JPH051667B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

<Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and particularly to an image processing apparatus that forms an image according to an image signal obtained by reading a document. <Prior Art and Problems> Conventionally, an image processing device has been proposed that optically reads a document using an image sensor such as a CCD to obtain an image signal, and forms an image based on the obtained image signal. In the proposal, if multiple image formations were desired, reading the original would be repeated for each image formation. Therefore, if you want to combine two images to form multiple images, you must prepare two original reading devices for such combining, and each time you perform image formation, you need to read the original. I had to repeat the action. Another possible method is to read two originals only once and store them in an image memory, and then combine the two images on the image memory to obtain multiple copies, but such a combination requires a large capacity memory. Is required. Further, in any of the above-mentioned methods, a problem arises in that it is difficult to perform image synthesis using images selected from a plurality of images. <Means for Solving the Problems> An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device in view of the above points. (corresponding to the reader 1 in the embodiment), a storage unit (also a retention memory unit 2) for storing image information read by the original reading unit for a plurality of screens, and an image from the original reading unit that does not go through the storage unit. Supply means for supplying image information obtained by combining information and image information stored in the storage means to the image forming means (also the through gate 2 and the OR gates 94 and 95 in FIG. 3), a plurality of image information stored in the storage means; Instructing means (soft keys 257 and numeric keypad 254 also shown in FIG. 9) for selecting a desired screen among the screens and instructing a plurality of image forming operations by the image forming means; Control means for controlling the supply means to repeatedly operate the document reading means and read image information of a desired screen selected by the instruction means from the storage means (similarly to the flowcharts in FIGS. 17c and d) ). Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail based on Examples. FIG. 1 is an external view of a system according to the present invention. The signal line of the reader 1, which reads the document image with an image sensor such as a CCD, is connected to an image information storage device (retention memory unit).
It is connected to the Memory Unit (RMU) 2 and stores and outputs image information converted into electrical signals. A similar signal line is connected from the retention memory unit 2 to a multiple input multiple output device 3. Multi Input Multi Output Unit
A signal line is connected from the MIMOU 3 to printers 4 and 5 that record an image on a recording material such as paper.
In FIG. 1, the multiple input/output device is a reader 1
Although two printers are connected, a combination of more or less printers is possible.
Note that, as described later, in this implementation, the maximum number of connections is 4 readers and 8 printers. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the retention memory unit 2 is connected between the reader 1 and the multi-input multi-output device 3, but the retention memory unit 2 is not limited to this position, and may be provided between the reader and the printer. Often, for example, a multi-input multi-output device 3 and a printer 4 or 5
It is also possible to connect between In other words, as described later, a vertical synchronization signal is used for image signals between each unit.
VSYNC, a video enable signal VE indicating one line of the image, image signals VA and VB, an image synchronization signal VCLK, and a horizontal synchronization signal BD are exchanged.
Further, a common serial control signal is exchanged for transmitting the image signal. Therefore, the input/output section for exchanging these signals can be shared by each unit, and thereby the units can be freely connected and combined. In other words, by making each part of the image processing system into units and connecting them in the same format using signal lines with the same meaning, each unit can be easily installed and removed, and since they are all the same, costs can be reduced. Become.
Further, by doing so, it becomes possible to connect a plurality of multiple input/multi-output devices, for example, and the present system can be expanded. Next, a detailed explanation of the inside of the reader 1, retention memory unit 2, multiple input multiple output device 3, and printers 4 and 5 will be given using FIGS. 2 to 6. FIGS. 2a and 2b are configuration diagrams showing an example of the internal configuration of the reader 1. FIG. In this example, the original image is divided into two images in order to achieve high-speed, high-density reading.
We use a method of reading the image using a CCD and concatenating it into one signal to generate one line of image signal. First, the explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 2a. Optical lenses 10 and 11 are used to form an image of a document placed on a document table (not shown) onto CCDs 12 and 13. The original image is sequentially scanned by an optical system (not shown), but since such a reading technique is a well-known technique, detailed explanation will be omitted. CCDs 12 and 13 convert the shading of the original image into electrical signals. This electrical signal is amplified by amplifier circuits 14 and 15 and converted by analog-to-digital converters (A/D converters) 16 and 17 into a multivalued digital signal indicating the image density for each image. Further, the digital signal is subjected to shading correction circuits 18 and 19 to remove shading caused by uneven light emission of the light source, uneven luminous intensity distribution of the optical system, uneven sensitivity of the CCD, etc.
1, the ternary digital image signal VD1-A is sent to VD1-A.
signal, VD1-B signal and VD2-A signal, VD2
-B signals respectively. Ternarization is performed by binarizing at two stages of binarization levels, but there are two methods: using a constant binarization level given by the latch circuit 26, and dithering.
Selectors 22 and 23 select between two types of ternarization processing, a so-called dither method, which is a method using binarization levels periodically changed within a predetermined matrix size in ROMs 24 and 25. The dither method uses binary signals to reproduce halftones in a pseudo manner, and is widely used in facsimiles and the like. Note that, as will be described later, there may be cases where it is not necessary to output a ternary image signal, but rather to output a binary image signal. At this time, an appropriate threshold value for binarization is supplied from the latch circuit 26 or the dither ROMs 24 and 25. In this embodiment, a fixed 2
It has become possible to obtain an optimal copy image by selecting the dither method for documents that require gradation, such as photographs, as a method for providing digitization levels. Also,
It is also possible to select such that the two levels of binarization provided from the clutch circuit 26 are the same value. The dither ROMs 24 and 25 sequentially read out dither patterns stored at addresses given by a counter 27 for counting the number of lines in the sub-scanning direction and counters 28 and 29 for counting the number of images in the main scanning direction. In addition, in order to prevent the dither pattern from being disturbed at the joint when the electric signals read by the CCD 12 and CCD 13 are combined into one line, a latch circuit 30 is connected to the counter 29 to provide preset data for an optimal count. There is. This latch circuit 30 and other latch circuits shown in FIG. 2 are connected to the CPU bus of the CPU 38, and data is latched by the CPU 38.
The CPU 38 operates according to a control program written in the ROM 39, and controls the entire reader using the ROM 40, I/O port 41, timer circuit 42, serial circuit 43, and key display drive circuit 44. The CPU 38 performs control for adjustment and operation confirmation based on the value set by the dip switch 46. The key display drive circuit 44 controls the keys and
This circuit scans the matrix and drives indicators such as LEDs. Also, serial circuit 4
Reference numeral 3 denotes a circuit used for giving control instructions to the printer, multiple input/multi-output device, and retention memory unit, and conversely for receiving information. The oscillation circuit 32 provides timing to the CCD drive circuit 31 for driving the CCDs 12 and 13 and other parts that handle image signals. The oscillation signal is counted by a counter 33, and the count value is further input to a decoder 34 to generate various timings. The decoder 34 generates an internal synchronization HS signal for each line in the sub-scanning direction and inputs it to the selector 35. The selector 35 receives a similar synchronization signal sent from the printer when the printer is connected.
A BD signal (described later) is also input, and the CPU 38 follows the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.
When a printer is connected directly to the reader
The BD signal is selected, and the HS signal is automatically selected when a multi-input multi-output device or a retention memory unit is connected to the reader. The selected signal is used as a synchronization signal in the sub-scanning direction as an HSBD signal. The HSBD signal is also input to the counter 33 and used as a count reset signal. From the counter 33, memories 60 to 63 (described later)
The original clock of the write clock when writing the VD1 signal and VD2 signal of the image signal is output, and this original clock is used as the memory write clock via the rate multiplier 36.
