JPH04158351A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the erroneous formation of an image with quite different shade and color tone from those of a document by identifying the sensitivity characteristic of a photosensitive recording medium, judging whether the set color balance data in a memory means is adequate, and selecting the stored color balance data to update the stored content. CONSTITUTION:The sensitivity characteristic of a photosensitive recording medium is identified by an identifying means, and whether the color balance data set and stored in a memory means are adequate or not is judged by a judging means. If the judged result is not adequate, a warning is generated, the color balance data corresponding to the identified sensitivity characteristic are selected from the storing means, and the content of the memory means is updated. An image with quite different shade and color tone from those of a document is prevented from being formed erroneously.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that is compatible with a plurality of types of photosensitive recording media having different sensitivity characteristics.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in this type of image forming apparatus, the brightness and darkness and color tone of the output image are adjusted in order to bring the original and the output image as close as possible, or to adjust the color tone according to the user's preference. There were brightness adjustment keys, color balance adjustment keys, etc. Furthermore, in order to search for these optimal conditions, multiple trial copies are required, so the data that has been searched for is stored in a memory so that it can be recalled from the memory again.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, when a photosensitive recording medium with sensitivity characteristics different from the previous one is set in an image forming recording device that stores color balance data as described above, the user may If the color balance data corresponding to the previously set photosensitive recording medium is called up and copied as is, the copy will be output with completely different brightness and color tone, resulting in a completely useless copy. It was also economically wasteful.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and stores color balance data set for a photosensitive recording medium with certain sensitivity characteristics, and stores color balance data set for a photosensitive recording medium with different sensitivity characteristics. By determining whether or not the data is suitable for the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive recording medium on which it is set, it is possible to create an extremely economical image that prevents the copying of images with brightness and color tones that are completely different from the original. The purpose is to provide a forming device.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve this object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following features:
A storage means for storing set color balance data, an identification means for identifying the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive recording medium, a storage means for storing a plurality of color balance data according to the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive recording medium, and a photosensitive recording medium. is set, the identification means identifies the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive recording medium, and based on the data of the storage means, the data stored in the storage means is determined to be suitable for the sensitivity characteristics of the set photosensitive recording medium. It is equipped with a judgment means for judging whether or not there is a problem.

[Operation] The storage means of the present invention configured as described above stores data related to color balance set by the user. Further, the storage means stores a plurality of color balance data corresponding to the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive recording medium. When the identification means sets a photosensitive recording medium having different sensitivity characteristics from the data stored in the storage means, the determination means determines whether the data stored in the storage means corresponds to the sensitivity characteristics of the set photosensitive recording medium. determine whether it is suitable.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the photosensitive and pressure sensitive copying machine 1 which is the image forming apparatus of this embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 1, a photosensitive pressure sensitive paper 12 (hereinafter referred to as microcapsule paper) and a color developing paper 28 are used.

Note that the microcapsule paper 12 used in this example
The surface of the support is coated with microcapsules, and the microcapsules contain dye precursors and the like that react with the color developer described below. A color developer is coated on the surface of the support of the color developer paper 28 and develops color by reacting with a dye precursor.
It is described in the specification of No. 209, etc., and the explanation will be omitted here.

At the top of the copying machine 1, there is a document table glass 2 and a document table cover 3.
A desired original 4 is placed on the original platen glass 2.
is placed face down and the document table cover 3 is closed.

A halogen lamp 5a and a reflector 5b are provided below the document table glass 2 in the upper part of the copying machine 1.

A light source unit 5 equipped with a reflecting mirror 8 and the like is disposed so as to be movable back and forth along a shaft 13 extending parallel to the document table glass 2. The light source section 5 irradiates light onto the document table glass 2 in a line in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction.

The irradiated light passes through the transparent document platen glass 2 and is reflected downward by the document 4 placed thereon.

Below the document table glass 2, a mirror portion 9 is movably provided, which is formed separately from the light source section 5 and includes reflective mirrors 9a and 9b. The light reflected from the original 4 is reflected by the reflecting mirrors 8.9a and 9b in this order, and is guided parallel to the moving direction of the light source section 5.

A normally fixed projection lens 7 and a filter 6 for adjusting the color tone of the copied image are disposed below the document table glass 2, and the light reflected by the reflection mirror 9b is directed to the projection lens 7. incident.

The light projected by the projection lens 7 is reflected by the reflection mirror groups 10a and 10b.

An exposure table 11 for exposing the microcapsule paper 12 is arranged on the right side of the reflection mirror lOb, and a reflection mirror 10c for switching the optical path is arranged between the reflection mirror 10b and the exposure table 11. ing. Image information on the original document 4 is formed on microcapsule paper arranged along the exposure table 11.

