JPH01149070A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily invert two recording colors by providing a recording color inverting means which replaces a recording color specified by a closed area specifying means and a recording color specified by an outside closed area recording color specifying means to record an image. CONSTITUTION:The title recorder is provided with plural recording means 11, an area specifying means 12 setting a closed area on an area to be recorded, the closed are recording color specifying means 13 allowing a recording means 11 to record the inside of the closed area set by the area specifying means 12 in a recording color, the outside closed are recording color specifying means 14 allowing the recording means 11 to record areas except the closed area in any colors except the color specified by the means 13, and the recording color inverting means 15 which replaces the recording color specified by the means 13 and the one specified by the means 14 and allows the recording means 11 to be recorded. Thus, the recording color inverting means 15 can invert and control the recording actions of plural recording means, and recording colors can be inverted without respecifying an area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording device for recording image information such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer. The present invention relates to a recording device equipped with a function to perform the following functions.

"Prior Art" Taking a copying machine as an example, in recent years, products with advanced functions have been actively developed. For example, regarding the copying magnification of originals, in addition to copying machines that only make copies at the same size, there are also copiers that allow you to select from several different magnifications, and even more that can change the magnification continuously. Regarding development, in addition to copying machines that use one type of toner to reproduce images in so-called black and white, there are also copying machines that use two or more types of toner to perform multicolor recording or select colors for recording. has appeared. Looking at the handling of manuscripts, we have seen the emergence of copying machines equipped with devices that automatically replace manuscripts, and copying machines that copy a two-page spread of a bound manuscript one page at a time without moving the manuscript itself. It is appearing.

Among these, two-color copying machines that record using two colors, black and red, for example, have been attracting particular attention recently because they can clearly express areas to be emphasized by using different colors. In this two-color copying machine, for example, as shown in FIG.
Closed area 2 is set in , and the area other than this closed area 2 is recorded in the normal recording color, for example, black, and only closed area 2 is colored with a color such as red (chromatic color). There is.

``Problems to be Solved by the Invention'' By the way, when creating posters or flyers, it is useful to try exchanging the two colors used and see the visual effect.

FIG. 40 is a reversal of the areas colored black and red in FIG. 39. In conventional copying machines, colors are specified for closed areas, so if you try to specify as shown in Figure 40, it is necessary to designate areas other than the pentagonal area as closed areas in this example. Ta. For this purpose, the following work was required, for example.

(b) As shown in Figure 41, specify the ⋅ marks) in each of the figures in the order indicated by the arrows, and - by handwriting.
Specify an area other than a rectangle as a closed area.

(b) As shown in FIG. 42, the area is divided into two left and right closed areas, and each point is designated as each of these polygons.

In all of these tasks, it is necessary to identify closed regions using a large number of points, which is not only inefficient but also
There is a risk of making an error in the position of the input point or making a mistake in determining the closed area. In addition, especially in the method shown in FIG. 41, since the closed area is composed of many points, there is a problem in that a device that can only specify a simple closed area cannot perform such inversion of the colored area. Ta.

Although the case where an area is designated by a polygon has been described above, similar problems have conventionally occurred when a rectangular area is designated by two points. Assume that a rectangular closed area 3 is designated on the original document 1 as shown in FIG. In this case, closed area 3 will be copied in color. Therefore, it is necessary to invert the area as shown in FIG. There is a problem in that the number of items increases and the task of specifying them also becomes complicated.

The above explanation took the copier as an example, but if you specify an area and
Similar problems exist with other recording devices such as facsimile machines and printers that can perform color recording.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus that can easily reverse two recorded colors.

"Means for Solving Problems" In the present invention, as shown in principle in FIG. A closed area recording color specifying hand &13 causes the inside of the closed area set by the specifying means 12 to be recorded in the specified recording color of the recording means 11, and an area other than the above-mentioned closed area is recorded within this closed area. A recording color specifying unit 14 outside the closed area that causes recording to be performed in a predetermined recording color other than that specified by the recording color specifying unit 13, and a recording color specified by the recording color specifying unit 13 within the closed area and a recording color specifying unit outside the closed area. The recording apparatus is provided with a recording color reversing means 15 for performing recording by exchanging the recording color specified by 14.

Here, the recording color reversing hand 1R15 may be a button switch placed on the main body of the copying machine, or may be a button switch placed outside the main body of the copying machine. In the latter case, if the area specifying means 12 is a coordinate specifying device for editing such as an editor pad placed outside the main body of the copying machine, this coordinate specifying device is provided with a button switch for reversing recorded colors. Some examples can be given.

The recording device is equipped with a correction button for correcting the edited data, and display means for displaying various correction items and options for reversing the recording color when the correction button is pressed. There may be.

It is also effective for the recording apparatus to display an icon indicating whether the recording color is inverted or non-inverted, in order to facilitate the operation of the apparatus.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the recording operations of the plurality of recording means can be controlled to be reversed by the recording color reversing means, the recording colors can be reversed without respecifying the area.

"Embodiment" Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described in detail, taking as an example the case where the present invention is applied to a copying machine.

” First, a table of contents for this embodiment and its modifications will be displayed.

(1) System configuration of the copying machine (2) Example of the configuration of the device (3) Circuit configuration of the device (4) Specific circuit configuration of the copier (4-1) Surroundings of the photoreceptor drum (4-2) Developing Device switching mechanism (4-3) Optical system (4-4) Fixing device (4-5) Console control (4-6) Pilling counter (4-7) Power supply (4-8>Transport system (4-9) ) DADF (4-10) Sorter (4-11) Intermediate tray (4-12) Editor pad (4-13) Large capacity tray (5) Color control (5-1) Area specification for marking (5-2) ) Marking color control for color reversal (5-3) Specifying color reversal (5-4) Marking processing operation (1) System configuration of copying machine FIG. 2 shows the system configuration of a copying machine in an embodiment of the present invention. It is something that

As shown in this figure, the copying machine of this embodiment has a base machine 21, which has the most basic configuration, and can be increased in functionality by attaching desired additional devices. Here, the base machine is a device that is equipped with a single-stage supply tray and a tray for manual feeding, and can make copies by manually setting originals on a platen glass. The following additional devices can be attached to this base machine.

(1) IC card device 22; The IC card device 22 is used to supply necessary data to the base machine 21 using an IC card as a storage medium, or to write data from the base machine 21 to the IC card. It is a device. This IC card device 22
As will be explained in detail later, this is the part that connects to the terminals placed on the surface of the IC card to send and receive data and supply power, and the data input from this device is processed by the interface port, which will be explained later. After that, it is sent to the main board of the base machine 21.

When manually editing data (coordinate data) using an editor pad, which will be explained later, use an IC card! An editor pad is connected to that interface port via 1f22 to perform input work. The interface port is I
The C card device 22 and the editor pad are controlled selectively, and it is not possible to use both at the same time to input data.

The IC card used in the IC card device 22 of this embodiment has an ISO type interface and has a memory capacity of 32 kilobytes.

By using an IC card, it is possible to store a number of complex recording conditions on the card, making it possible to fully cope with the automation and multifunctionality of copying machines. For example, by preparing IC cards for each department or individual, even copiers with complex functions can be operated in a way that suits each owner, making it easy for anyone to use and avoid mistakes. You will be able to operate the copy machine without any problems.

In addition, although the device of this embodiment uses an IC card reader as a card reader, a magnetic card reader may be provided as necessary, or a reader for other cards may be provided. A device may be provided.

(2) ADF23 and DADF24・;ADF23
This device is commonly referred to as an automatic document feeder, and feeds documents one by one onto the platen glass of the base machine 21, and discharges the documents after exposure is completed. Exposure of the document is performed only on one predetermined side.

On the other hand, the DADF 24 is a self-help document feeder for Deniplex, that is, for double-sided copying.

In the DADF 24, the document is transported with one side facing the platen glass, and the first exposure is performed. When the original after exposure is returned to the tray of the DADF 24, it is turned upside down. As a result, when this document is sent out again, the opposite surface to the previously exposed surface will be exposed. The base machine 21 is capable of copying the front and back sides of copy paper separately using an additional device to be described later.

In the copying machine of this embodiment, ADF23 and DADF24
By enabling the use of , it is possible to automatically perform copying operations using various combinations such as double-sided originals and double-sided copying.

The ADF 23 has basically the same structure as the automatic document feeder conventionally used in copying machines, but in the case of the device of this embodiment, the direction of insertion of the document is from the left side when facing the base machine 21. It is shaped so that it does not protrude from the inside.

(3) Ordinary platen 25 and platen 26 with editor pad; The platen 26 with editor pad has a structure in which a coordinate input device called an editor pad is arranged on the platen for editing a document. A normal platen 25 does not have such a mechanism.

(4) Console panel: There are two types of console panels: a back lift type 27 type and a 28 type with a message display.

Here, the back lift type console panel 27 is
A display board on which a message is fixed at a predetermined position is selectively illuminated from behind with a lamp or the like so that the message can be read.

The console panel 28 with a message display employed in this embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal display element.
It has the advantage that various messages can be displayed at any time without increasing the display area. Which console panel to adopt is determined for each copying machine, taking into consideration the complexity of the system configuration and operability of the copying machine.

(5) Addition of supply tray; This has the following typical forms. That is, this embodiment does not simply add a high capacity tray (HCF) as proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-77140, but also realizes a combination of supply trays that better suits the needs of the customer. Such a combination of supply trays is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 61-08101 filed by the present applicant.
It is also disclosed in detail in No. 6, "Multi-stage paper feed copying machine."

(a) Second and third supply trays 31-2.31-3
; By adding these two supply trays, up to 3
Copy paper of various sizes can be fed to the base machine 21.

(b) Second and third supply trays 31-2.31-3
and intermediate tray 33 Here, the intermediate tray 33 is a tray that temporarily stores the copied paper when copying is performed multiple times on one side of the paper or when copying is performed alternately on two sides. be.

(c) Second and third supply trays 31-2, 31-3, intermediate tray 33, and fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4.
31-5° (d) Second and third supply trays 31-2.31-3
, intermediate tray 33, and large capacity tray 36. Here, the large capacity tray 36 is a supply tray that can accommodate several dozen sheets of copy paper.

(5) A storage device for ejected copy paper.

Copy paper is normally stored in a discharge tray 37, but this system is equipped with a 10-pin sorter 38 and a 20-bin sorter 39. Therefore, by setting one of these sorters, copies can be sorted by up to 10 or 20 distribution destinations.

As mentioned above, in this copier system, the base machine 21
Since various additional devices can be selectively attached to the copying machine, it is possible to provide the copying machine that best suits the user.

Moreover, the functions of the copying machine can be improved in response to changes in the customer's business style.

For example, customers who do not need to enlarge or reduce the original to make copies, or customers who only make a small amount of copies, may use the base machine 21.
It is often appropriate to purchase separately. On the other hand, for customers who make a large number of copies or who require complicated copying operations, the intermediate tray 33 and the large-capacity tray 36 are often required. As a means of realizing these various requirements, this copying machine system has a structure that allows each additional device to be easily attached or removed, and some of the additional devices are equipped with independent CPUs.
<Central Processing Unit>) will be prepared to perform distributed control using a plurality of CPUs. This not only has the advantage that the customer can easily obtain the desired product, but the possibility of installing new additional equipment also teaches the customer the possibility of new copying operations. This makes the purchase of this copier system very attractive as it advances the evolution of office processing.

