JPH06187485A - Image comparator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a image comparator for automatically scoring test papers or the like by providing a means to recognize image information as characters and patterns and a means to compare it with a previously stored comparative object. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with an original reading means to scan an original, to read it and to output the result as the image information, character recognition part 833 to recognize the image information of the reading means as the characters and patterns, character comparison part 836 to compare the recognized result of the character recognition part 833 with the previously stored comparative object, image comparison part 838, and LCD touch panel to show the results of the image character comparison part 836 and the image code comparison part 838. Since a previously stored image is compared with the read image by the comparison parts 836 and 838 and the result is displayed (printed out), test papers or the like can be automatically scored.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image comparison device such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, copying machines have been used only for copying originals, but in recent years, many multifunctional machines have functions such as a facsimile and a printer. In addition, the character on the image can be identified by the character recognition.
Some of them are equipped with the I function, and it has become possible to use them for various purposes.

[0003]

By applying the above-mentioned character recognition technology, it is possible to collate the characters of two images. For example, a job such as scoring a test answer in school or communication correction is performed by an OA device. In many cases, it is still done by humans. Moreover, the simpler the content of the answer (the content of collation of characters), the simpler the work and the more labor and fatigue. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and recognizes and compares characters and patterns on two input images, and displays (prints out) the results to perform tasks such as scoring tests. An object of the present invention is to provide an image comparison device that performs automatically.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 scans and reads an original,
Document reading means for outputting as image information, recognizing means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns, comparing means for comparing the recognition result by the recognizing means with the stored comparison object, and the comparing And a means for indicating the result of the means.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns. And a comparison means for comparing the recognition result by the recognition means with the stored comparison target, a designation means for designating a predetermined area of the document, and a means for indicating the result by the comparison means, The recognizing means is configured as a second means for recognizing only the designated area of the document and showing the result of the comparing means for each character and pattern in the area.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns. And a comparison means for comparing the recognition result by the recognition means with the stored comparison target, a designation means for designating a predetermined area of the document, and a means for indicating the result by the comparison means, The recognizing means is configured as a third means for recognizing each of a plurality of designated areas of the document and showing the result of the comparing means for each area.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns. And a comparing means for comparing the recognition result by the recognizing means with the stored comparison object, a specifying means for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas of the document, and a means for indicating the result by the comparing means. The fourth means is configured to store the comparison object to be stored by the document reading means and the recognition means.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns. And a comparing means for comparing the recognition result by the recognizing means with the stored comparison object, a specifying means for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas of the document, and a means for indicating the result by the comparing means. The fifth means for storing the comparison target to be stored by the document reading means and the recognition means and printing the recognized and stored data on a sheet.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 6 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns. And a comparing means for comparing the recognition result by the recognizing means with the stored comparison object, a specifying means for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas of the document, and a means for indicating the result by the comparing means. The document reading means and the recognizing means are stored in the sixth means so that the unrecognized result can be confirmed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns. A recognition result by the recognition means, a storage means for storing a plurality of comparison objects, a determination means for determining a comparison object to be compared, a comparison means for comparing the stored comparison objects, and a predetermined document. The seventh means has a designating means for designating a plurality of areas and a means for showing a result of the comparing means, and is configured as a seventh means for comparing with a comparison target determined from a plurality of comparison targets.

To achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 8 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern. A recognition result by the recognition means, a storage means for storing a plurality of comparison objects, a determination means for determining a comparison object to be compared, a comparison means for comparing the stored comparison objects, and a predetermined document. A specifying means for specifying a plurality of areas, a common area specifying means for specifying an area common to a plurality of comparison targets,
Means for indicating the result by the comparison means, and determining the non-common comparison target based on the result recognized in the common area, and performing the comparison processing of the non-common comparison target by the comparison means. Configured.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 is the eighth means, in which the comparison processing is not executed when the comparison target cannot be determined in the common area. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 10 is the tenth means for notifying that there is no comparison target when the comparison target cannot be determined in the common area in the eighth means. Configured.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 11 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns. A recognition result by the recognition means, a storage means for storing a comparison target, and a comparison means for comparing the stored comparison target;
When the image information is compared in a certain area, it has a specifying means for specifying a plurality of predetermined areas of the manuscript and a means for indicating the result by the comparing means It is configured as an eleventh means for judging that they match.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 12 is a document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns. A recognition result by the recognition means, a storage means for storing a comparison target, and a comparison means for comparing the stored comparison target;
It has a designating means for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document and a means for showing the result by the comparing means, and when the image information is recognized as blank in a certain area, it is determined whether the comparison target is blank. 12th, I tried to compare if both are blank
It is configured as means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 13 is the first means, in which the calculating means for counting the result of the comparison, the comparison result,
It is configured as a thirteenth means having a means for indicating the counting result by the arithmetic means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that, in the eleventh means, a predetermined pattern corresponding to a comparison result by the comparing means and a value of a count result from the calculating means are printed. It is configured as a fourteenth means having a pattern generating means for generating a pattern for carrying out the pattern and a printing means for printing the pattern.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 15 is the eleventh means, wherein the operator has an input means for inputting additional information, and the additional information is stored in the data storage means at the time of storage. Is stored in the storage means, and the calculation means is configured as a fifteenth means for selecting the calculation data according to the additional information.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 16 is, in the eleventh or twelfth means, provided with comment input means for inputting an arbitrary comment of an operator, and depending on the count result. The 16th means for selecting a comment and adding the above comment to the comparison result and printing it is constituted.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that, in the first or twelfth means, a paper post-processing means for sorting the printed paper is provided, and the paper is processed according to the discrimination code. It is configured as a seventeenth means for sorting.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that, in the means of the first or 11 or 12, the paper post-processing means for sorting the paper after printing is provided, and the count number of the comparison result. According to the eighteenth means, ranking is performed according to the above, and sorting is performed according to the above rank.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 19 is the means of the first, 11 or 12 described above, further comprising a paper post-processing means for sorting the paper after printing, and according to the ID number. It is configured as a nineteenth means for sorting sheets.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention as set forth in claim 20 scans an original and reads it, and image information is written in characters,
In an image comparison device for recognizing as a pattern and comparing the recognition result with the contents stored in advance, a twentieth means having a facsimile transmission means for transmitting the image information after the comparison processing to the telephone line is provided. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 21 is, in the eighteenth means, a printing means for printing according to the inputted image information, and an operator printing the comparison result. , A selector having an output selecting means for selecting and inputting whether to perform facsimile transmission and a selector for sending the image information after comparison to either the printing means or the facsimile transmitting means, depending on the output selecting means.
It is configured as means.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 22 scans and reads an original, and the image information is written in a character,
In the image comparison device for recognizing as a pattern and comparing the recognition result with the contents stored in advance, the image comparison device has a facsimile receiving means for receiving the image information from the telephone line, and the image information received by the facsimile is a character, It is configured as a 22nd means which is recognized as a pattern and is compared with the contents stored in advance.

[0026]

By the first means, the image stored in advance can be compared with the read image, and the simple operation which has been troublesome in the past can be realized in a short time.

By enabling the partial comparison by the second means, only necessary items can be compared.

By the third means, the comparison result is displayed separately for each part, so that the totalized result can be obtained for each area.

By the fourth means, the data to be compared can be read from the image data without inputting the data and the data can be easily input.

By making it possible to confirm the inputted data by the fifth means, it is possible to surely input the data. Further, since the input data can be printed out, the confirmation work can be realized in a short time.

By the above-mentioned sixth means, it is possible to accurately point out an operation error at the time of reading the image by notifying that the recognition is not possible or that the user is out of the area, and it is possible to assist the normal reading.

The seventh means makes it possible to store a plurality of comparison objects, enable comparison of several kinds of data, and eliminate the necessity of resetting each time when used.

By the eighth means, the data described in the image is used for identification, so that the judgment can be automatically made without setting the comparison target. Further, it is possible to randomly compare a plurality of comparison targets.

By the ninth means, when the comparison target cannot be recognized, it is useless to make an incorrect comparison, and the efficiency of the execution time is improved.

With the tenth means, it is possible to realize a countermeasure in a short period of time by notifying that there is no comparison target. In addition, a mistake in selecting the read image can be seen.

By the eleventh means, it is possible to make a reliable comparison by confirming that they match, including the number of characters.

By the above-mentioned twelfth means, the blank is judged separately from the normal character, so that it becomes easy to judge whether it is a blank or something like a mark sheet.

When the answer sheet or the like is scored by the thirteenth means, a function of showing a score result, a function of entering a correct answer from a simple mark with a mark, a score, and the like are shown. Aggregation process (for example, overall average score,
Maximum point, minimum point, deviation amount) is possible.

By the above-mentioned fourteenth means, it is possible to add XX and the like and print the score to the totaling function. Therefore, how much the manuscript is different from the model or the correct answer, and what is the correct answer rate? Etc. can be clarified.

In the case of scoring by the fifteenth means, for any arbitrary part (area to be scored),
Although there are cases where it is desired to set points, etc., it becomes possible to perform those settings and arithmetic processing.

When the manuscript is scored by the sixteenth means, an arbitrary comment can be added, so that the difference can be further clarified.

By means of the seventeenth means, the answer sheets can be sorted by type (subject) and post-processing can be automated.

By the eighteenth means, the scores can be sorted, so that the pass / fail can be sorted, and the post-processing can be automated.

By the above-mentioned nineteenth means, sorting by individual (ID) can be carried out, and post-processing can be automated.

By the twentieth means, in addition to the recognition and comparison of characters, by providing a facsimile transmission function, the comparison result can be transmitted by facsimile without making a hard copy, so that paper consumption and operation can be reduced. You can reduce the effort.

According to the twenty-first means,
The operator can select whether to print the comparison result or send it by facsimile according to the purpose.

In addition to the recognition and comparison of characters by the twenty-second means, a facsimile reception function is provided so that an image received by facsimile can be compared with a previously stored image without being printed out on paper. It is possible to reduce the consumption of paper and labor of operation.

[0048]

EXAMPLE A digital copying machine embodying the present invention,
A description will be given with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the entire digital copying machine, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are a plan view and a side view of a writing section in the digital copying machine.

First, the schematic structure of the digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the digital copying machine includes a copying machine body (I) and an automatic document feeder [ADF].
(II), a sorter with a stapler, a sorter stapler (III), and a double-sided reversing unit (IV).

A. Copying Machine Main Body (I) The copying machine main body (I) includes a scanner unit, a writing unit, a photoconductor unit, a developing unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like. Next, the configuration and operation of each unit will be described.

[About Scanner] Reflector 1 and Light Source 3
And a first mirror 2 to move at a constant speed, and a second mirror 4 and a third mirror 5 to provide a first scanner at half the speed of the first scanner. It has a second scanner that moves following the. An original document (not shown) on the contact glass 9 is optically scanned by the first scanner and the second scanner, and the reflected image is guided to the lens 7 through the color filter 6 and then on the one-dimensional solid-state image sensor 8. Image.

As the light source 3, a fluorescent lamp or a halogen lamp is used. In this embodiment, one light source 3
The reflector 1 is attached to the
May be used. Since the solid-state image sensor 8 has a constant sampling clock, the fluorescent lamp will adversely affect the image unless it is lit at a higher frequency.

Generally, the solid-state image pickup device 8 is C
CD is used. Since the image signal read by the solid-state image sensor 8 is an analog value, it is analog / digital (A / D) converted, and various image processings (binarization, multi-value conversion, gradation processing, Magnification processing, editing processing, etc.) is performed and converted into a digital signal as a set of spots.

In order to obtain color image information, in the present embodiment, a color filter 6 which transmits only information of a required color is arranged so that it can be taken in and out in the optical path guided from the original to the solid-state image pickup device 8. Color filter 6 according to the scanning of the document
It is possible to create a wide variety of copies by taking out and putting in and out, and each time, functions such as multiple transfer and double-sided copy are activated.

In addition, a color original may be read using a 3-line CCD or the like in order to obtain three pieces of RGB information at the same time.

[Regarding Writing Unit] The image information after image processing is written on the photosensitive drum 40 in the form of a set of light spots by raster scanning of laser light in the optical writing unit.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 20 is converted into a parallel light flux by the collimator lens 21 and shaped into a constant light flux by the aperture 32. The shaped laser light enters the polygon mirror 24 in a form compressed by the first cylinder lens 22 in the sub-scanning direction. The polygon mirror 24 has an accurate polygonal shape and is rotated by a polygon motor 25 in a fixed direction at a fixed speed. This rotation speed is determined by the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 40, the writing density, and the number of faces of the polygon mirror 24.

The reflected light of the laser light incident on the polygon mirror 24 is deflected by the rotation of the polygon mirror 24. The deflected laser light is reflected by the fθ lens 26a,
The light is sequentially incident on 26b. The fθ lenses 26a and 26b are
The scanning light having a constant angular velocity is converted so as to scan the photosensitive drum 40 at a constant speed, and an image is formed on the photosensitive drum 40 so as to form a minimum light spot.

The laser light which has passed through the fθ lenses 26a and 26b is guided to the synchronous detection light input section 30 by the synchronous detection mirror 29 outside the image area, propagated to the sensor section by the optical fiber, and serves as a reference for cueing in the main scanning direction. Detects synchronization and outputs a synchronization signal. Image data for one line is output after a fixed time from the output of the synchronization signal, and one image is formed by repeating this process. 3 and 4 show examples of the layout of the writing unit.

[Photoreceptor Section] A photosensitive layer is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 40. Semiconductor laser (wavelength 7
Organic photoconductors (OPC), α-Si, Se-Te, etc. are known as photosensitive layers having a sensitivity to 80 nm), and the organic photoconductor (OPC) is used in this embodiment.

Generally, in the case of laser writing, there are two types of processes: a negative / positive (N / P) process of shining light on the image part and a positive / positive (P / P) process of shining light on the background part. Adopts the former N / P process.

The charging charger 41 is of the scorotron type having a grid on the side of the photoconductor, and is a photoconductor drum 40.
The surface of (1) is uniformly (-) charged, and the image forming portion is irradiated with laser light to reduce the potential of that portion. Then, the background portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 40 has a potential of about −750 to −800 V and the image portion has a potential of about −500 V, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40. This is the developing device 42a, 4
In 2b, a bias voltage of -500 to -600 V is applied to the developing roller, and toner charged in (-) is attached to visualize the electrostatic latent image.

[Developing Section] The apparatus of this embodiment includes two developing devices, a main developing device 42a and a sub developing device 42b. In the case of solid black, the sub-developing device 42b and the toner replenishing device 43b are removed. In this embodiment having two developing devices, black toner is put in the toner replenishing device 43a paired with the main developing device 42a, and color toner is put in the toner replenishing device 43b paired with the sub developing device 42b. During the development of a color, the development is selectively performed by changing the position of the main pole of the developing device for another color.

Using this development, the color filter 6 of the scanner
It is possible to perform multi-functional color copying and color editing by combining the color information reading by switching the above, the paper transfer system multiple transfer, and the double-sided copying function. Development of three or more colors can be achieved by a method of arranging three or more developing devices around the photosensitive drum 40 and a ribbon bar method of rotating and switching three or more developing devices.

