JPH02113262A - Crush recovery system for recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make a crush recovery automatically in the case of transient trouble by making the crush recovery in any trouble and starting up a machine. CONSTITUTION:A trouble detecting means 1 detects the trouble of hardware and the runway of software which is caused electrostatic discharging, an external noise, an instantaneous interruption of power supply, etc., and informs an automatic recovering means 2 of that whatever causes the trouble in the case of detecting the trouble. Then the automatic recovering means 2 activates the sequence of a machine startup. Consequently, even if trouble occurs, the recovery is made automatically when the trouble is transient trouble.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording device, and more particularly to a crash recovery system for a recording device that automatically restores operation when a temporary trouble occurs. It is.

[Background Art] In recent years, recording devices such as copying machines and facsimiles have made remarkable progress in terms of high image quality, multifunctionality, and high reliability, and have become indispensable for smooth office processing. . However, the needs from users are diverse, and it is necessary to meet demands such as high image quality, multifunctionality, and high reliability, as well as lower costs, lower energy consumption, and faster speeds. From this point of view, taking a copying machine as an example, ADF,
We are trying to meet the above demands by adding various functions such as a sorter and user interface. In addition, in order to improve work efficiency, INPUT! ! Devices and the like have been developed that have a function (APS mode) of detecting the document size based on the position of the document and automatically supplying paper corresponding to the document size based on the detection result.

In this way, by adding various functions and dividing the system into several remotes to make full use of each function, and sending and receiving data via communication lines connecting these remotes, each remote In addition to letting each jeep perform its own execution, it is also being controlled organically as a whole.

Now, when a system is divided into several remotes and controlled organically as a whole, it is possible that some kind of abnormality, failure, or trouble (hereinafter collectively referred to as "trouble") occurs in a certain remote. ) occurs,
The problem is that it is very difficult to figure out how to deal with it as a whole system.

One way to deal with such troubles is to stop the machine all at once when a trouble occurs, but some troubles are so minor that they do not warrant stopping the machine, or the machine There are various types of abnormalities, such as those that require an emergency stop, and if the machine is stopped in a regular manner, it is not possible to take detailed responses to these various abnormalities.

Therefore, in the event of a problem, Honde Kenjin first
Depending on the nature of the trouble, decide in advance whether or not to stop the machine, and if so, how to stop it, and when a trouble occurs, decide whether or not the problem should be stopped, and then decide whether or not to stop the machine. We proposed an abnormality handling control method that determines which stopping method applies when the trouble occurs, and adopts the most suitable stopping method depending on the nature of the trouble (patent application filed on September 13, 1988). . According to this, even if a trouble occurs, it can be dealt with optimally, thereby improving work efficiency.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As mentioned above, when a problem occurs in a recording device such as a copying machine, how the system as a whole handles it depends on the safety of the machine and the copying process. This is a very important issue as it relates to work efficiency, but with conventional machines, when a problem occurs, the whole or part of the machine is stopped in some way, and the recovery is done by the user or service personnel. I had no choice but to leave it to them, and as a matter of course I was unable to use the machine during that period.

Now, there are various kinds of troubles, but some examples are as follows.

As described above, copying machines are becoming automated and highly functional, and for this purpose each remote is equipped with complicated hardware and software that controls the operation of the hardware. Therefore, in addition to hardware troubles due to longevity or fatigue, troubles may also occur due to electrostatic discharge between the machine and the operator, external noise, momentary power interruptions, software bugs, and the like. For example, if electrostatic discharge occurs between a machine and an operator, a CPU or an LSI around it may malfunction, causing software to run out of control, or the position of a signal line may shift, causing malfunction. Furthermore, if there is external noise, voltage fluctuations or surges may cause malfunctions. The same applies to power outages and software bugs.

As a countermeasure against these troubles, for example, as a countermeasure against software runaway, a watchdog timer (hereinafter referred to as WDT) is used, and when WDT detects software runaway, It is common practice to reset the system. Therefore, even in conventional copying machines, WDT monitors software processing and prevents runaway.
If a malfunction is detected, the machine will be reset and stopped, and a message such as "Please call a service person" will be sent to the U! I was trying to display it in

In response to this, the operator will have to make a service call, but of course the operator will not be able to make any copies until things are restored to normal.Especially in dry areas or areas where lightning frequently occurs, the operator cannot make copies. There were many opportunities for problems to occur, and there were problems in terms of reliability.

The recording device crash recovery system of the present invention includes:
This is a solution to the above problems, and its main purpose is to automatically recover from trouble when it occurs, and the other purpose is to automatically recover from the trouble when it is completed.
When the system starts operating again, it continues the process that was being performed at the time the trouble occurred. Another purpose is to prevent the imaging unit from immediately stopping if a trouble occurs while the imaging unit is scanning, and another purpose is to diagnose the sealance of the crash recovery system. It is used when transitioning to the gnostic state. Yet another purpose is to use the crash recovery system sequence for normal power off/on sequences.

[Means and operations for solving the problem] In order to achieve the above object, the crash recovery system for a recording device of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a trouble detection means 1, an automatic recovery means 2, and A display means 3 is provided. The trouble detection means 1 not only detects software failures called faults, but also software runaways caused by electrostatic discharge, external noise, instantaneous power interruptions, and the like. A momentary interruption of the power supply can be detected, for example, by monitoring the negative side of the LVPS (low voltage power supply circuit), and software runaway can be detected by the VDT as described above. Additionally, hardware failures can be detected using various sensors, as is commonly done.

When trouble detection means 1 detects a trouble, regardless of its cause, it notifies automatic recovery means 2 to that effect. Then, the automatic recovery means 2 records the state of the software when the trouble occurred, that is, what kind of work was being performed at that time, in a non-volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as Nv).
M) and start the machine startup sequence. That is, the automatic recovery means 2 first performs a power-on sequence and an initialization sequence, and performs start-up processing at the time of normal power-on. Then, when the initialization sequence is completed, the NVM
The data stored in the machine, that is, the copy information at the time of the trouble and the state of the software at that time, are called up to return the machine to the state at the time of the trouble.

Note that if the automatic recovery means 2 does not recover even after carrying out the talassher recovery, the automatic recovery means 2 displays on the display means 3 that it is a hardware failure and that a service call is required.

Due to the above operations, even if a problem occurs, the problem may be resolved by the startup process.
In other words, if the problem is temporary, it will automatically recover. What's more, it not only automatically recovers, but also restores the state to the state it was in when the problem occurred and continues printing, so the operator can copy without having to make a service call like in the past. This improves reliability accordingly.

[Example code] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Examples.

1. In this embodiment, a color copying machine will be described as an example of a recording device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and of course can be applied to printers, facsimile machines, and other image recording devices.

First, before explaining the examples, a table of contents will be shown. In the following explanation, (I) to (n) are sections that outline the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and sections that explain the present invention in detail within the configuration. is (■).

(I) Overview of the device (I-1) Device configuration (I-2) System functions and features (I-3) Electrical control system configuration (n) Specific configuration of each part (n-1) System ( II-2) I IT (II-3) IPS (n-4) IOT (n-5) U/I (II-8) F/P (III) Crash recovery system CI) Equipment overview Cl-1) Equipment Structure FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of a color copying machine to which the present invention is applied.

A color copying machine to which the present invention is applied has a base machine 30 as a basic configuration, a platen glass 31 on which a document is placed, an image input terminal (IIT) 32, an electrical control storage section 33, an image output terminal ( IOT)
34, paper tray 35, user interface (U/I
) 36, and an edit pad 61 and an auto document feeder (ADF) 62 as optional scenes.
, sorter 63 and film projector (F/P
)64.

Electrical hardware is required to control the above-mentioned IITIOT, U/I, etc., but these hardwares include IIT, IPS, U/I, F/I, which processes the output signals of IIT, etc. It is divided into a plurality of boards for each unit of processing such as P, etc., and is further divided into a plurality of boards for each unit of processing such as a SYS board for controlling them, an MCB board (master control board) for controlling the l0T1ADF1 sorter, etc., as well as an electrical control system storage section 33. It is stored in.

The IIT 32 consists of an imaging unit 37, a wire 38 for driving the unit, a drive pulley 39, etc. The IIT 32 uses a CCD line sensor and a color filter in the imaging unit 37 to convert color originals into primary colors of light B (
(blue), G (green), and R (red), convert them into digital image signals, and output them to the IPS.

IPS converts the IIT32 B and G1R signals into toner primary colors Y (yellow), C (cyan), M (magenta), and K (black), and further improves the reproducibility of color, gradation, definition, etc. In order to increase
The digitized toner signal is converted into a signal and output to the l0T34.

10T34 has a scanner 40, a sensitive material belt 41,
The image signal from the IPS is converted into an optical signal in the laser output unit 40a, and is transmitted to the photosensitive material belt 4 via the polygon mirror 40b, the F/θ lens 40c, and the reflective mirror 40d.
A latent image corresponding to the original image is formed on the original image. The sensitive material belt 41 is driven by a drive pulley 41a, and around it are a cleaner 41b1, a charger 41ct YN M%
0% K developing devices 41d and transfer devices 41e are arranged. A transfer device 42 is provided opposite to the transfer device 41e, and holds the paper sent from the paper tray 35 through the paper conveyance path 35a. Rotate 4 times and transfer YlM and C1 onto the paper in this order. The transferred paper passes from the transfer device 42, passes through the vacuum conveyance device 43, is fixed by the fixing device 45, and is discharged. Furthermore, sheets are also selectively supplied to the sheet conveying path 35a from a 5SI (single sheet inserter) 36b.

The U/I 36 allows the user to select a desired function and instruct its execution conditions, and is equipped with a color display 51, a hard control panel 52 next to it, and an infrared touch board 53 to control the screen. Direct instructions can be given using soft buttons. Next, options to the base machine 30 will be explained. One is that an edit pad 61, which is a coordinate input device, is placed on the platen glass 31, and various image edits can be performed using an input pen or a memory card. In addition, the existing ADF6
2. The sorter 83 can be attached.

Furthermore, the feature of this embodiment is that the platen glass 31
A mirror unit (M/U) 85 is placed on top, and the F
By projecting a film image from the /P 84 and reading it as an image signal by the imaging unit 37 of the IIT 32, it is possible to make a color copy directly from the color film. The target document can be negative film, positive film, or slide, and is equipped with an autofocus device and an automatic correction filter exchange device.

(I-2) Functions and Features of the System (A) Functions The present invention fully automates the process from entrance to exit of copying operations while providing a wide variety of functions that meet the needs of users. A major feature is that the selection of functions, selection of execution conditions, and other menu items are displayed on a display such as a CRT, making it easy for anyone to operate.

Its main functions include start, stop, all clear, numeric key interactive, and
It has information functions, language switching, etc., and various functions can be selected by touching soft buttons on the basic screen. In addition, by touching the pathway tab corresponding to the pathway in the function selection area, you can select various editing functions such as marker editing, business editing, creative editing, etc., and you can make full-color and black-and-white copies with easy operations that feel like conventional copying. It can be performed.

A major feature of this device is its four-color full-color function, and three additional colors (black) can be selected.

For paper supply, automatic paper selection and paper specification are possible.

The reduction/enlargement can be set in 1% increments within the range of 50 to 400%, and a biasing function for independently setting the vertical and horizontal magnifications and an automatic magnification selection function are provided.

Copy density is automatically adjusted for black and white originals.

Automatic color balance adjustment is performed for color originals.
Color balance allows you to specify the colors you want to reduce on your copy.

Job programs can read and write jobs using a memory card, and up to 8 jobs can be stored on the memory card. It has a capacity of 32 kilobytes and is programmable for jobs other than film projector mode.

In addition, additional functions include copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy positive scene, film projector page programming, and margin functions.

For copy output, if a sorter is included as an option and Uncollated is selected, the maximum adjustment function will work to adjust the set number of sheets to within the maximum bin storage value.

Copy sharpness, which emphasizes edges, can be adjusted using a 7-step manual sharpness adjustment as an option.
Photo), Character (Character), Halftone printing (Prlnt), Mixing photo and text (Phot.

/Character) is provided. You can also set the default and tool pathways as you like.

Copy contrast can be controlled by the operator in 7 steps, and the default can be set as desired using the tool bus way.

The copy positive scene is a function for selecting a position on paper to place a copy image, and has an auto-centering function for placing the center of the copy image on the center of the paper as an optional scene, and the default is auto-centering.

The film projector is capable of making copies from various types of film, and has a 35mm negative/positive projection screen, a 35mm negative platen holder, and a 6as x 8
c■ Slide platen installation or 41nX4In slide platen placement can be selected. With film projectors, A4 paper is automatically selected unless you specifically select paper, and there is a color balance function in the film projector pop-up. When the taste is set to 9, the image becomes bluish, and unique automatic density control and manual density control are also performed.

Page programming includes a cover function that attaches a front/back cover or front cover to copies, an insert function that inserts blank or colored paper between copies, a color mode that allows you to set the color mode for each page of the original, and a color mode that allows you to set the color mode for each page of the original. There is a paper selection function that allows you to select the paper tray and set it in conjunction with the color mode.

The margin can be set in increments of 1 in the range of 0 to 30 m, and only one side can be specified for one document.

Marker editing is a function that edits the area surrounded by markers, and is intended for documents. Therefore, the original is treated as a black and white original, and when in black mode, the specified area is
The colors are returned to the palette colors on RT, and areas outside the designated area are copied in black. In addition, when in red-black mode, the image is converted to red,
Areas outside the area are red and black copies, and trim, mask, color mesh, and black to color functions are provided. Note that the area specification is performed by drawing a closed loop on the document surface or by specifying the area using the numeric keypad or edit pad. The same applies to area specification in each editing function below. The designated area is then displayed in a similar shape in the bitmap area on the CRT.

Trim copies only the image within the marked area in black and white,
Images outside the marked area are erased.

The mask erases the image within the marked area and copies only the image outside the marked area in black and white.

With color mesh, a specified containment pattern is placed within the marked area, the image is copied in black and white, and the colors of the color mesh are 8 standard colors (predetermined colors),
8 registered colors (1670 colors registered by users)
You can select from a wide variety of colors (up to 8 colors can be registered at the same time), and you can select from 4 mesh patterns.

With black to color, the image in the marked area can be copied in a specified color selected from 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors.

Business editing aims to quickly create high-quality originals mainly for business documents. The manuscript is treated as a full-color manuscript, and all functions require specifying an area or point, and multiple frames can be edited for one manuscript. You can set the date.

When in black/mono color mode, areas other than the specified area are copied in black or mono color, and black images are copied within the area.
The color is converted to the palette color on RT, and in red-black mode, areas outside the specified area are copied in red and black, and areas inside the area are converted to red. In addition to trim, mask, color mesh, and black to color as in the case of marker editing, logotype,
It has the functions of Line, Paint 1, Collection Scene, and Funxillon Clear.

Logotype is a function that allows you to insert a logo such as a symbol mark at a specified point, and two types of logos can be placed vertically and horizontally. However, only one logo pattern can be set for one document, and the logo pattern is prepared for each customer and supplied from the ROM.

Line is a function that draws perpendicular or horizontal lines to the X-axis using a two-point display.The line color can be selected for each line from 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors, and there is no limit to the number of lines that can be specified. Up to seven colors can be used at one time.

Paint 1 is a function that fills the inside of a closed loop with a color selected from 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors for each loop by specifying one point inside the closed loop.

The net can be selected from four patterns for each area, the number of loops that can be specified is unlimited, and the number of included patterns that can be used is up to seven.

The correction function includes Area/Point Change, which allows you to check and modify the settings for each area, Area/Point Correction, which allows you to change area size and point position in increments of one dragon, and a specified area. It has an area/point cancel mode that allows you to confirm, correct, change, delete, etc. the specified area.

Creative editing includes image composite, copy-on-copy, color composite scene, partial image shift, multi-page enlargement, paint 1, color mesh, color converter, negative/positive inversion, repeat, paint 2, density control, color balance, copy contrast. , copy sharpness, color mode,
Trim, Mask, Mirror Image, Margin, Line, Shift, Logotype, Split Scan, Flexithin, Funxylon Clear, Add Functlo
In this function, the original is treated as a color original, multiple funk scenes can be set for one original, funk silon can be used for one area, and two areas can be specified. These are a rectangle based on the instruction and a point based on the single point instruction.

The image compositor is a function that after color copying the base original in 4 cycles, holds the paper on the transfer device, and then copies the trimmed original in 4 cycles and outputs it.

Copy-on-copy is a function that, after copying the first original in four cycles, holds the paper on the transfer device, and subsequently copies and outputs the second original in four cycles.

Color corrector 1 copies the first original in magenta, then holds the paper on the transfer device, then copies the second original in cyan, holds the paper on the transfer device, and then copies the second original in cyan. This is a function to overlay the original with yellow and output it after copying, and in the case of a 4-color composite, it also overlays black and outputs it after copying.

Partial image shift is a function that holds the paper on the transfer device after color copying in 4 cycles, and then copies and outputs the paper overlappingly in 4 cycles.

Among the color modes, in full color mode, copies are made in 4 cycles, in 3-color color mode, copies are made in 3 cycles, except when edit mode is set, and in black mode, copies are made in 1 cycle, except when edit mode is set. Copies in cycles, and in plus 1 color mode copies in 1 to 3 cycles.

Tool Pathways include Auditron, Machine Setup, Default Selection, Color Registration, Film Type Registration, Color Correction, Preset, Film Projector Scan Area Correction, Audio Tone, Timer Set, Pilling Meter, Diagnostic Mode, Maximum adjustment and memory card formatting are provided. In order to make settings or changes to this pathway, you must enter your PIN number. Therefore, only key operators and customer engineers can make settings/changes in the tool pathway. However, only the customer engineer can enter the diagnostic mode.

The color register register Ron is used to register colors to the register color buttons in the color palette, and is read from a color original by a COD line sensor.

The color corrector 1 is used for fine adjustment of the color registered in the register color button.

The film type register register Ron is used to register the register film type used in the film projector mode, and if it is not registered, the register button cannot be selected on the film projector mode screen.

Presets include reduction/enlargement values, copy density 7 steps,
Copy sharpness 7 steps, copy contrast 7
Preset steps.

The film projector scan area collection scene is
Adjust the scan area in film projector mode.

Audio tone adjusts the volume used for selected sounds, etc.

The timer setting is for setting a timer that can be released to the key operator.

In addition, there is a crash recovery function that restarts the subsystem when it enters a crash state, a function that puts the subsystem into fault mode if it cannot return to normal even after performing crash recovery twice, and a function that causes jams. There are also functions to deal with abnormal systems, such as an emergency shutdown function in the event of an abnormality.

Furthermore, combinations of basic copy and additional functions, basic/additional functions and marker editing, business editing, creative editing, etc. are also possible.

The entire system of the present invention having the above functions has the following features.

(B) Features (A) Achievement of high image quality and full color This device has improved black image quality reproduction, light color reproduction, generation copy quality, OH2 image quality, fine line reproduction, film copy image quality reproducibility, and copy maintainability. The aim is to achieve high-quality, full-color images that can clearly reproduce colored scenes.

(b) Lower costs Reduce the cost of art materials and consumables such as photoreceptors, developing machines, and toner, reduce service costs such as UMR and parts costs, and make it possible to use it as a black and white copying machine. By achieving a black and white copying speed of 30 sheets/A4, which is about three times that of conventional models, we aim to reduce running costs and copy unit prices.

(c) Improving productivity Installing ADF and sorter as input/output devices (opscene)
The magnification is 50 to 400%.
Maximum document size is A3, paper tray is upper B5-B4, middle B5-B4, lower B5-A3.5SI
B5-83, copy speed 4 full color A
4 and 4.8 CPM.

4.8CPM for B4, 2.4CPM for A3t, black and white, 19.2CPM for A41 19.2CPM for B4.

A3: 9.60 PM1 Warm-up time is within 8 minutes, FCOT is less than 28 seconds for 4 full colors, less than 7 seconds for black and white, and continuous copy speed is 7.5 full color pages/A4, 30 black and white pages. /A4, aiming for high productivity.

(d) Improved operability Hard buttons and CR on the hard control panel
T[Soft buttons on the surface soft panel are used together to improve operability by making it easy for beginners to understand, not bothersome for experts, allowing direct selection of functions, and concentrating operations in one place. At the same time, by effectively using color, necessary information is accurately conveyed to the operator. High-fidelity copying can be performed using only the hard control panel and basic screen operations.
Start, stop, all clear, interrupts, etc. that cannot be specified in the operating flow are performed by operating the hard buttons, and paper selection, reduction/enlargement, copy density, image quality adjustment, color mode, color balance adjustment, etc. are performed by operating the basic screen soft panel. This makes it easy for users of single-color copying machines to use it naturally. Furthermore, for various editing functions, etc., simply by touching the pathway tab of pathway f[ on the software panel, the pathway can be opened and each 8iW collection function can be selected. Furthermore, by storing the copy mode, its execution conditions, etc. in advance in the memory card, it is possible to automate certain operations.

(E) Enhanced functionality By touching the pathway tab in the pathway area of the software panel, you can open a pathway and select various editing functions.For example, marker editing uses a tool called marker to edit black and white documents. With business editing, you can quickly create high-quality originals mainly for business documents, and with creative editing, you can quickly create high-quality originals for business documents.Creative editing offers a variety of editing functions, including full color black and monochrome, with many options for designers. - We are able to respond to specialists such as copy service providers and key operators. Furthermore, the area specified in the editing function is displayed as a bitmap area, allowing you to confirm the specified area.

