JPH04184574A - Picture processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a synthesized picture which is colorful and strongly appeals to users by synthesizing a desired picture with additional information composed of a specific pattern. CONSTITUTION:A picture processing section 402 performs digital/analog picture processing by extracting the outline section of input picture data, expanding the extracted outline section, and synthesizing a prescribed pattern with the area of the input picture data other than the expanded outline section. In addition, when the section 402 recognizes an area indicated with a specific color on a original, the section 402 performs digital/analog picture processing by synthesizing a specific pattern with the area of the original other than the indicated area. Then the synthesized picture of an original picture and the picture formed on the basis of digital information is formed on a recording medium by means of an analog picture scanning system 2 which projects the original picture upon a photosensitive body and a digital scanning system (laser section) 45 which scans and exposes the photosensitive body with a laser beam on the basis of prescribed digital information in parallel with the scanning of the original by means of the system 2. Therefore, a compiled picture which accurately emphasizes such elements as characters and pictures on an original and strongly appeals to users can be easily obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image processing device that performs digital arithmetic processing on image data.

[Prior art 1] In recent years, image recording devices such as copying machines have become multi-functional, such as variable magnification and automatic density adjustment functions.

Various functions such as automatic paper size selection function, automatic magnification selection function, multicolor function, automatic double-sided recording function, 9 image editing function or two-color development function that can be operated with one button, page quick copy function, and binding margin adjustment function are realized. However, there is a demand for a new function that combines the above-mentioned functions.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] In this way, when processing a manuscript, for example, an original manuscript containing a mixture of elements such as characters, images, or figures, by combining the above functions, it is possible to edit the image to a certain extent. Copies can be obtained.

However, editable image processing, such as adding stamp information to a manuscript, is just digital information independent of the manuscript image, and is used for purposes such as adding new character information to the manuscript and using it as management information. Often used.

Therefore, in order to obtain a desired edited image that accurately emphasizes elements such as the 9 character images on the manuscript, some kind of preprocessing, complicated mode setting processing, and several copying processes are required. There have been problems such as the inability to easily obtain richly edited images.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and by adding additional information consisting of a specific pattern to a desired image and compositing it, it is possible to create a versatile and appealing image with simple operation. An object of the present invention is to obtain an image processing device that can easily obtain a rich composite image.

[Means for Solving the Problems 1] An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an extraction means for extracting a contour of input image data, an expansion means for expanding the contour extracted by the extraction means, and a predetermined area. A synthesis means is provided for synthesizing a predetermined pattern in an area other than the contour portion expanded by the expansion means.

Further, the predetermined area is an area designated using a specific color on the document, and a recognition means for recognizing the specific color is provided.

Furthermore, it is equipped with an analog image scanning system that exposes and scans the original image and projects the optical image of the original onto a photoreceptor, and a digital scanning system that scans and exposes the photoreceptor with a light beam based on predetermined digital information. It is configured such that a composite image with an image based on digital information can be formed on a recording medium.

[Operation 1] In this invention, when the extraction means extracts the outline of the input image data, the expansion means expands the extracted outline, and the synthesis means adds a predetermined area to the area other than the expanded outline. Synthesize patterns and perform digital-analog image processing.

Further, when the recognition means recognizes an area designated by a specific color on the document, the compositing means synthesizes a predetermined pattern onto an area other than the recognized area and performs digital analog image processing.

Further, the analog image scanning system exposes and scans the original image to project a light image of the original onto a photoreceptor, and the digital scanning system scans the original image with a light beam based on predetermined digital information in parallel with the scanning of the original by the analog image scanning system. A photoreceptor is scanned and exposed to form a composite image of the original image and an image based on digital information on a recording medium.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is the main body of the image processing apparatus, document scanning section 2. Paper feeding section 3, image forming section 4. It consists of an intermediate tray part 5, etc.

First, the configuration of the document scanning section 2 will be explained.

Reference numeral 2a denotes a controller section, which is composed of a control board in which control elements for comprehensively controlling the image forming sequence are integrated. Note that the controller section 2a is equipped with hardware that functions as additional information recording control means and data generation means.

2b is a power switch, and 2c is an original exposure lamp, which together with a scanning mirror constitutes an optical scanning system, which scans and moves at a predetermined speed.

Reference numeral 2d denotes an imaging lens that forms an image of reflected light from the original onto the photosensitive drum 11 of the image forming section 4.

Reference numeral 2e is a part of a buzzer, which notifies a warning of an image forming mode error or the like set by an operation unit, which will be described later. 2f is an optical system drive motor (optical motor) that drives the optical scanning system etc. with high precision.

A CCD unit 401 is disposed near the imaging lens 2d on the analog optical path that guides reflected light from the original onto the photosensitive drum 11, and the color information of the original can be read by scanning the original with a scanning mirror. .

In the image processing apparatus configured as described above, when a document image is read by the image reading means (in this embodiment, the CCD unit 401), the data generation means (in this embodiment, the image processing unit 4o2 (see FIG. 2)) analyzes the image information and stores additional information to be superimposed on the white background in the area on the document divided by specific colors in a pattern memory (for example, multiple types of basic pattern data are stored in a font ROM 82, etc., which will be described later). ) and the additional information recording control means (in this embodiment, the controller 42 (see FIG. 2)).
Output to. The additional information recording control means controls the digital scanning system (laser section 45) based on the generated pattern data.
(see Figure 2) etc.) and analog image scanning system (
By controlling the document scanning unit 2), the superimposed additional information and the document image are combined and recorded on the recording medium, and it is possible to automatically emphasize and record the image of an area on the document whose color is specified in a specific pattern.

Further, the controller 42 selects either one of the developing units 13a and 13b in accordance with the inputted development color selection instruction, and develops the superimposed additional information or the original image in the same color or a different color, and develops the color specified in a specific pattern. To automatically emphasize and record images of an area on a document and images of other areas on the document by color.

