JPH01217384A - Copying and printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently obtain a high-grade picture quality by causing a copying means and printing means to adopt different image forming processes. CONSTITUTION:A copying means 4 which leads the reflecting light image from the picture of an original to the surface of a photosensitive body through an analog optical system 3 and produces hard copies by an electrophotographic process and a printing means 5 which produces an original plate for printing and an original plate in accordance with digital picture signals obtained from the picture of the original are provided. When, for example, the number of reproduced pictures is small, copied pictures of a high picture quality are obtained by means of the copying means 4. When the number of produced pictures is large, on the other hand, the plate producing means 5 first produces an original plate for printing and printing is executed by using the original plate. Therefore, printed pictures of a fixed picture quality can be produced efficiently.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention provides a copying means, a plate-making means for an original plate for printing, and
The present invention relates to a copy printing apparatus having a printing means.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art Copying and printing apparatuses having copying means and printing means have been proposed or provided.

For example, according to Published Patent Publication No. 154869 (Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.) of 1982, a laser printer and a copying machine are integrated, and many copies of images can be efficiently produced using print images created by a laser printer as manuscripts. A technique for obtaining the information is disclosed.

In addition, Xerox's Xero Pr1nter 10
0 (product name) integrates a copying machine and a printing machine, for example, when the required number of reproduced images (copies or printed images: the same applies hereinafter) is small, the copying machine is used, and when the required number of copies is large, the copying machine is used. Each printing machine can be used according to the user's wishes. In addition,
The Xero Pr1nter 100 apparatus also uses an electrophotographic process for both copying and printing, similar to the apparatus described in the above-mentioned publication.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

As described above, in the conventional apparatus equipped with copying means and printing means, the user specifies the copying operation or the printing operation and executes either operation depending on the number of copies of the reproduced image to be created. This also aims to reduce running costs and increase efficiency.

However, in conventional apparatuses, both the copying means and the printing means perform image forming operations using an electrophotographic process.

Therefore, it is inevitably limited by the characteristics of the "electrophotographic process", and the above-mentioned "effect of reducing running costs" and "effect of increasing efficiency" are insufficient.

For example, even when it is desired to obtain a large number of reproduced images, it is difficult to increase the execution speed of the electrophotographic process above the upper limit value, and therefore there is a limit to the improvement of efficiency.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is intended to solve the above problems by employing different image forming processes for the copying means and the printing means.

[Means and effects for solving the problems] The copying and printing apparatus of the present invention exposes and scans an original image, forms a reflected light image on the surface of a photoreceptor, and obtains a copy image using an electrophotographic process. means, a plate-making means for photoelectrically converting a reflected light image from a document image to obtain a digital image signal, and creating a printing original plate based on the image signal; and a printing unit for performing a printing operation using the printing original plate. means and
has.

Further, the copy printing apparatus of the present invention has means for selectively using the copying means in the copying mode, the plate-making means in the plate-making mode, and the printing means in the print mode. Each mode can be set in various ways, such as by inputting an externally operable key switch, or by setting an automatic mode under predetermined conditions.

According to the above configuration, for example, when the number of reproduction images to be created is relatively small, the copying means is operated to obtain a copy image. The copied image is formed through an analog optical system and has high image quality.

On the other hand, if the number of copies of playback images to be created is relatively large,
First, the plate-making means is operated to create an original plate for printing, and then printing is executed using the original plate.

The original plate is created based on the image signal after predetermined processing such as gradation processing, and the created original plate is immediately provided to printing means. Therefore, there is no need to take the trouble of wearing cool and warm clothes.

Furthermore, the printing speed of printing is faster than the execution speed of the electrophotographic process. That is, the contribution of efficiency to the amplifier is also large.

Below, margin 〔Example〕 The present invention will be explained in detail below.

(Description of Mechanism) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the outline of the mechanism of a copy printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The illustrated copy printing apparatus includes an optical system 3, a copy section 4, a plate making section 5, and a printing section 6.

(1) Optical System 3 The optical system 3 is a mechanism that exposes and scans a document placed on the document table 311 and transmits the image to the photoreceptor drum 401.