In this way, you can greatly improve your ability to express your writing with the rich editing functions and color cleaning scenes.

(f) Achievement of power saving A high-performance, 4-color, full-color copying machine with 1.5kVA has been realized. Therefore, 1.5kV in each operation mode
The power distribution method for achieving A has been determined, and the power distribution by function for setting target values has been determined. In addition, an energy system table is created to determine energy transmission routes, and energy system management and verification are performed.

(C) Example of differentiation The copying machine to which the present invention is applied is capable of full-color and black-and-white printing, is easy for beginners to understand, allows experienced users to make copies without bothering them, and is equipped with various functions to make copying easier. Since it is possible not only to take pictures but also to create originals, it can be used by professionals and artists, and in this point, it is possible to differentiate the use of copying machines. An example of its use is shown below.

For example, posters, calendars, which were traditionally printed,
Cards, invitations, New Year's cards with photos, etc. can be produced at a much lower cost than printing if the number of cards is not very large. In addition, by making full use of editing functions, it is possible to create original calendars according to one's taste, for example, and instead of printing uniformly for each company, it is possible to create original and diverse prints for each individual scene. It becomes possible to create.

In addition, as seen in interiors and electrical products in recent years, colors affect sales volume, and by copying colored designs at the production stage of interiors and clothing items, multiple people can work on the design and colors as well. It is possible to develop new colors that improve consumption. In particular, in the apparel industry, when ordering products from distant production sites, by sending a colored copy of the finished drawing, colors can be specified more accurately than before, improving work efficiency. Can be done.

Furthermore, since this apparatus can be used for both color and black-and-white printing, it is possible to make the required number of copies of a single document in black-and-white or color, as required. Therefore, for example, when learning color studies at a vocational school or university,
Colored designs can be expressed in both black and white and color, and by comparing the two, it is possible to understand the impact of brightness and coloring on visual perception, for example, it can be clearly seen that red has almost the same brightness as gray. You can also learn.

(I-3) Configuration of Electrical System Control System In this section, the hardware architecture, software architecture, and state division of the electrical control system of this copying machine will be explained.

(A) Hardware architecture and software architecture When a color CRT is used as a UI like this copying machine, the amount of data for color display increases compared to when a monochrome CRT is used, and the display screen size increases. If you try to create a more friendly UI by devising the structure and screen transitions, the amount of data will increase.

On the other hand, although it is possible to use a CPU with a large memory capacity, the board is thick (so it is difficult to store it in the copier body), and it is difficult to respond flexibly to changes in specifications. There are problems such as difficulty and high cost.

Therefore, in this copying machine, a technology that can be shared with other models or devices such as a CRT controller is used as a remote to distribute the CPU to cope with the increase in the amount of data.

The electrical hardware is as shown in Figure 3.
It is roughly divided into three types: UI system, SYS system, and MCB system. The UI system includes a UI remote 70, and the SYS system includes an F/P remote 72 that controls the F/P, an IIT remote 73 that reads originals, and an IPS remote 74 that performs various image processing. IIT remote 73 is an II for controlling the imaging unit.
T controller 73a and VIDEO circuit 73 that digitizes the read image signal and sends it to the IPS remote 74
It is controlled by the VCPU 74a together with the IPS remote 74. A SYS (Syste recommended) remote 71 is provided to centrally manage the remotes described above and later.

Since the SYS remote 71 requires a huge memory capacity for programs and the like to control the screen transitions of the UI, an 808B equipped with a 16-bit microcomputer is used. Note that in addition to 80H, for example, 88000 or the like can also be used.

In addition, in the MCB system, the video signal used to form a latent image on the photosensitive material belt with a laser is received from the IPS remote 74, and a raster output scan (Raster Output 5can) is performed to send it to the IOT.
RO8) interface, VCB (Vldeo
Control Board) remote 78, RCB remote 77 for the servo of the transfer device (turdle)
Furthermore, an MCB (Master Control) is used to distribute IOT, ADFl sorter, IOB remote 78 as an I10 port for accessories, and accessory remote 79, and to centrally manage them.
l Board) A remote 75 is provided.

Note that each remote in the figure is composed of one board. Also, the thick solid line in the figure! 87°5 kbp
s LNET high-speed communication network, the thick broken line is 96oob p
s master/slave type serial communication networks, and the thin solid lines indicate hot lines that are control signal transmission paths. Also, 78.8 kbps in the figure means that the U I U mote 70 notifies the IPS remote 74 of graphic information drawn on the edit pad, copy mode information input from the memory card, and graphic information of the editing area. This is a dedicated line for Furthermore, CCC (Co
+nunlcat1゜n Control Chlp)
This is an IC that supports the high-speed communication line LNET protocol.

As mentioned above, the hardware architecture can be roughly divided into three types: UI system, SYS system, and MCB system.The division of processing among these systems can be explained as follows with reference to the software architecture in Figure 4. It is. Note that the arrows in the figure indicate the transmission and reception of data via the 187.5kbps LNET high-speed communication network and the 9HObps master/slave type serial communication network shown in Figure 3, or the transmission of control signals via the hotline. It shows a relationship.

UI remote 70 is % LLU I (Low L
80, and a module (not shown) for processing the edit pad and memory card. The LLUI module 80 is similar to what is commonly known as a CRT controller, and is a software module for displaying a screen on a color CRT.The 5YSUI module determines what kind of picture is displayed on the screen at any given time. 81 or M
Controlled by CBUI module 86. It is clear that this allows the Ul remote to be used in common with other models or devices. This is because the CRT controller is used integrally with the CRT, although the screen configuration and screen transitions vary depending on the model.

SYS remote 71 and 5YSUI module 81,
SYSTEM module 82, and SYS, DIAG
It is composed of three modules: module 83;

The 5YSUI module 81 is a software module that controls screen transitions, and the SYSTEM module 82 is a F/F (Feature Function) that recognizes which screen and which coordinates of the soft panel have been selected, that is, what kind of job has been selected.
n) Selection software, job confirmation software that ultimately checks the job to see if there are any inconsistencies in the copy execution conditions, and F/F between other modules.
This is a module that includes software that controls communication for exchanging various information such as selection, recovery, and machine state.

The SYS, DIAG module 83 is a module that operates in a customer simulation mode in which a copy operation is performed in a diagnostic state in which self-diagnosis is performed. Since the customer simulator 1 mode operates in the same way as normal copying, the SYS and DIAG module 83 is essentially the same as the 87818M module 82, but since it is used in a special state called diagnostic, the 87818M module 82
These are written separately, but with some overlap.

11: The IIT remote 73 has an II that controls the stepping motor used in the imaging unit.
The T module 84 is stored in the IPS remote 74, and the IPS module 85 that performs various processes related to IPS is stored in the IPS remote 74, and these modules are stored in the SYSTEM.
It is controlled by the module 82.

On the other hand, the MCB remote 76 includes the MCBUI module 86, which is software that controls screen transitions in the event of faults such as diagnostics, audiotron, and jams, controls the photosensitive material belt, controls the developing machine, and controls the facer. Each software module includes an IOT module 90 that performs processing necessary for copying such as control, an ADF module 91 that controls the ADF, and a 5ORTER module θ2 that controls the sorter, and a copier executive module 87 that manages them. Diagnostic executive module 88 that performs various diagnoses, and Auditron module 8 that processes charges by accessing the electronic counter with a code number.
9 is stored.

Further, the RCB remote 77 stores a turdle servo module 83 that controls the operation of the transfer device, and the turdle servo module 93 controls the management of the IOT module 80 in order to control the transfer process of the xerography cycle. placed below. The reason why the copier executive module 87 and the diagnostic executive module 88 overlap in the figure is the same as the reason why the SYSTEM module 82 and the SYS and DIAG modules 83 overlap.

The division of the above processing will be explained in accordance with the copy operation as follows. The copying operation is a repetition of similar operations except for the difference in the color to be developed, and can be considered divided into several layers as shown in FIG. 5(a).

One color copy is made by repeating the smallest unit called pitch several times. Specifically, for one-color copying, how to operate the developing machine, transfer device, etc., how to detect jams, and how to perform pitch processing in Y, M, Y, M, etc. If you do this for the 3 colors of C, you will get 3 color copies of Y, M,
If this is done for the four colors C and K, one full-color copy will be made. This is a copy layer, and specifically, it is a layer that performs a process of transferring toner of each color onto paper, fixing it with a facer, and ejecting the paper from the main body of the copying machine. The processing up to this point is managed by the MCB-based copier executive module 87.

Of course, in the process of pitch processing, the IIT module 84 and the IPS module 85 included in the SYS system are also used, but for this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the IOT module 90 and the IIT Mosier 84
Two signals, PR-TRUE and LE@REG, are exchanged between them. Specifically speaking, ■ PR (PIT
The CHRESET) signal is continuously generated by the MCB by dividing the rotation of the photosensitive material belt into two or three. In other words, in order to make effective use of the photosensitive material belt and improve copying speed, for example, when the copy paper is A3 size, the photosensitive material belt has two pitches.
Since the pitch is divided according to the size of the copy paper used, such as 3 pitches in the case of A4 size, the period of the PR signal generated for each pitch is, for example, 2 pitches. In the case of 3 pitches, the time becomes 3 sec, and in the case of 3 pitches, the time becomes 2 sec.

Now, the PR signal generated by the MCB is distributed via a hotline to necessary locations in the IOT, such as a VCB remote that handles VIDEO signals.

The VCB has a gate circuit therein, and selectively outputs only pitches that can be imaged within the IOT, that is, pitches that can actually expose an image onto the photosensitive material belt, to the IPS remote. This signal is the PR-TRUE signal. Note that information for generating the PR-TRUE signal based on the PR signal received from the MCB via the hotline is notified from the MCB via LNET.

On the other hand, during a period when the image cannot actually be exposed on the photosensitive material belt, an empty pitch for one pitch is created on the photosensitive material belt, and for such an empty pitch, PR- A TRUE signal is not output. P like this
Examples of pitches where R-TRUE is not generated include:
An example of this is the period from when a sheet of paper that has been transferred by the transfer device is discharged until the next sheet of paper is supplied to the transfer device. In other words, for example, if a long sheet of paper such as A3 size is ejected with the final transfer, the image quality will deteriorate due to the first stroke when the leading edge of the sheet enters the user entrance. is not ejected as it is even after the last transfer is completed, but is rotated one more time at a constant speed while being held by a gripper bar (described later), and then ejected. A skip is required.

Furthermore, the PR-TRUE signal is not output from the start of copying using the start key until the end of the cycle-up sequence. This is because the document has not yet been read during this period, and therefore no image can be exposed on the photosensitive material belt.

The PR-TRUE signal output from the VCB remote is
While being received by the IPS remote, it is also transmitted as is to the IIT remote, where it is used as a trigger signal for starting the IIT scan.

As a result, IIT remote 73 and IP S IJ
The mote 74 can be synchronized with the IOT to perform pitch processing. Also, at this time, the IPS remote 74 and V
A video signal for modulating the laser light used to form a latent image on the sensitive material belt is exchanged between the CB remotes 7θ, and the video signals received by the VCB remote 76 are converted from parallel signals to serial signals. After being converted into a signal, it is directly sent to the RO8 as a VIDEO modulated signal to the laser output section 40a.
given to.

When the above operations are repeated four times, one four-color full-color copy is completed, and one copy and one operation are completed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5(b) to 5(e), a description will be given of the signal exchange and timing from when the image signal read by the IIT is output to the IOT until it is finally transferred to paper at the transfer point.

As shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c), when a start key command is input from the 5YsIJ mote 71, l0T
At 78b, a cycle-up sequence including driving the main motor and starting up the high-voltage power source is entered. The l0T78b outputs a PR (pitch reset) signal in order to form a latent image on the photosensitive material belt corresponding to the paper length. for example,
Every time the photosensitive material belt rotates once, there are 3 pitches for A4 and 3 pitches for A3.
Then, a 2-pitch PR signal is output. When the cycle up sequence of l0T78b is completed, P
In synchronization with the R signal, the PR-TRUE signal is sent to the IIT controller 73 in response to only pitches that require imaging.
It is output to a.

In addition, l0T78b is l0T- which is output for each rotation of one line of RO8 (raster output scan).
The LS (line sync) signal is sent to the TG in the VCPU74a.
(timing generator) and here l0T-L
The IrT core controller 73 transfers the IPS-LS which has apparently advanced the upper phase by the total pipeline delay of the IPS with respect to S.
Send to a.

When the PR-TRUE signal is input, the IIT controller 73a enables a counter to count the 10T-LS signal, and when a predetermined count is reached, starts rotation of the stepping motor 213 that drives the imaging unit 37 to perform imaging. The unit starts scanning the document. Further count T2 seconds and output LE@REG at the original reading start position and send this to l0T78b
send to

This document reading start position can be determined in advance by driving the imaging unit only once after turning on the power, and then moving the resin sensor 217.
Detect the position (near the register position, specifically about the Low mark on the scan side from the register position), calculate the true register position based on the detected position, and at the same time find the normal stop position ( home position) can also be calculated.

In addition, since the registration position differs from machine to machine due to machine variations, etc., by storing the correction value in NVM and making corrections when calculating the true registration position and home position, an accurate document reading start position can be set. can do. This correction value can be changed by a factory or a service person, etc., and can be implemented by simply rewriting this correction value electrically, and no mechanical adjustment is required. The reason why the position of the register sensor 217 is shifted by about 10 m toward the scan side from the true registration position is to always make the correction a negative value and to simplify the adjustment and software.

Further, the IIT controller 73a outputs the IMAGE-AREA signal in synchronization with LE@REG. This IM
The length of the AGE-AREA signal is equal to the scan length, which is defined by the start command communicated from SYSTEM module 82 to IIT module 84. Specifically, when copying by detecting the original size, the scan length is the original length, and when copying by specifying the magnification, the scan length is the copy paper length and the magnification (100%). is set as the divisor of 1). IMAGE-AREA signal is VCPU7
4a, where it is renamed IIT-PS (page sync) and sent to the IPS 74. IIT-PS is a signal indicating the time to perform image processing.

When LE@REG is output, data for one line of the line sensor is read in synchronization with the l0T-LS signal,
From v, various correction processes and A/D conversion are performed in the Eo circuit (FIG. 3), and the signal is sent to the IPS 74. In the IPS74, one line of video data is sent to the IOT78b in synchronization with the IOT-LS. At this time I 0T-BYTE
RTN-BYTE-CLK, which is an inverted signal of -CLK, is sent back to the IOT in parallel with L'de and t data, and the data and clock are similarly delayed to ensure synchronization.

When LE@REG is input to l0T78b, l
Video data is sent to RO8 in synchronization with the 0T-LS signal, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive material belt. When LE@REG enters, l0T78b uses that timing as a reference.
Counting is started with 0T-CLK, and on the other hand, the servo motor of the transfer device is controlled so that the leading edge of the paper is at the transfer position of a predetermined count number. By the way, Figure 5(d)
As shown in the figure, the PR output by the rotation of the photosensitive material belt
- l0T output by TRUE signal and rotation of RO8
- Originally not synchronized with the LS signal. For this reason, P
When the R-TRUE signal enters and starts counting from the next l0T-LS, moves the imaging unit 37 at count m, and outputs LE@REG at count n, LE
@REG will be delayed by 71 hours relative to PR-TRUE. This delay is equivalent to one line sync at most, and in the case of a four-color full-color copy, this delay accumulates and appears as a color shift in the output image.

To do this, first, as shown in FIG. 5(C), when the first LE@REG is input, the counter 1 starts counting, and when the third LE@REG is input, the counter 2.
3 starts counting, and when each counter reaches the count number p up to the transfer position, it is cleared, and the counters are sequentially used for the fourth and subsequent inputs of LE@REG. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(e), when LE@REG is input, the correction clock counts the time T3 from the pulse immediately before l0T-CLK. The latent image formed on the photosensitive material belt approaches the transfer position and l0T
- When CLK counts the count number p to the transfer position, the correction clock starts counting at the same time, and the point where the count number r corresponding to the above time T3 is added becomes the accurate transfer position, and this is the point of the transfer device. Transcription position l! (Timing) In addition to the control of the control counter, LE@
The servo motor of the transfer device is controlled so that the leading edge of the paper is accurately synchronized with the REG input.

The above is the process up to the copy layer, but on top of that, 1
There is a process of setting the number of copies to be performed for each copy of a sheet of original, and this is a process performed in the bar original (PER0RIGINAL) layer. Further above that is a sheep programming layer that handles changing the parameters of the jib. Specifically, these are whether to use the ADF or not, and whether or not to use a biasing function that changes the color of a part of the document. These bar original processing and job programming processing are managed by a SYS module 82 of the SYS system.

For this purpose, the SYSTEM module 82 checks the jeep contents sent from the LLUI module 80,
It is determined, necessary data is created, and notified to the IIT module 84 and IPS module 85 via a 9600 bps serial communication network, and the contents of the jeep are notified to the MCB system via LNET.

As mentioned above, those that perform independent processing, other models,
Alternatively, we distributed those that perform processing that can be shared with devices as remote units, divided them into UI systems, SYS systems, and MCB systems, and defined modules to manage machines according to the copy processing layer. This makes it possible to clarify the work of people, standardize development technology for software, etc., clarify delivery dates and cost settings, and easily respond to changes in specifications by changing only the relevant modules. Therefore, the development efficiency can be improved.

(B) State division Above, we have discussed the division of processing between the UI system, SYS system, and MCB system.
What kind of processing is performed by the system at each time of a copy operation will be explained step-by-step through the copy operation.

In a copier, the state from power-on to copy operation and after the copy operation is divided into several states, and the jeep to be performed in each state is determined, and all the jeeps in each state must be completed. Efficiency and accuracy of control is ensured by not transitioning to the next state.

This is called state division, and in this copying machine, state division is performed as shown in FIG.

A characteristic feature of the state division in this copying machine is that in each state, the control right to manage the entire state and the UI master right to use the UI in the state are given to the SYS remote 71 at some times, and at other times. is in the MCB remote 75. In other words, by distributing the CPUs as described above, U
LLUI module 80 of Eremote 70 is 5YSUI
Not only module 81 but also MCBUI module 8B
Also, pitch and copy processing are managed by the MCB-based copier executive module 87, while bar original processing and job programming processing are managed by the SYS module 82. The SYS module 82 is divided in each state correspondingly.
, copier executive module 87 has overall control rights and UI master rights. In FIG. 6, states indicated by vertical lines indicate that the MCB-based Cobia executive module 87 has the UI mastership, and states filled in black indicate that the SYS module 82 has the UI mastership.

The state division shown in FIG. 6 from power ON to standby will be explained with reference to FIG. 7.

When the power is turned on and the power is turned on, the S
YS remote 71 to IIT remote 73 and IPS
IPS reset signal and I supplied to remote 74
The IT reset signal becomes H (HIGll), and the IPS
The IIT remote 73 is released from reset and starts operating.

Further, when it is detected that the power supply voltage has become normal, the power normal signal rises, the MCB remote 75 starts operating, establishes the control right and the U1 master right, and tests the high-speed communication network LNET. Further, the power normal signal is sent from the MCB remote 75 to the SYS remote 71 via the hotline.

MCB! When a predetermined time TO has elapsed after the start of operation of the J-mote 75, the system reset signal supplied from the MCB remote 75 to the SYS remote 71 through the hotline becomes H, the reset of the SYS remote 71 is released, and the operation starts. However, at this time, SYS remote 71
The start of the operation is further delayed by 200 .mu.sec after the 10 hours have elapsed due to two internal signals of the SYS remote 71, 88NM and 88 RESET. This 200μsec time is the time when the machine stops due to a temporary problem such as a crash, a momentary power outage, a software runaway, or a software bug.
This is provided to store in nonvolatile memory the state the machine is in when running.

When SYS'J mote 71 starts operating, it takes about 3°8s.
Core test during ec, i.e. ROM, RAM check,
Check the hardware, etc. If undesired data is input at this time, there is a possibility that the SY will run out of control.
Under its own supervision, the S remote 71 turns the IPS reset signal and IIT reset signal low at the start of the core test.
(Low) and IPS remote 74 and IIT
Reset the remote 73 to stop its operation.

When the core test is completed, the SYS remote 71
During the period of ~3100+uec, the CCC self-test is performed, and the IPS reset signal and IIT reset signal are set to H, and the IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 73
restart operations and perform core tests on each. C
The CC self-test is performed by sending predetermined data to the LNET, receiving it by itself, and confirming that the received data is the same as the transmitted data. Note that when performing the CCC self-test, time is allocated to each CCC so that the self-test times do not overlap.

In other words, in LNET, sys remote 71, M
Each node such as the CB remote 75 transmits data when it wants to transmit data, and if a data collision occurs, it retransmits after a predetermined period of time. This is because if another node is using LNET when performing a self-test, a data collision will occur and the self-test cannot be performed. Therefore, SYS remote 71 is CCC
When starting the self-test, use the MCB remote 75
The LNET test has been completed.

When the CCC self-test is completed, the SYS remote 71
waits until the core test of IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 73 is completed, and performs SYS during period T1.
Perform a communication test of the TEM node. This communication test 1. is a 9HObps serial communication network, in which predetermined data is transmitted and received in a predetermined sequence. When the communication test is completed, an LNET communication test is performed between the SYS remote 71 and the MCB remote 75 during the period T2. That is, the MCB remote 75 is the SYS remote 7
1 to request self-test results, S Y S
In response to the request, the IJ mote 71 issues the results of the tests conducted so far to the MCB remote 75 as self-test results.