Further, when the contour part of the input image data is extracted by the extraction means (image processing section 402 in this embodiment), the expansion means (image processing section 402 in this embodiment) expands the extracted contour part, and further A synthesizing means (in this embodiment, the image processing section 402) synthesizes a predetermined pattern into a region other than the expanded outline and performs digital analog image processing.

Further, when the recognition means (in this embodiment, the image processing unit 402) recognizes an area designated by a specific color on the document, the compositing means synthesizes a predetermined pattern into an area other than the recognized area to create a digital analog image. Perform processing.

Further, the analog image scanning system (original scanning unit 2) exposes and scans the original image to project a light image of the original onto a photoreceptor, and the digital scanning system (laser unit 45, etc.) scans the original of this analog image scanning system. In parallel with this, the photoreceptor is scanned and exposed with a light beam based on predetermined digital information, and a composite image of the original image and the image based on the digital information is formed on the recording medium.

Next, the paper feed section 3 will be explained.

3a and 3b are paper feed rollers, and these paper feed rollers 3a and 3b
The cut sheet SR is fed into the image forming section 4 by driving.

Next, the image forming section 4 corresponding to the image forming means of the present invention
The configuration of is explained below.

12 is a registration roller and a paper feed roller 3a.

The cut sheet SH fed by the drive of the drive unit 3b is temporarily stopped, and after the image leading edge alignment is synchronized, the cut sheet SH is fed again.

Developing units 13a and 13b contain developers of different colors (red and black), and by driving solenoids 14a and 14b, one of the developing units 13a and 13b selectively moves one closer to the photosensitive drum 11. and the other is moved away from the photosensitive drum 11. Note that when the above-mentioned recording mode is set from the operation section described later, the controller section 2a can be configured to perform red/black color development only on the recording material (cut sheet SH) for a specific document. Controls the driving of solenoids 14a and 14b.

15 is a transfer charger that transfers the toner image developed by the development units 13a and 13b onto the cut sheet SH;
After transfer, the cut sheet (SH) is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 by a separation charger 16.

17 is a pre-exposure lamp that neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11 and prepares for the next charging. A cleaning device 18 is composed of a cleaning blade and a cleaning roller, and collects toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11.

A fixing device 19 fixes the toner image transferred to the cut sheet SH using heat and pressure. 20 is a conveyance roller;
Reference numeral 1 denotes a flapper which switches the conveying direction of the cut sheet SH after the fixing process is carried out via the paper discharge roller 23 or the conveyance path 22 to the intermediate tray part 5 direction.

24 is a paper discharge tray, and 25 is a scanner motor that rotates a rotary polygon mirror at a predetermined speed and deflects a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser 26. Note that the scanner motor 2
5. A digital scanning unit includes a semiconductor laser 26 and the like, emits a laser beam based on font information corresponding to the input add-on information, forms a superimposed image on the original image and the add-on information, and also scans the photosensitive drum 11.
The latent image is selectively erased by irradiating the latent image area with a laser beam. Alternatively, the CCD unit 401
The latent image is selectively erased by irradiating a laser beam that is modulated according to image-processed data based on color information read from the system.

Note that the irradiation position of the laser beam onto the photosensitive drum 11 is downstream with respect to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11 from the position where the reflected light from the document is projected onto the photosensitive drum 11.

Reference numeral 27 denotes an exposure shutter that blocks part or all of the reflected light from the original to prevent latent image formation. 403 is a red filter for erasing a red image.

28 is a primary charger. Note that 22a is the transport direction, M
M is the main drive motor.

Next, the configuration of the intermediate training part 5 will be explained.

Reference numeral 30 denotes an intermediate tray, which temporarily stores the cut sheets SH conveyed via the conveyance roller 34, and stores the cut sheets SH conveyed via the conveyance roller 34.
The image is retransmitted to the image forming section 4 via the conveyance path 31 by driving. Note that 32 is a flapper, and 36 is a conveyance path.

Note that S1 to S15 in the figure. Sensors S19 to S23 are sensors, and sensor S1 detects the home position of the optical system serving as an analog scanning unit, and the optical system stops at this position during standby. Sensor S2 detects that the optical system has moved to a position corresponding to the leading edge position of the original image, and controls the timing of the copy sequence based on this sensor output.

Sensor S3 is at the limiter position (inverted position) during maximum scanning. The optical system reciprocates with a scan length according to the cassette size and magnification inputted via an operation section, which will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller section 2a shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 41 is an operation unit, which is in copy mode (single-sided copy 1
42 is a control unit (controller), and the CPU 42a
, RAM42c, RAM42c, etc., R
The image forming sequence is generally controlled based on the control program stored in the OM 42b.

Reference numeral 43 denotes an editor for inputting area information for a desired area of the document. Reference numeral 44 denotes a shutter section, which is composed of an exposure shutter 27 and a solenoid.

A COD unit 401 detects color information of a document, performs image processing in an image processing unit 402 under instructions from a controller 42, and transmits a signal to a laser unit 45.

The laser section 45 includes a semiconductor laser 26. scanner motor 2
Consists of 5th grade. 46 is an AC driver that supplies AC power to an AC load 47 such as the document exposure lamp 20. 4
The motor control section controls the drive of the motor section. 49
is a DC load control section that controls the driving of the solenoids 14a, 14b, clutch, fan, and the like.

A feeder control section 50a controls driving of the document feeding section. A sorter 50b discharges the cut sheets SH discharged by the drive of the paper discharge roller 23 into a designated paper discharge bin.

HVT is a high-voltage unit that includes the charging system and developing unit 1.
A voltage of a predetermined potential is applied to the developing sleeves 3a and 13b.

DCP is a DC power supply and supplies a control potential +5■ to the controller section 2a and the like.