Becomes WCLK signal. Rate multiplier 3
Reference numeral 6 divides the frequency of the input clock signal according to the value of an externally applied control signal (latch circuit 37 in this embodiment) and outputs the result. In this embodiment, it is used to change the magnification of an image in the main scanning direction. Next, FIG. 2b will be explained. The latch circuits 50, 51, 52 have write counters 53, read counters 54, 55, respectively.
Give preset data. The write counter 53 sends the VD1-A signal to the memories 60 to 63.
The memory addresses for writing the VD1-, VD2-A, and VD2-B signals are generated by the WCLK signal from rate multiplier 36 shown in FIG. 2a. Read counter 54, 55
On the contrary, written from memory 60 to 63
Memory when reading VD1 signal and VD2 signal
The address is generated by the RCLK signal (described later). Write counter 53, read counter 5
The memory address signals outputted from 4 and 55 are input to selectors 56 to 59, and either the write counter 53 or the read counters 54 and 55 is selected and applied to memories 60 to 63. The memories are memories 60, 61 and memories 62, 6.
There are three sets, and when one set is performing a write operation, the other set is performing a read operation, thereby realizing signal speed conversion. A set of memories performs write and read operations repeatedly, and during write operations, write and read operations are performed repeatedly.
It operates by selectively receiving signals from the counter 53 and, during a read operation, signals from read counters 54 and 55 from selectors 56-59. The repetition control of the write operation and read operation is performed by the above-mentioned HSBD signal. VD1-A read from memories 60 to 63
signal, VD1-B signal, VD2-A signal, VD2-
The B signal is input to the selector 70 and synthesized into a one-line image signal, and further undergoes editing processing such as image inversion and trimming processing in the image processing circuit 71 to be sent to a printer, retention memory unit, or multi-input multi-output signal. 3-value or binary image signal to the device
It is sent separated into two systems as VDA and VDB. The oscillation circuit 66 generates an oscillation signal that serves as a reference timing during a read operation. The oscillation signal is output to a printer, etc. as a common synchronization signal and video clock (VCLK) for the two systems of VDA and VDB. The control circuit 67 receives the signal from the selector 35.
This circuit performs write control using the HSBD signal, and controls the operations of the left margin counter 68 and bit counter 69 at predetermined timing (described later). Rate multiplier 64, latch circuit 65
generates the read clock RCLK signal in the same way as the rate multiplier 36 and latch circuit 37 described above. Further, a video enable (VE) signal, which will be explained in FIG. 7, is outputted from the control circuit 67 to a printer or the like. In this way, by outputting the multi-valued information obtained by reading the original through multiple signal lines, it is possible to output using a video clock with a slower frequency than when outputting synthesized information.
There is no need to use high-performance elements in the input/output circuit,
Furthermore, since there is no need to use a high-performance transmission line that responds to high frequencies, the cost of the circuit can be reduced and performance such as noise resistance can be improved. The control circuit diagram of the retention memory unit 2 will be explained with reference to FIG. The retention memory unit 2 is roughly divided into a memory section and a control section. Control unit microcomputer 75
is connected to the ROM 76, RAM 77, IO port 78, timer circuit 79, and serial communication circuit 80 by the CPU bus, and the operation of each part is the same as that of the reader part, and the IO port 78 is connected to each selector of the memory part. There is. The serial circuit 80 is designed so that it can be connected in parallel to the reader section and the printer section. The memory section is named memory A85 and memory B86, each consisting of dynamic RAM and the like in which image information for one A3 size sheet can be written. There are selectors 97 and 98 on the input line of the memory.
As a result, image signals generated as ternary signals consisting of two systems of signals, VD-A and VD-B, are written into the respective memories. Further, the image signal generated as a binary signal is written into one or both of memories A and B. The image signal selected by the selector 97 is written into the shift register 1A82 in synchronization with the video clock VCLK, and further written into the memory A85 in synchronization with the address signal from the address generation circuit 83. Further, the image signal selected by the selector 98 is similarly written into the memory B86 through the shift register 1B84. In this way, writing of two image signals is performed using a common video clock VCLK. Further, the address generation circuit 83 that specifies the address of the memory is connected to the video clock.
Synchronization is achieved with VCKS and video enable signal VES, and addresses of memories A and B are controlled together. When writing to memory, the address generation circuit 83
The selector 81 selects VCLK from among VCLK communicated from the outside (for example, a reader) together with the image signal and ICLK generated by the internal generation circuit 91 as the video clock VCKS input to the video clock VCKS. Further, the video enable signal VES input to the address generation circuit 83 is selected by the selector 88 from among the video enable signal VE communicated from the outside (for example, a reader) along with the image signal, and the IVE generated by the internal generation circuit 87. . Note that this address generation circuit 83 is also selected when reading images from memories A and B. Note that the start of writing and reading from memories A and B is outputted by the CPU 75 via the I/O port 78. The image information in the memories A, B85, 86 is read out according to the address signal from the address generation circuit 83, and the image information in the memories A, B85, 86 is read out according to the address signal from the address generation circuit 83,
After being stored in the internal generating circuit 91, it is output as serial data in synchronization with the common video clock ICLK generated by the internal generating circuit 91. At this time, selector 81 selects internal ICLK as video clock VCKS. The video enable generation circuit 87 is similar to the HSBD generation circuit in the reader section, and generates the video enable at the timing shown in FIG. The image signals generated serially from the memories A and B via the shift registers 2A and 2B are selected by selectors 92 and 93 to which of the two image signal lines A and B they are to be output. The OR circuits 94 and 95 perform an OR operation between the output of the selector 92 or 93 and the transparent image information that has passed through the transparent gate 99 and bypassed the memory, and outputs the result. Also, the output of both memories A and B,
Gate circuits 72 and 73 operate so as to take the OR of the three transparent image signals. In addition, the video clock is VCLK, which is communicated from the outside by the selector 96, depending on the operating mode, and the internal generator 9.
The ICLK generated at 1 is selected and output to the subsequent stage. As explained above, the retention memory unit is designed to have memory for the number of signal lines for multivalued image information, which is composed of a plurality of signal lines, and to store data therein, and also to permit writing to each memory separately. Therefore, only one of the memories can be used to store image information in black and white that does not require ternary expression such as format, so the memory for one page of ternary images can be stored in two. value image 2
It can also be used as a page's worth of memory, so the range of utilization of the memory unit can be expanded. In addition, it has a plurality of image information storage sections that store two systems of image information that form ternary information, and the output of each storage section can be output to any of the plurality of signal lines. By outputting a signal to only one side of the value signal line, the image reproduction capability is expanded, such as when the signal lines from the original are overlapped to obtain an excitingly faint reproduced image. In addition, in a system that communicates image information as multivalued information using multiple signal lines, the circuit for inputting and outputting image information can be simplified by communicating multiple systems of signals using a common image information synchronization signal. At the same time, it is also possible to reduce the cost by eliminating the signal line. Furthermore, in the retention memory unit, there are a number of memory units corresponding to the plurality of image information signal lines, and by configuring them so that they can be written and output using a common address generation circuit, a simple circuit can be used. It is possible to control multiple memory units. On the other hand, by making it possible for the retention memory unit to combine and output the image signal from the reading device and the image information already stored in the retention memory unit when outputting, image reproduction can be speeded up. Instead, it can improve the image control function. In addition, the retention memory unit operates in the same way as a printer when storing data, and operates in the same way as a reading device when outputting image signals. In addition, printers and multi-input multi-output devices can be operated without being aware of the differences between reading devices and retention memory units during image playback. This makes the development of these devices easier and the system easier to configure. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a multiple input multiple output device (hereinafter referred to as MIMOU).
MIMOU100 has three readers 101 to 10
3, and the reader 10 via eight printers 111 to 118 and a retention memory unit 148.
4 are connected, and the internal configuration is illustrated. MIMOU100 is a multi-input multi-output controller (Multi Input Multi Output Controller or below).