(2) Example of an apparatus configuration FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the system configuration of the copying machine according to the embodiment described above.

In the copying machine of this embodiment, the DA is mounted on the base machine 21.
DF24 is installed, and an IC is installed at the rear of the top surface.
A card device 22 is arranged.

A console panel 28 with a message display is arranged in front of the top surface of the base machine 21.

Although not shown in the figure, a manual feed tray 41 is attached to the right side of the device, and a 10-bin sorter 38 is attached to the left side. The manual feed tray 41 is for manual feeding, but it is designed so that a plurality of sheets can be set at the same time and fed sequentially.

It has already been explained that the base machine 21 is equipped with the first supply tray 31-1 as its basic configuration. In the copying machine of this embodiment, the second and third
supply trays 31-2 and 31-3 are arranged, and fourth and fifth supply trays 31 are arranged with an intermediate tray 33 in between.
-4.31-5 is arranged. These supply trays 3
1-1 to 31-4 and the intermediate tray 33 can both be pulled out to the front, improving operability and saving space for the copying machine.

In addition, a copying machine with a neat design that does not have an ADF (automatic document feeder) or paper feed tray protruding has been realized.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of this copying machine. A photosensitive drum 51 is arranged inside the base machine 21 . The photosensitive drum 51 is a charge corotron (charger) 5
2, so that it is uniformly charged. The photosensitive drum 51 rotates at a constant speed in the direction of an arrow 53 in the figure, and the charged drum surface is exposed at an exposure point 54. Here, a light image of a document (not shown) placed on a platen glass 55 placed on the top surface of the base machine 21 is incident on the exposure portion 54 . For this purpose, an exposure lamp 56 and a plurality of mirrors 57 and optical lenses 58 that transmit reflected light from the surface of the original illuminated by the exposure lamp 56 are arranged. It is now possible to do so.

Now, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original is formed on the photoreceptor drum 51 by the image information exposed in a slit shape at the exposure portion 54 . This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 59 to create a toner image. The toner image moves along with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 51 and is transferred to a transfer corotron (
(transfer device) 50.

On the other hand, the copy paper 60 stored in the first supply tray 31-1 disposed in the base machine 21 or the copy paper 60 manually fed along the manual feed tray 41 is fed by the feed roll 61-1 or 63. The photosensitive drum 51 is sent out, guided by a conveying roll 69, and passes between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer corotron 500. At this time, the toner image will be transferred onto the copy paper 58. The copy paper 60 after transfer is transferred to a heat roll 66
and a pressure roll 67 to be thermally fixed. Then, it passes between the transport rolls 68, 68 and is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown).

In this embodiment, the base machine 21 includes a DADF 24.
is installed. Therefore, it is also possible to place both sides of the original on the platen glass 55 one after another. In this case, one side of the originals stacked in the original storage section of the DADF 24 is set on the upper surface of the platen glass 55. Then, when the copying is completed, the original is reset into the original storage unit with the front and back sides reversed, and then fed onto the platen glass 55 again.

In addition, although the copying machine of this embodiment has five trays 31-2 to 31-5.33 installed under the base machine 21, it is also possible to simply arrange a cabinet instead and use it for storing consumables, etc. You can also do it. Furthermore, it is also possible to place this copying machine on a desk as a desktop copying machine with the configuration of the base machine 21 unchanged. Of course, it is also possible to attach only the second supply tray 31-2 below the first supply tray 31-1 and place the copying machine with this configuration on a desk in the same way.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the console panel of this copying machine. The details of the display control technology described below by the present applicant are disclosed in detail in "Display device" of Utility Application No. 130320/1980 and "Character display device" of Utility Application No. 61-066170. . For example, Jitsugan Sho 61-13032
No. 0 discloses that a copying machine is provided with a graphic display area in the form of a dot pattern, and suggests that various displays can be performed using this graphic display area. For example, in a copier that can copy parts of a document or move or delete images, an image sensor reads the image of the target area while the document is placed on a platen, and its outline etc. is displayed in a graphic display area. It has been suggested that this should be displayed on the screen, and it is said that this can prevent errors in area settings and operational errors.

The console panel can take a plurality of forms, but as described above, the copier of this embodiment uses the console panel 28 with a message display.

Now, on the console panel 28: a menu display board 71 is arranged at the upper part of the outside, and each panel part 7
The contents of numbers 4 to 79 are displayed in characters. Among these, one switch 81 and two display lamps 82 are arranged on the sorter panel 74, so that it is possible to select a sorting mode when a sorter is connected. The sorting mode includes a stack mode for stacking copy sheets in order and a collation mode for sorting copy sheets into bins of the sorter.

The next function selection panel 75 includes (1) switches 83A, 83B, (
ii) switch 84 for storing in job memory;
(iii) A switch 85 for making various other forms of copying, (iv) A switch 86 for making double-sided copies, and a display lamp 82 for indicating whether or not these switches are selected are arranged. here,(
i) Editing is a function for manually inputting data for editing using an editor, etc., and correction/confirmation is a function for displaying input data on the liquid crystal display (described later) and checking it, or for replacing data. Refers to function. and (ii) the memory used here is a non-volatile memory consisting of random access memory backed up by a battery. Of course, other storage media such as IC cards, magnetic cards, floppy disks, etc. can also be used as nonvolatile memory. In order to reduce the burden on the operator when operating the console panel 28, this copying machine allows settings such as image density and magnification to be preset, and these preset values are stored in non-volatile memory. It is supposed to be done. (iii
) When the switch 85 is pressed, text information is displayed on the display panel 79 of the console panel 28, and a desired function can be selected from among the "other" functions.

The "other" functions here include, for example, (a) page continuous copying function, (b) border erase function, and (c) gutter function. Among these, (a) the page continuous copying function is a function that divides a two-page spread document, such as a bound document, into two pages and copies them in sequence. Also(
The border erasing function is a function that does not copy the image information around the edges of the document, but makes it appear as if a "frame" has been set around the image information. (c) The binding margin function is a function that sets a "binding margin" at the right or left edge of a copy. The binding margin can be set to the desired length,
The value can be entered manually from the numeric keypad 80 or by inputting it manually from the display panel 7.
9 can be selected from the values displayed at this point.

(iv) Finally, double-sided copying is a function that makes copies on both sides of copy paper. When making double-sided copies,
The copy paper 60 on which the first side has been copied is first stored in the intermediate tray 33 shown in FIG. Next, the copy paper 60 is sent out again from this intermediate tray 33, and a copy is made on the side on which no copy was made. Note that this copying machine performs two copies on one side in the case of monochromatic color copying, which will be explained next. In this case, an arrangement is made so that the front and back sides of the copy paper stored in the intermediate tray 33 are reversed from those in the case of double-sided copying.

At the top of the monochrome color enhancement panel 76 provided below the portion where "monochrome color enhancement" is displayed on the menu display board 71 in FIG. 5, there is a display lamp indicating the type (color) of the color developer. Four 87's are arranged. In this copying machine, the color developer can be set in one or more colors out of four colors such as red and blue, so the lamp corresponding to the currently set color is turned on.

The remaining part of the monochromatic color emphasis panel 76 includes four switches 88 to 91 and an indicator lamp 82 for displaying which of these switches 88 to 91 is set.
is located. Among these, (i) marking color switch 88 is a switch used when performing marking color.

When this switch 88 is pressed to designate an area to be marked, for example, recording is performed with a light color superimposed on that area, making it possible to obtain an effect as if marking had been performed.

(ii) The quick-shot color composition switch 90 is used when recording one color in a predetermined area of a copy. For example, if you place a figure to be expressed in color on the right side of the platen glass 55 (see Figure 4) and copy an original on the left side, the image information of the original will be copied in black, and then a single color image will be printed on top of it. The shape will be drawn. At this time, if the specified figure is formed by halftone dots, the color figure adjusted to a predetermined density by reproduction of the halftone dots is recorded in a predetermined area of the copy paper. Another method is to place the name and pattern of the product on one side of the platen glass 55 and a sheet of paper with the sale price of the product on the other side to simply display the current price.

(iii) When the partial color conversion switch 89 is selected, only the designated area is copied in one color, and the remaining area is copied in black.

On the other hand, if (iv) the single color switch 91 is selected, the original will be copied in one color.

A copy density panel 77 provided below the portion where "copy density" is displayed on the menu display board 71 has a display lamp 8 indicating which of the five copy density levels has been selected.
2 and shift keys 94 and 95 for selecting one of these copy densities are arranged. When the upper shift key 94 is pressed, density setting is performed in the direction of decreasing the copy density, and when the lower shift key 95 is pressed, the density setting is performed in the direction of increasing the copy density. The copy density can be adjusted by changing the developing bias of the developing device 59 shown in FIG. It can be adjusted by changing the amount. In this embodiment, for example, the developing bias can be adjusted in 16 steps.

An automatic density adjustment switch 9 is located below the copy density panel 77.
7 is placed. When the automatic density adjustment switch 97 is pressed, the automatic density display lamp 98 lights up to enter automatic density adjustment mode. In this automatic density adjustment mode, when the document is being scanned, the photoreceptor drum 5 is exposed to light that is reflected from the document.
A part of the light that reaches the developing device 59 is extracted by a half mirror or the like, and the potential of the developing electrode in the developing device 59 is set according to the amount of light.

The magnification/paper selection panel 78 provided below the portion where "arbitrary magnification" etc. is displayed on the menu display board 71 includes the following:
A section for setting and displaying magnification is arranged on the left side, and a section for selecting paper is arranged on the right side.

The part where the magnification is set and displayed includes a magnification display section 99.
is provided. This copying machine can arbitrarily set the magnification (linear magnification) in 1% increments from 50% to 200%, and the set magnification is displayed on a magnification display section 99. To display the magnification, shift key 101.102
There are two types of methods: a method of setting an arbitrary magnification by an operation, and a method of selecting a predetermined fixed magnification.

To set an arbitrary magnification, press the shift key 101S.
Perform operation 102. The upper shift key 101
When pressed, the magnification increases by 1%, and when the lower shift key 102 is pressed, the magnification decreases by 1%. shift key 101
If you keep pressing 102, the magnification will change continuously by 1% during that time.

The fixed magnification is selected by pressing the fixed magnification key 103. The fixed magnifications are displayed on the magnification display board 104, and in this example, they are 141.4%, 86.5%, and 81.6%.
%, 70.7%. In addition, 100% as the same size
can be selected. Which magnification has been selected can be determined by which of the display lamps 82 arranged to the left of the magnification is lit.

In the area for selecting copy paper, there are eight types of display boards 105 displaying paper sizes or paper types, and a shift key 106.10 for selecting one of these.
7 is placed. On the left side of the eight types of display boards 105, a display lamp 82 is arranged to indicate which paper size or paper has been selected. In this embodiment, the following display is displayed on the display board 105.

(b) Bypass tray display; Select this when using the manual feed tray 41 (FIG. 4).

