JPH0514650A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the color reproducibility of a picture outputted on copy paper by inputting a predetermined ink correction quantity when color copying paper other than white paper is employed. CONSTITUTION:The device is provided with a means entering specific color information to copying paper with respect to a print signal outputted from a read means 4 and a means controlling the quantity of ink fed to the copying paper from coloring material supply means 54, 56 in response to the entered color information. That is, the correction mode correcting color reproducibility of a picture outputted in matching base density of the copying paper is provided and even when copying paper is color paper other than white one (paper specified for copying), predetermined ink correction quantity is inputted in the case of printing. Furthermore, a means measuring the base density of copying paper is provided, the ink quantity outputted to the copying paper is made correspondent to the base density. Thus, the deterioration in the color reproducibility due to color of the copying paper itself is reduced.

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,
In particular, the present invention relates to a device for copying an image of an original by reading an image written on the original and outputting the read image on a transfer material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus, for example, a digital copying apparatus which converts an image of an object to be copied into an electric signal and reproduces the image of the object according to the converted electric signal, an image reading unit is used. , A signal conversion unit, a paper supply unit, an image forming unit, a paper discharge unit, and an apparatus control unit. The image reading unit reads the image of the object and converts it into an electric signal. Here, when the object is a chromatic color, that is, a color original, the object is a color component (usually,
R = red, G = green, B = blue-based on three colors). In the signal conversion unit, an output signal used for the reproduction, that is, a copy signal is generated from the electric signal obtained through the image reading unit. In this case, in order to reproduce the color image, complementary colors of the color components (R = red, G = green, B = blue) are obtained and correspond to the density of the color material to be output, for example, ink. The copy signal is defined. In the image forming section, an image corresponding to the copy signal generated through the converting section is reproduced on the copy sheet fed through the sheet supplying section. That is, the ink is transferred onto the copy sheet in accordance with the complementary color corresponding to the color component defined through the signal conversion unit. In the paper discharge unit, the copy paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is conveyed to the outside of the apparatus. Further, the apparatus control section can input the number of sheets to be copied or a control signal for interrupting the copying operation, and can control the operation of the entire copying apparatus.

[0003]

A color image copied by using the copying apparatus is usually output on a white (in most cases, a dedicated copy sheet is designated) copy sheet. Signal processing, color conversion, and output to copy paper.

However, the copy paper actually used (by the user) is not always white, and there is a problem that the color of the copied image differs from the original color. Even when the designated copy paper is used, there is variation in the color of the copy paper itself (which is white and is called the base density), and therefore the copy paper is copied. There is a problem that the color reproducibility of the image is deteriorated.

An object of the present invention is to improve the color reproducibility of a color image (copy) obtained from a copying machine. Another object of the present invention is to provide a stable color image which is not affected by the color of copy paper, that is, the base density.

[0006]

The present invention has been made on the basis of the above problems, and is provided with a reading means for reading information of an object to be read and outputting a printing signal, and a printing signal from the reading means. Is arranged between the transfer material supplied from the supply means and the printing means, and the driving means for driving the printing means. Means for supplying a color material to the transfer material, means for inputting color information specific to the transfer material to a print signal output from the reading means, and the color material supply means for supplying the color material. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus having means for controlling the amount of the color material supplied to the transfer material according to the color information input from the input means.

Further, according to the present invention, the reading means for reading the information on the object to be read and generating the electric signal, the printing means driven based on the signal from the reading means, and the printing means for printing. The means for supplying the material to be transferred, the means for inputting a switching signal for causing the color of the material to be transferred supplied from the supplying means to be read through the reading means, and the means for reading through the reading means The color material of the transfer material is disposed between the transfer material supplied from the supply means and the printing means, and the color material is supplied to the transfer material by driving the printing means. And a printing signal output from the reading unit, a signal relating to the color of the transfer material stored in the storage unit is input, and is supplied from the color material supply unit to the transfer material. The amount of colorant Image forming apparatus is provided with a Gosuru control means.

[0008]

The copying apparatus of the present invention has a color correction mode for correcting the color reproducibility of the output image according to the base density of the copy paper. That is, when the copy paper on which the information of the original is copied is a color paper other than white (dedicated copy paper), by inputting a predetermined ink correction amount, the color of the copy paper itself is changed. It is possible to reduce the deterioration of color reproducibility.

