register rFB (21). When the IPU 2 notifies the failure of document size detection, the scanner control circuit 206 returns to reading control for document size detection again. When the start instruction is received, the reading control of the scanner control circuit 206 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 shows the contents of “document size detection” (SDPb) of the IPU 2 of the second embodiment. Upon receiving the “size detection instruction 1” (13), the IPU 2 refers to the frame gate signal FGATE, the line synchronization signal LSYNC, and the pixel synchronization clock CLK output from the signal processing timing control circuit 213, thereby “table memory” (IPU2 (A plurality of k in B11 to B71 shown in FIG. 15 (first group location) and a plurality of B12 to B72 (second group location) shown in FIG. 15). )] Is written into each RAM of the buffer memory BM associated with each location (41-43a). When “size detection instruction 2” (15) is received, a location defined in the reference sensor table B in the “table memory” [a plurality of k in B11 to B71 shown in FIG. 16 (a location of the first group)] And a plurality of (second group locations) among B12 to B72] are written into the RAMs associated with the locations of the buffer memory BM (41, 44a, 45a).

  Next, the IPU 2 calculates the average values Mi1 (first group) and Mi2 (second group) of the respective image data in the RAMs of the buffer memory BM and saves them in a register (46). / None Data Di1 (first group) and Di2 (second group) are binarized and saved in a register (47).

  Next, the IPU 2 calculates the difference between the average values Mi1 and Mi2 (i = 1 to k) at the same location in the main scanning direction, and the binary addressed to the main scanning position i at the location where the difference is equal to or greater than the set value ΔD. Data Di (i = 1 to k) is set to “1” indicating that there is a document (49, 50). For locations where the difference is less than the set value ΔD, if Di1 and Di2 are the same, the binary data Di1 of the location is written to the binary data Di applied to the location i (51, 52) does not match. Then, the system controller 31a and the scanner control circuit 206 are notified of the failure of X document size detection (58a). When binary data is written in all of Di (i = 1 to k), the IPU 2 indicates that the X document size detection has failed even when all binary data is “0” (black: no document). To the scanner control circuit 206 (55-58a). Otherwise, it is received from the scanner control circuit 206 and the distribution in the main scanning direction of “1” / “0” of the binary data group Di (i = 1 to k), assuming that the X document size has been successfully detected. The size of the document is determined by using the size discrimination table in the “table memory” for the combination of the detection signals corresponding to the y sensor reading position of the reference sensor table Y in the “table memory” among the detection signals of the Y sensors Sy1 to Sy8. Data is encoded (encoded), and the document size data is transmitted to the controller 31a and the scanner control circuit 206 (56a, 57a).

1 is an enlarged front view showing an appearance of a full-color copying machine having a composite image processing function according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the color printer PTR shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a color scanner 210 and an ADF 230 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system in the copying machine illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electric system of a combination part of a document scanner 210 and an ADF 230 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the hardware constitutions of IPU1 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the hardware constitutions of the SIMD type | mold processor 33 shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of the outline of the contents of “read control” (RCP) of the scanner control circuit 206 shown in FIG. 5. 6 is a flowchart showing the remainder of the outline of the contents of “read control” (RCP) of the scanner control circuit 206 shown in FIG. 5.

It is a flowchart which shows the content of "X document size detection" (SDPa) of IPU1 of 1st Example of this invention. It is an enlarged plan view of the contact glass 231 of the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows locations B11 to B51 and B12 to B52 where image data is extracted by the first document size detection. It is an enlarged plan view of the contact glass 231 of the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows locations B11 to B51 and B12 to B52 where image data is extracted by the second document size detection. It is a flowchart which shows a part of outline | summary of the content of "reading control" (RCPa) of the scanner control circuit 206 of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the content of "original size detection" (SDPb) of IPU2 of 2nd Example of this invention. It is an enlarged plan view of the contact glass 231 of 2nd Example of this invention, and shows the locations B11-B71, B12-B72 from which image data is extracted by the first document size detection. It is an enlarged plan view of the contact glass 231 of 2nd Example of this invention, and shows the locations B11-B71, B12-B72 from which image data is extracted by the second document size detection.