Since this type of conventional manual feed tray manually feeds one sheet at a time, it is only necessary to feed the copy paper preferentially from the manual feed tray when manual feed is performed, and there is no need for the operator to select the manual feed tray itself. In contrast, the manual feed tray 41 of this embodiment can set a plurality of copy sheets at the same time. Therefore, if copy sheets are set and fed from the manual feed tray 41, there is a possibility that the feeding will start when a plurality of copy sheets are set. In order to prevent such a situation, the manual feed tray 41 is made to be selected.

(b) A3 paper display; Select this when using a tray for feeding A3 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(c) B4 paper display: Select this when using a tray for feeding B4 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(d) A4 paper display: Select this when using a tray for feeding A4 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(e) B5 paper display; Select this when using a tray for feeding B5 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(F) A4 landscape paper display; Select this when using a tray for feeding A4 size copy paper in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

()) B5 horizontal paper display; Select this when using a tray for feeding B5 size copy paper in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

(H) Standard outer circumference paper display: Select this when using copy paper of a size other than the above.

An automatic paper/magnification selection switch 109 is arranged below the magnification/paper selection panel 78.

When this switch 109 is pressed, the automatic paper/magnification selection switch 109 is selected and a preset combination of magnification and paper size is selected. The operator can know whether a desired combination has been selected from the lighting state of the display lamp 82 on the magnification/paper selection panel 78. If it is not the desired combination, automatic paper/
By further pressing the magnification selection switch 109, the combination is changed.

On the right side of the magnification/paper selection panel 78 is a display panel 79.
is located. A pattern 111 of this copying machine and a liquid crystal display section 112 are arranged on the display panel 79. The pattern 111 is designed to indicate the selected state of the supply tray, the location where a paper jam has occurred, etc. by lighting a lamp. The liquid crystal display R112 of this embodiment can display sentences including Chinese characters.

The example shown in FIG. 5 indicates that the copying operation can be started and that the set number of copies is one. Further, the liquid crystal display section 112 of this embodiment uses a liquid crystal for color display, so that each designated area is displayed in a designated color.

The following keys or buttons are arranged below the display panel 79.

(a) All clear button 114: This is a button for returning the copying machine to the basic state, that is, the priority mode initially set such as selection of copy paper 60.

(Open) Numeric keypad 80: Used to input numerical values for setting the number of copies, specifying the diagnosis content when diagnosing the copying machine, etc.

(c) Interrupt button 115: Used when continuous copying is in progress and it is necessary to make another emergency copy. It is also used to cancel the interrupt to return to the original copying operation when the interrupt processing is completed.

(d) Stop clear button 116: Acts as a clear button when stopping the copying process, setting the number of copies, and setting the sorter bin.

(E) Start button 117; This is the key to start the copy operation.

Selection key 118: This is a key for moving a cursor to a displayed message, that is, a cursor key.

(g) Setting key 119: This is a key (return key) for setting the location specified by the cursor.

As explained above, the console panel of this embodiment is arranged so that the area for basic operations such as paper selection and copy density settings is completely separated from the area for advanced operations such as function selection and monochromatic color enhancement. . In addition, by displaying sentences containing kanji and kana on the liquid crystal display section 112 to assist in advanced operations, the occurrence of mistakes in panel operations is reduced as much as possible.

(3) Circuit configuration of the apparatus FIG. 6 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of this copying machine C (FIG. 2).

As shown in the figure, a distributed CPU architecture using serial communication centered around the main CPU 121 is adopted.

This is to enable optimal placement of the controller and provide optimal cost performance. Furthermore, from the perspective of product development for copying machines, modular design can be expected to shorten and improve the efficiency of software development, simplify wiring harnesses, lower costs, and facilitate troubleshooting.

In addition, processing efficiency is improved by distributing processing using multiple CPUs, so for example, instead of using an expensive 16-bit CPU, an inexpensive 8-bit CPU can be used to solve complex and high-speed processing tasks. Program processing becomes possible.

Furthermore, such decentralization of processing facilitates model expansion. That is, even when developing a new input/output device, it may not be necessary to modify the program on the main body side (main CPIJ side), and even if changes are necessary, they can be kept to a minimum.

Furthermore, regarding the printed circuit board on the main body side, there is no need to store unnecessary I10 boards or programs due to the distribution of the CPU. Therefore, the cost of the printed circuit board can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement space can be improved.

This copying machine uses the main CPU in its base machine 21.
(Central processing unit) 121 and C for intermediate image lamp
The PU 122 performs uNIJ of the base machine 2I. Here, the CPU 122 for inter-image lamp
is a CPU that specializes in controlling the interimage lamp.

The interimage lamp refers to the photoreceptor drum 5 after exposure.
It is used for irradiating light onto the photosensitive material 1 to erase a portion of an electrostatic latent image before development. Conventionally, for example, when copying an 85-size original at the same size, light was irradiated onto an area other than the 85-size area on the photoreceptor drum 51 to prevent toner images from being wasted outside the area. . The copying machine of this embodiment has a function of editing images, etc., as will be explained later. Therefore, it may be necessary to limit the formation of an electrostatic latent image to, for example, a predetermined rectangular or polygonal area, and in order to perform such processing, it may be necessary to partially delete the electrostatic latent image. do. Interimage lamps are also used for this purpose. In this way, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the inter-image lamp is used in a more highly controlled manner than in the past, and for this purpose the main CPU 121
In addition, we decided to use an independent CPU.

Xerox is one of the manufacturers that has introduced such a distributed processing system as a control method for copying machines. and related cited documents are disclosed in detail.

However, the communication method adopted in the present invention is not the "Ethernet method" aimed at high-speed processing adopted in the above-mentioned publication, but a 4800-port current loop method that achieves the same effect. There is.

In addition, the applicant has developed a CPU 12 for inter-image lamps.
Regarding 2, "Image copying device" of Utility Application No. 152591-1983 and Japanese Patent Application No. 1988-152591
It is disclosed in detail in ``Image erasing device for copying machine'' in No. 023392.

In addition to the above, the copying machine of this embodiment is provided with the following CPUs, which are connected to communication lines 123 and 124. The main CPLJI 21 also plays the role of controlling these CPUs and the inter-image lamp CPU 1 22.

(a) CPU 125 for document feeding; CPU 125 for document feeding is the DADF 2 shown in FIG.
This is a CPU that performs control of 4.

If ADF 23 (FIG. 2) is used instead of DADF 24, the CPLI provided in ADF 23 will be connected to communication lines 123 and 124.

(b) The sorter CPU 126 is a 10-pin sorter 38
This is the CPU located in the . A dedicated CPU is also arranged in the 20-bin soak 39. The main CPU 21 knows which sorter 38, 39 is connected and controls sorting accordingly.

(c) Display CPU 127; Display cPLI 1271-! , console panel 28
This CPU is used to display various information in kanji characters on the liquid crystal display section 112 attached to the computer, and to display an area for editing. Battalit type 2
In the case of the console panel 27 (FIG. 2) of No. 7, there is no need to perform complicated display control, so a dedicated CPU is not used. Note that when the liquid crystal display section 112 is not used, designation of a figure for editing, etc. is performed using a numeric keypad.

(d) Tray control CPU 128; The tray control CPU 128 controls the fourth and fifth supply trays 31- of the trays added to the base machine 21.
4.31-5 and large capacity tray 36 and intermediate tray 33
This is a CPLI for controlling. This CPU is arranged at the rear side of the tray cabinet that accommodates each tray, and performs these controls according to the trays to be connected. Among these trays, middle tray 3
3 is independently equipped with a motor for conveying copy paper, and the copy paper stored in this tray requires complicated control such that the storage position differs depending on the size of the copy paper.

The manner in which each tray is controlled by the tray control CPU 128 is as follows.

(i) Control of both or one of the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4, 31-5 and the intermediate tray 33.

(ii) Control of large capacity tray 36 and intermediate tray 33.

(iii) Independent control of the intermediate tray 33.

(iv) Fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4.31-5
Control over only one or both of these.

(v) Independent control of the large-capacity L tray 36.

(e) Card CPU 129; The card CPLI 129 reads the IC card 131 when using the IC card 131 to set recording conditions, add or correct functions of the copier, This is the part where data is written when registering data such as coordinate designation of a document. In addition, the card CPU
Although 129 is not used in this embodiment, it can also control editor pad 132. Editor pad 132
is used for coordinate manpower, and will be explained in detail later.

FIG. 7 shows in more detail the circuit configuration centered around the main CPU which plays a central role in the copying machine of this embodiment.

Nafu, Xerox's SIKANDARSHEIKH said that controlling a copying machine with a control device such as CPLI or a so-called microcomputer was
IEEE paper rA Programmable by
emouth1g1tal Control System
for Copying Machines
JIEEB Trans, Com, Vol IB
CI-21, No. 1, Feb. 1974 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 50-62644 "Electrophotographic Copying Method and Apparatus Therefor", etc., are well known from papers and publications. Other CPU modules are May 70PU (!: Similarly, one-chip CPLi, ROM.

Needless to say, it has a configuration consisting of RAM, Ilo, etc.

(a) The main CPU 21 is connected to the following sections through serial communication lines 123 and 124, as partially explained in FIG.

(i) DADF 24° (ii) Sorter 38° (iii) Liquid crystal display section 112° (iv) IC card/editor pad interface (IE interface 7!-1130; IC card device 22
and an interface circuit arranged for the editor pad, and when the IC card 131 and editor pad 132 are connected to the main body of the copying machine, these and the main CPU 121
Allow data to be exchanged with the other side.

(V) Interimage lamp controller 157° (vi) Fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4, 31-5,
Tray control unit 133° (b) that controls the intermediate tray 33, etc. The main CPU 121 also has a built-in A/D converter, and is connected to the following units through an analog data line 134. For such a CPU,
For example, NEC Corporation's μPD7810CW, μPD
Examples include 8-bit one-chip CPUs such as 7811CW and Fujitsu's MB89713X.

(i) Light amount sensor 135: This is a sensor used to detect and control the amount of light from the exposure lamp 56 (FIG. 4).

(ii) Temperature sensor group 136; sensors such as a soft touch sensor for controlling fixing temperature, which will be described later.

(iii) Paper size sensor group 137; supply tray 3
This is a sensor that detects the size of paper stored in the first category. According to the system configuration of the copying machine of this embodiment, copy paper 60 can be sent out from a maximum of five types of trays. Therefore, one supply tray has four
If two sensors are arranged and digital data is used for this processing, it will be necessary to send 4-bit digital data from one tray to the main CPU 121, and a total of up to 20 input ports will be required. Not only that, but the number of connectors and the number of cables that make up the harness increase. This is undesirable from the viewpoints of cost, miniaturization, and reliability.

Therefore, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the state specified by the states of the four sensors for each tray is sent out as analog data. The main CPU 12.1 side converts the sent analog data into digital data, and determines the size of the copy paper 60 stored in each tray, up to 16 types.

(c) Furthermore, the main CPU 121 is reset by a reset circuit 138 at the time of runaway or initialization, and is also connected to the following parts via a pass line 121A.