The image visualized by the developing devices 42a and 42b is transferred onto the surface of the paper synchronously sent to the photosensitive drum 40 from the back surface of the paper by a (+) charge by the transfer charger 44. It The transferred paper is subjected to AC charge removal by a separation charger 45 which is held integrally with the transfer charger 44, and separated from the photosensitive drum 40.

The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 40 without being transferred to the paper is scraped off from the photosensitive drum 40 by the cleaning blade 47 and collected in the attached tank 48. Further, the potential pattern remaining on the photoconductor drum 40 is erased by irradiating it with light by the static elimination lamp 49.

The photo sensor 50 is provided at a position immediately after the development. The photo sensor 50 is composed of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the reflection density on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40. This is a fixed pattern in the optical writing part (eg black or halftone dot pattern)
Is written in a position corresponding to the photosensor reading position, and the image density is determined from the ratio of the reflectance of the pattern portion after development and the reflectance of the photosensitive drum 40 other than the pattern portion. Give a signal. In addition, it is possible to detect that the remaining amount of toner is insufficient by utilizing the fact that the density does not increase even after replenishment.

[Sheet Feeding Section] In this embodiment, a plurality of cassettes 60a, 60b, 60c are provided, and the sheet once transferred can be passed through the sheet re-feeding loop 72 for double-sided copying or sheet re-feeding. .

When one of the cassettes 60a, 60b and 60c is selected and then the start button is pressed, the paper feed rollers 61 (61a, 61b and 61c) near the selected cassette 60 are selected. ) Rotates and is fed until the leading edge of the paper hits the registration roller 62. At this time, although the registration roller 62 is stopped, the registration roller 62 starts rotating at the timing of the image position formed on the photosensitive drum 40, and the paper is fed to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. After that, the toner image is transferred on the paper at the transfer unit, suctioned and conveyed by the separation / conveyance unit 63, and the transferred toner image is transferred onto the paper surface by a fixing roller composed of a pair of a heat roller 64 and a pressure roller 65. Settles in.

During normal copying, the paper thus transferred passes through the lower paper re-feeding loop 72 without being ejected to the sorter (III) side by the switching claw 67, and the registration roller 62 again. Be led to.

In the case of double-sided copying, the switching claw 67 guides the paper downward, and the next switching claw 69 guides the paper to the tray 70 further below the refeed loop 72. Then, it is fed again in the opposite direction by reversing the roller 71, guided to the refeed loop 72 by switching the switching claw 69, and fed to the registration roller 62.

B. Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) II A side view of this ADF is shown in FIG.
The operation of F will be described. The original placed on the original table 100 is called by the calling roller 104. The originals that have been called are prevented from being double-fed by the action of the pull-out rollers 105 and 106 and the separation belt 107 that is wound around the pull-out rollers 105, and are fed along the single-sheet guide plate 108. Guide plate 1
The document conveyed along 08 is conveyed to the predetermined exposure position on the document table 9, for example, contact glass by the belt conveying device 125 and stopped.

The belt conveying device 125 is the driving roller 10.
9 and the driven roller 110, the fixing roller 111 sets the insertion position of the document, and the pressure roller 1
It has a belt 102 for pressing the original document against the contact glass 9 by 12, 113, 114 and 115.

When the exposure of the original document on the contact glass 9 is completed by the exposure device (not shown), the belt conveying device 125 is driven by the drive roller 109 to send out the original document. The original document is sent to the sheet discharge / conveyance device 126 through a passage formed by the sheet discharge guide 117 and the branch guide 118.
The paper discharge conveyance device 126 has a feed roller 120 and a driven roller 121 that is pressed against the feed roller 120, and the feed roller 120 is driven by a drive device different from the drive roller 109 of the belt conveyance device 125. The document sent by the feed roller 120 is sent along the guide 122, and the deflecting claw 123 discharges the document by the discharge roller 124.
And is discharged onto the automatic document feeder cover 103 which also serves as a discharge tray.

In the case of a double-sided original, the original is sent out by the belt conveying device 125 and then guided by the switching of the deflecting claw 123 through the path formed between the upper surface of the branch guide 118 and the deflecting claw 123. Then, the original is fed to the belt conveying device 125 with its front and back reversed, and the back of the original is fed to the exposure position on the contact glass 9. When the exposure of the original document on the contact glass 9 is completed by the exposure device (not shown), the belt conveyance device 125 sends out the original document by the drive of the drive roller 109, and the paper ejection conveyance device 126 causes the paper ejection tray as described above. 103
The original is ejected on top of the paper.

C. Sorter Stapler (III) In FIG. 2, 27 is a mirror, 28 is a dustproof glass, 31 is a lens holding unit, 46 is a separating claw, 80 is a main motor, and 81 is a fan motor.

[Electrical equipment control section] The control unit of the copying machine has two CPUs 205 and 206 as shown in FIG. 5. The CPU (a) 206 controls the sequence and the CPU (b) 205 operates. It controls each relationship. CPU (a) 206 and CPU
(B) 205 is a serial interface (RS2
32C). Further, 200 is an uninterruptible power supply, 201 is an operation unit, 202 is an editor, 2
03 is a scanner unit, 204 is a memory system,
209 is a ROM, 210 is a RAM I / O timer, 21
1 is I / O, 212 is SCI, 213 is D / A, 214
Is a timer, 215 is a timer, 216 is a timer, 2
17 is an image control circuit, 218 is a laser beam unit, 219 is a sorter unit, 220 is SCI, 221
Is SCI, 222 is SCI, 223 is SCI, 224 is ROM, 225 is RAM, 226 is calendar IC, 22
It is 7 SCI.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the entire electrical equipment control. In this figure, 300 is a main control board, 310
Is a paper feed control plate, 311 is an intake fan, 312 is a conveyance fan, 320 is a scanner control circuit, 330 is a sorter control plate, 340 is a double-sided control plate, 350 is an ADF control plate, 36
Reference numeral 0 is an operation unit.

(Description of Sequence Control) First, sequence control will be described. The sequence sets and outputs the conditions for paper conveyance timing and image formation.
A paper size sensor, a sensor related to paper conveyance such as paper discharge detection and resist detection, a double-sided unit, a high-voltage power supply unit, a relay, a solenoid, a driver such as a motor, a sorter unit, a laser unit, and a scanner unit are connected.

Regarding the sensor, a paper size sensor that detects the size and direction of the paper loaded in the paper feed cassette and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result, a sensor related to paper transportation such as registration detection and paper discharge detection, an oil end, and the like. There is an input from a sensor that detects the presence or absence of supply such as toner end, and a sensor that detects machine abnormality such as door open and fuse disconnection.

In the duplex unit, a motor for aligning the width of the paper, a paper feed clutch, a solenoid for changing the transport path, a paper presence / absence detection sensor, a side fence home position sensor for aligning the paper width, and a paper transport. There are sensors, etc.

The high-voltage power supply unit applies predetermined high-voltage power to the outputs of the charging charger, the transfer charger, the separation charger, and the developing bias electrode by the duty obtained by the PWM control. The PWM control is controlled so that the feedback value of each high-voltage power output is converted into a digital value by A / D conversion and becomes equal to the target value.

The drivers include a paper feed clutch, a registration clutch, a counter, a motor, a toner replenishing solenoid, a power relay, and a fixing heater.

The sorter unit is connected by a serial interface, and the paper is conveyed at a predetermined timing by a signal from the sequence and discharged to each bin.

To the analog input, a fixing temperature, a photo sensor input, a laser diode monitor input, a laser diode reference voltage, a feedback value of an output value from various high voltage power supplies, and the like are input. On / off control or phase control of the heater is performed by an input from a thermistor in the fixing unit so that the temperature of the fixing unit becomes constant. As a photo sensor input, a photo pattern formed at a predetermined timing is input by a photo transistor, and by detecting the density of the pattern, the toner replenishment clutch is turned on / off to control the toner density. The toner end is also detected based on this density.

The analog input of the A / D converter and the CPU is used as a mechanism for adjusting the power of the laser diode to be constant. This is a preset reference voltage (this voltage is 3 mW for the laser diode in this embodiment).
The monitor voltage when the laser diode is turned on is controlled so as to match.

Next, the operation-related control will be described. The main CPU (b) 205 controls a plurality of serial ports and the calendar IC 226. In addition to the sequence control CPU (a) 206, the operation unit unit 201, the scanner unit 203,
An application, an editor 202, etc. are connected.

The operation unit 201 has a display for displaying the operator's key input and the status of the copying machine, and informs the main CPU 205 of the key input information by serial communication. Based on this information, the main CPU (b) 205 determines whether the indicator of the operation unit unit 201 is turned on, turned off, or blinks, and serially transmits to the operation unit unit 201. The operation unit CPU turns on, turns off, and blinks the display according to the information from the main CPU (b) 205.

FIG. 23 shows an example of the display. As fixed keys, the 10 key 170 for setting the number of copies etc., the start key 171 for starting the copy, the function keys 172, 173, 174 which can be set by the user, and the function keys 172, 173, 174 are freely operated by the user. You can set the mode. For example, function key 172 has sort mode, function key 1
A staple mode is assigned to 73, and a double-sided mode is assigned to the function key 174. As for the display, the copy number display 175 and the set number display 176 are fixed displays, and the other displays are displayed on the LCD 177. Also LCD
Reference numeral 177 is a touch switch, and it becomes possible to select a mode by pressing an object displayed on the LCD 177.

Further, the operating conditions of the machine are determined from the obtained information, and the information is transmitted to the CPU (a) 206 performing the sequence control at the time of the copy start.

In the scanner unit 203, scanner servo motor drive control, image processing, serial transmission processing of information relating to image reading to the main CPU (b) 205, and interface processing of the ADF and the main CPU (b) 205 are performed.

The application means an external device (facsimile, printer, etc) and main CPU (b) 2
It is an interface 05, and exchanges preset information contents.

The editor 202 is a unit for inputting an editing function, and serially transmits the image editing data (masking, trimming, image shift, etc) input by the operator to the main CPU (b) 205.

The calendar IC 226 stores the date and time, and can be called by the main CPU (b) 205 at any time. Therefore, the current time is displayed on the operation unit display and the machine on / off time is set. This makes it possible to control the turning on / off of the power of the machine by a timer.

(Description of Image Data Processing) Next, the flow of image data processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The gate array receives image data (DATA) in the following three directions in response to a select signal from the CPU (b) 205.
0 to DATA7) and a synchronizing signal are output.

1) Scanner control circuit 320 → image control circuit 217 In this case, 8-bit data from the scanner (4 bits,
The image signal continuously transmitted by 1 bit can be synchronized with the synchronization signal PMSYNC from the laser beam scanner unit and output to the image control circuit 217.

2) Scanner control circuit 320 → application In this case, 8-bit data from the scanner (however, 4 bits,
Image signals sent continuously at 1 bit can be output in parallel to the application. The application outputs the input image data to an output device such as a printer connected to the outside.

3) Application → image control circuit 21
7 In this case, the image signal continuously transmitted as 8-bit data from the input device (facsimile etc.) to which the application is connected externally (however, it can be 4 bit or 1 bit) is used as the synchronization signal PMSYNC from the laser beam scanner unit.
And output to the image control circuit 217.

In this case, the image signal from the outside is 1 bit,
In the case of 4 bits, it is necessary to perform a process of converting into 8 bits data.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the image scanner section. An analog image signal output from the CCD image sensor 107 is amplified and light amount corrected by a signal processing circuit 151 inside an image preprocessor (IPP), and A /
It is converted into a digital multilevel signal by the D converter 152. This signal is subjected to correction processing by the shading correction circuit 153, and the image processing unit (hereinafter referred to as I
(Abbreviated as PU) 154.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the IPU 154.
Shown in. The image signal applied to the IPU 154 is emphasized in the high frequency range by the MTF correction circuit 400, electrically scaled by the scaling circuit 401, and applied to the γ conversion circuit 402. γ conversion circuit 4
02 optimizes the input characteristic according to the characteristic of the machine. The image signal output from the γ conversion circuit 402 is
It is converted to a predetermined quantization level by SW1 of the data depth switching mechanism. This switching mechanism switches to the three data types shown in FIG. 4bit in 4bit conversion circuit 403
Data is output, and the binarization circuit 404 converts the input 8-bit multivalued data into binary data by a preset fixed threshold value, and outputs 1-bit data. The dither circuit 405 produces area gradation with 1-bit data. SW1 selects one of the three data types shown in FIG. 9 and outputs it as DATA0 to DATA7.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the scanner control circuit 160 follows the instruction from the main CPU (b) 205 of FIG. 7 to provide a fluorescent lamp ballast (lamp control circuit) 158, a timing control circuit 159, and an electric scaling circuit of the IPU 154. 40
1 and the scanner drive motor 165 are controlled. The fluorescent lamp stabilizer 158 turns on and off the fluorescent lamp 106 and controls the light amount according to an instruction from the scanner control circuit 160. A rotary encoder 166 is connected to the drive shaft of the scanner drive motor 165, and the position sensor 162
Detects the reference position of the sub-scanning drive mechanism. The electrical scaling circuit 401 performs electrical scaling processing according to the magnification data on the main scanning side set by the scanner control circuit 160.

The timing control circuit 159 outputs each signal according to the instruction from the scanner control circuit 160. That is, when reading is started, the CCD image sensor 10
For 7, a transfer signal for transferring data for one line to the shift register and a shift clock pulse for outputting the data in the shift register bit by bit are given. For the image reproduction system control unit, the image synchronization clock pulse C
LK, the main scanning synchronization pulse LSYNC and the main scanning effective period signal LGATE are output.

This image synchronizing clock pulse CLK is C
The signal is almost the same as the shift clock pulse given to the CD image sensor 107. Also, the main scanning synchronization pulse L
SYNC is almost the same signal as the main scanning synchronization signal PMSYNC output by the beam sensor of the image writing unit, but is output in synchronization with the image synchronization clock pulse CLK. The main scanning effective period signal LGATE becomes the high level H at the timing when it is considered that the output data DATA0 to DATA7 are effective images.

In this example, the CCD image sensor 1
07 outputs 4800 bits of valid data per line. The scanner control circuit 160 is the main CPU
(B) Upon receiving the reading start instruction from 205, the fluorescent lamp 106 for illumination is turned on, the scanner drive motor 465 is started to drive, and the timing control circuit 159 is controlled.
The reading of the D image sensor 107 is started. Also,
The sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to the high level H. This signal FGATE becomes low level L after the time required to scan the maximum reading length (dimension in the A size longitudinal direction in this example) in the sub-scanning direction after being set to high level H.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the memory system. The image signal from the optical sensor (CCD) 410 is output as 8-bit data through an image preprocessor (IPP) 411 having functions of shading correction, black level correction, and light amount correction. This data is selected by the multiplexer 1 (MUX1) 412, and the spatial frequency high-frequency emphasis (MTF correction) function, speed conversion function (magnification), γ conversion function, data depth conversion function (8bit / 4bit / 1bit conversion) Is processed by IPU413 and has MUX (3)
It is output to the printer section PR through 416.

In a system having a frame memory for image data, the image data from the IPU 420 is temporarily stored in the memory device (MEM) 421 as shown in FIG.
When necessary, it is taken out from the memory device (MEM) 421 and outputted to the printer (PR). Also,
A method of outputting the image data from the IPU to the printer (PR) and at the same time storing it in the memory device (MEM) and copying the second and subsequent sheets with the image data from the memory device (MEM) is also common. .