MIMOC) 120, printers 111 to 11
Synchronous Memory Board (hereinafter referred to as SBD) used in one-to-one correspondence with 8.
It is composed of three types of units: 121 to 128 and an operation section 147. The MIMOC 120 is a unit to which the readers 101 to 103 and the retention memory unit 148 are connected, and includes serial circuits 131 to 134 and printers 112 to 128 connected to the serial circuit 43 of each reader and retention memory unit.
It has a serial circuit 135 connected to. The operation of these circuits is controlled by the CPU 140. Note that the CPU 140 operates according to a control program written in the ROM 141, and has a RAM 142 connected to the CPU bus, an I/O port 143,
Interrupt controller 144, timer circuit 145
and using the key/display drive circuit 146
Controls the entire MIMOU 100. Further, as described above, since each unit has a common connection type, the retention memory unit can be connected to any terminal. From MIMOC120, the control bus
CB and image bus IB are output to SBDs 121-128. The image bus IB is a signal bus that collectively transmits image signals and control signals for the image signals sent from the readers 101 to 103 and the retention memory unit 148, respectively. The control bus CB is a serial signal between the printers 111 to 118 (the printers 111 to 118 are
This is a signal bus for communicating with the MIMOU 100 using serial signals generated by the serial circuit 135) and SBD control signals for the I/O port 143. In this embodiment, the reader issues the command to start copying, and the MIMOU 100 is in a slave relationship with the reader. For this reason, since it is not known when the serial signal will arrive from the reader or retention memory unit, MIMOU allocates one serial circuit to each image input section.
The configuration is such that the CPU 140 handles all serial signals. On the other hand, since the MIMOU 100 is in a master relationship with respect to printers, serial signals are exchanged sequentially for each printer, thereby making it possible to exchange serial signals with a plurality of printers using one serial circuit 135. The operation unit 147 is operated by a key/display drive circuit 146 to scan the key/matrix and drive the display. Details of the operation unit 147 will be described later. The SBDs 121 to 128 are used to synchronize the output of image signals sent from the reader or retention memory unit and the operation of the printer. This SBD will be further explained using FIG. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a specific example of the circuit configuration of the SBDs 121 to 128. In FIG. 5, a selector 150 is a switching circuit for selecting a reader control signal assigned to the CPU 140 from among image control signals sent from a plurality of readers or retention memory units. The selected control signal is
Write counter 151 and VE counter 152
It generates address signals for writing image signals into the memories 171 to 178 and select signals for memory writing. The selector 182 similarly selects the image signal VDA of the selected reader or retention memory unit.
This is a switching circuit for selecting VDB, and the selected image signals are inputted in parallel to memories 171 to 178, and are written and stored in the memory selected by selectors 161 to 168. In the write counter 151, the memory 171~
An address signal for writing the image signals VDA and VDB is generated in 178, and this address signal is input to selectors 161-168. The VE counter 152 counts the control signal line (VE signal) indicating one line of the image.
The count value is input to a decoder 153, which generates a write select signal indicating which of the eight memories 171-178 to write into, and input to selectors 161-168. These circuits are initialized by a control signal line (VSYNC signal) indicating the start of an image sent from a connected reader. Writing to memory is performed using memory 171, memory 172, memory 173.
...Memory 177, memory 178, memory 171...
This is done in order as follows. On the other hand, reading of image signals from the memories 171 to 178 starts when the image signals are written into half of the entire memory, that is, when they are written into the memory 174 in this embodiment. This read start control signal is generated by the decoder 153.
The signal is input to the BD control circuit 154. After being initialized with the VSYNC signal described above, the BD control circuit 154 outputs the BD signal (BD' signal) sent from the connected printer until the reading start control signal from the decoder 153 becomes high.
When the inhibition of the output of the BD′ signal is lifted,
The BD' signal drives the control circuit 158, and the read from the memory is performed by the memory 17 in the same way as when writing.
1, memory 172, memory 173...memory 17
7. Memory 178, memory 171, and so on. Oscillator circuit 155, control circuit 158, left margin counter 156 and bit counter 1
Reference numeral 57 corresponds to the oscillation circuit 66, control circuit 67, left margin counter 68, and bit counter 69 of the reader shown in the second figure, and has substantially the same functions. The difference is that from the control circuit 158
The difference is that a VE' signal similar to the VE signal is generated and input to the VE' counter 180. The VE' counter 180 counts the VE' signal, and the count value is input to the decoder 181, which generates a read select signal indicating which memory to read from, and selects the selectors 161 to 16.
8 respectively. Selectors 161-168 use signals from write counter 151 and decoder 153, or bit counter 157 and decoder 181, to control writing to and reading from memories 171-178. The image signals read out from the memories 171 to 178 are selected by a selector 185 to select only the image signals of the memory being read out, and are sent to the printer as VDA and VDB signals. Control bus CB is input to latch circuit 183, interface circuit 184 and control circuit 185. The latch circuit 183 is connected to the selectors 150 and 182.
latches the select control signal to This latch is performed when the control circuit 185 monitors the control bus signal and the value set by the deep switch 186 matches the SBD number specified on the control bus CB. Control between the MIMOC 120 and the SBD is thus performed by the values set by the deep switch 186. As mentioned above, each processing device is made into a unit, and retention memory units and multi-input/multi-output devices other than the reading device and printer are connected between the reading device and the printer, and can be connected or unconnected. Since the interface part is the same,
Operation is possible even if the connection order is different. Therefore, it is possible to configure a system that has a highly flexible system configuration and is easy for an operator to operate. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the printer. The explanation will be given using FIG. This printer can be connected to the reader directly or indirectly via the retention memory unit and MIMOU 100. Serial signal lines from the MIMOU 100, reader or retention memory unit are input to the serial circuit 201 and processed by the CPU 200.
The CPU 200 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM 203, and uses the RAM 204, timer circuit 202, and I/O port 205 to control the entire printer. The input interface 207 performs input processing of sensor signals such as paper detection in the printer.
The drive circuit 208 is a circuit for driving a motor, a high voltage transformer, etc. (not shown). Display circuit 2
06 is used to display the printer status such as no printing paper or occurrence of a jam. Sent from MIMOU100 or the reader
The VDA signal and VDB signal (image signal) are synthesized into three values (VD signal) by the synthesis circuit 217, and the laser
input to the driver 209 and the semiconductor laser 210
It is converted into laser light based on the VD signal. The laser beam is focused by a collimator lens 211, and scanned by a polygon mirror 212 in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of a photosensitive drum 214, which is rotated by a predetermined amount. The scanned laser beam is f-
The amount of light is corrected by the θ lens 213, and the light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 214 to form a latent image based on the VD signal. Image formation in printers uses a so-called electrostatic recording method, in which a necessary portion of the electrical charge applied to the photosensitive drum 214 is removed using a laser beam, and this is developed using a developer to be printed onto print paper. This is done by transferring and fixing. Since the electrostatic recording method is a well-known technique, detailed explanation will be omitted. Now, the laser beam scanned by the polygon mirror 212 is incident on the optical fiber 215 before being irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 214, and when the photodetector 216 detects the incident, an electric signal (BD
signal). As can be seen from Figure 6, the reader, retention memory unit or MIMOU
100, if the VD signal is output after waiting for the time from when the BD signal is generated until the laser beam reaches the photosensitive drum 214, a latent image will be formed at an appropriate position on the photosensitive drum 214. . The timing chart in FIG. 7 specifically shows the output timing of this VD signal. Although FIG. 7 shows an example where a reader is connected, the same applies even when a MIMOU or retention memory is connected. In FIG. 2b, the left margin counter 68 starts counting from the generation of the HSBD signal due to the generation of the BD signal, and when the count up corresponds to the above-mentioned time, the pit counter 69 is operated, and the memory 60, 61 or Reading of the VD signal from the memories 62 and 63 is started. The pit counter 69 outputs the VD signal over the image forming area of the photosensitive drum 214 and then stops its operation.