Further, since the means for measuring the base density of the copy paper on which the information of the original is copied is provided, the ink amount output to the copy paper can be made to correspond to the base density of the copy paper. .

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

According to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus, that is, the digital copying apparatus 2 has an image reading section 4 and an image forming section 6 integrally.

The image reading section 4 is arranged on one side of the original placing table 10 on which an object to be read, that is, the original D is placed, and a size indicating the position where the original D is to be placed. A plate 10a, a white plate 10b which is arranged to face the size plate 10a and which generates reference reflected light used as a reference for intensity correction described later, and an original D which is formed to be openable and closable and is placed on the table 10. The document holder 12 is provided to bring the above into close contact with the table 10.

Inside the mounting table 10, a lamp 22 for illuminating the original D, a reflector 24 for converging the illumination light generated from the lamp 22 on the original D, and a reflected light L from the original D will be described later. First mirror for reflecting toward the second carriage 30
A first carriage 20 that has 26 and is movably arranged in parallel with the mounting table 10 by a pulse motor (not shown) via a toothed belt (not shown). The optical rear position of the first carriage 20, that is, the first rear position
At the position where the reflected light from the mirror 26 is guided, there are provided a second mirror 32 and a third mirror 34 which are arranged at right angles to each other and which guide the reflected light L toward a CCD sensor 38 described later. The second carriage is driven by the first carriage 20 via a toothed belt (not shown) that drives the first carriage 20, and is moved at a speed of 1/2 with respect to the first carriage 20. A carriage 30 is arranged.

Below the first carriage 20, in a plane including the optical axis of the light reflected by the second carriage 30, it is movably formed by a driving mechanism (not shown). An image forming lens 36 that gives a converging property to the reflected light L from the two carriages 30 and forms an image of the reflected light at a desired magnification by moving itself, and this lens 36.
It has a CCD sensor 38 which photoelectrically converts the reflected light focused through the above and outputs an electric signal (the image of the document D is converted) to a memory 93 described later. The CCD sensor 38 is a three-line sensor capable of separating the reflected light L into color components, that is, three primary colors of light (R = red, G = green, B = blu-), and corresponds to each color component. The line sensors 38r, 38g, and 38b are integrally assembled.

Further, the lens 36 and the CCD sensor 38
Between the lens 36 for changing the copying magnification.
The fourth and fifth mirrors 42 and 44 are formed so as to be movable along the optical axis by a drive mechanism (not shown) and are positioned at right angles to each other in order to correct the variation in the focal length due to the movement of the mirrors. Are arranged. In this case, by moving the CCD sensor 38 along the optical axis,
It is also possible to omit the fourth and fifth mirrors 42 and 44.

In addition, the image reading unit 4 is the CCD
A signal processing unit 46 for converting an electric signal (hereinafter, referred to as an image signal for identification) S converted by the sensor 38 into a copy signal (hereinafter, a print signal for identification) X based on a predetermined method. (Omitted in FIG. 1) and the main body control unit 48 (omitted in FIG. 1) for accurately printing the print signal X on the paper P and controlling the entire image forming apparatus 2. Is equipped with.

On the other hand, the image forming section 6 includes the image reading section 4 described above.
A print head 52 for outputting to the copy paper P the information of the above-mentioned original document D, which is read by
By urging the print head 52, an ink ribbon cartridge 5 that supplies a predetermined color material, that is, ink, to the paper P
4, and the surface of the print drum 50 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and the gripper 50a for holding the paper P is formed on its circumference to hold the paper P on its circumference. I have. The ink ribbon cartridge 54 is a color material corresponding to a complementary color corresponding to the color components (R = red, G = green, B = blue) of the image information contained in the original D, that is, An ink ribbon in which C = cyan, M = magenta, Y = yellow, and Bk = black used for enhancing color reproducibility are arranged in order.
Contains 56.

Further, the ink ribbon cartridge 54 is detachably formed in the gap between the print head 52 and the print drum 50 so that the ink ribbon 56 is positioned between the print head 52 and the print drum 50. There is. In this case, the print head 52 is pressed / disengaged with respect to the print drum 50 as the eccentric cam 52a rotates, thereby facilitating the attachment / detachment of the ink ribbon cartridge 54.

