JPH04351162A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid useless rotation processing and to limit a capacity of a storage means used for the rotation processing to a proper capacity by devising a picture data to be adaptively subject to rotation processing. CONSTITUTION:A size of an original is confirmed according to a picture data read from the original and the confirmed size is compared with a prescribed size (e.g. size A4) and when the result of comparison that the prescribed size is larger is obtained, the read picture data is subject to rotation processing and then the result is outputted. On the other hand, when the confirmed size is less than the prescribed size, the read picture data is not subject to rotation processing and then the result is outputted.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of rotating the output direction of image data.

0002

[Prior Art] Conventionally, copying machines, facsimile communication devices,
Devices that handle image data, such as page printers, have no unified method for processing standard-sized output paper.

0003

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In a machine that combines these functions, non-uniform processing methods have various negative effects on the operation of the machine. So let's take an example of how to place a manuscript. Normally, in a copying machine where originals are placed vertically, when the same original is used for facsimile communication, it must be placed horizontally in order to orthogonally scan the originals, so there is a risk of erroneous scanning. In order to solve such problems, proposals have already been made to rotate the direction of the read document image or the output image data. However, due to the structure of the machine, there are some sizes that make it meaningless to rotate. For example, even though it is possible to output only up to A4 size in the main scanning direction, if the B4 size is rotated so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the main scanning direction, image data will be lost during output. Since image data of such a size may exist, simply rotating the image is not sufficient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional example, and its purpose is to enable adaptive rotation processing of image data to avoid meaningless rotation processing. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can limit the amount of storage means used for rotation processing to an appropriate amount.

[0005]

[Means for solving the problem] Solving the above problems,
In order to achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a reading device that reads image data from a document; a determining device that determines the size of the document according to the read image data; and a device that determines the size of the document and the determined size. and a rotation means that performs rotation processing on the read image data only when the comparison means obtains a comparison result that the predetermined size is larger. shall be.

[0006]

[Operation] According to this configuration, the reading means reads image data from the original, the determining means determines the size of the original according to the read image data, and the comparing means compares the determined size with a predetermined size, The rotation means executes rotation processing on the read image data only when the comparison means obtains a comparison result that the predetermined size is larger.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the reader section of FIG.

In FIG. 1, 1 is an original feeding device, 2 is an original table glass, 3 is a lamp, 4 is a scanner unit, and 5 is a scanner unit.
, 6 and 7 are mirrors, 8 is a lens, 9 is an image sensor section, 10 is an exposure control section, 11 is a photoreceptor, 13 is a developer,
14 and 15 are transfer paper stacking sections, 16 is a transfer section, 17 is a fixing section, 18 is a paper discharge section, 19 is a conveyance direction switching member, 2
0 is a re-feed transfer paper stacking section, 21 is a registration roller,
22 is an external display section, 23 is an external device housing, 24 is a drive device, and 25 is an operation section.

Next, the basic operation will be explained. The originals placed on the original feeding device 1 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the glass platen surface 2 of the original. When the original is conveyed, the lamp 3 in the scanner section is turned on, and the scanner unit 4 moves to illuminate the original. The light reflected from the original is reflected by mirrors 5 and 6.
, 7, passes through a lens 8, and is then input to an image sensor section 9. The image signal input to the image sensor section 9, that is, the input signal from the reader 31 shown in FIG.
The data is processed by the printer unit 33. The signal input to the printer 33 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control section 10, and the photoreceptor 11 is irradiated in accordance with the image signal. A latent image formed on the photoreceptor by the irradiation light is developed by 13. A transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking section 14 or 15 at the same timing as the latent image, and the developed image is transferred to the transfer section 16. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing section 17 and then discharged from the paper discharge section 18 to the outside of the apparatus.

Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of a single output sheet will be described. Fixing section 17
After the fixed output paper is once conveyed to the paper discharge section 18, the orientation of the paper is reversed and conveyed via the conveyance direction switching member 19 to the transfer target stacking section 20 for paper re-feeding. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same way as the above process, but the transfer paper is re-fed to the transfer paper stacking section 2.
Since the paper is fed from zero, two original images can be output on the front and back sides of the same output paper.

Next, a case will be described in which a document image is reduced in size and outputted onto a transfer paper. In this configuration, the speed at which image signals are read from the reader 31 is constant. Therefore, by increasing the moving speed of the scanner 4 that irradiates the original,
Since the amount of image information input to the reader section 31 per unit time can be increased, the image signal can be reduced in the paper conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction).