Prepare for the input of the HSBD signal based on the input of the next BD signal. The VE signal is a period signal indicating the period during which the bit counter 69 is operating. The VE signal is
It is used to control the operation of MIMOU, the operation of the VE counter 152, and the operation of the write counter 151.
In MIMOU, the control circuit 158 generates
The VE′ signal is also similar to the VE signal. FIG. 8 shows a timing chart of image signals in the image signal synthesis circuit 217 shown in FIG. Image signal synchronized with video clock (VCLK)
VDA and VDB will be sent to you. By alternately selecting VDA and VDB at twice the frequency of the video clock, the combining circuit 217 combines the two systems of image signals and outputs VDO. FIG. 9 shows an operation unit provided on a reader connected to the system in this embodiment. The operation section includes a standard operation section 252 and a preset operation section 25.
1. A special operation section 250 including a liquid crystal display section 256 and soft keys 257 is provided. Standard operation section 2
52 is equipped with a numeric keypad 254 for setting the number of copies, a set number display section 255, a copy start key 253, etc., and the method of use is the same as that of a commonly used copying machine. The special operation section 250 is for the user to create an arbitrary copy mode, and includes a liquid crystal display section 256 that can display labels corresponding to the soft keys, copy mode, data, and various messages, and a six-piece soft key 257. When the user wants to select the content displayed on the liquid crystal display section 256, a copy mode or the like can be created by pressing the soft key corresponding to the lower part of the display that the user wants to select. For example, a desired paper size can be selected from a plurality of paper sizes sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display using a soft key below the size display. Further, the liquid crystal display section 256 can also display information that cannot be displayed on the standard operation section 252, such as information such as how many printers are being used during copying using multiple printers simultaneously. . The preset operation section 251 is a standard operation section 252.
Copy modes (conditions) set using the special operation section 250 can also be registered. That is,
By pre-registering frequently used copy modes in the RAM 40 and reading the copy mode from the memory with a single key operation without using the special operation unit 250, it is possible to easily perform copying in the desired mode. be. There are two ways to connect each device: a reader is connected to a printer via a retention memory unit and a multi-input multi-output device, a reader is connected to a retention memory unit and a printer, and a reader is connected to a multi-input multi-output device and a printer. There are four methods of connection: connecting only a reader and a printer, and for this reason, the input section and output section of the system contents devices are each of the same type, and any connection is possible. Also,
This connection state is determined based on the application status, which will be described later. As mentioned above, the reader or retention memory unit and the multi-input multi-output device are connected via a serial circuit to which individual numbers are assigned. It is treated as a unique number for the reader via the .
As described above, the multiple input multiple output device and the printer or retention memory unit are connected via each synchronous memory board, so the multiple input multiple output device is connected to the deep switch 18 on the synchronous memory.
The value 6 is treated as a printer-specific number. When the reader is connected directly or indirectly to a multi-input/multi-output device via a retention memory unit and then connected to a printer, the reader can now select either single mode or multi-mode print mode. It's summery. Single mode is the same mode as when only the reader and printer are connected, and is a mode in which a multi-input multi-output device connects a printer with the same number as the unique number assigned to the reader.In this case, each status is a mode in which the reader receives information for each printer via a multiple-input multiple-output device. On the other hand, the multi-mode is a mode in which one reader can connect to a plurality of specific printers via a multiple-input multiple-output device, and the printers are specified using the operation unit of the reader. In addition, there is also a mode in which the printer specification is left to the multi-input multi-output device in the multi-mode, but in this case, the multi-input multi-output device selects the necessary number of printers that can operate according to the set number of prints. make it work. Further, for each status in the multi-mode, the multiple-input multiple-output device assembles information of each printer into a necessary format and transmits it to the reader. In the following, control when the reader and printer are directly connected one-to-one is the same as single-mode control using a multiple-input multiple-output device, so a system using a multiple-input multiple-output device and a retention memory unit will be described below. This section explains the communication. In addition, single and
The differences between the multi-modes will be explained in each case. By the way, there are four operating modes using the retention memory unit shown in FIG. That is,
For the first copy, the image signal from the reader is stored in the retention memory unit and at the same time the image is reproduced by the printer.From the second copy onwards, the image is reproduced by the output from the retention memory unit and multiple copies are made. Retention operation mode, overlay mode that combines pre-stored image information and output signals from the reader and reproduces the image on the printer, store mode that simply stores the reader's image signal in the retention memory unit, and retention mode. This is a monitor mode in which the image information already stored in the memory unit is output and the image is reproduced on the printer.These modes can be specified in the reader, and in any mode, the retention memory unit (RMU) ) operates according to instructions from the reader. The special operation section 2 of the reader is explained below using Fig. 10.
An example of setting the RMU (retention memory unit) mode in 50 will be explained. In Figure 10, 256 is a liquid crystal display, and 257 is six soft keys (hereinafter referred to as SK or SK1 to SK6).
It is. Displays corresponding to SK1 to SK6 are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 256. When the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 10, the liquid crystal display section 256 displays ETC (Etcetra) in a portion corresponding to the key SK6. Each time key SK6 is pressed, display section 2 corresponding to keys SK1 to SK5
The contents of 56 are changed in a circular manner, and the input mode can be changed or selected according to the configuration of the system. In other words, the reader receives a signal from the printer,
It determines what is connected to the system and allows the user to select an input mode according to the system configuration. If an RMU is connected to your system,
By pressing the key SK6 corresponding to "ETC", the selectable state of the RMU input mode is displayed. The state is shown in FIG. 10, and in this state, the RMU mode is selected by pressing the key SK2 corresponding to the display "RMU?". (If you do not select the RMU mode, press the key SK6 corresponding to the display "ETC" to change the display on the liquid crystal display section 256 and move to the next input mode.Also, if the RMU is not connected, The display shown in FIG. 10 2 is not displayed. When the display section 256 is in the state shown in FIG.
When SK2 is pressed, the RMU mode is selected and the display section 256 changes to a display as shown in FIG. 10.
Here, keys SK1 to SK4 each have a retention mode (high-speed retention using memory),
Overlay mode (overlaying memory and original),
Store mode (storing originals in memory) and monitor mode (sweeping from memory) are supported.
Incidentally, when the key SK6 corresponding to the display "BACK" is pressed, the display section 256 becomes the state shown in FIG. 10, and returns to the input mode for selecting the RMU mode again. In the display state of Fig. 10, the desired one is selected from the four modes of the RMU. For example, if the key SK1 corresponding to the display "Retention?" is pressed, the retention mode is selected. When selected, the display section corresponding to the key SK1 changes from "Retention?" to "Retention〓" as shown in FIG. 10. Here, the "?" mark indicates that the corresponding mode is not selected, and when the corresponding key SK is pressed, the "ⓓ" mark indicates that the mode has been selected. On the other hand, the "〓" mark indicates that the mode has already been selected. After selecting the retention mode, press the start key 253 after setting the number of copies using the numeric keypad 254, similar to the operation of a conventional copying machine. A predetermined number of images can be formed by reading the document once and reading the memory multiple times. At this time, read the data with the reader.
