JPH02308661A - Digital copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability by storing picture information by one original entirely into a storage means and eliminating the need for setting an original newly in the case of applying additional copying. CONSTITUTION:In the case of taking an additional copy, at first the copy condition is entered and a restart key on an operating panel 402 is depressed. When a copy circuit is not in operation and a copy end data is not 0, a buzzer is energized to send number of copies and a restart key code. When a system controller 302 receives the restart key code, a copy end data is read and a picture memory section 301 whose copy is finished is selected finally to send a picture data to the copying machine 200. When number of copies is 100, the operation above is repeated 100 times and after the copying of a prescribed sheet number is finished, the additional copying is attained without original read again. Thus, a defect caused to an original is reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a digital copying machine, and particularly to a digital copying machine characterized by its control system.

[Conventional technology]

A digital copy machine uses an optical image read by a scanner↑
It is configured to store the blue report in the image memory section (storage means) as a digital signal.

By the way, since the storage capacity of conventional digital copying machines is small, the image information stored in the image information storage means is
Once copied, it would be erased in order to read the next area of the same document.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, the image information for one document stored in the image information storage means is deleted after a predetermined number of copies have been made, so the operator who notices that the number of copies is insufficient needs to make additional copies. If you want to make copies, there is a problem in that you have to reset the original after copying a predetermined number of sheets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a digital copying machine that can make additional copies without resetting a new original.

[Means to solve the problem]

The above objects include an image reading means for converting a document image into an image density signal, a conversion means for converting the image density signal into digital image information, a storage means for storing digital image information for one document, and a digital image information a copying means for copying;
An operation display means comprising various keys including a key for additional copying and a display section for displaying various information; and an operation display means for controlling the copying means and for receiving key inputs for additional copying from the operation display means for controlling the storage means. This is achieved by including a control means for reading and additionally copying image information for one document.

[Effect]

The storage means stores all the image information for one original sheet, and the control means issues a command for additional copying of the necessary number of sheets after the original has been copied by inputting an additional copy key from the operation display means without reading the original again. Output to copying means.

〔Example〕

FIG. 3 shows an outline of a copying machine incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. This copying machine includes a reading device 100 as a reading means for reading a document. Image information storage device 300 as a storage means for storing read document information. A copying circuit 500 that performs a series of processes for copying stored information onto paper. System control device 3o2.
The system controller 302 includes an operating device 400 as an operating means for inputting key inputs to the system control device 302 . Note that the operating device 400 includes a display device that displays various information.

A detailed configuration of the system control device 302 is shown in FIG.

That is, it is mainly configured with a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as cPU) 303, and a ROM.

It includes a RAM, a clock signal generation circuit, a timer, an interrupt controller for interrupt processing, and the like. moreover,
Reading device 100. Image information storage device 300, copying circuit 5
00. It includes Ilo and serial communication controllers 304 to 306 for exchanging information with the operating device 400.

The operating device 400 includes an operating panel 402 and an operating control circuit 4.
Consists of 01. A plane view of the operation panel 402 is shown in FIG. The operation panel 402 has keys (mode clear, stop, start,
Numeric keypad, density adjustment.

Image quality adjustment, paper size, enlargement, reduction memory number.

Settings) Character display (number of sheets set, number of copies per copy, variable magnification), document insertion possible indication, and document insertion direction indication.

An outline of the mechanical configuration of the reading device 100 is shown in FIG. transported.

During this transportation, the surface of the document is scanned in the main scanning direction by light from the fluorescent lamp 4. The reflected light is imaged on an image pickup device (COD) 6 via a lens 5, and document information is read. C
The original image formed on the CD 6 is output as an analog signal in synchronization with a clock generated from a write synchronization control circuit 105, and is amplified by an image amplification circuit 101. A/D
The conversion circuit 102 converts the amplified analog image signal into multivalued digital image information representing each pixel. The shading correction circuit 103 corrects noise, light intensity unevenness, etc. in the original image.
Distortion of digital image information due to dirt on the contact glass 2, uneven sensitivity of the CCD 6, etc. is corrected. Thereafter, the image processing circuit 104 converts it into digital recorded image information. Digitally recorded image information is output to the image storage device 300,
The data is written into one page memory of the image memory unit 301.

