JPH04372277A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily select various processing modes independently of key entry with respect to a read picture of a color mark region and to attain excellent workability by employing a color recognition means to recognize the color of an outer circumference of a marker. CONSTITUTION:A cap color recognition means recognizes a color of a cap of a marker pen (S430). Then the color marked on an original is recognized by a CCD (S431). Then the colors recognized in the steps S430,431 are compared (S432), and when they are equal to each other, it is regarded that the colors recognized in the S430,431 result from the same marker and a data in the mark on the original is subject to mode processing by a mode memory (S433). When they are not equal, it is discriminated that the colors recognized in the S430,431 result from not the same marker and the usual copying processing is implemented.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus having a function of identifying color mark areas placed on a document.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when reading a document, by automatically identifying a color mark area placed on the document, processing such as cropping is performed on the read image within this area to create an image. Image forming apparatuses that output images are known.

0003

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, although such conventional image forming apparatuses can automatically recognize color mark areas, the processing mode for the area must be determined by key input operations from the operation panel. However, the disadvantage was that the work was complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily select various processing modes for a read image of a color mark area without requiring key input, and has excellent workability.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having color mark recognition means for recognizing color marks attached to a document, and mode storage means for storing a plurality of modes. Marker color recognition means that recognizes the color at a predetermined portion of the marker means for attaching a color mark to a color mark, and when the recognition results of the color mark recognition means and the marker color recognition means match, the recognition result of the marker color recognition means and processing means for selecting a predetermined mode specified by from the mode storage means, and processing data of the area specified by the recognition result of the color mark recognition means according to the selected mode.

[0006]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The copying apparatus main body 1 is composed of a document scanning section 2, a paper feeding section 3, an image recording section 4, an intermediate tray section 5, and the like.

First, to explain the configuration of the document scanning section 2, the controller section 2a is composed of means for controlling the copying sequence overall and image processing means for processing the image signal read by the CCD line sensor. There is.

[0009] Power switch 2b and original exposure lamp 2c
constitutes an optical scanning system with a scanning mirror, and scans and moves at a predetermined speed.

The imaging lens 2b forms an image of the light reflected from the original onto the photosensitive drum 11 of the image recording section 4.

[0011] The buzzer 2e issues a warning of a copy mode error or the like set on an operation unit, which will be described later. The optical system drive motor 2f drives the optical scanning system etc. with high precision.

The CCD unit 501 is placed near the imaging lens 2d on the analog optical path, and can read color information on the original by scanning the original with a scanning mirror.

[0013] Also, the paper feed section 3 includes paper feed rollers 3a and 3b.
The cut sheet SH is fed into the image forming section 4 by driving.

Next, the configuration of the image recording section 4 will be explained.

The registration roller 12 includes a paper feed roller 3a,
The cut sheet SH fed by the drive of the drive unit 3b is temporarily stopped, and after synchronizing the alignment of the leading edge of the image, the cut sheet SH is fed again.

The developing units 13a and 13b contain different color developers (red and black), and the solenoid 14a
, 14b selectively develops the developing units 13a, 1.
3b is placed close to the photosensitive drum 11, and the other is placed away from the photosensitive drum 11.

Furthermore, when performing multiple development, the controller section 2a controls the driving of the solenoids 14a and 14b.

The transfer charger 15 includes a developing unit 13a,
The toner image developed by 13b is transferred onto the cut sheet SH, and after the transfer, the toner image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 11 by the separation charger 16.
The cut sheet SH is separated from the paper.

The pre-exposure lamp 17 neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11 in preparation for primary charging. Cleaner device 1
Reference numeral 8 includes a cleaning blade and a cleaning roller, and collects toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 .

The fixing device 19 fixes the toner image transferred to the cut sheet SH by heat and pressure. The conveyance roller 20 conveys the cut sheet SH, which has undergone the fixing process, to the paper discharge tray 24.

Next, in the case of multiple copying, the flapper 21 is switched to the position shown by the dotted line by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and the cut sheets SH that have been fed, transferred, separated, and fixed are transported The paper passes through the path 22, is sequentially transported in the transport direction 22a, is detected by the sensor S5, then is detected by the sensors S6 and S8, and is aligned in the lateral direction by a solenoid for lateral registration alignment.

Next, the registration rollers 12 are driven by a multiple copy command from the operation section 41, and the cut sheet SH is sent to the position of the registration rollers 12.

Thereafter, the sheets are discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 24 in the same manner as described above.