Regarding the direction perpendicular to this (main scanning direction), the case of reduction to X/(x+y)%, which is controlled by inputting and outputting image signals via the image signal control circuit 32 of FIG. 2, is shown in FIG. explain. In the case of the same size, there is no problem since the actual output position and the actual reading position in FIG. 3 correspond, but when reducing the size, it is assumed that the image signal is input at the virtual reading position. If the image data at this position is output to the actual output position, the image will be reduced, so the image density at the virtual reading position is interpolated from the density area of the image signal input at the actual reading position based on the following formula. Predict. In other words, “02={R3・y+R2・(x−y
)}/x” is used.

[0013] Also, an external device 34 is connected to this image forming apparatus. A drive section 24 of a removable storage means, such as an optical disc, converts the image signal input to the image sensor section 9 into a structure that matches the format of the disc and records it. The housing 23, which corresponds to the external device 34 shown in the block diagram of FIG. It includes a printer interface function for outputting from the printer section 33 of the main body. The external display section 22 is used for reference to search for a desired image from among the image data recorded in the storage means.

FIGS. 4 to 8 are diagrams showing display examples of the operation section 25. Using the same figure, external equipment 3 of this image forming apparatus
An example of operation for 4 will be explained.

First, the operation of the removable storage means will be explained. In the figure, when a file key 40 for specifying this operation is input, a screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display section 41. The user follows the instructions on the screen and selects the desired process from among image search, image input, and image deletion. For example, when image search is selected, the screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. 5. At the time of search, keywords and words attached to each image data in advance can be displayed at the same time to support the user's selection. When the user selects a desired image from the image data list on the screen, the corresponding image data is displayed on the display section 22. After confirming that the displayed image is acceptable, the user inputs the copy start key 42 and the printer section 33 outputs the image data.

Next, the operation of the facsimile communication function in the external device will be explained. When using the facsimile communication function, the facsimile key 50 shown in the figure is input. FIG. 6 shows the display screen at this time. A screen appears for inputting the facsimile number of the destination, and the user inputs the facsimile number using the numeric keys according to the instructions on the screen. After entering the information, press the "#" key to confirm, and the screen will appear as shown in Figure 7.
to move to. When the original to be transmitted is placed on the original glass table 2 of the main body of the image forming apparatus and the start key, which also serves as the copy start key 42, is input, the facsimile control circuit housed in the housing 23 starts communication.

Furthermore, the operation for outputting data transmitted from the computer will be explained. Normally, the remote key 60 is input to enter a standby mode for receiving data input from the outside. At this time, the screen display on the operation unit becomes as shown in FIG. When output data is transmitted from the computer as described later, it is sent to the LBP circuit unit 1007 for processing via an external interface 1011 and a CPU 1010 in FIG. 9, which will be described later, showing details of the external device 34.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of external equipment of the housing 23 in FIG. 1. In the figure, 1000 is the copying machine shown in FIG. 1, and 1001 is an external device which is the housing 23 of FIG. In the external device 1001, 1002
transfers image data from the copying machine 1000 to the external device 1001
a selector 100 for selecting whether to import image data from the external device 1001 or send image data from the external device 1001 to the copying machine 1000;
3 is a rotation processing circuit for rotating image data sent to the copying machine or image data from the copying machine; 1004 is image data from the rotation processing circuit 1003 or rotation processing circuit 1;
A selector 1008 that selects either image data that does not pass through 003 or outputs no image data.
1005 is an input selector that selects whether to output the image data from the selector 1004 to one or more of the file circuit section 1005, the FAX circuit section 1006, or the LBP circuit section 1007; A file circuit unit for filing and outputting the filed image data to the output selector 1009 is shown. The file circuit section 1005 includes the drive unit 24 of the storage means shown in FIG. 1 and an external display section. 1006 is a fax circuit unit that faxes the image data from the input selector 1008 and outputs the faxed image data to the output selector 1009; 1007 is the input selector 10;
1009 is the image data from the file circuit section 1005 or the fax circuit section which develops the image data from 08 into the print memory in 1007 and outputs the image data developed by LIPS etc. to the output selector 1009. An output selector 1010 outputs either the image data from the section 1006 or the image data from the LBP circuit section 1007 to the selector 1004 or the rotation processing section 1003 or the selector 1002;
communicates with the fax circuit section 1006 and LPB circuit section 1007, controls the flow of image data between the selector 1002, the selector 1004, the input selector 1008, and the output selector 1009, and communicates with the external interface circuit 10.
11 is a CPU that communicates with an external device (not shown) and controls the entire external device 1001, and 1012 is a ROM that stores the above-mentioned control programs and work memory.
/RAM are shown respectively. Also, 1013 is CP
Indicates the U bus, 1014 indicates the image data line, and 1
015 indicates a selector for selecting image data input to the rotation processing circuit 1003, 1016 indicates a selector for a synchronization signal for image transfer, 1017 indicates a circuit for generating the synchronization signal, and 1018 indicates a selector for selecting image data input to the rotation processing circuit 1003. The figure shows synchronization signals for image transfer, including a pixel-by-pixel reference clock for transfer, a horizontal synchronization signal, a vertical synchronization signal, etc.