The optical system 3 includes an exposure lamp 301, a first mirror 302, a second mirror 303, a third mirror 304, and a lens block 3.
05, a fourth mirror 306, and a switching mirror 351 for switching between a digital system and an analog system.

The exposure lamp 301 and the first mirror 302 are integrally mounted on a first scanner (not shown), and reciprocate along the lower surface of the document table 311 in the left-right direction in the figure, exposing and scanning the document surface during forward movement. . In addition, the second mirror 303 and the third mirror 3
04 is integrally mounted on a second scanner (not shown) and similarly reciprocates at twice the speed of the first scanner. Note that the movement of the first scanner and the second scanner is performed by a scanning motor (not shown).

The lens block 305 is used for magnification setting and adjustment, and the fourth mirror 306 is used for correcting the imaging position. Note that these movements are performed by a magnification motor (not shown).

According to the optical system 3, the document is placed on the document table 311,
The original image of the original covered by the original table cover 312 is sequentially reflected by the first mirror 302, the second mirror 303, and the third mirror 304, and then passes through the lens block 305 and is reflected by the fourth mirror.
The light is reflected by the mirror 306 and reaches the surface of the photoreceptor drum 401, where it forms an image. Note that when the switching mirror 351 is at the position indicated by the dashed line in the figure (when digital system is selected), the transmitted optical image is reflected by the mirror 351 and reaches a CCD image sensor 551 (hereinafter referred to as CCD 551). Form an image. Note that as an image sensor, CCD
However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it is also possible to use an MO3 type semiconductor, a diode array, or the like.

(2) Copying unit 4 Based on the optical image transmitted from the optical system 3, the copying unit 4
This is a mechanism that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a photoreceptor drum, develops the formed electrostatic latent image with toner, and transfers and fixes the toner image onto paper.

The copying unit 4 includes a photoconductor drum 401 rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow in the figure, an erase lamp 402 disposed around the photoconductor drum 401, a charger 403,
A developing device 404, a transfer charger 405, a separation charger 406, a cleaning device 407, and paper storage cassettes 421 and 422 that store copy sheets of various sizes.
and rollers 423.42 that pull out paper from each cassette.
4, a roller pair 425 that conveys the pulled out paper,
A pair of timing rollers 426 transports the transported paper between the photoreceptor drum and the transfer charger at a predetermined timing, a transport belt 427 transports the paper separated from the photoreceptor drum 401, and a pair of timing rollers 426 transports the transported paper between the photoreceptor drum and the transfer charger. It has a fixing device 441 that fixes the image by thermocompression bonding, a pair of rollers 428 that sends out the paper on which the image has been fixed, and a paper tray 429 that stores the ejected paper.

(3) Plate making unit 5 The plate making unit 5 receives the image signal (C
This is a mechanism for driving the thermal head 552 based on a signal (photoelectrically converted by the CD 551 and subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing CPU) to form perforations on the plate paper corresponding to the original image. .

The plate making section 5 includes a paper storage cassette 50 that stores plate making paper.
1. A roller 502 for pulling out the plate paper from the cassette 501, a roller 502 for pulling out the paper from the cassette 501, and a roller 502 for pulling the paper from the thermal head 552 to the platen 50.
A first timing roller pair 503 sends the perforated image paper to the printing belt 53 at a predetermined timing.
1, a second pair of swimming rollers 505 that wrap the printing paper around the paper at a predetermined timing, a sensor 521 that detects passage of the printing paper, a printing drum 532 that drives the printing belt 531, an inking roller 533 that performs inking, and a printing belt that wraps the printing paper. It has a separation claw 534 that separates it from 531, and a storage box 535 that stores used printing paper.

(4) Printing section 6 The printing section 6 includes a paper storage cassette 60 that stores printing paper.
1. A roller 602 for pulling out paper from the cassette 601, a pair of rollers 603 for transporting the drawn paper,
The conveyed paper is transferred to the printing belt 531 at a predetermined timing.
- Timing roller pair 6 feeding between pressure rollers 605
04, it has a separating claw 607 that separates the paper on which an image has been printed from the printing belt 531, a pair of rollers 606 that discharges the separated paper to the outside, and a tray 608 that stores the discharged printing paper.