In addition, during double-sided copying, the transfer sheet is partially ejected by the paper ejection roller 23 in the same way as in the normal copying operation, but after the trailing edge of the cut sheet SH passes through the flapper 21, 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. The reverse rotation of the paper discharge roller 23 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 once taken out of the machine from the paper ejection roller 23, and then turned upside down by the reverse drive of the paper ejection roller 23 and sent in the conveyance direction 22a. It will be done.

[0027] So far, multiple copying of a single sheet and double-sided copying have been described, but in the case of multiple copying of a plurality of sheets or double-sided copying, the intermediate tray section 5 is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate tray section 5 is provided with an intermediate tray 30 that temporarily stores the cut sheet SH on the conveyance path 31. In the case of multiple copying of multiple sheets, the fixed cut sheet SH is transferred to the paper ejection roller 2 under the same control as in the double-sided copying of the single sheet copying described above.
After a portion of the sheet is ejected by 3, the sheet is stored in the intermediate tray 30 via the conveyance path 22, the flapper 32, and the conveyance path 36 by driving the sheet ejection roller 23 in the reverse direction.

By repeating this operation, after all of the first side is stored in the intermediate tray 30, the feeding roller 33 is driven for the second side by 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,
Under the same control as in the case of multiple sheet copying, the sheet is passed from the fixing device 19 through the transport paths 22 and 36 by the flapper 21 and is stored in the intermediate tray 30.

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

Next, the scanner motor 25 rotates the rotary polygon mirror at a predetermined speed and deflects the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 26. Note that the scanner motor 25
, constitutes a digital scanning unit including a semiconductor laser 26, etc., emits a laser beam corresponding to digital image information inputted from the image processing means of the controller section 2a, and scans the image obtained by the above-mentioned analog image recording and this digital scanning unit. In addition to recording as a superimposed image with image recording, during analog image recording, an operation is also performed to selectively erase the latent image by irradiating the latent image area recorded on the photosensitive drum 11 with a laser beam. Further, based on the color information read from the CCD, the latent image area of the photosensitive drum 11 is irradiated with a laser beam using an image-processed signal to selectively erase the latent image.

The exposure shutter 27 blocks part or all of the reflected image light to suppress the latent image area. Further, the filter 503 is a red filter for erasing a red image, and the charger 28 is a primary charger.

[0033] Next, the intermediate tray section 5
The cut sheets SH conveyed through the intermediate tray 30
The image forming apparatus is temporarily stored therein and conveyed to the image forming section 4 again via the conveying path 31 by driving the feeding rollers 33 and 35.

[0034] Also, S1 to S15, S19 to S2 in the figure
3 indicates a sensor, 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.

The 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 by a scanning section, which will be described later.

FIG. 2 shows the controller section 2a shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. Components that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, an operation unit 41 is provided with keys for setting copy modes (single-sided, double-sided, multiplex, etc.). Note that details will be described later.

[0040] The control unit (controller) 42 includes the CPU 4
2a, ROM42b, RAM42c, etc.
The copying sequence is generally controlled based on the control program stored in the OM 42b.

The editor 43 inputs an area designation for a predetermined area of the document. The shutter section 44 includes the exposure shutter 27 and a solenoid.

[0042] The CCD unit 501 detects the color information of the original, and under the instructions of the controller 42, the image processing unit 5
02 performs image processing, and the resulting signal is transmitted to the laser section 45.

The laser section 45 is composed of a semiconductor laser 26, a scanner motor 25, and the like. The AC driver 46 supplies AC power to an AC load 47 such as the document exposure lamp 2c. The motor control section 48 controls the driving of the motor section. The DC load control section 49 includes solenoids 14a and 14b.
, clutch, fan, etc.

[0044] The feeder control section 50a controls the driving of the document feeding section. The sorter 50b discharges cut sheets SH to be discarded by driving the paper discharge roller 23 to a designated paper discharge bin.

The high voltage unit HVT applies a voltage of a predetermined potential to the charging system and the developing sleeves of the developing units 13a and 13b.

[0046] The DC power supply DCP supplies a control voltage of +5V to the controller section 2a and the like.

When the power switch 2b is turned on, the heater in the fixing device 19 is first 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 to drive the photosensitive drum 11, the fixing device 19, etc., and setting the roller in the fixing device 19 to a uniform temperature (weight release rotation). Then the main drive motor MM
Stop and stand by in copyable state (standby state)
. Here, the main drive motor MM includes the photosensitive drum 11,
It drives the fixing device 19, developing units 13a and 13b, and various transfer paper conveyance rollers. Then, when a copy command is input from the operation unit 41, a copy sequence is started.