A position corresponding to the upstream side in the rotational direction of the print drum 50, and to the right of the print drum 50, a paper cassette 14a for feeding a material to be transferred, that is, print paper P toward the print drum 50. Are arranged. Also,
A bypass tray 14b for feeding the above-mentioned sheets P one by one is arranged on the lid portion of the sheet cassette 14a.

The print drum 50 and the paper cassette 14a
Between the sheet feeding roller 61a and the sheet feeding roller 61a for pulling out the sheets P one by one from the cassette 14a, and the sheet P drawn through the sheet feeding roller 61a is fed toward the printing drum 50. A pair of transport rollers 62 and a feeding path 63 for feeding the paper P from the transport rollers 62 toward the gripper 50a of the print drum 50 are arranged. Further, a paper feeding roller is provided between the print drum 50 and the bypass tray 14b.
La 61b is arranged. The transport roller 62 and the feeding path
The roller 63 and the feeding path 63, which are arranged between the cassette 14a and the drum 50, are commonly used as 63.

On the upper portion of the cassette 14a, the paper P output on the printing paper, that is, the copying paper P (on which the ink or copying image is formed) wound on the printing drum 50 is separated from the printing drum 50. A separating device (not shown), a discharge guide 64 for discharging the separated sheet P to the outside of the apparatus, a pair of discharging rollers 65 for sending the sheet P to the outside of the apparatus 2, and the copied sheet. A discharge tray 66 for receiving P is arranged.

Referring to FIG. 2, the image reading unit 4 in the digital copying apparatus 2 defines a cover 10c surrounding the document placing table 10 and a copying operation which is integrally assembled with the cover 10c. An operation panel 18 is arranged which allows input of various data (from the user) of the.

The operation panel 18 has a user (user)
A print key 18a for outputting a copy start signal in response to an input from the device, input data, for example, a display section 18b for displaying the number of copies, and data at the input stage can be returned to "0". , Stop key 18 that can temporarily stop the copying operation started (print key 18a is turned on)
c, a density adjustment volume 18d capable of outputting a signal for adjusting the density of an image to be copied, and "0" to "9"
Is provided with a numeric key for outputting a numeric signal corresponding to, that is, a copy number setting key 18e.

Further, on the operation panel 18, the ratio of the size of the image on the document D to the size of the copied image, that is,
Magnification setting key 18f for defining the copy magnification, the base color data of the paper P when the paper P is colored.
18g color specification key that can be used to input data, and this color specification key
A display device, for example, an LED 18h, which can display the selected base color when 18g is turned on is arranged.
The color designation key 18g is, for example, "yellow" and "blue".
Alternatively, it is used for inputting the base density data, which is defined in advance corresponding to the base color of the paper P such as "red", to the color signal conversion circuit 98 described later. Also, the color designation key 18g is a base that is defined in advance corresponding to the base color of the copy paper P each time it is turned on.
The density data is sequentially output to the color signal conversion circuit 98 described later. For example, the above color designation key-18g
Once is turned on, the data representing the blank paper (set at the time of initialization) is replaced with the base density data representing the first color (for example, yellow), and at the same time, the LED 18h.
The part showing the first color of is turned on. That is, the base density data relating to the first color is output to the color signal conversion circuit 98. In addition, the color designation key-18g continues to be O
If the result is N, a vector representing a second color (for example, red) is displayed.
Density data and base density data representing a third color (for example, blue) are sequentially output to the color signal conversion circuit 98. Further, when the setting key 18g is turned on, the base density data is returned to the blank data.

According to FIG. 3, the signal processing section 46 and the main body control section 48 include an electric circuit group described below.

The main body control unit 48 is a main control unit or CP.
U80 has a pulse motor (not shown) for urging the first carriage 20 and the second carriage 30 of the image reading section 4, and a CPU 80 for rotating the print drum 50 included in the image forming section 6. A motor driver 82 for urging a main motor (not shown) for feeding, a feed roller 61a, 61b, a DC motor (not shown) for rotating the transport roller 62, etc. It is connected. Also, lighting lamp
It also includes a lamp regulator 84 for lighting 22, a head temperature control circuit 86 for energizing the print head 52 in response to a print signal X described later, and a signal processing unit 46 described in detail below. There is.