The selectors in the retention memory are operated so that the ternary information VDA and VDB of the system are written into the corresponding memories A and B, respectively. Next, in the RMU input mode, if the overlay mode is not selected (for example, when "Overlay?" is displayed as shown in Figure 10), press the key SK2 corresponding to the display "Overlay?" to select the overlay mode. You can choose. When the overlay mode is selected, the display section 256 displays the tenth
The display changes as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and then continues in the display state shown in FIG. 10, waiting for a key input. Here, a selection is made as to whether to superimpose the original image and the image stored in the two memories A and B of the retention memory unit. This corresponds to the selection of memory B, memory A/B, and memory A+B (details will be described later). The operator selects the memory to be superimposed using keys SK1 to SK4, and then presses the start key 253 with the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 254, thereby combining the document image currently being read and the retention memory unit. An overlay operation with the described image is performed a desired number of times. As in the case of the retention mode and the overlay mode, the store mode is selected by pressing the key SK3 corresponding to the display "Store?" while the store mode is not selected in the RMU input mode. At that time, the display section 256 displays
After passing through the state shown in FIG. 7, the system waits for the next key input in state 8. This is the selection of which memory in the retention memory unit the image information read by the reader is to be stored in. Keys SK1 to SK3 correspond to storing in memory A, memory B, and memories A and B, respectively. That is, by pressing the SK corresponding to the memory to be stored, the desired memory is selected. In addition, memory A or memory B
If either one is selected, the reader outputs the image as a binary signal. On the other hand, if memory AB is selected, it is output as a ternary signal. After selecting the memory, by pressing the start key 253, the original is stored in the memory. This is a preparatory operation for overlay mode and monitor mode. Similarly in the case of the monitor mode, if the key SK4 corresponding to the display "Monitor?" is pressed when the monitor mode is not selected in the RMU input mode, the monitor mode is selected and the display section 256 is pressed.
becomes as shown in FIG. 10 after passing through FIG. 9. and,
The system waits for input as to which memory in the retention memory unit should output the stored image information.
Keys SK1 to SK3 correspond to memory A, memory B, and outputs from memories A and B, respectively. In this manner, the operator presses the key SK corresponding to the memory to be outputted, sets the required number of copies using the numeric keypad 254, and presses the start key 253, thereby executing the monitor mode. In this way, when a retention memory unit is provided, the reader section can selectively execute four types of operations using the memory: retention mode, composition mode, store mode, and monitor mode. . In addition, if a retention memory unit is connected, it can be displayed on the operation panel of the reader, making it possible for the operator to see the connected units of the entire system at a glance. In addition, operability is improved by making it possible to specify a retention memory unit and instruct each operation request. Note that the multi-mode instruction described above is similar to the retention memory unit setting described above, in which the number of the printer connected to the special operation section 250 is displayed, and this printer number is selected using the soft keys. However, it is a patent application filed in 1986-63851.
Since it has been described in detail in , a detailed explanation will be omitted here. Table 14 describes the operations of the reader, multiple input/multi-output device, printer, and communication between the devices during the image forming operation (hereinafter referred to as copy operation) by this system. In the table, the operation in the reader and the operation of the reader are shown. "Communication between the reader and the retention memory unit""Operation of the retention memory unit""Communication between the retention memory unit and the multi-input multi-output device""Communication between the reader and the retention memory unit" The operation of the input/multiple output device, the communication between the multiple input/multi-output devices, and the operation of the printer are shown. In the implementation system, communication between each device (reader and retention memory unit, retention memory unit and multiple input multiple output device,
The exchange of information between multiple-input and multiple-output devices and printers is
Communication other than image information is mainly carried out by serial signal communication. Serial communication is controlled by the reader between the reader and the retention memory unit, by the retention memory unit between the retention memory unit and the multi-input multi-output device, and by the multi-input multi-output device between the multi-input multi-output device and the printer. have the right. The party with the initiative detects whether the other party can receive serial signals (based on the other party's power-on signal, receivable signal, etc.), and outputs various commands in serial code if communication is possible. The receiving side receives the above command, checks parity errors, etc., and if the command is valid, sends back information corresponding to the command (however, retention memory units may use different communication methods. This will be explained later). If the command requests some action on the receiving side, the corresponding action is performed. Communication is carried out in a one-to-one manner in which the party with the initiative outputs an instruction code (called a command), and the communication side always sends back information (called status) corresponding to that instruction code. Figure 11 shows the overall basic flow of RMU communication. Communication between the reader side unit and the printer side unit is performed by exchanging 8-bit commands and statuses. That is, commands are sent from the reader unit to the printer control unit (including multiple input/multiple output devices), and in response, the status is sent back from the printer unit to the reader unit. At this time, one status is always returned in response to one command, and the status is never sent before the command. First, the RMU inputs a command from the reader side (S101). It is determined whether this command is RMU instruction data in Table 13, which will be described later (S102).
If the input command is RMU instruction data, the RMU operation is started (S103), and the overall status shown in Table 3, which will be described later, is returned to the reader side (S104). (At this time, the command is not sent to the printer side (MIMOU).) If the input command is not RMU instruction data, the RMU determines whether it is necessary to send the command to the printer side. (S105), and if this is not necessary, the overall status is returned to the reader side (S104). On the other hand, if it is necessary to send the input command to the printer side, the same command is sent to the printer side (S106). When the printer side unit receives a command from the RMU, it returns the status according to the command within a certain period of time. When the RMU receives the status from the printer side (S107), it determines whether the returned status is the application status shown in Table 9 below (S108). If the status is not an application status, the status returned from the printer side is sent as is to the reader side (S110). On the other hand, if the status from the printer side is an application status, information on whether the RMU is connected to the system must be added to the application status. Therefore, if the status received from the printer side is an application status, the status is processed into the RMU connection state (S109), and then the status is returned to the printer side (S110). In this way, in response to a command from the reader side, the RMU transfers the command to the printer side or returns the overall status to the reader side.
When the status is returned from the printer side, the status is left as it is, or the status is processed and then returned to the reader side unit, which is repeated as one cycle. In this way, by using a communication method in which the information of each unit is encoded and communicated, and the memory unit takes in only the necessary information and passes other information through, it is possible to increase the speed of one exchange of information. At the same time, it becomes possible to simplify the communication protocol by having only the unit on the reading device side monitor the communication. The operation and communication of each part shown in Table 14 will be explained in detail below. Table 1 shows status request commands for requesting printer information. This is sent to the printer side unit via the retention memory unit. When the multiple-input multiple-output device or printer receives the status request command, it returns a status signal corresponding to each status request command shown in Tables 2 to 11 to the reader. Table 2 shows the command error status that is returned when the received command is invalid. Bit 6 is set in the case of a validity error. Table 3 shows the status of each reader's corresponding printer in single mode, and the overall status of available printers and printers in use in multimode. The print request, which is a paper feed enable signal, is set when all the printers in use become capable of paper feed. Bit 5, Paper conveyance, is set if any printer in use is conveying paper. Misprint, Waiting (fusing unit temperature rising), Pause (shut-off and power saving), Call error (operator call or serviceman call error) bits 4, 3,
2 and 1 are set when an error occurs in all printers in use. Tables 4 and 5 show orator call errors, respectively.
