JPH04200067A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To suppress the consumption of toners and copying paper or memory (memory medium) by disposing a sensor which detects the imposition of a document. CONSTITUTION:The sensor 24 for detecting the imposition of the document D on a document plate 12 at the time of copying or reading the information stated on the document D is disposed. The fact that the imposed document D has the information, i.e., the document is not a blank document, is detected. Then, the setting of the document D to be copied or read is surely detected when the copying operation or reading operation is going to be executed. The execution of the undesired copying operation or reading operation and the waste of consuming materials for image forming, such as copying paper and toners or the waste of consuming materials for image reading, such as memory region of memory, i.e., memory media, are lessened in this way.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Purpose of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) This invention relates to an image processing device, and in particular to an image processing device that optically extracts image information written on a document and converts it into an electrical signal. A reading device converts the electric signal obtained by the reading device into a 0N10FF laser beam, irradiates it onto a photoconductive information recording medium to generate an electrostatic latent image, and develops this electrostatic latent image. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having an image forming apparatus that utilizes an electrostatic copying process to obtain an image.

(Prior Art) An image processing device generally includes an image reading device that illuminates an original, converts reflected light from the original into an electrical signal, and stores it, and a photoconductor, that is, a photoreceptor. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus that records information using a laser beam or the like, visualizes it, and reproduces the image written on the document is assembled either integrally or separately.

The above-mentioned image reading device includes a document placing table on which a document is placed, a lighting device that illuminates the document, a photoelectric conversion element that converts light reflected from the document into an electrical signal, and information on the document that is converted into an electrical signal. It has a storage device that stores. The image forming apparatus also includes a photoconductor that is rotatably formed and on which an electrostatic image, that is, a latent image, corresponding to optical information supplied from a light source such as a laser is formed, and an electric charge is applied to the photoconductor. A charging device that charges electricity, a developing device that visualizes the latent image formed on the photoreceptor, a transfer device that transfers the visualized image to a transfer material, and a fixing device that fixes the transferred image to the transfer material. ,
It also has a cleaning device for returning the photoreceptor to its initial state.

In the above-described image processing apparatus, a document containing information to be read or copied is placed on a transparent plate-shaped document mounting table included in the document reading device. When a copy start signal or a read start signal is input, the information on this document is optically read out according to the density of reflectance, photoelectrically converted, and stored in a storage medium, such as a RAM (random access memory) or a magnetic disk. is memorized. The information converted into electrical signals is supplied to an image forming device and reproduced by an electrostatic copying process.

In the above image forming apparatus, the photoconductor having photoconductivity is charged via a charging device. Information on the document, which has been converted into an electrical signal by the reading device, is optically supplied to this photoreceptor using, for example, an 0N10FF such as a laser beam. On the photoconductor, the 0 of this laser beam
According to N10FF, a charge distribution pattern, that is, an electrostatic latent image, corresponding to information on the document is formed. This electrostatic latent image is
A developer such as toner is supplied through a developing device to visualize the image. Therefore, the image of the original is copied.

This image is transferred to a transfer material, such as copy paper, supplied from a paper feeder, and then fixed with the toner via a fixing device (generally, toner is heat-fusible, so it is heated or heated simultaneously). (can be fixed by pressure) and discharged.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in this type of image processing apparatus, 1. When the above-mentioned copying start or reading start signal is input, when no original is placed on the original placing table, or when no original is placed on the original placing table, Even if the document is blank even though it is placed on the paper, copying or reading is performed. At this time, when copying an image, along with an undesired copying operation, the copy sheet on which the image is not copied is ejected. Further, when reading an image, an undesired reading operation and a memory area where no data exists are formed.

This has the problem of wasting transfer material, ie, copy paper, developer, ie, toner, and increasing copying costs when copying images.

Furthermore, when reading an image, there is a problem in that the memory area, that is, the storage medium is wasted. On the other hand, when reading an image, the threshold level fluctuates when a blank document is incident on a photoelectric conversion element that optically guides information, and the black-white ratio, that is, contrast characteristics, decreases during normal reading operations. There are other problems.