Upon receiving the self-test result, the MCB remote 75 issues a token pass to the SYS remote 71. The token pass is a tag for exchanging UL master rights,
By passing the token pass to SYS remote 71,
The UIl master right will be transferred from the MCB remote 75 to the SYS remote 71. This is the power-on sequence. During the power-on sequence, the UI
The remote 70 displays a message such as "Please wait for a while" and also performs various tests such as its own core test and communication test.

In the above power-on sequence, if there is no response to the self-test result request or if there is an abnormality in the self-test result, the MCB remote 75 will make the machine dead, activate the UI control authority, and display the UI.
It controls the remote 70 and displays that an abnormality has occurred. This is the machine dead state.

After the power-on state is completed, the system enters the initialization state to set up each remote.

In the initialization state, the SYS remote 71 has overall control rights and UI master rights. Therefore, the SYS remote 71 initializes the SYS system and executes r INITIALIZE SUBSYS.
TEMJ=+? A command is issued to the MCB remote 75 to initialize the MCB system as well. The results are sent from the MCB remote 75 as subsystem status information. As a result, for example, in the IOT, the user is heated, the tray elevator is placed in a predetermined position, and preparations are made for copying. This is the initialization state.

When initialization is completed, each remote enters a standby state. Even in this state, the SYS remote 71 has the UI master authority, so the SYS remote 71 displays the F/F on the UI screen based on the UI master authority.
F is displayed and a state is entered in which copy execution conditions are accepted.

At this time, the MCB remote 75 is monitoring the IOT. In addition, in the standby state, the MCB remote 75 sends 500
Peng see every background pole sys remote 7
1, and the SYS remote 71 performs a process of returning the self-test result to the MCB remote 75 within 200 seconds. At this time, if the self-test result is not returned or there is an abnormality in the content of the self-test result, the MCB remote 75
notifies the UI remote 70 that an abnormality has occurred, and displays a message to that effect.

When the audiotron is used in the standby state, it enters the audiotron state and the M CB IJ
The mote 75 performs audiotron control and also controls the UI remote 70 to display information for the audiotron. F/F is set in the standby state, and when the start key is pressed, the process enters the progress state. The progress state is subdivided into six states: setup, cycle up, run, skip pitch, normal cycle down, and cycle down shutdown, and these states will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a timing chart when the platen mode is set and the number of 4-color full-color copies is set to 3.

When the SYS remote 71 detects that the start key has been pressed, it transmits the contents of the jeep via the serial communication network.
It sends the contents of the jeep to the IT remote 73 and the IPS remote 74 and issues the contents of the jeep via LNET to the copier executive module 87 in the MCB remote 75 along with the command Start Knob 1. This will cause the machine to enter setup and prepare each remote to perform the specified job. For example, the IOT module 90 drives the main motor, adjusts the parameters of the photosensitive material belt, and the like.

ACK (Ackno
When the SYS remote 71 confirms that the IIT remote 71 has sent the IIT remote 73 back from the MCB remote 75, the SYS remote 71 causes the IIT remote 73 to perform a prescan.

Prescanning includes prescanning to detect the document size, prescanning to detect the color at a specified position on the document, prescanning for closed loop detection when coloring, and marker editing for marker editing. There are four types of prescans for reading, and prescans are performed up to three times depending on the selected F/F. At this time, the UI
For example, a message such as "Please wait for a while" is displayed.

When the pre-scan ends, a command IIT Ready is issued to the Cobia executive module 87, and cycle-up begins from here.

The cycle up is a state in which the startup time of each remote is waited for, and the MCB remote 75 starts operating the transfer device at 10T, and the SYS remote 71 initializes the IPS remote 74. At this time, the UI displays that it is currently in a progress state and the contents of the selected jib.

When the cycle-up is completed, the run starts and the copy operation starts. First, when the first PRO is output from the IOT module 90 of the MCB remote 75, the IIT performs the first scan, and the 10th copy is scanned for the first color. Development is performed, and the processing for one pitch is completed. Next, when PRO is issued again, the second color development is performed and the second pitch processing is completed.

This process is repeated four times, and when the four-pitch process is completed, the IOT uses the user to fix the toner and discharges the paper. This completes the first copy process. By repeating the above process three times, three copies can be made.

Pitch layer processing and copy layer processing is performed by MCB
The remote 75 manages it, but the process of setting the number of copies to be performed in the par-original layer, which is a layer above it, is done by SYS.
The remote 71 performs this. Therefore, so that the SYS remote 71 can recognize how many sheets are currently being copied,
When the first PRO of each copy is issued, the MCB remote 75 is configured to issue a maid count signal to the SYS remote 71. Also, the last PR
When O is issued, MCB remote 75 sends rRDY FORNXT JO to SYS remote 71.
Issue the command BJ to request the next jab.

At this time, if the start command is issued, the job can be continued, but if the user does not set the next job, the job will end, so the SYS remote 71 will issue the rEND JO command.
A command BJ is issued to the MCB remote 75.

When the MCB remote 75 receives the rEND JOBJ command and confirms that the jeep is finished, the machine enters a normal cycle down. In a normal cycle down, the MCB remote 76 stops the operation of the IOT.

During the cycle down, the MCB remote 75 confirms that all the copied paper has been ejected and sends a message to SYS using the rDELIVERED JOBj command.
Notify the remote 71, and also notify the rIOT when the normal cycle down is completed and the machine stops.
Notify SYS remote 71 using the 5TAND BYJ command. This ends the progress state and returns to the standby state.

Although skip pitch and cycle down shutdown are not mentioned in the above example, in skip pitch, the SYS remote 71 initializes the SYS system for the next jeep, and the MCB remote 75 initializes the next copy. Waiting for. Also,
Since the cycle down shutdown is a state in the event of a fault, both the SYS remote 71 and the MCB remote 75 perform fault processing in this state.

As described above, in the progress state, the MCB remote 75 manages pitch processing and copy processing, and
Since the YS remote 71 manages the per-original processing and the sheep programming processing, both parties have the right to control the processing according to their share of the processing. On the other hand, the SYS remote 71 has the UI master authority. This is because the UI needs to display the set number of copies, the selected editing process, etc., which belong to per-original processing or job programming processing and are under the control of the SYS remote 71.

If a fault occurs in the progress state, the process moves to the fault recovery state. Fault is a general term for machine abnormal conditions such as no paper, jam, failure or damage of parts, etc., and there are those that can be recovered by the user by resetting the F/F, and those that can be recovered by a service person such as replacing parts. There are two types of things that must be recovered. As mentioned above, fault display is basically performed by the MCBUr module 86, but the F/F is
Since the YS module 82 manages the faults, the SYS module 82 is in charge of recovery from faults that can be recovered by resetting the F/F, and the copier executive module 87 is in charge of other recoveries.

Further, fault detection is performed for each of the SYS system and the MCB system. In other words, IIT, IPS1F/P is SYS
Since it is managed by the remote 71, the SYS remote 71 detects the IOT and ADF.

Since the sorter is managed by MCB remote 75, MC
B IJ mote 75 detects. Therefore, it can be seen that there are the following four types of faults in this copying machine.

■Detected by SYS node, SYS node recovery
For example, if the start key is pressed before the F/P is prepared, a fault will occur, but the user will have to restart the F/P.
You can recover by setting .

■Detected by SYS node and MCB node recovery
If this type of fault occurs, e.g. failure of the cash register sensor,
Imaging unit speed abnormality, imaging unit overrun, PRO signal abnormality, CCC abnormality,
This includes errors in the serial communication network, ROM or RAM check errors, etc. In the case of these faults, the U
1 displays the details of the fault and a message such as "Please call a service person."

■If the fault is detected in the MCB node and the SYS node recovers If the sorter is set in the F/F even though the sorter is not set, the fault will be detected in the MCB node, but if the user recovers the F/F You can also recover by resetting F and changing to a mode that does not use the sorter. The same applies to ADF. A fault also occurs when the toner runs low, when the tray is not set, or when the paper runs out. Normally, these faults can be recovered by the user replenishing toner, setting a tray, or replenishing paper, but if one tray runs out of paper, another tray must be used. If the toner of a certain color runs out, it can be recovered by specifying another color. In other words, since recovery is also performed by F/F selection, recovery is performed at the SYS node.

■When detected by the MCB node and recovered by the MCB node For example, if the developing machine is malfunctioning, toner distribution is abnormal, motor clutch failure, user failure, etc. are detected by the MCB node and the UI The location of the failure and a message such as ``Please call a service person'' are displayed. Furthermore, if a jam occurs, the location of the jam is displayed as well as a method for clearing the jam, leaving the recovery to the user.

As described above, in the fault recovery state, control rights and UI master rights may be held by the SYS node or the MCB node depending on the location where the fault occurs and the recovery method.

Once the fault is recovered and an IOT standby command is issued from the MCB node, it will move to the sheep recovery state and complete the remaining jeeps. For example, suppose that the set number of copies is 3 and a jam occurs while copying the second copy. In this case, after the jam is cleared, the remaining two copies must be made, so the SYS node and the MCB node perform respective management processes to recover the jam. Therefore, even in jib recovery, the control right is SY
Both the S node and the MCB node have them according to their respective processing assignments. However, the U■ master right is held by the SYS node. This is because when performing sheep recovery, for example, "Press the start key",
A message for sheep recovery such as "Please set the remaining originals" must be displayed because this is a matter related to per-original processing or sheep programming processing managed by the SYS node.

Furthermore, even if an IOT standby command is issued in the productless state, the system will move to the Shirobu recovery state.
When it is confirmed that the job is completed, it moves to standby state and waits for the next job. In the standby state, a diagnostic (hereinafter simply referred to as "diag") state can be entered by performing a predetermined key operation.

Diagnosis state includes component input check, output check, various parameter settings, various mode settings, NVM
This is a self-diagnosis state for initializing (nonvolatile memory), etc., and its concept is shown in FIG. As is clear from the figure, two modes are provided for diagnosis: TECHREP mode and customer login mode.

TECHREP mode is a mode used by service personnel to diagnose the machine, such as input check and output check.Customer simulation mode is a mode used for diagnosis, which is the customer mode normally used by users when copying. It is.

Now, assume that the TECHREP mode is entered from the standby state of the customer mode by a predetermined operation via route A in the figure. If you want to exit the TECHREP mode by simply performing various checks, setting parameters, and setting the mode, and then return to the customer mode (route B in the figure), press the specified key and the screen in Figure 8 will appear. It is possible to move to the power-on state as shown and return to the standby state using the sequence shown in Figure 7. However, since this copier makes color copies and is equipped with various editing functions, various operations can be performed in TECHREP mode. After setting the parameters, it is necessary to actually perform copying and check whether the colors requested by the user appear and whether the editing functions function as specified. This is done in the customer simulation fin mode, which differs from the customer mode in that pilling is not performed and the UI displays a message indicating that it is a diagnosis. This is the meaning of customer simulation mode, which uses customer mode for diagnosis. In addition, the transition from TECHREP mode to customer simulation mode (route C in the diagram) and the reverse transition from customer simulation mode to TECHREP mode (route D in the diagram) are performed by the respective prescribed operations. be able to.

In addition, since the TECHREP mode is performed by the diagnostic executive module 88 (Fig. 4), it has control rights.
Both UI master rights are held by the MCB node, but in the customer simulation mode, normal copying operations are performed under the control of the SYS and DIAG modules 83 (Fig. 4). Xter rights are both S
The YS node has it.

(n) Specific configuration of each part (n-1) System FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the system and other remotes.

As mentioned above, the remote 71 is equipped with the 5YSUI module 81 and the SYSTEM module 82, and the 5Y
Data is exchanged between the SUI 81 and the sYsTEM module 82 via an inter-module interface, and the SYSTEM module 82 and the IIT 73, IPS 7
4 is connected with a serial communication interface,
LNE between MCB75, RO878, and RAIB79
It is connected by the T high-speed communication network.

Next, the module configuration of the system will be explained.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the system.

In this copying machine, each module such as llT1, IPSl, and IOT is considered to be a component, and each module of the system that controls these is considered to have a brain. Then, by adopting a distributed CPU method, the system side is in charge of per-original processing and Girev programming processing, and correspondingly, the initialization state,
Since it has the control right to manage the standby state, set-up state, and cycle state, and the UI master right to use the UI in these states, the system is configured with corresponding modules.

The system main 100 takes in the received data from the 5YSUI, MCB, etc. into an internal buffer, clears the data stored in the internal buffer, and
The system state is updated by calling each lower-level module and passing the processing.

The M/C initialization control module 101 controls the initialization sequence from when the power is turned on until the system enters a standby state, and is activated when the power-on processing for performing various tests after the power-on by the MCB is completed.

The M/C set-up control module 103 controls the set-up sequence from when the start key is pressed until starting the MCB that processes the coby layer.
EATURE (M/C to achieve user requirements)
Create a shadow mode based on the instructions for
Determine the setup sequence according to the Jirob mode you created.

As shown in FIG. 12(a), the creation of the Jilob mode is as follows:
It analyzes the mode specified by the F/F and separates the Jeep. In this case, Jeep means M/
It refers to the M/C operation from when C starts until it is stopped after all requested copies are ejected, and is a collection of sieve modes, the smallest unit that can divide the work according to the user's requests. For example, in the case of inset synthesis, as shown in Figure 12(b), the sieve mode allows deletion, movement,
The jib is an aggregation of these modes. Further, as shown in FIG. 12(C), in the case of three ADF originals, the jib mode is a feed process for each of originals 1, 2, and 3, and the jib is a set of these.

Then, in automatic mode, document scan, in coloring mode, pre-scan, in marker editing mode, pre-scan, in color detection mode, sample scan (pre-scan up to 3 times), and copy cycle. I ITl IPS1 M
Distributed to CB, M at the end of setup sequence
Start CB.

The M/C standby control module 102
It controls the sequence during C standby, and specifically accepts start keys, controls color registration, and enters diagnostic mode.

The M/C copy cycle control module 104 controls the copy sequence from when the MCB is started until it is stopped, and specifically sends a paper feed count notification, determines the end of a JOB and requests IIT startup, and sends a request to start up the MCB. It determines whether to stop and issues a request to shut down the IPS.

It also has the function of notifying the remote destination of through commands that occur while the M/C is stopped or in operation.

Fault control module 10B! t l
lT1 Monitors the cause of shutdown from IPS, requests shutdown to MCB when the cause occurs, and specifically sends a shutdown request to IIT
% Shutdown is performed by a fail command from the IPS, and after a shutdown request is issued from the MCB, recovery is determined when the M/C is stopped, and recovery is performed by a jam command from the MCB, for example. .

The mini s'f-scene control module 107 sets the IIT ready signal from the IIT and enables/disables communication in the image area.

The DIAG control module 108 controls the input check mode and the output check mode in the DIAG mode.

Next, the exchange of data between these modules or with other subsystems will be explained.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data flow between the system and each remote and the data flow between child modules within the system. In the figure, A-N indicates serial communication, 2 indicates a hot line, and Φ to 0 indicates inter-module data.

5YSUI remote and initialization control section 1
01, 5YSUI takes control of the CRT from 8.
T handed over to YSTEM N0DE.

A KEN command is sent, and on the other hand, a configuration command is sent from the initialization control section 101.

5YSUI remote and standby control section 102
A mode change command, a start copy command, a jib cancel command, a color registration request command, and a tray command are sent from the 5YSUI, while a M/C status command, a tray status command, and a tray command are sent from the standby control unit 102. Toner status command, collected bottle status command,
Color registration ANS command and TOKEN command are sent.

5YSU I remote and setup control 11
103, the setup control section 108
From is M/C status command (progress), AP
An MS status command is sent, while a stop request command and an interwoven command are sent from the 5YSUI remote.

IPS remote and initialization control section 101
An initialize end command is sent from the IPS remote, and the initialize control section 1
An NVM parameter command is sent from 01.

IIT remote and initialization control section 101
Between IIT remote! ! T ready command, NVM from initialize control section 101
A parameter command and an INITIALIZE command are sent.

Between the IPS remote and the standby control unit 102, the initial rice freehand area, answer command, remove area answer command, and color information command are sent from the IPS remote, and the standby control [102 sends the color detection point command, Initialize freehand area command and remove area command are sent.

Between the IPS remote and the setup control unit 103, the IPS ready command,
A document information command is sent, and a scan information command, basic copy mode command, main edit mode command, and M/C stop command are sent to the setup controller 71 section 103.

Between the IIT remote and the standby control unit 102, the IIT remote sends an IIT ready command to notify that the prescan has ended, and the standby control unit 102 sends a sample scan start command and an initialize command.

Between the IIT remote and the setup control unit 103, the IIT remote sends an IIT ready command and an initialize end command, and the setup control unit 103 sends a document scan start command, a sample scan start command, and
A copy scan start command is sent.

Between the MCB remote and the standby control unit 102, the standby control unit 102 sends an initialize subsystem command and a standby select command, and the MCB remote sends a subsystem status command.

Between the MCB remote and the setup control section 103, the setup control section 103 sends a start sieve command, an IT ready command, a stop command, and a declare system fault command, and an rOT standby command and an rOT standby command from the MCB remote are sent from the setup control section 103. A fault command is sent.

Between the MCB remote and the cycle control unit 1゜4, the cycle control unit 104
The MCB remote sends a MADE command, a ready-for-next transfer command, a transfer command, and an IOT standby command.

Between the MCB remote and the fault control unit 106, a declare system fault command and a system shutdown completion command are sent from the fault control unit 10B, and a declare MCB fault command and a system shutdown command are sent from the MCB IJ remote.

A scan ready signal and an image area signal are sent from the IIT remote between the IIT U mote and the community scene control unit 107.

Next, the interface between each module will be explained.

System main 100 or 6 each module (101-10
7), the received remote number and received data are sent to each module, and each module exchanges data with its respective remote. On the other hand, nothing is sent from each module (101 to 107) to the system main 100.

When the initialization process is completed, the initialization control unit 101 notifies the fault control unit 10θ and the standby control unit 102 of the system state (standby), respectively.

The communication scene control section 107 includes an initialization control section 101, a standby control section 102. The setup control unit 103, copy cycle control unit 104, and fault control unit 106 are notified of communication availability information, respectively.

When the start key is pressed, standby control unit 102 notifies setup control unit 103 of the system state (progress).

When the setup is completed, the setup control section 103 controls the copy cycle control section! 04 of the system state (cycle).

(II-2) Image input terminal (IIT) (A)
Original scanning mechanism FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the original scanning mechanism, in which the imaging unit 37 has two slide shafts 202.2.
03, and both ends are connected to the wire 2.
It is fixed at 04.206. This wire 204.2
05 is Drive Boo! J208.207 and fn'/ are wound around the pulley IJ208.208, and a tensileon is applied to the tension pulley 208.208 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. A reduction pulley 211 is attached to a drive shaft 210 to which the drive pulleys 206 and 207 are attached, and is connected to an output shaft 214 of a stepping motor 213 via a timing belt 212. In addition,
The limit switches 215 and 216 are sensors for detecting abnormal operation of the imaging unit 37, and the registration sensor 217 is a sensor for setting a reference point for a document reading start position.

To obtain one four-color copy, the imaging unit 37 must repeat the scan four times.

In this case, the big challenge is how to minimize synchronization and positional deviations within four scans.
It is important to suppress variations in the arrival time from the home position scene to the register position and to suppress variations in scan speed. For this purpose, a stepping motor 213 is employed. However, since the stepping motor 213 has greater vibration and noise than a DC servo motor,
Various measures are being taken to improve image quality and speed.

(B) Stepping motor control method The stepping motor 213 has motor windings connected in a hexagonal manner, and each connection point is connected to the positive side or negative side of the power supply using two transistors. Bipolar drive is performed using switching transistors. In addition, the current value flowing through the motor is fed back, and the current flowing through the motor is controlled and driven to be constant.

FIG. 15(a) shows a scan cycle of the imaging unit 37 driven by the stepping motor 213. The figure shows the relationship between the speed of the imaging unit 37, that is, the frequency applied to the stepping motor, and time when performing forward scanning and pack scanning at a magnification of 50%, that is, the maximum movement speed. During acceleration, for example, 259 Hz is multiplied to a maximum of about 11 to 12 KHz, as shown in FIG. 2(b). Providing regularity to the pulse train in this way simplifies pulse generation. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, regular acceleration is performed in a stepwise manner at 259 pps/3.9 ms to create a trapezoidal profile. In addition, a pause time is provided between the forward scan and the pack scan to wait for the vibrations of the IIT mechanical system to decrease and to synchronize with the image output in the IOT.

In this embodiment, the scan cycle time is shortened by increasing the acceleration to 0.7G compared to the conventional one.

As mentioned above, when reading a color original, a major problem is how to reduce the positional deviation during four scans and the resulting color deviation or image distortion for the system. Figures 15 (C) to (e) are diagrams for explaining the causes of color shift. , the next time you start, the time to the register position will be different and color misalignment will occur.Also, in the same figure (
As shown in d), due to excessive vibration of the stepping motor (speed fluctuation until reaching a steady speed) within 4 scans, the time required to reach the registration position deviates and color misregistration occurs. In addition, the same figure (e) shows the variation 71- in the constant speed scanning characteristics from passing through the registration position to the tail edge, and the variation in the speed fluctuation in the first scan is larger than the variation in the speed fluctuation in the second to fourth scans. It is shown that. Therefore, for example, during the first scan, Y is developed in which the color shift is less noticeable.