The details of the serviceman call error are shown, and the bit corresponding to each error in each drive unit or process unit is set when the error occurs. Table 6 shows the number of retransmission requests caused by jams and misprints. Tables 7 and 8 show paper sizes of printers that support the single mode. Table 9 shows the application status, which indicates to the reader whether or not the duplex unit and retention memory unit are connected, using bits 2 and 1. When the printer is directly connected to the reader, In this case, bit 2 (multiple unit present) is reset. Furthermore, when a retention memory unit is connected, bit 1 (retention memory unit present) is set. Table 10 shows the status of the printer as indicated by the printer information request status. Bit 6, Printer Ready, indicates that the corresponding printer is capable of copying, and bit 5, My Printer, indicates that the printer has the same number as the reader that requested information. Bits 4, 3, 2, and 1 indicate the respective cassette size. Table 11 shows the number of sheets fed in one copy. The final paper feed indicates that all the specified number of copies have been printed. Bit 5, ie, retransmission request, indicates that a jam or misprint has occurred in one of the printers in use, and a retransmission request for image information has occurred. The number of sheets is requested by a retransmission request number of sheets request. Table 12 shows the execution commands that prompt the printer to execute. If the execution command is output,
The MIMOU or printer and retention memory unit will return the overall status shown in Table 3. 1 is a copy start command that requests the printer to start copying, 2 is a printer stop command that requests the printer to stop copying, and 3 and 4 are paper feed instruction commands that instruct the paper feed cassette direction in single mode. 5 is a copy number instruction command, which indicates the number of copies of one document. Reference numeral 6 is a multi-instruction command, which sets the number of the printer to be used in the second byte corresponding to each bit of one byte (the first bit is for printer 1, the second bit is for printer 2). 7 is an instruction command indicating that the reader operates in single mode. 8 is a command for instructing the paper size, which is output from the reader in the multi-mode. 9 is a command indicating an instruction to the retention memory unit, which is output from the reader when the retention memory unit is set to be used in the reader. Table 13 specifically shows the instruction contents of the second byte of the retention memory unit instruction command 9 in Table 12. Bits 5 and 6 of the second byte indicate memory A in the retention memory unit. , B to be stored in, and bit 4 instructs to pass the image signal through without going through the memory. Bits 3 and 2 specify which memory A or B the image is to be output from. Therefore, in a normal copy operation, bit 4
In the retention mode, bit 4, the clear pass instruction bit, and bits 5 and 6, the memory instruction bits, are set. Further, in the store mode, storage instruction bits bit 6 and bit 5 are respectively set in accordance with instructions from the operation section. Furthermore, in the monitor mode, bits 2 and 3 are set respectively according to instructions from the operating section. In overlay mode, bit 4, the pass-through instruction bit, and bit 2 or bit 3, the image output bit, are set. Serial communication using each of the above-mentioned commands will be further explained below using the flowchart of FIG. 12. First, when the copy sequence is not being executed and there is no key input, the communication shown in FIG. 13 is performed before the communication shown in Table 14. Also, if you follow the flowchart shown in Figure 12 above,
Also selects the HSBD signal. First, the reader obtains information as to whether the MIMOU is connected by outputting an application status request command and inputting the application status (S16-1). Also, know the connection of the retentivity memory unit. After copy start check (S16-2), if MIMOU is connected, send printer information request command.
Outputs 8 times, which corresponds to the number of printers that can be connected to MIMOU, to see what printer number is ready to print, what number is the single mode printer, and what size of paper is in the upper/lower row of the printer. Obtain information on whether they have it (S16-4,
5). Also, when MIMOU is not connected, it is a standalone type, and the reader and printer are connected.
Since this is a case where the cassettes are connected directly without going through MIMOU, the upper/lower cassette size can be determined from the output of the upper cassette status request command and lower cassette status request command in Table 1 (S16
-6). After obtaining the paper size information and the like when the MIMOU is connected or not connected, the overall status is obtained using the overall status request command shown in Table 1 (S16-7). However, since the copy sequence is not yet being executed at this stage, it is only determined whether or not there is a call error based on the overall status (S16-8). If there is no call error, the process returns to S16-1 to request the application status and repeats these steps. If there is a call error, use the serviceman call error request command in Table 1 to obtain detailed information about the serviceman call error (S16-
9). Furthermore, the details of the operator call error are obtained using the operator call error request command shown in Table 1 (S16-10). Then again (S16-1)
Return to and repeat the same steps below. In this way, communication before the normal sequence is performed and copy start check (S16-2) is performed.
When the copy start key is pressed, the operations shown in Table 14 are executed. Next, the communication operation during the copy sequence will be explained with reference to Table 14. The copy operation in RMU operation mode is
As shown in the table, first, in the reader, RMU
An operation instruction is given, and the RMU starts one of the retention operation, overlay operation, store operation, and monitor operation according to the instruction. The copy operation in multi-mode when the RMU is connected to the MIMOU will be explained below. First, when the operator inputs image forming conditions such as paper size and number of copies (one copy in store mode) from the operation panel in the reader and presses the copy key, the reader selects the paper size, Send the printer number and number of sheets to the printer side (RMU). The paper size is imported into RMU and then transferred to MIMOU. The printer number is transferred as is to MIMOU.
After receiving the paper size, printer number, and number of sheets, MIMOU checks each printer connected to MIMOU (however, in the printer specification mode, only the specified printer), and selects printers that can copy and have the specified paper size. Calculate the number of printers. Furthermore, the number of copies is checked and the number of required printers is calculated. Once the required number of printers has been calculated, a cassette stage with the required paper size is specified for each corresponding printer by communicating with the printer. After instructing the paper size, printer number, and number of copies, the reader sends a copy start command to the printer side. When the RMU receives a copy start command, it prepares to move to a copy operation if it is not a store operation, and also sends a copy start command.
Transfer to MIMOU. When the MIMOU receives the copy start command, it transmits the copy start command to each printer for which the paper size cassette command has been completed. When each printer receives the copy start signal, each printer starts operating each part of the printer, and if it becomes possible to receive an image signal according to the conditions of each printer, each sends a signal indicating that paper feeding is possible to the MIMOU. The MIMOU waits until all the printers required for printing have sent paper feed enable signals, and after all the printers are ready to feed paper, it transmits a signal indicating the paper feed enable signal to the reader through the RMU. The above applies to cases other than store operations, but in the case of store operations, the RMU directly sends the copy start signal to the reader without transmitting the signal to the printer side (MIMOU) after receiving the copy start signal from the reader. Sends a signal indicating that paper can be fed. In cases other than store operations, the reader sends a paper feed start signal to the printer side (RMU) after receiving the paper feed enable signal. The paper feed start signal is sent from the reader to the MIMOU via the RMU. MIMOU transfers the paper feed start signal sent from RMU to the necessary printer. In cases other than the second and subsequent sheets in the monitor operation and retention operation, the reader reads the image after receiving the paper feed start signal, and sends the image signal to the printer side (RMU). The RMU controls image signals through each RMU operation. That is, in the case of the first copy in the retention operation, the image signal is stored in the memory of the retention memory unit, and at the same time,
Sent to the printer side (MIMOU). On the other hand, in the case of the second and subsequent images in retention operation and in the case of monitor operation, there is no image signal from the reader side.
The RMU sends the data from the memory as an image signal to the printer side (MIMOU). In addition, in the case of overlay operation, the image signal from the reader and the signal from the memory are synchronized and combined and then sent to the printer side (MIMOU) as an image signal. However, in the case of a store operation, the image signal is only stored in the memory and is not sent to the printer side (MIMOU). In cases other than store operations, when the copy is completed, MIMOU sends the number of copies made in one operation to the reader via RMU, and also sends the number of copies made in one operation to the reader until the number of copies initially instructed by the reader is reached. If all the copies have been completed, the reader side is first notified of the completion of copying by communication.
However, if all the copies have not been completed, the copy start signal is sent again to the required number of printers and waits until all the printers are ready to receive images. When the reader receives the number of copies from MIMOU via RMU, it counts down the number of copies displayed. Then, the next time a feeding enable signal is received from the MIMOU, reading of the same document is started again. The reader continues this operation until it receives an instruction signal to end the final copy. However, in the case of store operation, the number of copies is set to 1 as described above, and the image signal is sent from the RMU.
Not sent to MIMOU, not via MIMOU,
A final copy end signal is sent directly from the RMU to the reader. When the reader receives the final copy completion, it transmits a signal indicating printer stop to the MIMOU via the RMU. When MIMOU receives a printer stop signal, it sends a printer stop signal to all printers in use. When the printer receives the printer stop message, it stops the operation of each working part of the printer. Figure 14 shows the flow of multi-mode reader operation using MIMOU and RMU. First, when the copy key is pressed by the operator, the reader issues an RMU operation instruction (S10) to the RMU.