This invention prevents execution of the above-mentioned undesired copying or reading operations, waste of image forming consumables such as copy paper and toner, or waste of image reading consumables such as a storage area in a memory, that is, a storage medium. The aim is to reduce waste.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) This invention has been made based on the above-mentioned problem, and includes a means for placing an original, and a means for placing an original, which is movable approximately parallel to the placing means. and an image reading means having a means for detecting that a document is placed along with this movement operation and a conversion means for optically extracting and photoelectrically converting information contained in the document, and this image reading means. The presence of the information on the document is detected through the image forming means, which includes an image bearing member on which the information obtained through the image formation is formed, and an image forming means which forms an image on the image bearing member, and the detection means. and means for supplying an operation prohibition signal to the converting means when a signal indicating that there is no information on the document is generated. Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a means for placing an original, and a means for detecting that the original is placed, which is movable generally parallel to the placing means and accompanied by this moving operation. and an image reading means having a conversion means for optically extracting and photoelectrically converting the information contained in the document, an image carrier on which the information obtained through the image reading means is formed, and the image carrier. an image forming means for forming an image on the document, a means for displaying the operation of the converting means, and a means for detecting the presence of information on the document through the detection means; An image processing means apparatus is provided, comprising means for displaying a warning on the display means and supplying an operation prohibition signal to the conversion means when a signal indicating that the conversion means is not activated is generated.

(Function) According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, a sensor is disposed to detect that the original is placed when copying or reading information written on the original. It is also detected whether the placed original has information, that is, whether it is not a blank original. Therefore, when a copying operation or a reading operation is executed, it is reliably detected that an original to be copied or read is set.

(Example) Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail using the drawings.

In FIG. 1, an image processing device 2 is schematically shown.

The image processing device 2 integrally includes an image reading device 4, which will be described later, and an image forming device 6, which will be described later.

The image reading device 4 includes a document placing table 12 on which an object, that is, a document sheet is placed, and a size plate 12a1 that is disposed at the τ end of this placing table 12 and indicates a position where the document sheet is to be placed.
A light emitting element 14a and a light receiving element 14 are arranged in the main body housing (not shown) near this size plate 12a.
a document detection sensor 14 that detects that the document tray is placed on the document placement table 12, and a document presser 16 that is configured to be openable and closable and that brings the document tray into close contact with the document placement table 12. have. Further, on the upper surface of the image reading device 4, that is, on the upper cover 12b surrounding the above-mentioned mounting and stand 12, (
a copy start key 18a that outputs a copy start signal in response to an input (from the user); a clear key 18b that outputs a signal that interrupts the copy (read) operation or returns data that is being input to "0" in response to an input; All clear key 18c for stopping the copying operation and returning the set copying mode or reading mode to the initial state, a group of numeric keys 18d1 for setting the number of copies and data signal output, and numeric keys 18d1 for numbers "0' to "9". , which is used when the reading device 4 is used alone, has a plurality of keys such as a reading start key 18e that outputs a reading start signal in response to input (from the user), and operates the reading device 4, that is, the processing device 2. An operation panel 18 is arranged for inputting information to start reading or a signal for starting copying from the user.This operation panel 18 inputs desired data to the image forming apparatus 6, which will be described later. Two density adjustment keys 18f adjust the copy density by changing the brightness of the lamp that illuminates the original or the developing bias in the developing device (according to input from the user). In order to interrupt another second copying operation during the above continuous first copying operation, the status of the first copying operation (magnification, set number of copies, number of copies, etc.) can be changed from time to time. Interrupt key 18 for interrupting the signal to be stored
a preheating key 18h that outputs a signal for maintaining the g5 forming device 6 in a "preheating" state and reducing power consumption;
It further includes a magnification memory key 181 that is used to set a specific (special) copy magnification or to store a desired copy magnification, and outputs a signal for storing the set magnification in a magnification memory area (not shown). There is. The operation panel 18 includes an LCD (liquid crystal display) that displays the operating procedure in the reading device 4, error messages, timing for replenishing paper P or toner in the forming bag M6, number of copies, copy magnification, error messages, etc. Equipment) 18j
, and the operating state of the reading device 4, for example,
and a monitor that displays malfunctions of the second carriage 22 or 32, malfunctions of a motor (not shown), or the location of a paper jam above or below a selected cassette or cut in the forming device 6, or inside the device 6, etc. L E D 1l
lk etc. are also integrated.

The image reading device 4 is located below the mounting table 12 (inside the device).
a first carriage 22 which is movably arranged generally parallel to the above-mentioned placing table and optically reads out information written on the manuscript;
It includes a second carriage 32 that is driven and transmits information read by the carriage 22 to an information recording medium to be described later. The first carriage 22 is located at a position where it can be seen from the placing table 12 when the carriage 22 is in a stationary state (assuming that a shadow is projected with the document tray placed on the placing table 12). An information detection sensor 24 is disposed in the area included in the shadow) for detecting that a document tray is placed and detecting the presence or absence of information written on the document tray. This information detection sensor 24
The light emitting element 24a and the light receiving element 24b are assembled integrally. Incidentally, a plurality of the information detection sensors 24 may be arranged as shown in FIG. 6C, which will be described later.