When the power switch 2b is turned on, first, the heater in the fixing device 19 is energized and waits (wait time) for the fixing roller to reach a predetermined temperature at which fixing can be performed. When the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the main drive motor MM is driven for a certain period of time, and the photosensitive drum 11. The fixing device 19 and the like are driven to set the rollers in the fixing device 19 at a uniform temperature (weight release rotation). Thereafter, the main drive motor MM is stopped and the copying device is placed on standby (standby state).

Here, the main drive motor MM is connected to the photosensitive drum 11. Fuser 19. The developing units 13a and 13b and various transfer paper conveyance rollers are driven. Then, when a copy command is input from the operation unit 41, an image forming sequence is started.

(1) Explanation of image formation The main drive motor MM rotates in response to a copy command, and the photosensitive drum 11 starts rotating in the direction of the arrow, and high voltage is supplied from the high voltage unit HVT to the wide charger 28 and uniformly spread on the photosensitive drum 11. gives an electric charge. Next, the original exposure lamp 2c is turned on, the optical motor 2f is driven, the original placed on the original table is exposed and scanned in the direction of the arrow, and the photosensitive drum 1
Project onto 1. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11. At this time, unnecessary charges outside the image area are erased by a laser unit composed of a semiconductor laser 26, a rotating polygon mirror, and the like.

Next, this latent image is developed by the developing unit 13a or 13b and transferred to the cut sheet t-3H at the transfer charger 15, and the cut sheet SH is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 at the separation charger 16. be done.

Next, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is collected by the cleaner device 18, and the static electricity is uniformly removed by the pre-exposure lamp 17, after which the copy cycle is repeated again.

In addition, the laser unit can irradiate a laser beam to any location on the photosensitive drum 11 to erase a part of the latent image, and stamp information (Important, Urgent), which is add-on information input from the operation unit 41.

It is possible to record load information to be superimposed on the original image on the cut sheet SH by irradiating a laser beam according to the status (circulation, copy prohibition, secret, etc.) or a laser beam according to the color information from the CCD unit 401. It has become.

The developing units 13a and 13b are brought into contact with one of the photosensitive drums 11 in response to a selection command from the operating section 41.

In this embodiment, the developing unit 13a stores color toner (for example, red toner), and the developing unit 13b stores color toner (for example, red toner).
contains black toner, and the solenoids 14a and 14b
Approaching and retreating from the photosensitive drum 11 are performed in this way. Note that a developing bias voltage is applied to the developing sleeves of the developing units 13a and 13b from the high voltage unit HVT.

In addition, the image processing apparatus of this embodiment can perform not only normal one-sided copying but also double-sided copying and multiplex copying.
The cut sheet SH that has passed through the degree fixing device 19 has changed in its paper resistance value and other conditions compared to when the first side was copied, and in response to this, a voltage is applied to the transfer charger 151 and the separation charger 16. The conditions for high voltage are also different between the first side and the second side during double-sided copying or multiple copying. Each high voltage value of these developing biases or 9 transfer separations is controlled by a high voltage unit HVT.

The optical system controls the motor control unit 4 according to instructions from the control unit 42.
The reciprocating control is performed by rotating the optical motor 2f forward or reverse via 8.

(2) Control of cut sheet SH Sensor S9 in FIG. Sll detects the empty state of paper in the cassette and the lower cassette, respectively, and the sensors 10 and 12 detect the lifting state of the paper feed rollers 3a and 3b. Moreover, sensor S22. S23 detects the cassette size.

Hereinafter, since the upper and lower stages perform similar operations, the paper feeding operation for the upper stage will be described.

First, when the upper cassette is inserted, the sensor S22 reads the size and identifies the cassette size, turns off the paper out indicator of the operation section 41, and selectively turns on the cassette size.

Next, when the copy operation starts with the copy command,
Turn on the middle plate lifting clutch (not shown) to raise the middle plate in the cassette and raise the cut sheet SH. As a result, the cut sheet SH rises, contacts the paper feed roller 3a, and when it reaches a predetermined height, the sensor SIO outputs an output, turns off the clutch, drives the paper feed roller 3a, and transfers the cut sheet SH into the machine. supply.

As described above, the cut seam hsH in the cassette is raised by the middle plate raising clutch, and after that, the raised position is maintained, and the raising operation is not performed at the next copy start. Also, during continuous copying, the cut sheet SH in the cassette
When the upper surface of the cut sheet SH becomes lower than a predetermined position due to a decrease in the number of cut sheets SH, the clutch is similarly turned on and raised to a predetermined height.

The cut sheet SH supplied into the machine reaches the sensor S7, and since the registration rollers 12 are stopped, it forms an appropriate loop and stops.

Next, in order to align the leading edge of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 with the leading edge of the cut sheet, the registration roller 12 is driven by a timing signal from the optical system. After the image on 11 is transferred to cut sheet SH, cut sheet SH is separated from photosensitive drum 11 by separation charger 16 and sent to fixing device 19 by a conveyance mechanism.

In the fixing device, the surface of the fixing roller is controlled to a predetermined temperature by a temperature sensor and a heater (not shown) arranged on the surface of the fixing roller, the image is fixed on the cut sheet SH, and then the discharge is detected by a sensor S4, The paper is discharged to the outside of the machine by the paper discharge roller 23.

Next, in the case of multiple copies, the flapper 21 is operated by a solenoid (
The cut sheet SH, which has been fed, transferred, separated, and fixed, passes through the transport path 22 and is sequentially transported in the transport direction 22a, and the sensor S5 detects the paper is detected, sensor S6. It is detected by S8, etc., and the lateral registration is performed by a solenoid for lateral registration.

Next, the registration rollers 12 are driven by a command from the controller 42, and the cut sheet SH is transferred to the registration rollers 12.
Send to the position.

Thereafter, the paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 24 in the same manner as described above.

In addition, during double-sided copying, the transfer sheet is ejected halfway by the paper ejection roller 23 as in the case of the normal copying operation, but the trailing edge of the cut sheet SH is ejected by the flapper 23.
After passing through the cut sheet SH, the paper discharge roller 23 is driven in the reverse direction, and the cut sheet SH is guided by the flapper 21 and introduced into the conveyance path 22.