The digitally recorded image information stored in the page memory is converted into laser light in the next copying circuit 500.

FIG. 2 shows a copying apparatus 2 in which the image information storage bag N 300 , a copying circuit 500 and an operating device 400 are incorporated.
An overview of the mechanical configuration of 00 is shown.

Digitally recorded image information read from the page memory is received by a line driver circuit 501 and amplified by a laser driver circuit 502. Digitally recorded image information is 1
This is a binary signal of 1 bit (recording/non-recording) per pixel, and the laser driver circuit 502 activates the laser diode 503 to emit light in response to the binary signal. The laser light emitted by the laser diode 503 is reflected by the rotating polygon mirror 11, passes through the polygon mirror surface tilt correction cylindrical lens 12, passes through the f-theta lens 13, and is transmitted to the first mirror 14. The light is reflected by the second mirror 15 and the third mirror 16 and is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 17 to form an image.

The rotating polygon mirror 11 is fixed to a polygon drive motor 18 and a rotating shaft 19, and the motor 18 rotates at a constant speed, thereby driving the polygon mirror 11 to rotate at a constant speed. As the polygon mirror 11 rotates, the laser beam described above is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the photoreceptor drum 17, that is, in a direction along the drum axis.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 170 is uniformly charged by a charger connected to a negative high voltage generator. When the laser beam emitted based on the digitally recorded image information is irradiated onto the uniformly charged surface of the photoreceptor, the electric charge on the surface of the photoreceptor flows to the equipment ground of the drum 17 body and disappears due to the photoconductive phenomenon. . Here, the laser is not turned on in areas where the original density is low (the binary signal is at a non-recording level), and the laser is turned on in areas where the original density is high (the binary signal is at the recording level). As a result, the part of the surface of the photoreceptor drum that corresponds to the light density part of the original has a potential of 1750V, and the part corresponding to the part with high density of the original has a potential of about 1100V. A latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 20 to form a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 17. Note that the toner in the developing unit 20 is negatively charged by stirring, and the developing unit 20 is charged with a voltage of -550 V by a developing bias generator.
The photoreceptor drum 17 is biased to a certain degree, and the surface potential of the photoreceptor drum 17 is attached to the area where it is higher than the developing bias, and a toner image corresponding to the original image is formed.

On the other hand, the recording paper is selected from one of the three paper feed trays 21, fed by the feed operation of the feed roller 22, cut into an appropriate size by the cutter 23, and then
The registration roller 24 passes under the photosensitive drum I7 at a predetermined timing, and during this time, the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper by the action of the transfer charger 25. The transferred recording paper is then sent to a thermal fixing unit 26, where the toner is fixed to the recording paper, and the recording paper is discharged to a paper output tray 27.

Referring again to FIG. The copying machine of this embodiment includes an image information storage device 30 in addition to a reading device 100 and a copying circuit 500.
0, and this storage surface 300 consists of an image memory section 301 and a system control device 302. In this embodiment, the image memory section 300, the system control device 302, and the operating device 400 are connected to a copying machine M2 shown in FIG.
It is housed in a 00 housing. reader ioo
, the copying circuit 5001, the image information storage device 300, and the operating device 400 are connected to the R3422 standard signal line Ll.

L2. and L3, and serial data transmission is performed between the two at a transmission rate of 9600 bps.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the image memory section 301. The image memory unit 301 has three page memories A to C (301A to 3).
01C), one of the page memories is selected by a memory control signal from the system control device 302, and digitally recorded image information is written to or read from the page memory.

To write digitally recorded image information to page memory,
Reading of the digitally recorded image information from the page memory is performed using a synchronous control signal from the copying circuit 500.

The main part of the control operation of the CPU 303 of the system control device 302 is shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b.
After the power is turned on, the I10 interface section and RAM are cleared and set to the initial state. Next, a status monitoring flag, which will be described later, is reset, and in this state, a waiting state is entered in which key input from the operation panel 407 is accepted.