(Description of Operation Panel) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying and printing apparatus according to the above embodiment.

The operation panel 100 is arranged near the document table 311 of the embodiment apparatus.

On the panel 100, there is a copy command key 101 for commanding the setting of copy mode, a copy command display LED 1a that indicates that the key 101 has been pressed, and a copy mode display LED 101b that indicates that the copy mode has been set.
, automatic command key 10 for commanding automatic mode setting
2. Automatic command display LED 102a that indicates that the key 102 has been pressed; prepress command key 103 that indicates that the key 103 has been pressed; prepress command display LED 103a that indicates that the key 103 has been pressed; prepress mode; a plate-making mode display LED 103b that indicates that has been set;
Print command key 104 for commanding print mode settings
, a print command display LED 104a that indicates that the key 104 has been pressed, a print mode display LED 104b that indicates that the print mode has been set, and a plateless warning display LED 1.04C that warns when there is no plate in the print mode.

Magnification selection key group 11 for selecting a predetermined copying magnification
1 to 114, and magnification display LED groups 111a to 114a that display the selected magnification.

Copy paper size selection key 12 for selecting copy paper size
1. Copy paper size display that displays the selected copy paper size. , E D group 121a to 121d, numeric keypad group 131 for inputting numerical values such as the number of prints (copying or printing; the same applies hereinafter), copy magnification, etc., automatic exposure command key for instructing automatic exposure mode setting. 1
41. Exposure up key 142 for manually increasing the exposure amount, exposure down key 143 for manually decreasing the exposure amount, copying (plate making, printing, preliminary scanning)
A start key 161 for commanding the start of operation, and a numerical display section 15 for displaying numerical values such as the number of prints, copy magnification, etc.
1. An interrupt key 181, a clear/stop key 171, etc. for instructing setting of an interrupt copy mode are arranged.

(Description of Control Circuit) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control circuit of the copying and printing apparatus according to the above embodiment.

The control circuit is CPUI, CPU2, CPU3, CPU4
, RAMI, and RAM2 as main components. Each CP
The U and RAM are connected by a bidirectional bus and perform various controls while communicating with each other.

The CPU 1 is a CPU that controls the operation of the copying section 4, and sends control signals to drive circuits for various display elements (display LED 1 numerical display section) on the operation panel, various actuators (main motor, switching mirror) of the copying section. , developing device, paper feed roller clutch, charger, etc.), and control signals to the exposure lamp drive circuit. Signals from a sensor group that detects the operating state and a sensor that detects the exposure amount are input.

The CPU 2 is a CPU that controls the operation of the optical system 3,
It outputs control signals to drive circuits for a scanning motor and a magnification motor (not shown), and also inputs signals from sensors 331, 332, etc. that detect the operating state of the optical system.

The CPU 3 is a CPU that controls the operation of the plate making section 5,
Sensors installed at various locations in the plate making section 5 (sensor 521, etc.)
and the signal from CCD551 (CC, D5
51 and subjected to predetermined image processing in an image processing circuit (not shown) to control the drive of the thermal head. Outputs control signals to drive circuit groups for various actuators in the plate making department, such as drive circuits.

CP, U4 is a CPU that controls the operation of the printing section 6, and it manually inputs signals from various sensors installed in various parts of the printing section 6, and also controls the clutches of each roller such as the paper feed roller for printing paper. It outputs control signals to drive circuits for various actuators in the printing section, such as a drive circuit and a drive circuit that controls the vertical movement of the pressure roller 605.

(Description of Operation) Hereinafter, the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the illustrated flowchart.

[■] Explanation of the main routine.

4 to 7 are flowcharts showing the processing in each control CPU of the device of this embodiment, FIG. 4 is the main routine of CPU 1, FIG. 5 is the main routine of CPU 2,
Figure 6 shows the main routine of CPU3, and Figure 7 shows the main routine of CPU4.
The main routines of each are shown below. In addition, each control CPU
communicate with each other through interrupt processing.