This reverse drive is performed by a solenoid that controls forward and reverse rotation. The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above. In this way, in the case of double-sided copying, the cut sheet SH is ejected from the machine from the -degree paper discharge roller 23, and the cut sheet SH is turned upside down and reversed by the reverse drive of the paper discharge roller 23, and
Sent to 2a.

Although multiple copying of one sheet and double-sided copying have been described above, in the case of multiple copying of a plurality of sheets or double-sided copying, the intermediate tray portion 5 is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate tray part 5 is provided with an intermediate tray 30 for temporarily storing the cut sheet hsH on the conveyance path 31. As shown in FIG. In the case of multiple copying of multiple sheets, the fixed cut sheet SH is partially ejected by the paper ejection roller 23 under the same control as in the case of double-sided copying of the single sheet copy described above, and then the paper ejection roller 23 is driven in the reverse direction. By doing so, the conveyance path 22 and the flapper 32. It is stored in the intermediate tray 30 via the conveyance path 36.

This operation is repeated, and after all of the first side is stored in the intermediate tray 30, the feeding roller 33 is driven for the second side in response to the next copy command, and copying of the second side is executed via the conveyance path 36.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple double-sided copies, the paper passes from the fixing device 19 through the conveyance path 22, 36 by the flapper 21 and is stored in the intermediate tray 30 under the same control as in the case of single-direction double-sided copying.

The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above, and will therefore be omitted.

In addition, in an apparatus in which an intermediate tray is configured in the image forming section 4, there is a limit to the length of cut sheets SH that can be temporarily stored, as shown in FIG. SH is paper that is half size or smaller.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating an example of an automatic document feeder disposed on the top surface of the image processing apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIG. It is.

The structure and operation will be explained below.

The automatic document feeder 51 is disposed facing the platen glass 52 of the document scanning section 2, and includes a conveyor belt 53 wound around a drive roller 54 and a subordinate roller 62. A document stacking table 55 is arranged above the conveyor belt 53 on which a document stack consisting of a plurality of documents S constituting the document stacking table 55 can be stacked. The recycle lever 56 separates the document S stacked on the document stacking table 55 into a processing section document and a processed document. Further, a half-moon-shaped paper feed roller 57 is disposed at the base end 55a of this document stacking table 55, and further downstream of this paper feed roller 57, there is a separation section conveying roller 59 and a separation belt 60. The document S stacked on the document stacking table 55 is fed by the paper feed roller 57 toward the separation section transport roller 599 and the separation belt 60, and the separation belt 60 rotates in the document feeding direction. The documents are separated and fed one by one starting from the lowest document S. Also,
A paper feed stopper 61 is disposed between these paper feed rollers 57, the separation section transport roller 591, and the separation belt 60, and is positioned at the solid line position when the original S is set to position the leading edge of the original. When the stopper solenoid is energized, it moves to the position shown by the broken line. Further, from the downstream of the separating section conveying roller 591 and the separating belt 60, the conveying belt 53
A paper feed path 63 is provided throughout the area, and the document S sent out from these separation section transport rollers 599 and separation belt 60 is fed between the transport belt 53 and the platen glass 52 through this paper feed path 63. and placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass 52. A paper discharge path 66 is provided near the paper feed path 63 and extends along the outer periphery of the reversing roller 65 to the document stacking table 55, and the document S placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass 52 is The document is conveyed again, passes through the document discharge path 66, and is transferred to the document stacking table 5 by the document discharge roller 67 provided at the downstream end of the document discharge path 66.
The document S is discharged onto the top of the document S stacked on the document S 5 . moreover,
Branching from this paper ejection path 66 at the upper part of the reversing roller 65,
A reversing path 69 that merges with the paper feed path 63 is arranged, and a branch of the reversing path 69 and the paper ejection path 66 is where the original
A flapper 7o is provided to switch the conveyance path of the document S, and when the document is ejected, the document S is moved to the document stacking table 55 at the solid line position.
When the document is reversed, the flapper solenoid is energized and displaced to the position shown by the broken line, thereby guiding the document S along the reversal path 69 toward the platen glass 52. Further, a conveyance roller 71 is provided downstream of the confluence of the paper feed path 63 and the reversal path 69.
a is arranged, and the paper feed path 63 or the reversing path 6
It is configured to transport the original guided to the platen glass 52 toward the platen glass 52.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the scanning operation of the semiconductor laser 26 shown in FIG. 1.

In the figure, 71 is a polygon mirror, which is rotated by the scanner motor 25 at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow. The polygon mirror 71 deflects the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 26, and the spherical lens 72. toric lens 7
3. A laser beam modulated based on digital information is imaged on the photosensitive drum 11 via a folding mirror 75.

Reference numeral 74 denotes a beam sensor composed of, for example, a photodiode, which receives a laser beam immediately before image writing, and outputs a beam detect signal to a pulse width shaping circuit 90, which will be described later.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of the laser section 45 shown in FIG. 2, and the structure and operation will be described below.

Laser unit control information such as the position of the blank area, copy magnification 1 paper size, photo mode, add-on character code, add-on position, base color area, etc. is notified from the controller 42 to the laser unit controller 8o via the well-known two-bottom RAM 83. be done. Here, the blank area is the area of the marker portion to be erased in the first scan in the sequence described below. .

The laser unit controller 80 alternately rewrites erase data for performing laser erasing in the blank RAMs 85 and 86 according to an external program. The blank area data read control circuit 96 outputs a control signal to the blank address counter 95 and 8-bit shift register 88, and the data control circuit 1
Output area data to 00.

The blanking RAMs 85 and 86 each have a capacity to write one line of data. The laser unit controller 80 sets the area data to R for blanking.
While writing data to one AM85.86, a control signal is output to the address switching circuit 84 and the blank data switching circuit 87 so that data can be read from the other.