(1) This is a circuit that mediates data between the keyboard/display LSI (large scale integration port R) 121B and the console panel 28.

(ii) Timer/counter LS1121C: This is a circuit that controls the driving of the main motor 164 and carriage motor 171.

(iii) ROM 121D: This is a read-only memory having a capacity of 56 bytes and storing basic control information of the copying machine.

(iv) RAMI 21E; Random access memory for data storage with a capacity of 6 bytes. This RAM121E contains the aforementioned non-volatile memo!
J (NVM) 121F is connected so that necessary data can be saved even when the copier is turned off.

Non-volatile note here! Necessary data stored in the J (NVM) 121F includes, for example, (a) copy paper 6;
Setup values for adjusting the 0 registration, (b) the amount of erasure of the leading edge of the image by the inter-image lamp, which will be explained in detail later, and (C) the vertical and horizontal settings when the copy magnification is set to 1x. fine adjustment values for the magnification, (d) adjustment values for each parameter performed on the copying machine production line, such as the amount of binding margin when copying is performed with a blank space for binding, and (e) each supply tray 31. Data for grasping the usage status of the copying machine, such as actual usage values of feed counters, etc., can be cited.

(v) First ■/○ controller 121G; This is an input/output controller that inputs various data via the filter circuit 121H and drives various parts via the driver circuit 1211. Here, various switches and sensors are connected to the filter circuit 121H, for example. Further, the driver circuit 12°1■ is connected to a solenoid such as a developer solenoid, which will be described later, and a clutch 233, which will also be described later, in the supply trays 31-1 to 31-5.

(vi) This is a human output controller that inputs various data to the second I10 controller 121 via a filter circuit 121K and drives various parts via a driver circuit 121L. Here, in the filter circuit 121K,
For example, various switches and sensors are connected. The driver circuit 121L is equipped with a well-known D/A (analog-digital) converter and a PWM (pulse width converter), and according to the processing of the program, it can set the developing bias of the developing device 59, which will be explained later, and the charge corotron. 5
The current value of the second grade is set.

(4) Specific circuit configuration of the copying machine Next, the circuit configuration of the copying machine of this embodiment will be explained in more detail using FIGS. 8 to 13.

FIG. 8 shows the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 51.

A charge corotron 52 is arranged around the photoreceptor drum 51.
, inter-image lamp 141.4 types of sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4, main developing device 59M, )transfer corotron 50, pig corotron 147, pre-clean corotron 148, cleaning device 149
and an erase lamp 155 for static elimination are arranged in this order. Here, the first sub-developing device 59S1 is a developing device that performs development with red toner, and the second sub-developing device 59S2 is a developing device that performs development with blue toner. The third sub-developing device 59S3 is a developing device that performs development with green toner, and the fourth sub-developing device 59S4 is a developing device that performs development with brown toner.

Interimage lamps 141 are 12 arranged in a row.
It consists of eight light emitting diodes and one plastic lens placed in front of them in parallel with the light emitting diodes. The plastic lens (not shown) has an aspherical convex portion at a position corresponding to each light emitting diode, and even when adjacent portions of the light emitting diodes emit light, the plastic lens (not shown) remains on the photoreceptor drum 51. Care has been taken to prevent the light from becoming uneven in intensity in the boundary areas. Also, the focus of the plastic lens is on the photosensitive drum 51.
The upper part is moderately blurred. For this reason, even if, for example, triangular shape processing (extraction or deletion of a shape) is performed using the inter-image lamp 141, the difference in level that occurs for each unit of light emitting diode at the boundary of the processing is considerably reduced. will be done.

The inter-image lamp controller 157 performs on/off control of the light emitting diodes of the inter-image lamp 141, which are divided into 128 segments. The cleaning device 149 includes a doctor blade 150 and is configured to scrape off the toner that has been neutralized by the pre-clean corotron 148 from the photoreceptor drum 51.

By the way, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the doctor blade 15
0 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 51, the main motor 164 starts to be driven 0.2 seconds later. Furthermore, even when the main motor 164 stops, the doctor blade 150 does not immediately separate from the photoreceptor drum 51, but instead separates after 5 seconds have passed. This is because the toner is blown away by the suction action of the vacuum cleaner.
This is a device to prevent situations such as contamination of the inside of the copying machine.

Each of the sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 includes the following parts.

(a) Color sensor: This is a sensor for determining which developing device uses which color developer is set in each of the sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4. Even if the sub-developing device 59S is configured with a combination of red, blue, green, and other chemicals than those described above, the sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59 are controlled by this sensor.
The color type can be detected every S4. The detection output is input to the developer color detection circuit 230 and transmitted to the main board 230.

(b) Toner sensor; This is a sensor for determining whether or not toner needs to be replenished.

(c) Dispensmoke: This is a motor that stirs and replenishes the toner in the toner box.

The main developing device 59M is for performing black development, and is equipped with a toner sensor and a dispenser smoke. The increase switch 159 is a switch that the operator presses when he wants to increase the amount of toner. When the increase switch 159 is pressed while one of the sub-developing devices 593.1 to 59S4 is selected, the amount of toner in the corresponding sub-developing device is increased.

When the main developing device 59M is pressed while being selected, the amount of black toner is increased.

The developer selection solenoid 1'61 is a solenoid for selectively switching between a total of five developing devices, the main developing device 59M and the sub developing devices 5981 to 59S4. This switching operation will be explained in the next section.

A high voltage power supply device (HVPS) 162 is used to create a parallel electric field inside the main and sub developing devices 59M and 59S1 to 59S4 and improve the reproducibility of solid parts (solid black parts) of the original. . The full toner sensor 163 is a sensor that detects whether or not enough toner has been collected in the toner collection container. The main motor 164 drives the photoreceptor A51, H roll 66,
Alternatively, it is used to drive the conveyance system from the time of alignment (registration) of the conveyance timing of the copy paper 60 to the time of ejection.

(4-2) Developing Device Switching Mechanism FIG. 9 is a waveform chart showing switching timing between the main developing device and the sub developing device in this embodiment. This figure shows an example in which the first sub-developing device 59S1 performs red color development, and the second time, the main development device performs monochrome development. Copy machine start button 1
17 (Figure 5) is pressed to start copying,
As shown in figure a, from that time t, the main motor 16
4 is driven. The main motor 164 is continuously driven until time t3 when the copying operation is completed in both developing devices 59S1 and 59M.

The figure shows the drive timing of the development selection solenoid 161. Dev selection solenoid 161
is excited until the red copying operation by the first sub-developing device 59S1 is completed.

In this device, the lever is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of a clutch (not shown) by energizing the development selection solenoid 161. The clutch receives driving force from the main motor 164, and starts rotation of five sets of cams (not shown) each having one protrusion that is offset by 72 degrees. When one of these protrusions abuts on the first sub-developing device 59S1, this causes the first sub-developing device 59S1 to
is pressed toward the photoreceptor drum 51. At this time, the protruding portions of the remaining cams are at the farthest position from the main developing device 59M and the other sub developing devices 59S2 to 59S4, and in this state, the main developing device 59M and the other sub developing devices 59S2 to 59S4! It is located away from the photoreceptor drum 51.

Protrusions are arranged at five locations on the circumferential surface of the clutch, and when the lever abuts against the corresponding protrusion, the corresponding protrusion of one cam reaches the first sub-developing device 59S1 most. Press firmly. Then, development is performed at this position using the corresponding red color toner. However, in this device, the main developing device 59M is arranged close to the photosensitive drum 51 in the initial state, so the development of colors such as red occurs at time t.
Instead of starting immediately from 1, the operation is delayed for 1 second. At this time, the above-mentioned cam is connected to the first sub-developing device 5951 instead of the main developing device 59M.
(or other sub-developing devices 59S2 to 59S4) are set on the photosensitive drum 51.

When the copying operation by the first sub-developing device 59S1 is completed, the five cams mentioned above move for one second from time t2, and when the protruding part of the monochrome cam is positioned by the lever, the main developing device 59M starts moving. It is set against the photosensitive drum 51. After this, monochrome development will be performed.

Note that the above is a case where marking is performed with one color, red, but when marking is performed with multiple colors, the sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 are used in a predetermined order.
Applicable ones are selected in order, and monochrome development is performed after these are completed.

In contrast, FIG. 10 shows, for reference, a case in which monochrome development is first performed and red color development is performed later. Figure a shows the operation of the main motor 164.
The diagram also shows the operation of the development selection solenoid 161. In the case of FIG. 10, development is first performed by the main developing device 59M, so there is no need to wait for one second at this point. However, once the monochrome development is completed as the second development, it is necessary to take one second to set the main development device 59M relative to the photosensitive drum 51 again.

(4-3) Optical system Next, the relationship between the optical systems will be explained using FIG. 11.

A carriage (not shown) on which lenses, mirrors, etc. are arranged is reciprocated by a carriage motor 171. This carriage motor 171 is constituted by a step motor. Position control when the carriage returns to the home position is performed by the registration sensor 172.

The registration sensor 172 is also used for timing the optical system and the conveyance of the copy paper 60.

That is, an actuator for blocking the transmission of light is disposed on the carriage, and when the carriage moves, the registration sensor 172 detects the temporary blocking of the light beam due to the light blocking by this actuator.

This detection signal is used to determine the position or timing for performing registration, or to determine the home position when the carriage returns.

The density control sensor 173 is a sensor that controls the copy density of the original. As described above, the copying machine of this embodiment controls the copy density by simultaneously adjusting the amount of charge applied to the photosensitive drum 51, the amount of exposure of the image, and the bias of the developing electric machine.

The lens/mirror sensor 174 is a sensor that controls the movement of the optical lens 58, mirror 57 (Fig. 4), etc.
It is composed of one detection element.

The lens/mirror motor 175 has also been changed from a conventional copying machine in which the lens 64, mirror 57, etc. are driven separately to a type in which they can be driven in common.

The exposure lamp 56 has been described above. Optical system fan 1
77 is a fan for cooling the optical system and removing heat from the platen glass 55. The document sensor 178 is a sensor provided to detect the size of the document.

(4-4) Fixing Device Next, the relationship of the fixing device will be explained. The fixing device is the first
This is shown in Figure 2.

The base machine 21 of this embodiment has a main fuser lamp 181 and a sub fuser lamp 1 in the heat roll 66.
Two types of fuser lamps, 82 and 82, are arranged. The sub-fuser lamp 182 is shorter than the main fuser lamp 181, and is arranged at a position slightly offset from one end of the main fuser lamp 181. In the copying machine of this embodiment, the copy paper 60 is positioned along one side of the platen glass 55, which is a so-called corner register.
Since a corner registration (corner registration) method is adopted, the required amount of thermal energy in the axial direction of the heat roll 66 varies depending on the size of the copy paper 60 used. In order to correct the resulting deviation in temperature distribution in the axial direction, the subfuniza lamp 182 is controlled to be energized according to the size of the copy paper 60.

By employing the sub fuser lamp 182, it is possible to sufficiently prevent temperature fluctuations in the fixing device.