(1) CPUI (Figure 4).

The CPU 1 is a CPU that controls the copying unit 4. For example, it starts processing when the power is turned on, first sets the initial state (Sl), and activates the human output (S1).
3).

An internal timer is started in step S5. Next, on the condition that no copying operation, printing operation, or prepress operation is being executed (37; NO), the key manual processing subroutine (S9), the mote determination processing subroutine (Sl
Call l).

Also, if the copy mode display LE'D101b is turned on and the copy mode is set (S13; YES),
A copy operation processing subroutine is called (S15).

Further, other processing (S17; processing of the CPU 1, such as temperature control of the fixing roller, which is not mentioned in this description; hereinafter, the same applies to the CPUs 2 to 4) is executed.

Thereafter, the process waits for the internal timer set in step S5 to end (S19; YES), returns to step S5, and repeats the process.

Each subroutine step S9, Sll, and S15 will be described later.

(2) CPU2 (Figure 5).

The CPU 2 is a CPU that controls the optical system 3. For example, it starts processing when the power is turned on, first sets the initial state (521), and activates the human output (32).
3).

An internal timer is started in step S25.

Next, wait for the ON edge of the scan signal transmitted from CPU 1 or CPU 3 (the state when the signal state changes from OFF to ON) (S27; YES),
Scanning processing is started (S29).

Scanning processing refers to a first scanner (not shown) equipped with an exposure lamp 301 and a first mirror 302, and a second scanner (not shown) equipped with a second mirror 303 and a third mirror 304.
This is a process that controls the moving speed, moving direction, etc. of the scanner. Further, at the time when the scanner passes the position of the sensor 331 and 332, a predetermined timing signal and a return signal are generated and transmitted to the CPUI and CPU3. Further, other processing is executed (S31.).

Thereafter, the process waits for the internal timer set in step S25 to end (333; YES), returns to step S25, and repeats the process.

Although not shown in the figure, a scan flag is set in response to the ON edge of the scan signal, and while the flag is set, the scan process is executed. Also,
Upon completion of the scanning process, the flag is reset.

(3) CPU 3 (Fig. 6) The CPU 3 is a CPU that controls the plate making unit 5. For example, when the power is turned on, processing is started, first the initial state is set (541), and input/output is activated (8
43).

An internal timer is started in step S45.

Next, on the condition that the prepress mode display LED 103b is turned on and the prepress mode is set (S47;
YES), automatic exposure reading processing subroutine (S49)
, calls the prepress operation processing subroutine (S51).

Further, other processing is executed (353).

Thereafter, after waiting for the internal timer set in step S45 to end (S55; YES), step 345
Return to and repeat the process.

Each subroutine step S49 and S51 will be described later.

(4) CPU4 (Figure 7).

The CPU 4 is a CPU that controls the printing unit 6. For example, it starts processing when the power is turned on, first sets the initial state (561), and activates the human output (36).
3).

An internal timer is started in step S65.

Further, the printing operation processing subroutine (S67) is executed, and other processing is executed (S69).

Thereafter, after waiting for the internal timer set in step S65 to end (S71; YES), step 365
Return to and repeat the process.

Subroutine step S6T will be described later.

[■] Explanation of each subroutine The subroutine steps will be explained below.

(1) Key manual processing (FIG. 8 (A), (B)) The key manual processing subroutine is a subroutine (FIG. 4; S9) that is called during CPU processing, and is
This is processing for inputs from the various key switches placed above.

Steps 8101-123 are manual processing for keys 101-104.

When the ON edge of the key 101 is detected (S101;
YES) lights up the copy command display LEDI 01a,
Automatic command display LED102a1 Prepress command display LED10
3a, turn off the print command display LED 104a (S
103).

Similarly, if the ON edge of key 102 is detected (S
105 ; YES) is the automatic command display LED 102a
is turned on, and the copy command display LED O1a1, the prepress command display LED 103a, and the print command display LED 104a are turned off (3103).