The causes of the color shift described above are thought to be mechanical instability factors such as aging of the timing belt 212 and the wires 204 and 205, and viscous resistance between the slide pad and the slide rails 202 and 203.

(C) IIT Control Method IIT Remote has sequence control for various copy operations, service support functions, self-diagnosis functions, and fail-safe functions. IIT sequence control is
It is divided into normal scan, sample scan, and initialization. Various commands and parameters for IIT control are sent from the sys remote 71 via serial communication.

FIG. 18(a) shows a timing chart of normal scanning. The scan length data is set from 0 to 432 mm (1 m step) depending on the paper length and magnification, the scan speed is set according to the magnification (50% to 400%), and the pre-scan length (distance from the stop position to the registration position) data is also set by a magnification (50% to 400%). When a scan command is received, the FL-ON signal turns on the fluorescent lamp, the 5CN-RDY signal turns on the motor driver, and after a predetermined timing, a shading correction pulse WHT-REF is generated to start scanning. When passing through the registration sensor, the image area signal IMG-AREA becomes low level for a predetermined scan length, and in synchronization with this, the IIT-PS signal is output to the IPS.

FIG. 16(b) shows a timing chart of sample scan. The sample scan is used for color detection during color conversion, color balance correction and shading correction when using F/P. Stop position from the stop position,
Based on the data on the moving speed, number of micro-movements, and step interval, it goes to the target sample position, pauses, or repeats the micro-movement multiple times, and then stops.

FIG. 16(C) shows a timing chart of initialization. When the power is turned on, it receives a command from the SYS remote, checks the register sensor, confirms the operation of the imaging unit by the register sensor, and corrects the home position of the imaging unit by the register sensor.

(D) Imaging unit FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 37, in which the original 220 is set with the image surface to be read facing downward on the platen glass 31, and the imaging unit 37 moves its lower surface in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. Then, the document surface is exposed to light using a 30W daylight color fluorescent lamp 222 and a reflecting mirror 223. Then, by passing the reflected light from the original 220 through the SELFOC lens 224 and the cyan filter 225, an erect, same-size image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD line sensor 226. The SELFOC lens 224 is a compound lens consisting of four rows of fiber lenses, and because it is bright and has high resolution, the power of the light source can be kept low.
It also has the advantage of being compact. Further, the imaging unit 37 is equipped with a CCD line sensor drive circuit, a COD line sensor output 8 board 227, and a substrate 227. In addition, 228 is a lamp heater, 228 is a flexible cable for illumination power supply, and 230 is a flexible cable for control signals.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the arrangement of the CCD line sensors 22e. As shown in FIG. 18(a), five CCD line sensors 226a to 226e are arranged in a staggered manner in the main scanning direction X. This is because with multiple line sensors, it is difficult to form a large number of light receiving elements without missing parts and with uniform sensitivity, and when multiple line sensors are arranged on one line, both ends of the line sensor This is because it is difficult to configure pixels up to this point, resulting in unreadable areas.

The sensor section of this CCD line sensor 228 is shown in FIG.
), three color filters of RlG and B are arranged repeatedly in this order on the surface of each pixel of the CCD line sensor 22B, and three adjacent bits constitute one pixel during reading. The reading pixel density of each color is 16 dots/■m%
If the number of pixels per chip is 2928, the length of one chip is 2928/(16X3)=81 fins,
The total length of 5 chips is 81 x 5: 305 mm. Therefore, with this, the same size CC that can read A3 size
A D line sensor is obtained. Also, R, G, H
Each pixel is arranged at a 45-degree angle to reduce moiré.

In this way, a plurality of CCD line sensors 226a to 22
When the CCD line sensors 6e are arranged in a staggered manner, adjacent CCD line sensors scan different document surfaces. That is, when the CCD line sensor is moved in the main scanning direction of the CCD line sensor or in the sub-scanning direction Y orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction Y to read a document, the signals from the first row of CCD line sensors 226b and 228d that scan the document in advance are detected. and the following second row of CCD line sensors 2 2 8 a, 2 2 8
There is a time lag between the signals from c and 2 26e, which corresponds to the positional lag between adjacent COD line sensors.

Therefore, in order to obtain one line of continuous signals from image signals divided and read by a plurality of CCD line sensors, at least the signals from the first row of CCD line sensors 228b1 to 228d, which scan the document in advance, are stored. ,
The following second row of CCD line sensors 2 2 8 a
It is necessary to read out in synchronization with the signal output from 12 2 8 a 12 2 6 e. In this case, for example,
Assuming that the amount of deviation is 260 μm and the resolution is 1e dot/dragon, a delay of 4 lines is required.

Generally, reduction/enlargement in an image reading device is performed in the main scanning direction by IPS thinning and padding and other processing, and in the sub-scanning direction by increasing/decreasing the moving speed of the imaging unit 37. Therefore, the reading speed (the number of lines read per unit time) in the image reading device is fixed, and the resolution in the sub-scanning direction is changed by changing the moving speed. That is, for example, if the resolution is 16 dots/l when the zoom ratio is 100%, r 7 ---- lower lower knee 1
Reduction ratio 1 Speed 1 Resolution 1 Staggered correction 1% 1
times 1 doft l audience I number of lines 1 to---
＋ −−−−+ −−−−+ −−−−−1to−−−
+−−1−+−−1−+ −−−−−1to−−−+
−−−−+ −−−−+ −−−−@+200 11
/2 + 32 1 8 1+---
−−+ −−−−+ −−−−+ −−−−−1140
011/4 1 64 1 16L-Knee 1--
The relationship is as follows. Therefore, as the reduction/enlargement ratio increases, the resolution increases, and accordingly, the number of line memories required to correct the staggered arrangement difference of 250 μm also increases.

(E) Video signal processing circuit Next, as shown in FIG. 18, using the CCD line sensor 22B, the color original is read as a reflectance signal for each of R, G, and B, and this is converted into a digital value as a density signal. The video signal processing circuit for this will be explained.

The original is divided into 5 parts by 5 CCD line sensors 228 in the imaging unit 37, separated into 5 channels into R, GlB, and read.
After each signal is amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier circuit 231, it is transmitted to the circuit on the main body side via a transmission cable connecting the unit and the main body (FIG. 20, 231a). First, the sample and hold circuit 5H232 removes noise and performs waveform processing using the sample and hold pulse SHP (232a in FIG. 20). However, since the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the CCD line sensor differ for each pixel and each chip, the output differs even when reading originals with the same density, and if this is output as is, streaks and unevenness will occur in the image data.

For this purpose, various correction processes are required.

Gain adjustment circuit AGC (MuUTOIATIC
0NTR0L) 233 is a circuit for amplifying the output of each sensor to a size commensurate with the input signal range of the A/D converter 235. Before reading the original, each sensor reads the white paper transceiver data in advance and amplifies this data. is digitized and stored in the shading RAM 240, this data is compared with a predetermined reference value in the SYS remote 71 (Fig. 3), an appropriate amplification factor is determined, and the corresponding digital data is D/A converted. Each gain is automatically set by being sent to the AGC 233.

Offset adjustment circuit A OC (10C01ATIC0F
SETCONTROL ) 234 is called black level adjustment, and adjusts the dark output voltage of each sensor.

For this purpose, the fluorescent lamp is turned off, the dark output is read by each sensor, this data is digitized and stored in the shading RAM 240, and this one line of data is stored in the S
The YS remote 71 (Fig. 3) compares and judges the offset value with a predetermined reference value, converts the offset value from D/A, and outputs it to the AOC 23.
4, and the offset and gating voltages are adjusted in 256 steps. The output of this AOC is adjusted so that the output density becomes a specified value with respect to the density of the document to be finally read, as shown in FIG. 20 234a.

The data thus converted into digital values by the A/D converter 235 (235a in FIG. 20) is GBRGBR/
It is output in the form of a continuous 8-bit data string. The delay amount setting circuit 236 is a memory that stores a plurality of lines, has a FIFO configuration, and has a first row of CCD line sensors 228b and 226 that scan the document in advance.
The signal from d is stored, and the subsequent (second column CCD
Line sensor 228 ax 2260% 226
It outputs in synchronization with the signal output from e.

The separation and synthesis circuit 237 has R, R, and R for each CCD line sensor.
After separating the GlB data, one line of the original is separated into each C
This is to serially synthesize and output each RlG and B of the CD line sensor. The converter 238 is composed of a ROM, and stores a logarithmic conversion table LUT "1". When a digital value is input as an address signal of the ROM, R% G,
Information on the reflectance of B is converted to information on density.

Next, the shading correction circuit 239 will be explained.

The aging characteristics can be caused by variations in the light distribution characteristics of the light source, a decrease in the amount of light at the edges of a fluorescent lamp, variations in sensitivity between each bit of a CCD line sensor, or variations in the sensitivity of the CCD line sensor. If there are stains such as, etc., this will appear due to these stains.

To this end, at the start of shading correction, the reflected light when irradiating the white plate, which serves as the reference density data for shading correction, is input to the CCD line sensor, and the signal processing circuit performs A/D conversion and log conversion. The reference density data log(R1) is stored in the line memory 240. Next, the image data 10 that was read by scanning the original
By subtracting the reference concentration data log(R1) from g(Di), log(D i) −log(Rl)=l
og(DI/Ri), and the logarithmic value of each pixel after shading correction is obtained. By performing shading correction after log conversion in this way, there is no need to construct an /S-Drosic divider with a complicated and large-scale circuit as in the past (by using a general-purpose full adder IC, the calculation processing can be done easily.

(II-3) Image processing system (IPS) (A)I
Modular configuration of PS FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an outline of the module configuration of IPS.

In reality, a color image forming apparatus uses a COD line sensor at an IIT (image input terminal) to read a color original into the primary colors of light B (blue), G (green), and R (red), and converts this into toner. It is converted into the primary colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and then K (black or ink), and is exposed and developed with a laser beam at the 10T (image output terminal) to reproduce a color image. . In this case, one copy process (pitch) of separating Yl Ml C1K into each toner image and using Y as the process color is carried out once, and similarly, one copy cycle is carried out for each of Ms C1K as the process color. A full color image is reproduced by executing four copy cycles and superimposing the images formed by these halftone dots. Therefore, the color separation signal (81G1
When converting the R signal) to a toner signal (YlM, C1 signal), how to adjust the color balance and how to reproduce the color according to the IIT reading characteristics and IOT output characteristics. How to adjust the balance of density and contrast, emphasize edges, blur, etc.
The problem is how to adjust moiré.

IPS inputs BlG and R color separation signals from IIT, performs various data processing to improve color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, definition reproducibility, etc., and converts them into toner signals of development process colors. It converts on/off and outputs it to IOT, and as shown in Figure 21, END conversion (
Equivalent Neutral Densit
y; isoeugenic concentration conversion) Modiere 301, color masking Modiere 302, document size detection module 3
03, Color conversion module 3 0 4, OCR (
Under Co1or Removal: under color removal) & heat generation module 305, spatial filter 300
, TRC (Tone Reproductlon Co.
ntrol; color tone correction control) module 307, reduction processing module 308, screen generator 309
, an IOT interface module 310, an area image control module 311 having an area generation circuit and a switch matrix, an area command memory 312, a color palette video switch circuit 313, and a font buffer 31.
It consists of an editing control module, etc. with 4 etc.

Then, the 8-bit data (256 gradations) of the BlG and R color separation signals from IIT are sent to EN.
After inputting it to the D conversion module 301 and converting it into YNMlC, K toner signals, the process color toner signal X
is selected, converted into a binary value, and outputted from the IOT interface module 310 to the IOT as on/off data of the process color toner signal. Therefore, in the case of full color (4 colors), after first detecting the document size, editing area, and other document information in pre-scanning, for example, first copying is performed with the process color toner signal X set to Y. Each time a cycle is sequentially executed, followed by a copy cycle in which the process color toner signal X is M, signal processing corresponding to four document reading scans is performed.

At IIT, 81G1. For each R, read 1 pixel at 16 dots/dragon size and convert the data into 24 bits (3 colors x 8 pits).
; 25e gradation).

The COD sensor has an 81G, H filter attached to the top, a density of 16 dots/dragon, a length of 300 mm, and a length of 190 mm. Since scanning is performed at 16 lines/day at a process speed of 5 w/sea, read data is output at a rate of 15 M pixels per second for each color. And at IIT, B, G, H
By log-converting the analog data of pixels,
Reflectance information is converted to density information, which is then further converted to digital data.

Next, each mosier will be explained.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining each module making up the IPS.

(A') END conversion module The END conversion module 301 is a module for adjusting (converting) the optical reading signal of a color original obtained at IIT into a gray-balanced color signal. The amount of toner in a color image is equal in the case of gray, and gray is the standard. However, the values of the B and GlR color separation signals input when a gray original is read from IIT are not equal because the spectral characteristics of the light source and color separation filter are not ideal. Therefore, END conversion uses a conversion table (LUT: look-up table) as shown in FIG. 22 (3) to balance this. Therefore, the conversion table has the characteristic that when a gray original is read, it is always converted into B, G, and R color separation signals at the same gradation corresponding to the level (black → white) and output. , depends on the characteristics of the IIT. In addition, the conversion table has 1θ planes, 11 of which are tables for film projectors including negative film, and 3 sides are for normal copying, photography,
This is a table for generation copying.

(b) Color masking module The color masking modules 302 are B, G.

The R signal is converted into a signal corresponding to the toner amount of YlMlC by matrix calculation, and the END
The signal is processed after gray balance adjustment is performed through conversion.

The conversion matrix used for color masking is a 3X3 matrix that calculates Yl Ml C purely from 8% G1 R, but B, G.

Not only R, BGl GR% RBl Bz, G2,
Of course, various matrices or other matrices may be used in order to take into consideration the component of R2. Two sets of conversion matrices are provided: one for normal color adjustment and one for generating intensity signals in monochrome mode.

In this way, when processing IIT video signals with IPS, gray balance adjustment is performed first and foremost. If this were to be performed after color masking, the conversion table would become more complex because it would be necessary to perform gray balance adjustment using the gray original in consideration of the characteristics of color masking.

(c) Original Size Detection Module Not only standard size originals but also originals of arbitrary shapes such as cutouts or other shapes may be copied. In this case, it is necessary to detect the document size in order to select a paper of an appropriate size corresponding to the document size. Furthermore, when the copy paper is larger than the original size, erasing the outside of the original can improve the quality of the copy. Therefore, the document size detection module 303 performs document size detection during pre-scanning and platen color erasing (frame erasing) processing during document reading and scanning. For this purpose, the platen color is set to a color that can be easily distinguished from the original, for example black, and the upper and lower limits of platen color identification are set in the threshold register 30 as shown in FIG. 22(b).
Set to 31.

During pre-scanning, a signal converted (γ-converted) into information close to the reflectance of the document (spatial filter 300 to be described later) is used.
) X and threshold register 3031
Comparator 303
2, the edge of the document is detected by the edge detection circuit 3034, and the maximum and minimum values of the coordinates (x+y) are stored in the maximum/minimum sorter 3035.

For example, as shown in Figure 22(d), if the document is tilted or not rectangular, the maximum and minimum values (
x l, X2, yl, y) are detected and stored. Also,
When reading and scanning a document, the comparator 3033 detects the Y, MlC and threshold register 3031 of the document.
A platen color erasing circuit 3036 erases the reading signal outside the edge, that is, the platen, and performs frame erasing processing.

(d) Color conversion module The color conversion module 305 allows the conversion of a specified color in a specific area, and as shown in FIG. 22(C), the color conversion module 305
2. It is equipped with a threshold register 3061, a color palette 3053, etc., and when performing color conversion, the upper and lower limits of each Y, M, and C of the converted color are set in the threshold register 3061, and each Y1M of the converted color is set. .

Set the value of C to the color palette 3063.

Then, the Nantes gate 3054 is controlled according to the area signal input from the area image control module, and if the area is not in the color conversion area, YlM and C of the original are sent out as they are from the selector 3065. Y, M.

When the C signal falls between the upper and lower limits of Y, M, and C set in the threshold register 3051, the selector 3055 is output by the window comparator 3052.
and sends out the conversion color Y1M%C set in the color palette 3053.

Specified colors can be specified by pointing directly at the document with the digitizer, such as B, B, etc. around the coordinates specified during prescanning.
The designated color is recognized by taking the average of 25 pixels each of G and R. Through this averaging operation, for example, even a 150-line original can be recognized with an accuracy within a color difference of 5. 81G, R density data reading is performed using IIT shading correction R.
Specified coordinates are converted into addresses and read out from the AM. When converting addresses, it is necessary to readjust the registration scene adjustment as in the case of document size detection. In prescan, the IIT operates in sample scan mode. 81G1R1 read from shading correction RAM
Once the data is subjected to shading correction by software, it is averaged, and then END correction and color masking are performed before being set in the window comparator 3052.

Up to 8 colors out of 18.7 million colors can be registered in the color palette 3053 at the same time, and the standard colors are YLM,
1 for C, GlB, R and their intermediate colors
Available in 14 W colors.

(e) If the UCR & black generation module Yl Ml C is equal in amount, it will be gray, so theoretically the same color can be reproduced by replacing it with equal amounts of Y, M% C4-black, but in reality Specifically,
If it is replaced with black, the color becomes muddy and the reproducibility of vivid colors deteriorates. Therefore, the UCR & black generation module 305 generates an appropriate amount of K to prevent such color muddiness, and performs a process of reducing YlMlC by an equal amount (undercolor removal) in accordance with the amount. Specifically, detect the maximum and minimum values of 7% M, C, generate K below the minimum value from the conversion table according to the difference, and convert 7% M, C according to the amount.
A certain amount of undercolor removal is performed for C.

In UCR & black generation, as shown in Figure 22(e), for example, when the color is close to gray, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value becomes small, so the minimum value equivalent of YLM and C is directly removed to generate K. However, if the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is large, the amount of removal is YlM.

By setting the value of C to be less than the minimum value and also reducing the amount of K generated, mixing of black ink and deterioration of the saturation of low brightness and high saturation colors are prevented.

In FIG. 22(f) showing a specific circuit configuration example, the maximum value/minimum value detection circuit 3061 detects the maximum and minimum values of Y and MlC, and the calculation circuit 3053 calculates the difference. Conversion table 3054 and calculation circuit 3055
to generate K. The conversion table 3054 adjusts the value of K, and when the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is small, the output value of the conversion table 3054 becomes zero, so the minimum value is directly used as the value of K from the calculation circuit 3055. However, if the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is large, the output value of the conversion table 3054 is not zero, so the calculation circuit 3
At step 055, the value subtracted by that amount from the minimum value is output as the value of K. The conversion table 3066 corresponds to K and Y,
This is a table for calculating the value to be removed from M% C. Through this conversion table 3058, the arithmetic circuit 3059 calculates Y,
A corresponding removal of K is performed from MIC. In addition, AND gates 3057 and 3058 are used to control the Y, Y, and
M.

The selectors 3052 and 3050 select either YlMlC or K based on the process color signal. In this way, in reality, Y, M.

Since the halftone color of C is reproduced, the removal of C and the generation ratio of K are the forces generated empirically! It is set using tables, tables, etc.

(f) Spatial filter module II In the device applied to this copying machine, as mentioned earlier
Since the document is read while scanning the COD with the T, if the information is used as is, the information will be blurred.Also, since the document is reproduced by halftone dots, the halftone period of the printed matter and 16
Moiré occurs between the sampling period of dots and dots. In addition, a simian mark occurs between the halftone dot period generated by the user and the halftone dot period of the document. Spatial filter Moziere 306
is equipped with a function to recover such blur and a function to remove moiré. To remove moiré, a low-pass filter is used to cut the halftone component.
A bypass filter is used for edge enhancement.

In the spatial filter module 308, FIG. 22(g)
YlM, C, Mlll and Max-Ml as shown in
One color of n input signals is extracted by a selector 3003 and converted to information close to reflectance using a conversion table 3004. This is because it is easier to pick up edges with this information, and for example, Y is selected as one of the colors. In addition, for each pixel, Y,
M, C1MIn and Max-Mln to Y,
M, C, K, B.

Separates into eight hues: G, R, and W (white). Same figure (
The decoder 3005 (g) recognizes the hue according to the binarized information and outputs 1-bit information indicating whether the process color is a required color or not.

The output of FIG. 22(g) is input to the circuit of FIG. 22(h). Here, we will use PIF03061, 5x7 digital filter 3083, and Mogeracin table 3068.
Generate halftone removal information using PIF03082 and 6.
Figure (g)
Edge enhancement information is generated from the output information. Modulation scene tables 3086 and 3067 are selected depending on the copy mode, such as photo, text only, mixed copy mode, etc.

For edge enhancement, for example, if you are trying to reproduce a green character like ri (■) in Figure 22, Y%C is
Emphasis processing is performed as shown in , and M is not emphasized as shown in the solid line. This switching is shown in Fig. 3 (h).
I'm going with 8B. To carry out this process, if the image is emphasized as indicated by the dotted line (■), the edges become muddy due to the color mixture of M, as shown in [F].

The delay circuit 3085 shown in FIG. 3(h) synchronizes the PIF 03082 and the 5×7 digital filter 3064 in order to switch such emphasis for each process color using an AND gate 3068. When bright green characters are reproduced using normal processing, magenta is mixed into the green characters, causing them to become muddy.