The fixing device includes a user exit sensor 184 and a 5-T-
3 (soft touch sensor) 185 are both connected. Here, the user exit sensor 184 is used to detect whether the copy paper that has passed between the heat roll 66 and the pressure roll 67 is ejected onto the paper ejection tray without being accidentally caught in both rolls 66 and 67. belongs to. 5-T-8165 is Fuuser lamp 181
．． 182 temperature sensor.

(4-5) Control of the console Next, referring back to FIG. 11, the control relationship of the console will be explained.

The console system [1s191 is equipped with a message ROM 192 for displaying messages in kanji. An interface port 193 is arranged near the board on which the console control section 191 is arranged. The interface port 193 is connected by a flat cable to an IC card device (■C card league writer) 22 for reading and writing the IC card 131 (FIG. 6) and connecting the editor pad 132 (FIG. 6). It looks like this. As already explained, the IC card device 22 is controlled by the card CPL 1129 (FIG. 6). Console control section 191 and interface port 193 are connected to main board 201. The main board 201 has the main CP described above.
It is equipped with U121. Compared to the length of the cable between the main board 201 and the interface port 193, the length of the flat cable connecting the interface port 193 and the IC card device 22 is extremely short. For this purpose, the interface port 193 is arranged inside the base machine 21 directly below the panel to which the IC card device 22 is attached.

(4-6) Pilling Counter Next, the pilling counter used for collecting copying fees will be explained with reference to FIG.

Since the base machine 21 of this embodiment can make copies in five colors, it is equipped with two types of pilling counters. Among these, the main pilling counter 211 counts the number of copies made, regardless of black and white or color. The count value of the main pilling counter 211 is also used as data for counting control when an accessory 212 such as a coin kit or key counter is attached to the copying machine. The sub-pilling counter 213 is used to count the total number of colors used in each copy when color copies are made.

(4-7) Power supply Next, the power supply relationship will be explained with reference to FIG. 12.

The base machine 21 is connected to a 100V (volt) commercial power source. Also 115V6Q for overseas use
It is also compatible with Hz and 220V50Hz power supplies. The power supplied from the outlet 221 is 15
It reaches the main switch 224 via an ampere circuit breaker 222 and a noise filter 223. The output side of the main switch 224 is connected to an AC driver 226 and a fixing control element 22 via an interlock switch 225.
7 and a DC power supply 228 as power. Furthermore, the power is also supplied to the DADF 24 and the intermediate tray 33.

The AC driver 226 supplies power to the following components at predetermined timings.

(a) Erase lamp 155 for static elimination (Fig. 8) (b) Exposure lamp 56 and optical system fan 177 (Fig. 11) (c) Main fuser lamp 181 and sub-fuser lamp 182 (Fig. 12) DC power supply 228 supplies power to the following components at predetermined timings.

(B) Interlock switch 225 (Figure 12) (B) AC driver 226 (Figure 12) (C) High voltage power supply device 162 (Figure 8) (D) Sorter 38 (Figure 12) (E) User Exit sensor 184 (FIG. 12) (F) Fixing control element 227 (FIG. 12) (G) Accessory 21
2 (FIG. 12); Here, the accessories include, for example, a coin kit that allows copies to be made using coins, and key counters and key coders for managing copies in each department.

(H) Main pilling counter 211 and sub-pilling counter 213 (Figure 12) (S) X-port fan 194 (Figure 12); This is a vacuum fan for suction.

(nu) Interimage lamp controller 157 (
(Fig. 8) (l) Carriage motor 171 (Fig. 11) (w) Registration sensor 172, density control sensor 173, lens/mirror/
Sensor 174 and lens/mirror/motor 175 (Fig. 11) (W) Original sensor 178 (Fig. 11) (Force) Increase switch 159, sub-developing bag ff1
59s1 to 59S4 and the main toner detection sensor of the main developing device 59M, and the development selection solenoid 16
1 (FIG. 8) (Y) Main board 201 (FIG. 8, etc.) (4-8) Conveyance system Next, the copy paper conveyance system will be explained using FIG. 13.

The first to fifth supply trays 31-1 to 31-5 are each provided with a no-paper sensor 231, a size sensor 232, and a clutch 233. Here, the no-paper sensor 231 is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the supply trays 31-1 to 31-5. This copier can load copy paper of the same size into multiple supply trays, and in this case, when one supply tray runs out of copy paper, the same size copy paper is automatically loaded from the other supply trays. It is now possible to send it to The size sensor 232 is a sensor for determining the size of copy paper stored in the tray. Further, the clutch 233 is connected to each feed roll 61.
-1.61-2, . . . are parts for controlling on/off of the drive.

Copy paper is fed by a dedicated feed motor 2.
It is done by 35. A step motor is used as the feed motor 235. A feed sensor 236 detects whether copy paper is being fed normally. The gate solenoid 237 is a registration solenoid for aligning the leading edge of the copy paper that has been sent out. This gate solenoid 23
Unlike a normal solenoid of this type, 7 performs control such that the gate opens when energized to allow copy paper to pass through.

That is, in a standby state where copy paper does not arrive, power is not supplied to the gate solenoid 237 and the gate remains open. Just before the copy paper arrives, gate solenoid 237 is energized and the gate closes to prevent passage. Then, when the conveyance of the copy paper is resumed at a predetermined timing, the energization is stopped and the gate is opened. By performing such control, there will be less fluctuation in the gate position when the leading edge of the copy paper is blocked from passing, and even if the copy paper is pressed against the gate with a relatively strong force, its position will be maintained. Can be done accurately.

The manual feed switching solenoid 238 is connected to the first feed tray 31
This is a solenoid for switching the drive between the conveyance roller for the copy paper sent out from the manual feed tray 41 and the conveyance roller for the copy paper fed manually from the manual feed tray 41. The manual tray sensor 239 is connected to the manual tray 41
This sensor is used to detect the presence or absence of copy paper when sending multiple sheets of copy paper. Tray interlock 2
Reference numeral 41 denotes an interlock switch attached to a mechanism that is opened and closed to remove a copy paper jam when it occurs. The tray path sensor 242 is a sensor that outputs the copy paper 60 sent from the second and third supply trays 31-2, 31-3. It is placed near the joint.

(4-9) DADF The DADF 24 will be specifically explained with reference to FIG.

DADF 24 is the platen glass 5 of the base machine 21
It is installed on top of 5. The DADF 24 is equipped with a document tray 252 on which a document 251 is placed. The originals 251 are stacked on the original tray 252 with the first side to be copied facing downward.

A tart pad 254 and a feed paddle 255 are arranged on the document feed side of the document tray 252, and the documents 251 are fed one by one by these. The sent out document 251 is moved by a driving roller 256 and a driven roller 25.
7, passes through the S-shaped conveyance section 258 and is pressed against a branch guide 261 arranged at a position where this S-shaped withdrawal section 258 and the vertical conveyance section 259 intersect. Branch guide 26
1 is thereby released, and the original 251 is transferred to the reversing conveyance section 26.
It is transported to the second side.

When the rear end of the document 251 passes through the branch guide 261, the branch guide 261 is closed toward the S-shaped conveyance section 258 by the action of a spring (not shown).

At this time, passage of the original 251 is detected by a sensor (not shown) arranged near the branch guide 261. The output of this detection signal causes the document reversing drive roller 264 to rotate in the reverse direction. As a result, the conveyance direction of the document 251 is reversed, and the conveyance direction is changed to a direction substantially perpendicular to the platen glass 55.

Thereafter, the original 251 is conveyed while being positioned by the oblique slip paddle 265 with one side of the original 251 abutting against a side positioning guide (not shown). Then, it is transported to a correct position on the platen glass 55 by the endless transport belt 266. In this way, the copying operation for the first side of the original 251 is performed.

After the exposure of the first side is completed, the original 251 is transported in the direction of arrow 267 by the endless transport belt 266. Then, by the action of the exit side guide 268, when copying only this first side is performed, the vertical conveyance section 268
9 is selected, and the original 251 is stored in the original receiving section 271.

If a copy is also to be made on the second side opposite to the first side, the horizontal conveyance section 272 is selected. The document 251 sent to the horizontal +m feeding section 272 is transported in the opposite direction to the arrow 267 by the transport roller 273, and is transported through the S-shaped transport section 258 by the driving roller 256 and the driven roller 257. At this time, the lower surface of the document 251 is the second surface, which is opposite to when it was stored in the document tray 252. Therefore, in a state in which the original 251 is fed onto the platen glass 55 using the same transport procedure as described above, a copying operation is performed on the second side.

After the exposure of the second side is completed, the original 251 is moved to the exit side guide 268.
The document is sent to the vertical conveyance section 269 by the action of the original document receiver, and is discharged to the document receiving section 271.

The 10-bit sorter 38 will be specifically explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 shows the appearance of the sorter.

The 10-bin sorter 38 is configured such that the 10 bins 281 can be moved up and down as one unit. The sorter main body 282 includes a drive source (bin motor) for performing this lifting and a 1
A cam and a cam switch for controlling the movement position of each bin, and a down limit switch (both not shown) for detecting that the bin 281 has reached the lower limit position are arranged.

The copy paper 60 is transported by conveyor rolls 68 and 68 shown in FIG.
It advances in the direction of arrow 284 and is fed into the sorter main body 282. Then, at that point, it is discharged to the bin facing the conveyance path. Note that depending on the sorter, the discharge path may be switched by not raising and lowering the bins 281 but by raising and lowering the sorter body 282 instead.

Mode selection for the sorter 38 is performed by operating a sorter panel 74 shown in FIG.

(4-11) Intermediate tray Next, the intermediate tray 33 will be explained.

FIG. 16 shows a conveyance system centered on the intermediate tray 33.

The copy paper 60 that has been thermally fixed by the heat roll 66 in the base machine 21 is controlled by a duplex gate solenoid 351 also placed in the base machine 21 to output it to the output tray side or feed it to the intermediate tray 33 side. be exposed. A first duplex path sensor 352 is located on the base machine 21 side, and a second duplex path sensor 353 is located on the second supply tray 31-
Paper jams are detected for the copy paper 60 before it reaches the intermediate tray 33.

By the way, the intermediate tray 33 does not have a feed roll for feeding the leading edge of the copy paper 60 to the leading edge of the tray. Depending on the size of the copy paper 60 sent there, it is conveyed to a desired position and "dropped" into the tray.
3 duplex solenoid gates for 35
5 to 357 are arranged. These duplex solenoid gates 355 to 357 are configured to selectively operate the solenoids depending on the size of the paper to be fed, thereby opening and closing the corresponding gates. The skinny roll solenoid gamer 358 controls one corner of the leading edge of this "falling" copy paper 60 to hit the corner of the leading edge of the intermediate tray 33, and separates each copy paper 60 that is fed one by one. It is a gate that aligns the tips of the Each time this operation is completed for one sheet, the main pilling counter 21
A count up of 1 is performed.

As already explained, the intermediate tray 33 has tray control C.
It is controlled by the PL 1128, and the copy paper is conveyed under the control of the duplex motor 361 (FIG. 8). The duplex no-paper sensor 362 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the copy paper 60 in the intermediate tray 33. Duplex/
The feed clutch 363 is a mechanism for performing on/off control of a drive source for feeding the copy paper 60.