Also, when the ON edge of key 103 is detected (S
109 ; YES) lights up the prepress command display LED 103a, the copy command display LED 101a, and the automatic command display L.
The ED 102a and print command display LED 104a are turned off (Sill).

Note that when the ON edge of the key 104 is detected (31
13; YES), the no-plate warning display LED 104c should be judged.5115), if a printing plate is installed (
3115; No), the print command display LED 104a is turned on, the copy command display LED 01 a, and the automatic command display LED 102a.

The plate making command display LED 103a is turned off (S117).

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step 5115 is that no printing plate is installed (3115; YES), a warning is issued by flashing the plateless warning display LEDI04C (
S119). The flashing state of the no-plate warning display LED 104C can be canceled by manually pressing any of the keys 101, 102, and 103 (S121.31).
23).

Steps 5125 to 5141 are processes for inputs from keys 141 to 143 related to exposure adjustment.

When the ON edge of the automatic exposure command key 141 is detected (S125; YES), the automatic exposure mode is set (3127).

Further, if the ON edge of the exposure up key 142 is detected (S129; YES), it is determined whether the automatic exposure mode is set (S131). If the automatic exposure mode is not set (S131; No), immediately increase the exposure level by one step 3133), while if it is set (3131; YES), the set automatic exposure After canceling the mode, the manual exposure mode is set (3139).

In addition, for the ON edge of the exposure down key 143,
Processing similar to that for the exposure up key 142 is executed (S 135.5137.5139.5141).

Steps 8143 to 5145 are performed using the numeric keypad 13・l
This is a process of setting numerical data as the number of prints (copies or prints) when numerical data is input manually. Note that the details of the sheet number setting process (S145) are well known and will therefore be omitted.

Steps 8147 to 5149 are processes for setting a start flag (S149) in response to the ON edge of the start key 161 (3147; YES). The start flag is used as a start condition for each process described later.

Step 5151 is the copy paper size selection key 121
, magnification select key group 111 to 114, and other key manual operations. Details are omitted.

(2) Mode determination processing (Fig. 9) The mode determination processing subroutine is a subroutine (Fig. 4; 511) that is called during CPU processing, and is used to set the copy mode, prepress mode, or print mode. This is the process of determining the strength.

When copy command display LEDI 01 a is ON (S
201; YES) turns on the copy mode display LED 101b to set the copy mode (S203), and
Prepress mode display LED 103b.

Then, the print mode display LED 104b is turned off.

Also, if the plate-making command display LED 103a is ON (
S209; YES) is the prepress mode display LEDIQ3b
is turned on to set the prepress mode (S211), and at the same time, the copy mode display LED 101b1 and the print mode display LED 104b are turned off.

Also, if the print command display LED 104a is ON (
3213; YES) is the print mode display LED Q
4 b is turned on to set the print mode (S215>, and at the same time, the copy mode display LED 1O''1b1 and the plate making mode display LED 103b are turned off.

On the other hand, if the automatic command display LED 102a is ON (
S205; YES), it is determined whether the number of copies set as the number of print copies is larger than the copy-print branch number N (S207>).

As a result of the determination, if the set number>N, step 5211
Go to and set the prepress mode. Meanwhile, step 520
As a result of the determination in step 7, if the number of sheets set is not greater than N, the process advances to step 8203 and the copy mode is set.

(3) Copy operation processing (Fig. 10) The copy operation processing subroutine is a subroutine (Fig. 4: 515) called by the processing of the CPU 1, and controls the operation of the copying section 4, such as controlling the area around the photosensitive drum 401. This is a control routine.

Note that this subroutine sets the copy mode (see Fig. 9;
5203)) is a process that is executed under the condition (
FIG. 4; see S13).

Processes 8301 to 5307 are executed in response to the start flag being set.

That is, when the start flag is set (S301;
YES), it is determined whether the exposure mode is automatic exposure mode (3303). If you are in auto exposure mode (
3303; YES) first sets the copy preliminary scanning flag and resets the start flag (S
305). Also, if it is not in automatic exposure mode (3303
;N○) immediately sets the copy start flag and resets the start flag (S307).