In addition, although the reflecting mirrors 10a and 10b are normally fixed, they are set when enlarging or reducing the size of the latent image formed on the microcapsule paper 12, and are used to change the optical path length according to a change in the projection magnification m. It is configured to be able to move integrally in the axial direction of the shaft 13.

On the other hand, a cartridge 15 is disposed in the center of the copying machine 1, and the elongated microcapsule paper 12 is housed in the cartridge 15, which is removable from the machine while being wound around the cartridge shaft 14. With the cartridge 15 set at a predetermined position within the machine, the leading end of the microcapsule paper 12 is pulled out toward the exposure table 11.

A feed roller 19 and a dancer roller 21 for tension adjustment are provided below the exposure table 11. To the right of the dancer roller 21, a pressure developing device 22 is provided which includes a large diameter roller 22a and a backup roller 22b. To the right of the pressure developing device 22, a microcapsule paper 1 is placed in close contact as will be described later.
A separation roller 23 is provided to separate the microcapsule paper 12 from the color developer paper 28, and a take-up shaft 24 for fitting and holding the microcapsule paper 12 is provided between the separation roller 23 and the cartridge 15. ing.

Microcapsule paper 1 coming out from the top of cartridge 15
2 is guided by a tension roller 19 and passes above the exposure table 11, and then passes through a dancer roller 21 and a pressure developing device 2.
2 and is further guided to a separation roller 23 and then wound onto a winding shaft 24. Note that the unexposed microcapsule paper 12 after leaving the cartridge 15 is maintained in an unexposed state by the light shielding cover. A paper feed cassette 29 containing developer paper 28 is installed below the pressure developing device 22 . A suction cup type paper feeding mechanism 30 that sucks paper using negative pressure suction is disposed above the paper feeding cassette 29, and the developing paper 28 is taken out one by one by the paper feeding mechanism 30. Between the paper feeding mechanism 30 and the pressure developing device 22,
Feed guide 31d1 Feed roller 31a, 3l
b, 31c are arranged, and the color developing paper 28 is sent to feed rollers 31a, 31b.

31c1 is conveyed by the feed guide 31d and carried into the pressure developing device 22.

A heat fixing device 32 is disposed to the right of the pressure developing device 22, and a paper discharge tray 33 for storing the developer paper 28 on which an image is formed is disposed to the right of the heat fixing device 32. There is. A deodorizing filter 37 for removing the odor of gas generated during heat fixing and a deodorizing fan 38 for guiding the gas to the deodorizing filter 37 are disposed above the thermal fixing device 32.

The copying machine 1 also has an autoloading function for automatically setting the microcapsule paper 12 on a predetermined transport path within the apparatus. This is a function that automatically pulls out the leader film section 18 attached to the tip of the microcapsule paper 12 into the apparatus, transports the leader film section 18, and winds it around the winding shaft 24. As a result, the microcapsule paper 12 following the leader film section 18 is also wound up on the winding shaft 24, and the setting in the apparatus is completed.

For this autoloading, the leader film section 1
8, a roller 19 and a cartridge 15.
A half-moon roller 17 is disposed between the winding shaft 24 and a separation chute 27 for guiding the winding shaft 24 to the winding shaft 24.

A winding guide 25 and a winding guide 2 are arranged around the winding shaft 24 in order to wind the leader film section 18.
6 are arranged. Furthermore, roller 19 and half-moon roller 1
A sensitivity data reading sensor 35 for reading data such as sensitivity characteristics of the microcapsule paper 12 printed on the leader film section 18 is provided in the chute section between the leader film section 18 and the microcapsule paper 12 .

Next, the control circuit of this copying machine 1 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 3, this copying machine 1 has a work memory 6.
All controls are controlled by a 1-chip CPU 60 incorporating 1. The panel 50 includes a display section 54 for displaying messages, etc., and a brightness adjustment key 55 for adjusting brightness.
, a color balance adjustment key 56 for performing color correction, and a job memory setting key 5 for storing set color balance data (color correction data) in a job memory to be described later.
7. A job memory call key 58, a copy start key 59, etc. for calling the job memory are provided, and each is connected to the CPU 60.

In addition, the leader film portion 1 of the microcapsule paper 12
A sensitivity characteristic reading sensor 35 that reads the sensitivity characteristic data printed on the CPU 60 is connected to the CPU 60, and the data is sent to the CPU 60.
It is stored in the work memory 61 built in U60.

Furthermore, the CPU 60 includes a ROM 62 and a writable N memory whose written data is not erased even when the power is turned off.
VRAM63 is connected.