The number of copies and other copy conditions are entered by key input on the operation panel 401, and the original is set in the reading device 100 (steps M1 to M3 in FIG. 7a; hereinafter, the word "step" will be omitted in parentheses). And CPU303&
$, check the state monitoring flag of the page memory in the image memory unit 30I (2 to 4). In this embodiment, there are three page memories, each of which has a corresponding status monitoring flag. Now, when all the page memories in the storage device 300 are empty, all the status monitoring flags are 0''.Here, one page memory i (=A~ Select C) (5~
7) and set the state monitoring flag of page memory i.

FIG. 8 shows the address assignment of the status monitoring flag. When page memory A is selected, RAM address 100OO
When page memory B is selected, "1" is stored in RAM address 10001H, and when page memory C is selected, "1" is stored in RAM address 100H.
Store 1” in 02H.

Next, write the unique number of page memory i to register FIF○, and write the copy condition to the copy condition register (8,
9). FIFO is a 5-byte memory in the RAM area, and if page memory A in the image memory section is selected and its unique number is 01'', this code is RA
Store in the first address of the FIFO at M address 11000H, and write the copy condition to the copy condition register corresponding to "01". Incidentally, if images of different originals are sequentially written to the image memory section, as shown in FIG. 8, 02H
,03H are RAM addresses 1100IH, 11002H
will be written to.

When the preparation for writing the original into the page memory is completed, the CPU 303 sends a reading start instruction to the reading device 100, and the digitally recorded image information sent by the reading device 100 is written into the page memory i.

When the fortune-telling is completed, the CPU 303 checks the contents of the FIFO and examines the usage status of the page memory. Since "01" is now written in the first address of the FIFO, the page memory A is designated for reading, and the copying conditions are given to the copying circuit 500 to instruct the start of recording and readout. Copying of the first document is started in the above manner, and thereafter, repeated reading and copying of the set number of documents are performed (14 to 20).

To explain this in detail, the CPU 303 first uses FIFO
15) Check the usage status of the image memory section. That is, the number of original sheets (page memory) that have already been input and have not yet been copied is checked. Now FI
Since "01" is stored in the first address of the FO, the digitally recorded image information to be stored in the page memory corresponding to "01" is sent to the copying circuit 500 together with the copying conditions.

Now, if the number of copies is 100, the image information in page memory A is output to the copying circuit 500 by repeating 100 times. When the number of copies is completed, clear the status monitoring flag 1 of page memory A (RAM address 100OO
Write “0” to H).

Also, at this time, the value of F'lFO is cleared and a copy end signal is output to the copying circuit 500 and the operating device 400. This completes the copying of the first original.

When the CP, U303 starts reading page memory A as described above, it checks whether there is a document set by the next M1 to M3, and if there is a document, it executes steps 1 to 4 and the flag is set to "0". ”, steps 5 to 12 are executed.

If there is no original, copying is completed and the check continues to check if there is a original. When the original is present, proceed to step 1. When copying is completed, the flag of the page memory that has finished reading is cleared (same as writing "O"). and read end signal (
copying end) is given to the copying circuit 500 and the operation control circuit 400. Therefore, when three or more originals are inserted into the reading device 100, the image information of the second original is stored in the page memory during the 100-sheet copying of the first original.
This means that the image information of the third document is stored in the page memory C. When the copying of 100 sheets of the first original is completed, page memory A becomes empty, so the fourth original can be read, and the image information of the fourth original is stored in the page memory. Written to A. During this time, the image information of the second document is being read and copied. .

In this way, it is possible to read image information from one page memory and provide it to the copying circuit 500 while writing it to another page memory. Image information from the reading device 100 can be written into the memories B and C. In addition, if there is still image information that is required (requires copying) in any of page memories A, B, and C, it will be copied according to the contents of FIFO, that is, according to the order in which the originals were read.
Image information can be output to the copying circuit 500 to obtain the required number of copies.

Then, the value of the FIFO to be cleared at the end of copying is stored at address 10010H as copying end data.

Next, the general flowchart for taking additional copies is shown in section 9.
It is shown in the figure and explained in detail below.