Furthermore, address control will be explained.

The font ROMB2 contains stamp information 14, which will be described later.
Font data of o (Confidential, Urgent, 1st Circulation 5 Important, Copy Prohibited, and fonts corresponding to character codes specified from the input information area and superimposition pattern data to be described later are stored) are stored in advance. The laser unit controller 80 reads font data from the font ROM 82 according to the add-on character code and sets it in the add-on RAM 103. Add-on character position designation data is written in the laser unit controller 80. The add-on controller 89 reads data from the add-on RAM 103 in response to a start signal from the laser section controller 80 and transfers the data to the data control circuit 10.
Output to 0.

As shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 26 is deflected by a rotating polygon mirror 71, and is deflected by a spherical lens 72. Pass through the toric lens 73,
The photosensitive drum 11 is scanned.

At this time, in order to extract the horizontal synchronization signal, a beam sensor 74 composed of a photodiode or the like is arranged above the laser beam scanning. The beam detect signal output from the beam sensor 74 is input to the laser section 45. Then, the pulse width shaping circuit 90 inputs the pulse width shaping circuit 90, and after waveform shaping, the pulse synchronization circuit 91. The BD double signal is input to the interrupt terminal of the laser section controller 80 and the pulse synchronization circuit 92.

The laser section controller 80 generates an interrupt every time the BD double signal is generated, and writes control data to the blanking RAMs 84 and 85. Further, the laser unit controller 80 outputs a control signal in the sub-scanning direction by counting the number of interruptions of the BD double signal and the like. The pulse synchronization circuit 91 outputs a reset pulse to the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 93 in synchronization with the rise of the above-mentioned BD multiplied signal. The horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 93 outputs a clock HCLK synchronized with the BD multiplied signal, and is composed of a reference clock generation circuit and a frequency dividing circuit.

The pulse synchronization circuit 92 generates a BD synchronization signal H3Y for synchronizing the BD double signal with reference to the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK.
Generates NC2. The horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is counted by this BD synchronization signal H3YNC2. The output of the horizontal line counter 94 is sent to the timing signal generation circuit 9.
8, and a horizontal timing signal is output from the horizontal line counter 94 at the set count number.

7 and 8 are timing charts illustrating the sending timing of each signal shown in FIG. 6, and the same parts as in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 9
The horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is generated by resetting the reference clock frequency division counter in 3 with the rising detection pulse H3YNC1. Next, a BD synchronization signal H3YNC2 is generated using the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK,
Reset the horizontal line counter 94.

In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 8, the horizontal line counter 9
From the output of 4, set signal VBSET, reset signal V
BRST is created and an image area signal blank signal is generated. Further, the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is used as a clock for reading data from the add-on RAM 103.

As the data read clock from the blanking RAM 85.86, a clock CLKM obtained by dividing the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is used to make the resolution of blank area specification variable.

Also, set signal VBSET, reset signal VBR3
T generates a BD enable signal BDENB, and if a horizontal synchronization waveform (beam detect signal) is not input within a predetermined period, a horizontal synchronization signal error detection circuit 97 outputs a BD error signal to the laser unit controller 80. . When the laser unit controller 80 detects the above-mentioned BD error signal, it stores the abnormal status in two bits of RAM.
83 to the controller section 2a.

A dot erase circuit 99 outputs erase data DEDATA to the data control circuit 100 so that the dot pattern set in the base color mode and screen mode is formed. 101 is a laser drive circuit, which receives a control start signal A from the controller section 2a.
Light amount control is started using the PCON and APC clocks. At that time, the ready signal A is sent from the laser drive circuit 101.
PCRDY is output to the controller section 2a.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a CDD data control circuit, into which signals such as image data and marker area data from the CCD unit 401 are input, and are stored in the line memory 104.

Data is read from the line memory 04 in accordance with the scaling factor based on the scaling signal from the controller 42, and the aforementioned add-on information signal FDETA, blank information signal BDATA and dot erase signal DEA are read out.
Signals such as image data and marker area data are sent to the data control circuit 100 in synchronization with TA. The CCD data control circuit 105 also outputs the image address on the document of area data based on the marker, such as the start point, end point, and start point in the horizontal line direction in the horizontal synchronization direction.
The address signal of the end point address is written into the two-bottom RAM 83 via the laser section controller 80.

A laser scanner motor controller 102 executes drive control of the scanner motor 25 in synchronization with a control start signal LSCON from the controller section 2a. At this time, the laser scanner motor controller 1o2 outputs a ready signal LSCRD'f' to the controller section 2a.

Next, add-on information mode setting and add-on information input processing will be explained with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the editor 43 shown in FIG. 2, in which reference numeral 110 denotes an editor section, which also serves as a document pressure plate for pressing down a copy document.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a document setting surface placed on the document platen glass, on which the document is placed when specifying an area. Reference numeral 112 is a reference mark against which the edge of the document is abutted.

Reference numeral 114 is an input information area in which character information shown in the diagram can be input.

Reference numeral 121 denotes an area designation key, which is pressed when setting the area designation mode. Note that when the area designation key 121 is pressed, the area designation mode indicator 12o lights up. 12
Reference numeral 2 denotes an area memory key, which is pressed to store area information at a position specified with the stylus pen 113 when the area designation key 121 is pressed. 123 is a mode selection key, and when the area designation key 121 is pressed, the designated area is transferred to the developing unit 13a.

13b to print by color.

Note that when the mode selection key 123 is pressed, a combination of two colors corresponding to the color of the toner contained in the developing unit 13b, which is replaceable with the developing unit 13a, is displayed on the display 132.
Seven types are displayed.

When the area memory key 122 is pressed, the display 13
1 lights up.