8: 1st tray 9: 2nd tray 10: 3rd tray 11: 1st paper feeder 12: 2nd paper feeder 13: 3rd paper feeder 14: Vertical conveyance unit 15: Photoconductor 16: Conveyor belt 17 : Fixing unit 18: paper discharge unit 19: branch claw 26: transport motor 27: developing device 100: finisher 101: switching plate 103: paper discharge roller 104: paper discharge tray 105: transport roller 106: stapler 107: transport roller 108: Staple table 109: Jogger 110: Paper discharge tray 111: Duplex paper feeding unit 112: Reversing unit 221, 225: Rotary encoder 224: Stepping motor 231: Document table glass 232: Illumination lamp 233: First mirror 234: Second mirror 235 : Third mirror 236: Lens 207: Image sensor 238: Stepping module 239: Reference white plate 240: Glass 241: Document tray 242: Pickup roller 243: Registration roller pair 244: Conveying drum 245: Pressing roller 246, 247: Paper discharge roller 248: Pressure plate also serving as a paper discharge tray 249: Base point sensor 251: Scale 252: Pressure plate opening detection switch 260: Motor control unit

Claims (30)

An illuminating lamp for illuminating the document, a driving means for driving the illuminating lamp in a sub-scanning, an image sensor for reading out the line in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction, and outputting an image signal read, and In an original reading device comprising optical means for projecting an original image illuminated by the illuminating lamp onto the image sensor,
The illuminating lamp is sub-scanning driven via the driving means, and the image signals at a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction at the first and second positions in the sub-scanning direction among the image signals of the line output. Means for extracting
Document detection means for collating the image signals at the same position in the main scanning direction at the first and second positions to generate binary data representing the presence or absence of the document at each position in the main scanning direction;
A size detection means for determining a document size in the main scanning direction based on a distribution in the main scanning direction of the presence or absence of the document of the binary data;
An original reading apparatus comprising:   The document detection means calculates an average value of the image data obtained by digitally converting the image signal in each of the plurality of locations, and compares each average value of the plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction. The document reading device according to claim 1.   3. The document detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the document detection unit has a document in a position in the main scanning direction at which a difference between image signals at a plurality of positions in the sub scanning direction is equal to or more than a set value at the same position in the main scanning direction. Document reading device. The document detection means binarizes the image data obtained by digitally converting the image signals at each of the plurality of locations into binary data indicating that there is a document or binary data indicating that there is no document; If binary data at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the scanning direction is a document at any position in the main scanning direction, the binary data is based on the distribution of the presence or absence of the document in the main scanning direction. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document size in the main scanning direction is determined. The document detection means uses binary data with a document as the position in the main scanning direction where the difference between the image signals at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction is equal to or greater than a set value. direction position, a plurality of locations in the sub-binarized into binary data representing no binary data or document that represents that there is a document image data obtained by converting the image signal digital; the size detecting means, a main scanning If binary data at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the sub- scan direction is an original at any position in the main scanning direction, the main data is determined based on the distribution of the binary data in the main scanning direction. determining the document size in the scanning direction, the document reading device according to claim 1 or 2.
  6. The document reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the size detection unit notifies a document confirmation request when there is a mismatch between binary data at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction. .   The means for extracting the image signal is different from a plurality of sub-scanning directions in the sub-scanning direction in which the image signal is extracted before notifying the document confirmation request when reading the document immediately after the size detection means notifies the document confirmation request. The document reading device according to claim 6, wherein image signals at a plurality of positions in the direction are extracted.   The document reading device further includes storage means for storing a size determination table in which binary data at each position in the main scanning direction is associated with data representing the document size corresponding to the distribution of the document presence / absence in the main scanning direction. The size detection unit reads out document size data associated with the distribution in the main scanning direction of the presence or absence of the document of binary data at each position in the main scanning direction from the storage unit; The document reading device described in 1. The document reading apparatus further applies a plurality of data to each of a plurality of standard size groups, with one data group representing a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction for detecting which document size in one standard size group as one table. The reference sensor table including the above table and the distribution of the binary data in the main scanning direction of the binary data at a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction of one reference sensor table are associated with data representing the document size as the distribution. A non-volatile storage means storing a size discrimination table including a plurality of tables applied to each of a plurality of fixed size groups; a means for designating one fixed size group; and the non-volatile storage means Use table storage means for storing each one reference sensor table and size discrimination table applied to the designated standard size group; Provided,