The signal processing unit 46 converts an analog signal into a digital signal, an A / D converter 91, a memory 92 in which reference data regarding the intensity of the reflected light L is stored, and
A second memory 93 for storing the image information read through the CCD sensor 38 or the base density of the copy paper P input through the color designation key 18g is included.

The signal processing unit 46 also includes a resolution converting circuit 94 for matching the resolutions of the CCD sensor 38 and the print head 52,
Based on the data output from the memory 92, the CCD
A correction circuit 95 for correcting the intensity change of the image signal due to the individual characteristics of the sensor 38, and the image signal subjected to the shading correction via the correction circuit 95 is the luminance signal I, the first color difference signal C1 and the second Luminance color difference separation circuit 96 for separating into color difference signal C2, image quality improvement circuit 97 for improving image quality such as edge enhancement or character identification based on the above luminance signal or color difference signal obtained by this luminance color difference separation circuit 96, and this image quality improvement A color signal conversion circuit 98 for converting the image signals I, C1, C2 whose image quality has been improved by the circuit 97 into the density of ink color used at the time of printing, and the color signal converted by this color signal conversion circuit 98 A binarizing circuit 99 for binarizing is also incorporated.

Next, the operation of the copying apparatus 2 will be briefly described.

According to FIG. 4, the digital copying apparatus 2 is initialized (initialized) by turning on the power switch. In this case, the color designation key 18g is OFF
State, that is, a blank sheet state. The above color designation key
Once 18g is turned on, the data representing the blank state (set at the time of initialization) is replaced with the base density data representing the first color (for example, yellow), and at the same time,
The part of the LED 18h showing the first color is turned on. That is,
Base density data relating to the first color is output to the color signal conversion circuit 98. If the color designation key 18g is still turned on, the second color (for example, red)
And the base density data representing the third color (for example, blue) are sequentially provided in the color signal conversion circuit.
It is output to 98. At the same time, the LED 18h is also sequentially changed to the second color and the third color.

After the base density data is input, the original document D placed on the original document table 10 of the image reading section 4 is brought into close contact with the document table 10 by the original document holder 12. Operation panel 18
Copy conditions such as copy magnification and copy density are set via the. Needless to say, the order of inputting the base density data relating to the material to be transferred and the setting of the copying conditions may be interchanged.

When a copy start signal is input from the print key 18a, the line area of the document D is illuminated via the illumination lamp 22 and the reflector 24.

The reflected light from the document D is guided to the first mirror 26 of the first carriage 20 and the second mirror 30 of the second carriage 30.
Reflected towards Mira-32. The reflected light guided to the second mirror 32 is bent to the third mirror 34, reflected again, and moved to a position providing a desired magnification.
It is sent to 36. The reflected light is converted into convergent light through the lens 36, converted into an image signal through the CCD sensor 38, and sequentially output to the signal processing unit 46.

Here, the first and second carriages 20, 30
Is moved by a carriage drive motor (not shown) driven at a predetermined speed at a predetermined speed in the above-mentioned linear area, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, that is, the sub-scanning direction. Information is read into the CCD sensor 38 one after another. If the copy magnification is other than 100%, the moving speed of the first carriage 20 (similarly to the driven second carriage 30) in which the image of the original is copied in the sub-scanning direction must be changed according to the magnification. Therefore, the driving speed of the carriage driving motor (not shown) is continuously changed. In this case, the lens 3
The sixth, fourth and fifth mirrors 42 and 44 are also moved to desired positions via a motor (not shown).

On the other hand, in the image forming section 6, when the print key 18a is turned on, the drive motor (not shown) is energized and the print drum 50 is rotated. At the same time, one sheet of paper P is pulled out from either the paper cassette 14a or the bypass tray 14b. This paper P is a paper feed roller.
The sheet is fed toward the printing drum 50 via the sheet feeding roller 61b and the sheet feeding roller 61b and the sheet feeding roller 61b.