Next, the external device 10 having the above-described configuration
The operation of 01 will be explained.

First, the synchronization signal 1018 for image transfer will be explained. When image data is transferred from the copying machine 1000, the CPU 1010 uses the synchronization signal selector 10.
16 to select the synchronization signal transmitted from the copying machine 1000. According to this instruction, the synchronization signal selector 1016 selects the synchronization signal 101 from the copying machine 1000.
8 to the required block of external device 1001. When image transfer is performed only between the external device 1001 and the internal device, or when image data is transferred from the external device 1001 to the copying machine 1000, the CPU 1010 sends the synchronizing signal generator circuit 10 to the synchronizing signal selector 1016.
17 to select the synchronization signal output from the terminal. According to this instruction, the synchronization signal selector 1016 outputs the signal 1018 from the synchronization signal generation circuit 1017 to the external device 10.
01 required block or copier 1000
Transfer to. Hereinafter, in the description of image transfer, explanation regarding the synchronization signal will be omitted unless deemed necessary.

Next, the case of filing a document will be explained. At this time, the user presses the file key 40 mentioned above, makes various settings, and then places the desired document on the document table. Next, by pressing the copy start key, the various settings are transmitted to the copier 100 via the communication line 1013.
0 to the CPU 1010 via the selector 1002. This setting data is sent from the CPU 1010 to the file circuit unit 1005 via the communication line 1013 as well. Based on the sent setting data, the file circuit section 1005
Now, make the settings accordingly, and then press CPU10 to complete the preparation.
Send to 10. The CPU 1010 receives the preparation completion,
The rotation processing circuit 1 rotates the direction of image data from the copying machine 1000.
The selector 1002 is controlled so that the flow goes to 003. Further, from the rotation processing circuit 1003, a selector 1004,
Through the input selector 1005, the file circuit section 100
selector 1004 and input selector 10 so as to flow to input selector 5.
Controls 08. This means that the route of the series of image data has been determined. Next, CPU 1010 transmits to copying machine 1000 a notification that image capture preparation is complete. The copying machine 1000, which has completed the preparation for image capture, starts the operation described above, in which the lamp in the scanner section 3 is turned on, and the scanner unit 4 moves to illuminate the original. The input signal from the reader 31 is processed by the CPU 30 and input to the selector 1002 through the image data line 1014. The image data is then input to the file circuit unit 1005 according to the flow of image data described above. At this time, when it is necessary to rotate the entire image data, the rotation is controlled by the rotation processing circuit 1003, and when it is not necessary, the rotation processing circuit 1003 outputs the data without any processing. The file circuit section 1005 converts the image data into a structure that matches the format of the disk and records it. When the reading is completed, the file circuit section 1005 informs the CPU 1 that the reading has ended.
010. CPU10 that received the end of reading
10 disconnects the image data line from the copying machine 1000 to the selector 1002. Next, C
The PU 1010 sends a reading completion message to the copying machine 1000, thereby returning the copying machine 1000 to its original state.

Next, in the case of faxing a document, the image data is only input to the fax circuit section 1006 instead of the file circuit section 1005, and the other aspects are the same as in the case of filing.