The interior of the image processing device 2, that is, the image reading device 4 and the image forming device 6 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

The image reading device 4 includes a first carriage 22 and a second carriage 32 (already described using FIG. 1) below the mounting table 12. This first carriage 2
2 includes, in addition to the information detection sensor 24, an illumination lamp 26 that illuminates the document tray, a reflector 26a that efficiently focuses light from the illumination lamp on the document tray and increases illumination efficiency; A first mirror 28 is arranged to reflect the reflected light from the document tray toward the second carriage 32.

The second carry saw 32 includes a second mirror 32a that redirects the light reflected from the first mirror 28 by 90 degrees, and a second mirror 32a that redirects the reflected light from the original scraps by 90 degrees. A third folding mirror 32b is also arranged below the first carriage 22,
The third mirror 32b that the second carriage 32 has
An imaging lens 34 that provides a focusing property for the reflected light from the original D, and a CCD sensor 36 that photoelectrically converts the reflected light that has passed through this lens 34 are arranged in a plane that includes the optical axis of the original. . The document information converted into an electrical signal via the CCD sensor 36 is stored in a storage medium (described later), for example, a RAM (Rashidam Access Memory) disposed inside the device 4 and temporarily storing the read information. 84 or an external storage device (magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) not shown.

On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 6 includes a light source, that is, a semiconductor laser 42, and uses a laser 42 based on information written on the original document.
The optical device 40 has an optical device 40 that converts the light generated from the light source 2 into 0N10FF and directs it to a recording medium, that is, a photoreceptor, which will be described later. This optical device 4° includes, for example, a lens (not shown) that provides focusing to the light generated by the laser 42 and converts it into a laser beam having a desired cross-sectional shape.
Laser 42 converted into a laser beam through the first lens
An optical deflector 44 deflects the empty light, and in order to sequentially image the deflected laser beam at desired positions on the photoreceptor (to be described later), the beam is adjusted from the deflection angle of the laser beam and the optical axis on the photoreceptor. It includes a second lens 46 that matches the distance to the position to be imaged, and a mirror 48 that reflects the laser beam toward the photoreceptor.

The image forming apparatus 6 also includes a recording medium, ie, a photoreceptor 50, on which information about the document is optically transmitted via the optical device 4o, and on which an electrostatic latent image, which is a charge distribution pattern, is formed. Around the photoreceptor 5o, there is a charging device 52 that applies a desired charge to the photoreceptor 50, and a developer that supplies a developer, that is, toner, to the photoreceptor 50 and makes the electrostatic latent image visible. A device 54, a transfer device 56 for transferring the developed information, ie, the toner image, onto a transfer material, such as a copy paper P, supplied from a paper feeding device, which will be described later, and a photoreceptor 5.
An image forming member such as a cleaning device 58 that removes toner left on the photoreceptor 50 and returns the charge distribution pattern on the photoreceptor 50 to its initial state is disposed.

Further, on the lower right side of the image forming device 6, there is a paper cassette B2a, 62b, which can be switched between an upper stage and a lower stage, and which supplies copy paper P (this cassette) 62a.
, 62b and the photoreceptor 50, a paper feed roller pair 64a and a paper feed guide 66a that guide the paper P supplied from the cassette B2a toward the photoreceptor 50.
1, a paper feed roller 64 that guides the paper P supplied from the cassette 62b toward the photoreceptor 50, and a paper feed guide 66b.

Note that, between the paper feed guides 68a, 66b and the photoconductor 50, there is a device that corrects the inclination of the paper P by temporarily stopping the paper P fed from the cassettes 62a, 62b, and also prevents the paper from being formed on the photoconductor 50. A timing roller 68 is arranged to align the leading edge position of the paper P with information on the image, that is, the original document, which is conveyed toward the transfer device 56 as the photoreceptor 50 rotates. Similarly, on the lower left side (generally, paper P is supplied from one end of the device 6 and is discharged from the opposite end), there is a heat roller 72 having a heater lamp 72a; The pressure roller 74 includes a pressure roller 74 that is disposed opposite to the heat roller 72 and generates a desired pressure in the contact area with the heat roller 72, and heats and pressurizes the paper P on which the toner image, that is, the image has been transferred. A fixing device 70 that fixes the toner, and a conveyor that is disposed between the fixing device 70 and the transfer device 56, that is, the photoreceptor 50, and that conveys the paper P on which the toner image has been transferred toward the fixing device 70. A pair of discharge rollers 78 for discharging the paper P on which the toner image has been fixed via the device 76 and the fixing device 70 to the outside of the device 2 are disposed.