The leading edge of the paper P fed through the transport roller 62 and the feeding path 63 is gripped by the gripper 50a, and the rotation of the print drum 50 causes the paper P to move to the circumference (of the print drum 50). Wrapped around. Print drum 50 around which paper P is wound
Via the gripper position detector (not shown).
That is, a, that is, the leading edge of the paper P is detected and temporarily stopped at a predetermined print start position in preparation for a printing operation described later. In this state, the print head 52 is pressed against the print drum 50 by the rotation of an eccentric cam (not shown). At this time, the ink ribbon 56 (included in the ink ribbon cartridge 54) positioned between the print head 52 and the print drum 50 is brought into close contact with the paper P, and the surface of the drum 50, that is, the surface of the drum 50, is rotated as the drum 50 rotates. The sheet P is moved at the same peripheral speed.

When the print drum 50 is rotating,
When the gripper 50a, that is, the leading edge of the paper P passes through,
The pressure contact between the print head 52 and the print drum 50 is temporarily released as the eccentric cam rotates. Also, the drum 50
The ink ribbon 56, which is moved in synchronism with the rotation of the cartridge, is sequentially wound by the winding roller of the cartridge 54 without slack.

On the other hand, the reflected light L focused on the CCD sensor 38 is of each color component, that is, red light Lr, green light Lg, and blue light L.
The line signals 38r, 38g, and 38b, each of which is decomposed into a color component b, corresponds to an image signal (here, for convenience sake, a sensor corresponding to the red light Lr).
The output signal from 38r is Sr, the output signal from the sensor 38g corresponding to the green light Lg is Sg, and the output signal from the sensor 38b corresponding to the blue light Lb is Sb) Sr, Sg, S
converted to b. The image signals Sr, Sg, Sb are output to the signal processing unit 46 formed integrally with the main body control unit 48, and the print signal X is output based on a predetermined method described later.
r, Xg, Xb.

Here, the process of converting the image signals Sr, Sg, Sb output to the signal processing unit 46 into the print signals Xr, Xg, Xb will be described. The image signal S output from the CCD sensor 38 (actually, the image signal S is separated into three signals of Sr, Sg, and Sb for each color component, but here, for convenience, they are represented respectively and displayed. Is an A / D converter that converts an analog signal into a digital signal.
Is input to the data 91 and converted into a digital signal (designated as a signal T for identification), and a reference data relating to the intensity of the reflected light L.
Is output to the memory 92 in which the data is stored and the resolution converting circuit 94.

The image signal U (represented as a signal U for identification) input to the resolving power conversion circuit 94 and having the resolving power matched is guided to a correcting circuit 95 for correcting the intensity change of the image signal S,
The shading is corrected. That is, in the image signal T whose resolution is matched, the intensity correction output from the memory 92 is performed by comparing the data of the reference light Lw reflected from the white plate 10b with the reference data relating to the intensity of the reflected light L. Based on the signal Q, the correction circuit 95 performs the shading correction. The shading-corrected image signal (denoted as a signal V for identification) V is subjected to a predetermined calculation with respect to this image signal V and separated into a luminance signal I, a first color difference signal CI and a second color difference signal CII. The luminance signal I and the first and second color difference signals CI and CII are separated via the luminance / color difference separation circuit 96, which is further guided to the image quality improvement circuit 97 to perform image processing such as edge enhancement or character identification. It is applied and the image quality is improved.

The image signals I and C with improved image quality
I, CII (for identification, I ₁ , CI ₁ , C
And to II ₁₎ That is, the luminance signal I _1, the first and second color difference signals CI _1, CII _1, the color signal conversion circuit for converting the color density of ink used in printing the respective signals
It is input to 98, for each color, while being converted to the color of ink to be supplied from each of the complementary color or ink ribbon 56, color signals I _2, CI ₂ containing the density information,
CII ₂ (For identification, each of I ₂ , CI ₂ , CII ₂
And)).

In the color signal conversion circuit 98, with respect to the above-described color conversion, regarding the ratio (ink density) of three colors of ink, that is, the inks 56Y, 56M, and 56C supplied from the ink ribbon 56, to become black Bk. , An operation called under color removal (UCR) is performed to reduce the amount of ink by that amount. In other words, three color inks corresponding to the three primary colors of red R, green G, and blue B, that is, C = cyan, M = magenta, Y = yellow, are laminated to form Bk = black (black). In this case, since bleeding or color blurring is likely to occur, the ink densities (amounts) of the three colors corresponding to the ink densities (amounts) at which Bk is formed by overlapping the three C, M, and Y inks ) Is removed in advance. still,
The ink density relating to the black Bk is directly supplied as a black signal from the ink ribbon 56Bk at the time of printing described later.