After inputting the copying conditions (9-1), if you press the start key on the operation panel 402 (9-2), the copying circuit is not operating (NO at 9-3) and the copying end data (10
If the value of address 0IOH is not 0 (NO at 9-4),
Sound the buzzer (9-5), and transmit the restart key code along with the number of copies (9-6). When the system control device 302 receives the restart key code, it reads the copy completion data, selects the image memory that last completed copying (9-7), and sends the image data to the copying circuit (9-7).
8). For example, when inserting only one original, use the FIF
OIH is entered in l100OH of O, and at the end of copying (9-
9,9-10) Copy end data becomes OIH and FIF
l100OH of O is cleared. Memory control signal is O
IH is output and page memory A is selected. The number of copies is sent to the write drive circuit and the image memory unit 30
Only one copy is output from 1. Currently, the number of copies is 1
If it is 00 sheets, it will be repeated 100 times.

Note that if 9-3.9-4 is YES, the start; toe is canceled (9-11).

In this way, after a predetermined number of copies have been made, additional copies can be made without having to read the original again. Therefore, when the original is scanned using the original transport method as in this embodiment, the operator manually inserts the original into the scanner. Although it is conceivable that the document may be damaged by tearing or creating creases for insertion, the present invention eliminates the need to damage the document.

Similarly to the above, it is also effective when handling wide originals or long originals of AO to A2 size.

In addition, if the operator is concerned about the quality of the copy, please
After making a copy, if it is okay, make multiple copies, but since this is also an additional copy, there is no need to reset the original.

Also, the FIFO value to be cleared at the end of copying is set to FIFO2.
Put it in. When copying using page memory A is completed, l
OIH enters l100H. Next, when copying using page memory B is completed, 02H is entered in 11100H. OI
H shifts to lll0IH.

Next, when copying using page memory C is completed, 1110
03H enters 0H. 02H to 11101H, 03H
is shifted to 11102H. When three sheets of originals have been input in succession and the copying process has been completed, the result will be as shown in Fig. 8. In other words, the page memory value of the last input document is ll1
00H1 The page memory value of the previous document is lll0I
H1 The page memory value of the previous original is 111.
It is in 02H. If you take additional copies here, 1
Press the start key at the same time. 1 is the last manuscript, 2 is the previous manuscript, and 3 is the one previous manuscript.

The flowchart of additional copying shown in FIG. 10 will be explained.

First, enter the copying conditions such as the number of copies (10-1)
, press the restart key and keys 1 to 3 at the same time (1
0-2). If the copying circuit is operating (YES at 10-3)
, proceed to step 10-12, which will be described later. If not in operation (NO in 10-3), FIFO2 selected in 1 to 3
Check whether the value of is not 0, that is, whether there is an image in the specified memory, and if there is no image (YES at 10-4), cancel the restart key (10-5).
If there is an image (No at 10-4), the receptionist will sound the buzzer when the restart key is pressed (lO-6). Here, changes to the copying conditions such as the number of copies are accepted (10-7), and the image memory section 301 is selected from the selected FIFO 2 (10-8), and the image data in the image memory section 301 is transferred according to the copying conditions. The data is sent to the copying circuit (10-9). If the image data has been sent (YES at 10-10), check whether the number of copies has been completed, and if it is finished (YES at 10-1).
1 (YES), it enters a waiting state.

After copying is completed in this manner, up to three originals in total can be copied from the last original by simply inputting keys on the operation panel 402 without having to read them again. Since the operation mode is memorized for this key input, only the minimum number keys and start key are required.

In addition, since the original is read using the original transport method, AO,
In the case of large-sized originals such as A1, the originals may be torn or creased, but these drawbacks can be compensated for because fewer readings are required. If you have large-format manuscripts read, you won't have to worry about where to put them and organize them, so you won't have to send them out again.

If the copying operation is in progress when the restart key is pressed (YES at 10-3), the selected FIFO is first checked, and if it is 0 (YES at 10-12), the key cancels (YES at 10-12). -13), if other than 0 (No at 10-12)
)Proceed to the next. Here, in the FIFO selected from 1 to 3, document 3 whose number 1 was read last is the oldest document.