The impark gate solenoid 364 is a solenoid that switches between making a double-sided copy, marking the same side with multiple colors, and making a composite copy. That is, when the inverter gate solenoid 364 is positioned in the direction shown in FIG. After falling, it is then transported upward by transport rolls 367 and 368. And impark
The conveyance direction is changed to the right in the figure before the gate solenoid 3640, and the paper is stored upside down in the intermediate tray 33. If conveyance is restarted in this state, a double-sided copy will be made.

In contrast, the copy paper 60 that has been conveyed downward
When the transport direction is changed to the right in the figure before the inverter gate solenoid 364, the paper is stored with the original front side facing upward again. If conveyance is resumed in this latter state, a copy will be made again on the same side. Generally, when marking is performed in N types of colors, one sheet of copy paper 60 is stored in the N-port intermediate tray 33, and then developed in monochrome and then discharged.

The duplex feed sensor 369 is a sensor for detecting whether copy paper fed from the intermediate tray 33 is jammed.

(4-12 Editor Pad) The editor pad 132 will be specifically explained with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

Of these, FIG. 17 shows the system configuration of a copying machine equipped with an editor pad. That is, in the configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG. 3 as an embodiment of the present invention, the DA
Since the DF 24 is mounted on the platen glass 55, the editor pad-equipped platen 26 cannot be mounted on top of the platen glass 55.

In the copying machine shown in FIG. 17, the first supply tray 31-
A platen 26 with an editor pad is attached to the upper part of a base machine 21 equipped with an editor 1. The square part in the figure is the editor pad 132. Note that this copying machine is equipped with a back-lift type concealed panel.

Furthermore, a cabinet 401 in which only the second and third supply trays 31-2 and 31-3 are accommodated is arranged below the base machine 21. The base machine 21 is not equipped with a sorter, but is equipped with a discharge tray 37 for storing copy sheets to be discharged.

An IC card device 22A is arranged near the left end of the panel surface where the console panel 27' is arranged, and an IC card 131 can be set on the upper part of this device. An IC card with a built-in liquid crystal display board on the top surface can also operate as a display board when it is installed in the IC card device 22A, and can be used to add a display function to a copying machine or to copy without a display function. A display function can be added to the machine. IC card device 22A
An interface port 193 as shown in FIG. 11 is incorporated inside the base machine 21 directly under the console panel 27 in which the interface port 193 and the main board 201 are incorporated. It is extremely short compared to the length of the cable between the

For the general configuration of the copying machine, please refer to FIG. 2, which has been explained above. Note that the editor pad 132
is very convenient for inputting coordinates, and can be used alone in a copying machine configured as in this embodiment shown in FIG. In this case, the editor pad 132 is placed on a desk or the like, and the IC card device 22 (
(See Figure 3) or directly connect to the IC card 1.
31, and send this to the IC card device 2.
It will be used by attaching it to 2.

FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the editor pad. Editor pad 132 is 307 mm long and 432 m wide.
A rectangular coordinate input pad 405 of m is provided. An area with a width of IQmm on the near side of this pad serves as an editor panel 406, which will be described next. Editor panel 40
6, the editor pad 132 includes a first rubber pad on which a resistance line that specifies a position on the It has a structure in which the pressure is applied by an operator's finger or a pointed pen, etc., and the position where pressure is applied can be detected as a value on the XSY coordinates. A display panel 407 for displaying various information is arranged in front of the editor panel 406. In addition, a board for processing coordinate data and a board 408 for an interface circuit are disposed at the inner rear part of the editor pad 132.

FIG. 19 shows the main parts of the editor panel and display panel described in FIG. 18. The following buttons are arranged on the editor panel 406.

(b) Special function button 411; This button is used when using special functions.

(b) Dimension scaling button 412: This button is used to specify a distance and a reduction ratio.

(c) Extract button 413; This button is for extracting a specified area, and is used for monochrome (black and white) recording.

(d) Delete button 414; This button is for deleting a specified area, and is also used for monochrome (black and white) recording.

(e) Quick-shot color composition button 415: This is a function button used to specify the quick-shot color composition function.

(v) Marking color button 416: This is a function button used when specifying a marking color function.

(g) Partial color conversion button 417; This button is used to specify the function of partial color conversion.

(H) Color inversion button 418: This button is used to change a color specified area to black or to convert a black specified area to color. A quick-shot color composition button 415, a marking color button 416, a partial color conversion button 417, and a color inversion button 418 are function buttons for color recording.

(2) Designation method button 419; This button is used to select whether to designate an area using the coordinate values of two points at both ends of the diagonal of a rectangle or the coordinate values of each point of a polygon.

(nu) Area/color specification button 421; This button is used when setting the area.

(l) Area clear button 422: This button is used to cancel the area designation.

(w) Setting end button 423: This button is used when the designation of one or more areas is completed.

Parts of the display panel 407 corresponding to the first eight buttons 411-418 are each provided with a display lamp 425 for displaying whether or not those buttons are selected. Regarding the specification method button 419, depending on the specification method, a diagonal specification lamp 426 or a polygon specification lamp 4 is selected.
27 is lit.

(W) Normal marking button 431: This is a button for specifying a normal marking form in which the area is marked uniformly.

(Power) Frame marking button 432: This button is used, for example, when marking a frame-shaped area surrounding a specific area.

(Y) Line marking button 433: This button is used, for example, to set and mark a thick underlined area.

(i) Color designation buttons 434 to 437: Since the marking color can be set independently for each area, these buttons are used to designate the color in relation to the area to be marked. Here, the color designation button 434 designates red, and the color designation button 4''35 designates blue.

The color specification button 436 is green, and the color specification button 437
is now designated as brown. As already explained, the copying machine of this embodiment can also be equipped with a developing device for a color other than the above. I'll have to replace it with something else. (wa)
Each button 431 dedicated to marking explained in ~(evening)~
Display lamps 438 are arranged at each of the display lamps 437, and which lamp is selected is displayed.

(4-13) Large-capacity tray By the way, a large-capacity tray 36 can be set in this copying machine instead of the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4 and 31-5. Although the configuration is different from that of this embodiment, this will also be briefly explained.

FIG. 20 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of this large capacity tray.

1,000 to 2,000 sheets of copy paper can be set in the large-capacity tray 36 at one time, and a large number of copies can be made without interruption. The large capacity tray 36 has
It is equipped with the following circuit components: The large capacity tray 36 receives AC power from the output side of the noise filter 223 shown in FIG. 8, and also receives DC power from the DC power supply 228 via the main board 201 shown in FIG. These circuit components are made to operate based on the received signals.

(a) Stop sensor 472: This is a sensor for detecting the lower limit position of the large-capacity tray 36 equipped with an elevator mechanism for raising and lowering the coffee paper 60.

(b) Interlock switch 473° large capacity tray 3
This is an interlock switch for detecting opening/closing of the front panel of No. 6.

(c) No-paper sensor 474: This is a sensor for detecting when the stored copy paper 60 is running low.

(d) Size sensor 475; This is a sensor for determining the size of the copy paper 60.

(E) Large-capacity tray motor 476; This is a motor for driving the elevator mechanism of the large-capacity tray 471 and raising and lowering the storage portion of the copy paper 60.

(f) Set sensor 477: This is a sensor for detecting the upper limit position of the large capacity tray 36 equipped with the elevator mechanism described above.

(g) Large capacity tray clutch 478; copy paper 60
This is a clutch for controlling the delivery of the

(H) Feed sensor 479; This is a sensor for detecting a paper jam in the copy paper 60 fed from the large capacity tray 36.

(5) Color Control In the copying machine of this embodiment, only a designated area of a document can be extracted and recorded or deleted and recorded. These are called "extract" or "delete" functions, respectively. You can also mark specified areas,
You can also specify the color to be developed. Marking here refers to image processing used to emphasize a specific area, such as coloring a specific area using a marker. Furthermore, it is also possible to specify two or more areas from one document or from different documents, and to combine and record these areas on a single sheet of copy paper. Hereinafter, taking marking color control as an example, a normal two-color copying operation will first be specifically explained in a state where an editor pad-equipped platen 26 is attached to the base machine 21 instead of the DADF 24. In the copying machine of this embodiment, the main developing device 59M normally uses black toner, and the four types of sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 each use a color developing device. By replacing the toner inside, it is possible to use this as a color developing device. Therefore, there is a practical benefit to performing color conversion in marking processing as well. However, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, this embodiment will be described on the assumption that normal black toner is used in the main developing device 59M.

(5-1) Area specification for marking Figures 21 to 2
FIG. 6 is for explaining the area designation operation when performing marking color processing.

First, explanation will be given using FIG. 21. When specifying a marking area, the card CPU 129 (FIG. 6) monitors whether the operator presses a button on the platen 26 with the editor pad. When the marking color button 416 is pressed (step ■; Y), the card CPU 129 lights up the corresponding display lamp 424,
The mode is set to marking color (step ■).

If another button is pressed (step ■), the work in the corresponding mode will be executed (step ■).

When the marking color mode is set, the CPU 12
9 monitors the pressed state of the normal marking button 4311 frame marking button 432 and line marking button 433. And line marking button 433
When is pressed (step ■; Y), the display lamp 438 for line marking is turned on (step ■). Also, when the normal marking button 431 is pressed (
Step ■;Y), indicator lamp 43 for normal marking
8 is lit (step ■). Frame marking button 4
33 is pressed (step ■; Y), the display lamp 438 for frame marking is turned on (step ■).
.

When a button 43L432 other than the line marking button 433 is pressed, the CPU 129 monitors the pressed state of the specification method button 419 in order to check the specification method since a polygon will be specified (step ■). Then, when the specification method button 419 is pressed (Y
), from that point on, the polygon designation lamp 427 is turned on (
step 0). On the other hand, if the designation method button 419 is not pressed, the diagonal designation lamp 426 is initially turned on (step 0).

In Fig. 22, an indicator lamp 4 for line marking is shown.
If 38 is lit (step ■; Y), input of two points of data to specify both ends of the line is awaited (
Step ■). On the other hand, if the display lamp 438 for normal marking or frame marking is lit (step ■; N), the diagonal specification lamp 426 and polygon specification lamp 427 are lit to indicate whether a rectangle has been specified. Determine from the state (step ■). Then, when the diagonal designation lamp 42G is in the lit state, the state enters a state (Y) of waiting for input of coordinate data of two points (step 2).

In addition, when the polygon designation lamp 427 is lit,
The system is in a state of waiting for human input of coordinate data of multiple points, that is, three or more points (step 2).

When the coordinate data of two points is input in the coordinate data standby state in step (2), the coordinate data of the area determined by the diagonal lines is stored in the RAM under the CPU 129 (step (2)). Data processing according to the present invention in this case will be explained later. The data stored in the RAM is transferred to the main C of the base machine 21 at a predetermined timing.
It is transferred to PU121. This data is displayed by CPU1
27 and the inter-image lamp CPU 122.

On the other hand, if the coordinate data of 3 to 16 points to specify the area is input in the state of step ■ (Y), the coordinate data of the area specified by this is input to CPU 1.
The data is stored in the RAM under No. 29 (step ■). The data is stored in the main CPU 121 of the base machine 21.
It will also be forwarded to This data will be stored in the storage areas of both the display CPU B7 and the inter-image lamp CPU 122.