Therefore, when green is recognized as described above, Ylo is output as usual, but M is suppressed and edges are not emphasized.

()) The TRC conversion module IOT performs Y according to the on/off signal from the IPS.
, MlC, and K are used to perform four copy cycles (in the case of 4 full-color copies), making it possible to reproduce full-color originals, but in reality, the colors theoretically determined through signal processing are not reproduced. To reproduce faithfully, delicate adjustments are required that take into account the characteristics of the IOT.

The TRC conversion module 309 is intended to improve such reproducibility, and it inputs 8-bit image data as shown in Figure 22 (J) using each combination of 7% M and C densities. It has an address conversion table in RAM and can perform density adjustment, contrast adjustment, negative/positive inversion, color balance adjustment, etc. according to the area signal.
It has editing functions such as character mode and watermark composition. Bits 0 to 3 of the area signal are used for the upper three bits of this RAM address. Furthermore, the above functions can be used in combination using the out-of-area mode. In addition,
For example, this RAM is configured with 2 bytes (266 bytes x 8 sides) and holds an 8-side conversion table.
Up to eight pages are stored during the IIT carriage return for each cycle of C, and are selected according to area designation and copy mode. Of course, if the RAM capacity is increased, there is no need to load it every cycle.

(H) Reduction/enlargement processing module The reduction/enlargement processing module 308 uses the line buffer 13083
In the process of temporarily holding and transmitting data
1: Sampling pitch signal and line buffer Y3083
Generate read/write addresses for. line buff 1
3083 is a ping-pong buffer consisting of two lines, so that it is possible to read one line and write the next line data to the other at the same time. In the reduction/enlargement process, the main scanning direction is digitally processed by the reduction/enlargement processing module 308, but the IIT scan speed is changed in the sub-scanning direction. The scanning speed can be scaled up from 50% to 400% by changing from 2x speed to 1/4x speed. In digital processing, when data is read/written to the line buffer y3083, it can be reduced by thinning and complementing, and it can be expanded by adding and complementing. If the complementary data is located in the middle, it is generated by weighting according to the distance from the data on both sides, as shown in FIG. 1 (1). For example, data XI'
In the case of , the data on both sides X t , X i+1 and the distance d between these data and the sampling point
From l, d2, (XIXd2) + (X1+5x
dl) However, it is obtained by calculating dl+d2=1.

In the case of reduction processing, data is supplemented and written to line buffer y3083, and at the same time, the reduced data of the previous line is read out from buffer 1 and sent. In the case of enlarging processing, the data is written as-is, and at the same time the data of the previous line is read out, supplemented and enlarged, and then sent out.

If complementary enlargement is performed at the time of writing, the clock at the time of writing must be increased according to the enlargement ratio, but if it is done as described above, writing/reading can be performed with the same clock.

In addition, using this configuration, it is possible to perform shift image processing in the main scanning direction by reading from the middle or by reading with delayed timing, and by repeatedly reading, it is possible to perform repeated processing by reading from the opposite direction. It is also possible to perform mirror image processing.

(2) Screen generator The screen generator 309 converts the process color gradation toner signal into an on/off binary toner signal and outputs it, and compares the threshold matrix with the gradation-expressed data value. Binarization processing and error diffusion processing are performed. In the IOT, this binary toner signal is input, and the length is approximately 80 um to correspond to 18 feet/foot.
A halftone image is reproduced by turning on/off an elliptical laser beam with a diameter of 80 μm and a width of 80 μm.

First, the method of expressing gradation will be explained. Figure 22 (n
), for example, a case where a 4×4 halftone cell S is configured will be explained. First, in the screen generator, a threshold matrix m is set corresponding to such a halftone cell S, and this is compared with a data value expressed in gradation. In this comparison process, for example, if the data value is "6", a signal is generated to turn on the laser beam at a portion of the threshold matrix m that is equal to or less than "5".

Generally 1 4x4 halftone cell with 16 dots/dragon
00 apl, 188 gradation halftone dots, but this results in a rough image and poor color image reproducibility. Therefore, in this copying machine, as a method to increase the gradation, these 16 dots/fin pixels are divided into four vertically (main scanning direction), and the on/off frequency of the laser beam for each pixel is adjusted as shown in the figure (o). As shown in FIG. 1, by increasing the gradation by 174 units, that is, by 4 times, a gradation level that is 4 times higher is achieved. Therefore, in response to this, a threshold value matrix m' as shown in FIG. 3(0) is set. Furthermore, it is also effective to employ a submatrix method to increase the number of lines.

The above example used the same threshold matrix m with the only growth nucleus near the center of each halftone cell, but the submatrix method is constructed by a set of multiple unit matrices, as shown in Figure 2(p). In this way, the growth nuclei of the matrix are set at two or more locations (plurality). If such a screen pattern design method is adopted, for example, the bright areas will have 141 splz and 844 gradations, and as it gets darker, the screen will have 200 apl and 128 gradations, allowing the number of lines to be changed freely depending on the dark and bright areas. You can change the gradation. Such a pattern can be designed by visually determining the smoothness, fineness, graininess, etc. of gradations.

When a halftone image is reproduced using a dot matrix as described above, the number of gradations and resolution have a contradictory relationship.

In other words, there is a relationship in which increasing the number of gradations causes a decrease in resolution, and increasing the resolution causes a decrease in the number of gradations. Also,
The matrix of threshold data is reduced (this will cause a quantization error in the image that is actually output. The error diffusion process is carried out by the screen generator 3082 as shown in (q) of the same figure.
The quantization error between the on/off binary signal generated by the on/off binary signal and the input gradation signal is converted to the density conversion circuit 3093. Subtraction circuit 3
094, correction circuit 3095, addition circuit 30
91 to improve the reproducibility of gradation from a macro perspective. For example, error diffusion processing is performed by convolving the corresponding position of the previous line and the pixels on both sides of it through a digital filter. ing.

As mentioned above, the screen generator switches threshold data and error diffusion processing feedback coefficients for each document or area depending on the type of image, such as a halftone image or character image, to improve the reproducibility of high-gradation, high-definition images. .

(J) Area image control module The area image control module 311 has a configuration in which seven rectangular areas and their priorities can be set in the area generation circuit, and area control information is set in the switch matrix corresponding to each area. be done.

The control information includes color conversion, color mode such as monochrome or full color, modulation loose selection information for photos and text, TRC selection information, screen generator selection information, etc. Color masking module 802, color conversion Module 304, U.C.
It is used to control the R module 305, spatial filter 306, and TRC module 307. Note that the switch matrix can be set by software.

(Le) Editing control module The editing control module reads a manuscript that is not a rectangle but a pie chart, for example, and enables coloring processing in which a specified area of any shape is filled in with a specified color. ■) Add A G D to the CPU path as shown in
C (Advanced Graphic Di
goal Controller) 3121, font buffer T312810 Go ROM128, DMAC (DM
A Controller) 312θ is connected.

Then, the encoded 4-bit area command is written from the CPU to the brain memory 3122 through the AGDC 3121, and the font is written to the font buffer 13126. The brain memory 3122 has 4
For example, in the case of roooOJ, the command O
Each point of the document can be set using 4 bits of plane O to plane 3, so that the original document is output. The decoder 3123 decodes this 4-bit information into commands O to 15.
The switch matrix 3124 is used to set whether command 15 should be used to perform fill pattern, fill logic, or logo processing. The font address controller 3125 generates an address for the font buffer y312B' in accordance with patterns such as halftone shade and hatching shade based on a 2-bit fill pattern signal.

The switch circuit 3127 is a switch matrix 3124
Based on the fill logic signal and the contents of the document data X, the document data X1 font buffer 13126, color palette, etc. are selected. Phillogic is
This information is used to fill only the background (background part of the document) with a color mesh, color convert a specific part, masking, trimming, filling, etc.

As described above, the IPS of this copier first performs END conversion on the IIT original reading signal, then performs color masking, and performs processing such as original size, border erasure, and color conversion, which is more efficient when processing with full color data. After that, I removed the undercolor and created ink to focus on process colors. However, processing such as spatial filters, color modulation, TRC, and scaling can be done using process color data, which reduces the amount of processing compared to processing full color data, and reduces the number of conversion tables used to 173. At the same time, we have increased the number of types to increase adjustment flexibility, color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, and definition reproducibility.

(B) Hardware configuration of image processing system No. 23
The figure is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an IPS.

The IPS of this copier is divided into two substrates, IPS-A and IPS-B, and is designed to meet the basic needs of a color image forming device, such as color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, and definition reproducibility. On the first board IPS-A, the part that achieves the function is
Parts that perform applied and specialized functions such as editing are mounted on the second board IPS-B. The configuration of the former is shown in Figure 23 (
a) to (c), and the latter configuration is shown in (d) of the figure.

In particular, if the basic functions can be sufficiently achieved with the first board, applications and specialized functions can be flexibly handled simply by changing the design of the second board. Therefore, if it is desired to further enhance the functionality of the color image forming apparatus, this can be achieved simply by changing the design of the other substrate.

The IPS board has CPU buses (address bus ADR8BUS1, data bus DATA) as shown in Figure 23.
BUS, control bus CTRLBUS) are connected, and video clock IIT・VCLK and line synchronization (main scanning direction, horizontal synchronization) signal IIT@LS1 are connected as IIT video data B0, G, R1 synchronization signals.
Page synchronization (sub-scanning direction, vertical synchronization) signal I IT-
PS is connected.

Since the video data is subjected to /f e-line processing after the END converter, processing is required at each processing stage, resulting in a data delay in units of locks. Therefore, the line synchronization generation and fail check circuit 328 generates and distributes horizontal synchronization signals in response to delays in each process, and performs a fail check on the video clock and line synchronization signals. Therefore, the video clock IIT@vCLK and the line synchronization signal IIT-LS are connected to the line synchronization generation & fail check circuit 328, and the CPU
bus (ADR8BUS% DATABUSl CTR
LBUS) and chip select signal CS are connected.

The video data B1 G1 R of the IIT is input to the ROM 321 of the END* conversion section. The END conversion table may be configured to be loaded from the CPU as appropriate using RAM, for example, but since there is almost no need to rewrite it while the device is in use and image data is being processed, B.
Two 2-byte ROMs are used for each of G and R, and a ROM-based LUT (look-up table) method is adopted. It has 16 conversion tables and is switched by a 4-bit selection signal ENDSel.

The output of ROM321 after END conversion is 3 for each color.
Three calculation LSI322s that store two sides of a ×1 matrix
connected to a color masking section consisting of Arithmetic LSI
Each path of the CPU is connected to 322, and the coefficients of the matrix can be set from the CPU. Setup signal SU1 and chip select signal C8 are connected to switch from image signal processing to CPU bus for rewriting by CPU, etc., and 1 is used to switch matrix selection.
A bit switching signal MONO is connected.

A power-down signal PD is also input to stop the internal video clock when the IIT is not scanning, that is, when not performing image processing.

B, GlR to Y, M by calculation LSI322
.

The signal converted to C is transferred to the second substrate I shown in FIG.
After color conversion processing is performed through the PS-H color conversion LSI 353, the signal is input to the DOD LSI 323. The color conversion LSI 353 has four color conversion circuits consisting of a threshold value register for setting non-conversion colors, a color palette for setting conversion colors, a comparator, etc., and the DOD LSI 323 has a document edge detection circuit, It has a frame eraser circuit, etc.

The output of the DOD LSI323 that has undergone frame erasing is UCR.
The data is sent to the LSI 324 for use. This LSi includes a UCR circuit, a black generation circuit, and a necessary color generation circuit, and includes a process color x corresponding to the toner color in the copy cycle.
1 Required color) Outputs each signal of 1 us and Edge. Therefore, this LSI has a 2-bit process color designation signal C0LR and a color mode signal (
4COLR% MONO) is also input.

The line memory 325 stores the process color X1 (necessary color) i ue output from the UCR LSI 324.

A FIFO that stores data for 4 lines in order to input each edge signal to the 5x7 digital filter 326, and a FIF that matches the delay.
O or growl. Here, process color
For e, 4 lines are accumulated and a total of 5 lines are sent to the digital filter 326, and for ue (required color), it is delayed by FIFO and sent to the digital filter 326.
The signal is synchronized with the output of the MIX LSI 327 and sent to the MIX LSI 327.

The digital filter 326 is a 2×7 filter LS
There are two sets of 5 x 7 filters (low pass LP and bypass HP) consisting of three I, and one process color
On the other hand, processing is performed on Edge.

In the LSI 327 for MIX, these outputs are subjected to halftone removal and edge emphasis processing using a conversion table, and then mixed into process color X. Here, the edge E D G El is used as a signal for switching the conversion table.
5harp is input.

The TRC 342 consists of a 2 byte RAM holding eight conversion tables. The conversion table is configured to be rewritten using the carriage return period before each scan, and is switched by a 3-bit switching signal TRC5el. Then, the processing output from here is sent to the LS for reduction processing from the transceiver.
Sent to I345. The reduction/enlargement processing section has an RA of 8 bytes.
A ping pong buffer T (line buffer 1) is configured using two M344s, and an LSI 343 generates a resampling pitch and an address for line buffer 1.

The output of the reduction/enlargement processing unit returns to the EDF LSI 34θ through the area memory unit of the second board shown in FIG. 3(d). E
The DF LSI 34B has a FIFO that holds information on the previous line, and performs error diffusion processing using the information on the previous line. Then, the signal X after the error diffusion process is converted to
It is output to the IOT interface via SI347.

In the IOT interface, the signal from the SG LSI 347 input as a 1-bit on/off signal is transferred to the LSI.
349, and sends it to the IOT in parallel in 8 bits.

In the second board shown in FIG. 23, the data actually flowing is 16 dots/dot, so the reduced LSI
At step 54, the image is reduced to 1/4, binarized, and stored in the area memory. The enlargement decoding LSI 359 has a fill pattern RAM 3θO, and when reading area information from the area memory and generating a command, it enlarges it to 16 dots and performs logo address generation, color palette, and fill pattern generation processing. The DRAM 356 is configured on four sides and stores coded 4-bit area information. The AGDC 355 is a dedicated controller that controls area commands.

(n-4) Image Output Terminal (A) Schematic Structure FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the image output terminal (IOT).

This device uses an organic photosensitive material (Photo) as a photoreceptor.

A developing machine 404 consisting of black (K), magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) for four full colors, and a transfer device (Tow Roll Transfer) that conveys paper to a transfer unit.
L.

op) 408, a vacuum transport device (VacuuTrans) that transports the paper from the transfer device 404 to the fixing device 811408.
fer) 407, paper trays 410, 412, and a paper conveyance path 411, and the three units of the photosensitive material belt, the developing device, and the transfer device can be pulled out to the front side.

Information light obtained by modulating the laser light from the laser light source 40 is irradiated onto the sensitive material 41 via the mirror 40d to perform exposure and form a latent image.

The image formed on the photosensitive material is developed by a developing device 404 to form a toner image. The developing machine 404 is M
, C, and Y, and are arranged in the positional relationship as shown in the figure. This arrangement takes into account, for example, the relationship between dark attenuation and the characteristics of each toner, and the difference in influence caused by mixing other toners with black toner. However, the driving order for full color copying is Y-C4M4.
It is.

On the other hand, 41o1 and other 2 consisting of two elevator trays
The paper fed from the tray 412 of the stage is transported through the conveyance path 411.
is supplied to the transfer device 1!408 through. Transcription department! 1
Reference numeral 408 is placed in the transfer unit and consists of two rolls connected by a timing chain or belt, and a gripper bar as described below. Transfer the image to paper. In the case of full-color printing, the paper rotates four times in the transfer unit, and the images of N, Y, C, M, and K are transferred in this order. After the transfer, the paper is released from the gripper bar and is passed from the transfer device to the vacuum conveyance device 407, and then transferred to the fixing device 40.
It is fixed and ejected at step 8.

The vacuum conveyance device 407 includes a transfer device 408 and a fixing device 40.
It absorbs the speed difference with 8 and maintains synchronization. In this device, the transfer speed (process speed) is 190 mm/
sea, and in the case of full-color copying, the fixing speed is 90 mII/sec, so the transfer speed and fixing speed are different.

In order to ensure the degree of fixation, the process speed is reduced, and on the other hand, in order to achieve 1.5 kVA, the power cannot be reduced to the user.

Therefore, in the case of small paper such as B5 or A4, the speed of the vacuum transport device is set to 190 V at the moment the transferred paper is released from the transfer device 1E406 and placed on the vacuum transport device 407.
I lowered it from a/sea to 90 w/sea to make it the same as the fixing speed. However, in this device, the distance between the transfer device and the fixing device is made as short as possible to make the device compact, so if A3 paper cannot fit between the transfer point and the fixing device, the speed of the vacuum conveyance device will be reduced. Otherwise, since the rear edge of the A3 sheet is being transferred, the brakes will be applied to the paper, resulting in color misregistration. Therefore, a baffle plate 408 is installed between the fixing device and the vacuum conveyance device, and in the case of A3 paper, the puffful plate is tilted downward to draw a loop on the paper to lengthen the conveyance path. The leading edge of the paper reaches the fixing device after the transfer is completed at the same speed as the transfer speed, thereby absorbing the speed difference. Also, in the case of OHP, heat conduction is poor, so
The process is the same as in the case of 3 sheets of paper.

In addition, this device is capable of copying not only full color but also black without reducing productivity. In the case of black, there is less toner layer and it is possible to fix even with a small amount of heat, so the fixing speed remains at 190 mm 1 sec. The vacuum transfer device does not reduce the speed. This is done in the same way when there is only one toner layer other than black, such as a single color toner layer, since there is no need to reduce the fixing speed. When the transfer is completed, the toner remaining on the photosensitive material is scraped off by a cleaner 405.

(B) Structure of Transfer Device The transfer device 40B has a structure as shown in FIG. 25(a).

The transfer device of this apparatus is characterized by having a structure that does not have a mechanical paper support to prevent color unevenness and the like, and by controlling the speed to increase the transfer speed.

The paper is ejected from the tray by a feed head 421, conveyed through a buckle chamber 422 driven by a paper path servo 423, and supplied to a transfer device via a registration gate 425 whose opening and closing are controlled by a registration gate solenoid 428. A pre-registration gate sensor 424 detects that the paper has reached the registration gate. The transfer device is driven by a servo motor 432 driving a roller 433 via a timing belt.
It is rotating counterclockwise. The rollers 434 are not particularly driven, and two timing chains or belts are hung between the rollers, and between the chains (in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction), the chains are normally closed with elasticity, and the transfer Gripper bar 4 whose mouth is opened by a solenoid at the entrance of the device
30 is provided, and conveys the paper by holding it in its mouth and pulling it around at the entrance of the transfer device. Conventionally, paper was supported by attaching a Mylar sheet or mesh to an aluminum or steel support, but due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients, unevenness was created, resulting in poor transfer efficiency. In contrast, color unevenness occurred due to differences in color.
By using this gripper bar, there is no need to provide a special support for the paper, and the occurrence of color unevenness can be prevented.

The transfer device does not have a support for the paper to be conveyed, and the paper will be thrown outward by centrifugal force at the rollers.To prevent this, two rollers are vacuumed and the paper is transferred to the rollers. When it passes the rollers, it is transported while fluttering. At the transfer point, the paper is attracted by electrostatic force toward the photosensitive material on which the pig corotron and transfer corotron are arranged, and the transfer is performed. After the transfer is completed, the gripper home sensor 436 detects the position at the exit of the transfer device, and at an appropriate timing, a solenoid opens the gripper bar to release the paper and transfer it to the vacuum conveyance device 413.

Therefore, in the transfer device, the - sheet is transferred four times in the case of full color, and three times in the case of three colors, to perform the transfer.

The timing control of the servo motor 432 is shown in FIG. 22(b).
This is explained by: The transfer device may be instructed to control the servo motor 432 at a constant speed during transfer, and once transfer is complete, control is performed so that the lead edge transferred to the paper is synchronized with the transfer point of the next latent image. On the other hand, the length of the sensitive material belt 41 is such that latent images are formed on 3 sheets of A4 paper and 2 sheets of A3 paper, and the length of the belt 435 is slightly longer than the length of 3 sheets of paper (approximately 4/3 times) is set.

Therefore, when making a color copy of A4 paper, the first color latent image! When transferring I, the servo motor 432 is controlled at a constant speed, and when the transfer is completed, the servo motor is rapidly accelerated and controlled so that the lead edge transferred to the paper is synchronized with the leading edge of the second color latent image I2. . In addition, in the case of A3 paper, when the transfer of the first color latent image It is completed, the servo motor is decelerated and waits so that the lead edge transferred to the paper is synchronized with the leading edge of the second color latent image I2. Control as follows.

(■-6) User interface (U/I) (A) Adoption of color display Figure 26 shows the state and appearance of the installation of a user interface device using a display, and Figure 27 shows the installation of the user interface. The attached figure is a diagram for explaining corners and heights.

The user interface supports easy-to-understand interaction between the operator and the machine, and the impression material must enable simple operation and provide the necessary information to the operator while clarifying the relationships between the information. To this end, we created an original user interface for this copier that corresponds to the user's usage, making it easy for beginners to understand, not bothersome for experts, and allowing direct operation when selecting functions. The aim of operability is to use colors to convey information to the operator more accurately and quickly, and to concentrate operations in one place as much as possible.