The present apparatus is configured so that the data flow shown in FIG. 12 is possible so that both the processed data and the raw data from the IPU can be loaded into the memory device. That is, the three multiplexers (MUXs) in FIG.
(1) 412, MUX (2) 414, MUX (3) 41
The data flow can be changed by switching 6). For example, a single scan of the scanner may result in multiple I
When outputting a copy in which the parameters of the PU 413 are changed, it can be achieved by the following procedure.

When scanning the scanner, the MUX (1) 412 is set to A, the MUX (2) 414 is set to B, and the MUX (3) 41 is set.
6 is set to A and the first sheet is output. At this time, the raw data is M
Memory device (MEM) 415 through UX (2) 414
to go into.

For the second and subsequent sheets, the MUX (1) 412 is set to B, and the data from the memory device (MEM) 415 is set to IP.
The data is input to U413 and output to the printer (PR) through MUX (3) 416. At this time, every time one copy is made, the IP
Change the U parameter.

This can be realized in this way.

When holding compact data such as 1-bit data, the MUX (2) 414 is set to A and the output of the IPU 413 is taken into the memory device 415.
In this case, the printer device PR switches to the binary data (1 bit) mode for copying. EXTIN, E in FIG.
XTOUT is an image data input signal from the outside and an output signal to the outside.

In FIG. 13, the compressor (COMP) 440 and the decompressor (EXP) 442 are arranged in a memory unit (Memory Uni).
y) It is inserted before and after 441 so that compressed data other than actual data can be stored. In this configuration, the compressor (COMP) 440 and the decompressor (EXP) 442 need to operate at the scanner speed and the printer speed, respectively. Multiplexers MUX (4) 444 and MUX (5) 44 for storing actual data
5 is set to A and B is set to use compressed data.

The inside of the memory unit 441 of FIG. 13 has a structure as shown in FIG. A data width converter 450 is provided at the input / output of a memory block 452 for handling the three image data types 1, 2, and 3 of FIG. 15 and code data that is compressed data.
Direct memory controller (DMA (1) 45
1, DMA (2) 454) writes data to a predetermined address of the memory block 452 according to the number of packed data and the memory data width, and performs a read operation.

FIG. 15 shows the data type of image data. Normally, the speed of image data from the scanner or to the printer is constant regardless of 8-bit data, 4-bit data or 1-bit data. That is, 1
The pixel period is fixed in the device. In this apparatus, 1-bit data, 4-bit data, 8-bit data and MSB are defined from the MSB side of eight data lines.

The blocks for packing and unpacking this data in the data width (16 bits) of the memory block 452 are the input data width converter 450 and the output data width converter 453.
Is. By packing, the memory can be used according to the data depth, and the memory device can be effectively used.

FIG. 16 shows a compressor (COMP) and an expander (E).
Pixel process unit (PPU) instead of XP)
460 is arranged outside the memory unit (Memory Unit) 462. The function of the PPU 460 is to perform a logical operation between image data (for example, AND, OR, EXO
A unit that realizes R, NOT) can calculate memory output data and input data and output them to the printer, and can calculate memory output and input data (for example, scan data) and store them again in the memory unit 462. . The output destination printer and the memory unit 462 are switched by the MUX (6) 461 and the MUX (7) 463. This function is generally used for image composition, and is used, for example, to place overlay data in the memory unit 462 and overlay the scanner data.

The APL (1) 740 shown in FIG. 18 is configured to store image data using an external storage device. When the image data is stored in the floppy disk, it is output from the EXTOUT of FIG. 10 to the floppy disk controller (FDC) controlled by the SCSI controller 711 through the interface (I / F), and the floppy disk on the floppy disk drive (FDD) 712. Remember. Under the control of the SCSI controller 711, a hard disk drive (HD
D) 713 and optical disk (ODD) 714 are provided so that they can be read and written on a storage medium such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Hard disk drive (H
The DD) 713 stores format data and overlay data that are often used, and can be used as needed.

FIG. 17 shows a configuration in which 100% recovery can be performed when the processing speeds of compression and expansion cannot be met in time. The memory unit 471 receives the compressed data and the image data at the same time as the scanning of the scanner enters the memory unit 471. The incoming data is stored in different memory areas, but the compressed data is directly input to the decompressor (EXP) 473 and decompressed. If the processing time of the compressor (COMP) 470 and the decompressor (EXP) 473 ends normally in time before all the data of one page is stored in the memory unit 471, only the memory area of the compressed data remains and the raw data The area is canceled. If the error detection circuit (Error Detect) 474 detects an error signal from the compressor (COMP) 470 or the decompressor (EXP) 473, the compressed data area is immediately canceled and raw data is adopted.

Memory Management Unit (MMU) 472
Is a unit for controlling the memory so that two input data and one output data can be simultaneously input / output to / from the memory unit 471. This real-time verification of compression and decompression made it possible to use the memory area efficiently and reliably. In this embodiment, the memory management unit (MMU) 472 allows dynamic allocation of the memory area, but two memory units for raw data and compressed data may be provided.

The configuration shown in FIG. 17 is most suitable for applications such as electronic sorting, in which a plurality of pages are stored and output to the printer in real time, in which both the number of stored pages and the printing speed must be compatible. Is.

(Explanation of Application Unit) FIG.
A block diagram of the application unit is shown in FIG.

In this example, APL (1) (file unit) 740, APL (2) (facsimile unit) 7
50 shows a system including APL (3) (AI unit) 760. 700 is a base part, 701 is a main CP
UI / F, 702 is a memory unit I / F, 703 is a page memory, 704 is a DMAC, 705 is a timer, 70
6 is rotation control, 707 is RTC, 708 is 709, R is
OMRAM, 710 is CPU, 711 is SCSI, 71
2 is FDD (floppy disk), 713 is HDD
(Hard disk), 714 is ODD (optical disk),
715 is a main CPU, 716 is a memory unit, 74
0 is APL (1), 750 is APL (2), 751 is R
OM, 752 is RAM, 753 is battery, 754 is S
AF (store and forward), 755 is G3FA
X controller, 756 is a G4 FAX controller, 7
57 is an NCU (Network Control Unit),
760 is APL (3), 761 is AI controller, 7
62 is a ROM and 763 is a RAM.

First, the base 700 will be described. The memory unit I / F 702 exchanges image data between the application unit and the memory unit 716 in parallel. The control signal is serial and the main CPU
It is connected to the system bus via the SCI (serial communication interface) via the I / F 701.

The page memory 703 is 1 for A3 in this example.
It has the size of a page and converts it to a BIT image, and also the data speed between the memory unit 716 and the CPU.
It also arbitrates the processing speed of.

In the rotation control 706, for example, in the case of a facsimile transmission, when the original to be sent is A4 vertical and the receiver is A4 horizontal, the sending side automatically reduces by 71% and the sending side becomes difficult to see. In order to prevent this, when the size is the above, the transmission original is rotated by 90 degrees to be converted into A4 landscape and transmitted at the same size. Another purpose is that when receiving and outputting, when the receiving size is A4 landscape and the cassette size is A4 portrait, the rotation control unit rotates the output image by 90 degrees and converts it to A4 portrait and outputs. This eliminates the need to distinguish between vertical and horizontal cassettes.

The timer 705 has a function of generating a predetermined clock. The RTC 707 is a clock and generates the current time. The console is a terminal for control, and in addition to reading and rewriting data inside the system, the terminal can also develop software using a daybag tool which is one function of the internal OS. ROM709
Contains basic functions such as OS. The RAM 709 is mainly used for working.

This unit performs basic control of this system.

[Regarding APL (1) 740] SCSI
711 is an HDD (hard disk) 713, an ODD (optical disk) 714, and an FDD (floppy disk) 71.
It is an I / F for 2. The ROM 709 controls the HDD 713, ODD 714, and FDD 712 via the SCSI 711 and contains software as a filing system.

[Regarding APL (2) 750] This is a unit for FAX control and includes the following parts. G4 FAX
The controller 756 is a unit that controls the protocol for G4, and in this part, the class 1, class 2,
It is a unit that supports Class 3.

Needless to say, NE also supports ISDN.
At T64, 2B + 1D (64KBx2 + 16K
B4), so G4 / G4, G4 / G3, G3 /
This is a unit in which either G3, G4 only, or G3 only can be selected.

The G3FAX controller 755 is a unit for controlling the G3 protocol, and has a G3FAX protocol by an analog line and a modem for converting a digital signal into an analog signal in this portion.

An NCU (Network Control Unit) 757 has a function of dialing when connecting to the other party using the exchange or receiving an incoming call from the other party.

SAF (Store and Forward) 7
Reference numeral 54 is for accumulating image data (including image data, code data, etc.) when transmitting and receiving a facsimile. This unit is a semiconductor memory or HDD,
ODD or the like is used.

The ROM 751 contains a program for controlling the APL (2) 750. RAM
Numeral 752 is for those works and at the same time is made non-volatile by a battery. It contains the telephone number of the other party, the name of the other party, data for controlling the facsimile function, T / S, LCD of the display unit. It can be easily set using.

[Regarding APL (3) 760] The APL (3) 760 has a function of comparing an image read by the scanner with an image stored in advance, which is an embodiment of the present invention, and the details thereof will be described later.

(Description of Fax Operation) The operation of a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as FAX) will be described.

This FAX has the functions of MF, G2, G3 and G4, and the transmission density is 3.85, 7.7, 15.4 lines / m.
m, and 200, 240, 300, 40 for G4
It can support 0 dpi and use the scaling function to perform density conversion with each other.

Further, using the SAF memory 754, memory transmission / reception, relay, confidential reception, polling, etc. can be realized, and further, memory transmission, memory reception, reception output, etc. can be carried out simultaneously while storing transmission originals in the memory. .

First, the transmission operation will be described. APL (2) 7 by setting the original and pressing the start key
The other party in the RAM 752 of 50 is dialed to call the other party. When it is known that the other party is a FAX, the document reading operation starts. If the start key is pressed when there is no document, a display prompting to reset the document is displayed.

By the operation of starting reading the original, the scanner operates to read the original, and the data is output to the terminal of EXTOUT through the individual circuits of FIG. In addition,
In FIG. 20, 480 is a CCD, 481 is an IPP, 4
Reference numeral 82 is MUX (1), 483 is IPU, 484 is delay, 485 is MUX (3), and 486 is MUX (2). At this time, by selecting MUX (1) 482 and MUX (3) 485, it is possible to select whether or not to use the IPU (FIG. 21), and the internal function of the IPU 481 can be freely selected by the program.

This signal enters the engine I / F of FIG. 18 and is stored in the page memory 703 according to the bit size of the page memory 703. EXTOUT is sent in a multi-value of 8 bits per pixel, whereas the page memory 703 corresponds to 16 bits and the bit configuration is different, so it is adjusted here.

Data from the scanner is stored in the page memory 70.
When entering 3, APL (2) 7 while compressing this data
It is accumulated in the SAF memory 754 of 50. By transmitting the data from the scanner while accumulating in the SAF 754 in this way, the following characteristics can be obtained.

That is, the reading from the scanner is A4.
One size can be read in about 2 seconds. In contrast,
It takes about 9 seconds to send an A4 size G3. Thus, the transmission time is about 4.5 times longer than the reading time. By the way, in an apparatus that can be used in combination with a copying machine, a fax machine, a printer, etc. like the example of the present invention, for example, when the next person wants to make a copy during fax transmission, he wants to finish the fax transmission job quickly. . However, the FAX transmission may be sent faster or slower depending on the performance of the partner machine. As in this example, the read data is SA
By transmitting while accumulating in F754, the apparent transmission speed can be increased. In addition, the transmitted document is SAF
Since the data is stored in the memory 754, an image can be correctly sent by retransmitting or calling again when an error occurs during transmission, when the line is disconnected, or the like. In this way, SAF
The data stored in 754 is transferred to G3 via the system bus.
It will be accessible via fax or G4 fax unit.

Next, the reception of image information will be described.

In FIG. 22, the received image data is converted into a digital signal by the modem. This is converted into raw data via DCR, further compressed and stored in the SAF memory.

At this time, the reason why the data is restored to the raw data by the DCR and then compressed again is that the received data usually includes an error on the line. If the data is accumulated in the SAF as it is, it may be a hardware error or a data error. This is because the distinction between

When recompressing, a method with good memory efficiency is adopted.

The data stored in the SAF memory 754 is printed out for each page. (1 depending on the mode setting
It is possible to output after accumulating files.) SAF
In order to output from the memory 754, it is necessary that the page memory 703 of FIG. 18 is not used by another APL and that a copying machine is also available.

When these conditions are met, the SAF memory 754
Data is expanded to page memory while being restored to raw data via CEP.

After the expansion is completed, the optimum paper size is selected. At this time, the data in the page memory 703 is A4 portrait, and when the optimum paper is A4 landscape, the data in the page memory 703 is rotated 90 degrees by the rotation control to be output to the selected paper.

With this function, it is possible to prevent an A4 vertical image from being printed on an A4 horizontal sheet and to have a margin.

This function is used not only for receiving output but also for reading the image information read according to the partner in the transmission mode.
Since it can be rotated once, for example, when the transmission original is A4 landscape and the receiving side is A4 portrait, it used to be sent at 71% reduction until now.
By incorporating the degree rotation, it becomes possible to send at the same size and it becomes easier to see on the receiving side.

Here, instead of the SAF memory 754, H
When the DD 713 is used, it is possible to use the SAF memory 754 as a buffer and drive the HDD 713 via the SCSI interface of the APL (1) 740. The basic operation of the FAX has been described above.

Next, the post-processing device will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the entire sheet post-processing apparatus. Entrance guide plates 1101 and 1102 are provided at a receiving port A on a copy ejected from a copying machine which is an example of a device body. Following the entrance guide plates 1101 and 1102, switching claws 1103 are provided to convey on the copy. The path above the switching claw 1103 is an upper conveyance unit 1100 provided with an entrance guide plate 1101, guide plates 1110 and 1114, a conveyance roller 1108, a driven roller 1109, a discharge roller 1111, a driven roller 1115, and a proof tray 1116. There is. Also, the switching claw 110
The path below 3 is a slanted portion guide plate 1205, a slanted portion driven guide plate 1217, a lower conveyance portion guide plate 1308, driven guide plates 1309 and 1310, and a slanted portion receiving roller 1.
201, oblique portion roller 1202, oblique portion discharge roller 120
3, the driven rollers 1214 and 1216, the sphere 1215, the transport rollers 1301 and 1302, and the driven rollers 1305 and 1306, and an inclined portion 1200 that follows the deflection portion B path.

The deflecting claws 1312 and the deflecting section discharge rollers 130 are provided at the positions corresponding to the respective bins 1350 of the deflecting section B path.
4 are provided respectively, and the driven roller 1307 is in pressure contact with the deflecting portion discharge roller 1304 and the copy vertical conveyance path. The discharge rollers 1108 and 1111 are driven by a proof motor 1117, and the oblique receiving roller 1201, the oblique roller 1202, the oblique discharging roller 1203, the conveying rollers 1301 and 1302, and the deflecting roller 1304 are It is driven by the drive motor 1313.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of this embodiment shown in FIG. 32, and is a device (chucking unit) for pulling copy paper up to a stapler 1701 and a stapler 1701 which is a stapling means to be described later behind the group of bins 1350. A stapler device (binding device) 1700 configured by an up-and-down moving mechanism that moves 1615 to each bin 1350 is arranged.