8309 to 5311 correspond to the setting of the copy preliminary scan flag (S309; YES) and execute the copy automatic exposure setting subroutine (processing for automatically setting the exposure amount for copying; see the explanation in FIG. 11). (described later).

Processes 8313 to 5319 are executed in response to the copy start flag being set (3313; YES).

First, an analog optical system is selected as the optical system (S31
5). Specifically, an actuator (
(not shown) generates a control signal to the drive circuit.

It also generates a scan signal to be transmitted to the CPU 2 that controls the optical system 3 (3317). As described above, the CPU 2 starts scanning processing in response to the scan signal (see FIG. 5; S27.329).

Furthermore, the copy paper feed port is selected as the print paper feed port (S319). Specifically, cassette 5
01 (Prepress paper storage cassette and cassette) 601
(not the printing paper storage cassette) but the cassette 421
, or select the paper feed port from the cassette 422. Note that the process of determining which of the cassettes 421 and 422 to select is performed using the copy paper size selection key 12.
1 (see FIG. 2), and since it is well known, the details will be omitted.

5321 is a step that collectively shows the processing for controlling the copying operation. For example, operations such as forming an electrostatic latent image, developing it, transporting paper, transferring it, and fixing it are executed at predetermined timings in response to timing signals and return signals transmitted from the CPU 2. Additionally, the copy start flag is reset.

8323 to 5329 are steps for preparing for the next copy operation process.

That is, the copying operation for one sheet is completed (S323; YES).
Increment the copy number counter every time 332
5) The copy start flag is reset until the count value of the counter matches the initial number of prints input using the numeric keys (S32'7, 53
29).

(3) Copy automatic exposure setting process (Fig. 11) The copy automatic exposure setting process is a subroutine (Fig. 10; 3311) that is called in the copy operation process of the CPU 1, and the copy pre-scanning flag is set as a condition. (Figure 1O; 530
9) is the process to be executed.

Provided that the optical system is not performing scanning (S3
51; No), select digital optical system (3353
). Specifically, in order to raise the switching mirror 351 disposed in front of the photosensitive drum 401 to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. Generate a signal.

It also generates a scan signal to be transmitted to the CPU 2 that controls the optical system 3 (S355). As described above, the CPU 2 starts scanning processing in response to the scan signal (see S27 and S29 in FIG. 5).

Next, when the ○N edge of the timing signal from CP'U2 that controls the optical system is detected (S357; YES),
Start image sampling by CCD 551 (S3
59). Note that the timing signal is issued at the time when the scanning reaches the leading edge position of the image.

After that, when the ON edge of the return signal from the CPU 2 that controls the optical system is detected (S361; YES), the C
Image sampling by CD551 ends (S36
3). Further, the sampled value is referred to the built-in appropriate exposure table for copying (3365), and an appropriate exposure amount for copying is set (S367). Furthermore, a copy start flag is set to prepare for a copy operation, and a copy preliminary scan flag is reset (<3369). Note that the return signal is issued at the time when scanning is completed and the scanner starts returning to its original position.

(4) Automatic exposure reading process (Fig. 12) The automatic exposure reading process is a subroutine (Fig. 6; 549) that is called in the process of c'p'u3, and the automatic exposure reading process is a subroutine (Fig. 6; 549) that is called in the process of c'p'u3. (see figure; S47), this is the process to be executed.

Processes 8401 to 5407 are executed in response to the start flag being set.

That is, when the start flag is set (S401; Y
ES), it is determined whether the iX light mode is the automatic exposure mode (S40'3). If you are in auto exposure mode (
3403; YES) first sets the prepress pre-scanning flag and resets the start flag (3403; YES).
405). Also, if you are not in automatic exposure mode (3403
, No) immediately sets the prepress start flag and resets the start flag (S407).

In step 5409, the plate making preliminary scanning flag is determined, and corresponding to the set (S409; YES), 5411 to
5429 is executed.

