JPH02137574A - Picture reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To correct the variance of the dark time output of a line sensor, and to obtain an excellent picture by sequentially subtracting and processing the picture data of an original and black level correcting data stored in a memory at the time of reading the original. CONSTITUTION:An original picture is read by the line sensor 901, and is inputted to a subtracting means 912 through an A/D converter 903, and simultaneously, dark time output data is stored in the memory 913. The dark time output data in the memory 913 is divided into plural sections by a black level correcting data arithmetic means 907, and the black level correcting data is computed by computing the mean value of each section, and is stored in the memory 913. The subtracting means 912 sequentially computes and processes the picture data of the line sensor 901 from the A/D converter 903 and the black level correcting data read out from the memory 913, and the picture data in which the variance of the black level output of the sensor 901 is corrected is obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image reading device in an image recording device such as a digital copying machine, facsimile machine, or printer.

[Conventional technology]

In order to photoelectrically read the density of a document image, a so-called contact line sensor for a 1-magnification imaging system photoelectrically converts the accumulated signal charges using a large number of photodiodes, transfers them to a CCD analog shift register, and sequentially reads them out. It has been known.

In this case, it is not practical to form the line sensor as a single chip with uniform sensitivity on the same substrate without any defects due to wafer size, yield, cost, etc. A method is adopted in which the sensors are arranged in the scanning direction, one line of image is divided and read by each line sensor, and the signals are processed for each channel.

However, the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the line sensor are
As shown in the figure, since each pixel is different, the output is different even when reading originals with the same density. If we look at this when the amount of input light is zero, that is, the dark output, there are non-uniform pixels having the level difference ΔD shown in (a) and (b). If such non-uniform pixels exist, the output density characteristic with respect to the original density changes, as shown in FIG. That is, (
In case a), as a dark original is read, a value lower than the normal pixel output is output, so white stripes are visible in the output image, and in case of (b), on the other hand, as the dark original is read, white lines are visible in the output image. As the value increases as the value is read, black lines become visible.

Conventionally, in order to solve this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 125-1983
No. 054 proposes a method in which the dark output level of all pixels is read in advance, this data is stored in a line memory, and this data is used for correction for each pixel when reading an original.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional correction method described above, the 49th
Even if there is no level difference before and after non-uniform pixel a as shown in figure (a), this data may be A/D converted due to A/D conversion error or noise superimposition, for example as shown in (b). The data may be stored in the line memory as unreliable data. Then, an uneven portion C occurs in contrast to the flat portion with no level difference shown in (a). the result,
In the corrected data obtained by subtracting the implied output data from the read data, as shown in (c), the output of the non-uniform pixel a is corrected, but at the same time unnecessary unevenness* is generated on the flat part. Put it away. In order to reduce the effect of this unevenness, it is possible to narrow the reading concentration range or increase the number of bits of the A/D converter. When used, it becomes a non-negligible error and causes streaks in the output image, so it may be better not to perform the correction.

Furthermore, in reality, the variation in the dark output of the line sensor is greater than the variation in pixel units described above, as shown in Fig. 50 (A).
As shown in the figure, cases in which there is a gentle change over several hundred to several thousand pixels within one chip are more common. This is partly due to temperature non-uniformity within the chip. Generally, the temperature of dark output is about 8°
It is known that it doubles every time C rises. If the above-mentioned correction method is applied to a line sensor having such characteristics, an error as shown in the * mark in (b) will occur.

The main purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problems,
The purpose is to correct variations in the dark output of the line sensor and output a good image.

Another object of the present invention is to correct density differences at sensor boundaries and prevent the occurrence of streaks and unevenness in images even when a plurality of line sensors are arranged side by side.

[Means and operations for solving the problem] To this end, the invention described in claim 1 shows a configuration for correcting variations in the dark output of the line sensor, and as shown in FIG.
A line sensor 901 that reads a document image, an A/D converter 903 that converts the output signal of the line sensor from A/D to digital,
A memory 913 that stores the dark output data of the A/D converted signal, and a black level correction data calculation means 907 that divides the dark output data into a plurality of sections and calculates an average value in each section. and a subtraction means 912 that sequentially subtracts the image data of the document and the black level correction data stored in the memory when reading the document.

Further, the invention described in claim 2 shows a configuration for correcting density differences at sensor boundaries when a plurality of line sensors are arranged, and includes a plurality of line sensors that read an original image;
The output signal of the line sensor is A for each channel.
an A/D converter that performs /D conversion, a memory that stores dark output data of the A/D converted signal, an adjusting means that adjusts the leading value of the dark output data to a reference level, and a dark black level correction data calculation means that divides the output data into a plurality of sections and calculates an average value in each section, and sequentially subtracts the image data of the document and the black level correction data stored in the memory when reading the document. and subtraction means for processing.

Errors occur in the dark output data in units of ILSB of the A/D converter, but in the present invention, the dark output data is divided into multiple sections and the average value is calculated in each section to obtain black level correction data. Therefore, it is possible to correct the gradual variation in the dark output of the line sensor and obtain a good image without causing uneven parts, such as those marked with * in Fig. 49 (c), for example. . In addition, when A/D converting the output signals of multiple line sensors for each channel, after adjusting the leading value of the dark output data to the reference level, the dark output data of each channel is divided into multiple sections. By dividing the image and calculating the average value in each section to obtain black level correction data, it is possible to adjust the density difference at the sensor boundary and prevent the occurrence of streaks and unevenness in the image.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Examples.

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, prior to explaining the examples, a table of contents will be shown.

Note that in the following description, (1) to (I[) are sections that outline the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and the detailed explanation of the present invention will be described within that configuration. The term is (
n[).

1. Quantity (1-1) Equipment configuration (I-2) Functions and characteristics of the system (I-3) Electrical control system configuration■ ・Na no (I[-1) System (n- 2) Image processing, ring system (IPS) (I[-
3) Image output terminal (IOT) (It-4) User interface (U/1) (I[-5) Film image reading device■ Image terminal IIT (II-1) Imaging unit drive mechanism (I[[-
2) Stepping motor control method (Ill-3)
I IT Control Method (1-4) Imaging Unit (1-5) Video Signal Processing Circuit” Tsuchi and So! (1) Quantity I (1-1) Apparatus 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 optionally an edit pad 61 and an auto document feeder (ADF) 62.
, sorter 63 and film projector (F/P) 6
4.

Electrical hardware is required to control the above-mentioned 11T, IOT, U/1, etc., but these hardware are IIT, IIT, which performs image processing on the output signals of IIT, etc.
It is divided into multiple boards for each processing unit such as PS, U/I, F/P, etc., and there is also a SYS board that controls them.
and MC for controlling IOT, ADF, sorter, etc.
It is stored in the electrical control system storage section 33 together with the B board (machine control board) and the like.

11T32 consists of an imaging unit 37, a wire 38 for driving the unit, a drive pulley 39, etc., and uses a CCD line sensor and a color filter in the imaging unit 37 to convert a color document into a primary color of light B (
(blue), G (green), and R (red), convert them into digital image signals, and output them to the IPS.

IPS converts the 11T32 B, G, and R signals into toner primary colors Y (yellow), C (cyan), M (magenta), and K (black), and further converts the color, gradation, definition, etc. In order to improve the reproducibility, various data processing is performed to convert the process color gradation toner signal into an on/off binary toner signal, which is output to the 10T34.

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 heald 41 is driven by a drive pulley 41a, and around it are arranged a cleaner 41b, a charger 41c, developing units 41d for Y, M, C, and transfer units 4] and 4e. 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 the image four times to transfer Y, M, and C1K 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. In addition, a 5SI (single sheet inserter) 35 is provided in the paper conveyance path 35a.
Paper is also selectively supplied from point b.

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 for the Heas machine 30 will be explained. One is to place an edit pad 61, which is a storage index input device, on the platen glass 31, and enable various image editing using an input pen or a memory card. In addition, the existing ADF6
2. The sorter 63 can be attached.

Furthermore, the feature of this embodiment is that the platen glass 3I
A mirror unit l-(M/U) 65 is placed on top, onto which a film image is projected from the F/P 64, and the IIT32
By reading the image signal in the imaging unit 37, 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.

(1-2) Functions and Features of the System (A) Functions The present invention fully automates the process from entry to exit of copying operations while providing a wide variety of functions that meet the needs of users. A major feature of this system is that it can be easily operated by anyone by displaying functions, execution conditions, and other menus on a display such as a CRT.

Its main functions include start, stop, all clear, numeric keypad, in-club I and
, information, language switching, etc., and various functions can be selected by touching soft buttons on the basic screen. In addition, each time you touch the busway tab that corresponds to the pathway in the function selection area, you can select various editing functions such as marker editing, business editing, and creative editing. Copies can be made.

A major feature of this device is its four-color full-color function, in addition to which three colors and 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 it also has a partial magnification function that independently sets the vertical and horizontal magnifications, and an automatic magnification selection function.

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.

The job program can read and write jobs using a memory card, and up to eight 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 position, film projector, page programming, and margin functions.

For copy output, if a sorter is attached as an option and Unco 11a ted is selected, the maximum adjustment function will work to adjust the set number of sheets within the maximum bin storage value.

Copy sharpness, which emphasizes edges, is available as an option with 7-step manual sharpness adjustment,
Photo), Character (Character), Halftone printing (Print), Mixing of photo and text (Pho
t.

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

The film projector is capable of making copies of various types of film, and includes a 35-inch negative/positive projection, a 35-inch negative platen holder, and a 6-inch CTII X.
6 cm slide platen holder, 4 in x 4i
nSlide platen placement can be selected. With a film projector, A4 paper is automatically selected unless you select a specific paper, and there is a color balance function in the film projector pop-up. If you set it to “Blue Taste”, it will be corrected to a bluish tone, and it also has its own automatic density control and manual density control.

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 one cylinder in the range of 0 to 30IIIn, 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 color mesh 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 choose from a wide variety of colors (up to 8 colors can be registered at the same time), and you can also choose from 4 patterns for the rope.

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 areas or points, and multiple functions can be set for one manuscript. .

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 line, paint, collection, and function clear functions.

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

The collection function includes area/point change where you can check and modify the settings for each area, area/point collection where you can change area size and point position in 1mm increments, and area where you can erase specified areas. It has a /point cancel mode, which allows you to confirm, correct, change, delete, etc. the specified area.

Creative editing includes image composition, copy-on-copy, color composition, partial image shift, multi-page enlargement, paint 1, color mesh, color conversion, 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, collection,
Function Clear and Add Function functions are provided. With this function, the original is treated as a color original, multiple functions can be set for one original, functions can be used together for one area, and the specified area is These are a rectangle based on two-point instructions and a point based on one-point instruction.

Image composition is a function that copies a color original in 4 cycles, holds the paper on a transfer device, then copies the trimmed original in 4 cycles, and outputs the same.

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.

The color composition is made by copying the first original in magenta, then holding the paper on the transfer device, then copying the second original in cyan, holding the paper on the transfer device, and then copying the third original. This is a function to overlay the image in yellow and output it after copying. In the case of a 4-color composition, it also overlays it in black and outputs it after copying.

Partial image shift is a function in which after color copying is performed in 4 cycles, the paper is held on the transfer device, and the paper is continuously copied and outputted 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, Presets, Film Projector Scan Area Correction, Audio Tone, Timer Set, Pilling Meter, Diagnostic Mode, Maximum Adjustment, and Memory. Card formatting is 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.Color registration is used to register colors to register color buttons in the color palette, and is read from a color original using a COD line sensor.

Color correction is used to fine-tune the colors registered in the register color buttons.

Film type registration 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.

Film projector scan area collection
Adjust the scan area in film projector mode.

Audio 1-- 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. We also have functions to deal with abnormal systems, such as a function to shut down IT 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, OHP 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 color documents.

(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 The input/output device is equipped with an ADF and a sorter (optional) to enable processing of large numbers of originals.The magnification can be selected from 50 to 400%.The maximum original size is A3, and the upper paper tray is 85mm.
~B4, middle row B5-B4, lower row B5-A3.5SIB5
~A3, copy speed is 4 full colors, 4.8CPM for A4, 4.8CPM for B4, 2.4CP for A3
M, black and white, 19.2 CPM on A4, 19.2 C on B4
PM, 9.6 CPM for A3, warm-up time within 8 minutes, FCOT: 28 seconds or less for 4 full colors, 7 for black and white
The continuous copying speed is 7.5 full-color sheets/A4 and 30 black-and-white sheets/A4, achieving high productivity.

(d) Improved operability Hard buttons 7 and CR on the hard control panel
By using the soft buttons on the T-screen soft panel, it is easy for beginners to understand, does not bother experts, allows direct selection of functions, and concentrates operations in one place to improve operability. Colors are used effectively to accurately convey the necessary information to the operator. High-fidelity copying can be performed using only the hard control panel and basic screen operations.
Start, stop, all clear, interrupt, etc. that cannot be specified in the operation 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 conventional single-color copying machines to use it naturally. Furthermore, various editing functions can be opened and selected by simply touching the pathway tab in the pathway area of the soft panel. Further, by storing copy modes, execution conditions, etc. in the memory card in advance, 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, allowing designers to choose from full color, black, and monochrome. −
, copy service providers, key operators, and other specialists. Furthermore, the area specified in the editing function is displayed as a bitmap area, allowing you to confirm the specified area.