In the color signal conversion circuit 98, the U
In addition to CR, the color conversion table, which will be described later, is changed based on the color of the copy paper P input via the color designation key 18g, and C, M which are the colors of the ink ribbon 56 ink are changed. , Y, Bk are converted into density data. For example, when the color of the copy paper P is yellow, the ink density of the yellow ribbon 56Y in the ink ribbon 56 is subtracted from the total ink density according to the color conversion table described later. That is, when the color designating key 18g is turned on, the ink density previously input to the second memory 93 (corresponding to the number of times the key 18g is turned on) is recalled, and the color conversion is performed. Output to circuit 98.

Here, the ink density converted from the color signals I, CI, CII by the color signal conversion circuit 98 is
Respectively when Y _m, M _m, represented by C _m, That matrix is satisfied.

At this time, the ink densities input by turning on the color designation key 18g are Y _p and M, respectively.
_Assuming that _p and C _p (stored in the memory 93 in advance), the matrix relating to the ink density signals Y _o , M _o and C _o finally output from the color signal conversion circuit 98 is Becomes Further, the ink density signals, the document D image signal image is read through the CCD sensor 38 in S, i.e., R, G, the following equation from the B _{signal, Y'= a 11 × R +} a ₁₂ x G + a ₁₃ xB M '= a ₂₁ x R + a ₂₂ x G + a ₂₃ x BC' = a ₃₁ x R + a ₃₂ x G + a ₃₃ x B (a _{11 to} a ₃₃ are constants) K = b ₁₁ x KK (KK is , Y ', M', C'indicate the color with the least components).

[0046] Therefore, Y = Y'- c11 × K M = M'- c11 × K C = C'- c11 × K (b 11, c 11 is constant term) is obtained. Although the color conversion table is disclosed here as an example of the color signal conversion circuit 98, all color conversion methods currently used, such as the dither method and the pseudo diffusion method, are used. It goes without saying that it is good. Also,
In this embodiment, the image signal S is converted into the color signals I, CI, CII via the color signal conversion circuit 98 and then replaced with the ink density, but the ink density may be directly calculated.

The ink density signals Y _o , M _o , and C _o thus obtained are output to an area gradation conversion circuit, that is, a binarization circuit 99 which defines gradation at the time of printing, and the area gradation The temperature is converted and further converted into a binary signal W and supplied to the print head temperature control circuit, that is, the temperature adjustment circuit 86. Temperature control circuit
The binary signal W input to 86 is converted into a print signal X used to drive the print head 52, and is supplied to the print head 52 together with a print start signal from the CPU 80.

The print head 52 corresponding to the above-mentioned print signals Xr, Xg, Xb (generally, in this type of image forming apparatus,
Although the color material forming the ink ribbon is actually four colors as described later, the printing drum, that is, the paper P is rotated a plurality of times according to the number of each color material, and one color material is generated by each rotation. Is transferred sequentially, the heads are one set), that is, the temperature of the heads is increased. Ink corresponding to each color component is wound around the print drum 50 from the four color ink ribbons 56Y, 56M, 56C, and 56Bk. The information is recorded by being melt-transferred onto the sheet P that is kept waiting at the print start position. Actually, printing on paper P (melt transfer)
Is a predetermined order for each color component (for example, 56Y, 56M, 56
C, 56Bk in this order). That is, the ink ribbon 56Y is used for the first rotation of the print drum 50, and the ink ribbon 56M is used for the second rotation of the print drum 72 (the print start position is aligned) (partial printing). Overlay). Further, the ink ribbon 56C is used for the third rotation of the print drum 72 (with the print start position aligned), and the ink ribbon 56C is overprinted and finally 56Bk is printed. In this way, four color ink ribbons 56Y, 56M, 56C, 56Bk
The inks melt-transferred from are superposed at predetermined positions, that is, predetermined colors are reproduced, and the original D is printed on the paper P.
Information is reproduced in multiple colors (color).

FIG. 5 shows an image forming apparatus which is a modified embodiment of the present invention. The same components and members as those in the digital copying apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

Image forming apparatus or digital copying apparatus 102
Has an image reading unit 4 and an image forming unit 6 integrally.