FIG. 3 shows the image reading device 4 and the image forming device 6 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
．． The electrical circuitry (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) for powering or controlling each device and unit incorporated in 6 is schematically shown.

The main control device, that is, the CPU 80 in the reading device M4 includes, for example, an I10 port 81 to which the document detection sensor 14, information detection sensor 24, etc. are connected, and an operation panel 18.
Alternatively, the I10 port 82 to which the CCD sensor 36 etc. is connected, the ROM (read-only memory) 83 that stores information for controlling the operation of the CPU 80 or the device 4, and the operation panel 18 entered,
A RAM (Random Access Memory) 84, etc., in which data for controlling the device 4, commands read from the ROM 83, information read above, etc. are temporarily stored is connected. Further, the first and second carriages 22.
32, or a lens motor (not shown) that moves the lens 34 in order to accurately focus the reflected light from the original document onto the CCD sensor 36. A motor driver 85 that drives a group of motors, and a power supply device 86 that supplies desired voltage and current to each device and unit.
is connected.

On the other hand, the CPU 90 in the image forming apparatus 6 includes, for example, the photoreceptor 50, the developing device 54, paper feed rollers 64a and 64b, the conveying device 76, and the fixing device 7 in the forming device 6.
A motor driver 9) connected to a main motor (not shown) that applies a rotational force to the optical device 40, or a motor such as a scanner motor (not shown) incorporated in the optical deflection device 44 included in the optical device 40, and each device. and a power supply 92 that supplies the desired voltage and current to the unit. Similarly to the reading device 4, information for controlling the device 6 is input to the CPU 90 via the RON1 (read-only memory) 93 and the operation panel 18, which controls the device 6. A RAM in which data to read data, instructions read from the ROM 93, information supplied from the reading device 4, etc. are temporarily stored.
(Random access memory) 94 and optical device W4
In order to drive the laser 42 included in the original document and record the information written on the document onto the photoreceptor 50, a laser drive circuit 95 and the like is connected to turn the laser beam 0N10FF according to the information.

Further, the CPU 80 and the CPU 90, that is, the image reading device 4 and the image forming device 6 are connected to each other via an interface 8. Note that this interface 8 is
For example, when only the image reading device 4 is used and document information is stored in an external storage device (not shown), etc.,
Alternatively, only the image forming device 6 is used and the printing pressure is applied based on information from a word processor (not shown) or the like.

Next, an outline of the operation of the image processing apparatus 2 will be explained using the above-mentioned FIGS. 1 to 3 and the flowcharts shown below. Here, it is assumed that the reading device 4 and the forming device 6 are used at the same time, and the information written on the original document placed in the reading device 4 is copied directly via the forming device 6.

According to FIG. 4A, when the power switch (not shown) of the image processing device 2 is turned on, the CPU 80 and the CPU t included in the image reading device 4 and the image forming device 6, respectively, are turned on.
J 90 is energized (step 1, below 5TPI, 5
(shown as TP2, 5TP3, 5TP4...). C
Instructions or data for operating the device 4 from the RC1i83 via the PU80, or RO via the CPU90
Commands or data for operating the device 6 are read from the M93, and the reading device 4 and the forming device 6, that is, the image processing device 2 are initialized, and the “READ”
Y" state (SrF2). Copying conditions are set via the data input keys 1111d, 1lllf, Hli, etc. of the operation panel 18, and the copy start key 18a is turned on (SrF3). Image forming apparatus 6 side A "copy start signal" is output from the CPU 90 (SrF4).At the same time,
A carriage drive motor (not shown) is energized so that the first and second carriages 22, 32 are moved parallel to the document table 12 and approximately 2 times the length of the document having the minimum area that can be copied. /3 (SrF5
). While 5TP5 is being executed, the light emitting element 24a of the information detection sensor 24 emits a light beam, that is, an infrared or red light beam, for detecting that a document is placed on the document table 12. SrF6).