124 is a clear key, which is pressed to cancel the set area designation mode. When the clear key 124 is pressed, the area designation mode display 120 turns off. 125
is an add-on mode setting key corresponding to the first mode setting means described above, which is pressed when writing characters on a copy image. When the add-on mode setting key 125 is pressed, the display 134 lights up. 126 is a character size specification key, in this embodiment, the character size for superimposed writing is set to 4 mm;
8 mm can be specified, and the indicators 135 and 136 of the specified size are lit.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a direction designation key, which is pressed to designate the writing direction of the add-on character to be vertical or horizontal, and the indicators 137 and 138 of the designated direction light up. Further, 305 is an auto key, which is pressed to recognize a marker written on a document and automatically determine the writing direction of an add-on character.

Reference numeral 128 denotes an input end key, which is pressed to end the input of add-on characters. 129 is a clear key, which is pressed to cancel the add-on mode.

Reference numeral 130 denotes a stamp mode setting key corresponding to the second mode setting means. When this stamp mode setting key 130 is pressed, the display 139 lights up and the document setting surface 111
Stamp information 140 (secret 2 important, urgent 1 circulation, copy prohibited) etc. printed in advance on the stylus pen 113
The second recording mode setting is notified to the controller 42 by giving an instruction at . Furthermore, 144 is a key for instructing the front and back sides of a double-sided document. Reference numerals 142 and 143 are indicators showing the indicated state of the front and back sides.

141 is a clear key, and when this clear key 141 is pressed, the second recording mode is canceled.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the editor 43 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as in FIG. 9 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, reference numeral 151 denotes an editor control section that analyzes coordinate information output from a coordinate reading section 152 and a key input section (various keys shown in FIG. 9) 153, and specifies input information to the controller section 2a. Outputs mode, character code, etc. A display 154 corresponds to the various displays shown in FIG. 9 and displays the above-mentioned modes.

[Description of Operation Unit 1 Next, the configuration of the operation unit 200 shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

In the figure, 201 is a power switch that controls power supply to the image forming apparatus. A reset key 202 operates as a key for returning the copy mode to the standard mode during standby. 203 is a copy key. Reference numeral 204 is a color developer switching key, and this key switches the developer unit 13a.

13b is selected. Numeric keys 205 are mainly used to input the number of images to be formed.

236 is a password input mode key, and after pressing this key, if you enter the password using the numeric keypad 205,
It becomes possible to enable copying operations and prohibit copying operations unless a password is entered. In other words, the copying apparatus can be made usable only by a specific operator.

206 is a key for selecting one of the cassettes 3, 207
20B is a copy density adjustment key, 20B is a key to select the same size copy, 209 is a zoom key that specifies the image formation magnification in increments of a predetermined magnification, for example, 1%, and 230 is a key that automatically adjusts the image to match the original size and transfer paper size. 270 is a standard magnification key that specifies standard reduction or standard enlargement magnification, 211 is a key that specifies frame erasure of the original, and 212 is a key that specifies binding offset at one end of the copy paper. 213 is a key for specifying a photo mode for copying halftone images such as photo originals, 225 is an area specification key for specifying an area, 226 is an area specification key 22
5 is an area call key for partially modifying the contents of the area set by 5, 217 is a guide key for notifying the contents of each function, and 231 is a preheating mode key for setting a preheating mode.

214 is a multiple key for selecting multiple copy mode, and 215 is a multiple key that divides the copy area of the document glass stand into two on the left and right, and automatically selects the multiple copy mode.
A quick copy key for specifying continuous copying, 216
is a key for selecting double-sided copy mode.

300 is an auto color key that is pressed to recognize the red and blue colors of a document and reproduce them in red and blue, respectively. 301 is an auto cover key that is pressed to reproduce the color of a document in red and blue, respectively. 301 is an auto cover key that can be used to create a cover or partition paper by inserting colored paper into the document loaded on the feeder. Press this when inserting color paper into a desired position. 30
2 is a pace color key (coloring the background), which adds a base color to the portion of the document surrounded by red or blue markers. Reference numeral 303 is a shading key, which is pressed when it is desired to cast a shading on a document image (characters, etc.). Reference numeral 304 is a marker processing key, which is pressed to erase inside or outside the area surrounded by the marker force on the document, and also to select between erasing within the area and erasing outside the area while looking at the display 138. use.

219 and 220 are keys for specifying the operation of the sorter 50b. Numerals 222 to 224 are keys for specifying a mode for writing predetermined character data on a copy image, and specify the date write mode, memo write mode, numbering write mode, etc., respectively. Reference numerals 227 to 229 indicate mode memory keys for storing the set copy mode, and store three copy modes M1 to M3. In addition, 232 is an end key, 2
33 is map key, 234 is down key, 235 is OK
This is the key.

Further, 238 is a liquid crystal display element (liquid crystal display section) that displays the number of copies, transfer paper size, set magnification, message, etc.

239 to 250 are indicators using LEDs (light emitting diodes). First, 239 functions as a sorter use indicator when the sorter 50b is used.

The display 240 functions as an automatic exposure adjustment display that lights up when the automatic exposure adjustment (AE) key 237 is pressed and the AE mode is set. The display 241 functions as a density display corresponding to the operation of the copy density adjustment key 207. The display 242 displays a color corresponding to the color of the developer when the color developer switching key 204 is pressed and a color developer in the main unit or in the optional multiple developer storage device is selected. Functions as a lighting indicator. The display 243 functions as an auto-magnification display that indicates that the auto-magnification key 230 has been pressed.

Display 244 functions as a photo mode indicator. The display 245 functions as a date writing mode display.

Display 246 functions as an area designation display. The display 247 functions as a binding mode display. Indicator 248 functions as a memo writing mode indicator. Indicator 249 functions as a frame erase mode indicator. Display 250 functions as a number writing display.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing section 402 shown in FIG. 2, and the configuration and operation will be described below.

When the original to be copied is a multicolor original, the image processing unit 402 is configured to read the original with a CCD sensor 311 and extract color information, and in this embodiment, blue, red, and black can be detected. It is configured.