As mentioned in point 2, the rich editing functions and color creation can greatly improve your ability to express your writing.

(f) Achievement of power saving Achieving a high-performance copying machine with 4 full colors and 1.5kVA. Therefore, 1.5kV in each operation mode
A control method to achieve A has been determined, and power distribution by function has been determined to set target values. 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 the editing function, you can create original calendars according to your tastes, for example, and instead of printing uniformly by company, you can create original and diverse prints by section. 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 completed 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.

(1-3) Configuration of electrical 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 the Ul as in this copier, 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 user interface by changing 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 becomes large, making it difficult to store it in the copier itself, and making it difficult to respond flexibly to changes in specifications. However, there are problems such as high cost and so on.

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: Ul-based, sys-based, and MCB-based. The UL 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 performs document scanning, and an IPS remote 74 that performs various image processing. SYS (Syst
em) A remote 71 is provided. SYS remote 71 requires a huge amount of memory capacity for programs etc. to control screen transitions of UL, so 1.
I am using an 8086 equipped with a 6-bit microcomputer. Note that in addition to 8086, for example, 68000 etc. 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 IP S IJ mote 74, and a raster output scan (Raster Qutput 5can) is used to send it to the IOT. RO3
) interface V CB (Vide.

Control Board) remote 76, RCB remote 77 for the servo of the transfer device (turdle),
Furthermore, the IOB remote 78 as an I10 port for IOT, ADF, sorter, and accessories, and the accessory remote 79 are distributed, and an MCB (Master Control) is used 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 is 187.5kbps
In the LNET high-speed communication network, the thick broken lines indicate 9600 bps master/slave type serial communication (Kl), and the thin solid lines indicate hot lines, which are control signal transmission paths.
This is a dedicated line for notifying graphic information drawn on the edit pad, copy mode information input from the memory card, and graphic information in the editing area from the Ul remote 70 to the IPS remote 74. Furthermore, CCC (Commun
cationControl Chip) is an Ication Control Chip that supports the high-speed communication line LNET protocol.
It is C.

As mentioned above, the hardware architecture is roughly divided into three types: UL system, sys system, and MCB system.The division of processing among these systems is explained as follows with reference to the software architecture in Figure 4. It is. Note that the arrows in the figure indicate data exchange via the 187.5 kbps LNET high-speed communication network and 9600 bps master/slave type serial communication network shown in Figure 3, or control signal transmission via the hotline. It shows a relationship.

The Ul remote 70 is L L U I (Low L
(evel LII) module 80, and a module (not shown) for processing the edit pad and memory card. The LLU I 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, and what kind of picture is displayed on the screen at any given time is determined by the S. ¥SU I module 8
1 or MCBUI module 8G.

It is clear that this allows the UI remote to be shared 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, DIAC
It is composed of three modules: module 83;

The SYSUI 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 module includes software that controls communication for exchanging various information such as selection, job recovery, and machine state.

The SYS, DI, and AG 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 simulation mode operates in the same way as normal copying, the SYS and DIAG modules 83 are essentially the same as the SYSTEM module 82, but since they are used in a special state called diagnostic, the SYSTEM module 83
It is written separately from 2, but partially overlaps with it.

In addition, the IrT remote 73 includes an IIT that controls the stepping motor used in the imaging unit.
The 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.
Controlled by module 82.

On the other hand, the MCB remote 75 includes an MCBUI module 86, which is software that controls screen transitions in the event of faults such as diacritics, Aucritrons, and jams, controls the photosensitive material belt, controls the developing machine, 10T module 90, A that performs necessary processing when copying, such as user control, etc.
Each software module includes an ADF module 91 for controlling the DF, a 5ORTER module 92 for controlling the sorter, a copier executive module 87 for managing them, a diagnostic executive module 88 for performing various diagnoses, and access to the electronic counter using a recited number. It houses an audiotron module 89 that performs charge processing.

Further, the RCB remote 77 stores a turdle servo module 93 that controls the operation of the transfer device, and the turdle servo module 93 is under the control of the IOT module 90 in order to control the transfer process of the xerography cycle. It is located in The reason why the cobia 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 the process is performed for the three colors C, a three-color copy will be made, and if the process is performed for the four colors Y, M, and C, a full-color copy will be made. This is the copy layer, specifically:
This layer performs the process of transferring each color toner onto paper, fixing it in a user, and ejecting the paper from the copying machine main body. 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 module 84
Two signals, PR-TRUE and LE@REG, are exchanged between them. Specifically, P R (PIT
The CI (RESET) 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, the length of the photosensitive material belt depends on the size of the copy paper being used, for example, 2 pitches for A3 size copy paper and 3 pitches for A4 size copy paper. The period of the PR signal generated for each pitch is, for example, as long as 3 seconds in the case of 2 pitches, and as short as 2 seconds in the case of 3 pitches. .

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 shock when the leading edge of the sheet enters the entrance of the user, so if the sheet is longer than a certain length, the final transfer will occur. Even after the transfer is completed, the material is not ejected as it is, but is held by a gripper bar (described later) and rotated one more time at a constant speed before being ejected, so the photosensitive material belt has a skip of one pitch. It becomes necessary.

Furthermore, the PR-TR1JE 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.

This allows IIT remote 73 and IPS remote 7
4 can be synchronized with the IOT to perform pitch processing. Also, at this time, a video signal for modulating the laser light used to form a latent image on the sensitive material belt is exchanged between the IPS remote 74 and the VCB remote 76, and is received by the VCB remote 76. After the video signal is converted from a parallel signal to a serial signal, it is directly applied to the RO3 as a V I DF, O modulation signal to the laser output section 40a.

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 TOT and finally transferred to the paper at the transfer point.

As shown in FIG. 5(b) and (C), S Y S IJ
When a start job command is input from mote 71, 1
At 0T78b, a cycle-up sequence including driving the main motor and starting up the high-voltage power supply begins. 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 on A4 paper.
A3 outputs a 2-pitch PR signal. l0T78b
When the cycle-up sequence is completed, from that point on, the PR-TRUE signal is sent to the IIT controller 7 in synchronization with the PR signal, corresponding only to the pitch that requires imaging.
3a.

In addition, IOT78b is l0 which is output for each rotation of one line of RO3 (raster output scan).
Send the T-LS (line sync) signal to the TO (timing generator) in the CPU74a, where l0
The IPS-LS, which is apparently advanced in phase by the total vibration line delay of +ps relative to the T-LS, is sent to the IIT:] controller 73a.

When the PR-TRUE signal is input, the 11'r+ controller 73a enables a counter to count the l0T-LS signal, and when a predetermined count is reached, the stepping motor 213 drives the imaging unit 37.
The imaging unit starts scanning the document. After further counting and after T2 seconds, LE@REG is output at the document reading start position and this is sent to l0T78.
send to b.

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 10 marks 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 Baum position, an accurate document reading start position can be set. can do. This correction value can be changed by the factory or service personnel, etc., and can be implemented by simply rewriting this correction value electrically.
No mechanical adjustment is required. The reason why the position of the register sensor 217 is shifted by about 10 points 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.

In addition, the IIT controller 73a
Outputs the IMAGE-AREA signal in synchronization with G. The length of this IMAGE-AREA signal is equal to the scan length, which is defined by the start command transmitted 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 VC
It is sent to the IPS 74 via the PU 74 a, where it is renamed IIT-PS (page sync). IIT-P
S is a signal indicating the time for performing image processing.

When LE@REG is output, data for one line of the line sensor is read in synchronization with the l0T-LS signal,
V I DEO circuit (Figure 3) performs various correction processes, A/D
Conversion is performed and sent to 1Ps74. In IPS74, one line of video data is sent to 10T7.8b in synchronization with 10T-LS. At this time l0T-BYTE
RTN-BYTE-CLK, which is an inverted signal of -CLK, is sent back to the IOT in parallel with the video data, and the data and clock are similarly delayed to ensure synchronization.

When LE@REG is input to 10T78b, l
Video data is sent to RO3 in synchronization with the 0T-LS signal, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive material belt. When LE@REC; is input, the l0T78b starts counting by l0T-CLK based on that timing, while the servo motor of the transfer device is controlled so that the leading edge of the paper comes to the transfer position of a predetermined number of counts. Ru. By the way, Figure 5 (d
), the P output by the rotation of the photosensitive material belt is
l0 output by R-TRUE signal and rotation of RO3
Originally, it is not synchronized with the T-LS signal. For this reason,
When the PR-TRUE signal enters and starts counting from the next 10T-LS, moves the imaging unit 37 at count m, and outputs LE@REG at count n, L
E@REG will be delayed by T1 time with respect to PR-TRTJE. This delay is a maximum of one line sync,
In the case of 4-color full-color copying, this delay accumulates and appears as a color shift in the output image.
First, as shown in FIG. 5(C), the first LE@RE
When G is input, counter 1 starts counting, and when LE@REG is input for the third time, counter 2.3 starts counting, and each counter reaches the count number p up to the transfer position. Then, this is cleared and the counter is used in order for the fourth and subsequent LE@REG inputs. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(e), LE@RE
When G is input, the correction clock counts the time T3 from the immediately previous pulse of 10T-CLK. When the latent image formed on the photosensitive material belt approaches the transfer position and the l0T-CLK counts the count number p up to the transfer position, the correction clock simultaneously starts counting and calculates the count number corresponding to the above time T3. The point where r is added becomes the accurate transfer position, and this is added to the control of the transfer position (timing) control counter of the transfer device so that the leading edge of the paper is accurately synchronized with the input of LE@REG. Controls the servo motor of the transfer device.

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, i.e., how many times a copy job is to be performed on a sheet of original, and this process is performed in the PERORIGINAL layer. Further above that, there is a job programming layer that performs processing to change job parameters. Specifically, these are whether to use the ADF or not, and whether to use a magnification function that changes the color of a part of the document. These per-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 job contents sent from the LLU module 80, and
Confirm, create the necessary data, and create 9600 bp
IIT module 84, IPS via serial communication network
It notifies the module 85, and also notifies the MCB system of the job details 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 jobs to be performed in each state are determined.If all jobs in each state are not completed, the next This is done to ensure efficiency and accuracy of control by not transitioning to the 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 Ul master right to use the Ul in that 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
The L T-U I module 80 of the r remote 1-70 is 5
It is controlled not only by the YSUI module 81 but also by the MCBUI module 86, and pitch and copy processing are managed by the MCB-based copier executive module 87, while bar original processing and job programming processing are controlled by the SYS module. Since the processing is divided such that the processing is managed by the SYS module 82 or the copier executive module 87 in each state, which one has the overall control right and the UL master right in each state? are different. In FIG. 6, the states indicated by vertical lines indicate that the MCB-based copier executive module 87 has the UL master rights, and the states filled in black indicate that the UI master rights S
It shows that the YS module 82 has.

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, s appears in Figure 3.
ys remote 71 to IIT remote 73 and IPS
IPS reset signal and I supplied to remote 74
The IT reset signal becomes H (IIIGH), and the IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 73 are released from reset and start 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 1iiLNET.

In addition, the power normal signal is sent to MC via the hotline.
It is sent from the B remote 75 to the SYS remote 71.

When a predetermined time TO has elapsed after the start of operation of the MCB remote 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 is started. However, at this time, the start of operation of the SYS remote 71 is triggered by the internal signal 8 of the SYS remote 71.
1 above due to the two signals 6NMI and 86 recent.
After 0 hours have elapsed, it is further delayed by 200 μsec. This 2
The time of 00 μsec is a non-volatile value that indicates which state the machine is in when the machine stops or runs out of control due to a temporary problem such as a momentary power outage, software runaway, or software bug. It is provided for storing in memory.

When SYS remote 71 starts operating, approximately 3°8se
, c core test, 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.

SYS remote 71 will be set to 10 when the core test is completed.
A CCC self-test is performed for ~3100Illsec, and the IPS reset signal and IIT reset signal are set to H, and the IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 7
The operations in step 3 are restarted, and each core test is performed.

The CCC 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 the data after a predetermined period of time. This is because the SYS remote 71 transmits data when it wants to transmit data. 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 IITIJ mote 73 is completed, and then
Perform a communication test of the TEM node. This communication test
This is a test of a 9600bps serial communication network,
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 requests the self-test results from the SYS remote 71, and in response to the request, the SYS remote 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 Ul 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 right, and
It controls the remote 70 and displays that an abnormality has occurred. This is the state of Marosindead.

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 UTl master rights. Therefore, the SYS remote 71 initializes the SYS system and executes r INITIALIZE SUBSYS.
TEM J Ko? The MCB system is also initialized by issuing the key F to the MCB IJ-[-to 75. 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 right, so the SYS remote 71 displays the F/F on the U1 screen based on the UI master right.
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
Background pole for each m5ec 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 m5ec. 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
1 Notify the remote 70 that an abnormality has occurred and display a display to that effect.