Further, a swinging device 150, which will be described later, is provided to the side of the group of bins on the opposite side where the stapler device 1700 is arranged, which is an aligning means for aligning copy sheets before stapling.
0 is placed.

The sorter of the present embodiment has 20 units as shown in FIG.
This is a bin sorter, and bin sensors 1321 and 1323 and discharge sensors 1322 and 1324 are provided above and below, respectively. These sensors 1321, 1323, 1322,
Reference numeral 1324 is a transmissive optical detection sensor including an LED and a phototransistor. The paper discharge sensors 1322, 13 perform the operation of detecting whether or not the copy paper is discharged.
24, and it is the bin sensors 1321, 1 that perform the operation of determining whether or not copy paper is present in the bin 1350.
323.

FIG. 34 is a front view showing the details of the upper conveyance section 1100, and FIG. 35 is a side view showing the details of the upper conveyance section 1100. The copy paper discharged from the copying machine main body is guided by guide plates 1101 and 1102. Guided by the switching claw 110
It is transported up to 3. The switching claw is the link 110.
4, 1105, 1106 are connected to the switching solenoid 1107, and the switching solenoid 110
When the switch 7 is turned off, the copy paper is fed to the slanted portion 1200 provided below the upper conveyance section, and when the solenoid 1107 is turned on, the copy sheet is fed to the upper conveyance section 1100.

When the solenoid 1107 is turned on, the switching claw 1103 is operated, and the copy paper guided in the upper transport section 1100 has a transport roller 1108 and a driven roller 1109.
The guide plate 1 can be used by the transport device configured by the combination of
101 through the guide plate 1110 and the discharge roller 1111
The sheet is conveyed to the above position and discharged to the proof tray 1116.

Next, the oblique portion 1200 in FIG. 32 will be described. The slanted portion 1200 is a unit for changing the copy paper ejected from the copying machine main body to the front reference when the copy paper is the central reference, and is below the switching claw 1103 as shown in FIG. It is located in the vertical part of.

The copy paper ejected from the copying machine is guided to the switching claw 1103 in the bin 1350 use mode such as sorting or stacking, and the inclined portion receiving roller 12 below.
Sent to 01.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the oblique roller 1202. The oblique roller 12 is inclined 25 to 30 degrees so that the copy paper is conveyed toward the reference guide 1204.
Two 02 are arranged.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory view showing a skewing operation of the copy sheet, and the figure shows an ideal movement of the copy sheet at the skewing. In other words, when the birth of the copy paper P is released from the oblique receiving roller 1201, the oblique starts, the side surface abuts the reference guide plate 1204, and the oblique ends, and the oblique discharge roller 1203 performs straight conveyance. It will be.

The copy paper sent out from the slant portion 1200 is the lower conveyance guide plate 1308 and the driven guide plate 1 shown in FIG.
309, transport rollers 1301, 1302, driven rollers 130
5, 1306 is sent to the deflection unit B. The deflecting section B includes a deflecting section discharge roller 1304, a driven roller 1307, a driven guide plate 1311, and a deflecting claw 1312, and each deflecting claw 1312 can be individually operated by a solenoid. Target bin 1 depending on the specified mode conditions
Copy paper is ejected to 350 and stacked.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing the outline of the rocking device, FIG. 39 is a plan view showing the relationship between the rocking device and the bin, and FIG. 40 is a side view of the rocking device. A bin fence 1460 is provided in the portion, and a long hole portion 1511 is provided in the edge portion on the opposite side to the edge portion on which the bin fence 1460 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 39, the long hole portion 1511 has a distance a from the bottle rear end rising portion 1508, a distance b from the bin fence 1460 and the bottle rear end rising portion 1508, and a width c of the bottle fence 1460. Is provided so as to extend for a predetermined length toward the bin fence 1460.

Further, in FIGS. 38 to 40, a swing shaft 1502 is provided upright so as to vertically penetrate the inside of each elongated hole portion 1511 provided in each bin 1350. The swing shaft 1502 is for abutting the side surface of the sheet bundle to align the sheets.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 40, the upper end and the lower end of the swing shaft 1502 have holders 1504a,
A timing belt 1507a, which is in the recess of 1504b, extends in the information area of the bottle 1350 and in the lower area in substantially the same direction as the extending direction of the elongated hole portion 1511.
And 1507b are arranged respectively. Then, the protrusions of the holders 1504a and 1504b are inserted into and fixed to the recesses of the timing belts 1507. The inner pulleys 1509 and 1512 of the pulleys 1509, 1510 and 1512 around which the timing belt 1507 is respectively wound are fixed to both ends of a drive shaft 1514 which is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction. The lower timing belt 1507b is wound around a pulley 1512 provided on the output shaft of the size moving motor 1515. The movement of the swing shaft 1502 depending on the size is controlled by the number of pulses applied to the size movement motor 1515.

That is, for a certain paper size, the swing shaft 1502 is stopped by the size moving motor 1515 at a constant interval from the copy paper being ejected (in this embodiment, the position is 10 mm from the paper edge). . Upon completion of discharging, the copy paper drops on the rear end rising portion 1508 of the bin, and at the same time, the swing shaft 1502 is moved to the copy paper side so that the copy paper has a certain biting amount (5 mm in this embodiment) from the end surface of the copy paper. Pulse management is performed (in this embodiment, the rocking shaft reciprocates a distance of 15 mm each time one copy sheet is ejected).

By the movement of the swing shaft as described above, the position alignment of one side surface portion of the copy sheet bundle is performed. On the other hand, the alignment of the other side surface portion is performed by abutting the paper on the rising portion 1508 of the bin. This operation is performed by the natural fall of the paper due to its own weight.

The copy sheet bundle, which has been aligned by the series of operations as described above, is taken out in the X direction of FIG. 39 after various processing operations such as a stapling operation described later are performed.

Next, the stapler device 1 shown in FIG.
700 will be described.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the stapler device 1700, FIG. 42 is a plan view of the stapler device, and FIG. 43 is a front view of the bearing portion. The side of the bin 1350 is a multi-tiered stack of copy paper sheets. A stapler device 1700 is arranged in the section. This stapler device 170
At 0, the stapler 1701 and the sheet drawing device 1615 are fixed. Stapler 17
Reference numeral 01 is for driving a staple to each of the sorted copy paper bundles accumulated on each bin (not shown), and the paper pulling device 1615 grips the copy paper bundle on each bin, It is transferred almost horizontally. A bracket 1703a is attached to a portion where one end of the bracket 1703 is bent upward, and a bearing 1704 shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 is fitted to the bracket 1703a and fixed by a retaining ring 1705 of FIG. Holders 1708 and 170 in which the bearing 1704 is attached to the base 1706 and the upper plate 1707 of FIG.
It is passed through the slide shaft 1710 set to 9. The roller 17 is attached to the shafts 1712 and 1713 provided on the bracket 1711.
14 and 1715 sandwich the bracket 1716.

Further, a drive belt 1717 is erected so as to go to the carrier along the side of the bottle 1350. The drive belt 1717 is sandwiched between the bracket 1703a and the mounting plate 1718 and is fixed by screwing.

The drive belt 1717 is wound around the vertical drive belt 1717 between pulleys 1719a and 1719b which are vertically spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The pulley 1 fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor 1720
721 and the power transmission belt 1722 through the pulley 17
Drive gear 1724, which is transmitted coaxially to the motor 23 and is fixed coaxially,
It is fixed to one end of a support shaft 1726 through a gear 1725 meshed with the drive gear 1724 in order.
With such a drive transmission mechanism, the stapler 17
01 and the sheet pulling device 1615 are moved vertically. Furthermore, a position sensor 1727 is attached on the bracket 1711, and a hole 171 for indicating the position is provided on the bracket 1716.
6a are formed at predetermined intervals so as to correspond to the respective bin positions. The position detection mechanism controls the stapler 1701 and the sheet pulling device 1615 so as to be stopped at the installation position of each bin.

The protrusion 1728 and the sensor 17 in FIG.
Reference numeral 29 is for determining the upper limit position of the bracket 1703, and when the protrusion 1728 enters the sensor 1729, the ascending of the motor 1720 is stopped.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory view for making the movement of the stapler apparatus 1700 easy to understand, and the movement of the copy paper P discharged onto the bin 1350 and the chuck portion 1731 and the position of the stapler 1701 will be described.

Copy paper P discharged onto the bin 1350
Are discharged to the position indicated by 1730d. After that, it is provided at a position where it abuts on the bin fence 1460 by the swing drive device described above. Then, when the copying is finished and the stapling is started, the chuck portion 1620 moves from the position of the alternate long and short dash line 1620b to the position of the alternate long and short dash line 1620c.
Then, the chuck portion 1620 is closed to pinch the copy paper P, and the copy paper P is stopped at the position 1620a indicated by the solid line. By this operation, the copy paper P moves to the position 1730f, and the stapler 1701 staples the number of copy papers P on the bin 1350. After that, perform the reverse operation,
The copy paper P is returned to the position 1730d. This completes the work for one bin 1350 and the next bin 135
Go to 0 and repeat this operation.

FIG. 45 is a front view of the paper drawing device 1615, and FIGS. 46, 47, and 48 are the paper drawing device 1.
615 is a front view of the operating state of 615, and is provided with a chuck unit 1620 for holding the copy sheet bundle P on the bin 1350, and a reciprocating mechanism 1640 for reciprocating the chuck unit 1620 substantially horizontally. In the chuck portion 1620, a pair of swing lever upper 16
22 and a swing lever lower 1624 are swingably attached, and the swing lever upper 1622 and the swing lever lower 1
When the chuck 624 is operated by the solenoid 1626, the chuck upper 1623 and the chuck lower 1625 operate so as to hold the copy sheet bundle P.

The reciprocating mechanism 1640 includes a frame body 1641.
A shaft 1642 for sliding the chuck portion is fixed to the shaft 1642, and a bearing 1629 to which a substrate 1621 is fixed is engaged with the shaft 1642, and the chuck portion 1620 is reciprocated by being guided by the shaft 1642. Also, the frame 1
641 is provided with a timing belt 1643 for moving the chuck portion 1620 toward and away from the copy sheet bundle P side. The chuck portion 1620 and the timing belt 164
3 is fixed by the arm portion 1621a of the substrate 1621. Pulleys 16 are provided at both ends of the timing belt 1643.
44 and 1645 are fixed, and one pulley 164
4 is attached to the stepping motor 1646. The output of the stepping motor 1646 causes the pulley 1644 to rotate and the timing belt 1643 to move, and the movement of the timing belt 1643 causes the chuck portion 1620 fixed to the timing belt 1643 to reciprocate via the arm portion 1621a. ing. A position sensor 1650 is installed on the frame 1641, and a detection plate 1630 is installed upright on the substrate 1621 as a detection target.
0 indicates the home position of the chuck portion 1620.

In an embodiment having such a structure,
When the staple mode is started, first, the drive belt 1717 shown in FIG. 41 moves the stapler 1701 and the sheet pulling device 1615 toward a predetermined bin 1350 for accumulating a stack of copy sheets P to be stapled, and the position shown in FIG. It is stopped at a position close to a predetermined bin 1350 based on a signal from the sensor 1727. At this time, the solenoid 1626 is turned off, so that both swing levers 1622 and 1624 and the chuck 162 are moved.
3, 1625 are in the released state. In addition, the bin fence motor 1462 is turned on along with the above operation, and the bin fence 1460 is released.

Next, the stepping motor 1646 rotates by a predetermined amount to move the timing belt 1643 to move the chuck portion 1620 toward the copy sheet bundle P.

When the chucks 1623 and 1625 are moved to a position where the copy sheet bundle P can be gripped (FIG. 47), the chucks 1623 and 1625 are stopped there, and at the same time, the solenoid 1626 is turned on. When the solenoid 1626 is turned on, the chucks 1623 and 1625 are closed as shown in FIG. 46, and the end edges of the copy sheet bundle P are gripped by the chucks 1623 and 1625.

Next, the reverse rotation of the stepping motor 1646 causes the chuck portion 1620 to move to the original position as shown in FIG. 48 while holding the copy sheet bundle P, so that the copy sheet bundle P moves in the substantially horizontal direction. It is translated and pulled toward the stapler 1701 side. When the edge portion of the bundle of copy paper P is transported to a position where stapling is possible, it is stopped there. Based on the horizontal movement amount of the copy sheet bundle P, it is possible to determine at which position of the edge portion of the copy sheet bundle P the staple is performed.

After that, the stapler 1701 drives the staple to a predetermined position on the edge of the copy sheet bundle P.

When the stapling operation is completed, the stepping motor 1646 rotates forward and the chuck portion 1620 advances to return the stapled copy sheet bundle P onto the bin 1350, and then the solenoid 1626 is turned off. As a result, the upper chuck 1623 and the lower chuck 162 that were closed until now
5 will open. After that, the chuck portion 1620 is retracted to a predetermined position by the reverse rotation of the stepping motor 1646 again. After that, the stapler 1701 and the sheet drawing device 1615 are moved toward the next bin 1350, and the stapling operation similar to the above-described operation is repeatedly executed here.

When the stapling is performed on all the bundles of copy paper P, the stapler 1701 is lifted and returned to the uppermost home position.

FIG. 53 is a schematic view of the stapler unit 1701. This stapler is configured to push and bend the staple 1902 in the cartridge 1901 when the motor 1900 is turned on by an electric signal input from the outside. The staples 1902 are connected in a strip shape by a thin tape and are rolled into the cartridge 1901. Further, the last end of the staple needle bundle 1902 passes a near-end sensor (optically reading reflective sensor) 1903, whereby a near-end signal is output.

By the operation as described above, the copy sheet bundle P
However, in the present embodiment, it is possible to further select whether to staple the copy sheet bundle P from above or to staple the copy sheet bundle from below. The stapler 1701 is centered around the Y-axis shown in FIG.
Is rotatable by 180 degrees, and is rotated by a control signal of a copying machine described later. By such operation,
Whether the bundle of copy sheets discharged from the copying machine is discharged face-up or on the back side, staples can always be driven from the front side of the bundle of copy paper.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the bin fence 1460, FIG. 50 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 49, and FIG.
2 is a perspective view of the operating state of the embodiment, FIG. 51 is a plan view of the operating state of the embodiment, and in FIG. 49 and FIG.
The bin fence 1460 is pressed against each bin 1350 so that all the bins 1350 are aligned with one sheet. The bin fence 1460 has rotation fulcrums 14 at the upper and lower ends.
It is rotatably attached at 60a and 1460b. The rotation fulcrum 1460b has a gear 1461c, and the gear 1460c is meshed with the gear 1461c.
The gear is driven by a drive motor 1462.

When the copy sheets are aligned, the bin fence 1460, as shown in FIG. 49 and FIG.
Face 0 and align the paper. When all sorts are completed and stapling is performed, the bin fence 1450 is rotated about 90 ± 90 ° as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, so that the copy sheet bundle P can be moved to the stapling position away from the bin 1350.