Next, it is checked whether the selected memory (that is, the memory indicated by the iM-translated FIFOO value in 1 to 3) is currently being copied, and if it is not being copied (NO in 10-14), the selected memory and the next FIFO to change the memory to be copied
Convert the O value (10-15). Also, if the selected memory is currently being copied, the FIFO that is being copied will be copied again after the memory being copied.
10-16) and enter the selected FIFOO value into the empty area (10-17).

As a result of the above, if, for example, three originals are being read and the first original is being copied, the order of copying the second and third originals can be changed, so the operator can copy two originals. Even if you make a mistake in the order of the first and third images, you can correct them. Also, since you can make additional copies of the first document (the one currently being copied) immediately after copying the set number of copies of the first page, you can make additional copies of the same document just as you would when making additional copies after all copies have been completed. There is no separation between the bottom and top of the paper output tray.

Next, a flowchart of a method for changing the number of copies is shown in FIG.

Now, assume that three originals are read in succession, and the number of sheets set for the first sheet is set to 50 sheets, the number of sheets set for the second sheet is set to 100 sheets, and the number of sheets set for the third sheet is set to 150 sheets. When the stop key is pressed during the repeat of the first original, the copying circuit is in operation (YES at 11-1), so the buzzer sounds (1l-2) and a stop signal is sent to the copying circuit (11-1). -3). Assume that the number of copies per copy stops at 20. The display on the operation panel 402 corresponds to the stopped copying (11-5), and the number of sheets set is 50 and the number of copies per copy is 20.

Ru. Change the set number from 50 to 30 using the numeric keypad (1l-6) and press the restart key (11-7)
, select the image memory section 301 that was being copied 1l-9
), the image data in the image memory section 301 is sent to the copying circuit according to the copying conditions (1l-10), the number of remaining copies is 10
Do a piece. After copying the first copy, continue copying the second copy,
Perform the third sheet <11-11.1l-12). If the input number of copies is less than the current number of copies, (1
1-8 (YES), and after pressing the wrist foot key, copying of the second sheet starts.

To change the set number of copies other than those that have been stopped, press the stop key and then press the asterisk key (11
-4 for YES). If the asterisk key is pressed once when stopping at the first document under the above conditions, the number of sheets set for the second document can be changed. If you press it twice, the third image, 3
If you press it again, it will return to the first page (the one being copied).

Count the number of presses of the asterisk key (1
1-13) When the key is pressed, the corresponding display will be displayed (1
1-14). For example, when the button is pressed once, the second original is displayed, and since the set number of sheets is 100 and no copies have been made, the number of copies is 0. Here, if you change the set number of sheets from 100 to 70 using the numeric keypad (11-15) and press the restart key (11-16), 30 sheets will be copied, leaving the first original, and the second original will be copied. 70 copies are made, and the third original is unchanged from the beginning, and 150 copies are made.

In this way, if you want to change the number of copies with a copying machine that can read documents continuously, you can change the number of copies instantly, so there is no need for wasted paper or for the operator to be near the copying machine to make changes.

Next, the additional flowchart shown in FIG. 12 will be explained.

First, enter the copying conditions such as the number of copies (12-1)
, press the restart key and keys 1 to 3 at the same time (12
-2). If the copying circuit is operating (YES in 12-3)
, the restart key is canceled (12-4). If it is not in operation (No at 12-3), check whether the value of FIF02 selected in 1 to 3 is not O, that is, whether the specified memory contains an image, and if no image is stored (12-3). -5: YES), cancel the restart key, accept the start key if there is an image & do not sound the J buzzer (12-6). Here, changes to copying conditions such as the number of copies are accepted (12-7), and the image memory unit 301 is selected from the selected FfFO2 (12-8). The image data in the image memory section 301 is sent to the copying circuit according to the copying conditions (12-9). After sending the image data (1
2-10: YES) It is checked whether the number of copies has been completed, and if it has been completed (12-11: YES), the process enters a waiting state.

After copying is completed in this way, up to three originals in total starting from the last original can be copied by simply inputting keys on the operation panel without having to read them again.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of memory clearing.