When the input of coordinate data for one area and the storage of the data are completed in this way, the CPU 129 waits for one of the color designation buttons 434 to 437 to be pressed (step 2). If the color specification button 435 is pressed, blue color has been specified (step ■
;Y), the corresponding display lamp 438 is lit (step ■). Further, when the color designation button 436 is pressed, it means that green color has been designated (step 2; Y), and the corresponding display lamp 438 is turned on (step 2). When the color specification button 437 is pressed, brown has been specified (step (
DAY), the corresponding display lamp 438 will be lit (step ■).

If these three types of buttons 435 to 437 are not pressed (step ■; N), it is determined that red has been specified initially, and the indicator lamp 438 for red is lit (step 0).

When the operator confirms the lighting status of the display lamp 438 corresponding to the color designation buttons 434 to 437 and presses the region/color designation button 421, the color designation for the currently input region is confirmed (step 0; Y). That is, if the color of the specified area is red (step @; Y),
Data indicating the color red is stored in the storage area for coordinate data indicating the figure of the area (step 2). If the color of the designated area is blue (step ■; Y), data indicating blue is stored in the storage area for coordinate data indicating the figure of the area (step ■). If the color of the specified area is green (step ■; Y>, data indicating green will be stored in the storage area for coordinate data indicating the figure of that area (step ■). If not, that is, if the color of the designated area is brown (step 2: N), data indicating brown is stored in the storage area for coordinate data indicating the figure of the area.

If the operator does not press the setting end button 423 in this state (step @; N), the numerical value n starting from n=1 is incremented by 1 (step 0), and the coordinate input and color specification for the next area are performed ( Step ■~0). On the other hand, if the setting end button 423 is pressed in step ■, or if the specified coordinate is the 16th position as the maximum value allowed by this device (step ■; Y), the liquid crystal display section 1
The words "Copy possible" will be displayed at 12 (step ■).

FIG. 23 shows the display on the liquid crystal display section in this state. Near the left end of the liquid crystal display section 112, a first
A frame 531 indicating the maximum size for specifying the area of the coordinate input pad 405 shown in FIG. That will happen. Depending on the device, the frame 531 may be displayed to match the size of the document currently being input. Near each designated area 532, area numbers are displayed as "1" to "5". In this example, only the area with the number "3" is displayed in blue, and the areas with the remaining numbers are displayed in red.

By the way, in the center of the liquid crystal display section 112 shown in FIG. 23, the information "You can copy" is displayed in a combination of kanji and kana, as described above, and an icon 533A is displayed on the right side of the information. .

This icon 533A indicates that the currently set mode is the marking color mode. 24 to 26 show icon displays in other modes for reference. Of these, the one shown in FIG. 24 is the icon 533B in the extraction mode, and the one shown in FIG. 25 is the icon 533C in the deletion mode. Furthermore, FIG. 26 shows an icon 533D that is displayed when performing quick-shot color composition. In this way, different icons 533 are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 depending on the currently set mode, so that the operator does not proceed with the wrong work.

Incidentally, in the explanation of step (2) in FIG. 22, the explanation was given on the assumption that polygons can be specified at a maximum of 16 points, but this corresponds to the fact that the coordinates of a maximum of 16 points can be specified in the copying machine of this embodiment. In other words, if you specify a hexagonal area, you can only specify one area, but if it is a triangle, you can specify up to 5 areas, and if you specify this polygon with a quadrilateral, you can specify up to 4 areas. Can be specified. When specifying an area using diagonal lines in a rectangle or square, it is possible to specify up to eight areas.

FIG. 27 is for explaining coordinate input using the numeric keypad, and corresponds to FIGS. 21 and 22 described above.

Even in the copying machine configured as in this embodiment, it is possible to input coordinate data for area designation and to modify input data using the numeric keypad 80. When specifying a marking area in FIG. 27, the main CPU 121 monitors whether the operator presses the marking color switch 88 on the console panel 28. When the marking color switch 88 is pressed (step ■; Y),
The main CPU 121 turns on the corresponding display lamp 82 and enters the marking color mode (step ■).
. If another button or switch is pressed (step ■), the work in the corresponding mode will be executed (step ■).

When the marking color mode is set by inputting from the numeric keypad 80, the CPU 121 displays data for instructing coordinate input on the liquid crystal display section 112 (step ①).
). This display is done using Kanji. Display CPU
127 is used for this display control.

FIG. 28 shows this initial display state. The characters 551 "area l" are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 as the contents of the specified area. Also, below it is a selection display mark 55 for selecting an area.
Two cases are displayed.

The selection display mark 552 is blinking in this state. The right half of the liquid crystal display section 112 shows coordinates (XI,
Yl ), (X2. Y2 ) are displayed,
The cursor 55 is used to input the coordinate xI among these.
3 and an uninput mark r*J 554 are displayed blinking. The two icons 557 to the left of the cursor 553 display the locations of the respective coordinates (Xl, Yl) and (X,, Y2) for specifying a rectangular area with two points on a diagonal line, using broken lines. It has become. However, in the copying machine of this embodiment, these coordinates can be entered in reverse or manually using the other two points on the diagonal line, and the displayed content is just one guide information for the operator. It has meaning.

FIG. 29 shows, as an example, that the operator
This figure shows the state in which the numerical value rl 00J is manually input as coordinate data (xl) using the figure. When the operator presses the selection key 118 after inputting the coordinate data (Xl), the cursor 553 moves to that location and blinks in order to input the coordinates (Y,). After inputting the coordinates (Yl), press the selection key 118 and similarly enter the coordinates (X2°Y
Enter the values in 2) in order.

FIG. 30 shows a state in which the coordinate (X2) has been inputted and the numerical value "2o" has been input, and the coordinate (Y2) has been inputted with the numerical value "3". When enough data is input to specify the rectangular "area 1" in this way, a setting mark 555 is displayed blinking next to the selection display mark 552 on the liquid crystal display section 112, as shown in FIG. In this state, if the setting key 119 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, the designation of "area 1" is completed.

After this, as shown in FIG. 31, the LCD display section 112 displays "
Characters 556 for specifying "area 2" are displayed.

At this point, the setting mark 555 is still blinking.

In this state, the operator can manually enter data regarding "area 2" or, if no further area designation is to be made, the operator can end the input operation. To finish specifying the area, the setting key 119 is further pressed.

Now, returning to FIG. 27, the explanation will be continued.

When the data for specifying the area as described above is inputted from the numeric keypad 80 (step ■ in Fig. 27), the main CPU 121 converts this into regular coordinate data, which will be explained later, and temporarily stores the contents. (Step ■)
. When this data is compiled into one unit of data that can be processed (step ■; Y), the data is transferred to the memory of the inter-image lamp CPU 122 (step ■
).

Then, the message ``Copy possible'' (see FIG. 23) is displayed in step ■ of FIG. 22 (step @).

In addition, in the manual operation using the platen 26 with editor pad 26 (FIG. 22) and the manual operation using the numeric keypad 80 (FIG. 27) described above, when specifying a rectangular area, 2 Although it is determined whether the designation is by a point or by multiple points (4 points), the operator's operations can be simplified by limiting the designation method to diagonal designation for rectangles.

FIG. 32 shows an operation for specifying an area using such a specifying method. First, the operator inputs the total number of areas to be specified as R1 (step ■)
. Then, the number of vertices of the polygon that specifies the first region is input.

If the number of vertices is not zero (step ■; Y), it is determined whether the area specification has ended with the number of vertices being "2", and if the area specification has ended with the number of vertices being "2". If so, the calculation of the rectangular area is performed assuming that the diagonal has been specified (step 2). In other cases, it is assumed that a polygon has been specified, and calculations for that figure are performed (step ■).

After this, the total number of areas R1 is subtracted by 1 (step ■
), if the result is not zero (step ■; N), the number of vertices is similarly checked for the data of the next area, and the area is calculated (steps ■, ■ to ■). The same applies below. If the total number of regions R1 is zero, this means that the calculation has been completed for all regions.

The method for inputting an area using the numeric keypad 80 has been explained above, but for the area input in this way, you can similarly specify the color and perform marking processing, two-color copying, or multi-color copying. It's coming out.

(5-3) Designation of color reversal In the copying machine of this embodiment, the recorded colors are controlled to be reversed between the main developing device 59M and designated sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4.

The main developing device 59M normally contains black toner, so if, for example, a certain closed area is designated to be marked in red, the interior of the closed area will be colored pale black due to color reversal. It will be marked. Of course, as described above, if the toner stored in the main developing device 59M is changed to another color, chromatic colors can also be reversed.

Now, in this copying machine, color inversion can be specified using the editor pad 132 or the console panel 28.

(i) Operation on editor pad 132 FIG. 33 shows the operation of specifying color inversion when using the editor pad. When the operator presses the color inversion button 418 (Fig. 19), step
Card CPU 12g is editor pad 132. It is determined whether color-related editing is to be performed (step ■). Here, what is color-related editing?
In addition to the case where the copying machine is set to the marking color mode, this refers to the case where the copying machine is set to the partial color mode or the color composition mode. If color-related editing is not to be performed (N), and if other conditions are met, a message ``Copy possible'' will be displayed on the liquid crystal display 1112 (Step 2).

On the other hand, when the color inversion button 418 is pressed and the copying machine is performing color-related editing (step ■; Y), it is determined whether color inversion has already been performed (step ■). If color inversion is not performed (N), the color inversion signal is turned on (
Step ■), the color reversal lamp lights up to display the color reversal status (step ■).

On the other hand, when color inversion is not performed (step ■; N), the color inversion signal is turned off (step ■).
, the color reversal lamp described above goes out. in this way,
While the copying machine is performing color-related editing, each time the color reversal button 418 is pressed, color reversal is designated or canceled.

(11) Operation on the console panel 28 FIG.
This figure shows the operation when color inversion is performed using the liquid crystal display section 112 on the console panel. When the operator presses the correction/confirmation switch 83B shown in FIG. 5, options representing correction items are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 (step 2).

FIG. 35 shows this state.

On the liquid crystal display section 112, the words "Which one would you like to select?" are displayed, and below that, the options of "coordinate correction/confirmation" and the options of "color inversion" are displayed.

The operator specifies the color inversion option and presses the setting key 1.
When 19 is pressed, it is determined whether color inversion has already been performed (step ■; Y) in FIG. 34 (step ■). If color inversion has not been performed (N), the color inversion signal is turned on (step ■).If other conditions are met, the LCD display section 112 displays the message "5 peas are available". It becomes possible to execute a copy operation by color inversion (step ■).

On the other hand, when color inversion is not performed (step ■;N), the color inversion signal is turned off (step ■)
. Then, normal copying work using color becomes possible (step ■).

(5-4) Marking Processing Operation FIG. 36 shows the flow of control operations of the copying machine of this embodiment, which can switch between normal marking processing and marking processing that occurs when color is inverted.

When the start button 117 of this copying machine is pressed (step ■: Y), it is determined whether the optical lens 58 is at the same magnification position (step ■). If it is not the same magnification (N), the optical lens 58 is moved to the same magnification position (step ■).