The ROM 62 includes a sensitivity characteristic conversion table 7 for converting into color correction data according to different sensitivity characteristics.
1, and a program memory 72 storing various control programs.

The NVRAM 63 also includes a job memory 73 that stores color correction data and sensitivity characteristic data of the set microcapsule paper 12 when the job memory setting key 57 is operated, and the currently set color correction data. A color balance memory 74 for storing color balance data (color correction data) is provided. and,
The color correction data in the job memory 73 and color balance memory 74 includes exposure amount data A1 of the exposure lamp 5a, speed v1 of the transport motor 67, insertion amount B1 of the yellow filter 6e, insertion amount C1 of the magenta filter 6m, insertion amount B1 of the cyan filter 6C. Furthermore, sensitivity characteristic data S at that point in time is stored.

Further, the sensitivity characteristic conversion table 71 of the ROM 62 includes sensitivity characteristic data of a plurality of microcapsule papers 12,
Color correction data A, B, C, D, and V corresponding to each sensitivity characteristic are stored in comparison.

For example, the color correction data of the microcapsule paper 12 of the new sensitivity characteristic data S1 is
5 and the data of the sensitivity characteristic conversion table 71.

The CPU 60 includes a lamp control circuit 64 for controlling the exposure amount of the exposure lamp 5a, and a color filter for controlling the tone and brightness of the output image.

A color filter control circuit 65 for controlling the insertion amount of the filter 6 and a drive motor control circuit 66 for the transport motor 67 for controlling the exposure time to the microcapsule paper 12 are connected and controlled based on the color correction data.

Further, if the sensitivity characteristic data of the newly set microcapsule paper 12 is different from the sensitivity characteristic data S stored in the color balance memory 74, the CPU 60 determines this and displays the data on the panel 50. To part 54”
"Color correction inappropriate" is displayed and a buzzer (not shown) sounds.

Next, the operation of the present copying machine 1 will be explained.

When the cartridge 15 is set in the copying machine 1, autoloading is started. The half-moon roller 17 rotates once to several times in the conveying direction only at the start of autoloading, and feeds the leader film section 18 to the roller 20.

Thereafter, it stops, and subsequent conveyance is performed by driving the rollers 20.

The take-up guide 25, the take-up guide shifter 26, and the separation chute 27 are rotated to the positions indicated by the 7-dot chain line, and the leader film section 18 attached to the tip of the microcapsule paper 12 is moved to the auto-rotation position to be wound around the take-up shaft 24. When the denguing is completed, the winding guide 25 and the winding
6. The separation chute 27 returns to the position shown by the solid line and becomes ready for copying.

When the copy start key 59 is operated, the reflecting mirror 8 and the halogen lamp 5 move at a moving speed of V/
m, and the reflecting mirrors 9a and 9b move at a moving speed of V/2.
Move with m. At this time, the transport speed of the microcapsule paper 12 and the V1 projection magnification are assumed to be m.

The conveyance speed of the microcapsule paper 12 is determined by the mirror group 8.9a.
, 9b is synchronized as described above,
Latent images of predetermined lines of the document 4 are sequentially formed on the microcapsule paper 12 as it passes through the exposure stage 11 . Note that the predetermined speed ratio is predetermined based on the setting of the magnification.

The microcapsule paper 12 on which the latent image has been formed is transported,
The topmost color developing paper 28 of the paper feed cassette 29 is fed to the paper feed mechanism 30.
, conveyed by feed rollers 31a, 31b, 310, etc.

The pressure developing device 22 is supplied with the microcapsule paper 12 and the color developer paper 28 in close contact with each other, and the microcapsule surface on which the latent image of the microcapsule paper 12 is formed and the color developer of the color developer paper 28. The application surface is integrally sandwiched between the large diameter roller 22a and the backup roller 22b in a state in which they are in contact with each other on the inside, and pressure is applied. This pressure destroys the microcapsules in the unexposed microcapsule paper 12 and forms an image on the developer paper 28.

The microcapsule paper 12 and the color developer paper 28 that have come out of the pressure development device 22 are separated by the separation roller 23, and then the color development of the color developer paper 28 is promoted by the heating roller 32a of the heat fixing device 32 to form an image. After that, the paper is delivered to the paper discharge tray 33 by the tension roller 32b. Note that the separated microcapsule paper 12 is wound up on a winding shaft 24 via a separation roller 23e.

Next, we will explain how to set the color balance to suit the user.