Next, a post-processing device (sorter / stapler)
The configuration of the electrical component control component will be described. FIG. 54 is a block diagram of a control system in the post-processing apparatus of this embodiment. This control system is mainly composed of a CPU 1800 as a control means and a ROM.
1801, RAM 1802, I / O ports 1803, 1
806, clock timer controller 1804 (hereinafter C
TC) and a universe asynchronous receiver / transmitter 1805 (hereinafter abbreviated as UART).

The ROM 1801 in which the program is written allows the signals from sensor switch (SW) groups described later to be input to the I / O port 18 while barbering the RAM 1802 as needed.
I / O port 1803, CTC18
04 output, various drivers 1808, 1809, 1
810, 1811, 1812, a phase signal generation unit 1813,
Various loads described later are controlled via the SSR 1807. A copying machine is a receiver 1814 and a driver 18
An optical fiber (not shown) is connected by a UART 1805 via 15 to send and receive each status and instruction signal.

Specific members of the sensor and switch group are an entrance sensor, a paper discharge sensor, a bin sensor, a pulse generator, a cover switch, a dip switch, a size home sensor, an up / down home sensor, an up / down position sensor, a chuck home sensor, and a staple. There are staple near-end detection sensor, paper presence sensor, staple home sensor, and the like.

On the other hand, as a load (output system), a sorter motor (AC motor is driven by SSR), a switching solenoid, a deflection solenoid, a chuck solenoid, a shifting solenoid, a proof motor, a size movement stepping motor, a vertical movement stepping motor, There are a chuck stepping motor, a staple motor, and the like.

Among the signals exchanged with the copying machine, the signals sent from the copying machine to the post-processing device include the signals as shown in FIGS. 55 and 56, each of which has a code represented by 8 bits. I have been assigned. An 8-bit code is also assigned to the signal sent from the post-processing device to the copying machine.

[Description of Operation of AI Unit] Generally, as a method for performing character recognition with high accuracy, there is an OCR technology or the like.
In other words, it is a method of cutting out one character or one character in each original, patternizing the character, comparing the feature of the pattern with the character pattern information stored in the database, and determining the character. Nieuro and fuzzy techniques are often used to determine the characters. Since the original is placed upside down, etc., the character pattern read and cut out is rotated and collated to determine the character.

In the digital copying machine which is an example of the present invention,
Character recognition and comparison are performed by the AI unit (APL (3) 760) in the application. The CPU on the application baseboard performs a process of cutting out a character in an arbitrary character example on the page memory 830 storing one page of image data (preprocessing unit 831), and recognizing the cut out character. The AI unit is configured to perform the comparison (processing of the recognition result) with the above.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the hardware configuration for realizing the above-described character recognition and comparison (processing of the recognition result). The AI unit is for recognizing and comparing the character information cut out from the page memory (image data) 830 on the application, which is the CPU 784, the ROM 785, and the R unit.
AM786, area memory 782 that handles cut-out characters, comparison results, DPRA that handles commands and responses with the application baseboard, etc.
An M781, an image code storage unit (RAM) 787 for storing the recognition result, a pattern generator 789 for generating an arbitrary pattern, and a database (dictionary) 783 used for recognition.

Looking at the operation of the AI unit, FIG.
4, the area memory 782 for handling a character image, the character recognition unit 833 for character recognition, and the character comparison unit 836 for comparing the recognized characters and performing various processes from the comparison result. It is divided into

In FIG. 19, character recognition is performed by the CPU 784 of the AI unit collating a character in the area memory 782 with a dictionary (database) 783 and outputting it as an image code.
Since many recognition methods such as No. 4 and the like are devised and known, detailed description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment.

The character comparison unit 836 reads the recognition result from the image code storage unit 787 and reads out the comparison result with the image code serving as the comparison reference.
37, an image code comparing unit 838 for comparing the coincidence and non-coincidence of the image code, a comparison result operation unit 839 for counting the coincidence portion and multiplying an arbitrary numerical value corresponding to each coincidence portion, for the comparison result and the operation result The comparison result conversion unit 840 configured to search for a pattern to be output and output it to the area memory 782.

For example, FIG. 25 shows an example of a set of two correct answer originals A and B as a reference for comparison, and FIG. 27 shows an example of answer originals to be compared with the originals. The scoring mode is selected on the operation unit, the setting mode of the LCD touch panel is selected, the correct answer document of FIG. 25 is placed in the editor 202, and the area designation data is set. An example of the editor is shown in FIG. 26 (the usage of the editor has been described in the editor description part, so the omission is referred to the editor description part). Stylus pen 9 in editor 202
An area (a portion surrounded by a dotted line) is designated by pressing a designated point in the figure with 00, and then the area processing type of the area is input by the mode key. When the setting of the correct answer document A in FIG. 26 is completed, the operation is repeated for each area, and the end key 861 of the editor 202 is pressed to send the setting data to the main CPU 205 or the CPU 710 of the base unit 700 of the application. Also performs the same operation. In the designated area of the correct answer manuscript A, the processing type of the part written as “Sansuu” followed by “1” is designated as manuscript recognition 1 and 2, and the information is stored in the common area in the RAM 763 of the application (3) 760. To be done. The process type of the part written as "total" is result printing, and is a part for printing the output of the document recognition and comparison calculation results of FIGS. 25 and 27. The processing types of the part marked with "*" (two places) are ID1 and ID2 in FIG.
It is used to determine the ID of the answer document A. Further, the processing types of the other designated areas of the correct answer document A in FIG. 26 are compared, and the processing data numbers are 1, 2, and 3 sequentially from the top. In addition, “(10)” or “(2
"0)" is the processing ratio of the area and is input with the numeric keypad during editing. In the correct answer B, the processing type of the portion marked "@" is a comment and a comment corresponding to the comparison calculation result. The "Sansuu" and "2" portions on the upper left of the original are designated as the common area as the area for performing the original recognition between a plurality of originals in the correct original A.
Cannot be specified. When the above areas of the correct answer originals A and B are compared, both of the original document recognition 1 are “Sansuu” and the original document recognition 2
Is "1" and "2", the originals A and B are two sheets 1
It is judged as a group, and the result print and comment output are 2 with the same ID.
It is output from the result of adding sheets.

In the case of the answer originals A and B shown in FIG. 27, ID1 is "12" and ID2 is "Kimura Akira", and the data of the comparison operation is processed as a set of two sheets. First, the image code storage unit 835, which stores the character recognition result, reads the image code of the correct original and the answer original of the same original type and in the same designated area (image code reading unit 837). Next, the two codes are compared to determine the matching portion and the non-matching portion, and the comparison result is stored in the RAM (image code comparing unit 838). However, if the character strings do not match within one area, they are not matched. For example, in the case of "Kimura Akira," questions (b), (c), and (e) match,
(A) and (d) do not match. On the RAM, the coincident portion is determined to be a correct answer, 01H, the non-matching portion is determined to be an incorrect answer, and 00H is written. Next, the processing ratio of the same designated area as the comparison result on the RAM is multiplied for each designated area and totaled (comparison result calculation unit 839). "Kimura Akira"
You get 60 points. Further, by displaying the score on the display unit (LCD) of the operation unit at the end of counting, the result can be known on the operation unit. If the comment output with the total score of 50 to 70 is set as “well done” by the input from the operation unit, the comparison result is 01.
When H, a pattern corresponding to 01 (for example, "○"), 0
A pattern corresponding to 00H when it is 0H (for example, "x")
And the total score and the comment corresponding to the total score are called from the pattern generation device 789 (comparison result conversion unit).

With the above operation, the pattern converted by the AI unit is output to the base part 700 of the application through the area memory 784, and the area information and ID of the pattern,
Data such as total points is output to the base unit 700 of the application through the DPRAM 781. App base 700
Calculates the write address of the pattern on the page memory 830 based on the area information received through the DPRAM 781, and writes the pattern of the area memory 782 to the page memory 830. FIG. 28 shows the page memory writing result in the case of the answer document shown in this example. App section C
If the PU wants to print only the pattern on the answer manuscript,
When only the pattern is output to the memory system 844 of the copying machine main body and the answer document is for reading the image and the result is to be output on a blank sheet, the answer document image and the pattern are combined on the page memory, and the result is stored in the memory system 844. Output.

Next, a schematic explanation of the operating portion in the present invention will be explained in addition to the above explanation (FIG. 23). The basic screen is as shown in FIG. 30A, and the display of the LCD touch panel 177 is performed by the fixed mode keys (copy mode key 172, FAX mode key 173, scoring mode key 174) located below the LCD touch panel 177. Is changed.

The copy mode key 172 is a mode key for normal copying. The LCD screen displays a paper size designation, scaling, etc., and the operator touches the touch panel to make various copies. You can configure the settings. The FAX mode key 173 is a mode key for normal FAX, and like the copy mode key, various settings for FAX can be made.

The scoring mode key 174 is peculiar to the present invention. By pressing this key 174, the key 17
LED 174a of the 4th part lights up, and the first in this mode
The screen (FIG. 30B) is displayed. When the setting mode in the grading mode is pressed, various setting screens for reading and storing the correct answer document are displayed (the screen for inputting a comment shown in FIG. 9 is also displayed).

In the scoring mode, the LCD touch panel (first
30) by selecting the execution mode on the screen.
The second screen of the scoring mode (execution) as shown in (c) is displayed. This execution mode cannot be selected when the image corresponding to the correct answer document is not stored in the setting mode. By selecting this output destination, a setting screen for execution corresponding to each output destination is displayed, and by making various settings, the process can be executed by pressing the start key. This is the end of the explanation of the outline of the operation unit.

According to the system configuration this time, data is transferred between the base and the application 3 (AI controller) until the result of comparison with the data already specified by the read image data is confirmed. Explain.

Cutout unit (base function) for cutting out bitmap data of a specified area from the read image data Image code conversion for extracting each character described in the bitmap data of each cutout area and converting it into an image code Part (application 3 function) The comparison confirmation part (application 3 function) for comparing the area designated as the comparison area with the already stored area information and fixing the result is the above three processing steps.

Data is exchanged between the base and the application 3 via the DPRAM, and data is exchanged between the processing units in the application 3 or the RAM is used for storing each data.

69, FIG. 70, FIG. 71 and FIG. 72 are blocks of exchanged data in processing, DPRAM and RAM.
It is secured in a designated place inside.

The data block in FIG. 69 shows the area data for instructing the base and the bitmap data for processing.

[Regarding designated number of designated areas] The number of designated areas is shown. It becomes the specified number of the following coordinate data.

[Indicated area coordinates (X1, Y1, X2, Y
2)] Area coordinate data. The designated area is a rectangle, and the upper left (X1, Y1) and lower right (X2, Y2) coordinates of the area are the reference point at the upper right of the document, and the vertical direction (main scanning direction) is X, and the horizontal direction (sub scanning direction) is. It is represented as Y in mm. It has these coordinate data for the number of instructions.

[Instruction Area BITMAP Pointer] The head address where the BITMAP data corresponding to each area is stored is stored.

[Instruction area BITMAP size] Stored data size. When the designated area is not outside the image, a code without image: OFEH is stored.

[Instruction Area BITMAP Data] Where the BITMAP data of each instruction area is stored, the storage address is specified by the above pointer and size data so that the memory can be used efficiently even if the area changes greatly in size. Is variable.

The data blocks in FIGS. 70, 71, and 72 show the respective data processing in the application 3.

[Regarding Number of Common Areas Specified] The number of common area designations between registrations is shown.

[Regarding common area coordinates] Common area coordinate data between registrations. The designated area is a rectangle, and the upper left (X1, Y1) and lower right (X2, Y2) coordinates of the area are the reference point at the upper right of the document, and the vertical direction (main scanning direction) is X, and the horizontal direction (sub scanning direction) is. It is represented as Y in mm. It has these coordinate data for the number of instructions.

[Registered 1 Area Designated Number] The designated number of registered 1 designated areas is shown. If the characters cannot be recognized,
Store the OFFH code as unrecognizable. If no character is written, 00H is stored. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Registered 1 Area Coordinates] Registered 1 area coordinate data. The designated area is a rectangle with the upper left corner (X
1, Y1) and lower right (X2, Y2) coordinates are expressed in mm with the vertical direction (main scanning direction) as X and the horizontal direction (sub scanning direction) as Y with the upper right corner of the document as a reference point. ing. It has these coordinate data for the number of instructions. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Registered 1 Area Character Code Pointer] The head address where the character code data corresponding to each area is stored is stored.
Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Registered 1 Area Character Code Size] Stored data size. Number of characters 2
Until 00. When the number of characters exceeds and the character cannot be recognized, the OFFH code is stored as unrecognizable. OFEH is stored when the area is outside the image area, and 00H is stored when no character is written. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Registered 1 Area Character Code Data] Characters are cut out from BITMAP data, recognized as characters and symbols, converted into codes defined by JIS level 1 and level 2, and stored here. To do. Where the character code data of each registered 1 area is stored, this area has a large size, and the storage address is variable by the pointer and size data so that the memory can be used efficiently even if it changes. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Common 1 Area Character Code Pointer] The head address where the character code data corresponding to each area is stored is stored. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Common 1-area character code size] Stored data size. Number of characters 2
Until 00. When the number of characters exceeds and the character cannot be recognized, the OFFH code is stored as unrecognizable. OFEH is stored when the area is outside the image area, and 00H is stored when no character is written. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Common 1 Area Character Code Data] Character code of the area shown in the common area. A character is cut out from the BITMAP data, recognized as a character and a symbol, converted into a code defined by JIS first level and second level, and stored here. The area where the character code data of each registration 1 area is stored has a large size, and the storage address is variable by the pointer and size data so that the memory can be used efficiently even if the area changes. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Registration 1 Registration Status] Shows the registration status of the area and data. Code definition 00H: No area registration / No image data 01H: No area registration / No image data 02H: No area registration / No image data 03H: Area registration / Image data [Registration 1 area processing Regarding Type Data] This is a buffer that stores how to handle data in each area. 01H: ID: An area to be taken in as identification data of the read document. 02H: Comparison: The area to be compared with the registered one. 03H: Comment: The area where the comment is written. 04H: Result printing: When printing the overall result of comparison, it is printed in that area. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Registration 1 area processing data number]
Data for number management, etc. during processing such as comparison in the above processing type. Similarly to the registration 1, areas from the registrations 2 to 10 are secured in the same manner.

[Registered 1 area processing ratio] After comparison, data for weighting the result at the time of comprehensive evaluation. As with this registration 1, 10 from registration 2
Similarly, the area is secured.

[Regarding read comparison mode] Automatically determine the registration number of the comparison target from the data of the common area and operate, and specify each registration to operate. Code definition 00H: Automatic mode 06H: Registration 6 01H: Registration 1 07H: Registration 7 02H: Registration 2 08H: Registration 8 03H: Registration 3 09H: Registration 9 04H: Registration 4 0AH: Registration 10 05H: Registration 3 [Read image discrimination] About result] It is judged from the common area and indicates which of the registered registrations 1-10. Code definition 01H: Registration 1 06H: Registration 6 02H: Registration 2 07H: Registration 7 03H: Registration 3 08H: Registration 8 04H: Registration 4 09H: Registration 9 05H: Registration 3 0AH: Registration 10 FFH: Unreadable [Read Area Character Regarding Code Pointer] The head address where the character code data corresponding to each area read for evaluation with the registered data is stored.

[Read Area Character Code Size] Stored data size. 20 characters
Up to 0. When the number of characters exceeds and the character cannot be recognized, the OFFH code is stored as unrecognizable. OFEH is stored when the area is outside the image area, and 00H is stored when no character is written.