The main motor 164 is turned on with the optical lens 58 at the same magnification position (step 2). In this state, the main CPU 121 determines whether the current mode of the copying machine is the color inversion mode (step 2). If it is not the color reversal mode (N), the sub developing device 59S1
-59 The device is switched to the one designated for the recording area in S4 (step 2). At the same time, the carriage mentioned above moves under the reference reflector and stops there (
Step ■). Further, feeding of the copy paper 60 is started (step 2). In this state, the exposure lamp 56 is turned on (step ■). The light amount at this time is targeted to be 50% of the same magnification setting in normal copying work. This is to adjust the copy density of the marked portion by the corresponding sub-developing device 59S to an optical density in the range of 0.6 to 1.2, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 0.6 in this embodiment. It is.

On the other hand, if the copying machine is set to the color reversal mode (step ■; Y), the main developing device 59
M remains selected, and step ■
to move to.

Now, when one second has elapsed since the exposure lamp 56 was turned on in step (2) (step (2)), a trigger for driving the interimage lamp 141 is output (step (2)). Then, the data corresponding to the input figure is read out line by line, and the CPU for the inter-image lamp
At 122, on/off control of the interimage lamp 141 is performed (step ■). If a value other than the same size is specified here, the CPU for the inter-image lamp
122 changes the magnification of the designated area to the magnification after the reduction conversion, and controls the inter-image lamp 141 on and off in accordance with the area after the change.

In addition, the tray control CPU 128 opens a gate (registration gate) for starting the conveyance of the copy paper 60, which has been conveyed part way and is once stopped (step 0).

After the inter-image lamp 141 performs on/off control of the light-emitting elements for the designated area, it is determined whether it has reached a position corresponding to the trailing edge of the copy paper 60 (step 0). When the rear end is reached, all of the interimage lamps 141 are turned on as normal control (step 0). Then, the copy paper 60 after fixing is carried into the intermediate tray 33 (step (2)). The above operations are repeated for the set number of copies (steps ① to 0).

FIG. 37 is for explaining the subsequent control when marking is continued in another color on the copy paper stored in the intermediate tray 33 in order to realize marking color processing.

The main CPU 121 determines whether the color marking work has been completed (step ■), and if marking work by another sub-developing device 59S remains (N), the main CPU 121 determines whether or not the color marking work has been completed. Select the sub-developing device 59S for the purpose (step ①). Then, in this state, the copy paper 60 is sent out from the intermediate tray 33 (
Step ■). Thereafter, a trigger for driving the inter-image lamp 141 is output at a predetermined timing (step 2). Then, the data corresponding to the corresponding area is read out one line at a time, and the inter-image lamp CPU 122 performs on/off control of the inter-image lamp 141 (step 2).

In addition, the tray control CPU 128 opens a gate (registration gate) for starting the conveyance of the copy paper 60 that has been sent halfway and has stopped once.
Step ■).

After the inter-image lamp 141 performs on/off control of the light emitting element for the designated area, it is determined whether the light emitting element has reached the position corresponding to the trailing edge of the copy paper 60 (step 2). When the rear end is reached, all of the interimage lamps 141 are turned on as normal control (step 2). Then, the copy paper 60 after fixing is carried into the intermediate tray 33 (step (2)). The above operations are repeated for the set number of copies (steps ■ to ■). Such operations are repeated until all color marking work is completed, that is, until all development by the sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 is completed (steps ① to ②).

FIG. 38 is for explaining the subsequent control of the copy paper stored in the intermediate tray 33.

The main CPU 121 then performs a normal copying operation using black developer on the marked copy paper. At this time, the main CPU 121 determines whether the currently set magnification displayed on the magnification display section 99 on the console panel 28 is the same magnification, that is, 100% (step 2). If the magnification is not the same (N), the optical lens 58 is moved to a position corresponding to the set magnification (step ■). optical lens 5
Once the position of 8 is determined, it is determined whether the copying machine is set to color inversion mode (step ■).
. If it is not the color reversal mode (N), the developing device is switched from the corresponding sub-developing device 59S to the main developing device 59M (step 2). At this point, feeding of the copy paper 60 is started from the intermediate tray 33 (step 2). Scanning of the carriage for exposing the original 401 is also started (step 2).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step ■ that the copying machine is set to the color reversal mode (Y), the sub-developing device 59S remains set, and step ■
will be moved to.

Now, when the carriage is scanned, the main CPU 121 monitors the timing when the register sensor 172 detects the actuator (not shown) for detecting the exposure position of the exposure lamp 56 (step 2). And register sensor 1
300m5 (milliseconds) from the time it was detected by 72
After the time has elapsed (step (2)), the gate solenoid 237 is energized (step (2)) to start conveying the copy paper 60, which has been stopped because its leading edge is pressed by a gate (not shown). This transfers the copy paper 60 from the intermediate tray 33.
This is to eliminate errors in timing when the sheet is sent out, and to achieve alignment (registration) between the electrostatic latent image and the copy paper 60 on the photosensitive drum 51.

The carriage scans the document by the length of the document in the carriage feeding direction. When the scanning of the carriage is completed (step ①; Y), there is no need to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 51 for any longer length. Therefore, at this point, the interimage lamp 14
1 is lit across the entire width direction, thereby preventing the formation of unnecessary toner images (step 0).

When the copying operation for one sheet is completed in this manner, the main CPU 121 determines whether the number of copies matches the set number of copies (step 2). If they match, a cycle down, that is, an operation to end the copying work is performed (step 0>, and the copying work by marking color processing is completed. If the number of copies does not match (N), the process continues until they match. , similar work was done (
Steps ① to 0), the desired number of copies will be obtained.

The above description has been made regarding normal printing and printing using the color reversal mode for marking colors, but color reversal control is performed in the same manner for printing using other two colors or a plurality of colors.

In the embodiment, the recording operation is exchanged between the main developing device and the sub-developing device, but it is also effective to specify that colors are exchanged in other combinations such as between the sub-developing devices.

In the copying machine of the embodiment described above, when the color inversion mode is set, the icon is displayed on the liquid crystal display, so that the mode to which the copying machine is set can be easily and quickly determined. There is an advantage.

"Effects of the Invention" As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to change the recording color without creating a new closed area, which not only improves office efficiency, but also improves the efficiency when re-inputting the area. mistakes can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of the present invention, Figures 2 to 3
Figure 8 is for explaining an embodiment of a copying machine to which the recording device of the present invention is applied. Of these, Figure 2 is a system configuration diagram showing the system configuration of the copying machine, and Figure 3 is a system configuration diagram showing the system configuration of the copying machine. An external view showing an example of the system configuration, Fig. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the outline of this copying machine, Fig. 5 is a plan view of the console panel of this copying machine, and Fig. 6 shows the circuit configuration of this copying machine. A schematic circuit diagram, Figure 7, is a block diagram that further expands Figure 6, centering on the main CPU, and Figure 8.
The figure is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration around the photosensitive drum of a copying machine, and Figure 9 shows the main motor when the sub-developing device performs the first development and the main development device performs the second development. Figure 10 is a timing diagram showing the operation of the developer solenoid. Figure 11 is a block diagram specifically showing the exposure system and console control section of the copying machine, Figure 12 is a block diagram specifically showing the copying machine's power supply, fixing device, etc., and Figure 13 is a copy paper Fig. 14 is a schematic block diagram of the DADF, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the sorter, and Fig. 16 is an overview of the transport system centered on the intermediate tray. 17 is a perspective view showing the system configuration of a copying machine equipped with an editor pad; FIG. 18 is a plan view of the editor pad; FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the editor panel and display panel; FIG. The figure is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the large-capacity tray, Figures 21 and 22 are flowcharts for explaining the operation for realizing multicolor marking processing, and Figure 23 is the liquid crystal display in marking color mode. 24 is a plan view showing an example of the display content of the liquid crystal display section in the extraction mode; FIG. 25 is a plan view showing an example of the display content of the liquid crystal display section in the deletion mode; Fig. 26 is a plan view showing an example of the display contents of the liquid crystal display section in continuous shooting color composition mode, Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation when inputting coordinates using the numeric keypad, and Fig. 28 is "Area 1".
Fig. 29 is a plan view showing the display contents of the liquid crystal display section in the initial state when specifying . The plan view, Fig. 30, is a plan view showing the display contents of the liquid crystal display section when all coordinate data for "Area 1" has been input, and Fig. 31 shows the state in which input for "Area 2" can be performed. Figure 32 is a flowchart showing the flow when specifying diagonals of a rectangle manually, and Figure 33 is a diagram showing how to invert colors when using the editor pad. Flowchart showing specified operation, No. 34
Figure 35 is a flowchart showing the operation when color inversion is performed using the liquid crystal display section on the console panel.
The figure is a plan view showing the display contents of the liquid crystal display section when selecting color inversion, FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the operation for realizing marking color processing, and FIG. Figure 38 is a flowchart to explain the control for the final process, and Figure 39 is a flowchart for explaining the control for color development on copy paper. FIG. 40 is a plan view showing an example in which the recording colors are reversed in the example shown in FIG. An explanatory diagram, FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of performing such inversion using a conventional method,
FIG. 43 is a plan view showing another example of conventional area designation for a document, FIG. 44 is a plan view showing the example shown in FIG. 43 but with the recording colors reversed, and FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of performing a conventional inversion. 11... Recording means, 12... Area specifying means, 13... Recording color specifying means without closed area, 1
4... Closed area guide recording color specifying means, 15...
... Recording color inversion means, 80 ... Numeric keypad, 121 ... Main CPU. 127...Display CPU. 132...Editor pad. Applicant Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney Umeo Yamauchi Figure 1 7-' / Figure 2 Main board 1 Figure 9 10 Figure 12 Figure 16 Figure 170 Figure 20\471 Funeral 21 Figure 23 Figure 25 Figure 26 Figure 28 Figure 29 Invitation 27 Figure 30 Figure 31 Figure 35 Figure 32 Figure 33 Figure 34 Figure 41 Figure 42 Figure 43 Figure 44 Figure 45

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of recording means, an area specifying means for setting a closed area on the area to be recorded, and an area specifying means for specifying the inside of the closed area set by the area specifying means among the recording means. a closed area recording color specifying means for causing recording to be performed in a specified recording color; and an outside closed area for causing an area other than the closed area to be recorded in a predetermined recording color other than that specified by the closed area recording color specifying means. The apparatus further comprises a recording color specifying means, and a recording color reversing means for causing recording to be performed by exchanging the recording color specified by the closed area recording color specifying means and the recording color specified by the outside closed area recording color specifying means. Characteristic recording device. 2. Claim 1, wherein the recorded color reversing means is a button switch disposed on the main body of the copying machine.
Recording device as described in section. 3. The area specifying means is an editing coordinate specifying device disposed outside the main body of the copying machine, and the coordinate specifying device is provided with a button switch for reversing recorded colors. The recording device according to item 1. 4. It is characterized by comprising a correction button for correcting the edited data, and display means for displaying various items for correction and options for reversing recorded colors when the correction button is pressed. Recording device. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an icon indicating whether recording colors are inverted or non-inverted is displayed.