Next, image formation will be explained.

First, 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. At the same time, high voltage is supplied to the primary charger 28 from the high voltage unit HTV, and a uniform charge is generated on the photosensitive drum 11. give. Next, the original exposure lamp 2c is turned on, and the optical motor 2
f is driven to expose and scan the original placed on the original table in the direction of the arrow, and project it onto the photosensitive drum 11. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

Next, this latent image is developed by the developing unit 13a or 13b, and transferred to the transfer charger 15.
The portion is transferred to the cut sheet SH, and the separation charger 19
It is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 at a location.

Next, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is collected by the cleaner device 18, and the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is removed by the pre-exposure lamp 1.
After the static electricity is uniformly removed in step 7, the copy cycle is repeated again. 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.

[0052] The laser unit can also erase a part of the image by irradiating a laser beam on any location within the image, and stamp information (Important, Urgent, Circulating, It is possible to irradiate a laser beam according to the color information provided by the CCD or a laser beam according to the color information provided by the CCD, and copy the cut sheet SH in an overlapping manner.

The developing units 13a and 13b are connected to the operating section 4.
In response to a selection command from 1, one of them is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 11.

In this embodiment, the developing unit 13a
Color toner (for example, red toner) is stored in the developing unit 13b, black toner is stored in the developing unit 13b, and the solenoid 1
Approaching/retracting from the photosensitive drum 11 is performed by 4a and 14b. Note that a developing bias voltage is applied from the HVT to the developing sleeves of the developing units 13a and 13b.

In addition, the copying apparatus of this embodiment is capable of not only normal single-sided copying but also double-sided copying and multiplex copying, but the cut sheet SH once passed through the fixing device 19 has a smaller paper size than when copying the first side. The resistance value and other conditions of the
The conditions for the high voltage applied to 6 are different depending on the first side and the second side during double-sided copying or multiple copying. These developing bias, transfer, and separation high voltage values are as follows:
Controlled by high pressure unit HVT.

The optical system is reciprocally controlled by rotating the optical motor 2f in the forward or reverse direction via the motor control unit 48 in accordance with commands from the control unit 42.

Next, control of the cut sheet SH will be explained.

Sensors S9 and S11 shown in FIG. 1 detect the absence of paper in the upper and lower cassettes, respectively, and sensors 10 and 12 detect the lifting state of paper feed rollers 3a and 3b. Further, sensors S22 and S23 detect the cassette size.

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

First, when the upper cassette is inserted, the size is read by the sensor S22, the size of the cassette is identified, and the out-of-paper indicator of the operation section 41 is turned off.
Selectively lights up the cassette size.

Next, when the copy operation is started by a copy command, the middle plate lifting clutch (not shown) is turned on,
The middle plate in the cassette is raised to raise the cut sheet SH. As a result, the cut sheet SH rises and comes into contact with the paper feed roller 3a, and when it reaches a predetermined height, the sensor S
10 outputs a detection signal, turns off the clutch, and drives the paper feed roller 3a to feed the cut sheet SH into the machine.
supply.

As described above, the cassette sheet SH in the cassette is raised by the middle plate raising clutch, and thereafter held at the raised position, and the above-mentioned raising operation is not performed at the next copy start. Furthermore, if the number of cut sheets SH in the cassette decreases during continuous copying and the top surface of the cut sheets SH falls below a predetermined position, the clutch is similarly turned on to raise the cut sheets SH 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, the registration roller 12 is driven by a timing signal from the optical system, and after the leading edge is aligned, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is After the image is transferred to the cut sheet SH, the cut sheet SH is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 by the separation charger 16 and sent to the fixing device 19 by the conveyance mechanism.

In the fixing device, the surface of the fixing roller is controlled to a predetermined temperature by a temperature sensor (not shown) placed on the surface of the fixing roller and a heater, and the image is fixed on the cut sheet SH here. . After that, cut sheet S
H is detected by the sensor S4, and the paper discharge roller 23
is ejected from the aircraft.

Next, in the case of multiple copying, the flapper 21
is switched to the position shown by the dotted line by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and the fed, transferred, separated, and fixed cut sheet SH passes through the transport path 22 and is sequentially transported in the transport direction 22a. After the paper is detected by the sensor S5, the paper is detected by the sensors S6, S8, etc., and the horizontal registration is performed by a solenoid for horizontal registration.

Next, the registration rollers 12 are driven by a multiple copy command from the operation section 41, and the cut sheet SH is sent to the position of the registration rollers 12.

Thereafter, the sheets are discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 24 in the same manner as described above.