[Read Area Character Code Data] Character code data corresponding to each area read for evaluation with registered data. BITMAP
A character is cut out from the data, recognized as a character and a symbol, converted into a code defined in JIS First Level and Second Level, and stored here.
This area, in which the character code data of the area is stored, has a large size and is managed by the pointer and size data so that the memory can be used efficiently even if the character size changes. The storage address is variable.

[Reading area comparison result] Code definition 00H: Registration and reading do not match 01H: Registration and reading match 0E0H: Read or registration designated area is outside the image 0F1H: Reading is not written / registration is normal 0F2H: Reading Is not recognized-Registration is normal 0F3H: Read is normal-Registration is not written 0F4H: Read is normal-Registration is not recognized 0F5H: Read is not written / Registration is not written 0F6H: Read is not written-Registration is not recognized 0F7H : Read is unrecognizable-Registration is not written 0F8H: Read is unrecognizable-Registration is unrecognizable The above code is stored as a result.

The base cuts out the instructed area from the already read one image image according to the instruction from the application 3 and gives the bitmap data to the application 3. When no image exists at the designated location, the no image code (00H) is stored in the BITMAP size of each designated area.

The application 3 has a function of recognizing each area image data as a character, comparing it with the already registered data, evaluating it, and totaling it.

The process of registering the registration image to be compared is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the target area data is determined by the operation processing and stored in each buffer. As the function here, it is considered that 10 patterns can be registered as image data for comparative evaluation and comparison can be made up to 30 areas per pattern. In addition, the registered pattern to be evaluated for the image to be read is recognized and judged from the information of the commonly designated area from the registered 10 patterns.

After the image information is read by the scanner, the image data is registered based on the commonly designated area in order to store the identification data of the pattern to be registered this time. Is cut out (YES in S7201, S7202, S72).
03, S7204). Therefore, the number of designated areas is written in the designated number of designated areas of the buffer for area designation on the DPRAM, and designated area coordinates (X1, Y1, X
2, Y2) coordinate data for the number of areas specified (unit: m
m) is written. Then, it sends a cut-out execution command and waits until it receives a cut-out end command.

When the cut-out processing is completed, the base writes the start address on the DPRAM, which is cut out and the bitmap data of the designated area is written for each area, into the designated area BITMAP pointer, and sets the data size to the BITMAP size. Write (S7205, S72
06, S7207). (This is done because the data amount of the bitmap data is large and the data amount greatly changes depending on the size of the area.) Data can be packed and written in the memory. However, when the designated area is outside the read image, 00H is written in the data size. When the writing of data is completed, the base sends a cutout end command to the application 3 (S
7208, S7209). The application 3 uses the OCR technology or the like to collate the cut-out bitmap data of each area with a dictionary (database) and convert it into a JIS code, and a common area character pointer for each area corresponding to each registered pattern. The start address where the data is stored is stored in the, and the number of character data (the number of characters) is stored in the common area character code size (S721).
0), the data converted into the actual JIS code is stored in the common area character code data (S721).
1). However, if the number of characters exceeds 200, which is the limit, and if the characters cannot be recognized, the characters cannot be recognized (OFF.
H), when outside the specified area image area Outside the area (OFE
H), when there is no character and it is blank, there is no writing (00
H) is stored. When there is no common area setting (S72
No in 01), these processes are not executed for this common area.

Similar to the common area, the same processing is performed for the unique registration area of each registration pattern, writing is performed in each buffer for each registration area, and the registration data storage processing ends.

FIG. 74 shows a process of reading an image to be compared and then comparing the data with registered data for evaluation.

If the operation mode is judged to be the automatic mode (YES in S7301), the common area check operation is executed (S7302). If it is a registration designation, it starts in that area. In the automatic mode, when the common area is set (YES in S7311 and YES in S7311), the read image data is cut out from the common area (S7).
304, S7305) Character conversion (S730)
6) The size and data of each common character code already registered are retrieved from each registered pattern,
The coincident one (YES in S7307) is read, and as a result, the code corresponding to registration 1 to registration 10 is written in the discrimination result (S7308), and the discriminated registration number area is stored in the DPRAM instruction area (S7309).
If they do not match (NO in S7307), an undeterminable code is written in the determination result (S7317). If it cannot be determined, this process ends. If there is no common area setting (NO in S7302), only the data of registration 1 is processed (S7316). After recognizing the pattern to be compared, it is cut out from the registration area of the target (S731).
0, S7311) Character conversion (S731)
2) As in the case of processing the common area at the time of registration, each data is stored in the read area character code pointer for reading / read area character code size / read area character code data for each area (S731).
3). After that, the registered data is compared with the read data, and the result is stored as the read area comparison result for each area (S7314).

Next, the process of comparing the registered data with the read data will be described. If the area to be compared or the image data and the read data are not set, a warning is displayed and the comparison operation is not executed. Using the pointer, refer to the registered area processing type data that describes the processing method for each area from area 1 to the area that is set in order, and compare the areas set to comparison (02H). , Write the result in the reading area comparison result. By referring to the registered / read character code size and the character code data, the result of the match / mismatch between the read data and the registered data and the combination result such as unrecognizable / not written (white) are written.

The process of comparing the registered data with the read data will be described in detail with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 75, 76 and 77.

If the area to be compared or the image data and the read data to be compared are not set (N in S7401)
O) A warning is displayed and the comparison operation is not executed (S740
4).

If set (YES in step S7401)
S), initialize the area designation pointer (S7402),
If it is outside the area processing comparison setting and area image (S74
(YES in 03, YES in S7601), 0E0H is input as the comparison result of the reading area indicated by the pointer (S7602). There is writing in the reading area (S7
(No in 405), the reading area is not unrecognizable (S74
No in 06), there is a write in the registration area (S740
No in 7), the registered area is not unrecognizable (S7408).
If NO at step S7409, read and registration match (Y at S7409).
ES), 1 is stored as the comparison result of the read area indicated by the pointer (S7410), and it is determined whether all registered areas are completed (S7411).

If it is outside the area image (N in S7601)
O), and proceeds to S7411.

If it is determined in S7405 that there is no write in the read area (YES in S7405), there is write in the registered area (NO in S7603), and the registered area is not recognizable (NO in S7604), the read indicated by the pointer 0F1H is stored as the area comparison result (S76
05), and proceeds to S7411. If YES in step S7603, 0 as the comparison result of the read area indicated by the pointer.
F5H is stored (S7606), and the processing proceeds to S7411. S
If YES in 7604, 0F6H is stored as the comparison result of the read area indicated by the pointer (S7607),
It advances to S7411. If the reading area is unrecognizable (YES in S7406), the registration area is written (NO in S7406) and the registration area is not unrecognizable (NO in S7604), the reading area indicated by the pointer is compared. As a result, 0F2H is stored (S7503), and the process proceeds to S7411. YE in S7501
In the case of S, 0F7H is stored as the comparison result of the read area indicated by the pointer (S7504), and the process proceeds to S7411. In the case of YES in S7502, 0F8H is stored as the comparison result of the reading area indicated by the pointer (S750
5) proceeds to S7411.

If it is determined in S7407 that there is no writing in the registered area (YES in S7407), 0F3H is stored as the comparison result of the read area indicated by the pointer (S7407).
7413), and proceeds to S7411.

If it is determined in S7408 that the registered area is unrecognizable (YES in S7408), 0F4H is stored as the comparison result of the read area indicated by the pointer (S
7414) and proceeds to S7411.

If the read does not match the registration (S74
(NO at 09), 0 is stored as the comparison result of the reading area indicated by the pointer (S7415), and the process proceeds to S7411.

[0258] If NO in S7411, the designated pointer is advanced to the next area (S7412), and the process is repeated from S7403. If YES in S7411, this process ends.

89 and 90 are operation images of the LCD touch panel of the operation panel. Key input is detected by a transparent touch panel on the LCD.

FIG. 78 shows M when the scoring mode is selected.
The ENU operation processing is shown. If it is the MENU mode (operation screen mode) (YES in S7701), the setting key and the execution key are monitored (S7702, S7705).
The key input determination is performed by detecting a region on the touch panel that is determined to be a key from a predetermined operation display image, and performing chattering detection processing and key edge detection processing. When the setting key and the execution key are detected (YES in S7702, YES in S7705),
Cancel the MENU mode (S7703, S770
6), shift to the setting mode and the execution mode (S77)
04, S7707). The display should be each display image.

79 and 80 show operation processing in the setting mode. If it is the setting mode (Y in S7801)
ES), confirmation key, area designation key, area release key, data registration key, data release key, end key (YES in S7802, YES in S7805, S780
8: YES, S7901: YES, S7904: YE
The setting mode is canceled (S7803, S7806, S7809, S790).
2, S7905, S7908), confirmation mode, area designation mode, area cancellation mode, data registration mode, data cancellation mode, and MENU mode (S7804, S).
7807, S7810, S7903, S7906, S7
909). When the end key is pressed, the mode changes to the MENU mode and returns to the previous one.

FIG. 81 shows a flow chart of the confirmation mode process. If it is the confirmation mode (YES in S8001)
S), the registration status data of each registration is checked with the determined image on the LCD display, and the area of each registration is checked.
The registration status and the registration status of the image data are displayed (S80
02). Know which registration is used. When the return key is pressed (YES in S8003), the confirmation mode is canceled (S8004), and in order to return to the previous screen,
The setting mode is set (S8005).

FIG. 82 is a flow chart of the area designation mode process, and FIG. 83 is a flow chart of the area input mode process. In the area designation mode (Y in S8101)
ES), a screen for inputting the registration number appears, and waits until the input (S8102). When input is specified (S810
3) The area designation mode is canceled (S8104), the area input mode for area (area) input by the editor 202 or the like is set, and the operation instruction screen for that is displayed (S8104).
8105).

When the operation shifts to the area input mode as described above (S
If YES in step 8201) and the input in the editor 202 is completed, the end key is pressed (YES in step S8202).
S), the area input mode is canceled and the mode is shifted to the setting mode (S8203, S8204).

FIG. 84 is a flow chart of the area release mode process, and FIG. 85 is a flow chart of the data release mode process. If it is in the area release mode (YES in S8301), the screen is changed to the screen for designating the number to be released, the input is waited for, and the setting is made (YES in S8302).
The area data of the designated number is deleted (S8
303), the image data for the area data is no longer necessary, so the image data is also deleted. Then, the area release mode is released (S8304) and the setting mode is set (S8305).

If the mode is the data release mode (YES in S8401), the screen is changed to a screen for designating the number to be released, the input is waited for, and set (YES in S8402).
The image data of the designated number is erased (S84
03), the data release mode is released (S8404) and the setting mode is set (S8405).

FIG. 86 is a flow chart of the data registration mode process, and FIG. 87 is a flow chart of the data read mode process. In the data registration mode (S850
If YES in step 1), the number to be registered is entered, and if the number is set (YES in step S8502), a display for image data reading is displayed (step S8503), the data registration mode is canceled (step S8504), and the mode shifts to data reading mode. Yes (S850
5).

If it is the data read mode set above (YES in S8601), the read operation is executed with the execution key (NO in S8602, YE in S8605).
S), and at the end (YES in S8607), the read result is displayed (S8608). When the end key is pressed or the display is finished, the data reading mode is canceled (S8603, S8609) and the mode is shifted to the setting mode (S8604, S8610). If necessary in the read result display processing, each area data of the read image is printed with the print key.

FIG. 88 shows a flow chart of the execution mode processing. If it is the execution mode (YES in S8701)
S), automatic mode key, designation key, end key (S8
YES in 702, YES in S8705, Y in S8708
ES), release the execution mode (S8703, S870
6, S8709), automatic mode, designated mode, MENU
Shift to the mode (S8704, S8707, S871)
0). Referring to FIG. 89, a result output destination for shifting to the automatic mode is designated (S8801). When specifying the registration information (S8802), the user must enter the number (S880).
3) The result output destination is designated (S8804). If the read operation is executed, the comparison operation is started.

[Original Area Designation] As an original area designation method, a method of detecting an image density within a certain range and a method of inputting coordinates of a designated area are known. An example of the former is marker editing (for example, JP9002124), and an example of the latter is an editor.

In marker editing, for example, a color felt-tip pen is used to write an area designating mark on an original or a similar document (for example, a copy of the original), and at this time, the area designating mark is detected. It is a mark detection device. The mark detection device utilizes the fact that the image data described by a color felt pen has a density in a stable predetermined range, and detects image data having a density in a corresponding predetermined range as a mark signal, and subsequently, the mark signal. After the mark width is detected, the mark width is expanded by a predetermined amount to finally detect the mark area (mark area surrounded by the mark).

The area designated by the marker is also converted into a range surrounded by a square having two points as diagonals, and then the same processing as that of the editor described later is performed. That is, the IPU 412 of FIG.
At, the mark area is detected, and only the area is transferred to the page memory 703 in FIG. Application base 700 of FIG.
CPU 710 detects the maximum and minimum addresses in the main / sub-scanning direction of each mark area on page memory 703, and determines (main scanning-direction minimum address, sub-scanning direction minimum address) and (main-scanning direction maximum address, sub-scanning direction minimum address). The maximum address in the scanning direction) is converted into a range surrounded by a square having two diagonal points, and various processes are performed.

[Description of Editor] The editor 20 shown in FIG.
2 shows an outline. The manuscript to be edited is set with the manuscript reference position mark 902 in the figure as the reference (original upper left reference), and two points are designated by the stylus pen 900.
The area surrounded by a rectangle with the diagonal points is the area to be edited. Next, edit the contents of the area in the mode select area 8
Input from the 50 key. The above operation is repeated for the number of regions to be edited.

FIG. 58 shows the range of area designation. Assuming the origin (0.0) with reference to the document reference position mark on the right frame of the case as shown in FIG. 58, the output count numbers in the X and Y directions are in the following ranges. 0-864 (0
Data below is corrected to 0, and data above 864 is
864) and 0-600 in the X-axis direction (data less than 0 is corrected to 0, data exceeding 600 is corrected to 600). The unit of the address of the specified point is [m
m]. That is, the main scanning direction of the original is the X axis, the sub scanning direction is the Y axis, and the X axis can be specified in the range of 0 to 864. However, when coordinates outside the range are specified, the maximum or minimum value of the range is specified. It is corrected to the value. When a plurality of areas are designated and the areas overlap, the area designation data is invalidated.

As shown in FIG. 59, there is a resistor 903 in the X and Y directions in the editor board, and when a part of the coordinate plate 904 is pushed by the stylus pen 900, the resistance pressure is detected and the detected data is obtained. It is sent to the copier as the coordinate position.
The mode selection area 850 also has the same detection method.

FIG. 60 shows an example of keys in the mode select area 850. On the mode select area 850, a document recognition key 851 for designating a document type recognition region, an ID key 852 for designating an ID (attendance number, name, etc.) region on the document, a comparison key 853 for designating a comparison region, A ratio key 854 for designating weighting of the comparison area, a comment key 855 for designating a comment output area, a result print key 856 for designating an area for outputting a comparison calculation result, a numeric keypad 857 for inputting various numerical values from 0 to 9, A setting key 860 for entering the area designation setting mode of the scoring mode,
End key 8 to send the set data to the copier
61, a clear key 862, an enter key 863, and other keys 864 for performing editing (eg, trimming / masking).