The original S placed on the original loading table 55 is exposed and scanned in the direction of the arrow, and at the same time as an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11, image information of the original S is read by the CCD sensor 311. A continuous analog output signal from the CCD sensor 311 is sampled by a sample hold circuit 312 and converted to a digital image signal by an A/D converter 313, and then is converted to a digital image signal by a shading circuit 314.
Shading correction of the digital image signal is performed.

315 is a color discrimination circuit that uses a lookup table (LUT) 31 that is preset from two digital signals.
6, the signal is converted into color image signals of three colors, blue, red, and black, as described above. The three color image signals are input to a marker processing circuit 318 and an expansion circuit 317. Marker processing circuit 3
18, when an area is specified on the document with a marker pen, a section signal for that area is generated from a color image signal corresponding to the marker color (blue or red). The expansion circuit 317 performs arbitrary expansion on the color image signal selected by the controller 42. For example, if this expansion operation is performed on a color image signal such as a character, a color image signal with thickened lines can be obtained.

This dilation operation can be realized, for example, by ORing each pixel data in a 3×3 pixel window. Furthermore, the expansion width can be arbitrarily set by changing the in-toe size.

A data synthesis circuit 319 synthesizes the color image signal of the marker processing circuit 318 and the color image signal of the expansion circuit 317. The output signal from the data synthesis circuit 319 is input to the line memory 320, and is controlled by the line control circuit 321.
By controlling the timing of reading from the line memory 320, the analog latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by exposure scanning and the digital electrostatic latent image formed by laser beam exposure can be aligned on the photosensitive drum 11. will be held.

The output signal CCDDATA from the line control section 321 is
The signal is input to the CCD data control circuit 105 shown in FIG. 6, and becomes an 0N10FF control signal for the laser beam.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, additional image synthesis processing for original images in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 13 is a logic circuit diagram showing a detailed configuration of the dot erase circuit 99 shown in FIG. 6. Reference numeral 106 denotes, for example, an 8-bit shift register, to which a horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is input as a clock on the shift side. Reference numeral 107 denotes an AND gate, which performs an AND operation on the image area signal BLANK and the inverted output of the shift register 106, and outputs the result to the data control circuit 100. Here, image area signal B
LANK is a signal that can be read from the line memory 320 in FIG. 12, and is a signal that indicates an area within the marker area and other than the expanded color image signal.

Note that the shift register 106 loads data from the laser section controller 80 in synchronization with the enable signal VE from the rise of the horizontal synchronization signal BD until the rise of the image area signal BLANK (see the timing chart shown in FIG. 14).

The 8-bit data written from the laser unit controller 80 to the shift register 106 via the data bus is
It is cyclically shifted by the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK and output to the AND gate 107.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the types of specific patterns composed of 8-bit data input to the shift register 106 shown in FIG. 13, for example, dot erase patterns (a) to (C) are shown. Each dots toy erase pattern (
In a) to (C), the laser unit controller 80 inputs the main scanning direction data Do-D7 as the sub-scanning direction data DATAO to DATA7 from the font ROM 82 etc. to the shift register 106 at each interruption of the horizontal synchronization signal BD. The configuration allows arbitrary data to be loaded. This allows base color mode and screen mode. However, the pattern is not limited to the above example.

The data control circuit 100 of the laser unit 45 functions as a gate circuit that controls data FDATA and image area signal BLANK from the add-on controller 89, dot erase data DEDATA from the dot erase circuit 99, and CCDDATA from the CCD data control circuit 105. The data input to the laser drive circuit 101 is controlled by a control signal from the laser section controller 80. The laser drive circuit 101 modulates the laser using data input from the data control circuit 1o○.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a specific pattern selection screen displayed on the liquid crystal display section 238 shown in FIG. Registered specific pattern F that can be added to
AT1 to PATS are displayed, and the specific pattern PAT1 is displayed in a selected state as an initial selection candidate.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 17, an additional image composition processing operation for a document image in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 17 is a state transition diagram showing the progress of additional image synthesis processing for original images in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and 5TA-3 and TE indicate image states at each stage.

First, when the base color 302 of the operating section 200 in FIG. 11 is selected, the pattern selection screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 238. Next, press the up key 233.
A pattern is selected using the down key 234, and OK is pressed.
When the key 235 is pressed, the laser unit controller 80
Predetermined 8-bit data is written into the shift register 106, and a developing color selection screen (not shown) is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 2.
The display state of 38 changes. After the development color has been selected, when the end key 232 is pressed, the preprocessing operation for starting the copying operation is completed.

Next, after encircling the area of the original to be colored with a marker pen (STA) and placing the original on the original loading table 55,
When the user presses the copy key 203 on the operation unit 200, the original scanning unit 2 shown in FIG. , the CCD unit 401 and the image processing unit 4゜2 extract the marker portion in the document, and the semiconductor laser 26 (digital scanning system) of the laser unit 45 extracts the marker portion from the document and prevents the color image of the marker from being formed on the cut sheet SH.
The latent image corresponding to the marker portion is erased. Then, the letters rAB of stage STE in FIG. 17 are placed on the photosensitive drum 11.
A latent image of the CJ portion is formed. Next, imagine the latent image, 1
The first recording operation ends. After the first recording operation is completed, the cut sheet SH is stored in the intermediate tray 30 as in the multiplex mode. Next, switch the developer to the developer of the color selected by the above operation, and shutter 2.
7 to block the reflected image light.

When the second recording operation starts, the image light reflected from the original is C.
The character information is read by the CD unit 401 and expanded in the area MK surrounded by the markers (stage 5TB in FIG. 17), and the output signal CCDDATA shown in FIG. 12 is generated.
is generated. The output signal CCDDATA is the dot erase data DEDATA (the first
7), outputs the laser ON10 FF data to the laser drive circuit 101, and forms a pattern (stage 5TD in FIG. 17) on the photosensitive drum 11 within the marker area and in the blank area. Then, the image is recorded on the cut sheet SH, superimposed on the first image (stage 5TE in FIG. 17).