When the light beam generated from the light emitting element 24a is reflected through the original paper and enters the light receiving element 24b, the presence of the original paper is detected (SrF2). In this 5TP7, the magnitude of the reflected light from the document that is incident on the light receiving element 24b is compared with a desired level, and when it is detected that the reflected light is less than the desired level, it is possible to have document information. That is, it is determined whether the document is not a blank document (SrF2). "Copy start signal" output by 5TP4
Instead, a "copy start signal" is output, the electrostatic copying process described above is executed, and the information written on the document is copied (SrF9). By copying or terminating, device 2
is gated to 5TP2 and remains in a standby state until the next input signal is received. On the other hand, if the light beam generated from the light emitting element 24a is not detected via the light receiving element 14b in 5TP7, and if it is determined that the document is blank in 5TP8, the process returns to 5TP2.

The image processing device 2 copies the information on the document by executing steps 5TP2 to 5TP8 and outputting a copy start signal from the control device, that is, the CPU 90. That is, the presence of a document is detected by the light emitted from the light emitting element 24a of the information detection sensor 24 being incident on the light receiving element 24b. Furthermore, it is detected that the magnitude of the reflected light from the document sheet that is incident on the light receiving element 24b is below a desired level, that is, it is determined that the document sheet is not a blank document.
Based on the determination made by Ull0, the information written on the manuscript is copied.

By outputting the copy start signal, the image reading device 4
The illumination lamp 26 is turned on. The lamp 26 and reflector 26a illuminate an elongated area in a first direction of the original document. This illumination lamp 26 is turned on only when the first carriage 22 is moved forward. The reflected light from the original is guided to the first mirror 28 and reflected toward the second mirror 32a disposed on the second carriage 32. The reflected light guided to the second mirror 32a is 9
It is bent by 0° and guided to the third mirror 32b. This reflected light is bent by 90 degrees again by the third mirror 32b and guided to the imaging lens 34. The reflected light is from lens 3
4, the light is focused, guided to a CCD sensor 36, and photoelectrically converted. The information written on the photoelectrically converted document is transmitted to the image forming device 6 via the interface 8, and is transmitted to the optical device 40 included in the device 6.
0N10FF of the laser beam corresponding to the information
and is imaged at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 50, which has been given a predetermined charge in advance. Therefore, the illumination lamp 26 and reflector 26
Information in the area extending in the first direction illuminated by a is converted into an electrostatic charge distribution pattern, ie, a latent image, on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 50. Here, the first and second carriages 22.32 are driven at a predetermined speed in a second direction, that is, the sub-scanning direction, perpendicular to the first direction, that is, the main scanning direction, by a pulse motor (not shown) that is driven at a predetermined speed. As the image is moved, information about the long and narrow area of the document is converted into a latent image one after another.

In this way, all the information written on the original document is copied onto the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 50 as an electrostatic latent image. The above-mentioned first and second carriages 22, 32 are moved to the above-mentioned mounting table at a desired speed via a drive mechanism (not shown), for example, a germ-carrying belt, a wire rope, a gear, etc., and a biasing means (not shown), ie, a motor. is moved parallel to 12. At this time, the second carriage 32 is moved to the first carriage 2
It is moved at 1/2 speed compared to the movement speed of 2.

The image converted into a latent image on the photoreceptor 50 is guided to a development area where the latent image is visualized as the photoreceptor 50 rotates.

In this developing area, the photoreceptor 5 is
Toner is selectively supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the original, and a latent image, that is, an image written on the original document is developed.

In parallel with the series of operations up to this point, a sheet of copy paper P having a desired size that has already been selected is moved toward the transfer area of the photoreceptor 50 at a speed equal to the moving speed of the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 50. be sent.

Further, the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 50 is guided to the transfer area by the rotation of the photoreceptor 50. The paper P fed from the cassette [i2a or 62b passes through the path formed by the paper feed roller pair B4a and the paper feed guide 68a, or the paper feed roller pair 64b and the paper feed guide 68b, and reaches the photoreceptor 50. It is guided to the lower part, that is, between the transfer device 56 and the photoreceptor 50. In this case, the paper P is temporarily stopped by the timing roller 68. After this,
The first carriage 22 or the second carriage 32 described above
Based on movement in one of the sub-scanning directions, the leading edge of the image formed on the photosensitive member 50 and the leading edge of the paper P are aligned and fed toward the photosensitive member 50.