Next, the method of specifying the area in the scoring mode will be described. In the present invention, there are 10 types of manuscripts that can be designated, and up to 30 regions can be designated in one manuscript, and the ratio is from 1 to 100. FIG. 61 shows a flowchart when the area designation setting mode of the scoring mode is entered and interrupted.

To enter the setting mode, press the setting key when no other editing mode is set (NO in S6001). Press the setting key (N in S6002
O), the setting lamp for informing that the setting mode has been entered is lit (NO in S6003, S6004, 600).
5). When the setting lamp is pressed again when it is turned on (YES in S6002), the setting lamp is turned off, the data is cleared, and the setting mode is interrupted (S6006, 6007, 6008).
To end the setting mode normally, press the end key described later.

FIG. 62 shows a flowchart of the coordinate input method. In the setting mode (YES in S6101), the area coordinates 1 and 2 are input with the stylus pen 900 (S6).
102, S6104 to S6107, S6109 to S61
11). If the clear key is pressed during input, the input coordinates are cleared (S6103, S6112, S611).
3 and S6114 to S6116). If area coordinates 1 and 2 are not input (NO in S6105, S6
109, NO), document recognition key, ID key, comparison key,
Area processing type key inputs of the comment key and the result print key are ignored. If it overlaps with the previously input area (YES in S6108), the area registrations 1 and 2 are cleared to the memory and the buzzer becomes twice (S6117 and S611).
8).

Next, the area processing type key input will be described. When the area processing type key is input after the area coordinates are input, the area indicated by the coordinates is stored in the memory as an area for performing the input area processing. At the time of key input, clear key input is also effective. When the clear key is pressed, the data immediately before the press of the clear key is cleared and the input waits again. The user can arbitrarily specify an area number in each area from 1 to 30 using the ten keys. However, if the specified number is specified twice, the subsequent specified number is invalid and is ignored. Also, the ratio key input is valid only after the comparison key input, and the numerical value input range after the ratio key input is 1 to
100. Further, when the areas of a plurality of originals are consecutively set, the area for recognizing the types of originals is made common and only one original can be set. The above area setting is completed by pressing the enter key. When the enter key is pressed, it is determined that the setting of one area has been completed, and the editor enters a state of waiting for area coordinate input of the next area or a state of waiting for completion of area setting of one document.

This area process type key input will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 63 to 66.

First, it is determined whether area coordinate 2 is stored in the memory. If not stored, the process ends (S6).
No in 201). If it is not stored (YES in S6201), it is determined whether or not anything is stored in (mode) of area processing type 1 (S6202). YE in S6202
If it is S, it is confirmed whether the clear key is turned on (S6203). If the clear key is on (S6
If YES in 203), the memory of area processing type 1 is cleared (S6208), and the buzzer sounds (S6209). If the clear key is not turned on (NO in step S6203), it is determined whether area processing type 1 (No.) ≠ 0 is stored (step S62).
04). If YES in step S6204 and the clear key is on (YES in step S6205), area processing type 1 (N
o. ) Is cleared (S6206) and the buzzer sounds (S6)
207).

If NO in S6202, it is confirmed that the document recognition key is on (S6220). If NO in S6220, it is confirmed that the ID key, the comparison key, the comment key or the result print key is turned on. Yes (S6221). If it is turned on (YES in S6221), the key entered in (mode) of area processing type 1 is stored (S622).
2) Sound the buzzer (S6223). If it is not turned on (NO in S6221), the process ends. If the document recognition key is turned on (YES in S6220), it is confirmed whether document recognition is stored in the area processing type 1 (mode) of the area designation code input of another document (S622).
4) If it is stored (YES in S6224), the process is terminated, and if not stored (NO in S6224), document recognition is stored in (mode) of area processing type 1 (S6).
225) Sound the buzzer (S6226).

If NO in S6204, the numeric keypad input is confirmed (S6213), and if YES in S6213, the area process type 1 (No.) is stored in the memory (S6213).
6214) Sound the buzzer (S6215). If there is no numeric keypad input (NO in S6213) and enter key input (YES in S6216), area processing type 1 (N
o. ) Is stored as 0FFH (S6217), and one block end processing of the scoring mode area designation data is performed (S621).
8) The buzzer sounds (S6219).

[0285] If NO in S6216, the input of the ratio key is confirmed (S6232). If there is an input (S623
2 YES), 0FFH for area processing type 1 (No.)
Is stored (S6233) and the buzzer sounds (S623).
4), the ratio is stored in the area processing type 2 (mode) (S6235). If no ratio key is input (S623)
(NO in 2), it is confirmed whether the ratio is stored in the area processing type 2 (mode) (S6236). N in S6236
If it is O, the process is ended, and if YES in S6236, it is confirmed that the clear key is turned on (S6237). If it is turned on (YES in S6237), the ratio is cleared to (mode) of area processing type 2 (S6238) and the buzzer sounds (S6239). If NO in S6237,
Confirm the numeric keypad input (S6240), and press Y in S6240.
If it is ES, area processing type 2 (No.) is stored in the memory (S6241) and the buzzer sounds (S6242).
If there is no numeric keypad input (NO in S6240), it is determined whether area processing type 2 (No.) ≠ 0 is stored (S624).
3). If YES in step S6243 and the clear key has been turned on (YES in step S6244), area processing type 2 (N
o. ) Is cleared (S6245) and the buzzer sounds (S6)
246).

If NO in S6243, numeric keypad input is confirmed (S6227), and if YES in S6227, area processing type 1 (No.) is stored in the memory (S6227).
6228) Sound the buzzer (S6229). If there is no numeric keypad input (NO in S6227) and enter key input (YES in S6230), area processing type 1 (N
o. ) Is stored as 01H (S6231), and one block of the scoring mode area designation data is terminated (S621).
8) The buzzer sounds (S6219).

If NO in S6244, the enter key input is confirmed (S6247), and if YES in S6247, one block of the scoring mode area designation data is terminated (S6218) and the buzzer sounds (S6219).

If YES in S6210, the input of the ratio key is confirmed (S6212), and (YE in S6212).
S), the buzzer is sounded (S6234), and the ratio is stored in the area processing type 2 (mode) (S6235). S6
If NO in 212, the process proceeds to S6216.

The data format of one area set by the above operation is shown in FIG. In FIG. 68, if the numerical value of area processing type 1 (No.) is not input, OF
FH is stored. Area processing type 2 (mode)
Since (No.) and (No.) are valid only when the ratio is input, the blank H is stored when the ratio is not input. If there is no numeric input for area processing type 2 (No.), 1H is stored. The above data is generated for each area setting, and is shown in FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the end key is pressed (YES in S6601), the scoring mode area designation data (comprising a plurality of blocks) of one original is transmitted to the main CPU (b) in FIG. 5 (S6602). Turn off the setting lamp and turn on the buzzer (S6603, S660
4). The editor 202 clears the memory, leaving the data in which the document recognition is stored in the area processing type 1 (mode), and waits for the area designation setting mode input of the scoring mode of the next document. Further, the operation unit shown in FIG. 23 is used to change the data already transmitted to the CPU (b) shown in FIG.

Further, the CPU (b) of FIG.
The data transmitted from 2 is stored in the RAM,
Send to the base CPU via the interface.
The base CPU stores the transmitted data in the RAM and uses it as basic data for character recognition and comparison.

According to the above-described embodiment, the document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, and the character recognition section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern. , A character comparison unit 836 for comparing the recognition result by the character recognition unit 833 with the stored comparison target, and an image comparison unit 838.
And the LCD touch panel 177 showing the result of the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838, the image stored in advance can be compared with the read image, and a simple operation which has conventionally been troublesome can be performed in a short time. realizable.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the document reading means for scanning and reading the document and outputting it as image information, the character recognition section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns, and the character recognition section. A character comparison unit 836, an image comparison unit 838 for comparing the recognition result by 833 with the stored comparison target, an LCD touch panel 177 for designating a predetermined area of the document, a character comparison unit 836, an image comparison unit 838. And an LCD touch panel 177 showing the result of
Recognizes only the designated area of the document, and character comparison unit 836 and image comparison unit 8 for each character and pattern in the area.
Since the result by 38 is shown, only the necessary one can be compared by enabling the partial comparison.

Further, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the original reading means for scanning and reading the original and outputting it as image information, the character recognizing section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character and a pattern, and the character recognizing section. A character comparison unit 836, an image comparison unit 838 for comparing the recognition result by 833 with the stored comparison target, an LCD touch panel 177 for designating a predetermined area of the document, a character comparison unit 836, an image comparison unit 838. And an LCD touch panel 177 showing the result of
Recognizes each of a plurality of designated areas of the document and shows the results of the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838 for each area. Therefore, by displaying the comparison results of each portion separately, each area is displayed. It is possible to obtain the aggregated results, etc.

Further, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the original reading means for scanning and reading the original and outputting it as image information, the character recognizing section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns, and the character recognizing section. A character comparison unit 836, an image comparison unit 838 for comparing the recognition result by 833 with the stored comparison target, an LCD touch panel 177 for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document,
It has an LCD touch panel 177 showing the result of the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838, and stores the comparison target to be stored by the document reading unit and the character recognition unit 833, so that it does not need to input each comparison target data. It can be read from the image data and can be input easily.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the document reading means for scanning and reading the document and outputting it as image information, the character recognition section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, and the character recognition section. A character comparison unit 836, an image comparison unit 838 for comparing the recognition result by 833 with the stored comparison target, an LCD touch panel 177 for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document,
It has an LCD touch panel 177 showing the result of the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838, stores the comparison target to be stored by the document reading unit and the character recognition unit 833, and prints the recognized and stored data on a sheet. , It is possible to input reliable data by making it possible to confirm the input data. Further, since the input data can be printed out, the confirmation work can be realized in a short time.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the document reading means for scanning and reading the document and outputting it as image information, the character recognizing section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, and the character recognizing section. A character comparison unit 836, an image comparison unit 838 for comparing the recognition result by 833 with the stored comparison target, an LCD touch panel 177 for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document,
The character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838 have an LCD touch panel 177 for displaying the result, and the document reading unit and the character recognition unit 833 can store the unrecognized result so that the unrecognized result or the region can be confirmed. By notifying that the user is outside, it is possible to accurately point out an operation error at the time of reading an image, and to help normal reading.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the document reading means for scanning and reading the document and outputting it as image information, the character recognizing section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns, and the character recognizing section. A recognition result by 833 and a storage unit that stores a plurality of comparison targets;
A determination unit that determines a comparison target to be compared, a character comparison unit 836 that compares the stored comparison target, an image comparison unit 838, and L for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document.
LCD touch panel 1 showing the results of the CD touch panel 177 and the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838.
77 and has a comparison target determined from a plurality of comparison targets, it is possible to store a plurality of comparison targets, enable comparison of several kinds of data, and set each time when used. There is no need to start over.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the document reading means for scanning and reading the document and outputting it as image information, the character recognizing section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns, and the character recognizing section. A recognition result by 833 and a storage unit that stores a plurality of comparison targets;
A determination unit that determines a comparison target to be compared, a character comparison unit 836 that compares the stored comparison target, an image comparison unit 838, and L for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document.
It has a CD touch panel 177, a common area LCD touch panel 177 for designating an area common to a plurality of comparison objects, and an LCD touch panel 177 showing the results of the character comparison section 836 and the image comparison section 838, and is recognized in the common area. As a result, the non-common comparison target is determined, and the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838 perform the comparison process of the non-common comparison target. Therefore, the comparison target is identified by the data described in the image. It can be judged automatically without setting. Further, it is possible to randomly compare a plurality of comparison targets.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, since the comparison process is not executed when the comparison target cannot be determined in the common area, it is useless to make a wrong comparison when the comparison target cannot be recognized. , The efficiency of execution time is improved.

Further, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, when the comparison target cannot be determined in the common area, it is notified that there is no comparison target. Therefore, by notifying when there is no comparison target, it is possible to deal with the problem in a short time. Can be achieved with. In addition, a mistake in selecting the read image can be seen.

Further, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the original reading means for scanning and reading the original and outputting it as image information, the character recognizing section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns, and the character recognizing section. A recognition unit 833, a storage unit for storing the comparison target, a character comparison unit 836 for comparing the stored comparison target, an image comparison unit 838, and an LCD touch panel 177 for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document. , And the LCD touch panel 177 showing the result of the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838, and when comparing the image information in a certain area, it is determined that the number of characters is the same as that of the characters, it is determined. , For example, when the correct answer is 123 and the answer is 12, there are parts where the characters match, such as 1, 1, 2, and 2. There, it is determined that the error because the number of characters is different. In this way, it is possible to make a reliable comparison by confirming that they match, including the number of characters.

Further, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the original reading means for scanning and reading the original and outputting it as image information, the character recognizing section 833 for recognizing the image information by the reading means as characters and patterns, and the character recognizing section. A recognition unit 833, a storage unit for storing the comparison target, a character comparison unit 836 for comparing the stored comparison target, an image comparison unit 838, and an LCD touch panel 177 for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document. , And an LCD touch panel 177 showing the result of the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838. When image information is recognized as blank in a certain area, it is determined whether the comparison target is blank and both are compared. Since it is done, it is possible to judge whether it is a blank or something like a mark sheet by distinguishing the blank from the normal character and judging. To facilitate the decision. Conventionally, since the mark sheet is used to detect white / black, it is necessary to cleanly paint the inside of the mark sheet frame, but in this embodiment, it is possible to distinguish whether the mark sheet frame is blank or black even if it is not completely painted black.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Incidentally, in this another embodiment, the above-mentioned FIG. 1 to FIG. 23,
25 to 91 are common, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and a characteristic part of another embodiment of the present invention will be described. [Explanation of Operation of AI Unit] Generally, there is an OCR technique or the like as a method for performing character recognition with high accuracy. In other words, it is a method of cutting out one character or one character in each original, patternizing the character, comparing the feature of the pattern with the character pattern information stored in the database, and determining the character. Nieuro and fuzzy techniques are often used to determine the characters. Since the original is upside down, etc., the character pattern read and cut out,
The character is confirmed by rotating and collating.

In the digital copying machine which is an example of the present invention,
Character recognition and comparison are performed by the AI unit (APL (3) 760) in the application. The CPU on the application baseboard performs a process of cutting out a character in an arbitrary character example on the page memory 830 storing one page of image data (preprocessing unit 831), and recognizing the cut out character. The AI unit is configured to perform the comparison (processing of the recognition result) with the above.

As shown in FIG. 19, the hardware for realizing the above character recognition and comparison (processing of recognition result) method is configured. Page memory on the app (image data)
The AI unit is for recognizing and comparing the character information cut out from the 830, which is the CPU 784 and the ROM 7.
85, RAM 786, area memory 782 for handling cut-out characters, comparison results, DPRAM 781 for handling commands and responses with application baseboard, image code storage unit (RAM) 787 for storing recognized results. , A pattern generator 789 for generating an arbitrary pattern, and a database (dictionary) 783 used for recognition.