When the audiotron is used in the standby state, it enters the audiotron state and the MCB remote 75 performs audiotron control and
The remote control 70 is controlled to display a display for the audiotron. F/F is set in the standby state, and when the start key is pressed, the product enters the production 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 job contents via the serial communication network.
The contents of the job are sent to the IT remote 73 and the IP S IJ mote 74, and the contents of the job are issued to the copier executive module 87 in the MCB remote 75 along with a command called start job via LNET. This causes the machine to go into setup, where each remote prepares to perform its designated job. For example, IOT
The module 90 drives the main motor, adjusts the parameters of the photosensitive material belt, and so on. ACK (Acknow1ed) is a response to the start job.
ge) was sent back from the MCB remote 75, the SYS remote 71 sends the IIT remote 7
3 to perform a pre-scan. 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, a message such as "Please wait for a while" is displayed on Ul.

When the pre-scan is completed, a command IIT ready is issued to the copier executive module 87, and cycle-up is started from here.

Cycle up is a state in which each remote waits for the start-up time, and the MCB remote 75 starts operating the transfer device at 10T, and the SYS IJ mote 71 starts operating at 10T.
Initialize PS remote 74. At this time, Ul displays that it is currently in a productionless state and the contents of the selected job.

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 IOT develops the first color. This completes the process for one pitch. Next, when PRO is issued again, the second color development is performed, and the second-thousandth process 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 on the bar original layer, which is the 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 job.

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

When the MCB remote 75 receives the "l'END JOB" command and confirms that the job has ended, the machine enters a normal cycle down. In normal cycle down, the MCB remote 75 stops the operation of the IOT.

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

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

As described above, in the production state, the MCB remote master 5 manages pitch processing and copy processing, and
Since the YS remote 71 manages the per-original processing and the job 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 DI master right. This is because it is necessary to display the set number of copies, selected editing processing, etc. in Ul, and these belong to per-original processing or job programming processing and are under the control of the SYS remote 71.

When a fault occurs in the production state, the state moves to the fault recovery state. Fault is a general term for abnormal machine conditions such as no paper, jam, failure or damage of parts, etc.Faults can be recovered by the user by resetting the F/F, and others can be repaired 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 MCBUI module 86, but the F/F is
Since the YS module 82 manages the faults, the SYS module 82 is in charge of recovery for faults that can be recovered by resetting the F/F;
The copier executive module 87 is in charge of this.

Further, fault detection is performed for each of the SYS system and the MCB system. In other words, IIT, 'IPS.

F/P is managed by SYS remote) 71, so sys
Remote 71 detects, IOT, ADF.

Since the sorter is managed by MCB remote 75, MCB
Remote 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 .

■When detected by the SYS node and recovered by the MCB node This type of fault includes, for example, 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 at 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 at the MCB node and the U ■Displays the location of the failure and a message such as ``Please call a service person.'' 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 has occurred and the recovery method.

When the fault is recovered and an IOT standby command is issued from the MCB node, the job recovery state is entered and the remaining jobs are completed. 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 sheets must be copied, so the SYS node and the MCB node perform respective management processes to recover the job. Therefore, even in job 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 job recovery, for example, "Press the start key",
A message for job recovery such as "Please set the remaining originals" must be displayed because this is a matter related to per-original processing or job programming processing managed by the SYS node.

Note that even if an IOT standby command is issued in the production state, the process will move to the job 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, TECHREP mode is used for diagnosis.
Two modes are provided: customer simulation 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 in which the customer simulation mode, which is normally used by the user when copying, is used for diagnosis. .

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 1- in B in the figure), press the specified key to return to the 6th mode. As shown in the figure, you can move to the power-on state and return to the standby state using the sequence shown in Figure 7. However, since this copying machine makes color copies and is equipped with various editing functions, it is possible to use the TECHREP mode. After setting various parameters, it is necessary to actually perform copying and check whether the colors requested by the user appear and whether the editing function functions as specified. This is done in the customer simulation mode, which differs from the customer mode in that pilling is not performed and that tJl is displayed to indicate that it is a diagnosis. This is the meaning of the customer simulation mode in which the customer mode is used for diagnosis. In addition, TECHREP
mode to customer simulation mode (route C in the diagram), and vice versa, from customer simulation mode to TECHREP mode (route D in the diagram).
route) can be performed by each predetermined operation. In addition, since the TECHREP mode is performed by the diagnostic executive module 88 (Fig. 4), the MCB node has both control rights and UI master rights, but in the customer simulation mode, SYS, DIA
Since a normal copy operation is performed under the control of the C module 83 (FIG. 4), the SYS node has both control rights and U* master rights.

■ ・Na. (If-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 5YSU1 module 81 and the SYSTEM module 82,
Data is exchanged between the SU I 81 and the SYSTEM module 82 through an inter-module interface.
Also SYSTEM module 82, IIT73, IPS
74 is connected with a serial communication interface, and MCB 75, RO376, and RAIB79 are connected with L
NET 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 IIT, tPs, and IOT is considered to be a component, and each module of the system that controls these is considered to have a brain. Adopting a distributed CPU method, the system side is responsible for per-original processing and job programming processing, and correspondingly has control rights to manage the initialization state, standby state, set-up state, and cycle state, as well as control rights for managing these states. Since I have UI master rights to use Ul in
The system is composed of corresponding modules.

The system main 100 takes in the received data from the 5YStJ I, MCB, etc. into its internal buffer, clears the data stored in the internal buffer, and clears the data stored in the internal buffer.
It calls each module below 00 and passes the processing to update the system state.

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 job mode based on the instructions for
Determine the setup sequence according to the created job mode.

As shown in Figure 12(a), job mode creation is as follows:
Analyzes the mode specified by F/F and separates jobs. In this case, a job is an M/
It refers to the M/C operation from when C starts, until all requested copies are ejected, until it is stopped, and it is the minimum unit that can divide the work according to the user's request, and is a collection of job modes. For example, in the case of inset composition, as shown in Figure 12 (b), the job mode is delete, move,
A job is a collection of these modes. Further, as shown in FIG. 12(C), in the case of three ADF originals, the job mode is feed processing for original 1, original 2, and original 3, respectively, and the job is a collection 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. IIT, IPS, MCB
MCB at the end of the setup sequence.
Start.

The M/C standby control module 102
It controls the sequence during C standby, and specifically accepts the star key, controls color registration, and enters the 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 IQε is IIT, I
Monitors the cause of the shutdown from the PS and activates the MCB when the cause occurs.
Specifically, IIT, IPS
Shutdown is performed using the fail command from M.
After a shutdown request is issued from the CB, recovery when the M/C is stopped is judged and determined, and recovery is performed by, for example, a jam command from the MCB.

The communication control module 107 is
It sets the IIT ready signal from IT and enables/disables communication in the image area.

The DIAG control module 108 performs control during the manual check mode and the output check mode in the DIAC mode.

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

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing data flows between the system and each remote, and data flows between child modules within the system. In the figure, A-N indicates serial communication, Z indicates hotline, and ■ to @ indicate inter-module data.

SYSUI remote and initialization control section 1
01, the 5YSU I sends a TOKEN command to transfer control of the CRT (7), while the initialization control unit 101 sends a configuration command.

5YSU I remote and standby control section 10
2, the 5YSUI sends a mode change command, start copy command, job cancel command, color registration request command, and tray command, while the standby control unit 102 sends the M/C
A status command, tray status command, toner status command, collected bottle status command, color registration ANS command, and TOKEN command are sent.

5YSUI remote and setup controller I-roll section 1
03, the setup control unit 103 sends M/C status commands (progress), APM
An S status command is sent, while a stop request command and an interwoven command are sent from the 5YSU I 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
The IIT ready command is sent from the TIT remote, and the NVM is sent from the initialization control unit 101.
A parameter command and an INITIALIZE command are sent.

Between the IPS remote and the standby control unit 102, the PS remote sends the initialize free hand area, answer command, remove area answer command, and color information command, and the standby control unit 102 sends the color detection point command and initialize free. Hand 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, edit mode command, and M/C stop command are sent to the setup control section 103.

Between the 11T 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 11T remote and the setup control unit 103, the IIT remote sends a FIT 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, an initialization subsystem command and a standby selection command are sent from the standby control unit 102, and a subsystem status command is sent from the MCB remote.

Between the MCB remote and the setup control unit 103, the setup control unit 103 sends a start job command, IIT ready command, stop job command, and declare system fault command, and the MCB remote sends an IOT standby command and declare MCB fault command. command is sent.

Between the MCB remote and the cycle control unit 104, a stop job command is sent from the cycle control unit 104, and a MADE command, a ready for next job command, a job deliver command, and an IOT standby command are sent from the MCB remote.

A declare system fault command and a system shutdown completion command are sent between the MCB remote and the fault control unit 106, and the declare system fault command and system shutdown completion command are sent from the MCB remote to the fault control unit 106.
CB fault command and system shutdown command are sent.

11T remote and communication control section 1
07, a scan ready signal and an image area signal are sent from the IIT remote.

Next, the interface between each module will be explained.

From system main 100 to each module (101 to 10
7), the reception remote No. 1 and reception 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.

Upon completion of the initialization process, the initialization control section 101 notifies the fault control section 106 and the standby control section 102 of the system state (standby), respectively.

The communication control unit 107 notifies each of the initialization control unit 101, standby control unit 102, setup control unit 103, copy cycle control unit 104, and fault control unit 106 of communication availability information.

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

When the setup control section 103 finishes setting up, it notifies the copy cycle control section 104 of the system state (cycle).

(n-2) Image processing system (IPS) (A) IP
Module configuration of S FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an overview of the module configuration of IPS.

In a color image forming apparatus, a COD line sensor is used in an IIT (image input terminal) to read a color original into the primary colors of light B (blue), G (green), and R (red), which are then converted into toner primary colors Y. (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and further K (black or black), and is exposed to a laser beam and developed at an image output terminal (IOT) to reproduce a color image. In this case, a copying process (
A total of four copy cycles are executed, one copy cycle for M, C, and K (pitch) and one copy cycle each for M, C, and K as process colors, and the images created by these halftone dots are superimposed to produce full color. The image is reproduced by Therefore, color separated signals (B, G, R signals)
When converting into toner signals (Y, M, C, signals), how to adjust the color balance and IIT
Problems include how to reproduce the color in accordance with the reading characteristics of the IOT and the output characteristics of the IOT, how to adjust the density and contrast balance, and how to adjust edge enhancement, blur, and moiré.

IPS inputs B, G, and R color separation signals from IIT and performs various data processing to improve color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, definition reproducibility, etc. The toner signal is converted on/off and output to the IOT, and as shown in Fig.
Quivalent Neutral Densit
y; equivalent neutral density conversion) module 301, color masking module 302, original size detection module 303, color conversion module 304, U CR (Un
der Co1or Removal; Undercolor removal)
& black generation module 305, spatial filter 306, T
RC (Tone Reproduction.

n Control i Color tone correction control) module 30
7. Reduction processing module 308, screen generation 309, IOT interface module 310,
It consists of an area image control module 311 having an area generation circuit and a switch matrix, an editing control module having an area command memory 312, a color palette video switch circuit 313, a font buffer 314, and the like.

Then, the 8-bit data (256 gradations) of the B, G, and R color separation signals from IIT are input to the END conversion module 301, where they are converted into Y, M, C, and toner signals, and then the process color signals are converted to Y, M, C, and toner signals. The 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 toner signal of the process color. therefore,
In the case of full color (four colors), after prescanning first detects the document size, editing area, and other document information, for example, first a copy cycle is performed in which the process color toner signal X is set to Y, followed by a copy cycle. Each time a copy cycle is sequentially executed in which the process color toner signal X is M, signal processing corresponding to four document reading scans is performed.

At IIT, a CCD sensor is used to read one pixel for each of B, G, and R at a size of 16 dots/mm, and the data is divided into 24 bits (3 colors x 8 bits;
256 gradations). The CCD sensor has a BSG, R filter attached to the top surface, a density of 16 dots/mm, a length of 300 mm, and a length of 190.5 m.
16 lines/mm at a process speed of m/sec
Since scanning is performed for each color, read data is output at a speed of 15M pixels per second.

Then, at IIT, the analog data of B, G, and H pixels is log-converted to convert reflectance information to density information, and then to digital data.

Next, each module will be explained.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining each module constituting 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. In the case of glue, the amount of toner in a color image is equal, and gray is the standard. However, the values of the B, G, and R color separation signals input when a gray original is read from the 11T are not equal because the spectral characteristics of the light source and color separation filter are not ideal. Therefore, a conversion table (LUTi lookup table) as shown in FIG.
END conversion uses . 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, 16 conversion tables are prepared, of which 11 are tables for film projectors including negative film, and three are tables for normal copying, photography, and generation copying.

(b) Color Masking Module The color masking module 302 performs matrix calculations on B, G, and R signals to generate Y and M signals.