The paper P is attracted (closely attached) to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 50 due to the electric charge remaining on the photoreceptor 50, and is conveyed to the transfer area as the photoreceptor 50 rotates. At this time, the photoreceptor 50 and the paper P have already been charged (by the charging device 52 for forming a latent image).
A charge having the same polarity as the charge applied to the photoreceptor 50 (via the transfer device 56 ) is supplied to the photoreceptor 50 again via the transfer device 56 . Therefore, the toner adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 5o is transferred to the paper P. The paper P onto which the toner has been transferred is transferred to the AC voltage applying device 5 integrally formed with the transfer device 56.
The photoreceptor 8a is released from adsorption with the photoreceptor 50 by the AC voltage from the photoreceptor 8a, and is sent to the conveying device 76 with toner on it. On the other hand, the photoreceptor 5 from which the paper P and the toner image are separated
0 is further rotated, returned to the initial state by the cleaning device 58, and used for the next image formation.

The paper P onto which the toner has been transferred is fed to the fixing device 70 via the conveying device 76. This toner is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the heat-fusible toner, is melted via the heat roller 74, and a portion of the toner is infiltrated into the paper P, thereby being fixed (fixed) on the paper P. Ru.

The paper P on which the toner has been fixed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus 6 via the discharge roller 78.

As already explained, it goes without saying that only the image reading device 4 may be used and the document information may be stored in an external storage device (not shown).

Similarly, only the image forming device 6 is used,
Information from an external device (not shown), such as a word processor, may be printed out.

FIG. 4B shows a control method that is different from the control method shown in FIG. 4A.

Incidentally, in order to distinguish it from "STP" shown in FIG. 4A, it will be hereinafter referred to as "5TPIX". Also, ST P 11
．． S T P 12. S T P 13.
S T P 4 is STP 1 to 5T in FIG. 4A.
Since it is the same as P4, it will be omitted.

The original detection sensor 14 emits a light beam, that is, infrared rays or red light, for detecting that the original is placed on the original placing table 12 (STP15). It is detected that the original is placed on the original placing table 12 (
S T P 16). A carriage drive motor (not shown) is energized so that the first and second carriages 22.32 are moved parallel to the document table 12 and approximately 2 times the length of the document having the minimum area that can be copied. /3 (STP17). While this 5TP5 is being executed, the light emitting element 24a in the information detection sensor 24
A light beam, ie, an infrared ray or a red beam, is emitted for detecting that the original is placed on the original placing table 12 (S T P 1g). This STP
In step 18, the magnitude of the reflected light from the document that is incident on the light receiving element 24b is compared with a desired level, and by detecting whether the reflected light is below the desired level, information about the document is provided. In other words, it is determined whether the document is not a blank document (STP 19). Thereafter, steps 5TP9 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. 4A are executed sequentially. Upon completion of copying, the device 2 is returned to 5TP2 in FIG. 4A and is in a standby state, ie, "RE
Maintain the ADY state.

According to FIG. 4C, only the image reading device 4 in the image processing device 2 is used to read the information written on the manuscript, convert it into an electrical signal, and store it in an external storage device (not shown). is shown. In addition, in order to distinguish it from "STP" shown in FIG. 4A, "5TP" will be used hereinafter.
2]”.

Standby state or "READY" state (5TP2 in Figure 4A)
), press the data input key 1 on the operation panel 18.
Reading conditions are set via 8d, 18i, etc. (ST
P23), when the reading start key 18e is turned on, a "reading prohibition signal" is output from the CPU 80 on the image reading device 4 side (STP24). At the same time, a carriage drive motor (not shown) is energized so that the first and second carriages 22, 32 are aligned parallel to the document table 12 and compared to the length of the document having the minimum readable area. It is moved to approximately 2/'3 (S T P 25
). While this S T P 15 is being executed, the light emitting element 24a of the information detection sensor 24 emits a light beam, that is, infrared rays or red light, for detecting that the original is placed on the original placing table 12. be done (S
T P 26). When the light beam generated from the light emitting element 24a is reflected through the original paper and enters the light receiving element 24b, the presence of the original paper is detected (S T
P27). In this ST P 27, the magnitude of the reflected light from the original that is incident on the light receiving element 24b is compared with a desired level, and when it is detected that the reflected light is less than the desired level, the original information is stored. In other words, it is determined whether the original is not a blank manuscript (S T P
28).

A "reading start signal" is output in place of the "reading prohibition signal" outputted at S T P 24, and the information on the document is optically read out (S T P 29). This information is photoelectrically converted via the CCD sensor 36 and is shown in the figure [,
2 is stored in a storage device (STP30), while 1
In S T P 27, if the light beam emitted from the light emitting element 24a is not detected via the light receiving element 14b, and in S T P 2g, if it is determined that the document is blank, S It returns to T P 22, ie, 5TP2 in FIG. 4A. Further, even when the reading is completed normally, the device 2 is returned to the S T P 22 and is in a standby state, that is, "REA", until the next input signal is received.
DY” state is maintained.