When it comes to copying machines, the more reliable they are with a variety of functions, the higher the reputation of the device will be. However, if those functions are difficult to use, the value will drop dramatically even if it has excellent functions. On the contrary, it becomes an expensive device. As a result, even if the device is a highly functional model, it is difficult to use and the overall evaluation of the device is significantly lowered. From this point of view, the user interface is a factor that greatly influences whether or not a device is easy to use.In particular, as copiers have become more multi-functional in recent years, the operability of the user interface has become an issue. Become.

In order to improve such operability, the user interface of this copying machine is equipped with a 12-inch color display 501 monitor and a hard control panel 502 next to it, as shown in FIG. The color display is designed to provide the user with a menu that is easy to see and understand, and the color display 501 is combined with an infrared touch board 603 to allow direct access using soft buttons on the screen. Furthermore, by efficiently distributing operation contents to the hard buttons on the hard control panel 502 and the soft buttons displayed on the screen of the color display 501, it is possible to simplify the operation and efficiently configure the menu screen.

On the back side of the color display 501 and the hard control panel 502, there is a monitor system as shown in Figures (b) and (C)! /Power supply board 504 and video engine board 5
05. A CRT driver board 506 and the like are mounted, and the hard control panel 502 is angled toward the center from the surface of the color display 501, as shown in FIG. 5C.

Further, the color display 501 and the hard control panel 502 are not mounted directly on the base machine (copying machine main body) 507 as shown in the figure, but on a support arm 508 erected on the base machine 507. If a stand-type color display 501 is used instead of a console panel as in the past, it can be mounted three-dimensionally above the base machine 507 as shown in FIG. 26(a). By placing the color display 501 in the back right corner of the base machine 507 as shown in FIG. 27(a), the size of the copier can be designed without considering the console panel, making the device compact It is possible to aim for

In a copying machine, the height of the platen, that is, the height of the device, is designed to be at a comfortable waist height for setting a document, and this height regulates the height of the device.

Conventional console panels are mounted on the top of the copier, so they are located at waist height and close to your hand, making them easy to operate, but they are also placed quite far away from your eyes to allow you to select functions and set execution conditions. An operating section and a display section will be arranged for this purpose. In this regard, the user interface of this copying machine is located at a position higher than the platen, that is, close to eye level, as shown in FIG. Moreover, it is on the right side, making it easier to operate. Moreover, by bringing the height of the display closer to eye level, the lower side can be used for optional devices such as the user interface control board, memory card device, key counter, etc.
Installation of the kit can also be used effectively as space. Therefore, there is no need to make any structural changes to attach the memory card HWl, and the memory card device can be added without changing the appearance at all, and at the same time, the display can be attached at a position and height that are easy to see. Further, although the display may be fixed at a predetermined angle, it is of course possible to employ a structure that allows the display to change its angle.

(B) System configuration FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the user interface, and FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user interface.

As shown in FIG. 28, the modular configuration of the user interface of this copying machine includes a video display module 511 that controls the display screen of a color display 501, an edit pad 513, and a memory card 514 that processes information input and output. The system UI 517, 519, subsystem 516, touch screen 503, and control panel 502 that control these are connected to the video display module 511.

The edit pad interface module 512 receives the X and Y coordinates from the edit pad 513 and the coordinates and X coordinates from the memory card 514.

In addition to inputting the Y coordinate, video map display information is sent to the video display module 511, and a U control signal is exchanged with the video display module 511.

By the way, area specification includes marker specification, which specifies an area on the document with a red or blue marker, and performs cropping and color conversion.
There are two-point specification using the coordinates of a rectangular area, and a closed-loop specification by tracing with the edit pad, but marker specification does not have any particular data, and two-point specification has less data, while closed-loop specification allows you to specify the area as an editing target. Requires large amounts of data. This data is edited using IPS remote, but the amount of data is too large to transfer at high speed.

Therefore, the data on the X and Y coordinates is configured to use a dedicated transfer line to the IIT/IPS 516, in addition to the general data transfer line.

The video display module 511 inputs the vertical and horizontal input points (coordinate positions of the touch screen) on the touch screen 503 and presses the button! D and inputs the button ID of the control panel 502. Then, the button ID is sent to the system UI 517.519, and a display request is received from the system UI 517.519. Further, a subsystem (ESS) 515 is connected to, for example, a work stage, a host CPU, and is a printer controller when this apparatus is used as a laser printer. In this case, information on the touch screen 503, control panel 502, and keyboard (not shown) is transferred as is to the subsystem 515, and the contents of the display screen are sent from the subsystem 515 to the video display module 511. .

The system tJI 517.519 exchanges information on the copy mode and machine state with the master controller 518.520. When compared with FIG. 4 explained earlier, one of the system UIs 517 and 519 is the third
5YSUI module 81 of SYS remote shown in Figure 2
and the other is the MCBU of the MCB remote shown in Figure 4.
Imoji.

- Rule 8B.

The user interface of this copying machine consists of a UICB521 and an EPIB5 hardware as shown in FIG.
It is composed of two control boards consisting of 22, and its functions are broadly divided into two, corresponding to the above module configuration. The UICB 521 controls the UI hardware and has an edit pad 513 and a memory card 51.
Also touch screen 50 to drive 4
Two CPUs (
For example, Intel's 8085 equivalent and 6845 equivalent) are used.Furthermore, EPIB522 uses 16
BIT CPU (e.g. Intel 80C198KA)
) and bi.

Transfer the drawing data of the map area to UICB521 using DMA.
Functional distribution is achieved by configuring the data to be transferred to

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the configuration of the UICH.

In addition to the above-mentioned CPUs, the UICB has a CPU 534 (e.g., equivalent to Intel's 8051), and a CCC 531 is connected to the high-speed communication line L-NET and the communication line of the obcise keyboard, and the CPU 534 and CCC 531 control communication. , the CPU 534 is also used to drive the touch screen. The touch screen signal is sent from the CPU 534 to the CCC 5 with its coordinate position information intact.
31 to the CPU 532, and the CPU 532
The button ID is recognized and processed. It is also connected to the control panel through the input port 551 and output port 552, and from the EPIB 522 and the subsystem (ESS) through the subsystem interface 548, receiver 548, and driver 550.
Video data is received and received by IMbpa along with a MHz clock, and commands and status information can be exchanged at 9800 bps.

The memory is BootR, which stores the bootstrap.
In addition to OM535, frame ROM538 and 539, RA
M538, bitmap RAM537, V-RAM54
I have 2. Frame ROMs 53B and 539 are memories in which display screen data is stored not as a bitmap but in a data structure that is easy to handle with software.When a display request is sent through LNET, the
The PU 532 first generates drawing data in the RAM 53B as a work area, and the DMA 541 generates the V
- written to RAM 542; Further, the bitmap data is transferred by the DMA 540 from the EPIB 522 to the bitmap RAM 537 and written therein. Character generator 544 is for graphic tiles, and text character generator 543 is for character tiles.

The V-RAM 542 is managed by a tile code, which consists of 24 bits (3 bytes), 13 bits for tile type information, 2 bits for identification information of text, graphics, or bitmap, and 1 bit for identification information. is used for blink information, 5 bits are used for tile color information, and 3 bits are used for background or foreground information. CR,T:l:/)CI-953341
, the display screen is developed based on the tile code information written in the V-RAM 542, and the shift register 545,
Video data is sent to the CRT through a multiplexer 546 and a color palette 547.

The drawing of the bitmap area is switched by a shift register 545.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the configuration of EPIB.

The EPIB includes a 16-bit CPU (for example, equivalent to Intel's 80C198KA) 555, a boot page code ROM 556, an OS page code ROM 557, an area memory 558, and a RAM 5 used as a work area.
59 in the evening. And interface 561,
U through driver 562 and driver/receiver 563
The high-speed communication interface 5 transfers bitmap data, commands, and status information to the ICB.
64, the X and Y coordinate data are transferred to the IPS through the driver 565. Note that reading/writing to/from the memory card 525 is performed through the interface 560.

Therefore, the edit pad 524 and memory card 5
When closed-loop editing area designation information and copy mode information are input from 25, these information are appropriately transferred to the UICB through the interface 561 and driver 582, and to the IPS through the high-speed communication interface 5B4 and driver 565, respectively.

(C) Display screen configuration Even when using a display as a user interface, the amount of information needed to provide information corresponding to multi-functionality increases, so if you think about it simply, a large display area is required, making it difficult to make it more compact. This has the aspect of making it difficult to respond. When a compact size display is adopted, it becomes difficult to provide all necessary information on one screen not only because of display density issues, but also because it is difficult to provide a screen that is easy for the operator to view and understand.

In the user interface of the present invention, a compact size display is used, and the display screen and its control are devised.

In particular, color displays have the advantage of being able to adopt a variety of display modes by controlling color, brightness, and other display attributes compared to the LEDs and liquid crystal displays used in console panels. Various efforts have been made to display information in an easy-to-understand manner, regardless of size.

For example, by thickening the information displayed on the screen (categorizing it and dividing it into multiple screens, and for each screen, detailed information can be opened as a pop-up and omitted from the primary screen to keep the screen clear and concise with the minimum amount of information necessary). In addition, on screens that contain multiple pieces of information, the features of color display and highlighted display make it easier to recognize and identify the necessary information on the screen. We are trying to do this.

(a) Screen layout FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display screen.
Figure (a) shows the configuration of the basic copy screen, Figure (b) shows an example of a pop-up screen expanded to the basic copy screen, and Figure (c) shows the configuration of one creative editing Paint screen. FIG.

In the user interface of this copying machine, a basic copy screen for setting a copy mode as shown in FIG. 32 is displayed as an initial screen.

The screen for setting the copy mode constitutes a software control panel, which is divided into two, message area A and pathway B, as shown in FIG.

Message area A uses the top three lines of the screen,
Predetermined messages are displayed on the first line for state messages, and on the second and third lines for guidance messages when there is a contradiction in function selection, messages regarding abnormal conditions of the device, and warning information messages.

The right end of the message area A is a number display area where the set number of copies entered using the numeric keys and the number of copies being copied are displayed.

Busway B is an area for selecting various functions,
Basic copy aid feature It has marker editing, business editing, freehand editing, creative editing, and tool pathways, and a busway tab C is displayed corresponding to each pathway. Additionally, each pathway has a pop-up to improve operability.

Pathway B displays a soft button D1 that is an option and selects a function when touched, an icon (picture) El that changes depending on the selected function and displays that function, an indicator F that displays the zoom ratio, etc. , items that are popped up using soft button D are marked with a Δ pop-up mark G. Then, by touching busway tab C, you can open that pathway.
By touching soft button D, that function can be selected. The selection of functions by touching the soft button D is designed to be operated in order from the upper left to the lower right in consideration of operability.

As mentioned above, the basic copy screen and others are separated to maximize commonality with other models and hard console panels, and the editing screen provides screens and functions tailored to the skill level of the operator. It has a multiple layer structure. Furthermore, by combining such a screen configuration with a pop-up function, a screen that is easy to use in a variety of ways is provided, such as displaying advanced or complex functions within a single screen as a pop-up.

A pop-up has detailed setting information for a specific function, and by providing a pop-up opening function and opening the detailed setting information as needed, the screen configuration of each busway can be changed. I keep it simple and easy to read. A pop-up opens when a soft button with a pop-up mark is touched. Then, it closes when the close button or cancel button is selected, when the all clear button is pressed, when all clear is applied by the auto clear function, etc. FIG. 32(b) shows the state of the screen when a pop-up is opened by touching the magnification soft button in the reduction/enlargement function.

When the creative editing busway tab is touched on the basic copy screen, the screen changes to the creative editing busway screen, of which the Paint 1 screen is shown in FIG. 32(C). This screen has a bitmap area H and a guidance message area I. The bitmap area H is located at the upper left of the screen, and when an editing area is specified on the edit pad, the area can be displayed as a bitmap in black and white. Further, the guidance message area (3) uses the lower left corner of the screen to guide the user in response to editing work, and changes depending on the work. On the screen, the area excluding the bit map area H1 guiding message area I and the message area A at the top of the screen is used as a work area.

(b) Basic copy screen As shown in Figure 32 (a), the basic copy pathway uses soft buttons (choices) to select the following functions: color mode, paper selection, reduction/enlargement, copy image quality, color balance, and sheep program. It also has busway tabs for marker editing, business editing, freehand editing, creative editing, and aided feature tools. This pathway is an initial pathway, and is displayed when power is turned on, after turning on the all clear button, and when auto clearing, etc.

The color mode is full color (4-pass color), which makes copies using 4 types of toner: YLM, C, and K, and 3-pass color, which makes copies using 3 types of toner except K. 12
Single color from which you can choose one color: black, black/
It has red options, and the automatically selected default can be set arbitrarily. Here, the single color black/red option has detailed setting items, so
The item will pop up.

Paper selection is automatic paper selection (APS), ) Ray 1.2,
Cassette 3.4 options are available, and APS is valid when a specific magnification is set for reduction/enlargement, but not valid when automatic magnification (AMS) is set. The default is APS.

Reduction/enlargement is 100%, AMS sets the magnification based on the paper size and original size when paper is selected,
It has options for arbitrary magnification, and the set magnification, calculated magnification, or automatic is displayed on the top indicator. For variable magnification, the magnification can be set in 1% increments from 50% to 400%, and the vertical and horizontal magnification can be set independently (bias).
You can also. Therefore, these detailed setting items are expanded as a pop-up. Note that the default is 1
It is 00%.

As mentioned earlier, this reduction/enlargement can be done in the sub-scanning direction (X direction) by changing the scan speed, and in the main scanning direction (Y direction) by changing the reading method from the line memory of the engineering PS.
direction).

Copy image quality has two options: automatic, which performs automatic density adjustment for black-and-white originals, and automatic color balance adjustment for color originals, and manual, which allows 7-step density control via pop-up. Color balance is done by pop-up and select the color you want to reduce on the copy as YlM, C, BlG.
, R, and its control is performed in the IPS.

The options for the program are valid only when the memory card is inserted into the slot of the reader. In this mode, pop-up allows you to read the program from the memory card or write the program to the memory card. can be selected.

For example, the memory card can store up to 8 ebs.
Use a film projector with a byte capacity.
All programs except modes are programmable.

(C) Aid feature screen The aid feature pathway has soft buttons (choices) for selecting each function: copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy button 1, film projector, page programming, sheep program, binding margin. ), as well as pathway tabs for Marker Editing, Business Editing, Freehand Editing, Creative Editing, and Basic Copy Tools.

Copy output has the option of outputting to the top tray or sorting mode. The default is the top tray, and if a sorter is not installed, this item will not be displayed.

Copy sharpness is 7 for standard and pop-up.
It has a manual that allows you to control the steps, and a photo that is categorized into photo, text (character), print, and photo/text by pop-up, and the control is performed in IPS. The default can be set arbitrarily.

For copy contrast, you can select a 7-step contrast control. The copy positive scene has an option for an auto-center function that places the center of the copy image on the center of the paper by default.

As explained in a separate section, the film projector is a mode for making copies from various types of film.
5mm positive, 35mm negative or f3 cm on the platen
There are options for X 8 ell slides and 4' X 5' slides.

Page programming includes a cover that attaches a cover to copies, an insert that inserts blank or colored paper between copies, a color mode that can be set for each page of the original, and a paper option that allows you to select a tray for each page of the original. Note that this item will not be displayed unless you have an ADF.

The binding margin can be set in the range of 0 to 30 in increments of 1-■, and only one position can be specified for each manuscript. The binding displacement is the amount from the leading edge of the paper to the leading edge of the image area, and is generated in the main scanning direction by a shift operation using a line buffer of the IPS, and in the sub-scanning direction by shifting the scan timing of the IIT.

(d) Editing screen and tool screen There are four pathways for editing screens: marker editing, business editing, freehand editing, and creative editing.

The Marker Edit Pathway and Freehand Edit Pathway have options for extraction, deletion, coloring (hatching/line/peta), and color conversion, as well as basic copy edit features and tool pathway tabs.

Business editing pathways include extraction, deletion, and coloring (shading/shading).
It has options for various functions such as line/solid), color conversion, color filling, logo insertion, and binding margin, and it also has pathway tabs for basic copy, edit feature, and tools, just like the marker editing pathway.

The creative editing pathway includes extraction, deletion, coloring (halftone/line/solid), color conversion, color filling, logo insertion, binding margin, negative/positive inversion, inset composition, watermark composition, paint, mirror image, repeat, enlarged continuous shooting. , partial movement, corner/center movement, manual/auto magnification, manual/auto bias, color mode, color balance adjustment, continuous page copying, color composition, and basic functions like marker editing pathway, etc. It has pathway tabs for copy, edit features, and tools.

The tool pathway is entered by the key operator and customer engineer by entering a PIN number, and is used to set up the audiotron, machine initial values,
Default selection for each function, color registration, film type registration, fine adjustment of registered colors, presetting of various machine options, film projector scan area setting, audio tone (sound type, volume), paper transport system, and other miscellaneous items It has options for various functions such as timer settings (such as auto clear), pilling meter, dual language settings, diagnostic mode, maximum value adjustment, and memory card formatting.

Default selections are color mode, paper selection, copy density, copy sharpness, copy contrast, paper tray for page programming, single color, color pallet color and shade for tinting, logotype pattern, binding position, and color. The subject is balance.

(e) Other screen control user interfaces constantly monitor the execution status of copying, and if a jam occurs, display a screen appropriate for the jam.

Further, in the function settings, an information screen is provided for the currently displayed screen, and the screen is set in a state where it can be displayed as appropriate.

Note that the screen display has a width of 3, excluding the bitmap area.
- (8 pixels) and height of 8 cranes (18 pixels) is adopted, with 80 tiles horizontally and 25 tiles vertically. The bitmap area is displayed with 151 pixels vertically and 216 pixels horizontally.

As mentioned above, the user interface of this copier has
The display screen can be switched according to each mode such as basic copy, edit feature edit, etc. In each mode, menus for selecting functions and setting execution conditions are displayed, and options can be selected by touching the soft button. It is possible to specify and input execution condition data. In addition, depending on the menu option, detailed items are displayed in a pop-up (superimposed display or window display) to expand the displayed content. As a result, even if there are many selectable functions and setting conditions, the display screen can be kept clean and the operability can be improved.

(D) Hard Control Panel The hard control panel is attached to the right side of the color display at an angle that points further toward the center than the screen, as shown in Figure 26.The hard control panel has keys such as numeric keypad clear, all clear, stop, interrupt, and start. , infomachine, audiotron, and language buttons are installed.

The numeric keypad buttons are used to set the number of copies, enter codes and data in diagnostic mode, and enter the password when using tools.
It is invalid while the program is suspended.

The All Clear button is used to return all of the set copy modes to the default and return to the basic copy screen except when the tool screen is open.The copy mode returns to the default while setting the interrupt jig. , interrupt mode is not released.

The stop button is used to interrupt the jeep at the end of copying while the jeep is running, and to stop the machine after ejecting the copy paper. In the diagnosis mode, it is used to stop (interrupt) input/output checks, etc.

The interrupt button is used to enter interrupt mode during a primary job except during a jeep interruption, and to return to the primary jeep during an interrupt jeep.

If this button is operated during the execution of the first jeep, the program enters a reservation state, interrupts or ends the program at the end of copy paper ejection, and enters the interrupt program.

The start button is used to start the jeep and restart after an interruption, and in the diagnosis mode, it is used to input and save code values and data values, and to start input/output. If the start button is scanned while the machine is preheating, the machine will auto-start when the preheating ends.

The information system button consists of an on button and an off button, and is in a state where it can accept data except when copying is in progress.The on button displays the information screen for the currently displayed screen, and the off button displays it. It is used for

The audiotron button is operated to enter the password when starting the jeep.

The language button is operated to switch the language on the display screen. Therefore, each display screen has data in multiple languages so that it can be selected.

In addition to the buttons listed above, the hard control panel also has LEDs as appropriate to display the operation status of the buttons.
(light emitting diode) lamp is installed.

CI [-6) Film image reading device (A) Schematic configuration of film image reading device As shown in FIG. 2, the film image reading device includes a film projector (F/P) 84 and a mirror unit (M
/U) θ5.

(A-1) Configuration of F/P As shown in FIG. 33, the F/P 84 includes a housing 601. This housing 601 includes an operation confirmation lamp 602, a manual lamp switch 603, an autofocus/ Manual focus changeover switch (AF/MF changeover switch) 604, and manual focus operation switch (M/F operation switch)
606a and 805b are provided. Further, the housing 801 includes an opening/closing part 606 that can be opened and closed.

An original film 8 is provided on the top and side surfaces of this opening/closing portion θOe.
Holes 808 and 609 are respectively formed in a size that allows the film holding case 807 holding the original film 833 to be inserted vertically or horizontally into the housing 801 depending on how the subject recorded on the original film 833 is to be photographed. has been done. A hole (not shown) through which the film holding case 607 can protrude is also provided on the opposite side of the holes eos and eoe. The opening/closing part 60B is rotatably attached to the housing 801 by a hinge, or detachably attached to the housing θ01. By making the opening/closing part 606 freely openable and closable,
This allows the foreign matter to be easily removed when it enters the housing 601 through the holes 808 and 809.

The film holding case 607 includes a case for 35 mm negative film and a case for positive film. Therefore, F/P84 is designed to be compatible with these films. In addition, the F/P64 is designed to be able to handle negative films of (3 cs x 8 cm or 41 nch x 5 inches).
The platen glass 31 is in close contact with the platen glass 31 between the two.