It converts into a signal corresponding to the amount of toner C,
The signal after gray balance adjustment by END conversion is processed.

The conversion matrix used for color masking is a 3x3 matrix that calculates Y, M, and C purely from B, G, and R, respectively.

Of course, various matrices or other matrices may be used to take into account not only R but also BG, GR, RB, B", and G"R2 components. Two sets of conversion matrices are provided: one for normal color conversion and one for intensity signal generation 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 the platen color identification are set in the threshold register 30 as shown in FIG. 15(b).
Set to 31.

During pre-scanning, a signal converted (T-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, and the edge detection circuit 3034 detects the edge of the document and determines the coordinate X.

The maximum and minimum values of y are stored in the maximum/minimum sorter 3035.

For example, as shown in Figure 15(d), if the document is tilted or not rectangular, the maximum and minimum values (
X+, Xz, y++yz) are detected and stored. Also, when scanning an original, a comparator 3033 compares the Y, M, and C of the original with the upper and lower limits set in the threshold register 3031, and a platen color erasing circuit 3036 reads the outside of the edge, that is, the platen. Erase the signal and perform frame erasing processing.

(d) Color Conversion Module The color conversion module 305 enables conversion of a specified color in a specific area, and as shown in FIG. 15(C), a window comparator 305
2. A threshold register 3051, a color palette 3053, etc. are provided, 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 3051, and each Y, M, and C of the converted color are set.
The values of M and C are set in the color palette 3053.

Then, the Nantes gate 3054 is controlled according to the area signal inputted from the area image control module, and if it is not the color conversion area, the Y, M, and C of the original are sent out as they are from the selector 3055, and when it enters the color conversion area, Y, M for the manuscript.

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

Specified colors can be specified by pointing directly at the document with the digitizer, such as B, B, etc. around the coordinates specified during Briscan.
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. To read the BSG and R density data, designated coordinates are converted into addresses from the IIT shading correction RAM and read out. Address conversion requires readjustment for registration adjustment, similar to original size detection. In Briscan, the 11T operates in sample scan mode. The B, G, and R density data read from the shading correction RAM is subjected to shading correction by software, averaged, and further subjected to END correction and color masking before being set in the window comparator 3052.

Up to 8 colors out of 16.7 million colors can be registered in the color palette 3053 at the same time, and the standard colors are Y, M,
C,, G, B, R and these intermediate colors, 14 of W
Available in different colors.

(e) UCR & black generation module If the amounts of Y, M, and C are equal, the result will be gray, so theoretically, the same color can be reproduced by replacing equal amounts of Y, M, and C with black. In reality, if the color 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 processing to reduce Y, M, and C by equal amounts (undercolor removal) according to the amount. . Specifically, the maximum and minimum values of ¥, M, and C are detected, and according to the difference, an I value below the minimum value is generated from the conversion table. The undercolor is removed.

In UCR & black generation, as shown in Figure 15(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 values of Y, M, and C are directly removed and the K However, if the difference between the maximum and minimum values is large, the amount of removal is smaller than the minimum values of Y, M, and C,
The amount of K produced is also small (this prevents ink from being mixed in and the saturation of low-brightness, high-chroma colors being reduced).

In FIG. 15<f) showing a specific circuit configuration example, the maximum value/minimum value detection circuit 3051 detects the maximum and minimum values of Y, M, and C, and the calculation circuit 3053 calculates the difference. Then, K is generated using a conversion table 3054 and an arithmetic circuit 3055. 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 305
5, the value subtracted by that amount from the minimum value is output as the value of K. Conversion table 3056 corresponds to K, Y, M, C
This is a table for finding values to be removed from Y, M, and C in an arithmetic circuit 3059 through this conversion table 3056. Also, and gate 305
7.3058 gates the signal and the signal after removing the Y, M, and C undercolor according to each signal of the monocolor mode and 4 full color mode, and selector 30
52.3050 is Y, M,
The choice is between C and C. In this way, colors are actually reproduced using Y, M, and C halftone dots, so Y
, M, and C and the generation ratio of K are set using empirically generated curves, tables, and the like.

(f) Spatial filter module In the device applied to the present invention, as mentioned above, the TIT
Since the document is read while scanning the CCD, 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 the sampling period of 16 dots/mm Moiré occurs between the images. Furthermore, moiré occurs between the halftone dot period generated by the user and the halftone dot period of the document. Spatial filter module 306
is equipped with a function to recover such blur and a function to remove moiré. A low-pass filter is used to remove halftone dots, and a bypass filter is used to emphasize edges.

In the spatial filter module 306, as shown in FIG. This is because it is easier to pick up edges with this information, and for example, Y is selected as one of the colors.Also, the threshold register 3001.4-bit binarization circuit 300
2. Y, M, C1 for each pixel using the decoder 3005
M1n and Max-Min to Y, , M, C, to B
.

Separates into eight hues: GSRSW (white). decoder(
g) 3005 recognizes the hue according to the binarized information and outputs 1-bit information as to whether the process color is a required color or not.

The output of FIG. 15(6) is manually input to the circuit of FIG. 15(v). Here, a FIFO 3061, a 5x7 digital filter 3063, a modulation table 3066
Generate halftone removal information using FIFO 3062 and 5.
×7 digital filter 3064, modulation table 3067, delay circuit 3065 as shown in the same figure (g)
Edge enhancement information is generated from the output information. Modulation tables 3066 and 3067 are selected depending on the copy mode, such as photo, text only, mixed copy mode, etc.

In edge enhancement, for example, if you want to reproduce a green character like 0)■ in Figure 15 as ■, change Y, C to ■, ■.
Emphasis processing is performed as shown in , and M is not emphasized as shown in the solid line. This switching is performed by AND gate (b) 8. To carry out this process, by emphasizing as indicated by the dotted line (■), the edges become muddy due to the color mixture of M as shown in (■).

The delay circuit (c) 5 uses a FIFO 3062 and a 5×7 digital filter 3064 to switch such emphasis using an AND gate 3068 for each process color.
This is to ensure synchronization with the When bright green characters are reproduced using normal processing, magenta is mixed into the green characters, causing them to become muddy. So, if you recognize it as green as above, Y,
C is output as usual, but M is suppressed and edges are not emphasized.

()) The TRC conversion module 10T converts Y according to the on/off signal from the IPS.
Four copy cycles (in the case of 4 full-color copies) are executed using each process color (SM, C, and C), making it possible to reproduce full-color originals, but in reality, the colors calculated theoretically through signal processing are To faithfully reproduce the
Subtle adjustments are required that take into account the characteristics of IOT. T.R.
The C conversion module 309 is intended to improve such reproducibility, and converts 8-bit image data into an address input as shown in FIG. The address translation table to be stored in RAM
density adjustment according to the area signal, contrast adjustment, negative/positive inversion, color balance adjustment, character mode,
It has editing functions such as watermark composition. The upper 3 bits of this RAM address contain bits 0 to 3 of the area signal.
is used. Furthermore, the above functions can be used in combination using the out-of-area mode. Note that this RAM, for example, consists of 2 bytes (256 bytes x 8 sides) and holds 8 conversion tables, and stores up to 8 sides during the IIT carriage return for each cycle of Y, M, and C. and is selected according to the area specification 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 3083
In the process of temporarily holding data X and sending it out, the data X is subjected to reduction/enlargement processing through the reduction/enlargement processing circuit 3082, which generates a resampling generator & address control latch signal and a read/write address for the line buffer 3083. The line buffer 3083 is configured as 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 processing, the reduction/enlargement processing module 308 performs digital processing in the main scanning direction, but the scanning speed of the IIT 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 reading/writing data to/from the line buffer 3083, data can be reduced by thinning and complementing, and 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, in the case of data Xi', from the data X□, Xi++ on both sides and the distances d, , d2 between these data and the sampling point, (X time x d2)
+(xi or +Xd+) However, it is obtained by calculating d++dz=1.

In the case of reduction processing, data is complemented and written to the line buffer 3083, and at the same time, the reduced data of the previous line is read out from the buffer 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.

(W) 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. TOT inputs this binary toner signal and converts it into approximately vertical 8 pixels corresponding to 16 dots)/mm.
A half-tone image is reproduced by turning on and off an elliptical laser beam with a diameter of 0 μm and a width of 60 μm.

First, the method of expressing gradation will be explained. Figure 15 (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 I and a matrix m are set corresponding to such a halftone cell S, and these are compared with a data value expressed in gradation. In this comparison process,
For example, if the data value is "5", 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".

A 4×4 halftone cell with 16 dots/mm is generally referred to as a halftone dot with 100 spi and 16 gradations, but this results in a coarse image (poor reproducibility of color images). As a way to increase the tone, this 16 dot/mm pixel is divided into four vertically (main scanning direction),
The on/off frequency of the laser beam in pixel units is shown in the same figure (
As shown in ◯), by increasing the level by 1/4, that is, by 4 times, a 4 times higher gradation 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 this type of screen pattern design method is adopted, for example, bright areas will have 141 spi and 64 gradations, and as it gets darker, 200 spi and 12828 gradations will be used, so that the number of lines and gradations can be freely adjusted according to dark and bright areas. can be changed. 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 results in poor resolution, and increasing the resolution reduces the number of gradations.Also,
If the matrix of dark value data is made smaller, a quantization error will occur in the image that is actually output. In the error diffusion process, as shown in FIG.
4, the correction circuit 3095 and the addition circuit 3091
It uses feedback to improve the reproducibility of gradation when viewed from a macroscopic perspective. For example, it performs error diffusion processing that convolves the corresponding position of the previous line and the pixels on both sides of it through a digital filter. There is.

As mentioned above, the screen generator switches the feedback coefficients of dark value data and error diffusion processing for each document or area depending on the type of image such as a halftone image or character image, thereby increasing the reproducibility of high gradation and high definition images. There is.

(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 selection information for photos and text, TRC selection information, screen generator selection information, etc., including a color masking module 302 and a 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. ) on the CPU bus as shown in
(Advanced Graphic Digital
l Controller) 3121, font buffer 3126, logo ROM 12B, DMAC (DMA
Controller) 3129 is connected. Then, the encoded 4-bit area command is written from the CPU to the plain memory 3122 through the AC and DC 3121, and the font buffer 3126
The font is written to . The plane memory 3122 is composed of four sheets, and each point of the document can be set with four bits of plane 0 to plane 3, for example, in the case of "0000", it is command O and outputs the original document. .

The decoder 3123 decodes this 4-bit information into commands O to 15, and the switch matrix sets commands to perform fill pattern, fill logic, or logo processing for commands O to 15. It is 3124. The font address controller 3125 generates addresses for the font buffer 3126 in accordance with patterns such as halftone shade and hunting shade using a 2-bit fill pattern signal.

The switch circuit 3127 is a switch matrix 3124
Based on the fill logic signal and the content of the original data X, the original data X1 font buffer 3126, color palette, etc. are selected. The fill logic is information for filling only the background (the background part of the document) with a color mesh, color converting a specific part, masking, trimming, filling, etc.

In the IPS of the present invention, as described above, the IIT original reading signal is first subjected to END conversion and then color masking, and processes such as original size, border erasure, and color conversion, which are more efficient when processing with full color data, are performed. After removing the undercolor and generating ink, I focused on process colors.

However, processing such as spatial filters, color modulation, TRC, and scaling can reduce the amount of processing by processing process color data, and reduce the number of conversion tables used by 1/2 compared to processing full color data. 3, and the number of types is correspondingly increased to improve the flexibility of adjustment, reproducibility of color, reproducibility of gradation, and reproducibility of definition.

(B) Hardware configuration of image processing system No. 16
The figure is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the TPS.

The IPS of the present invention includes two substrates (IPS-A).

The first substrate (IPS-A) is the part that achieves the basic functions of a color image forming device such as color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, and definition reproducibility.
In addition, the parts that achieve applied and specialized functions, such as editing, are the second part.
It is mounted on the board (IPS-B). The former configuration is shown in Figure 16 (a) to (Cal), and the latter configuration is shown in Figure 16 (d).
). 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 ADR3BUS, data bus DATAB) as shown in Figure 16.
US, control buses CTRI, BUS) are connected, and video data B of IIT is connected.

G, R, Video clock IIT/V as synchronization signal
CL K, line synchronization (main scanning direction, horizontal synchronization) signal 1
1T-LS and a page synchronization (sub-scanning direction, vertical synchronization) signal 11T-PS are connected.

Since video data is subjected to pipeline 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 line synchronization generation & fail check circuit 328 includes a video clock I
IT・VCLK and line synchronization signal IIT・LS are connected, and the CPU bus (ADR3BUS, , DATABUS, CTRLBU) is connected so that internal settings can be rewritten.
S), chip select signal CS is connected.

Video data B, G, , R of IIT is R of END converter
Input to OM321. The END conversion table may be configured to be loaded from the CPU as appropriate using RAM, for example, but since the device is in use and there is almost no need to rewrite it while processing image data, B, G
, H use two Hyde ROMs for each 2 and H,
It uses a ROM-based LUT (look-up table) method. It also has a 16-page conversion table,
It is switched by a 4-bit selection signal ENDSel.