In addition, during double-sided copying, the transfer sheet is ejected halfway by the paper ejecting roller 23 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned normal copying operation, but after the trailing edge of the cut sheet SH passes through the flapper 21, it is ejected. The paper roller 23 is driven in reverse, and the cut sheet SH is guided by the flapper 21 and introduced into the conveyance path 22.

This reverse rotation 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 paper is once taken out of the machine from the ejection roller 23, and then
3, the cut sheet SH is turned upside down and sent in the conveying direction 22a.

[0071] So far, multiple copying of one sheet and double-sided copying have been explained, but in the case of multiple copying of a plurality of sheets or double-sided copying, the intermediate tray section 5 is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate tray section 5 is provided with an intermediate tray 30 that temporarily stores the cut sheet SH on the conveyance path 31. In the case of multiple copying of multiple sheets, the fixed cut sheet SH is transferred to the paper ejection roller 2 under the same control as in the double-sided copying of the single sheet copying described above.
After a portion of the sheet is ejected by 3, the sheet is stored in the intermediate tray 30 via the conveyance path 22, the flapper 32, and the conveyance path 36 by driving the sheet ejection roller 23 in the reverse direction.

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 by the next copy command, and the second side is transferred through the conveyance path 36.
Face copy is executed.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple double-sided copies,
Under the same control as in the case of multiple sheet copying, the sheet is passed from the fixing device 19 through the transport paths 22 and 36 by the flapper 21 and is stored in the intermediate tray 30.

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

[0075] In the case of an apparatus in which an intermediate tray is configured in the image forming section 4, there is a limit to the length of the cut sheets SH that can be temporarily stored, as shown in FIG. The cut sheet SH is paper of half size or less.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating an example of an automatic document feeder disposed on the top surface of the copying machine main body 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIG. There 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 section can be stacked. The recycle lever 56 separates the originals S stacked on the original stacking table 55 into unprocessed originals and processed originals.

[0078] Also, the base end 55a of this document loading table 55
A half-moon-shaped paper feed roller 57 is disposed at the paper feed roller 57, and further downstream of this paper feed roller 57, a separation section conveyance roller 5 is disposed.
9 and a separation belt 60, the document stack S stacked on the document stacking table 55 is sent by a paper feed roller 57 toward the separation section conveyance roller 59 and the separation belt 60. A separating belt 60 rotating in the document feeding direction sequentially separates and feeds the documents one by one starting from the lowest document.

Further, a paper feed stopper 61 is provided between the paper feed roller 57, the separation section conveyance roller 59, and the separation belt 60, and is located at the solid line position when the document bundle S is set, and is located at the leading edge of the document. is positioned, and when the document is fed, the stopper solenoid is energized to move to the position shown by the broken line. Further, a paper feed path 63 is provided from the downstream side of the separation unit conveyance roller 59 and the separation belt 60 to the conveyance belt 53, and the document sent out from the separation unit conveyance roller 59 and the separation belt 60 is routed through this paper feed path. It is fed between the conveyor belt 53 and the platen glass 52 through the path 63 and placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass 52.

A paper ejection path 66 is provided near the paper feed path 63 and extends to the document table 55 along the outer periphery of the reversing roller 65. The original is conveyed again to the paper ejection path 66.
The document stack S is stacked on the document stacking table 55 by a paper discharge roller 67 provided at the downstream end of this paper discharge path 66.
is discharged to the top.

Further, a reversing path 69 is arranged which branches from the paper ejection path 66 above the reversing roller 65 and joins the paper feed path 63.
A flapper 70 for switching the conveyance path of the document is disposed at the branch point 6. When the document is ejected, the document is guided toward the document stacking table 55 at the solid line position, and when the document is reversed, the flapper solenoid is energized to guide the document toward the dotted line. position and guide the document along the reversing path 69 toward the platen glass 52.

Further, a conveyance roller 71 is disposed downstream of the confluence of the paper feed path 63 and the reversal path 69, and directs the document guided to the paper feed path 63 or the reversal path 69 toward the platen glass 52. It is configured to be transported by

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

In the figure, a polygon mirror 71 is rotated by a 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 forms an image of the laser beam on the photosensitive drum 11 via the spherical lens 72, the toric lens 73, and the folding mirror 75 according to the digital information. The beam sensor 74 is composed of, for example, a photodiode, and receives a laser beam immediately before image writing, and outputs a beam detection 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.