The image reading section 4 has an original placing table 10, a size plate 10a, a white plate 10b, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 112 for sequentially feeding a plurality of originals D to the placing table 10. ing. Document D fed via this ADF 112
Is brought into close contact with the mounting table 10 by the ADF 112.

Inside the mounting table 10, there are a lamp 22, a reflection plate 24 and a first carriage 20 having a first mirror 26, and a second mirror 32 and a third mirror 34. A second carriage 30 is arranged which is driven by the one carriage 20 and is moved at a speed half that of the first carriage 20.

An imaging lens 36 and a CCD sensor 38 are arranged below the first carriage 20. still,
The CCD sensor 38 is also used to read the background color of the document placed on the table 10 in the background reading mode described later.

On the other hand, the image forming section 6 has a print drum 50 and a print head 52. Between the print drum 50 and the print head 52, C = cyan, M = magenta, Y =
An ink ribbon cartridge 54 is inserted which includes an ink ribbon 56 in which yellow and Bk = black are sequentially arranged.

On the right side of the print drum 50, a paper cassette 14a for feeding the material to be transferred, that is, the print paper P toward the print drum 50 is arranged. Further, a bypass tray 14b for feeding the above-mentioned papers P one by one is arranged on the lid portion of the paper cassette 14a. Further, on the upper part of the cassette 14a, the paper P output on the print paper, that is, the copy paper P (on which the ink, that is, the copy image is formed) wound around the print drum 50 is separated from the print drum 50. A separation device (not shown), a discharge guide 64 for discharging the separated paper P to the outside of the device, a pair of discharge rollers 65 for sending the paper P to the outside of the device 2, and the copied paper P. A discharge tray 66 for receiving the is disposed.

According to FIG. 6, the image reading section 4 is provided with an operation panel 118 which enables input of various data (from the user) for defining a copying operation.

On the operation panel 118, a print key 118a for outputting a copy start signal in response to an input from a user (user) and a display unit 118b for displaying the input data, for example, the number of copies. , The data in the input stage can be returned to "0", and the stop key 118c that can temporarily interrupt the copying operation started (the print key 118a is turned on), the density of the image to be copied A density adjustment volume 118d capable of outputting a signal for adjustment and "0" to
A numeric key for outputting a numeric signal corresponding to "9", that is, a copy number setting key 118e and the like are arranged. Also,
On the operation panel 118, a ratio setting key 118f for defining the ratio of the size of the image on the original D to the size of the copied image, that is, the copy ratio, the transfer target material, that is, copy paper (printing paper). ) Color reading mode for reading P color
Color read mode key used to set the mode
118g etc. are also arranged.

Next, the operation of the copying apparatus 102 will be briefly described.

According to FIG. 7, the digital copying apparatus 102
When a power switch (not shown) is turned on, initialization is performed. In this case, the color reading mode 118g (see FIG. 6) is set to the OFF state.

Here, the material to be transferred, that is, the copy paper P is ADF.
Placed on a document tray 112a in 112 (see FIG. 5),
When the above reading mode key 118g is turned on, the ADF 1
The original conveying belt 112b in 12 is rotated, and the copy paper P
Are fed to the document table 10. The color of the paper P is read through the CCD sensor 38 as in the normal copying.
The color of the paper P read here is the same as that shown in FIG. 3 (in the second embodiment, the signal processing circuit and the main body control unit shown in FIG.
Since it is substantially the same as the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the block diagram originally supposed to be FIG. 7 is omitted. ) Is converted into color component signals (Y ₁ , M ₁ , C ₁ , K ₁ ) through a signal processing circuit (not shown) which is formed substantially the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 93
(In this second embodiment, the signal processing circuit is omitted since it is similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3). In this way, the base of the copy paper P is
Density (color) is read and the copy paper P is ADF 1
Emitted from 12.

Subsequently, the document D to be copied is the ADF 112.
Is placed on the original tray 112a. Copying conditions such as copy magnification and copy density are selected through the operation panel 118. When the print key 118a is turned on, the document D is conveyed to the document placing table 10 via the ADF 112 and is brought into close contact with the placing table 10. Here, the image of the document D to be copied is the CCD sensor 38.
And the color conversion shown in the first embodiment is executed.