-1), paper size instruction (S10-2), printer number instruction (S10-3), number of copies instruction (S10-4)
and perform the initial settings necessary for the copy operation. Also, for RMU, set the binarization circuit to output binary values when writing to only one side of memory A or memory B (S10-25, 10-26).
On the other hand, when writing to both memories A and B, three values are output (S10-27). Next, the reader issues a copy start instruction to the printer side (RMU) (S10-5).
Furthermore, the reader determines whether it is in RMU monitor mode (S10-6). If the printer is not in the RMU monitor mode and the printer is ready to feed paper (S10-7), it instructs the printer (RMU) to start feeding paper (S10-8), and starts timer 1 (S10-7). 9), waits for a certain period of time until the timer 1 times out (S10-10), starts scanning the optical system (S10-11), and starts reading the document (S10-12). After waiting until the reading is completed (S10-13), the number of copies sent from the printer is read (S10-04). On the other hand, in the RMU monitor mode, after inputting the paper feeding enable signal (S10-20), transmitting the paper feeding start signal (S10-21), and starting timer 2 (S10-22). , after the timer has expired after a certain period of time (S10-23), the number of copies sent from the printer is captured (S10-14). Next, the reader determines whether it is in the RMU store mode (S10-15), and if it is in the RMU store mode, it sends a printer stop signal to the printer and ends the copy operation (S10-15).
twenty four). If it is not the RMU store mode, the set number of copies is counted down based on the number of copies sent from the printer side (S10-16). After that, the reader checks the flag indicating whether the final copy has been completed (S10-17) to know that the copy has been completed, and if the final copy has been completed, it sends a printer stop message to the printer and ends the copy operation. (S10-24). If the final copy has not finished, the copy operation is repeated until it is finished, but first
RMU retention mode (S10−18) and RMU
After the monitor mode (S10-19) has been determined, the process returns to the same flow as the first monitor mode copy (S10-20) and waits for the RMU to flush out the memory.
In other cases, the flow returns to the flow of copying the first copy in a mode other than the RMU monitor mode (S10-7), and optical system scanning is performed. As mentioned above, when storing the output of the reading device in the retention memory unit, if only memory A or B is specified, the reading device automatically outputs binary data to avoid missing image information. It has become possible to configure a system that is easy to operate without requiring the operator to be aware of it. In addition, retention mode and operator
and B are both selected, the leader
It automatically outputs the value. Furthermore, by managing the output from the memory unit with a reading device, the operator can know the number of reproduced images, and the processing load on the memory unit, etc. can be reduced. FIG. 15 shows the operation of the MIMOU microcomputer during the image forming operation shown in Table 14. However, in the case of multi mode, it starts from S11-1, and in the case of single mode, it starts from S11-7. In the case of multi-mode, when the paper size and printer number instructions are received from the reader via communication, the paper size of each printer is checked (S11-1, S11-2). In this case, in printer specification mode, only the specified printer is checked, and in non-specification mode, all printers are checked. In this system, MIMOU and printer are always connected.
Each piece of information is exchanged through communication, and the information is stored in a RAM (random access memory), so by checking the information it is possible to determine the presence or absence of paper size. The paper sizes of all available printers are checked, and if none of the printers has the designated paper, a paper out message is sent to the reader (S11-3, S11-4). If a printer with the required paper size is connected, the number of copies is received (S11-5). The number of received copies and the number of printers with the required paper size are compared to calculate the required number of printers (S11-6). When the copy start command is received from the reader, each printer corresponding to the calculated number of printers is instructed to start the copy operation (S11-7, S11-
8). However, in single mode, a specific printer is instructed to start copying. When each printer starts a copy operation and becomes capable of receiving image signals, and all printers that have received this notification from each printer and instructed the copy operation are able to receive image signals, they send a message indicating that they can receive image signals to the reader ( S11-9, S11-10). The received image signals are simultaneously sent to each printer without going through a microcomputer. A copying operation is performed in each printer, and the MIMOU detects whether a copying error due to an error occurs in each printer, calculates the number of copies, and sends it to the reader (S11-12, S11-13, S11-14). However, in single mode, the copy operation is repeated until a printer stop signal is received (S11-16). Also, it compares the number of copies received from the reader at the time of copying start, and if the number of copies does not reach the specified number, calculates the required number again and restarts the copying process (S11-17,
S11−18). When the specified number of copies have been completed, final copy completion information is sent to the reader, and when printer stop is received, printer stop is sent to all printers and the series of operations is completed (S11-19, S11
−20, S11−21). FIG. 16 shows the operation of the microcomputer of the printer during the image forming operation shown in Table 14. When the copy start signal is received from MIMOU, the printer starts operating each part according to a predetermined sequence (S12-2). Since this system uses an electrostatic recording printer using a drum as mentioned above,
Requires pre-treatment such as drum charging. Therefore, it waits until the preprocessing is completed and paper can be fed, and if it becomes possible, it starts feeding paper from the cassette instructed by MIMOU before starting copying (S12-3,
S12-4). It waits until the fed paper reaches a position where image signals can be received (S12-5), and when it reaches the position, it outputs a signal indicating that it is possible to receive image signals to MIMOU (S12-6). Once the image signal is input, it is developed, transferred to paper,
A series of copying operations such as ejecting paper from the printer are performed (S12-7, S12-8). Then, it is detected whether an error has occurred in the series of copy operations, and the information is sent to the MIMOU (S12-9, S12-10). Thereafter, when a printer stop message is received, each part of the printer is stopped to complete a series of copying operations (S12-11, S12-13), and when a copy start message is received, the next copy is started (S12-12). FIGS. 14a to 14f are flowcharts showing the flow of RMU operation. The RMU controls the video signal while changing the on/off state of the video signal gate and the selector state of the selector depending on the mode. That is, selectors 97 and 98 are connected between the two input signals VDA and VDB and the two memories A and B.
Then, the signal VDA is routed to memory A, the signal VDA is routed to memory B, the signal VDB is routed to memory A, and the signal VDB is routed to memory B.
There are also two memories A and B and two output video signals.
There are selectors 92, 93 and gates 72, 73 between memory A and VDA.
to, memory A to VDB, memory B to VDA
Then, four output paths from memory B to VDB are selected. Furthermore, input VDA and output VDA,
There is a signal line for a transparent gate that directly connects the input VDB and the output VDB without passing through memory A or B, and the RMU has four selectors 92, 93, 97 and 98 of the image line, and gates 72, 7.
By controlling the state No. 3, the input/output path of the video signal is controlled. FIG. 17a is a flowchart regarding selection of four modes in RMU operation. The command received from the reader side is
If it is RMU instruction data, RMU operation is started according to that data (Figure 11).
S103). The RMU operation is divided into four operations: (S111), retention (S112), overlay (S113), store (S114), and motor (S115), depending on the RMU instruction data received from the reader side unit. FIG. 17b shows the flow of operation in retention mode. The RMU starts the retention operation when the number of sheets is specified (S116) and the start key is input (S117) after receiving the operator's designation of the retention operation based on the key difference of the operating section. After the start key is input, RMU
It is determined whether MIMOU is included in the system (S118), and the horizontal synchronization signal HSBD is selected accordingly. In other words, if MIMOU is incorporated in the system, the BD signal sent from the reader side is used as the horizontal synchronization signal (S119), whereas if MIMOU is not incorporated in the system, the RMU itself is generated. H.S.