First, laser unit control information such as the position of the blank area, copy magnification, paper size, photo mode, add-on character code, add-on position base color area, etc. is sent from the controller 42 to the laser unit controller 80 via the well-known 2-port RAM 83. When notified, the laser section controller 80 alternately rewrites erase data in the blanking RAMs 85 and 86 according to the program in the external program ROM 81. On the other hand, the blank area data read control circuit 96 outputs control signals to the blank address counter 95 and 8-bit shift register 88, and outputs area data to the data control circuit 100.

The blanking RAMs 85 and 86 each have a capacity sufficient to write one line of data. The laser unit controller 80 has an address switching circuit 84 and a blank data switching circuit 87 so that while writing area data into one of the blanking RAMs 85 and 86, data can be read from the other.
Outputs a control signal to.

Furthermore, to explain address control, the font ROM 82 contains stamp information 1.
40 font data (fonts corresponding to confidential, important, urgent, circulation, copy prohibited, and character codes specified from the input information area are stored) are stored in advance. Laser unit controller 80 reads font data from font ROM 82 according to the add-on character code, sets it in add-on RAM 103, and writes add-on character position designation data to add-on controller 89. The add-on controller 89 starts the add-on RA in response to a start signal from the laser section controller 80.
Data is read from M103 and output to the data control circuit 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 26 passes through the rotating polygon mirror 7.
1, passes through a spherical lens 72 and a toric lens 73, and scans over the photosensitive drum 11.

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. This beam sensor 7
The beam detect signal output from 4 is transmitted to the laser section 4.
5. After being input to the pulse width shaping circuit 90 and having its waveform shaped, the BD signal is input to the pulse synchronization circuit 91, the interrupt terminal of the laser unit controller 80, and the pulse synchronization circuit 92.

The laser unit controller 80 generates an interrupt every time a BD signal is generated, and the blanking RAM 84
, 85. Further, the laser section controller 80 outputs a control signal in the width scanning direction by counting the number of interrupts from the BD signal.

The pulse synchronization circuit 91 synchronizes the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 93 in synchronization with the rise of the above-mentioned BD signal.
outputs a reset pulse. The horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 93 outputs a clock HCLK synchronized with the BD 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 HSYNC2 for synchronizing the BD signal with reference to the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK. This BD synchronization signal HS
The horizontal line counter 94 is reset by YNC2 and counts the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK. 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.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are timing charts for explaining the sending timing of each signal shown in FIG.
Components that are the same as those are given the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 7, by resetting the reference clock frequency division counter in the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 83 with the rising edge detection pulse HSYNC1,
Generate horizontal synchronization clock HCLK. Next, a BD synchronization signal HSYNC2 is generated using the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK, and the horizontal line counter 84 is reset.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a set signal VBSET and a reset signal VBRST are created from the output of the horizontal line counter 94, 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 a clock for reading data from the blanking RAMs 85 and 86, a clock CLKM obtained by dividing the horizontal synchronizing clock HCLK is used to make the resolution of blank area designation variable.

In addition, a BD enable signal BDENB is generated using the set signal VBSET and the reset signal VBRST, and if the horizontal synchronization waveform (beam detect signal) is not input within a predetermined period, the horizontal synchronization signal error detection circuit 97 generates a BD enable signal BDENB. An error signal is output to the laser section controller 80. When the laser section controller 80 detects this BD error signal, it notifies the abnormal status to the controller section 2a through the 2-port RAM 83.

The 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. The laser drive circuit 101 starts light amount control in response to a control start signal APCON and an APC clock from the controller section 2a. At this time, a ready signal APCRDY is output from the laser drive circuit 101 to the controller section 2a.

The CCD data control circuit 105 is
Signals such as image data and marker area data from the CCD are inputted, and the operation of storing and reading them into the line memory 104 is controlled. Data is read from the line memory 104 in accordance with the scaling factor based on the scaling signal from the controller 42, and is synchronized with the add-on information signal FDETA, the blank information signal BDATA, and the dot erase signal DEATA signal. Then, signals such as image data and marker area data are sent to the data control circuit 100 via the CCD data control circuit 105.

[0100] Furthermore, the CCD data control circuit 10
From 5, address signals of the start point and end point in the horizontal synchronization direction and the start point and end point in the horizontal line direction are sent to two ports via the laser unit controller 80 as image addresses on the document of area data by markers. It is written into RAM83.

[0101] Laser scanner motor controller 102
is the control start signal LSCON from the controller section 2a.
The drive control of the scanner motor 25 is executed in synchronization with the . At that time, the laser scanner motor controller 101
A ready signal LSCRDY is output 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. As shown in FIG.

[0104] The editor section 110 also serves as a document pressure plate that presses down the copy document. A document is placed on the document setting surface 111 when specifying an area. The mark 112 is a reference mark against which the edge of the document abuts. Input information area 11
4 is an area for displaying character information that can be input.

The area designation key 121 is pressed when setting the area designation mode. Note that when the area designation key 121 is pressed, the area designation mode display 1
20 lights up. Further, the area memory key 122 is pressed to store area information specified with the stylus pen 113 when the area designation key 121 is pressed. The mode selection key 123 is pressed when the area designation key 121 is pressed and the designated area is printed by color using the development units 13a and 13b.

Note that when the mode selection key 123 is pressed, seven types of two-color combinations are displayed on the display 132 according to the colors set in the replaceable developing unit 13b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the area memory key 12
When 2 is pressed, 3 is displayed depending on the number of memorized areas.
When the number is stored, the display 131 lights up.

The clear key 124 is pressed to cancel the set area designation mode. When the clear key 124 is pressed, the area designation mode indicator 120 turns off.

The add-on mode setting key 125 is pressed when writing characters on the copied image. When the add-on mode setting key 125 is pressed, the display 134 lights up.

In this embodiment, the character size designation key 126 can be used to designate the character size for superimposed writing to 4 mm or 8 mm.
36 lights up.

[0110] The direction designation key 127 is pressed to designate the writing direction of the add-on character, either vertically or horizontally, and the indicators 137 and 138 for the designated direction light up.

[0111] The auto key 305 is pressed to recognize a marker written on a document and automatically determine the writing direction of an add-on character.

The input end key 128 is pressed to end the input of add-on characters. The clear key 129 is pressed to cancel the add-on mode.

When the stamp mode setting key 130 is pressed, the display 139 lights up and the original setting surface 1
Stamp information 140 (secret, important,
By instructing the editor 4 to set the recording mode using the sliver pen 113,
Notify 3.

Furthermore, the key 144 is a key for instructing the front and back sides of a double-sided document. In addition, the indicators 142 and 143 are
This shows the indicated state of the front and back sides. When the clear key 141 is pressed, the recording mode is canceled.

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

In the figure, an editor control section 151 analyzes coordinate information output from a coordinate reading section 152 and a key input section 153 (various keys shown in FIG. Outputs mode, character code, etc. The display 154 corresponds to the various displays shown in FIG. 9, and displays the above-mentioned modes.

Next, FIGS. 11 and 12 show the operation section 20.
FIG.

In the figure, a switch 201 is a power switch that controls power supply to the copying machine. Reset key 2
02 operates as a key for returning to standard mode during standby. The copy key 203 is used to instruct the start of a copy operation. Color developer selection switch key 20
4 is used to select and switch between the developing units 13a and 13b. The numeric keypad 205 is mainly used for inputting the number of copies, etc.

[0119] The code number input key 236 enables a specific operator to perform a copying operation, and prohibits other operators from copying unless they input a code number using the code number input key. is possible.

[0120] This operation section 200 also has a cassette 3.
key 206 to select copy density adjustment key 207, key 208 to select same size copy, copy magnification to a predetermined magnification,
For example, a zoom key 209 for specifying in 1% increments, an auto magnification key 230 for automatically enlarging or reducing according to the size of the transfer paper, a standard magnification key 210 for specifying a fixed reduction or enlargement ratio, and a fixed magnification key 210 for specifying a fixed size reduction or fixed enlargement magnification, and a fixed size magnification key 210 for specifying a fixed size reduction or fixed enlargement magnification. Specified key 2
11. Key 212 for specifying creation of binding margin at one end of copy paper
, a key 213 for specifying a photo mode for copying halftone images such as photo originals, an area specification key 225 for specifying an area, and a key 225 for partially modifying the contents of the area set by this area specification key 225. Area call key 226, guide key 217 for knowing the contents of each function
, a preheating mode key 231 for setting a preheating mode is provided.

[0121] Furthermore, this operation unit 200 has a multiple key 214 for selecting multiple mode, and a continuous copy key for specifying continuous copying, which divides the copying area of the original glass table into left and right halves and automatically makes two copies. 215, and a key 216 for selecting a double-sided copy mode.

Further, the auto color key 300 is pressed to recognize the red and blue colors of the original and reproduce them in red and blue, respectively. The auto cover key 301 is pressed when, for example, a cover sheet or partition paper is formed at an arbitrary position by inserting colored paper as a key document into the document loaded on the feeder.

The base color key 302 adds a base color to the portion of the document surrounded by red or blue marks. A shading key 303 is pressed when it is desired to cast a shadow on a document image. The marker processing key 304 is pressed when erasing an area within or outside the area surrounded by marks on the document, and is also used when selecting inside or outside the area while looking at the liquid crystal display section 138.

The cap color recognition means 305 to 307 are for recognizing the color of the cap of the marker pen, and are attached to the mode memories 227 to 229 (M1 to M3) in one-to-one correspondence. Each cap color recognition means recognizes the color of the cap of a marker pen, and when a document is marked with the marker pen, the inside of the mark is processed in the mode stored in the mode memory corresponding to each cap color recognition means. .

[0125] Keys 219 and 220 are used to specify the operation of sorter 50b. Keys 222 to 224 are keys for specifying a mode for writing predetermined character data on a copy image, and specify a date writing mode, a memo writing mode, and a number writing mode, respectively. key 2
27 to 229 are mode memory keys for storing a plurality of set copy modes, and three types of copy modes (M1
~M3).

The display 238 is a liquid crystal display element that displays the number of copies, transfer paper size, set magnification, messages, and the like. In addition, the indicators 239 to 250 are LE
First, display device 2 is a display device using D (light emitting diode).
39 is a sorter use display LED when a sorter is used, and displays sort mode, group mode, etc. The display 240 also includes an automatic exposure adjustment (AE) key 237.
The display 241 is an automatic exposure adjustment display that lights up when is pressed, and the display 241 is a density display corresponding to the density key 207.

[0127] When the developer selection key 204 is pressed and a color developer in the main body or in the optional multiple developer storage device is selected, the display 242 displays a color corresponding to the color of the developer. It lights up a color display. The display 243 is an auto magnification display that indicates that the auto magnification key 230 has been pressed, and the display 244 is an auto magnification display that indicates that the auto magnification key 230 has been pressed.
Photo mode indicator. Further, the display 245 is a date writing mode display, and the display 246 is an area designation display. Further, the display 247 is a binding margin mode display, and the display 248 is a memo writing mode display. Further, the display 249 is a frame erasing mode display, and the display 250 is a number writing display.

FIG. 13 shows the image processing unit 402 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

This circuit reads the original with a CCD sensor and extracts color information even when the original to be copied is a multicolored original. In this example, full color CC
The D sensor is configured to detect colors such as blue, red, and black.

First, the original placed on the original table 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 is read by the CCD sensor 311. Then, the continuous analog output signal from this CCD sensor 311 is sampled by a sample hold circuit 312, and the A/D conversion circuit 31
After the digital image signal is converted into a digital image signal in step 3, the shading circuit 314 performs shading correction on the digital image signal.

[0131] The color discrimination circuit 315 converts the two digital image signals into the aforementioned color image signals such as blue, red, and black using a preset LUT (look-up table) 316.

The color image signal is input to a marker processing circuit 318 and an expansion circuit 317. The marker processing circuit 318 is
When you specify an area on a document with a marker pen, the marker color (
A section signal for that area is generated from a color image signal corresponding to a color (blue, red, etc.). The expansion circuit 317 is connected to the controller 4
The color image signal selected in step 2 is subjected to arbitrary expansion. For example, if a dilation operation is performed on a color image signal such as a character, a color image signal with thickened lines can be obtained.

The data synthesis circuit 319 synthesizes the color image signal from the marker processing circuit 318 and the color image signal from the expansion circuit 317. The output signal from the data synthesis circuit 319 is input to the line memory 320, and the line control circuit 321 controls the readout timing from the line memory 320, so that an analog signal is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by exposure scanning. A photosensitive drum 11 with an electrostatic latent image and a digital electrostatic latent image formed by a laser beam.
Alignment is performed on the top.

The output signal from the line control 321 is as shown in FIG.
The input is input to the laser section shown in the figure, and the laser beam is turned on/off.
It becomes a control signal.

FIG. 14(A) is a block diagram showing a cap color recognition means for recognizing the color of the cap of a marker pen used to mark a document, and FIG. 14(B) is an explanatory diagram showing its operation.

[0136] The switch 400 operates this cap color recognition means, and is turned on when a marker pen 413 for marking a document is pressed. The light source 401 illuminates the cap of the marker 413. Photodiode 40
2 to 404 are RED, GREEN, and BLUE, respectively.
It is equipped with a filter that reacts to the reflected light from the irradiated cap. Moreover, the resistors 405 to 407 are each a voltage detection resistor. The A/D converter 411 A/D converts the output voltages of the photodiodes 402 to 404, and inputs the signals to the CPU 412, thereby recognizing the color of the cap of the marker pen 413.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting method for determining that the color recognized by the cap color recognition means and the color recognized by the CCD of the mark on the document are made by the same marker. is a flowchart showing the procedure.

In FIG. 16, first, the cap color of the marker is recognized by the cap color recognition means (S420).
. Next, the color marked on the document is recognized by the CCD (S421). Then, the color recognized in S420 and S4
The setting is completed by storing the color recognized in step 21 as being based on the same marker (S422).

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where mode processing is performed based on color recognition as described above.
(A) shows a state in which the cap color of the marker is recognized by the cap color recognition means, FIG. 17(B) shows a state marked with a marker, and FIG. 17(C) shows a state in which the cap color of the marker is recognized by the cap color recognition means. This shows a state in which processing is performed using mode memories that have a one-to-one correspondence.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing this operation.

First, the color of the cap of the marker pen is recognized by the cap color recognition means (S430). Next, the color marked on the document is recognized by the CCD (S431
). Then, the colors recognized in S430 and S431 are compared (S432), and if they are equal, the data in the mark on the document is processed in the mode of the mode memory, assuming that the colors recognized in S430 and S431 are from the same marker. (S
433). Also, if they are not equal, S430 and S43
Normal copying processing is performed assuming that the color recognized in step 1 is not caused by the same marker.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing another method,
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing this operation.

FIG. 19(A) shows a state in which the cap colors of the same marker are recognized by two cap color recognition means, and FIG. 19(B) shows a state in which the cap colors are marked with markers. . Further, FIG. 19C shows a state in which processing is performed using the sum of mode memories in one-to-one correspondence with the cap color recognition means.

In FIG. 20, first, the cap color of the marker is recognized by the cap color recognition means (S440).
. Then, the number recognized by the cap color recognition means is set to N (S441). Next, change the color marked on the document to C.
It is recognized by the CD (S442). Then, set the variable n to 0
Initialize to . After this, the n+1st color recognized in S440 and the color recognized in S442 are compared (S44
4). If they are equal, the advance variable n is memorized (
445). If they are not equal, the variable n is incremented by 1 (S446). Next, the variable n and the recognized number N are compared (S447). If n is smaller than N, the process returns to S444. Further, if n and N are equal, the sum of the modes of the stored variable n is calculated and the data within the mark is processed (S448).

[0145] In the above embodiments, the part that recognizes the color of the marker pen is not necessarily limited to the cap; for example, in a marker pen whose outer periphery is colored to match the color of the marker, the part that recognizes the color of the marker pen is not necessarily limited to the cap. Color recognition can be performed at the outer periphery.

[0146] Also, as a means for attaching a mark,
It is not necessarily limited to a pen-shaped object, and may be, for example, a stamp or the like.

[0147]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
By using the color recognition means that recognizes the color of the outer periphery of the marker, it is possible to simplify the setting operations related to the mode memory and the marker.

[0148] Furthermore, even if the original is colored, the designated area can be limited by using a marker of a different color.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a mechanical system in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a controller section in the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a part of the cut sheet conveyance path in the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the document feeding device in the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the document scanning system in the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the laser section in the above embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an image processing section of the controller section.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the timing of each signal in the above embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the timing of each signal in the above embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of an editor section in the above embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an editor section in the above embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operating section in the above embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing input keys in the above embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing section in the above embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the cap color recognition means in the above embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting method for determining a marker by color recognition in the above embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the steps of the setting method shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where mode processing is performed based on color recognition in the above embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of mode processing based on color recognition in the above embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process in FIG. 19;

[Explanation of symbols]

1... Copying device main body, 2...Original scanning section, 2a...controller section, 3...Paper feed section, 4...image recording section, 42...controller, 311...CCD sensor, 315...color discrimination circuit, 318... Marker processing circuit, 319...Data synthesis circuit, 413...Marker pen, 501...CCD unit.

Claims (2)

[Claims] Claims: 1. An image forming apparatus comprising color mark recognition means for recognizing color marks made on a document, and mode storage means storing a plurality of modes, wherein a marker for making a color mark on the document is provided. marker color recognition means that recognizes the color at a predetermined portion of the means; when the recognition results of the color mark recognition means and the marker color recognition means match, a predetermined mode specified by the recognition result of the marker color recognition means; An image forming apparatus comprising: processing means for selecting a mode from the mode storage means and processing data of an area specified by the recognition result of the color mark recognition means according to the selected mode. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of modes specified by the recognition result of the marker color recognition means, processing is performed on the sum of each mode.