The output of ROM321 after END conversion is 3 for each color.
3 calculation LSIs 322 with 2 ×1 matrices
connected to a color masking section consisting of Arithmetic LSI
Each bus of the CPU is connected to 322, and the coefficients of the matrix can be set from the CPU. A setup signal SU and a chip select signal C3 are connected to switch from image signal processing to a CPU bus for rewriting by the CPU, and a 1-bit switching signal MONO is connected to switch matrix selection.

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.

The signals converted from B, G, R to Y, M, C by the calculation LSI 322 are sent to the second board (IP
After color conversion processing through the color conversion LSI 353 of S-B), the signal is input to the DOD LSI 323. The color conversion LSI 353 has four color conversion circuits consisting of a threshold register for setting non-converted colors, a color palette for setting converted colors, comparators, etc.

The D LSI 323 has a document edge detection circuit, a frame erasing circuit, and the like.

The output of the DOD LSI323 that has undergone frame erasing is UCR.
The data is sent to the LSI 324 for use. , ::(7) LSI is U
It includes a CR circuit, a black generation circuit, and a necessary color generation circuit, and outputs each signal of process color X, necessary color Hue, and edge color corresponding to the toner color in the copy cycle. Therefore, this LSI has a 2-bit process color designation signal c.

LR and color mode signals (4COLR, MONO) are also input.

The line memory 325 stores the process color X, necessary color Hue, and edge color output from the UCR LSI 324.
It consists of a FIFO for storing four lines of data in order to input each signal of e to a 5×7 digital filter 326, and a FIFO for matching the delay. Here, 4 lines of process color
The signal is delayed and synchronized with the output of the digital filter 326, and sent to the MIX LSI 327.

The digital filter 326 is a 2×7 filter LS
A 5x7 filter consisting of three I is 21ffl (low pass LP and bypass HP), one side processes the process color X, and the other side processes the edge E dg.
Processing for e is being performed.

The MIX LSI 327 performs halftone removal and edge emphasis processing on these outputs using a conversion table, and mixes them into process color X. Here, EDGE and SHARP 5 are used as signals for switching the conversion table.
harp is input.

The TRC 542 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 TRC3el. Then, the processing output from here is sent from the transceiver to the L
Sent to SI345. The reduction/enlargement processing section has 8 bytes of R.
A ping pong buffer (line buffer) is configured using two AM344s, and an LSI 343 generates a resampling pitch and a line buffer address.

The output of the reduction/enlargement processing section returns to the EDF LSI 346 through the area memory section of the second board shown in FIG. 3(d). E
The DF LSI 346 is a DF that holds information on the previous line.
It has an IFO and performs error diffusion processing using information from the previous line. The signal X after the error diffusion process is transmitted to the SG LSI 34 constituting the screen generator.
7 and is output to the IOT interface.

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. 16, the data actually flowing is 16 dots/mm, so the reduced LS
In I354, the image is reduced to 1/4, binarized, and stored in the area memory. The enlargement decoding LSI 359 has a fill pattern RAM 360, 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. DRAM356 is
It consists of four planes and stores coded 4-bit area information. ACDC 355 is a dedicated controller that controls area commands.

(II-2) Image output terminal (II-
2-1) Schematic configuration Figure 17 shows image output terminal (JOT)
It is a figure showing a schematic structure of.

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

to Receptor belt), and black (K), magenta (M), cyan (
C), yellow (Y) developing device 404, and a transfer device (TowRoll Tran) that conveys the paper to the transfer unit.
sfer loop) 406, and a vacuum conveying device (Vacu Loop) 406 that conveys the paper from the transfer device 404 to the fixing device 408.
um Transfer) 407, paper tray 410
．． 412, a paper conveyance path 411 is provided, a photosensitive material belt,
The three units, the developing machine 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. Developing machine 404, M, C
, 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 due to mixing of other toners with the blank toner. However, in the case of full color copying, the driving order is Y-+C-+M-+.

On the other hand, 410 consists of two elevator trays, and the other two
The paper fed from the tray 412 of the stage is transported through the conveyance path 411.
The image is supplied to the transfer device 406 through the transfer device 406 . Transfer device 406
is placed in the transfer section and consists of two rolls connected by a timing chain or belt and a gripper bar as described below.The gripper bar grips the paper and transports the paper, transferring the toner image on the photosensitive material. Transfer it to paper. 4
In the case of full color, the paper rotates 4 times in the transfer unit, and the Y
, C, M, are transferred in this order. After the transfer, the paper is released from the gripper bar, transferred from the transfer device to a vacuum conveyance device 407, fixed by a fixing device 408, and then discharged.

The vacuum conveyance device 407 is connected to the transfer device 406 and the fixing device 40.
It absorbs the speed difference with 8 and maintains synchronization. In this device, the transfer speed (process speed) is 190 nu
n/sec, and in the case of full color copying, the fixing speed is 90 mm/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, to achieve 1.5 kVA, it is not possible to provide power to the user.

Therefore, in the case of small paper such as B5 or A4, the transferred paper is released from the transfer device 406 and transferred to the vacuum conveyance device 40.
The speed of the vacuum transfer device is set to l 90 rt at the moment it is placed on the
The speed was reduced from m/sec to 90txn15Bc 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 409 is provided between the fixing device and the vacuum conveying device,
In the case of A3 paper, the breadboard is tilted downward to draw a loop on the paper to lengthen the conveyance path, and the vacuum conveyance device is set at the same speed as the transfer speed, so that the leading edge of the paper reaches the fixing device after the transfer is complete. In this way, the speed difference is absorbed. Further, in the case of OHP, heat conduction is poor, so the same method as in the case of A3 paper is used.

Note that this device is capable of copying not only full color but also black without reducing productivity, and 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 is 1 9 Q The speed is kept at s/see, and the speed is not reduced by the vacuum transfer device. 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. and,
When the transfer is completed, the toner remaining on the photosensitive material is scraped off by a cleaner 405.

(1-2-2) Structure of Transfer Device The transfer device 406 has a structure as shown in FIG. 18(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 the transfer device via a registration gate 425 whose opening and closing are controlled by a registration gate solenoid 426. 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.
It will be transferred to vacuum transport bag W413.

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. 18(b).
This is explained by: In the transfer device, the servo motor 432 may be controlled at a constant speed during the transfer, and once the transfer is completed, the lead edge transferred to the paper may be controlled to synchronize 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 three sheets of A4 paper and two sheets of A3 paper, and the length of the belt 435 is slightly longer than the length of A3 paper (approximately 4 /3 times) is set.

Therefore, when performing color copying on A4 paper, the servo motor 432 is controlled at a constant speed when transferring the first color latent image 1, and when the transfer is completed, the lead edge transferred to the paper is transferred to the second color latent image. The servo motor is rapidly accelerated and controlled so as to be synchronized with the leading edge of the image I2. In addition, in the case of A3 paper, when the transfer of the first color latent image ■ is completed, the servo motor is decelerated so that the lead edge transferred to the paper is synchronized with the leading edge of the second color latent image ■2. Control to wait.

(I[-4) User interface (U/I) (A)
Adoption of Color Display FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the state and appearance of the installation of a user interface device using a display, and FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the corners and height of the installation of the user interface.

The user interface supports easy-to-understand interaction between the operator and the machine, and must enable simple operation, clarify information relationships, and provide necessary information to the operator in a memorable manner. To this end, in the present invention, we created an original user interface that corresponds to the user's usage, making it easy for beginners to understand, not bothersome for experts, and allowing direct operation when selecting the content of the function. thing,
By using color, the aim of operability is 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 a device is easy to use or not, and especially as copying machines become more multi-functional in recent years, the operability of the user interface becomes an issue. Become.

In order to improve such operability, the user interface of the present invention is equipped with a 12-inch color display 501 monitor and a heart control panel 502 next to it, as shown in FIG. The color display is designed to provide the user with easy-to-read menus, and the color display 501 is combined with an infrared touch screen 503 to allow direct access using the soft buttons on the screen. By efficiently allocating the operation contents to the hard buttons 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, as shown in FIG. ,
The heartcon 1-ct-rubanel 502 has an angle such that it faces further toward the center than the surface of the color display 501, as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, 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, but on a support arm 508 erected on the base machine 507. If a stand-type color display 501 is used instead of a conventional console panel, it can be mounted three-dimensionally above the base machine 507 as shown in FIG. 20(a). By placing the color display 501 in the back right corner of the base machine 507 as shown in FIG. 20(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 the present invention is located at a higher position than the platen, that is, close to eye level, as shown in FIG. It will be on the right side and will be easier to operate. Moreover,
By mounting the display close to eye level, the space underneath can be used effectively as space for mounting optional kits such as the user interface control board, memory card device, and key counter.

Therefore, there is no need to make any structural changes to attach the memory card device, and the memory card device can be added without changing the appearance at all, and at the same time, the display can be installed in a position and height that is 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. 21 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the user interface, and FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user interface.

The modular configuration of the user interface of the present invention is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 21, it consists of a video display module 511 that controls the display screen of a color display 501, and an edit pad interface module 512 that processes information on an edit pad 513 and a memory card 514. Control system UI517.519 and subsystem 5
15, touch screen 503, control panel 5
02 is 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 job 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 U1 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. Editing of this data is performed by IPS, but the amount of data is too large to transfer at high speed. Therefore,
Such X, Y coordinate data is configured to use a dedicated transfer line to the IIT/IPS 516, separate from the general data transfer line.

The video display module 511 inputs the vertical and horizontal input points (coordinate positions of the touch screen) of the touch screen 503, recognizes the button ID, and inputs the button D 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 workstation or 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 UI 517.519 exchanges information on the copy mode and machine state with the master controller 518.520. Corresponding to FIG. 4 described above, one of the system UIs 517 and 519 is the SYS remote 5YSUI module 81 shown in FIG. conduct. Therefore, when close loop editing area designation information and copy mode information are input from the edit pad 524 or memory card 525,
This information is appropriately transferred to the UICB through the interface 561 and driver 562, and to the IPS through the high-speed communication interface 564 and driver 565, respectively.

(C) Display Screen Configuration Two CPUs (e.g. Intel 8085 equivalent and 6845 equivalent) are used to process the input and write it to the CRT, and the EPIB522 also has a bitmap area. Since 8-bit is insufficient for drawing on 16-bit C
Using a PU (for example, Intel's 80C196KA), the drawing data in the bitmap area is transferred to the UIC using DMA.
Functional distribution is achieved by configuring the data to be transferred to B521.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of the UICB.

In addition to the above-mentioned CPUs, the UICB has a CPU 534 (for example, equivalent to Intel's 8051), and the CCC 531 is connected to the high-speed communication line L-NET and the communication line of the optional keyboard, and the CPU 534 and CCC 531 control communication. is also used for touch screen drives. 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 subsystem (ESS) through the subsystem interface 548, receiver 549, and driver 550.
Video data is received and received at IMbps along with the Z clock, and commands and status information can be exchanged at 9600 bps.

The memory is Boo1- which stores the bootstrap.
In addition to ROM535, frame ROM538 and 539, R
AM536, bitmap RAM537, V-RAM5
It has 42. Frame ROMs 538 and 539 are
This memory stores display screen data in a data structure that is easy to handle with software, rather than a bit map. When a display request is sent through L-NET, the CPU 532 first stores the drawing data in the RAM 536 as a work area. It is generated and written to the V-RAM 542 by the DMA 541. 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. to the blink information, 5 hits to the tile color information,
Three bits are used for information on whether it is hack ground or foreground. The CRT controller 533 develops the display screen 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. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of EPIB.

The EPIB includes a 16-bit CPU (for example, equivalent to Intel's 80C196KA) 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.
It has 59. And interface 561,
U through driver 562 and driver/receiver 563
Transfers bitmap data to the ICB, sends and receives commands, and status information, and uses the high-speed communication interface 5.
64, the X and Y coordinate data are transferred to the TPS through the driver 565. Note that reading/writing to/from the memory card 525 is performed through the interface 560. Therefore, the nibutad 524 and memory card 525
When closed-loop editing area designation information and copy mode information are input from , these information are transferred to the UTCB through the interface 561 and driver 562 and to the IPS through the high-speed communication interface 564 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. Even the size is easy to understand (various efforts have been made to display the information).

For example, by broadly classifying the information displayed on the screen and dividing it into multiple screens, and then, for each screen, creating a pop-up with detailed information and omitting it from the primary screen, the screen can be configured concisely with the minimum necessary information. We are trying to do this. For screens containing multiple pieces of information, features of color display and highlighted display are designed to make it easier to recognize and identify the necessary information on the screen.

(a) Screen layout FIG. 25 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 the present invention, a basic copy screen for setting a copy mode as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed as an initial screen. The screen for setting the copy mode constitutes a software control panel, which is divided into 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.

Pathway B is an area for selecting various functions,
It has each pathway of basic copy, aid feature, marker editing, business editing, free hand editing, creative editing, and tool, and a pathway tab C is displayed corresponding to each pathway. Additionally, each pathway has a pop-up to improve operability.