In the above embodiment, when the user selects the base color mode, the document is developed in the first recording operation, and the pattern is developed in the second recording operation. Conversely, it is also possible to develop and record the pattern in the first recording operation, and to develop and record the document in the second recording operation.

Further, the designation of the pattern recording area can be set for each copying operation, and it is also possible to set a plurality of areas for one copying operation.

Further, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which the digital image scanning system is configured with a laser beam scanning system including a semiconductor laser 26, etc., but the present invention can also be applied to a digital image scanning system configured with an LED array, a liquid crystal shutter, etc. be able to.

The additional image composition processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of additional image composition processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (16) indicate each step.

First, various mode settings are performed using the operation unit 41 (1).

During this mode setting, it is determined whether the base color key 302 is pressed (2), and if No, step (1) is determined.
Proceed to step 6) and execute the normal copy sequence.

On the other hand, if YES, the registered specific pattern PATI~
PATS is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 238 and pattern selection is awaited (3). When a desired specific pattern is selected, the copy key 203 is waited for to be pressed (4), and when pressed, exposure of the desired document marked in a specific color on the document is started, and image information is output by the CCD unit 401. In order to analyze and erase the latent image of a mark image of a specific color,
Erase exposure is performed by the laser unit 45 (5). Then,
When the first development process is executed 6), the transfer paper on which only the original image has been transferred and fixed is conveyed in a loop to the position where the registration rollers 12 are disposed via the conveyance path 22 that constitutes a multi-pass, and the paper is re-fed. Wait (7).

Next, the shutter 27 is driven to block the optical path of the analog image scanning system (8). Next, exposure of the original by the analog image scanning system is started again, and image information in the marker section is read and scanned (9).

Next, the black portion within the extracted marker section is made thicker by a predetermined amount by the image processing unit 402 or the like to create white background portion data (10).

Next, AND processing is performed between the selected pattern selected in step (3) and the white background data (11), digital exposure is performed based on the emphasized pattern (12), and the waiting transfer paper is re-fed (13). , developed with the specified development color (1
4) Composite the emphasis pattern with the original image.

Next, it is determined whether there are any other marker specifications (1
5), if YES, return to (7); if NO, end the process.

In the above-described embodiment, the portion of the document other than the characters is a white background, but it may be a colored background instead of a white background.

Further, it is not necessary to have an analog image scanning system and a digital scanning system, and only a digital scanning system is sufficient.

Furthermore, the printer is not limited to a printer that forms an image using an electrophotographic process, but may also be a thermal transfer printer, a dot printer, an inkjet printer, or the like.

In particular, it may be a so-called bubble jet type printer that uses a type of head that ejects droplets using film boiling caused by thermal energy.

[Advantageous Effects of the Invention 1] As explained above, the present invention provides a pattern memory for storing a plurality of specific pattern data to be added to an analog image, and an image reading means for reading the original image in parallel with the scanning of the original image by the analog image scanning system. a data generating means for analyzing the image information read by the image reading means and generating weight addition information for a white background section divided by a specific color using desired pattern data read from the pattern memory; additional information recording control means for controlling the drive of the digital scanning system and the analog image scanning system based on the pattern data generated from the pattern data, and synthetically recording the superimposed additional information and the original image on the recording medium corresponding to the white background portion. Therefore, with a simple operation such as directly specifying the color with a marker of a specific color on the document to which the desired specific pattern is to be added, it is possible to synthesize an emphasized image in which the desired specific pattern is superimposed only on the document whose color is specified. . At this time, since the weighted data exists only in the white background, a clear image can be obtained without color mixing.

In addition, the superimposed additional information or the original image can be developed in the same color or different color depending on the input development color selection instruction, so the desired specific pattern can be colored and the emphasized image superimposed only on the original can be developed. It can be combined as a color image.

Therefore, anyone can easily obtain an enhanced image in which additional information is combined with a desired original image, and the functional processing of analog image scanning systems and digital scanning systems can be significantly improved. can be obtained.

Furthermore, by adding additional information constituted by a specific pattern to a desired image and composing it, it is possible to easily obtain a versatile and appealing composite image with a simple operation.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller section shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part explaining the structure of a part of the intermediate tray shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. cross-sectional view,
5 is a plan view illustrating the scanning operation of the semiconductor laser shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram illustrating the configuration of the laser section shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. The figure shows the 6th
9 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the editor shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 10 is a control configuration of the editor shown in FIG. 2. 11 is a block diagram explaining the third
Detailed plan view illustrating the configuration of the operating section shown in the figure, 12th
13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing section shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 13 is a logic circuit diagram showing the detailed configuration of the dot erase circuit shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 15 is a timing chart explaining the operation of the dot erase circuit shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a specific pattern selection screen displayed on the liquid crystal display section shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 17 shows the transition of additional image synthesis processing for a document image in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The state transition diagram, FIG. 18, is a flowchart illustrating an example of additional image composition processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 1 is the main body of the image forming apparatus, 2 is a document scanning section, 2a is a controller section, 3 is a paper feed section, 4 is an image forming section, and 5 is a part of an intermediate tray. Figure 5/'''\ ,,, / , ,--\ / 7/゛'\, 75 Figure 10 U Figure 13 Image 1 V: i area partner number (BLAII) f) Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) Extraction means for extracting a contour part of input image data;
an expansion means for expanding the contour extracted by the extraction means; and a synthesis means for composing a predetermined pattern in a region within a predetermined region other than the contour expanded by the expansion means. An image processing device comprising: (2) The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined area is an area designated using a specific color on the document, and further comprising recognition means for recognizing the specific color. (3) comprising: an analog image scanning system that exposes and scans a document image to project a light image of the document onto a photoconductor; and a digital scanning system that scans and exposes the photoconductor with a light beam based on predetermined digital information; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a composite image of a document image and an image based on the digital information can be formed on a recording medium.