According to FIG. 5A, the fourth A in the image processing device 2
A different copying operation than that shown in FIGS. 4C is depicted.

When a power switch (not shown) is turned on, power is supplied to the image processing device 2, that is, the CPU 80 and the CPU 90 (Step 1, hereinafter 5TPI, 5TP2, 5TP3...
). Device 4 from ROM2S via CPU80
Is there any instruction or data required to operate the CPU 90?
Instructions or data for operating the device 6 are read from the ROM 93 through the ROM 93, and the reading device 4 and the forming device 6, that is, the image processing device 2, are initialized and put into a "READY" state (STP2), and the copying process is performed. When the start key 18a is turned on, the CPU on the image forming apparatus 6 side
A “copy prohibition signal” is output from 90 (STP3)
.

A carriage drive motor (not shown) is energized so that the first and second carriages 22, 32 are aligned parallel to the document table 12 and approximately 2 times the length of the document having the minimum area that can be copied. Moved to around /3 (STP4
). While this 5TP4 is being executed, the light emitting element 24a of the information detection sensor 24 emits a light beam, that is, an infrared ray or a red light beam, for detecting that an original is placed on the original placing table 12. (S T P
5). When the light beam generated from the light emitting element 24a is reflected through the original paper and enters the light receiving element 24b, the presence of the original paper is detected (STP6). This 5
At TP6, if the light beam generated from the light emitting element 24a is not detected via the light receiving element 24b, a message such as "No document is placed. A warning message such as "Are you sure you want to copy?" is displayed (STP7).

In the above 5TP6, the magnitude of the reflected light from the original that is incident on the light receiving element 24b is compared with a desired level,
By detecting whether the reflected light is below a desired level, it is determined whether the document contains information, that is, whether it is not a blank document (STP8). 5TP3 output “
A ``copy start signal'' is output instead of a ``copy prohibition signal.''
The electrostatic copying process described above is executed to copy the information written on the manuscript (STP9). In 5TP8 above, if it is determined that the original is a blank manuscript, the same as in 5TP7 above, for example, "The original is a blank manuscript.
Can I copy it? A warning message such as "" will be displayed (STP 10). In addition, in the above-mentioned 5TP7 or STP10, if the copy start key 18a is turned on again even though a warning message is displayed, the copying operation will be stopped regardless of whether or not the original is placed. Begins (S T P 11). Upon completion of the copying operation, the device 2 is returned to 5TP2 again and enters a standby state, ie, a "READY" state, until the next input signal is received. By the way, instead of the above-mentioned warning message, as shown in FIG. 6A, there is a warning LED integrated into the copy start key IPta of the operation panel 18.
IIIQ may be changed from lighting to blinking. In this case, for example, L E D 18N is a two-color display type L
The display color may be changed (eg, from green light to red light) using the ED. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the warning LED 18g may be arranged independently on a part of the operation panel 18.

FIG. 5B shows a modification of the control method shown in FIG. 5A above. In order to distinguish it from "STP" shown in Figure 5A, it will be referred to as "5TPIX" below.
Expressed as Also, 5TPII, ST P 12. S
T P 13. S T P 4 is omitted because it is the same as STP] to 5TP4 in FIG. 5A.

The document detection sensor 14 emits a light beam, that is, an infrared ray or a red beam, for detecting that a document is placed on the document table 12 (STP15). It is detected that the original is placed on the original placing table 12 (
S T P 16). Thereafter, steps 5TP8 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. 5A are executed sequentially.

When the copying is completed, the device 2 is returned to 5TP2 in FIG. 5A and maintains the standby state, ie, the "READY" state, until the next input signal is received.

According to FIG. 5C, only the image reading device 4 in the image processing device 2 is used to read the information written on the manuscript, convert it into an electrical signal, and store it in an external storage device (not shown). A method is shown. In order to distinguish it from "STP" shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, it will be referred to as "5TPIXX" hereinafter.

A standby state or "READY" state (5TP2 in FIG. 5A)
), when the reading start key 18e is turned on, a “reading prohibition signal” is sent from the CPU 80 on the image reading device 4 side.
is output (S T P 113).

A carriage drive motor (not shown) is energized so that the first and second carriages 22, 32 are moved parallel to the document table 12 and approximately 2 times longer than the length of the document having the minimum area that can be copied. Moved to around /3 (STP1
14). While this 5TpH4 process is being executed, the light emitting element 24a in the information detection sensor 24
A light beam, that is, an infrared light or a red light, is emitted to detect that a document is placed on the paper (STP).
115). When the light beam generated from the light emitting element 24a is reflected through the original paper and enters the light receiving element 24b, the presence of the original paper is detected (S T P
116).