Next, the case of printing a filed original will be explained. At this time, the user presses the file key 40 mentioned above to make various settings for printing. Next, by pressing the copy start key, the various settings are sent from the copying machine 1000 to the CPU 1010 via the selector 1002 via the communication line 1013. This setting data is sent from the CPU 1010 to the file circuit unit 1005 via the communication line 1013 as well. Based on the sent setting data, the file circuit unit 1005 performs settings accordingly, and notifies the CPU 101 that preparation is complete.
Send to 0. When the preparation is completed, the CPU 1010 controls the output selector 1009 so that the image data flows from the file circuit section 1005 to the rotation processing circuit 1003. Further, from the rotation processing circuit 1003, selector 1
002 and flows to the copying machine 1000, the selector 1002 is controlled while the selector 1004 is shut off. This means that the route of the series of image data has been determined. Next, CPU 1010 sends a notification that image output preparation is complete to copying machine 1000. Copying machine 1000 receives the image output preparation completion and starts a printing operation. Image data is input to the image signal control circuit 32 in FIG. The signal input to the printer 33 is printed by the operation described above. At this time, when it is necessary to rotate the entire image data, the rotation is controlled by the rotation processing circuit 1003, and when it is not necessary, the rotation processing circuit 1003 outputs the data without any processing. When printing is finished, copying machine 1000 sends a print completion message to CPU 1010. Upon receiving the completion of printing, the CPU 1010 causes the selector 1002 to disconnect the image data line with the copying machine 1000. Next, CPU10
10 sends a print completion message to the file circuit section 1005, thereby returning the file circuit section 1005 to its original state.

Next, when printing faxed image data or printing data sent from a computer, the image data is sent to the fax circuit section 1006 or LB instead of the file circuit section 1005.
The signal is only output from the P circuit section, and the rest is the same as the output from the file circuit section 1005.

Next, the case of faxing a filed original will be explained. At this time, the user presses the file access key 40 and fax key 50 mentioned above to make settings for various files and faxes. Next, by pressing the copy start key, the various settings are transferred from the copier 1000 to the selector 1002 via the communication line 1013.
The data is sent to the CPU 1010 through the CPU 1010. This setting data is sent from the CPU 1010 to the file circuit section 1005 and the fax circuit section 1006 via the communication line 1013 as well. Based on the sent setting data, the file circuit section 10
05 and the fax circuit section 1006 perform settings accordingly and transmit preparation completion to the CPU 1010. When the preparation is completed, the CPU 1010 controls the output selector 1009 so that the image data flows from the file circuit section 1005 to the rotation processing circuit 1003. Furthermore, the selector 10
04 and input selector 1006. This means that the route of the series of image data has been determined. next,
The CPU 1010 sends a notification that image output preparation is complete to the file circuit unit 1005. CPU1 receives image output preparation completion
010 starts the image data transmission operation. At this time, when it is necessary to rotate the entire image data, the rotation processing circuit 10
03, and when it is not necessary, the rotation processing circuit section 1003 outputs without any processing. When the transmission is completed, the file circuit section 1005
A transmission end message is sent to the CPU 1010 from the start. Upon receiving the end of transmission, the CPU 1010 disconnects the image data line from the output selector 1009. Next, the CPU 1010 sends a transmission end message to the fax circuit unit 1006.
5 returns to its original state.

Next, when filing faxed image data, filing data sent from a computer, or faxing data sent from a computer, the flow of image data is simply changed. It is the same as the example.

Next, the details of the rotation processing circuit 1003 are shown in FIG.
This will be explained using 0. First, consider the case where image data is input to the rotation processing circuit 1003 via the image data line 1014. CPU 1010 is synchronization signal selector 1
113 to cause the reference clock signal 1110 and horizontal synchronization signal 1111 to flow to the X-direction address counter 1114. At the same time, the Y-direction address counter 1115 receives a horizontal synchronization signal 1111 and a vertical synchronization signal 11.
The synchronizing signal selector 1113 is instructed to cause the signal 12 to flow. The X direction address counter 1114 controls the lower address bus 1115, and the Y direction address counter 1115 controls the upper address bus 1117, and both count the addresses instructed to the bit map memory 1116 by two synchronization signals.・To go up or down. The bit map memory 1116 is connected via the two address counters and to the image data line 1014.
Since it can be accessed only with the image data input from
This memory is dedicated to rotation processing. When the synchronization signal is selected as described above, the X-direction address counter counts up (down) the address by 1 according to the reference clock 1110, and converts the image data input from the image data line 1014 into a bit map pixel by pixel. Store in memory. At this time, when the horizontal synchronization signal 1111 is input, the address output from the X-direction address counter 1114 is cleared, and the address output from the Y-direction address counter 1 is cleared.
The address output from 115 is counted up (down), and the address for one horizontal line is counted up (down). Note that the vertical synchronization signal 1112 is used to clear the Y-direction address counter 1115.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the synchronization signals described above. Now, in order to rotate and retrieve the image data stored in the bit map memory 1116 in accordance with such a synchronization signal, the synchronization signals applied to the two counters are switched. If image data is taken out from the image data line 1014 in accordance with the replaced synchronization signal, it becomes possible to take out the previously stored image data in the orthogonal direction. The essential parts of the present invention will be explained after considering each function explained above.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining the operation of this embodiment.