Pathway B includes a soft button D that is an option and selects a function when touched, an icon (picture) E that changes depending on the selected function and displays that function, an indicator F that displays the zoom ratio, etc. displayed and soft button D
Pop-up mark G for things that are popped up with
is attached. By touching the busway tab C, the pathway can be opened, and by touching the soft button D, the 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 with the hard console panel, and the editing screen provides screens and functions tailored to the skill level of the operator. It has a multi-layer structure so that 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 having a pop-up opening function and opening the detailed setting information as needed, the screen structure of each pathway can be easily viewed. I keep it simple. 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. Figure 25(a) shows what the screen looks like 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 pathway screen, of which the Paint 1 screen is shown in FIG. 25(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 I uses the lower left of the screen to guide the user in response to editing work, and changes depending on the work. On the screen, the area excluding bitmap area H, guidance message area 2, and message area A at the top of the screen is used as a work area.

(b) Basic copy screen As shown in Figure 25 (a), the basic copy pathway uses soft buttons (choices) to select each function: color mode, paper selection, reduction/enlargement, copy image quality, color balance, and job program. It also has pathway tabs for marker editing, business editing, freehand F'kl collection, creative editing, aid features, and tools. This pathway is
This is the initial pathway, and is displayed after turning on the power, turning on the all clear button, and when auto clearing.

Color mode is full color (4-pass color) that copies with 4 types of toner for Y, M, and C, 3-pass color that copies with 3 types of toner except K, and 1 color from 12 colors. There are single color, black, and black/red options to choose from, and the automatically selected default can be set as desired. Here, single color,
Since the black/red options have detailed setting items, those items are expanded as a pop-up.

Paper selection is automatic paper selection (APS), tray 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. In variable magnification, the magnification can be set in 1% increments in the range from 50% to 400%, and the vertical and horizontal magnifications can also be set independently (unbalanced magnification). Therefore, these detailed setting items are expanded as a pop-up. Note that the default is 10.
It is 0%.

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 PS line memory.
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. It will be done.

For color balance, select the color you want to reduce on the copy from Y, M, C, B, G, R by pop-up, and select IPS.
The control is performed at

The job program options are valid only when the memory card is inserted into the slot of the reader, and in this mode, a pop-up allows you to select between reading jobs from the memory card and writing jobs to the memory card.

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

(c) Aidito Feature screen The Aidito Feature busway has soft buttons (selections) for selecting each function: copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy position, film projector, page programming, job program, binding margin. It also has pathway tabs for marker editing, business editing, freehand editing, creative editing, basic copy, and 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 pop-up options for photos that are categorized into photos, text (characters), prints, and photos/text, and these controls are performed in the IPS. The default can be set arbitrarily.

For copy contrast, you can select a 7-step contrast control. The copy position has the option of 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 6cmX on the platen
There are options for 6cm slides and 4" x 5# slides.

Page programming includes a cover for covering copies, an insert for inserting 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 1 mm increments within the range of 0 to 30 mm, and only one position can be specified for each document. 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) m collection screen and tool screen There are four pathways for editing screens: marker editing, business editing, freehand editing, and creative editing.

Marker editing pathway and freehand editing pathway have options for each function related to extraction, deletion, coloring (halftone/line/solid), and color conversion, and also have pathway tabs for basic copy, aid feature, and tool.

Business editing pathways include extraction, deletion, and coloring (shading/shading).
It has options for each function related to line/solid), color conversion, color filling, logo insertion, and binding margin, and it also has pathway tabs for basic copy, edit feature, and tool, 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 polarization, color mode, color balance adjustment, page quick copy, color composition, and basic functions such as marker editing pathway, etc. It has a copy aided feature and a pathway tab for the tool.

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, coffee f
i degree, copy sharpness, copy contrast, page programming paper tray, single color color,
This includes the colors and netting of the color palette, logotype pattern, binding arrangement, and color 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 setting, an information screen is provided for the currently displayed screen, and the screen is set to be able to be displayed as appropriate.

Note that the screen display has a width of 3, excluding the bitmap area.
mm (8 pixels), height 6ynm (16 pixels)
It uses a tile display with 80 tiles horizontally and 2 tiles vertically.
There are 5 tiles. The bitmap area is displayed with 151 pixels vertically and 216 pixels horizontally.

As described above, in the user interface of the present invention, the display screen is switched according to each mode such as basic copy, aided feature, and editing, and menus for selecting functions, setting execution conditions, etc. are displayed in each mode. At the same time, by touching a soft button, options can be specified and execution condition data can be input. In addition, depending on the menu option, detailed items are displayed in a pop-up (overlapping display or window display).
We are working 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 20, and displays the numeric keypad, numeric keypad clear, all clear, stop, interrupt, The Start, Information, Auditron, and Language buttons can be removed.

The numeric keypad buttons are used to set the number of copies, enter codes and data in the diagnostic mode, and enter a password when using tools, and are disabled while a job is being generated or a job is interrupted.

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

The stop button is used to interrupt the job at a copy break during job execution 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 an interrupt mode during a primary job except when a job is interrupted, and to return to the primary job during an interrupt job.

If this button is operated during execution of the primary job, the printer enters a reservation state, interrupts or ends the job at the end of copy paper ejection, and enters an interrupt job.

The start button is used to start a job and restart it after 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 button consists of an on button and an off button, and is in a ready state except when copying is in progress, and is used to display the information screen for the currently displayed screen with the on button, and to retreat with the off button. It is.

The O-Day Thrombokun is used to enter a password when starting a job.

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.

(n-5) 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) 64 and a mirror unit (M
/U)65.

(A-1) Configuration of F/P As shown in FIG. 26, the F/P 64 includes a housing 601, which 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 switches (M/F operation switches) 605a and 605b are provided. Further, the housing 601 includes an opening/closing part 606 that can be opened and closed.

A document film 6 is provided on the top and side surfaces of this opening/closing section 606.
Holes 608 and 609 are respectively formed in a size that allows the film holding case 607 holding the original film 633 to be inserted vertically or horizontally into the housing 601 depending on how the subject recorded on the original film 633 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 608 and 609. The opening/closing part 606 is rotatably attached to the housing 601 by a hinge, or detachably attached to the housing 601. By making the opening/closing part 606 freely openable and closable,
This allows small foreign matter to be easily removed when it enters the housing 601 through the holes 608, 609.

The film holding case 607 includes a case for 35 mm negative film and a case for positive film. Therefore, F/P 64 is designed to be compatible with these films. Also, F/P 6
4 is supposed to be able to handle negative films of 6 cm x 6 cm or 4 inches x 51 inches. In that case, transfer this negative film to M/U65 and platen glass 3.
1 so as to be in close contact with the platen glass 31.

As shown in FIG. 26, a projection lens holding member 611 that holds a projection lens 610 is slidably supported on the right side of the housing 601 in the drawing.

Further, inside the housing 601, a beam flap 612 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 614 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 616 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.

To the right of the convex lens 617 is a correction filter holder that supports a correction filter 635 (the correction filter for one film is shown in the figure) for adjusting the film density for, for example, 35 mm negative film and positive film. member 618, a driving motor 619 for this correction filter holding member 61B, and first and second position detection sensors 62o that detect the rotational position of the correction filter holding member 618.
.

621 and a control device for controlling the drive motor 619 (provided within the F/P 64 but 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
The correction filter 635 corresponding to the projection lens 610 is automatically selected so as to be matched with 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.

Furthermore, an autofocus sensor including a light emitter 623 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 610 with respect to the housing 601. A focus device is provided. When the film holding case 607 is inserted into the housing 601 through the hole 608 or 609, the original film 633 supported by the film holding case 607 is placed between the correction filter holding member 618, the light emitter 623, and the light receiver 624. Being located.

A film cooling fan 626 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 64 is provided separately from a power source for the Heas machine 30, but is housed within the base machine 30.

(A-2) Configuration of M/U As shown in FIG. 27, 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 629, 629 are pivotally mounted between the bottom plate 627 and the cover 628, and these support pieces 629, 629 support the cover 628 and the bottom plate 62 when the cover 628 is opened to the maximum.
The cover 628 is supported so that the angle formed with the cover 628 is 45 degrees.

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. 29, the Fresnel lens 631 and the diffusion plate 632 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 632 is formed on the back surface of the acrylic plate. A plate 632 is formed. The Fresnel lens 631 has a function of preventing the periphery of the image from becoming dark by converting the projection light that is reflected by the mirror 630 and attempting to diffuse into parallel light. Further, the diffusion plate 632 diffuses a small amount of parallel light in order 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. It has a function.

When the mirror unit 65 is not making color copies using the F/P 64, 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 Heas 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/P 64 has a spectral characteristic that - for boat fishing, there is a lot of red (R) and a little blue (CB). Therefore, when projecting a film using this lamp 613, the projection light is red (R).
), 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 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, the F/P 64 is provided with a correction filter for correcting such spectral characteristics.

The F/P 64 allows these correction filters to be replaced automatically. The correction filter is replaced by the above-mentioned correction filter automatic exchange device. That is, the system (sys) sets the correction filter corresponding to the original film 633 in the use position.
When a 2-bit command signal is output from the internal microprocessor (CPU), the control device
The 2-bit signals from the position detection sensors 620 and 621 are C
The drive motor 619 is controlled to match the signal from the PU. Then, when the signals from the sensors 620 and 621 match the CPU signal, the control device stops the motor 619.

When the motor 619 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 608 and 60 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 holes 608, 60
A film detection switch is provided on at least one of 9. That is, at least one film detection switch is provided. When the film detection switch is provided on the hole 608 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 609 side, or when the film detection switch is provided on both the holes 608 and 609 sides,
When the film holding case 607 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 607 is inserted through the hole 609, the line sensor 226 is required area. 2
In the required area 26, 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 607 is attached to the F/P 64, an accuracy of several tens of millimeters is required for the attachment position of the original film 633. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the focus after mounting the original film 633. When performing this focusing manually, the M
The image on the original film 633 must be projected onto the diffuser plate 632 of the /U 65, and the projection lens holding member 611 must be slid while viewing the projected image.

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

Therefore, when the original film 633 is mounted on the F/P 64, the F/P 64 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/136 to switch to F/P mode, the light emitter 623 emits light, and in FIG. 26, the AF/MF changeover switch 604 of the F/P 64 is selected to AF. By doing so, the AF device becomes ready for operation. As shown in FIG. 29, a film case 60 containing an original film 633
When attached to the 7F/P64, the light from the light emitter 623 will be reflected by this original film 633,
The reflected light is used for AF by a two-element type light receiver 62, for example.
Detected by 4.

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 634 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 625 in a direction that reduces the difference between the signals from the two elements. Therefore, as the projection lens holding member 611 slides, the light emitter 623 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 64. Therefore, not only is it time-saving, but also copying failures due to out-of-focus can be prevented.

(B-4) Manual focus I function (rvn [! function) By switching the AF/MF changeover switch 604 to MF, the lamp 613 is automatically turned on for a predetermined time,
You will be able to manually adjust the focus. M
F is operated by pressing the operation switch 605 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, 605b. This MF makes it possible to focus on a specific part of the film image.

(13-5) Manual lighting function of light source lamp By pressing the manual lamp switch 603, the lamp 613 can be turned on unconditionally. This switch is not normally used, but it is used when backlighting images recorded on relatively thick objects, when viewing images 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 Each time the paper size is set using U/136, the magnification can be automatically set. Also,
By selecting the type of original film using the U/I 36, 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 FUJ I (registered trademark), KODAK, which is a negative film often used for photography.
(registered trademark) and KONICA (registered trademark) AS
The density data of the A100 orange mask is stored, and when these films are selected, the CPU 634
is capable of automatically performing shading correction based on stored density data.

In that case, the base film of these films is F/P.
There is no need to install it on 64.

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.

Furthermore, for one type of film other than these three types of films, 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 Based on various conditions such as the density characteristics of the original film and the exposure conditions when shooting the film, it is possible to automatically perform corrections such as density adjustment and color balance adjustment. 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 shadow conditions of the original film, such as the amount of exposure 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. 28 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 shading 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 r
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 r, is smaller than 1, so unless r correction is performed, the copy will be soft.

For this reason, r correction is necessary.

Next, the principle of correction will be explained using FIG. 28.

In the third quadrant of the figure, an END curve β for r correction is set. The slope r' 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, r'
=1/r.

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
'. 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 ■ 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. 29, the line sensor 226 reads the projection light of the image on the original film 633 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 an A/D converter 235, and further converted from a light amount signal to a density signal by a log converter 238.

The image signal expressed in density is sent to the shading correction circuit 2.
Shading correction is performed in step 39. Through this shading correction, uneven light intensity of the SELFOC lens 224, uneven sensitivity of each pixel in the line sensor 226, variations in each spectral characteristic and light intensity level of the correction filter and lamp 613, and bones affected by changes over time are removed from the image signal. .

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, the imaging unit 37 is set to R, , G.