As shown in FIG. 36, a projection lens holding member 611 that holds a projection lens 610 is slidably supported on the right side of the housing 801 in the drawing.

Further, inside the housing 601, a beam flap e12 and a light source lamp 613 made of a halogen lamp or the like are arranged coaxially with the projection lens 610. A cooling fan θ14 for cooling the lamp 613 is provided near the lamp 613. Further, on the right side of the lamp 613, an aspherical lens 615 for converging the light from the lamp 613, a heat ray absorption filter 816 for cutting light rays of a predetermined wavelength, and a convex lens 617 are arranged coaxially with the projection lens 610. is placed on top.

On the right side of the convex lens 617 is a correction filter that supports, for example, a correction filter 635 (the correction filter for one film is shown in the figure) for adjusting the film density of a 35m negative film and a positive film. The holding member 61B, a driving motor e19 of the correction filter holding member 618, and first and second position detection sensors 620 that detect the rotational position of the correction filter holding member 618.
621 and the drive motor 619 (not shown)
An automatic correction filter exchange device is provided, each having a correction filter and a correction filter. Of the correction filters 635 supported by the correction filter holding member 618, the original film 633
A correction filter 835 corresponding to the projection lens 610 is automatically selected to match the use position coaxially with each lens such as the projection lens 610. The correction filter 635 of this correction filter automatic exchange device can be placed anywhere on the optical axis of the projection light, such as between the platen glass 31 and the imaging unit 37, for example.

Further, an autofocus sensor including a light emitter 823 and a light receiver 624 for an autofocus sensor that are linked to the projection lens holding member 611, and a sliding motor 625 that slides the projection lens holding member 611 of the projection lens 810 with respect to the housing 801. A focus device is provided. When the film holding case 607 is inserted into the housing 601 through the hole 808 or the hole 609, the original film 633 supported by the film holding case 807 is placed between the correction filter holding member 618, the light emitter 623, and the light receiver 624. Being located.

A film cooling fan 628 for cooling the original film 633 is provided near the position where the original film 635 is set.

A power source for the F/P 84 is provided separately from a power source for the base machine 30, but is housed within the pace machine 80.

(A-2) Configuration of M/U As shown in FIG. 34, the mirror unit 65 includes a bottom plate 627 and a cover 628 rotatably attached to the bottom plate 627 at one end. A pair of support pieces 829, 829 are pivotally mounted between the bottom plate 627 and the cover 628, and these support pieces e28. θ29 is the distance between this cover 628 and the bottom [82
7,! :Cover 628 so that the angle formed by is 4S degrees.
is now supported.

A mirror 630 is provided on the back surface of the cover 628. Further, a large opening is formed in the bottom plate 627, and a Fresnel lens 631 and a diffusion plate 632 are provided so as to close this opening.

As shown in FIG. 36, the Fresnel lens 631 and the diffusion plate θ32 are made of a single acrylic plate, and the Fresnel lens 631 is formed on the front surface of this acrylic plate, and the diffusion plate θ32 is formed on the back surface of the acrylic plate. A plate 632 is formed. The Fresnel lens 631 has the function of preventing the periphery of the image from becoming dark by changing the projection light that is reflected by the mirror 830 and trying to diffuse into parallel light. It has a function of diffusing a minute amount of parallel light to prevent the line sensor 226 from detecting the shadow of the Selfoc lens 224 in the imaging unit 37 formed by the parallel light from the Fresnel lens 631. .

When the mirror unit 65 is not performing color copying using the F/P 84, it is folded and stored in a predetermined storage location. When the mirror unit 65 is used, it is opened and placed at a predetermined location on the platen glass 31 of the base machine 30.

(B) Main functions of the film image reading device The film image reading device has the following main functions.

(B-1) Correction filter automatic exchange function The halogen lamp that is generally used as the light source lamp 613 in the F/P84 has a lot of red (R) in the shell and blue (
Since the lamp 613 has a spectral characteristic of having a small amount of red (R), when a film is projected using this lamp 613,
, green (G) and blue (B) are affected by the spectral characteristics of the lamp 613. Therefore, when projecting using a halogen lamp, it is necessary to correct the spectral characteristics.

On the other hand, there are many types of films for recording images, including not only negative films and positive films, but also several types of negative films and positive films.

Each of these films has different spectral properties. For example, a negative film has an orange color and has a high transmittance of R, but a low transmittance of B. Therefore, in a negative film, it is necessary to correct the spectral characteristics so as to increase the amount of B light.

Therefore, F/Pθ4 is provided with a correction filter for correcting such spectral characteristics.

The F/P 84 allows these correction filters to be replaced automatically. To replace the correction filter,
This is performed by the above-mentioned correction filter automatic exchange device. That is, when a 2-bit command signal is output from the microprocessor (CPU) in the system (SYS) remote to set the correction filter corresponding to the original film 633 in the use position, the control device outputs the first,
The driving motor 619
to drive and control. Then, when the signal from the sensor e20.621 matches the signal from the CPU, the control device stops the motor 819. When the motor 819 stops, the correction filter corresponding to the original film is automatically set to the use position.

Therefore, the correction filter can be replaced easily and accurately.

(B-2) Original film insertion direction detection function Original film 633 is inserted into insertion holes 808 and 80 formed in opening/closing part 606.
In other words, the original film 633 can be inserted from any of the holes 9, that is, the original film 633 can be inserted from two directions, vertically and horizontally, depending on how the subject is to be photographed. In that case, the insertion hole eos, s.

A film detection switch is provided on at least one of θ. That is, at least one film detection switch is provided. When the film detection switch is provided on the hole 80g side but not on the hole 609 side, the film holding case 607 is
When the film is detected after being inserted from 08, it turns on and outputs a detection signal. When this detection signal is present, the required area of the line sensor 226 is set vertically, that is, the sub-scanning direction is set in the longitudinal direction of the projected image. Furthermore, when the film holding case 607 is inserted through the hole 609, this switch remains off and does not output a detection signal. When there is no detection signal, the required area is set horizontally, that is, so that the main scanning direction is the longitudinal direction of the projected image.

Similarly, when the film detection switch is provided only on the hole 608 side, or when the film detection switch is provided on both the holes 808 and 609 sides,
When the film holding case 807 is inserted through the hole 608, the required area of the line sensor 226 is such that the sub-scanning direction is the longitudinal direction of the projected image, and when the film holding case 807 is inserted through the hole 1309, the line sensor 226 is required area. In the required area 226, the on/off signal of the film detection switch is set so that the main scanning direction is the longitudinal direction of the projected image.

(B-3) Autofocus function (AF function) When the film holding case 807 is attached to the F/P 84, an accuracy of several tens of μm is required for the attachment position of the original film 833. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the focus after mounting the original film 633. When performing this focusing manually, the M
The image of the original film 633 is projected onto the diffuser plate 632 of the /US5, and the projection lens holding member 6 is moved while viewing the projected image.
11 must be slid.

In that case, the image projected onto the diffuser plate 632 is extremely difficult to see, so it is very difficult to focus accurately.

Therefore, when the original film 633 is mounted on the F/P 84, the F/P 84 is configured to be able to automatically adjust the focus.

This AF function is performed by the above-mentioned AF device as follows.

By operating the keys on the display of the U/I 36 to switch to F/P mode, the light emitter 623 emits light, and in FIG. 33, the AF/MF changeover switch 804 of the F/P 64 is selected to AF. As a result, the AF device becomes ready for operation. As shown in Figure 36,
Film case 807 containing original film 633
When attached to the F/P 84, the light from the light emitter 623 will be reflected by the document film 633, and the reflected light will be sent to the two-element type light receiver 624 for AF, for example.
Detected by.

Then, the two elements of the light receiver 624 output to the CPU 634 a signal of a magnitude corresponding to the amount of reflected light detected by each element. The CPU 834 calculates the difference between these signals, and when the result of the calculation is not O, it issues an output signal and drives the motor 626 in the direction in which the difference between the signals from the two elements becomes smaller. Therefore, as the projection lens holding member 611 slides, the light emitter 823 and the light receiver 6
24 move together. Then, when the difference between the output signals from the two elements becomes 0, the CPU 634 stops the motor 625. The image is in focus when the motor 625 stops.

In this way, AF operation is performed. This eliminates the need for manual focusing each time a film case containing original film is attached to the F/P 84. Therefore, not only is it time-saving, but also copying failures due to out-of-focus can be prevented.

(B-4) Manual focus 6 functions (MF machine frl)
By switching the AF/MF changeover switch θ04 to MF, the lamp 613 is automatically turned on for a predetermined period of time.
You will be able to manually adjust the focus. M
F is operated by pressing the operation switch 805 while viewing the image of the original film projected on the diffuser plate 632 of the mirror unit 65.
This is done by pressing a, 805b. This MF makes it possible to focus on a specific part of the film image.

(B-5) Manual lighting function of light source lamp By pressing the manual lamp switch θ03, the lamp 613 can be turned on unconditionally. Although this switch is not normally used, it is used when copying images recorded on relatively thick materials, when performing pack lighting, when viewing a projected image for a long time during AF, and when checking if the lamp is burnt out. used for.

(B-6) Automatic magnification change and scan area automatic change function By setting the paper size using U/I3B, the magnification can be automatically set. Also,
By selecting the type of original film in U/138, a copy area can be automatically selected according to the film.

(B-7) Automatic shading correction function The ROM of the CPU 634 generally contains ASA1 of each of FUJI (registered trademark), KODAK (registered trademark), and KONICA (registered trademark), which are negative films often used for photography.
00 orange mask density data is stored,
When these films are selected, the CPU 834 can automatically perform shading correction based on the stored density data.

In that case, the base film of these films is F/P.
There is no need to attach it to 84.

Therefore, not only can the trouble of attaching the base film be saved, but also it is possible to prevent the base film from being attached by mistake, and there is no need to manage the base film.

Also, this 38! For one type of film other than the same type of film, the density data of the orange mask of that film can be registered. This data is stored in RAM within the copier system. In the case of this registered film, shading correction is automatically performed as in the case of the three types of films described above.

(B-8) Automatic image quality adjustment function It is possible to perform corrections such as γ correction based on various conditions such as the density characteristics of the original film and the exposure conditions when shooting the film, and automatically adjust the density and color balance. That's what I do.

(C) Image signal processing (C-1) Necessity of image signal correction and principle of correction Generally, the density range of a film is wider than that of an original. Further, even for the same film, the density range differs depending on the type of film, for example, the density range of positive film is wider than that of negative film.

Furthermore, the density range of the film is influenced by the photographing conditions of the original film, such as the exposure amount of the film, the density of the subject, or the brightness at the time of photographing. In fact, the subject density is widely distributed within the film's density range.

Therefore, when an image recorded on such a film is to be copied using a copying machine that copies an original using reflected light, good reproducibility cannot be obtained by performing the same signal processing. Therefore, good reproducibility is obtained by appropriately correcting the image reading signal so that the density of the main subject becomes appropriate.

FIG. 35 shows the density characteristics of a certain negative film and the principle of density correction. In this figure, the right half of the horizontal axis represents the exposure amount of the subject (corresponding to the subject density), and the left half represents the density after shape ink correction. Further, on the vertical axis, the upper half represents the video circuit output (equal to the negative density), and the lower half represents the output copy density.

In other words, the first quadrant describes the density characteristics of the negative film,
The second quadrant shows the relationship between shading correction, and the third quadrant shows the relationship between γ
The fourth quadrant represents the relationship between the correction and the relationship between the subject exposure amount and the corrected output copy density.

The density characteristics of this negative film are shown by the line α in the first quadrant of FIG. That is, when the amount of exposure from the subject is large, the density of the negative film is high, and as the amount of exposure from the subject decreases, the density of the negative film decreases linearly. When the amount of exposure from the subject decreases to a certain extent, the linearity between the amount of exposure from the subject and the density of the negative film disappears. If this exposure amount is small, for example, if the image recorded on the film is a bust of a human being, the contrast between the face and the hair will not be adequate. Further, even when the exposure amount is large, the slope of the line α, that is, the value of γ is smaller than 1, so unless γ correction is performed, the copy will be soft.

For this reason, γ correction is necessary.

Next, the principle of correction will be explained using FIG. 35.

In the third quadrant of the figure, an END curve β for γ correction is set. The slope γ゛ of this END curve β is the fourth
In order to make the relationship between the exposure amount from the subject and the output copy density a linear relationship of 45 degrees in the quadrant, γ
=17γ.

For example, in the case of area a where the amount of exposure from the subject is relatively high, if the density adjustment value set in the register of the shading correction circuit is a value represented by a straight line ■ in the second quadrant, then after shading correction The concentration is in area a
It becomes ゛. The area of this area a' is no longer within the conversion range of the END curve β, and this area becomes white when copied. Therefore, in the second quadrant, the density adjustment value is shifted from the straight line Φ to the straight line ■ so that the density after shading correction falls within the conversion range of the END curve β. By doing this, the relationship between the amount of exposure from the subject and the output copy density will follow a 45 degree straight line (2) in the fourth quadrant, and the copy will have a density with gradations.

Furthermore, in the case of a region where the amount of exposure from the subject is relatively small, the linearity between the amount of exposure from the subject and the negative film density is lost. In this case, the density adjustment value of the shading correction circuit is set to the value of the straight line ■ in the second quadrant. Then, the END curve β represented by the line ■ is selected in the third quadrant. By selecting this END curve β, the exposure amount from the subject and the output copy density can be adjusted to the fourth
It can be represented by a 45 degree straight line (■) in the quadrant. In other words, when the amount of exposure from the subject is within the range, for example, if a person with black hair is wearing a brown hat, the hair and hat will be prevented from having almost the same density, and the hair and hat will be You will be able to clearly bring out the contrast between.

In this way, correction is performed so that the density of the subject becomes appropriate.

(C-2) Image signal processing method As shown in FIG. 36, the line sensor 226 reads the projection light of the image on the original film 833 in analog form as the light intensity for each RlG and B, and the light intensity is expressed by this light intensity. The obtained image signal is amplified to a predetermined level by an amplifier 231. The amplified image signal is converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter 235, and further converted into a digital signal by the log converter 23.
8 converts the light quantity signal into a tIA degree signal.

The image signal expressed in density is sent to the shading correction circuit 2.
Shading correction is performed in step 39. This shading correction removes from the image signal the effects of uneven light intensity of the SELFOC lens 224, uneven sensitivity of each pixel in the line sensor 22θ, variations in the spectral characteristics and light intensity level of the correction filter and lamp 613, and changes over time. .

Before performing this shading correction, first, when the above-mentioned three types of films and registered films are selected as the original film, the correction filter is set in the positive film filter, and the lamp is turned on without the original film 633 attached. Read the light amount signal from 613,
After the signal is amplified and converted into a digital signal, data obtained based on the converted density signal is stored in the line memory 240 as reference data.

That is, each pixel of the imaging unit 37 R1G1B is scanned and sampled in 32 line steps, and these sampling data are stored in the line memory 240.
The CPU 834 calculates the average density value of the 32 lines of sampling data and obtains shading data. By taking the average in this way, errors for each pixel are eliminated.

Further, when the original film is loaded and the image of the original film is read, the CPU 634 calculates a density adjustment value DADJ from the density data of the negative film stored in the ROM, and sets it in the register of the LSI in the shading correction circuit 239. Rewrite the current DADj value. Furthermore,
The CPU 634 controls the lamp 6 according to the selected film.
13 and the gain of the amplifier 843 are adjusted.

Then, the shading correction circuit 239 shifts the read density value by adding the DADJ value to the actual data read from the original film. Further, the shading correction circuit 239 performs shading correction by subtracting shading data for each pixel from the adjusted data.

In addition, in the case of a film that is not recorded in the ROM of the CPU 634 and is not registered in the RAM of the system, the base film is attached and the density data of the film is obtained, and the D ADj value is calculated from the obtained density data. must be calculated.

After shading correction is completed, IIT32 changes to IPS33
The R1G1B density signal is output to.

Then, the CPU 834 selects an END curve based on the actual data of the original film, and outputs a correction signal to perform γ correction based on the selected curve. Based on this correction signal, the IPS 33 performs γ correction to correct the fact that γ of the original film is not 1 and the unclear contrast caused by nonlinear characteristics.

(D) Operation procedure and signal timing The operation procedure and signal timing will be explained based on FIG. 37. Note that a signal indicated by a broken line indicates that the signal may be used.

The operation of F/P84 is mainly done by U/I3 of base machine 30.
6. That is, by operating the F/P operation key displayed on the display screen of the U/I 36, the base machine 30 is placed in the F/P mode. Assuming that the original film is one of the three types of films and registered films, the 37th
As shown in the figure, the message ``Please select the film type after placing the mirror unit'' is displayed on the U/I3B display screen. Therefore, first, the M/U 65 is opened and set in a predetermined position on the platen glass 31.

Next, when the film selection key on the screen is pressed, the screen displays the message "Please wait without loading film." At the same time, the lamp 813 is turned on, and the correction filter control (FCC0NT) signal becomes (0,0) to perform the FC operation. That is, the correction filter automatic exchange device is operated and the positive correction filter is set in the use position. When the correction filter is set, the correction filter exchange path r (FC8ET) signal becomes LOW.

In addition to this being LOW, the lamp 613 is lit and 3
The acquisition of shading data for shading correction is started using the elapse of ~5 seconds as a trigger. When this shading data collection is completed, this completion is used as a trigger to set FCC0NT to (0, 1), the correction filter automatic exchange device is activated, and the film correction filter is set in the use position. In addition, the shading correction is triggered and the screen displays "Focusing. Please insert film."
Lamp 613 turns off. Therefore, the original film 6
Attach the film case 807 containing the film 33 to the F/P 64. Thereby, the light from the light emitter 623 is reflected by this film, and the reflected light is detected by the light receiver 624.

When the difference in the amount of reflected light received between the two elements of the light receiver 624 is not zero, the motor 625 of the AF device is activated to focus. That is, AF operation is performed. When focusing is completed, F/F is ready for operation CF/P
RDY) signal becomes LOW. After this F/PRDY signal becomes LOW and one second has elapsed since FCSET becomes LOW, "Copy ready" is displayed on the screen. When you press the start key of U/I3B, "Copying in progress" is displayed on the screen, lamp e13 lights up, and after waiting for lamp 613 to start up, data for automatic density adjustment (A/E) is displayed. Collection begins. That is, density adjustment, color balance adjustment, γ
In order to obtain data for correction etc., the imaging unit 37 partially scans and reads part or all of the projected image.Next, in the case of full color, the imaging unit 37 scans four times to perform copying. . In that case,
Shading correction and density adjustment are automatically performed based on the shading data and automatic density adjustment data. When the copying is completed, the lamp 613 turns off and the screen displays "Copy ready".

Therefore, when the start key is pressed again, a new copy is performed. If you want to copy another image, you have to change the frames of the film. When changing frames, F/P
RDY becomes) ITGH, and the screen displays "Focusing". Then, when a new frame is set, AF operation is performed, and at the same time, F/P
RDY becomes LOW and the message "Copy ready" is displayed on the screen. After that, copying is performed by pressing the start key.

(II) Crash Recovery System Various troubles occur in copiers.

Hardware failure is one of them, but in addition to that, for example, in dry regions, static electricity discharge can cause software to run out of control or circuits to malfunction, and large-amplitude damage caused by lightning, etc. A similar phenomenon can also occur when external noise enters the system, when there is a momentary power outage, or due to software bugs.

Among these types of troubles, except for so-called hardware failures called faults, troubles caused by electrostatic discharge, etc. are temporary (hereinafter such temporary troubles are referred to as crashes), and are usually caused by power supply failures. You can restore it to normal status by turning it off and on, then starting it up again and initializing it. This is because, for example, if there is a momentary power outage and commercial power is missing for several cycles, the machine will stop operating at the moment of the momentary power outage, but the power will return to normal the next time it is started up. This is because it can be expected that

Furthermore, even if the software goes out of control, it can be restored to its initial state by initializing it. Note that software bugs are not recoverable no matter what kind of bugs there are, but are limited to some types of bugs. In other words, for example, if there is a bug in the accessory software that causes a crash, if you restart the software, it will temporarily stop processing the accessory and return to the initial state, so you can recover. If there is a bug in the basic software for copying,
No matter how many times I try to recover, I end up in trouble due to a bug and cannot recover.

As mentioned above, in the event of a crash, it is possible to recover by turning the power off and on, but in the past, a service call was made, which increased the amount of time the machine was unusable, resulting in poor reliability. In contrast, this copier is designed to automatically turn the power off and on in an attempt to recover if any trouble occurs, not just a crash. . With this, if the problem is a crash, it will recover, and if it does not recover, it will be determined to be a fault, that is, a hardware failure, and a service call will be requested.

As a result of the above, a crash can be automatically recovered, thereby reducing the time during which the machine is unavailable and improving reliability accordingly. This is the basic idea of crash recovery.

Now, if we are to automatically recover from a crash, the next question is to what state we should recover. As mentioned above, it is possible to return the machine to its initial state by turning the power off and on, but if you simply restore it to its initial state, it may cause a crash while performing complex editing processing. In such a case, the operator has to set the parameters again in order to shuttle the remaining jeeps, which is not only time-consuming but also requires restarting the jeep from the beginning if the parameters are forgotten. It will have to be done.