The document detection unit generates the binary data at a plurality of locations in the main scanning direction of the reference sensor table in the use table storage unit; the size detection unit performs main scanning for the presence / absence of a document of these binary data. The document reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein document size data associated with a direction distribution is read from a size determination table in the use table storage unit.   The document reading apparatus further includes a Y sensor that detects presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction; the size detection unit includes the determined document size in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction detected by the Y sensor. 10. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the overall size of the document is determined based on the combination of the presence / absence of the document at a plurality of positions.   The document reading apparatus further includes a Y sensor for detecting the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction, a distribution of binary data at each position in the main scanning direction in the main scanning direction, and the Y sensor indicating whether the document is present. Storage means for storing a size determination table in which data representing the document size to be combined is associated with a combination of the presence / absence of a plurality of positions to be detected; and the size detection means; The document size data associated with the distribution of binary data in the main scanning direction and the presence / absence of the document in a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction detected by the Y sensor is read from the storage unit. A document reading device according to any one of the above. The document reading apparatus further includes a Y sensor for detecting presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction, a data group representing a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction for detecting which document size in one fixed size group, and the above-described data group A reference sensor table including a plurality of tables applied to each of a plurality of standard size groups, wherein a data group representing a position to be referred to among a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction in which the Y sensor detects the presence or absence of a document is defined as one table; A data group representing a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction in one reference sensor table and a position in the main scanning direction specified by a position to be referred to among a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction in which the Y sensor detects the presence or absence of the document. Data representing the original size of the combination of the binary data distribution at each position in the main scanning direction distribution of the presence / absence of the original and the presence / absence of the originals at a plurality of positions in the sub scanning direction A non-volatile storage unit storing a size determination table including a plurality of tables to be applied to each of a plurality of fixed size groups as one table in association; a unit specifying one fixed size group; and the non-volatile storage unit Use table storage means for storing each set of reference sensor table and size discrimination table to be applied to a fixed size group having a certain designation;
The size detection means includes binary data obtained based on read image data at a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction of the reference sensor table in the use table storage means, and a plurality of sub sensor scanning directions in the reference sensor table. 8. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein document size data corresponding to a position detection result of the document by the Y sensor is read from a size determination table in the use table storage unit. .   Further, when the document size data is obtained when receiving the document reading instruction, the illumination lamp is driven forward to the sub-scanning inversion position corresponding to the document size, and the illumination lamp is re-driven at the sub-scanning inversion position, 14. The document reading device according to claim 1, further comprising reading control means for returning to a standby position for waiting for a reading instruction.   The document reading device further includes a translucent window illuminated by an illuminating lamp at a standby position and a document transporting unit that transports the sheet-like document so as to pass through the translucent window in the sub-scanning direction; , Fixing an illuminating lamp at the standby position and selectively executing one of a sheet-through reading mode for reading an image of the transported sheet-like document and a flat bed reading mode for driving the illuminating lamp in the sub-scanning direction; The document reading device according to claim 13.   The document reading device further includes document placement detection means for detecting whether or not there is a document on the document tray; and when the document reading instruction is received, the document placement detection means detects the presence of the document. 15. The document reading device according to claim 14, wherein the sheet-through reading mode is executed when the document is being read.   16. The document reading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the reading control unit executes the flat bed reading mode when the document placement detection unit does not detect the presence of a document when receiving a document reading instruction. The document reading device further includes a light-transmitting plate; a pressure plate that presses the document toward the light-transmitting plate; and an opening degree detection that detects whether the pressure plate is “open” above a set opening or “closed” below the set opening. Means; and in response to a change from “closed” to “open” detected by the opening degree detecting means, the illuminating lamp is inserted into the original placement area of the translucent plate via the driving means. Drives back to the first backward movement position in the scanning direction, and turns on the illumination lamp in response to a change from “open” to “closed” detected by the opening degree detection means, and the illumination lamp passes through the drive means. A reading control means for driving again.
6. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the means for extracting the image signal extracts image signals of the imaging elements at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction during the backward driving. .   The document reading device according to claim 17, wherein the first backward movement position in the sub-scanning direction is within an area of a minimum document size defined in the document reading device.   The document reading device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the size detection unit notifies a document confirmation request when there is a mismatch between binary data at a plurality of locations in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction. .   The means for extracting the image signal is a sub-scan that has extracted the image signal during the backward drive before notifying the document confirmation request during the backward drive after the size detection means notifies the document confirmation request. The document reading device according to claim 19, wherein image signals at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction different from the plurality of positions in the direction are extracted.   The document reading device further includes a Y sensor for detecting the presence or absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction on the light transmitting plate; the reading control means from “open” to “closed” detected by the opening degree detecting means. In response to the change, the detection signal of the Y sensor is read; the size detecting means determines the determined document size in the main scanning direction and the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction detected by the Y sensor. 21. The document reading device according to claim 17, wherein an overall size of the document is determined based on the combination.   The document reading device further includes a Y sensor for detecting presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction on the translucent plate, distribution of binary data at each position in the main scanning direction in the main scanning direction, and the distribution A storage unit that stores a size determination table in which data indicating the document size to be combined is associated with a combination of document presence / absence of a plurality of positions for which the Y sensor detects the presence / absence of the document; The detection signal of the Y sensor is read in response to a change from “open” to “closed” of the detection of the opening degree detection means; the size detection means is the presence / absence of the binary data at each position in the main scanning direction 21. Document size data associated with the distribution in the main scanning direction and the presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction detected by the Y sensor is read from the storage unit; Document reading apparatus according. The document reading device further includes a Y sensor for detecting presence / absence of documents at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction on the translucent plate, and a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction for detecting which document size in one standard size group. A plurality of tables applied to each of a plurality of standard size groups, in which one data group representing a position and a data group representing a position to be referred to in a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction in which the Y sensor detects the presence or absence of a document. Including a reference sensor table, a data group representing a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction in one reference sensor table, and a position to be referred to among a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction where the Y sensor detects the presence or absence of a document. The combination of the original data presence / absence distribution of binary data at each position in the main scanning direction and the presence / absence of originals at a plurality of positions in the sub-scanning direction is combined with the original document size. A non-volatile storage means storing a size discrimination table including a plurality of tables applied to each of a plurality of standard size groups in association with data representing the data; means for designating one standard size group; and the nonvolatile memory Use table storage means for storing each set of reference sensor table and size discrimination table applied to the standard size group designated in the sex storage means;
The size detecting means includes binary data obtained based on the read image data at a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction of the reference sensor table in the use table storage means, and the sub-scanning of the reference sensor table. 21. The document size data corresponding to a document presence / absence detection result by the Y sensor at a plurality of positions in a direction is read from a size determination table in the use table storage unit; Document reading device.   The reading control means, when receiving the original size data when receiving the original reading instruction, drives the illumination lamp to the sub-scanning inversion position corresponding to the original size, and resets the illumination lamp at the sub-scanning inversion position. 24. The document reading device according to claim 17, wherein the document reading device is driven to return to a standby position waiting for a reading instruction.   The document reading device further includes a translucent window illuminated by an illuminating lamp at a standby position and a document transporting unit that transports the sheet-like document so as to pass through the translucent window in the sub-scanning direction; A sheet-through reading mode in which an illuminating lamp is fixed at the standby position and an image of the conveyed sheet-like document is read, and a flatbed reading mode in which the illuminating lamp is driven in the sub-scanning direction along the translucent plate The document reading device according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein:   The document reading device further includes document placement detection means for detecting whether or not there is a document on the document tray; and when the document reading instruction is received, the document placement detection means detects the presence of the document. 26. The document reading device according to claim 25, wherein the sheet-through reading mode is executed when the document is being read.   27. The document reading apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the reading control unit executes the flat bed reading mode when the document placement detection unit does not detect the presence of a document when receiving a document reading instruction; An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 27;
Storage means for accumulating image data; and
Image data processing means for storing image data output by the image reading device in the storage means and reading out from the storage means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 27;
A printer that forms an image represented by the image data on paper; and
An image forming apparatus comprising: image data processing means for converting image data read by the image reading apparatus into image data suitable for image formation of the printer and outputting the image data to the printer. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 27;
Storage means for storing image data;
A printer that forms an image represented by the image data on paper; and
Image data processing means for storing image data output by the image reading device in the storage means, reading out from the storage means, converting the image data into image data suitable for image formation of the printer, and outputting the image data to the printer. A copying machine with a storage function.

Images