In the modified embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the image signal S output to the signal processing unit 46 is output.
In the conversion process from r, Sg, Sb to the print signals Xr, Xg, Xb, the base density of the copy paper P read by the reading mode and stored in the memory 93 is the color signal converting circuit. It is input to the color conversion table via 98, and the color of the ink of the ink ribbon 56, C,
It is converted into density data relating to M, Y and Bk. For example,
When the color of the copy paper P is the sky bleu-color, the cyan 56C and the yellow 56Y in the ink ribbon 56 are used.
The ink density for is subtracted from the total ink density according to the color conversion table.

[0063] Here, the reading mode - color signals color read the copy paper P (already stored in the memory 93) of the de I _a, CI _a, indicated by CII _a, the color signal conversion circuit ink density defined by 98 _{Y a, M a,} C
When represented by _a, That matrix is satisfied.

At this time, the color signals I _b , CI _b , CII of the image on the original D read through the CCD sensor are read.
_Since the ink densities converted from _b by the color signal conversion circuit 98 are shown as Y _b , M _b , and C _b , respectively, Becomes

[0065] Therefore, the final output is the ink density signals Yc, Mc, the matrix relates _{Cc, Y c a 1, a} 2, a 3 I b -I b Y a - Y p M c = b 1, _{b 2, b 3 · CI b} -CI b = M a - M p C c c 1, c 2, c 3 CII b -CII b C a - obtained as C _p.

In this way, the ink having the desired density is supplied from the four color ink ribbons 56Y, 56M, 56C and 56Bk, respectively. The information of the document D is reproduced on the paper P in a plurality of colors (colors) by being overlapped at a predetermined position.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when the copy paper on which the information of the original is copied is a colored paper other than white, a predetermined ink correction amount is applied at the time of printing. By inputting, you can output in the original color. That is, the color reproducibility of the image output on the copy sheet can be improved. As a result, it is possible to prevent undesired copying from being repeated in order to copy with a good color tone, thus reducing the copying cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing a copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an operation panel incorporated in the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a display example.

3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control device incorporated in the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front sectional view showing a modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

6 is a schematic plan view showing an operation panel and a display example incorporated in the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Digital copying device, 4 ... Image reading unit, 6 ... Image forming unit, 10 ... Original platen, 10a ... Size plate, 10b ... White plate,
10c ... cover, 12 ... document holder, 14a ... paper cassette,
14b ... Bypass table, 18 ... Operation panel, 18a ... Print key, 18b ... Display section, 18c ... Stop key, 18d ...
Concentration adjustment volume, 18e ... Numeric key, 18f ... Magnification setting key, 18g ... Base scalar setting key, 18h ... LED, 20
... first carriage, 22 ... lamp, 24 ... reflector, 26 ... first mirror, 30 ... second carriage, 32 ... second mirror, 34 ... third mirror, 36 ... imaging lens, 38 ... CCD Sensor, 46 ... Signal processing section, 48 ... Main body control section, 50 ... Print drum, 52 ... Print head, 54 ... Ink ribbon cartridge, 56 ... Ink ribbon.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A reading means for reading information of an object to be read and outputting a print signal, a printing means supplied with a print signal from the reading means and driven, and a transfer material printed by the printing means. A means for supplying a color material to the transfer material by driving the printing means, the means being arranged between the transfer material supplied from the supply means and the printing means. Means for inputting color information specific to the transfer material to the print signal output from the means, and the amount of the color material supplied from the color material supply means to the transfer material from the input means. And a unit for controlling the color information according to the color information. 2. A reading means for reading information of an object to be read and generating an electric signal, a printing means driven on the basis of a signal from the reading means, and a transfer material to be printed by the printing means. Means, means for inputting a switching signal for reading the color of the transferred material supplied from the supply means through the reading means, and the color of the transferred material read through the reading means And a means for storing a color material to the transfer material by driving the printing means, the means being arranged between the transfer material supplied from the supply means and the printing means. A signal relating to the color of the transferred material stored in the storage means is input to the print signal output from the means, and the amount of the colored material supplied from the coloring material supply means to the transferred material is determined. Control means for controlling, An image forming apparatus having.