At this 5T pH6, if the light beam generated from the light emitting element 24a is not detected via the light receiving element 24b, the LCD display section 18 included in the operation panel 18
For example, a warning message such as "No original is placed. May I start reading?" is displayed on the screen (S T P 117). At the above 5T pH7, the magnitude of the reflected light from the original that is incident on the light receiving element 24b is compared with the desired level, and if it is detected that the reflected light is less than the desired level, it is determined that the original has information. It will be determined whether it is not a blank manuscript (ST
P 118). 5TP113 outputs a "reading start signal" in place of the "reading prohibition signal" and the information written on the document is optically read out (ST
P119). If it is determined that the original is blank at 5TpH8, a warning message such as ``Original or blank, may I start reading?'' is displayed, similar to 5TP117 above. (S T
P 120). In addition, the above 5TP1.17 or 5TP
In step 120, if the reading start key 18e is turned on again despite the warning message being displayed,
A reading operation is started regardless of whether or not a document is placed (STP 121).

In this case, the information written on the manuscript is optically extracted and photoelectrically converted via the CCD sensor 36 (ST
P122). Stored in an external storage device (not shown)
S T P 123). When the reading of the document is finished, the device 4 finishes the copying operation, and the device 2 is returned to 5TP112, that is, 5TP2 in FIG. 5A, and is in a standby state, ie, " REA
DY" state. Also in this case, as in the example shown in FIG. 5A above, instead of the above warning message,
Warning LED 18 shown in Figure 6A or Figure 6B
It goes without saying that it is okay to be used.

(Effects) As explained above, according to the present invention, when information written on a document is copied or read using an image processing device, a sensor detects that a document is placed. This arrangement prevents copying or reading operations from being performed even though no original is placed. Furthermore, since a sensor is provided to detect the presence or absence of information written on a document, the presence or absence of a document to be copied or read can be detected more reliably.

Therefore, undesired copying without an original (blank copy) or reading without an original (blank reading) is prevented. This minimizes the consumption of toner and copy paper or memory (two types of media). Therefore, copying costs and running costs are reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire image processing apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional view of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. teeth,
A block diagram schematically showing an electric circuit incorporated in the image processing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams showing the images shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Flowcharts for more specifically explaining the first embodiment of the present invention utilized in a processing device, FIGS. 5A to 5C
6A and 6B are flowcharts for more specifically explaining the second embodiment of the present invention used in the image processing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are
A schematic diagram showing a modification of the operation panel in the image processing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIG. 6C are images different from those in the image processing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a processing device. 2... Image processing device, 4... Image reading device, 6...
・Image forming apparatus, 8...Interface, 12.Document placement, stand, 12a...Size plate, 12b..Top cover, 14..Document detection sensor, 14a.Light emitting element, 14
b... Light receiving element, 16... Original holder, 18... Operation panel, 18a... Copy start key, L8e... Reading start key, 18j... LCD display section, 18k... LE
D display section, 22... first carriage, 24... information detection sensor, 24a... light emitting element, 24b... light receiving element,
32. Second carriage, 34. Imaging lens, 36.
CCD sensor. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzuki Figure 6A Figure 6B Figure 6C

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A means on which the original is placed, a means that is movable generally parallel to the placing means and that detects that the original has been placed along with this movement, and a means included in the original. an image reading means having a conversion means for optically extracting and photoelectrically converting information obtained through the image reading means; an image carrier on which information obtained through the image reading means is formed; and an image forming an image on the image carrier. an image forming means having a forming means; and when the presence of information on the document is detected through the detection means and a signal indicating that no information exists on the document is generated, to the conversion means; and means for supplying an operation prohibition signal. (2) A means for placing the original, a means that is movable generally parallel to the placing means and that detects that the original has been placed along with this movement, and a means included in the original. an image reading means having a conversion means for optically extracting and photoelectrically converting the information obtained through the image reading means; an image carrier on which the information obtained through the image reading means is formed; and an image is formed on the image carrier. an image forming means having an image forming means; a means for displaying the operation of the converting means; and a signal indicating that the presence of information on the document is detected through the detecting means and a signal indicating that no information is present on the document. An image processing means apparatus, comprising means for displaying a warning on the display means and supplying an operation prohibition signal to the conversion means when the conversion occurs.