Normally, the user adjusts the brightness, color tone, etc. using the brightness adjustment key 55, color balance adjustment key 56, etc. on the panel 50 while looking at the original or the output image according to the user's own preference, etc., and then adjusts the color as desired by the user. so that it becomes These set color balance data (
Color correction data) is used to adjust the brightness and tone of the output image by changing the amount of light, that is, the brightness of the lamp or the copying speed, and by changing the insertion amount of the color filter 6 provided between the light source 5a and the exposure surface 11. is adjusted.

In addition, the copying machine 1 can input color balance data set by the user, that is, light amount data A, by pressing the job memory setting key 57 on the panel 50.
V, color filter 6 insertion amount data B, C, D, and sensitivity characteristic data S of the currently set microcapsule paper 12 are stored in the job memory 73.

Microcapsule paper 12 of this copying machine 1 is set in a cartridge 15 in the form of a roll. The used microcapsule paper 12 is wound up one by one on a pick-up roll 24, and when all of the cartridges 15 are used up, a sensor detects that the cartridge 15 is empty, and this is displayed on the display section 54 on the panel 50. The user opens the front cover of the copying machine 1 and takes out the empty cartridge 15 and the tick-up roll 24 on which the microcapsule paper 12 is wound. Then, a new cartridge 15 and tick-up roll 24 are set and automatic sheet feeding is performed. Sensitivity data and other data of the microcapsule paper 12 are printed on the leader film portion 18 of the microcapsule paper 12 in the cartridge 15, so the sensitivity data is read by the sensitivity data reading sensor 35.
The sensitivity characteristics of the new microcapsule paper 12 are stored in the work memory 61.

If the sensitivity data of the newly set microcapsule paper 12 is the same as the sensitivity data stored in the color balance memory 74, based on the color correction data stored in the color balance memory 74, You can start copying immediately. Further, if the user wants to obtain an output image with the same color balance as previously set, the color correction data can be recalled from the job memory 73 by operating the job memory recall key 58.

However, if the sensitivity data of the newly set microcapsule paper 12 is different from the sensitivity data stored in the color balance memory 74, the CPU 60 determines this and displays "color" on the display section 54 on the panel 5o. "Correction inappropriate" is displayed and a buzzer (not shown) sounds. At the same time, the color correction data stored in the color balance memory 74 is cleared, and the color correction data selected based on the data from the sensitivity data reading sensor 35 and the data of the sensitivity characteristic conversion table 71 is stored in the color balance memory 74.
to be memorized. As a result, it is possible to prevent a copy from being erroneously made with brightness and color tone completely different from those of the original, and it is also possible to immediately obtain an ideal image output. In addition, if the user wants to obtain an output image with the same color balance as the color balance previously set,
Color correction data can also be called up from the job memory 73 by operating the job memory call key 58.

With the above configuration, even if microcapsule paper 12 with different sensitivity characteristics is set, it is determined whether the currently set color correction data is appropriate or not, and the user is notified. This will prevent you from making copies with unbalanced colors.

In the above embodiment, only one color correction data is stored, but a plurality of color correction data may be stored.

Further, in the embodiment, when the sensitivity data of the newly set microcapsule paper 12 is different from the sensitivity data stored in the color balance memory 74, the color correction data stored in the color balance memory 74 is immediately stored. was cleared, but it may be cleared after receiving instructions from the user.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the detailed description above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is capable of supporting a plurality of photosensitive recording media having different sensitivity characteristics, and can store color balance data set by the user. be able to.

When a photosensitive recording medium with a different sensitivity is set, by determining whether the stored data is suitable for the sensitivity characteristics of the set photosensitive recording medium, it is possible to create a completely different brightness and darkness than the original. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an extremely economical image forming apparatus that does not erroneously copy color tones.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 3 show embodiments embodying the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control section. In the figure, 6 is a filter, 12 is microcapsule paper, 35
is a sensitivity data reading sensor, 55 is a brightness adjustment key, 56 is a color balance adjustment key, 57 is a job memory setting key, 58 is a job memory recall key, 60 is a CPU, 61 is a work memory, 62° is a ROM, 63 is an NVRAM ,7
1 is a sensitivity characteristic conversion table, 73 is a job memory, 74
is the color balance memory.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a photosensitive recording medium based on a set color balance, comprising: a storage means for storing the set color balance data; and a sensitivity of the photosensitive recording medium. an identification means for identifying the characteristics; a storage means for storing a plurality of color balance data corresponding to the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive recording medium; and when the photosensitive recording medium is set, the identification means identifies the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive recording medium. and determining means for determining whether the data stored in the storage means is suitable for the sensitivity characteristics of the set photosensitive recording medium based on the data in the storage means. Forming device.