Each pixel of B is scanned and sampled in 32 line steps, and these sampling data are sent to the CPU 634 through the line memory 240.
Calculate the average concentration value of the two lines of sampling data,
Take shading data. By taking the average in this way, errors for each pixel are eliminated.

Further, when an original film is loaded and an image of the original film is read, the CPU 634 calculates the density adjustment value DADj from the density data of the negative film stored in the ROM.
is calculated, and the D ADj value set in the LSI register in the shading correction circuit 239 is rewritten.

Further, the CPU 634 adjusts the light intensity of the lamp 613 and the gain of the amplifier 643 in accordance with the selected film.

Then, the shading correction circuit 239 shifts the read density value by adding the D ADj 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 RA and M of the system, the base film is attached and the density data of the film is obtained, and the DADj is calculated from the obtained density data. Values must be calculated.

When the shading correction is finished, IIT32 is ■PS33
R, G, and B density signals are output to.

Then, the CPU 634 selects an END curve based on the actual data of the original film, and outputs a correction signal to perform F correction based on the selected curve. Based on this correction signal, the IPS 33 performs a correction to correct the ambiguity of contrast caused by non-linear characteristics and the fact that the original film is not 1.

(D) Operation procedure and signal timing Based on FIG. 30, the operation procedure and signal timing will be explained. Note that a signal indicated by a broken line indicates that the signal may be used.

The operation of F'/P64 is mainly performed by U/1 of the base machine 30.
36. That is, by operating the F/P operation key displayed on the display screen of the U/136, the base machine 30 is placed in the F/P mode. Assuming that the original film is one of the three types of films mentioned above and one of the registered films, the third
As shown in Figure 0, the message [Place the mirror unit and then select the film type] is displayed on the U/136's display screen. Therefore, first, the M/U 65 is opened and set at 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 613 is turned on and the correction filter control (FCC0NT) signal becomes (0, O) 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 end (FC5ET) signal becomes LOW.

In addition to this being LOW, the lamp 613 is lit and 3
The collection 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 a message appears on the screen to adjust the focus.

Please insert film" is displayed and the lamp 613 turns off. Therefore, the original film 633
Attach the film case 607 containing the film 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/P is ready for operation (F/P
RDY) signal becomes LOW. This F/P RDY
After the signal becomes LOW and 1 second has elapsed since FCSET becomes LOW, "Copy ready" is displayed on the screen. When you press the start key of U/136, "Copying in progress" is displayed on the screen, and the lamp 613 lights up. After waiting for the lamp 613 to start up, data for automatic density adjustment (A/E) is displayed. Collection begins. In other words, density adjustment, color balance adjustment,
“In order to obtain data for performing corrections, 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
As soon as RDY becomes HIGH, the message "Focusing" is displayed on the screen.

Then, when a new frame is set, an AF operation is performed, and at the same time, F/PRDY becomes LOW and the message "Ready to copy" is displayed on the screen. after that,
Copying is performed by pressing the start key.

(II[) Image Input Terminal (IIT) An embodiment of the present invention will be described using an image input terminal of a copying machine as an example.

(I[-1) Imaging unit drive mechanism FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the imaging unit drive mechanism, and the imaging unit 37 has two slide shafts 20
It is movably mounted on wires 204 and 203, and both ends are fixed to wires 204 and 205. This wire 20
4.205 is wound around drive pulleys 206 and 207 and tension boots 20B and 209, and tension is applied to tension boots 17208 and 209 in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. Said drive pulley 206.20
7 is attached to the drive shaft 210, the reduction pulley 2
11 is attached and connected to an output shaft 214 of a stepping motor 213 via a timing belt 212. Note that the limit switches 215 and 216 are sensors for detecting an abnormal operation of the imaging unit 37, and the registration sensor 217 is a sensor for setting a reference point of a document reading start position.

The reason for adopting the stepping motor 213 to drive the imaging unit 37 is as follows. In order to obtain a four-color copy of R, G, and B on one sheet, the imaging unit 37 needs to repeat the scan four times. In this case, the major issue is how to reduce synchronization and positional deviations within the four scans.To do this, it is necessary to suppress fluctuations in the stop position of the imaging unit 37 and shorten the arrival time from the home position to the register position. It is important that fluctuations be suppressed and that scan rate fluctuations be reproducible. However, if a DC servo motor is used, it is difficult to suppress fluctuations in the stop position of the imaging unit 37 and fluctuations in the arrival time from the Baum position to the registration position, so a stepping motor 213 is used.

However, the stepping motor 213 has greater vibration and noise than a DC servo motor, and is also susceptible to mechanical problems such as aging of the timing heald 212 and wires 204 and 205, and viscous resistance between the slide pad and slide rail 202 and 203. Vibration is also caused by unstable factors. Therefore, countermeasures are required to improve the image quality and speed of the image recording apparatus.

To this end, in this embodiment, two slide shafts 202 (203) are provided in parallel, and as shown in FIG. Vibration of the imaging unit 37 in the main scanning direction is restricted by interposing the oil-impregnated pad P with the plate springs 37b and 37c.

(III-2) Stepping Motor Control Method FIG. 33(a) shows the circuit of the driver of the stepping motor 213. The motor windings are connected in a pentagonal pattern, and each connection point is connected to the positive or negative side of a power supply using two transistors, and bipolar drive is performed using 10 switching transistors. In addition, the current value flowing through the motor is fed back, and the current supplied to the motor is controlled and driven to be constant. The excitation sequence is as shown in (b), when four phases are excited, the remaining one
Phases are shorted at the same potential, positive or negative.

FIG. 34(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 a scanning operation and a return operation at a magnification of 50%, that is, the maximum movement speed. When accelerating (
As shown in b), for example, by multiplying 259Hz,
The frequency is increased to a maximum of about 11-12 KHz. Providing regularity to the pulse train in this way simplifies pulse generation. And, as shown in (a), 259pp
It accelerates in a regular stepwise manner at s/3.9ms to create a trapezoidal profile. Further, a pause time is provided between the scan operation and the return operation and between the return operation and the scan operation to wait for the vibration of the IIT mechanical system to decrease and to synchronize with the image output in the IOT.

On the other hand, when reading a color original, the imaging unit 37 is scanned four times to read out four color signals, so a major challenge is how to reduce color shift between the four colors. Imaging unit 3
It is important to suppress fluctuations in the stop position of No. 7, fluctuations in the arrival time from the home position to the register position, and fluctuations in the scan speed.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the cause of color shift caused by the occurrence of the above-mentioned vibration. Figure (a) shows that the position where the imaging unit scans and stops at the original position differs by ΔL. , Next, when performing a star I, the time to the registration position deviates and color misregistration occurs. Also,(
b) As shown in the figure, due to transient vibration of the stepping motor (speed fluctuation until reaching steady speed) within 4 scans, the time to reach the registration position shifts by Δt, causing color misregistration. In addition, Figure (c) shows the variation in constant speed scanning characteristics from passing through the registration position to the tail edge, and shows that the variation in speed fluctuation in the first scan is larger than the variation in speed fluctuation in the second to fourth scans. It shows.

Therefore, in this embodiment, during the first scan, yellow, which causes less noticeable color shift, is developed.

(I[[-3)I IT control system 11T remote has sequence control for various copy operations, service support function, self-diagnosis function, and fail-safe function. TIT sequence control is divided into normal scan, sample scan, and initialization.

Various commands and parameters for IIT control are SY
It is sent via serial communication from the S remote 71.

FIG. 36(a) shows the timing chart for normal scanning. Scan length data is set from 0 to 432 mm (1 mm steps) depending on paper length and magnification, scan speed is set according to magnification (50% to 400%), and pre-scan length (distance from stop position to 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 the register position is reached, the image area signal I
MG-AREA becomes low level for a predetermined scan period, and in synchronization with this, the IIT-PS signal is output to the IPS.

FIG. 36(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.

Based on the data of the stop position, movement speed, number of micro-movements, and step interval from the register position, it goes to the target sample position, pauses or repeats the micro-movement multiple times, and then stops.

FIG. 36(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.

(I[-4) Imaging unit FIG. 37 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 is placed so that the image surface to be read faces downwardly on the platen glass 31. direction, and the surface of the document is exposed by the daylight color fluorescent film 222 and the 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 has the advantage of being bright (high resolution), allowing the power of the light source to be kept low, and being compact. is the CCD sensor drive circuit, CC
A circuit board 227 including a D sensor output buffer circuit and the like is mounted. In addition, 228 is a lamp heater, 229 is a flexible cable for control signals, and 230 is a flexible cable for illumination power supply. A circuit board 227 is attached to the lower part of the housing 37a to which the line sensor 226 is fixed, and a heat sink 250 having a protrusion 250b is attached between the circuit board 227 and the housing 37a. A punching metal 251 for electromagnetic shielding is attached to.

A drive IC chip 252 is disposed on the circuit board 227, and the line sensor 226 is electrically connected to the circuit board 227 by a connecting pin 226a.

FIG. 38 shows a detailed view of the daylight-colored fluorescent film 222. A reflective film 222b is formed on the inner surface of the glass tube 222a except for the surface having an aperture angle α (approximately 50 degrees), and the fluorescent film 222 is formed on the inner surface of the glass tube 222a. A film 222c is formed. Thereby, the amount of light from the fluorescent film 222 is efficiently irradiated onto the document surface, thereby reducing power consumption. The reason why the fluorescent film 222c is formed on the entire inner surface and the reflective film 222b is formed on the surface other than the surface at the aperture angle is to reduce the peak of the bright line of mercury, although the amount of light is reduced. Further, a lamp heater 228 and a heat sink (heat radiating member) 222d are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the fluorescent film 222, and the lamp heater 228 and the cooling fan are controlled by temperature detection by the thermistor 222e.

FIG. 39 shows an example of the arrangement of the CCD line sensor 226, and as shown in (a), five line sensors 226a
226e are arranged in a staggered manner in the main scanning direction X. This is because it is difficult to form a large number of light-receiving elements without missing parts and with uniform sensitivity due to wafer size, yield, and cost. This is because if they are arranged side by side, it is difficult to configure pixels to both ends of the line sensor, resulting in unreadable areas.

The sensor section of this line sensor 226 has three color filters of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) repeated in this order on the surface of each pixel of the line sensor 226, as shown in FIG. Three adjacent bits constitute one pixel during reading. The reading pixel density of each color is 1
6 dots/nrm, number of pixels per chip 2928
Then, the length of one chip is 2928/(16X3)=
There will be 61 spindles, and the total length of 5 chips will be 61 x 5 = 305 torsos. Therefore, as a result, an isosceles line sensor capable of reading an A3 size image is obtained.

Furthermore, each R, G, and B pixel is arranged at a 45-degree angle to reduce moiré.

In this way, when the plurality of line sensors 226a to 226e are arranged in a staggered manner, adjacent line sensors scan different document surfaces.

That is, when the line sensor is moved in the sub-scanning direction Y orthogonal to the main-scanning direction X of the line sensor and the document is read,
The first row of line sensors 226b scans the original in advance.
, 226d and the subsequent signals from the second row of line sensors 226a, 226C, 2226e, there is a time lag corresponding to the positional lag between adjacent line sensors.

Therefore, in order to obtain one line of continuous signals from image signals divided and read by a plurality of line sensors, it is necessary to use at least the first row of line sensors 222 that scan the document in advance.
b, 226d, and the subsequent second
It is necessary to read out the signals in synchronization with the signal outputs from the column line sensors 226a, 226c, and 226e. In this case, for example, if the amount of deviation is 250 μm and the resolution is 16 dots/lTl111, a delay of 4 lines is required.

Further, in general, reduction/enlargement in an image reading device is performed in the main scanning direction by thinning out and increasing the amount of data in the video circuit, and by 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 read lines 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 scaling factor is 10
If the resolution is 7 mm (16 dots at 0%), the relationship will be as follows. Therefore, as the reduction/enlargement ratio increases by 6, the resolution increases, and the number of line memories required to correct the staggered arrangement difference of 250 μm also increases. FIG. 40 shows the relationship between the scaling factor and the amount of deviation, and one line is corrected every time one pixel shifts due to a change in the scaling factor. Although the correction for each line causes a maximum deviation of 31 μm, no effect is seen on the output image.

(In-5) Video signal processing circuit Next, as shown in FIG. 41, the CCD line sensor 226 is used to read the color original as a reflectance signal for each R, G, and B, and convert this into a digital value as a density signal. A video signal processing circuit for this purpose will be explained.

The original is divided into five parts by five line sensors 226 in the imaging unit 37 and read as R, G, and B serial signals in five channels, and each is amplified to a predetermined level by an amplifier circuit 231. Afterwards, it is transmitted to the circuit on the processing circuit main body side via the transmission cable connecting the imaging unit and the processing circuit main body (Fig. 42, 23
1a).

Next, in the sample and hold circuit 5H232, noise is removed and waveform processing is performed using the sample and hold pulse SHP (FIG. 42, 232a).

By the way, the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the line sensor differ for each pixel and each chip, so even if a document with the same density is read, the output will be different, and if this is output as is, streaks or unevenness will occur in the image data. For this purpose, various correction processes are required.

Gain adjustment circuit A G C (AUTOMATICGAI
N C0NTR0L) 233 converts the output of each sensor to A/
This is a circuit for amplifying the signal to a level suitable for the input signal range of the D converter 235. Before reading the original, each sensor reads white paste reference data, digitizes it, stores it in the shading RAM 240, and stores this data in the shading RAM 240. As shown in Fig. 43, the CPU 71 compares and judges with a predetermined reference value 1, determines an appropriate amplification factor, and sends corresponding digital data to the D/A converter 241, so that each gain is automatically adjusted. is set to .

The AGC 233 has a voltage-controlled variable resistance element 242, and makes the resistance value R2 between the drain and source of the element 242 variable by controlling the gate voltage VCS. The gain is VOLIT / V+N=Rz / (R+ +Ri
). By inputting the gate voltage VCS converted into an analog value in the D/A converter 241, the gain can be adjusted in 256 steps as shown in FIG.

Offset adjustment circuit A OC (AUTOMATIC0F
SIETCONTROL) 234 is called black level adjustment, and adjusts the dark output voltage of each sensor. To do this, the fluorescent lamps are turned off and 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 CPU 71 according to a predetermined standard as shown in FIG. The offset value is compared with the offset value and sent to the D/A converter 24.
Output to 3. The AOC 234 has an operational amplifier 244, and outputs the video signal Vccn and the offset value 2 from the D/A converter 243 through resistors R, , R2 on the non-inverting terminal side of the operational amplifier 244, respectively. FF! ! T is connected, and the connection point of resistors Rr and Rz is connected to the inverting terminal side as shown in the figure. Therefore, the output of AOC is VOII? = (Rg/R+) VCCD + VOFFSET, and the video signal can be amplified at a fixed magnification and the offset voltage can be adjusted in 256 steps. The output of this AOC is outputted as shown in FIG. 42 234a, and finally, as shown in FIG. 45, the output density is adjusted to a specified value with respect to the original density to be read.

Then, it is converted into a digital value by the A/D converter 235 (FIG. 42, 235aL GBRC; output in the form of an 8-bit data string connected to BR. Delay amount setting circuit 236
is a memory that stores a plurality of lines, has a FIFO configuration, and stores signals from the first row of line sensors 226b and 226d that scan the document in advance, followed by the second row of line sensors 226a, It is output in synchronization with the signal output from 2263226e.

Next, in the separation/synthesis circuit 237, after separating R and GSB data for each line sensor, one line of the original is serially combined and output for each line sensor's RSG and B data. The converter 238 is composed of a ROM, and stores a logarithmic conversion table LUT "1" shown in FIG. An output value of 1'' is output, thereby converting R, G, and B reflectance information into density information.

Next, the shading correction circuit 239 will be explained.

First, pixel shift correction is performed before shading correction. As mentioned above, in the signal processing circuit, R, G, B
data is imported in parallel, but as shown in Figure 39 (b
) As shown in Figure 47(a), because the positions of the R, G, and B filters are shifted, the R, G, and B outputs at the same pixel are shifted as shown in Figure 47(a), and the black line When reading K, this is shifted. For this purpose, R is shifted to the right by 2/3 pixels by weighted averaging processing,
By shifting B by 1/3 pixel in the right direction, the black lines K are made to coincide with each other as shown in FIG. 3(b).

Shading correction is based on the standard value of white data, and corrects for variations in the light distribution characteristics of the light source, variations in the optical system due to dirt on reflective mirrors, etc., and variations in sensitivity between each bit of the line sensor. It is something.

To this end, at the start of shading correction, the line sensor is inputted with the reflected light when the white plate is irradiated, which serves as the reference density data for shading correction, and the signal processing circuit performs A/D conversion and log conversion. Density data j2og (Rt) is stored in the line memory 240. Next, scan the original and read the image data j2og
If the reference concentration data ρog (Rt) is subtracted from (D,), (log (Dt) −j2og (Rt
) -1og (Dt/R+), and the logarithm value of the data of each pixel subjected to shading correction is obtained. By performing shading correction after log conversion in this way, there is no need to build a hard log divider with a complicated and large-scale circuit as in the past, and it is possible to use a general-purpose full adder I.
By using C, calculation processing can be easily performed.

Next, details of black level correction, which is a feature of the present invention, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 51 to 55.

As already explained in FIGS. 48 to 50,
With conventional black level correction methods, correction errors become large due to A/D conversion errors, noise superimposition, uneven temperature distribution within the chip, etc., and in some cases it may be better not to perform correction. Ta.

FIG. 51 shows a circuit configuration for black level correction when there is one line sensor, including a line sensor 901, an amplifier 902, an A/D converter 903, and a black level correction circuit 9.
04, log converter 905, shading correction circuit 906
, C0U907.

The black level correction circuit 904 consists of a changeover switch 911, a subtracter 912, and a line memory 913. First, the changeover switch 911 is switched to the ■ side, and the line sensor 901 reads the black level correction data [Fig. 50 (a)]. , the A/D converted data (Figure 50 (b)) is sent to the CPU 90.
Transfer to 7.

The CPU 907 divides this A/D converted data into multiple sections, calculates the average value for each section, and calculates the average value for each section.
Black level correction data as shown in FIG. 2 is obtained and stored in the line memory 913.

When reading an original, the switching switch 911 is switched to the ■ side, and the subtracter 912 reads out the black level correction data stored in the line memory 913 in synchronization with the original reading data, calculates the difference between the two, and sends it to the log converter. 905.

Note that this calculation of black level correction data may be performed every time a document is scanned, but it is performed only when necessary, for example, when the power is turned on.The data is stored in the NVM (non-volatile memory) of the CPU 907, and the calculation is performed when the power is turned on. It may also be loaded into the line memory 913.

As a result, the dark output level of each pixel of the line sensor is flattened, and a good image can be obtained.

Next, black level correction when a plurality of line sensors are arranged will be explained.

FIG. 53(a) shows how the dark output from each channel when five line sensors are arranged has discontinuity between chips. If a document is read with this [47:00 output variation] unchanged, streaks and unevenness will occur in the output image. Conventionally, in order to solve this problem, the average value of the dark output voltages of all pixels of each chip was calculated, and the average value was adjusted so that each average value became the target value DR shown in (b).

However, in reality, the dark output voltage of the line sensor has gentle changes within each channel, as shown in (c). If the adjustment method described above is applied to a line sensor with such characteristics, a level difference ΔD will occur at the channel boundary as shown in (d), and if the image is output as is, the density difference at the channel boundary will cause streaks and It appears unevenly.

On the other hand, when the dark output voltage for one line of the line sensor is measured, there is non-uniformity in the dark output voltage, as shown in an example in FIG. 50(a).

The difference between the maximum value VMAX and minimum value VMIN is Δ■4a
An example of the measurement results of this Δ■d3□ and the exposure time TQXP is shown in FIG. 54, where T'eXp =
Even at 350 μsec, there is a ΔV dark of about 2 mV. The effect of this ΔV dark is that the higher the density of the original, the more
The lower the amount of illumination light and the lower the white level, the larger the difference, and it appears as a gradual density change between the left and right sides of 61 picture widths for one line sensor chip.

The results of calculating this relationship are shown in FIG. The figure shows the relationship between the original density and the density change ΔD between the left and right parts of the chip read by the line sensor.
It is shown as a ratio of Vda□.

According to this, for example, when the white background output is 400 mV,
As mentioned above, if ΔV aark exists about 2 mV,
When the original density is 1.5, the density change ΔD is 0.075
When this is converted into a color difference ΔE, it becomes a level of about 2 for Gray.If the level difference ΔD at the channel boundaries shown in Figure 53 (d) is output as an image as is, the density difference at the channel boundaries will cause streaks and unevenness. It appears. In order to solve this problem, in order to reduce the color difference ΔE to 1 or less in Gray, it is necessary to suppress ΔV dark to 1 mV or to double the amount of light and increase the white background output to 800 mV.

To solve this problem, it is necessary to reduce the concentration difference at the channel boundaries. For this purpose, the black level correction circuit 904 is connected to the A/D of each channel shown in FIG.
It is connected to the latter stage of the converter 235, and after first adjusting the offset in the AOC 234 described above as shown in FIG. By performing the black level correction, the black level of each line sensor can be flattened as shown in FIG. 53 (e), and the density difference at the channel boundary can be reduced.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to correct variations in the dark output of the line sensor and obtain a good image. Further, the black level of the line sensor can be automatically adjusted, and the total number of adjustment steps can be reduced.

Furthermore, even when a plurality of line sensors are arranged side by side, it is possible to adjust the density difference between the sensor boundaries and prevent the occurrence of streaks and unevenness in the image.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of 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. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware architecture. Figure 4 shows the software architecture, Figure 5 shows the copy layer, Figure 6 shows state division, and Figure 7 explains the sequence from the power-on state to the standby state. Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the progress state sequence, Figure 9 is a diagram explaining the diagnostic concept, Figure 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the system and other remotes, and Figure 11 is the system Figure 12 is a diagram explaining job mode creation, Figure 13 is a diagram showing the data flow between the system and each remote, and the data flow between child modules within the system, Figure 14 is the IPS module. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration overview, FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining each module that makes up the IPS, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the IPS, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the IOT, and FIG. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transfer device, Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of how to install a UI using a display, and Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of how to install a UI using a display.
The figures are for explaining examples of corner and height settings for mounting the Ul, Figure 21 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the UI, Figure 22
The figure shows the hardware configuration of the UI, and Figure 23 shows the UI
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the CB, FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the EPIB, FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display screen, FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the F/P, and FIG. 27 is a diagram of the M/U. Perspective view,
Fig. 28 is a diagram for explaining the density characteristics of negative film and the principle of correction, and Fig. 29 schematically shows the configuration of the F/P and the relationship between the F/P, M/U, and IIT. Fig. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operating procedure and timing, Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the imaging unit drive mechanism, Fig. 32 is a sectional view of the main part of Fig. 31, and Fig. 33 (a) is a stepping A drive circuit diagram of the motor, FIG. 34 (b) is a diagram showing the excitation sequence, FIG. 34 is a diagram to explain the scan cycle by the imaging unit, and FIG. 35 is a diagram to explain the cause of color shift in color copying. ,
Figures 36 (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the control mode of IIT, Figure 37 is the imaging unit)
Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of a fluorescent lamp, and Figure 39 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a fluorescent lamp.
) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the CCD line sensor, and the same figure (b)
40 is a diagram showing the relationship between the reduction ratio and the amount of reading deviation, FIG. 41 is a video signal processing circuit diagram, FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the output waveform, and FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of color filters. is A
GC and AOC circuit diagrams, FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the relationship between digital gain setting value and gain, FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the relationship between document density and sensor output density, FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a conversion table, FIG. 47 is a diagram explaining pixel shift correction,
Figure 48 is a diagram showing the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the line sensor.
Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining conventional black level correction;
The figure shows the dark output for 42 minutes of sensor error, and FIG. 51 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of black level correction according to the present invention.
Figure 52 is a diagram showing black level correction data, and Figure 53 is a diagram showing black level correction data.
Figure 54 is a diagram to explain the dark output of each channel when the sensors of the chip are arranged, Figure 54 is a diagram showing the relationship between the dark output type unrestricted minute and exposure time, and Figure 55 is a diagram showing the relationship between the original density and the exposure time. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship with a change in concentration for one sensor chip. 901...Line sensor, 903...A/D
Converter, 912... Jail reduction means, 913... Memory,
907...Data calculation means for black level correction. Applicant Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney Hiroki Shirai (5 others) Ku (?') lk Curse ξ (ζ (b) Ste Tsubu 1 Wa 9 10 t (b) Figure 35 (a) ) Figure 36 (a) Figure 36 (b) M2C diagram (a) (a) (b) Go to d

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A line sensor that reads a document image, an A/D converter that A/D converts the output signal of the line sensor, and an A/D converter that converts the output signal of the line sensor.
A memory for storing dark output data of the D-converted signal, a black level correction data calculation means for dividing the dark output data into a plurality of sections and calculating an average value for each section, and a memory for storing dark output data in the D-converted signal; An image reading device comprising: a subtraction unit that sequentially subtracts image data of a document and black level correction data stored in the memory. (2) A plurality of line sensors that read original images, an A/D converter that A/D converts the output signals of the line sensors for each channel, and dark output data of the A/D converted signals. , an adjusting means for adjusting the leading value of the dark output data to a reference level, and a data calculation unit for black level correction that divides the dark output data into a plurality of sections and calculates an average value for each section. and a subtraction means that sequentially subtracts the image data of the document and the black level correction data stored in the memory when reading the document. (3) The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the black level correction data is calculated every time the imaging unit scans the original. (4) The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a non-volatile memory for storing the black level correction data, and loading the data of the non-volatile memory into the memory when the power is turned on. . (5) The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the black level correction data is calculated only when the power is turned on.