When the mode clear key is pressed, the mode on the operation panel 402 is cleared (13-1). Next, if the copying circuit is not in operation (No at 13-2), it is checked whether keys 1 to 3 are pressed simultaneously. If it is pressed (1
3-3: YES) Clear the image memory selected using the 1 to 3 keys (I3-4), and clear the image memory selected using the 1 to 3 keys.
Clear FO2 (13-5). This clears only the part of the image memory that contains the confidential document, making it impossible to take it out and copy it. If keys 1 to 3 are not pressed at the same time (No in 13-3), the entire area of the image memory is cleared (13-6.13-7). While the copying circuit is in operation, there is a case where copying is stopped due to an error or a stop key and then resumed.

As a result of the above, by pressing the mode clear key after copying a confidential document, the confidential document cannot be retrieved and copied. Furthermore, if a confidential document and other manuscripts are mixed together, it is possible to extract only the confidential document and prevent it from being copied.

Next, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, which will be described later.

When the number of copies and other copying conditions are entered by key input on the ff1 creation panel 402, and the document insertable display is lit, the document is inserted into the reading device 1.
When set to 00 (from steps M1 to Ml in FIG. 7a, the word step is omitted in parentheses), the CPU
Step 303 erases the document insertion permission display and prohibits insertion of subsequent documents. Next, check the state monitoring flag M-3usy bit of the page memory in the image memory unit 301 (
2-4). In this embodiment, there are three page memories, each of which has a corresponding status monitoring flag. Now, if all the page memories in the storage device 300 are empty, all the status monitoring flags M-Busy bits are 0''.
Select one page memory i (=A to C) (5 to 7)
and sends a memory write selection signal to that memory. At the same time, r-1-B u of the state monitoring flag of page memory i
sy Set the y bit (8).

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show the address assignment of the status monitoring flag. When page memory A is selected, the M-Busy bit of RAM address 100OOH is set, and when page memory B is selected, RAM address 1000H is set.
When the OIH M-Bu sy bit is set and page memory C is selected, the RAM address is 10002.
Set the M-Busy bit of H.

Next, write to the unique number register FIFO of page memory i (9), and write the copy condition to the copy condition register.

FIFO is a 7-byte memory in the RAM area.
Now, suppose that page memory A of the image memory section 301 is selected and its unique number is 01'', then this code is RA
It is stored in the first address of the FIFO at M address 1100OH, and the copy condition is written to the copy condition register corresponding to '01'.

Note that if images of different originals are sequentially written to the image memory unit 301, as shown in FIG.
3H is RAM address l100IH.

Written to 11002H.

When the preparation for writing the manuscript is completed, the CPU 30
3 transmits a document start instruction to the reading device 100, the document is conveyed, and the digital recorded image information transmitted by the reading device 100 is written into the page memory i.

When the writing is completed, the CPU 303 writes the FIFO-CN
Add 1 to T. FIFO-CNT is a counter that indicates how many bytes of data are written in FIFO,
Indicates how many originals are stored in the page memory at the same time. Next, the CPU 303 checks the contents of FI FO-CNT and examines the usage status of the page memory. F
When I FO-CNT is 3, it indicates that the image information of three originals is stored in the page memory. At this time, reading of the subsequent original cannot be started, so the original insertion ready display remains off. be. When FIFO-CNT<3, there is an empty page memory, so the document insertion possible display is lit. Now, the first address of FIFO is “01”.
” has been written, a memory continuation selection signal is output to the page memory A, the copying conditions are given to the copying circuit 500, a copy start is instructed, and reading is started. Copying is started, and then repeated reading and copying of the set number of sheets is performed (14 to 20).

To explain this in detail, the CPU 303 first uses FIFO
15) Check the usage status of the image memory section. That is, the number of original sheets (page memory) that have already been input and have not yet been copied is checked. Now FI
Since 01'' is stored in the first address of the FO, the digitally recorded image information to be stored in the page memory corresponding to 01'' is sent to the copying circuit 500 together with the copying conditions. now,
If the number of copies is 100, the image information stored in the page memory is output to the copying circuit 500 by repeating the process 100 times.

Page memory A can be cleared once the number of copies has been completed, so page memory A status monitoring flag M-E3u
Clear the sy bit (RAM address 100OOH
(Write “O” to the M-Busy bit of Also, at this time, the FIFOO value is cleared and a copy end signal is output to the copying circuit 500 and the operating device 400. That's 1
This means that copying of the original sheet has been completed.