Therefore, in the crash recovery system i6 of this copier, after turning the power off and on and starting up,
It returns to the point where the problem occurred and automatically continues the remaining probes. In this way, in the case of a crash that occurs when the machine is in standby mode or when there is no paper left in the machine during copying, the UI may disappear for a while, but in the end there will be no problem for the operator. Also, if there is paper left in the machine and a crash occurs, it will appear to the operator that a jam has occurred and the machine has stopped. In other words, if there is no paper in the machine, the operator does not need to do anything to recover the machine, and if there is paper in the machine, he can simply clear the jam.

The crash recovery process will be specifically explained below.

As mentioned above, the crash recovery sequence involves turning off the power and then turning it on again.

That is, since a power-on sequence is performed, the MCB has control rights in crash recovery. 7th
As mentioned in relation to the figure, in the power-on sequence M
This is because the CB has overall control.

The processing of crash recovery after startup may differ slightly depending on where the trouble occurs, but first, let's start with the processing shown in Figure 38 (a) when a trouble is detected in the MCB node. This will be explained with reference to a flowchart showing the concept and a timing chart of FIG.

When the MCB remote detects a trouble, it sends POfERNOR to the SYS remote via a hotline.
The MAL signal is turned off by software, that is, set to L (low level) (A in FIG. 38(a) and A in FIG. 38(b)). Specifically, this process is performed by the Cobia executive module 87 in the MCB remote (see FIG. 4). At this time, the internal signal 88NMI of the SYS remote is H(
high level). Based on this condition, the MCB remote and SYS remote can check the state of the software when the trouble occurred, that is, what state it was in and what kind of processing it was doing, as shown in Figure 38 (a). Save to NVM for 200μsec (
Figure 38(a)-2 and E, Figure 38(b)-B and C).

At this time, the IIT RESET signal and IPS RE
The SET signal is kept in the H state as shown in FIG. 38(b). This is because if the IIT is immediately reset and stopped just because a trouble occurs, there is a risk that the imaging unit will go out of control and be destroyed if it is currently scanning. Therefore, even if trouble occurs during scanning, the imaging unit is configured to stop after completing scanning unless the power is turned off.

Note that troubles can be detected by, for example, monitoring the primary side of the LVPS to which commercial power is input for instantaneous power outages, and by using a WDT to detect software runaway. Further, other troubles can be detected by well-known methods such as monitoring the outputs of various sensors.

For example, it is common practice to place numerous sensors along the paper conveyance path to detect jams, and so-called no-paper sensors are used to detect the presence or absence of paper in the tray, and appropriate interlock openings are also used to detect paper jams. It can be detected with a sensor or microswitch. Further, whether or not the imaging unit is in a predetermined position can be detected by limit switches 215, 218, etc. in FIG. 14. Furthermore, abnormalities in the temperature of the user, etc. can be detected by arranging a temperature sensor such as a thermistor.

MCB remote forces POfERll0RIAL to L, but unless the power is turned off, PO
WERNORMAL rises again and becomes H (3rd
D) in FIG. 8(b), the power-on sequence described in FIG. 7 is performed (to FIG. 38(a), E in FIG. 38(b)).

When the power-on sequence is completed, as described in the sequence shown in Figure 7, first the sYs remote enters the initialization state, and then the SYS remote enters the M
Initialize the CB remote (Figure 38(b)
F), at this time, as shown in Figure 38(a), the SYS remote and MC
It is determined what state the B remote will enter next, and depending on the determined state, it transitions to the next state as shown in Ch, Su, Nu, or Ru.

For example, if a trouble occurs while in the progress state or the MCB fault recovery state, the MCB fault recovery state is saved at B in FIG. 38(b), and the standby state is saved at C in the same figure. Therefore, the SYS remote reads the data saved at C in Figure 38(b), determines the standby state as the next state to enter, and becomes standby, and similarly, the MCB remote reads the data saved at C in Figure 38(b). Based on this, MCB fault recovery is determined as the next state to enter.

Once decided, send rlsT If/to SYS remote.
C! 5 TATUSJ command (G in the same figure) and the next state to enter, in the case of the figure, enters the MCB fault recovery state, so rENTERFMU υL DING RECOVER
Notify YJ (H in the same figure). This allows SYS
The remote can know what state the MCB remote has entered.

Then, in this case, the SYS remote passes the token pass when the MCB remote enters the MCB fault recovery state, as shown at I in the diagram. this is,
This is because, as described in FIG. 6, in the MCB fault recovery state, the MCB remote has UI1 mastership.

Note that when the next state to enter is determined, the data saved at B and C in FIG. 38(b) is cleared.

If a trouble occurs in the MCB fault recovery state, it is natural to enter the MCB fault recovery state after startup, but even if a trouble occurs in the productless state, the MCB fault recovery state is entered in the 6th state. As shown in the figure, when a trouble occurs, the fault recovery state is entered, and in this example, since the trouble has occurred in the MCB node, the MCB fault recovery state is entered. If the trouble is resolved by fault recovery, the jib recovery state is entered and the remaining jib is continued (see Figure 8). In order to continue the remaining jobs, various copy execution conditions set by the operator are required, including copy parameters such as number of copies, density, contrast, sharpness, and color balance, and basic copy information such as the tray and paper size to be used. , and job progress information such as the number of copies completed and the number of originals, as well as marker or edit pad coordinate data, editing information such as coloring and painting, etc.
Since these pieces of information are already stored in NVM when the operator sets them using Ul, there is no need to save the information even if a problem occurs.

As described above, even if a problem occurs during copy execution, the startup is automatically performed, the process that was being performed at the time of the problem is resumed, and the probe continues, so the operator does not have to perform any operations. It will be appreciated that a crash can be recovered without doing anything.

Since a crash is a temporary problem, it can be recovered by restarting as described above, but if the problem is a hardware failure, that is, a fault,
It will not be recovered even if the startup process is performed. Therefore, the trouble is detected again in the test performed in the power-on sequence. At this time, the MCB remote activates the UI master authority and displays on the color CRT screen that a fault has occurred. Note that you can perform the startup process as many times as you like, but if there is a crash, there is a possibility that it will recover if you restart it once, so if it does not recover even after you restart it several times, it is a fault. It may be concluded that.

The above is the basic sequence of crash recovery.

Figure 38(c) shows SYS fault recovery,
In recovery or standby state, M
5 is a timing chart of processing when a trouble occurs in a CB node. Note that from the fall of the POfERNORMAL signal until the end of the power-on sequence is the 38th
Since it is the same as in Figure 38 (b), it is omitted, but in this case, MCB at 2 in Figure 38 (a) and B in Figure 38 (b)
The standby state is saved in the remote NVM, and the SYS fault recovery or standby state is saved in E of FIG. 38(a) and C of FIG. 38(b).

Therefore, when the power-on sequence ends and initialization begins, and the SYS remote initializes the MCB remote, the MCB reads the state saved in NVM, determines the standby state as the next state to enter, and issues the r, 1sT1/C5TATUSJ command. It notifies SYS and enters standby state. After SYS remote is initialized, it reads the state saved in NVM and determines the next state to enter, but if it is in SYS fault recovery when a problem occurs, it will enter the SYS fault recovery state and switch to diversion recovery. If it is in the standby state, it enters the standby state. Note that, as described in FIG. 6, in the above three states, the SYS recovery has the Ul mastership, so the token path is not moved.

As is clear from the above explanation, MCB is in standby mode.
When a problem occurs with the remote, both the MVB remote and the SYS remote enter a standby state when startup is complete, but this is nothing but the process from power-on to standby that is normally performed when the power is turned on. In other words, normally a machine is powered off while it is in standby state, and being powered off is nothing but trouble for the machine, so when you turn off the power, as mentioned above, NVM The standby state is saved, and the next time the power is turned on, it will automatically return to the standby state.

An example in which a trouble is detected in the MCB node has been described above, and next, a case in which a trouble is detected in the SYS node will be described.

There are two cases when trouble occurs in the SYS node:

The first is when a problem occurs with IIT remote or IPS remote, or when a problem occurs with SYS remote but the LNET communication function operates normally. In this case, SYS remote is connected to LNE.
T notifies the MCB remote that a trouble has occurred. With this, MCB remote is POfERNOR genus A.
The above-mentioned crash recovery sequence is started by setting L to L, and a recovery operation is performed.

Additionally, if the LNET communication function of the SYS remote is abnormal, the MCB remote will detect a communication error since no response will be returned even if it communicates with the SYS remote. Therefore, the above-mentioned crab recovery sequence will be activated under that condition. In other words, MCB Recovery handles the entire crash recovery process.
For troubles that occur with SYS remote, please contact LNET
The only way to recognize it is through communication.

To summarize the above-mentioned processing using a state transition diagram, the third
As shown in Figure 8(d).

In FIG. 38(d), thick broken lines indicate state transitions for crash detection, and thick solid lines indicate state transitions for crash recovery. For example, the route shown by 1 in the diagram shows the transition when a trouble occurs in the MCB node in the progress state, and if the MCB remote detects some kind of trouble while in the progress state,
Let POWERNORM be L. At this time, as described in Figure 38 (C), the NVM of the MCB remote has the MC
Since the B fault recovery state and the standby state are each saved in the SYS remote NVM, after transitioning to the power-on state and startup, the MOB fault recovery state is entered from the initialization state. Fault recovery is performed here, and when IOT 5TANDBY is output, it moves to the jibe recovery state and the remaining jibes are performed.
When that is finished, it transitions to standby state.

The route indicated by 2 in the figure shows the transition when the MCB node is in trouble in the MCB fault recovery state, and the route indicated by 3 in the figure indicates the MCB in the standby state.
The route indicated by 4 in the figure shows the transition when the MCB node becomes in trouble in the sheep recovery state, and the route indicated by 5 in the figure shows the transition when the MCB node becomes in the SYS fault recovery state. The route shown by 6 in the figure shows the transition when the SYS node becomes in trouble in the progress state, and the route shown by 7 in the figure shows the transition when the SYS node becomes in trouble in the standby state. It shows the transition of cases. The way to view these routes is the same as that described with respect to route 1. For example, according to the route indicated by 5 in the figure, M
If the CB node is in trouble, it returns to the SYS fault recovery state through power-on, initialization, and fault recovery continues at the SYS node. This is because the SYS fault recovery state is saved in the SYS remote NVM.

As is clear from the above description, the crash recovery sequence is activated by the MCB remote. This is because, as described above, the MCB remote handles fault processing, generates the POWERN0RIAL signal, and has control over the power-on sequence. After the crash is recovered, it is determined whether the control rights and UI master rights belong to the SYS remote or the MCB remote depending on which state the system enters next.

In addition, the crash recovery system of this copying machine recovers the machine to the state it was in when the trouble occurred, so if a trouble occurs during MCB fault recovery, the MCB fault recovery state is changed to the SYS fault recovery state. When the fault occurs at the time of the fault recovery, the fault recovery state is restored, when the fault occurs during the low recovery, the fault recovery state is returned, and when the fault occurs during standby, the fault recovery state is returned to the standby state.

This is clear from the fact that the starting point of the thick broken line and the ending point of the thick solid line are the same in FIG. 38(d). However, if a problem occurs during progress, please refer to the 38th
As shown by thick broken line 8 in figure (d), from progress to -H
MCB fault recovery is entered. This is because fault recovery must necessarily be performed when trouble occurs during progress.

As a result of the above, even if a crash occurs for some reason, the machine will automatically be restored to the state it was in when the crash occurred, and the rest of the jeep will continue as if nothing had happened, making it easier to use the machine. The downtime is very short and reliability is improved.

The sequence of the crash recovery system has been described above from the viewpoint of software, and next, the hardware will be explained with reference to FIG. 38(e).

FIG. 38(e) is a diagram showing an example of hardware for performing the above-mentioned processing, and is a diagram showing an example of hardware for performing the above-mentioned processing.
Send in te* t-POWER! l0RIAL signal and 5YSRESE? The signal is sys%-) no NAND
The signal is input to the circuit 10. POWERNORMAL signal,
As can be seen from, for example, FIG. 38(b), the SYS RESET signal is a signal that is H when the power supply is normal and is H when the SYS remote is not reset. Is it stuck in the ND circuit 10? , POWERON RRES
A RESEτ signal is input from the ET circuit 11. The RESET signal is a signal indicating whether or not the power supply of the 5YSIJ mote is normal, and is H if the power supply is normal. Therefore, if the machine is normal, the output of the IfD circuit 1o is L.

However, some kind of trouble occurred and the MCB remote turned P.
When OfERNORMAL signal is set to L, WAND circuit 1
The output of 0 becomes H and is input to the interrupt input terminal NMI of the CPU 12 of the sYs remote.

This is 88NMI shown in FIGS. 38(b) and 38(c). In addition, with NMI! t Mol MASKABLE
It is an abbreviation for INTERRtjPT and is an interrupt with the highest priority.

Therefore, when 86NMI becomes H, the CPU 12 recognizes that an abnormal situation has occurred, and changes the status at that time.
That is, saving of the crash status is started. In addition,
As mentioned above, the crash status is saved in NVM even in the MCB remote at this time. Also,
The output of the ND circuit 10 is input to the reset terminal of the CPU 12 after being delayed by 200 μsec in the delay circuit 13 . This signal is 86 RESET, but 88 RESE
When the T signal becomes H, the NVM is closed, the CPU 12 is reset, and writing to the NVM is no longer possible.

This is the process shown by C in FIG. 38(b). The amount of time allocated to saving the crash status can be set as necessary, taking into consideration the memory cycle time of NVM, the characteristics of LVPS, etc.
00 μsec is just one example.

86 The RESET signal also connects the peripheral LS of the CPU 12.
It is input to the reset terminal of the LSI 14 which is I. L.S.
114 is IIT remote, IPS remote and F/P
Against the remote, respectively! It outputs the IτRESET signal, IPS RESEτ signal and F/P RESET signal, and the 86RESET signal is H.
Therefore, each output of 15t, 152, and 153 is made to have high impedance. Then, since the resistors t81, 182, and 183 are connected to each output, the outputs of the inverters 171, 172, and 173 also become high impedance. As a result, IIT, I
It is possible to prevent the PS and F/P remotes from being reset. Therefore, these remotes will continue to operate even if a problem occurs, and even if a problem occurs while scanning the imaging unit,
This can prevent damage caused by sudden stopping. Note that in the power-on sequence shown in FIG. 7, the IIT remote and the IPS remote are reset, but this is forcibly performed by the SYS remote by software.

The transmission paths for the +1T RESET signal and the IPS RESET signal can be configured as shown in FIG. 38<f), for example. With this configuration, even if the LS114 outputs a reset signal to the output terminal 15, the IIT remote
It should be clear that the IPS remote cannot be reset.

Alternatively, the configuration shown in FIG. 38(g) may be adopted.

The difference between the configuration in FIG. 38(g) and the configuration in FIG. 38(f) is as follows. If there is a connection failure or disconnection in the transmission line, the IIT remote and IPS remote must be reset, but according to the configuration shown in FIG. Since it does not work, IIT remote and IPS remote will still not be reset. On the other hand, the third
According to the configuration shown in FIG. 8(f), when the input side of the photocoupler 21 becomes open, the input side of the inverter 24 becomes H because the power supply voltage is applied thereto. Therefore, since the output of the inverter 24 becomes L, the IIT remote and the IPS remote are reset. In other words, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 38(g), if there is a connection failure, the IIT remote
The IPS remote will be forcibly reset, which can improve safety.

As described above, when some kind of trouble occurs, a crash recovery sequence is activated once. With this, if the trouble is a crash, that is, a temporary trouble, recovery can be made at the time the trouble occurs. However, it will be clear that this Crabsch recovery sequence is not only used to recover from a crash, but can also be used generally when performing state transitions. As mentioned above, one example of this is that it is used to automatically enter a standby state when the power is turned on normally.

Further, the crash recovery sequence can be used when entering a diagnostic state (hereinafter simply referred to as a diagnostic state). Conventionally, in order to enter the diagnostic state, it was necessary to turn off the power and perform a predetermined key operation, but this copier uses a crash recovery sequence to enter the diagnostic state from the standby state as shown in Figure 6. It is possible to enter the diagnostic state directly. In other words, if you perform a specified key operation during standby state, the MC
B remote sets POWERN0RIIAL to L and the third
8 TECII REP ll0 in B and C of Figure (b)
DE MATAHA CUSTOMERSIMULATION l
l0DE WONVMNI? ! record and run the power-on sequence. Therefore, when initialization is completed, T
ECHREP MODE or CUSTOMER SIM
[It will enter 1LATI0111100H.

Ding ECF [REP MODE to CUSTOIIER5
The same applies to the transition to IIIULATION MODE, the reverse transition, and the transition from the diagnosis state to the normal copy mode CUSTOilERllll0DE.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, if any trouble occurs, no matter what kind of trouble it is, the crash recovery sequence can be executed to start up the machine. Therefore, if the trouble is a temporary trouble, that is, a crash, it will automatically recover. Moreover, it not only recovers the machine, but also continues the rest of the jeep after recovery, so no operator intervention is required. Therefore, according to the present invention, there is no need for a service call, which was conventionally required every time a trouble occurs, and the time when the machine is unavailable can be drastically reduced, thereby improving reliability.

Further, the crash recovery system automatically recovers the machine even if a power failure occurs or trouble occurs due to noise, so it is effective as a countermeasure against power supply and noise.

Furthermore, it is also effective as a countermeasure against software bugs. Of course, bugs should not exist,
In a product with a huge software size like this copying machine, a great deal of effort and time is invested in fixing bugs, but it is extremely difficult to eliminate them. Common. However, by adopting a crash recovery system, even if there is a bug and trouble occurs due to the bug, the machine can be automatically recovered, so it is effective as a bug countermeasure. be.

Furthermore, the crash recovery system of the present invention can be used not only to recover from a crash, but also for state transitions, such as normal power off/on or entering a diagnostic state.
and can be used when exiting from the diagnostic state to another state.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a crash recovery system for a recording device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a color copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware architecture, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the software architecture, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the copy layer, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing state division,
Figure 7 is a diagram explaining the sequence from the power-on state to the standby state, Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the sequence of the production state, Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the diagnostic concept, and Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the sequence of the production state. A diagram showing the relationship between the system and other remotes, Figure 11 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the system, Figure 12 is a diagram explaining the creation of jib mode, and Figure 13 is the data flow between the system and each remote. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the document scanning mechanism, FIG. 15 is a diagram explaining the control method of the stepping motor, and FIG.
The figure is a timing chart explaining the IIT control method, Figure 17 is a sectional view of the imaging unit,
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a CCD line sensor, Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video signal processing circuit, Fig. 20 is a timing chart explaining the operation of the video signal processing circuit, and Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video signal processing circuit. A diagram showing an overview of the module configuration,
FIG. 22 is a diagram explaining each module constituting the IPS, and FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the IPS.
Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of IOT, Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transfer device, Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of how to install a UI using a display, and Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of how to install a UI. Figure 28 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of corners and heights, Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the UI, Figure 30 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the UICB, Fig. 31 is a diagram showing the configuration of EPIB, Fig. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display screen, Fig. 33 is a perspective view of F/P, Fig. 34 is a perspective view of M/U, and Fig. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display screen. FIG. 36 is a diagram explaining the density characteristics of negative film and the principle of correction. FIG. FIG. 38 is a diagram explaining the operation procedure and timing, and is a diagram explaining the crash recovery system in detail. 1... Trouble detection means, 2... Automatic recovery means, 3
...Display means. Figure 5 Figure (b) Figure (d) @T]l- Figure (e) Iccho 3- Sankutsui Kansara Figure 5 (C) Color 3 Figure 6 Tome-Kara Figure 10・-Ni 11-◆ Interface between two serial 1M communication interface modules Fig. 12 (α) (b) (C) Fig. 14 Fig. 15 (C) (d) (e) EGI TAILEOGε Fig. 15 (a) ) (b) Fig. 16 (a) Fig. 16 (b) Fig. 16 (c) Fig. 18 (b) Torte H Fig. 20 32a R+ B Ko R Ko 34a 35a G+ R+ G Go B Go R ko α Figure 22 (d) (e) Figure 22 (f) Figure 22 (i) ■y--Gohi ■c--j-℃-1 (frozen ice) (enlarged) Atsushi Figure 22 (n) Figure 22 (p) (q) Figure 23 (C) Figure 24 Figure 25 (a) Figure 25 (b) Figure 28 Figure 29 Seat 32 Figure 32

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) trouble detection means for detecting a trouble; and activated when the trouble detection means detects a trouble;
What is claimed is: 1. A crash recovery system for a recording device, comprising: automatic recovery means for performing start-up processing of the recording device. (2) The crash recovery system for a recording device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic recovery means stores all the states of the recording device at the time the trouble occurs. (3) Crash recovery for a recording device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the automatic recovery means returns the recording device to a stored state at the time of occurrence of the trouble after startup of the recording device is completed. system. (4) The crash recovery system for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the automatic recovery means does not reset at least the image input terminal when a trouble occurs. (5) According to any one of claims 1 to 4, the automatic recovery means displays a predetermined message on the display means if the recording device does not recover even after performing start-up processing a predetermined number of times. Crash recovery system for the recording device described. (6) A crash of the recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the automatic recovery means stores a predetermined state when a predetermined key operation is performed. recovery system. (7) a first system comprising a user interface remote; controlling the user interface remote;
and a recording device having at least a second system that performs fault processing and a third system that controls the user interface and performs at least feature selection, wherein the trouble detection means and the automatic recovery means 7. A crash recovery system for a recording device according to claim 1, wherein the crash recovery system is included in a system of: