JPH05145673A - Digital copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain the copying machine with excellent operability by implementing picture processing based on a stored parameter and displaying a picture after the processing onto a display device so as to confirm a copy style pictorially. CONSTITUTION:When a size of copy paper is selected and its information is inputted by a 1st operation procedure 200, the information is stored in a parameter memory 240 by a 1st operation key 210 via a CPU (1) 230. When a 2nd operation procedure 300 is used, the information is stored in the parameter memory 240 by a 2nd operation key 230 via a CPU (2) 310 and the CPU (1) 230 and a copy style button is provided to the 2nd operation key 330. Then the CPU (2) 310 implements simulation based on a parameter from the parameter memory 240. Thus, by which magnification, color and style a copy is made is calculated in the setting state of the parameter and the result is displayed pictorially onto a CRT display device 340 as a copy style.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital copying machine for scanning a document to obtain a hard copy, and more particularly to a digital copying machine having improved operation means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the number of additional functions of a copying machine has increased and the operation has become complicated, and it has become impossible for a user to fully use all the functions. I don't know how to actually copy it, so I need to make several trial copies to get the desired size, layout, and tint. I hate such trial copies. To
I often dared to avoid using convenient additional features.
In order to help users understand this problem, a small display has been provided in the past to display messages in kanji and hiragana, add an editor, and add various semi-automatic functions. I was doing
That was still insufficient in the following points. For example, in the case of a zoom function or the like, it is difficult to intuitively understand how to set the magnification to obtain a desired size. Even if the machine has a function to automatically set the magnification, it is not possible to deal with the case where it is desired to make a certain portion of the document large, because the method calculates the magnification from the specified paper size. .. There are some which calculate the magnification from the coordinate input value by the editor, but since an accurate operation is required, an operation mistake is often made. Further, in density adjustment and color balance adjustment, it is often impossible to know how much one scale of the adjustment button affects an image unless a few test copies are taken each time. In other words, it is difficult to judge whether the settings for obtaining the desired copy style are correct with the conventional operation panel display, so considerable experience is required to use the additional functions without trial copying. It had been. Further, in the case of full-color copying, the unit price per sheet is considerably higher than in black-and-white copying, and there is a problem that it is not economical to take many test copies.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to confirm the copy style pictorially so that the need for a trial copy when using the additional function as described above can be eliminated and the operation of the additional function can be performed accurately. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital copying apparatus that is capable of performing and has extremely good operability.

[0004]

The present invention achieves the above object. The present invention provides an image reading means for scanning a document and converting it into an electrical signal to obtain an image signal, and an image signal for the image signal. An image processing unit that performs processing, an image recording unit that records an image of the image signal after the image processing using CMYK color materials, a first operation unit incorporated in the main body, and a first operation unit that is located away from the main body. The second operation means includes a first operation key, a display section, a CPU and a parameter memory, and the parameter memory operates the image reading section, the image processing section and the image recording section. The CPU inputs the signal input by the operation key, converts it into the operation parameter and stores it in the parameter memory, and at the same time displays the setting status of the operation parameter on the display unit. The second operation means includes an external CPU, a coordinate input device, a second operation key, a color display device, and an image memory, and the external CPU inputs signals from the coordinate input device and the operation key, and uses these as operation parameters. The external CPU inputs a part or all of the image signal obtained by the image reading means while thinning it out and stores it in the image memory.
It is possible to input and output operation parameters from the parameter memory via the PU, and to perform some or all of the operations that can be performed from the first operation means from the second operation means, which are stored in the image memory. It is possible to confirm that the copy style can be confirmed before copying by performing image processing on the image signal based on the parameters stored in the parameter memory or the external CPU and displaying the processed image on the color display device. Characteristic digital copying machine.

Is provided.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the present invention. 100 is a digital copying machine having a first operating means 200, 310 is an external CPU (2) (computer), and a second operating means.
The first operation means 200 of the digital copying apparatus 100 and the computer 310, which constitute a part of 300, are communicable with each other by the cable 400 or other communication means.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the digital copying apparatus 100. The digital copying apparatus 100 includes an image reading system A, an image signal processing unit B, a laser writing system C, an image forming unit D and the like.

At the upper part of the copying machine, there is a document table made of a transparent glass plate and a placing section 11 made of a document cover for covering the document placed on the document table. An image reading system A including a first mirror unit 12, a second mirror unit 13, a main lens 20, a color CCD 23, etc. is provided in the main body of the apparatus. First mirror unit 12
Is provided with an exposure lamp 14 and a first mirror 15, and is mounted parallel to the document table and linearly movable in the left-right direction in the drawing, and optically scans the entire surface of the document. The second mirror unit 13 integrally includes a second mirror 16 and a third mirror 17, and the first mirror unit 13 always maintains a predetermined optical path length.
Moves straight in the same direction on the left and right at a speed of 1/2. As a matter of course, the movement of the second mirror unit 13 is parallel to the platen like the first mirror unit 12. The image of the document on the document table illuminated by the exposure lamp 14 is converted by the main lens 20 into a first mirror 15, a second mirror 16 and a third mirror 17.
The image is formed on the color CCD 23 via the. The above is the scanning operation, and when the scanning is completed, the first mirror unit 12 and the second mirror unit 13 return to their original positions and stand by until the next copy.

The image data of each color obtained by the color CCD 23 is subjected to image processing in the image signal processing section B and output from the laser writing system C as an image signal.

The laser writing system C includes a drive motor 31, a polygon mirror 32, an fθ lens (not shown), a correction lens (not shown), a semiconductor laser (not shown) and its drive circuit (not shown). Composed. The drive circuit in the laser writing system controls ON / OFF of the semiconductor laser based on the above signal.

The image forming section D includes a charger 35, an image exposing section 55, developing units 36Y, 36M, 36C and 36BK, a transfer unit 37, and a separator, which are arranged around the periphery of the photosensitive drum 30 which is an image forming body. 38, a cleaning device 39, and a paper feed cassette 40 arranged near the photosensitive drum 30, a conveyor belt 44, and a fixing device 45.

The developing devices 36Y, 36M, 36C and 36BK are provided with a developing device 36Y at the most upstream part of the peripheral edge of the photosensitive drum 30 and a developing device 36BK containing black toner BK at the most downstream part. Well-known color toners and black toners BK accommodated in the developing units 36Y, 36M, 36C, and 36BK are used, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In the copying apparatus, when the copy button provided on the operation unit outside the apparatus is pressed, each process of the image reading system A, the image signal processing unit B, the laser writing system C and the image forming unit D described above is activated and the color is reproduced. Form a copy image of.
That is, when the control section inputs the image signal from the image reading system A to the laser writing system C through the image signal processing section B, the copying operation is started. That is, the photosensitive drum
Reference numeral 30 is rotated clockwise as indicated by an arrow, and is first given a uniform charge by the charger 35. At the image exposure section 55, a yellow (Y) image writing laser corresponding to the image of the original is written by the laser writing system C. The electrostatic latent image of the Y image is formed by the beam. The electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 30 is subjected to reversal development with Y toner by the developing device 36Y and becomes a visible Y toner image. That is, a DC or further AC bias voltage is applied to the developing sleeve of the developing device 36Y having a built-in magnet roll, and non-contact development is performed by a two-component developer which is a developing means to form a Y toner image. .. The photoconductor drum 30 on which this Y toner image is formed passes under the retracted cleaning device 39, and
After the second rotation, 30 is charged by the charger 35 and laser beam writing of the magenta (M) image is performed by the laser writing system C, and the electrostatic latent image of the magenta (M) image is formed on the Y toner image. An image is formed. This latent image is subjected to reversal development by a developing device 36M containing magenta toner and M
It becomes a toner image. Then, similarly, a cyan (C) toner image,
A black (BK) toner image is formed in an overlapping manner.

Next, the transfer paper P fed out by the paper feed roller 41 one by one from the paper feed cassette 40 accommodating the transfer paper P which is the transfer material is synchronized with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 30. It is delivered onto the photoconductor drum 30 by an operating timing roller 42. The toner image on the photoconductor drum 30 is transferred to the transfer paper P by the action of the transfer device 37.
After being separated from the photosensitive drum 30 by the separator 38, the toner image is sent to the fixing device 45 via the conveyor belt 44 with the toner image facing upward.

The transfer sheet P, which has been subjected to the fixing action in the fixing device 45, is discharged to the outside of the apparatus via the discharge roller 46,
On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 30 continues to rotate, and the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 without being transferred is collected and cleaned by the cleaning device 39 having the cleaning blade 39A or the like that has been retracted, and stands by for the next copy.

The digital copying apparatus 100 has a first operation means 200 incorporated in the main body, and the first operation means 200 includes a first operation key 210, a display section 220, an internal CPU (1) 230 and parameters. It consists of memory 240.

The second operating means 300, which can communicate with the external cable 400, is connected to an external CPU (2) 310.
A coordinate input device 320, a second operation key 330, a CRT display unit 340 capable of full-color display, and an image memory 350 are provided.

A program for functioning as the second operating means 300 is stored in the storage device of the CPU (2) 310, and the program is executed to function as the second operating means 300 of the main body. .. Unless the program is executed, the digital copying apparatus 100 can be operated only by the first operation means 200 on the main body side, and the CPU (2) 310 has its own computer function.

The first operation unit 200 on the main body 100 side is provided with various buttons 210 such as a copy button for performing an operation and a liquid crystal or LED display unit 220.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional blocks of the present invention. The block is on the main unit side (digital copying machine 10
0 and the first operation means 200) and the outside (second operation means 30)
0) and divided into. The main body side is an image reading system (A), an image processing unit (B), an image recording unit (C, D), and a control CPU.
(E) is composed of a parameter memory 240, a CPU (1) 230, a display section 220 and a first operation key 210, and is a so-called digital copying machine main body. On the other hand, the external side is composed of a CPU (2) 310, an image memory 350, a CRT display 340 and a second operation key 330 (keyboard and mouse), and corresponds to a so-called personal computer or workstation.

The parameter memory is a non-volatile SRAM or the like, and stores therein operation parameters necessary for operation.

Information input from the first operation key 210 is converted into operation parameters by the CPU (1) 230 and stored in the parameter memory 240. The display unit 220 refers to the value of the operation parameter in the parameter memory 240 and displays the setting state of the operation parameter on the LED or the liquid crystal panel on the display unit 220. Similarly, the second operation key on the external side
The information input by the 330 is also processed by the CPU (2) 310, sent to the parameter memory 240 as an operation parameter via the CPU (1) 230, and stored at the same time as a part or all of the parameter setting state. Side display 220
Is displayed on the external CRT display unit 340.

That is, the parameter setting for the additional function can be performed by either of the two operation keys 210 and 330, and when the operation parameter is set by either one of the operation keys, the first display section is displayed. 220 and second CR
The operation state is displayed on the T display unit 340.

Now, it is assumed that a document is already placed on the document table of the main body.

First, the size of the copy paper is selected, and the information is input from either one of the two operation keys 210 and 330. For example, in the case of the first operation means 200 on the main body side, it is stored in the parameter memory 240 via the first operation key 210 → CPU (1) 230. In the case of the second operation means 300, the second operation key 330 → CPU (2) 31
The second operation key 330 stored in the parameter memory 240 via the 0 → CPU (1) 230 is provided with a copy style button for confirming the copy style. By turning this ON, it is possible to display on the CRT display unit 340 what kind of magnification, tint, and style are actually copied. First, the ON signal of the copy style button is the second operation key 330 → CPU (2) 310 → CPU (1) 23.
It is sent to the parameter memory 240 via 0 and stored. When the CPU (1) 230 and the CPU (2) 310 confirm the ON signal in the parameter memory 240, it partially disables the parameter change by the operation keys 210 and 330 until it is released. This can prevent erroneous operation to some extent. Further, the CPU (2) 310 is in a state of receiving the image signal from the image reading system (A). On the other hand, the control CPU (E) is an image reading system (A), an image processing unit (B), a laser writing system (C).
Also, the CPU controls the operation of the image recording unit including the image forming unit (D), constantly monitors the parameter memory 240, and when the ON signal is confirmed, the image reading system (A) scans the document and outputs the image signal. Is sent to the CPU (2) 310. CP
The U (2) 310 is stored in the image memory 350 while appropriately thinning out the image data in consideration of the number of displayable pixels of the CRT display 340, the document table size of the image reading system (A) and the resolution. The image data stored in the image memory 350 is C
It is displayed on the RT display 340. When the prescan is completed, the ON signal of the copy style button in the parameter memory 240 is cleared, and the parameter can be changed again. The CPU (2) 310 simulates an additional function based on the parameters from the parameter memory 240. As a result, what kind of magnification, tint, and style are to be copied in the setting state of this parameter is calculated, and this is pictorially displayed on the CRT display 340 as a copy style.

Here, as additional functions operated from the operation unit such as the second operation keys 330 and the coordinate input device 320, vertical and horizontal independent variable magnification, variable magnification, color adjustment, density adjustment, color conversion, area designation, etc. Any parameters may be used, but parameters indicating the contents of the additional functions are stored in the parameter memory 240, and the image reading system (A), the image processing unit (B), the image recording units (C, D), It is necessary for the control CPU (E) to function correctly by referencing its parameters.

The confirmation of the copy style on the CRT display 340 is repeated, and when the desired copy style is obtained on the CRT display 340, the copy button of the first operation key 210 on the main body 100 side is pressed. As a result, the copy operation is performed, and the hard copy of the copy style displayed on the CRT display 340 is output. Of course, a remote type copy operation may be performed.

First, the copy ON signal indicates the first operation key 21.
0 → Stored in the parameter memory 240 via the CPU (1) 230. When the CPU (1) 230 and the CPU (2) 310 confirm the ON signal in the parameter memory 240, it partially disables the parameter change by the operation keys 210 and 330 until it is released. Subsequently, when the control CPU (E) confirms the ON signal, it controls the image reading system (A), the image processing section (B), and the image recording section (C, D). The image reading system (A), the image processing unit (B), and the image recording units (C, D) input parameters from the parameter memory 240, and the copying operation is performed in synchronization.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately perform a copy style while confirming the copy style by operating the additional function, and it is possible to perform digital copying without the need for trial copy when using the additional function. The device will be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a first operating means provided on a copying apparatus main body side of the present invention and a second operating means provided separately.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a digital copying apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows an example of functional blocks of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Digital copying device 200 First operation means 210 First operation key 220 Display 230 CPU (1) 240 Parameter memory 300 Second operation means 310 CPU (2) 320 Coordinate input device 330 Second operation key 340 CRT Display (display) 350 Image memory

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image reading means for scanning an original and converting it into an electric signal to obtain an image signal, an image processing means for performing image processing on the image signal, and a CM for the image signal after the image processing.
An image recording unit that records an image with a YK color material, a first operating unit incorporated in the main body, and a second operating unit located at a place distant from the main body, and the first operating unit is It comprises a first operation key, a display section, a CPU and a parameter memory, the parameter memory holds operation parameters for operating the image reading section, the image processing section and the image recording section, and the CPU is inputted by the operation key. Signal is input, converted into an operation parameter and stored in the parameter memory, and at the same time, the setting status of the operation parameter is displayed on the display unit. The second operation means is an external CPU, a coordinate input device, and a second operation. The external CPU includes a key, a color display device, and an image memory. The external CPU inputs a signal from the second operation key to the coordinate input device, converts the signal into an operation parameter, and outputs the external CP. , The image type while thinning out some or all of the image signal obtained by the reading means, which is stored in the image memory, the external CPU main body C
It is possible to input and output operation parameters from the parameter memory via the PU, and to perform some or all of the operations that can be performed from the first operation means from the second operation means, which are stored in the image memory. It is possible to confirm the copy style before copying by performing image processing on the image signal based on the parameters stored in the parameter memory or the external CPU and displaying the processed image on the color display device. Characteristic digital copying machine. 2. The digital copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display section is capable of halftone color display. 3. The digital copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate input device specifies two-dimensional coordinates on the color display. 4. The second operation means, wherein an area of an image is specified by a coordinate input device so that the specified area is displayed simultaneously with the copy style on the display unit. The described digital copying apparatus. 5. The digital copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate input device inputs an image density adjustment value, a tint adjustment value, and a scaling factor by designating coordinates on the display. 6. The digital copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is capable of performing a copying operation even when the second operating means is cut off. 7. The digital copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operating means can function as a computer independent of the main body. 8. The digital copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation means can simulate a part or all of the additional functions.