When the CPU 303 starts reading to the page memory as described above, it checks whether there is a document set by the next Ml-M3, and if there is a document, it executes steps 1 to 4 and sets the status monitoring flag. M-Busy bit is “O”
If there is page memory, steps 5 to 12 are executed.

If there is no original, the process continues to check the completion of copying and the presence or absence of the original, and when the original exists, it proceeds to step 1. When the copying is completed, the M-Busy bit of the status monitoring flag of the page memory that has finished reading is cleared (“ (synonymous with writing 0") and sends a read end signal (copy end) to the copying circuit 5.
00 to the operation control circuit 400. Therefore, if three or more originals are inserted into the reading device 100, the first
During the copying of 100 sheets of the original sheet, the image information of the second sheet of original sheet is written in page memory B, and the image information of the third sheet of original sheet is written in page memory C.

When the copying of 100 sheets of the first original is completed, page memory A becomes empty, so the fourth original can be read, and the image information of the fourth original is stored in the page memory. Written to A.

During this time, the image information of the second document is being read and copied.

In this way, it is possible to read image information from one page memory and provide it to the copying circuit 500 while writing it to another page memory. Image information from the reading device 100 can be written into the memories B and C. In addition, if there is still image information that is required (needs to be copied) in any of the page memories A, B, and C, the image information is output to the copying circuit 500 according to the contents G of the FIFO, that is, according to the order in which the originals were read. You can obtain as many copies as you need.

Reading device 100. Image information storage device 300. Copy circuit S
OO, the operating device 400 connects R3422 signal lines LL and L.
2. Although they are connected via L3, the details will be explained below, focusing on the synchronization signal, including the protocol leading to copying.

When the number of copies and other copying conditions are entered by key input on the operation panel 402 and a document is set in the reading device 100, the document reading sensor is activated and the reading control circuit 10
6, a document reading start signal code 4AH is sent to the system control device 302 of the copying apparatus 200 via Ll.

Upon receiving this signal, system control device 302 transmits document information request signal code 48H to operation control circuit 401 via R3. Then, the operation control circuit 401 returns the copying conditions (number of sheets set, magnification, density, etc.) input to the operation panel 402 together with the copy start enable signal code 4CH.

When the CPU 303 of the system control device 302 receives the copy start enable signal code 4CH from the operation control circuit 401 via R3, the CPU 303 checks the status monitoring flag corresponding to the page memory of the image memory unit 301 to determine whether writing to the page memory is possible. to decide.

The status monitoring flag has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. M-AVA I L is set if page memory exists. M-Busy is set when image information is written to the page memory.

M-DONT is set when writing of image information is prohibited. That is, image information can be written to page memory i when M-AVAIL=1. M-B
This is the case when usy=O+ M-DONT=O.

Further, upon receiving the copy start enable signal code 4CH, the system control device 302 transmits a document start signal code 4DH to the reading control circuit 106 to prompt the reading device 100 to start reading the document. When the reading control circuit 106 receives this signal, it starts rotating the roller 1, and the document is conveyed onto the contact glass 2 in accordance with the rotation of the roller 1, and the surface of the document is scanned in the main scanning direction. At this time, the reading device 10
In synchronization with the clock generated from the 0° write synchronization control circuit 105, image information and a writing document length signal (hereinafter WFGATE) are generated.
signal) and a write line signal (hereinafter referred to as WLSYNC signal) are output to the image memory section 301 and the system control device 302.

Currently, there are three page memories A, B, and C, and the image information is first sent to page memory A with the WFGATE signal.

It is output simultaneously with the WLSYNC signal.

In other words, WFGATE is written at the same time as the leading edge of the document is written.
signal and WLSYNC signal are turned ON. The WLSYNC signal is a signal that is generated every time 16 lines (1 mm) of the original are read, and the WFGATE signal is turned OFF when the reading of the original is completed.

If the WFGATE signal turns OFF, the system control device 3
02 detects this and sends copy start signal code 4EH.
to the write drive control circuit 50 of the copying circuit 500 via R2.
Output to 4.