Set the signal as a horizontal synchronization signal (S120). In the retention operation, the image signal obtained by reading the original image during image formation on the first sheet is output to the printer side (MIMOU) bypassing the memory, and is also stored in the retention memory. For subsequent image formation, a high-speed retention operation is performed without reading the document by sweeping out the data stored in the memory during image formation of the first sheet. First, it is determined whether or not it is the first copy (S121), and if it is the first copy, the transparent gate 99 is turned on to pass the read image through, and the selectors 97 and 98 are operated. ,
Input signals VDA and VDB are respectively memory A
(MA) and set to be stored in memory B (MB) (S122), image passing through (S123) and memory storage (S124) are performed simultaneously. On the other hand, in the case of copying the second or subsequent sheets, operate selectors 92 and 93 to output the output of memory A (MA) to the output VDA and the output of memory B (MB).
Set to be VDB (S125), memory A and B
The data swept out is output (S126) and retention is performed. Image output from the memory is repeated until the end number of images is reached (S127). As described above, when operating in retention mode, the reading device performs the reading operation only once regardless of the set number of sheets, thereby configuring a system that is easy for the operator to operate. became possible. Figures 14c and 14d show the flow of operations in the overlay mode. The RMU selects the memory (S128) and specifies the number of sheets (S129) after receiving the overlay operation specification by the user's operation key input.
When a star key input (S130) is made, an overlay operation is started. Memory selection (S128)
is the designation of which memory to superimpose the image obtained by scanning the original and the image read from which memory. Overlay of 2 pages of images),
Memory A + B (2 each for original image and memory A and B)
This is a selection of a total of three pages of overlay of two pages of images stored as value information. Similar to the retention operation, after inputting the start key, the RMU determines whether the MIMOU is incorporated into the system (S131), and selects a horizontal synchronization signal accordingly. In other words, if MIMOU is built into the system, it is sent from the reader side.
BD is used as a horizontal synchronization signal (S132), and if MIMOU is not incorporated in the system, HS is used as a horizontal synchronization signal (S133). This operation is similar to that in retention mode. Furthermore, the RMU sets each selector according to the memory selection. First, in order to pass the document image information to be read directly to the printer side without going through the memory, the pass gate 99 is turned on (S134), and then the desired video is selected from the memory according to the contents of the memory selection (S128). Selectors 92 and 93 are set for output. Determining whether memory A is selected (including memory AB and memory A+B selection) (S135)
and if selected, memory A
The selector 92 is operated to set the image of (MA) as VDA (S136). If it is not selected, the selector 92 is set so that the image in memory B (MB) is set as VDA (S137). Similarly, check whether memory B is selected (memory AB,
including memory A+B selection) (S138)
If selected, memory B
Set the selector 93 so that the image of (MB) is set as VDB (S139), and if it is not selected,
The selector 93 is set so that the image in memory A (MA) is VDB (S140). Next, it is determined whether memory A+B is selected (S141), and if selected, selectors 92 and 93 are further operated to transfer the image of memory A (MA) to VDB and memory B. (MB) image to be output to VDA (S142). That is, if A+B is selected,
All the operations in S136, S139 and S142 are performed, and the original image and the images in the two memories are combined to form a three-page overlay (S142). After the setting of each gate is completed, the RMU performs an overlay operation by synchronizing and simultaneously outputting the document passing data and the sweep data from the selected memory (S143). Image output is repeated until the end number of images is reached (S144). FIG. 17e shows the flow of operation in store mode. After receiving the designation of the store operation through the user's operation unit key input, the RMU starts the store operation through memory selection (S145) and start key input (S146). Memory selection (S145)
is a selection of memory A, memory B, or memory AB by specifying which memory the original is to be stored in. After inputting the start key, the RMU
After selecting the HS signal generated within the camera as the horizontal synchronizing signal for the image (S147), it is selected whether to store the data in the memory. First, check whether memory A is selected (memory
(including AB selection) (S148), and if selected, operates the selector 97,
Set so that VDA is stored in memory A (MA) (S149). Similarly, it is determined whether memory B is selected (including memory AB selection) (S150), and if selected, selector 9
8 to set the VDB to be stored in memory B (MB). (S151) After gate selection, RMU stores image data in memory. FIG. 17f shows the flow of monitor mode operation. After receiving the designation of the monitor operation by the user's operation key input, the RMU starts the monitor operation by selecting the memory (S153), specifying the number of sheets (S154), and inputting the start key (S155). Memory selection (S153) is a selection of which memory the original is to be stored in, and includes memory A, memory B, and memory AB. After the start key is input, the RMU
It is determined whether MIMOU is installed in the system (S156), and MIMOU is installed in the system.
If it is installed, select the HS signal generated from inside the RMU as the horizontal synchronization signal.
If a MIMOU is not installed in the system, the BD signal generated by the leader unit is selected as the horizontal synchronization signal. The RMU determines whether memory A is selected (S159), and if it is selected, operates the selector 92 to display the image in memory A (MA).
Output as VDA (S160). On the other hand, if it has not been selected, the selector 92 is operated to output the image in memory B (MB) as VDA (S161). Next, it is determined whether memory B is selected (S162), and if it is selected, the selector 93 is operated to transfer the image in memory B (MB).
Set to output as VDB (S163).
In addition, if it is not selected, the selector 93
is operated to output the image in memory A (MA) as a VDB (S164). After setting the state of each selector, the RMU outputs image data from the memory (S165), and repeats the output until the end number of sheets is reached (S166). As explained above, in an image processing system that forms an image according to an image signal output from an image output unit such as an image reading device, by providing an image information storage unit, the efficiency of the copying operation is improved. Further, it is possible to provide an image processing system that can form a plurality of images simultaneously and is easy to operate for an operator. <Effects of the Invention> According to the present invention, it is not necessary to have two document reading means or a large amount of image memory in order to synthesize two images, and furthermore, it is not necessary to have two original reading means or a large amount of image memory in order to combine two images. Since composite recording can be performed using desired screens, multiple images can be obtained by freely combining multiple screens with a simple configuration.

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【table】 [Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 is an external view of an image processing system to which the present invention is applied, Figures 2a and b are internal configuration diagrams of a reader, Figure 3 is an internal configuration diagram of a retention memory unit (RMU), and Figure 4 is a multi-purpose image processing system. Figure 5 is an internal configuration diagram of the input multiple output device (MIMOU), Figure 5 is an internal configuration diagram of the synchronous memory board (SBD), Figure 6 is an internal configuration diagram of the printer, Figure 7 is a timing chart regarding image signals, and Figure 8 is a diagram of the internal configuration of the printer. The figure is a timing chart regarding the synthesis of two systems of image signals, Figure 9 is an external view of the operation section of the reader, Figure 10 is a diagram showing the display state of the operation section, and Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the communication operation of the RMU. 12 is a flowchart regarding reader timing signal selection, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing reader communication operation, and 14th is a flowchart showing reader communication operation.
Figure 15 is a flowchart of the reader's image reading operation, Figure 15 is a flowchart of the MIMOU operation procedure, Figure 16 is a flowchart of the printer's operation procedure, and Figures 17a-f are RMU
1 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure for each operation mode, 1 is a reader, 2 is an RMU, 3 is a
MIMOU, 4 and 5 are printers, 85 and 86 are memories, and 92, 93, 97 and 98 are selectors.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Original reading means that reads an original image and generates an image signal; Storage means that stores image information read by the original reading means for a plurality of screens; and the storage means from the original reading means. supplying means for supplying image information obtained by combining image information stored in the storage means with image information stored in the storage means; instruction means for instructing a plurality of image forming operations by the image forming means; repeatedly operating the document reading means based on instructions from the instruction means and reading image information of a desired screen selected by the instruction means from the storage means; An image processing apparatus comprising: a control means for controlling the supply means so as to cause the supply means to be read repeatedly.