That is, on the condition that the optical system is not performing scanning (S'411'; No), the digital optical system is selected (3413). Specifically, the photoreceptor drum 40
In order to raise the switching mirror 351 disposed in front of the mirror 351 to the position indicated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG.

It also generates a scan signal to be transmitted to the CPU 2 that controls the optical system 3 (S415). As described above, the CPU 2 starts scanning processing in response to the scan signal (see S27 and S29 in FIG. 5).

Next, when the ○N edge of the timing signal from the CPU 2 that controls the optical system is detected (S417; YES), the C
Start image sampling by CD551 (S41
9). Note that the timing signal is issued at the time when the scanning reaches the leading edge position of the image.

After that, when the ○N edge of the return signal from the CPU 2 that controls the optical system is detected (S421; YES), the C
Image sampling by CD551 ends (342
3>. In addition, the sampled value is referred to the built-in appropriate exposure table for plate making (S425>, and the appropriate exposure amount for plate making is set (S427).Furthermore, the plate making start flag is set to prepare for plate making operation, and The preliminary scanning flag is reset (3429).The return signal is issued at the time when scanning is completed and the scanner starts returning to its original position.

(5) Prepress operation processing (Fig. 13) The prepress operation processing is a subroutine (Fig. 6; 551) that is called by the processing of the CPU 3, and the prepress operation processing is a subroutine (Fig. 6; 551) that is called by the process of the CPU 3. , 54
29) is the process to be executed.

If the prepress start flag is set (S501;
If YES), first, the no-plate warning display LED 104C is determined (3503).

If the no-plate warning display LED 104C is OFF (35
03; YES), the old version is started to be discarded, the timer H1 is started, the discarding flag is set, and the no-plate warning display LED 104C is turned on (S505). Timer H1 is a timer that defines the duration of the old version discard operation.

In step 5507, it is determined whether the timer H1 has ended, and if the timer H1 has ended (S507; YES), the discarding operation of the old version is ended, and the discarding flag is reset (S509).
).

If the discarding flag is reset (S511; YES
) selects the digital optical system and resets the prepress start flag (S513). Specifically, the selection of the digital optical system involves using an actuator (not shown) that operates the switching mirror 351 disposed in front of the photoreceptor drum 401 in order to raise the mirror 351 to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. ) by generating a control signal to the drive circuit.

Also, it starts feeding new paper from the paper cassette) 5()1 and starts timer H2 (S
515). Timer H2 is a timer that defines the generation time of the scan signal.

When timer H2 ends (S517; YES), a scan signal is generated to CPU2 that controls the optical system (35
19). As described above, the CPU 2 starts scanning processing in response to the scan signal (FIG. 5; S27).
, see S29).

Next, when the ○N edge of the timing signal from the CPU 2 that controls the optical system is detected (S521; YES),
The clutch of the prepress timing roller 503 is turned on to start paper feeding, and the thermal head 552 is turned on.
It also starts transferring the image signal from the CCD 551 (the image signal from the buffer that processes the signal from the CCD 551 and stores it one line at a time) (3523).

After that, when the ○N edge of the return signal from the CPU 2 is detected (S525; YES), the transfer of the image signal is finished, the thermal head 552 is turned off, and the clutch of the plate-making timing roller 503 is turned off (S525; YES).
527).

On the other hand, the ○N edge of the plate leading edge detection sensor 521 (S529
; YES), the printing drum 532 is started to be driven, and the timer H3 is started (3531). Timer H3
is a timer that defines the inking start time.

When timer H3 ends (3533; YES), inking starts and timer H4 starts (353; YES).
5). Timer H4 is a timer that defines the end time of the printing operation.

When timer H4 ends (3537; YES), inking ends and print drum 532 is stopped (3539).
. Also, set the print mode and print mode display LED1.
04b is turned ON, and the plate making mode display LED10
3b, Turn off the plateless warning display LEDI 04C. Also, a print start flag is set (S541).

(6) Printing operation processing (FIG. 14) The printing operation processing is a subroutine (FIG. 7; 567) called by the processing of the CPU 4, and is a routine that controls the operation in the printing section 6.