When the write drive control circuit 504 receives this signal, the write drive control circuit 504 synchronizes with the rotating polygon mirror 11 and sends a continuous line signal (hereinafter referred to as an RLSYNC signal) and a continuous document length signal (hereinafter referred to as an RFGATE signal) generated from the continuous synchronization control circuit 506 to the system. Control device 3
Output to 02. The image information stored in the page memory is read out using these two signals and is output from the image memory section 301 to the line driver circuit 501 of the writing device.

The writing and reading of image information into the page memory according to the size of the original will be described in detail below.

The document length of the document inserted into the reading device 100 is 210 mm.
(ie, A4 horizontal size), 210 pulses are sent from the write synchronization control circuit 105 to the system control device 302 from when the WFGATE signal turns ON to when it turns OFF.

The CPU 303 of the system control device 302
After receiving the WFGATE signal from 00, WLSYN
Start counting the C signal. CP[J303 is WFG
When the ATE signal turns OFF, that is, when the reading of the original is completed, the counting of the WLSYNC signal is stopped and the counted number is stored in the RAM in the system controller 302.
to be memorized. For A4 landscape size documents, the document length is 21
Since it is 0 mm, the write count number (hereinafter WLSYNC-C
NT) is 210.

As a result, the image information of the original is stored in the page memory A. Currently, the storage capacity of each page memory is equivalent to the A2 horizontal size (width 594 mm x length 420 mm), so there is no shortage of storage capacity. WFGATE signal is OFF
When the time reaches F, the CPU 303 starts the image information reading operation.

First, the CPU 303 sends the copy start signal to L2.
It is output to the write drive control circuit 504 via. At the same time, a memory successive selection signal (hereinafter referred to as MR3ELCT signal) is output to page memory A. Then, the RLSYNC signal and RFG are output from the synchronization control circuit 506 of the copying circuit 500.
The ATE signal is output, and the CPU 303 counts the reading of the RLSYNC signal after the RFGATE signal turns ON (
RLSYNC-CNT) starts counting.

Image information G stored in page memory RLSYN
C and is sent to the line driver circuit 501 of the copying circuit 500. The image information currently stored in the page memory is that the document length is 210 mm, and the WR
Since 5YNC-CNT is 210, R at the time of reading is
Similarly, LSYNC-CNT may be counted up to 210. CPU303 is WLSYNC-CNT=RLSY
When NC-CNT match, output of image information from the page memory is stopped.

The operation of writing and reading image information of the subsequent original is performed in the same way, and even if the same page memory is used, the image information of the preceding original is not read.

This allows writing and reading of subsequent documents without clearing the page memory used by the preceding document.

Note that the memory control signal of the system control device 302 consists of a memory write selection signal (WMSELECT signal) and a memory successive selection signal (RMSELECT signal).

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, since digital image information for one original is stored in the storage means, it is possible to make additional copies without setting a new original. , it is possible to provide a digital copying machine with excellent operability.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 and 2 are block diagrams mainly showing the outline of the structure of the mechanical parts of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a reading device, and FIG. 2 shows a copying device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of electrical elements of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the operation panel shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system control device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image memory section shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the microprocessor shown in FIG. Figure 8 is similar to Figure 5 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing write information of the RAM shown in FIG. 9 and 10 are flowcharts of additional copy control operations. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the copy number changing process operation. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the additional copy control operation. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the memory clear processing operation. 14th. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the RAM0 write information shown in FIG. 5. 100...reading device, 200...copying device, 300
. . . Image information storage device, 301 . . . Image memory unit (
storage means), 302... system control device (control means), 400... operating device. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 3?2 Fig. 70 ■ Fig. 8 Fig. lO Fig. 2 No'! Part 1 / Figure R Part 2 Noni Gang Figure 13 Children

Claims (1)

[Claims] an image reading means for converting the original image into an image density signal; a converting means for converting the image density signal into digital image information;
a storage means for storing digital image information for one manuscript;
A copying means for copying digital image information, an operation display means consisting of various key groups including keys for additional copying, and a display section for displaying various information, and an operation display means for controlling the copying means and addition from the operation display means. 1. A digital copying machine comprising: a control means for receiving a copy key input, reading image information for one document from a storage means, and additionally copying the image information.