In the copying machine explained in this embodiment, the main scanning direction is the longitudinal direction of A4 size paper, and the sub-scanning direction is 11" x 17".
"It is possible to scan and output in the longitudinal direction. When handling A4 size paper with such a copying machine, it is usually read with the longitudinal direction aligned with the main scanning direction. Consider the processing speed of the copying machine. However, when reading A4 size paper with this copier and faxing it, main scanning must be done in the transverse direction during fax communication, so this will be explained first. As described above, the image data is rotated in the rotation processing circuit 1003 described above (step S1 to step S5).B4
When processing a large size original, this copying machine cannot read the document with its longitudinal direction aligned with the main scanning direction, so it reads in the same direction as fax communication, eliminating the need for image rotation. In such a case, the size of the image data to be transferred from the copying machine 1000 is sent in advance to the CPU 1010 by communication before the image data is transferred. CPU1
According to this instruction, 010 instructs selector 1015 not to input an image, instructs selector 1004 to directly receive image data transferred from selector 1002, and instructs selector 1002 to receive image data from copying machine 1000. By doing so, it becomes possible to directly transfer unrotated image data to the fax circuit unit 1005 (step S1, step S2, step S6,
Step S7).

As explained above, according to this embodiment,
It becomes possible to adaptively rotate image data to avoid meaningless rotation processing, and to limit the storage means used for rotation processing to an appropriate amount.

The present invention may be applied to a system made up of a plurality of devices, or to a device made up of one device. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to cases where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or device.

[0033]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
It becomes possible to adaptively rotate image data to avoid meaningless rotation processing, and to limit the storage means used for rotation processing to an appropriate amount.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reader section in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a reduction algorithm in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the operation unit 25.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the operation unit 25.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display on the operation unit 25. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the operation unit 25.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the operation unit 25. FIG.

9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of external equipment of the housing 23 in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the rotation processing circuit 1003.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the synchronization signals described above.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Document feeding device 2 Document table glass 3 Lamp 4 Scanner unit 5, 6, 7 Mirror 8 Lens 9 Image sensor unit 10 Exposure control unit 11 Photoreceptor 13 Developing units 14, 15 Transfer paper stacking unit 16 Transfer unit 17 Fixing section 18 Paper discharge section 19 Conveyance direction switching member 20 Re-feed transfer paper stacking section 21 Registration roller 22 External display section 23 External equipment housing 24 Drive device 30 CPU block 31 Image reader block 32 Image signal control circuit block 33 Printer block 34 External device block 35 Operation block 40 File key 41 Copy machine main body display section 42 Copy start key 50 Fax key 60 Remote key 1000 Copy machine main body 1001 External device 1002 Selector 1003 Rotation processing circuit 1004 Selector 1005 File processing circuit 1006 Fax circuit section 1007 LBP circuit section 1008 Input selector 1009 Output selector 1010 CPU for external device control 1011 External interface circuit 1012 R
OM/RAM 1013 CPU bus 1014 for external device control circuit
Image data line 1015 Selector 1016 Synchronization signal selector 1017 Synchronization signal generation circuit 1018 Synchronization signal 1110 Reference clock for image transfer 1111 Horizontal synchronization signal 1112 Vertical synchronization signal 1113 Synchronization signal selector 1114 X-direction address counter 1115 Y
Direction address counter 1116 bit map
Memory 1117 Address bus

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. Reading means for reading image data from a document; determining means for determining the size of the document according to the read image data; comparison means for comparing the determined size with a predetermined size; An image forming apparatus comprising: a rotation unit that performs rotation processing on the read image data only when the unit obtains a comparison result that the predetermined size is larger. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation means includes storage means for temporarily storing image data.