In step 5601, it is determined whether there is a plate on the printing belt 531.

When there is no plate on the printing belt 531 (S601; No)
, turn on the no-plate warning display LED 104c (S
603).

There is a plate on the printing belt 531 (S601; YES),
And if the print mode is set (S605; Y
ES), the start flag is determined (S60T).

As a result of the determination in step 5607, if the start flag is set, the start flag is reset and a printing start flag is set (S609).
.

In response to the setting of the print start flag, the paper feed port of the cassette 601 is selected as the paper feed port for printing paper (S613).
).

In step 5615, print processing is executed. 5615 is a process for controlling actual printing operations such as feeding of printing paper, rotating the printing drum 5320, inking, vertical movement of the pressure roller 605, and discharging the paper, and since it is well known, the details will be omitted. . Further, in 5615, the print flag is reset.

When the printing process for one sheet is completed (S617; YES), the number of prints counter is incremented (S619), and the print start flag is reset until the count value of the counter matches the value of the number of prints set initially. and prepare for the next printing process (S 621.5623
).

As described above, the operation of the device of this embodiment is controlled.

Modifications of Embodiment C) Hereinafter, cases in which the above embodiment is modified within the scope of the present invention will be described.

In the embodiment described above, switching between the analog optical system and the digital processing system is performed by inserting or removing the switching mirror 351 in the optical path of the analog optical system. of,
It may also be configured completely separately.

For example, the CCD line sensor may be placed directly below the document table 311 so that it can be scanned.

Further, in the embodiments described above, plate making is performed using a thermal head, but other means may be used.

Further, in the above embodiments, stencil printing was shown as an example of the printing process, but other printing methods such as offset printing may be used.

Furthermore, the capacity of the buffer memory of the digital processing system may be reduced by changing the scanning speed between copying and plate making.

(Hereinafter, blank space) [Effects] As described above, the present invention provides a copying means for guiding a reflected light image from an original image onto the surface of a photoreceptor via an analog optical system to obtain a hard copy through an electrophotographic process, and a copying means for producing a hard copy from an original image. This is a copy printing device that has a plate making means that creates an original plate for printing based on the obtained digital image signal, and a printing means that executes printing using the original plate, and the copying means, plate making means, and printing means can be used properly. This is a possible device.

As described in the embodiments, according to the present invention, for example, when the number of copies of reproduction images to be created is relatively small, a high-quality copy image can be obtained by the copying means, while the number of copies of reproduction images to be created is If there are relatively many printing plates, a printing plate is first created by a plate-making means, and then printing is performed using the plate. Thereby, a printed image can be obtained efficiently. Furthermore, since plate making is performed using digital signals that have been subjected to predetermined processing such as gradation processing, it is possible to ensure a constant image quality.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a copying and printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the device, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control circuit of the device. This is a diagram. 4 to 7 are flowcharts showing the main routines of the processing of each CPU constituting the control circuit of the embodiment device.
, FIG. 6 shows the main routine of the CPU 3, and FIG. 7 shows the main routine of the CPU 4, respectively. Figure 8(A) and Figure 8(B) are C
9 is a flowchart of the key manual processing subroutine called under the control of the CPU 1; FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the mode determination processing subroutine called under the control of the CPU 1
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the copying operation processing subroutine called under the control of the CPU, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the copying automatic exposure setting processing subroutine called by the copying operation processing subroutine, and FIG.
13 is a flowchart of the automatic exposure reading processing subroutine called in the processing of the CPU 3. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a printing operation processing subroutine which is executed under the control of the CPU 4. 3. Optical system 4. Copying section 5. Plate making section 6. Printing section 351.. Switching mirror 551.. CCD image sensor

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) Copying means that exposes and scans the original image, forms the reflected light image on the surface of a photoreceptor, and obtains a copied image through an electrophotographic process; and a digital image that photoelectrically converts the reflected light image from the original image. A copy printing apparatus comprising: a plate-making unit that obtains a signal and creates a printing master based on the image signal; and a printing unit that executes a printing operation using the printing master.