The operation of the AI unit is shown in FIG.
5, an area memory 782 for handling a character image, a character recognition unit 833 for character recognition, and a character comparison unit 836 for comparing recognized characters and performing various processes from the comparison result. It is divided into

In FIG. 95, the character recognition unit 833 recognizes the characters in the area memory 782 as the CPU 78 of the AI unit.
4 collates with a dictionary (database) 783 and outputs it as an image code.
33 is a feature extraction unit 841 and a histogram generation unit 84.
2, conversion unit 843, rotation information register 844, operation unit 8
45, dictionary matching unit 846, database (dictionary) 78
3, an image code storage unit 787, and the like.

The character comparison unit 836 reads out the recognition result from the image code storage unit 787 and compares the recognition result with the image code serving as the comparison reference.
37, an image code comparing unit 838 for comparing the coincidence and non-coincidence of the image code, a comparison result operation unit 839 for counting the coincidence portion and multiplying an arbitrary numerical value corresponding to each coincidence portion, for the comparison result and the operation result The comparison result conversion unit 840 configured to search for a pattern to be output and output it to the area memory 782.

A brief description of the operating section of the present invention will be given in addition to the above description (FIG. 23). The basic screen is shown in Fig. 30.
As shown in (a), the LCD touch panel 1
Fixed mode keys located below 77 (copy mode key 172, FAX mode key 173, scoring mode key 17
By 4), the display on the LCD touch panel 177 is changed.

The copy mode key 172 is a mode key for normal copying. The LCD screen displays a paper size designation, scaling, etc., and the operator touches the touch panel to make various copies. You can configure the settings. The FAX mode key 173 is a mode key for normal FAX, and like the copy mode key, various settings for FAX can be made.

The grading mode key 174 is peculiar to the present invention. By pressing this key 174, the key 17
LED 174a of the 4th part lights up, and the first in this mode
The screen (FIG. 30B) is displayed. When the setting mode in the grading mode is pressed, various setting screens for reading and storing the correct answer document are displayed (the screen for inputting a comment shown in FIG. 9 is also displayed).

[0312] In the scoring mode, the LCD touch panel (first
30) by selecting the execution mode on the screen.
The second screen of the scoring mode (execution) as shown in (c) is displayed. This execution mode cannot be selected when the image corresponding to the correct answer document is not stored in the setting mode. By selecting this output destination, a setting screen for execution corresponding to each output destination is displayed, and by making various settings, the process can be executed by pressing the start key. Further, by pressing the "FD" key, the aggregated data (for example, the average score, the maximum score, the minimum score) can be stored in the floppy disk, and the data can be saved.

92 (d), (e), FIG. 93 (f),
(G), (h) FIGS. 94 (i), (j), (k) are explanatory views showing various setting screens.

When the scoring mode is selected, the sort mode is selected by pressing the sort key. In this example, the mode for each subject, ID, and rank, which is specific to the scoring mode, can be arbitrarily selected (FIG. 92 (d)). For example, when the sort by rank is selected, the rank setting window opens and the numerical value of the rank can be input (FIG. 92 (e)). Therefore,
When started in the grade + sort mode by rank, an operation is executed in which answers having a numerical value equal to or higher than the rank are discharged to the upper row, and answers having a lower rank are discharged to the lower row.

FIG. 94 (i) shows the comment input method. First, press the "70" or "50" part on the LCD screen, enter the threshold value with the numeric keypad, and press the comment part defined by the "70" and "50" points, and then press "↑", "↓". "
You can select any comment by pressing it and set any comment output by pressing "#".

When it is desired to know the average score, the maximum score, etc. of all from the comparison calculation result, the touch key (average score or maximum score) of the operation unit shown in (j) of FIG. 94 is pressed. For example, when the average score is pressed, the scores of all are added, the result is divided by the number of people, and the result is displayed on the LCD 177 screen.

When it is desired to know the number of correct answers for a given question, the manuscript type is first depressed on the operation unit shown in (k) of FIG. 94, and the manuscript type is selected by the "↑" and "↓" keys. Here, as the document type, the character recognition result of the area designated by the document recognition of the area processing type input from the editor 202 is displayed. Next, press the "comparison area number" section, enter a numerical value with the numeric keypad, and press the "#" key to complete the setting. At this time, the information is transmitted from the operation unit to the base CPU of the application via the main CPU. The base CPU counts the number of all persons and the number of correct answer persons from the comparison result on the RAM, the data processing number, and the processing type data, and transmits them to the operation unit. The operation unit displays the count result in the correct answer column.

The post-processing device has been described in the previous section,
A portion (main body ← → post-processing device I / F) relating to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The discharge destination bin instruction data shown in FIGS. 55 and 56 is transmitted from the main body of the copying machine in a predetermined format. At this time, for example, when sorting by ID is performed as an example of the present invention, the part of * in FIG.
After distinguishing it as a D code and scoring multiple manuscripts, I
Based on D, the discharge destination bin instruction data is processed into a predetermined format and transmitted to the post-processing device. After that, the post-processing device discharges the paper to the bin for discharging in accordance with the discharge destination bin instruction data. Unless otherwise specified, the paper was discharged in order from the first discharge destination bin. Similarly, for sorting by subject and sorting by grade, the discharge destination bin is determined from the code read from the predetermined area and discharged.

According to the above-mentioned another embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it has the calculating means for counting the result of the comparison, the comparison result, and the LCD touch panel 177 showing the counting result by the calculating means. , For example, when scoring an answer sheet, etc., a function that shows the scoring result, a function that writes a correct answer from a simple ○ ×, a function such as scoring, and a totaling process of the results (for example, an average score of the whole, Maximum point, minimum point, deviation amount) is possible.

According to the other embodiment, a predetermined pattern corresponding to the comparison result by the character comparison unit 836 and the image comparison unit 838 and a pattern for printing the value of the count result from the calculation means are generated. Pattern generator 7
89 and the printing means for printing the above pattern, it is possible to print additions such as ○ × and the score to the totaling function, so that there is no difference between the manuscript and the correct answer. It is possible to clarify whether there is a correct answer or not.

According to the above-mentioned another embodiment, the operator has the input means for inputting the additional information, the additional information is added to the data at the time of storage in the data storage means, and the operation means stores the operation data. Since it is selected according to the additional information, when scoring, you may want to set points etc. for a certain arbitrary part (area for scoring), but it is possible to perform those settings and arithmetic processing. It will be possible.

According to the above-mentioned another embodiment, the comment input means for inputting an arbitrary comment of the operator is provided, the comment is selected according to the count result, and the comment is added to the comparison result and printed. When scoring the manuscript to be made, an arbitrary comment can be added, so that the difference can be further clarified.

According to the above-mentioned another embodiment, the sheet post-processing means for sorting the printed sheets is provided, and the sheets can be sorted according to the type (subject) of answer sheets for sorting the sheets according to the discrimination code. Can be automated.

According to the above-described another embodiment, the sheet post-processing means for sorting the printed sheets is provided, and the ranking can be performed according to the count number of the comparison result, and the sorting can be performed according to the scores. It becomes possible to sort pass / fail, and post-processing can be automated.

According to the above-mentioned another embodiment, since the paper post-processing means for sorting the paper after printing is provided and the paper is sorted according to the ID number, it is possible to sort by individual (ID),
Post-processing can be automated.

Next, another embodiment will be described. In addition,
1 to 91 described above are common to this further another embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the characteristic part of this still another embodiment will be described. A schematic description of the operation unit in this further embodiment will be described in addition to the above description (FIG. 23). The basic screen is as shown in FIG. 30A, and the fixed mode key (copy mode key 172, FAX mode key 173, scoring mode key 174) located below the LCD touch panel 177 is used to select LC.
The display of the D touch panel 177 is changed.

The copy mode key 172 is a mode key for normal copying. The LCD screen displays a paper size designation, scaling, etc., and the operator touches the touch panel to perform various copying operations. You can configure the settings. The FAX mode key 173 is a mode key for normal FAX, and like the copy mode key, various settings for FAX can be made.

The grading mode key 174 is peculiar to the present invention. By pressing this key 174, the key 17
LED 174a of the 4th part lights up, and the first in this mode
The screen (FIG. 30B) is displayed. When the setting mode in the grading mode is pressed, various setting screens for reading and storing the correct answer document are displayed (the screen for inputting a comment shown in FIG. 9 is also displayed).

In the scoring mode, the LCD touch panel (first
30) by selecting the execution mode on the screen.
The second screen of the scoring mode (execution) as shown in (c) is displayed. This execution mode cannot be selected when the image corresponding to the correct answer document is not stored in the setting mode. By selecting this output destination, a setting screen for execution corresponding to each output destination is displayed, and by making various settings, the process can be executed by pressing the start key. This is the end of the explanation of the outline of the operation unit.

The digital copying machine according to the present invention has the FAX function (APL2) as an application, whereby the image data at the time of FAX reception is character-recognized and compared with the previously stored image.
Also, by sending the image data on the page memory after the comparison process to the G4FAX controller for the digital line and the G3FAX controller for the analog line,
The AX transmission is realized (the FAX operation in the APL2 is as described above).

In the above description, the image data (after comparison) on the page memory of the application baseboard is sent to the image control circuit via the memory system and printed. Here, a flowchart of the overall operation of the system including the FAX transmission function will be described with reference to FIG. 96, and a diagram of an operation unit related thereto will be described based on the operation unit illustrated in FIG.

In FIG. 96, various settings are made in the start waiting state (S101), and by pressing the start key, processing such as document reading operation is started (Y in S102, S103, S107, S108). ).
In the operation unit of FIG. 30, when the fixed mode key for mode setting is the code mode or the FAX mode (normal use without image comparison), normal code processing (path) (N in S103, N in S104, S105) ), Normal FAX processing (route) is performed (N in S103, S1).
04, Y, S106).

In the case of the scoring mode (comparing with the image stored in advance) (Y in S103), the document reading operation is performed, and then the character recognition processing of the image data on the page memory 830 is performed. Whether to print after comparison (S109, S114, S115) (route), FAX
Whether to perform transmission is selected according to the mode previously input by the operator on the operation unit. This means that the touch panel 1 displayed as FAX and print on the operation unit of FIG.
It is done by touching 77.

At this time, in the FAX mode (Y in S109), the ID is discriminated by the character recognition processing, and the transmission number thereof is set in advance by the transmission number of each ID (Kimura Akira's transmission number in the example of the above answer). It searches from the stored storage unit (RAM, ROM, etc. on the application baseboard) and transfers it to the FAX unit of APL2. This is shown in FIG.
It is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 97, the main CPU
If the dial processing command is received (S201) and the transmission number is input to the operation unit (Y in S202), FA
The transmission number is transferred to the X section (S206). If the transmission number has not been input to the operation unit (N in S202), the ID code is received from the AI unit (S203), the transmission number by the ID code is searched (S204), and if there is the transmission number (Y in S205). ), The transmission number is transferred to the FAX unit (S206). If there is no transmission number (N in S205),
A transmission disable signal is transmitted to the main CPU (S207).

As a result, the FAX section dials and calls the other party. In the above description of the FAX operation, dialing is performed, and when it is found that the other party is FAX, the reading and transfer of the document is performed (path).
However, in the example of the scoring mode of the present invention (Y in S103), it is read (S107) and dialed after the character recognition processing (S108, S109, S110), and it is found that the destination is FAX (S111). Y) transfer is performed (S112, S113) (route). If the other party is not a FAX (N in S111) or the like, a message indicating that transmission is impossible is displayed (S116), and the process returns to the start waiting state. Further, by providing an area for storing an individual count value for each ID in a storage unit such as a RAM, the count value is incremented and the number of transmissions is held when the FAX transmission processing is completed.

Further, it becomes possible to recognize the characters of the image data received by FAX, compare it with the image stored in advance, and output the comparison result by the printing device. Now, the transitional state of the process regarding the receiving operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

After receiving the image data from the line, the FAX section
Predetermined processing is performed (details are similar to the FAX operation), and image data is transferred to the page memory 830 on the application baseboard (S301). When the mode preset by the operator is not the scoring mode (N in S302), the image data is sent to the printing device and printed as it is (S307). In scoring mode (S
(Y in 302), first, character recognition processing of the document type recognition area of the image data on the page memory 830 is performed (S303),
The image code storage unit 787 is searched to see if there is image data of the same type (S304). As a result, if there is no image data of the same type (N in S304),
Similar to a normal FAX, the received image is sent to the printing device as it is for printing (S307). If the same type of document exists (Y in S304), character recognition of the comparison area or the like is performed (S3).
05), a comparison process is performed (S306), a pattern of the comparison result is combined with the original image data on the page memory 830, and the original image data is sent to the printing device for printing (S307). As a result, the FAX received image is compared with the image stored in advance, and the comparison result can be combined with the received image and output.

According to still another embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the original is scanned and read, and the image information is displayed as characters.
In an image comparison device that recognizes as a pattern and compares the recognition result with the contents stored in advance, the image comparison device has a facsimile transmission means for transmitting the image information after the comparison process to a telephone line. In addition, by providing a facsimile transmission function, the comparison result can be transmitted by facsimile without making a hard copy once, so that paper consumption and operation labor can be reduced.

According to still another embodiment, the printing means for printing according to the inputted image information and the operator for selecting and inputting the comparison result printing or the facsimile transmission are inputted. Since it has an output selection means and a selector for sending the image information after comparison to either the printing means or the facsimile transmission means, depending on the output selection means,
The operator can select whether to print the comparison result or send it by facsimile according to the purpose.

According to still another embodiment, an image comparison apparatus for scanning and reading a document, recognizing image information as a character or a pattern, and comparing the recognition result with the contents stored in advance is used in a telephone line. The image information received by facsimile is recognized as a character or a pattern and compared with the contents stored in advance. By providing the facsimile reception function, the image received by facsimile can be compared with the image stored in advance without printing out on paper, and paper consumption and operation labor can be reduced.

[0342]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to compare a prestored image with a read image. It is possible to realize a simple operation which has conventionally been troublesome in a short time.

According to the second aspect of the invention, only the necessary items can be compared by enabling partial comparison.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by displaying the comparison result for each part separately, it is possible to obtain the totalized result for each area.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the data to be compared can be read from the image data without inputting the data and the data can be easily input.

According to the invention described in claim 5, the input data can be confirmed so that the data can be surely input. Further, since the input data can be printed out, the confirmation work can be realized in a short time.

According to the invention described in claim 6, by notifying that the recognition cannot be made or the user is out of the area, it is possible to accurately point out an operation error at the time of reading the image, and to assist the normal reading. You can

According to the invention described in claim 7, it is possible to store a plurality of comparison objects, enable comparison of several kinds of data, and it is not necessary to reset each time when using.

According to the invention described in claim 8, by identifying the data described in the image, it is possible to automatically judge without setting the comparison target. Further, it is possible to randomly compare a plurality of comparison targets.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, when the comparison target cannot be recognized, it is useless to make an incorrect comparison, and the execution time is improved in efficiency.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a countermeasure in a short period of time by notifying that there is no comparison target. In addition, a mistake in selecting the read image can be seen.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make a reliable comparison by confirming that they match, including the number of characters.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the blank is separated from the normal character to make the determination, so that it is easy to determine whether it is a blank or something like a mark sheet.

According to the invention described in claim 13, for example, when scoring an answer sheet or the like, a function of showing a scoring result and a function of entering a correct answer, scoring, etc. The result can be aggregated (for example, the average point, the maximum point, the minimum point, and the deviation amount of the whole).

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to add XX or the like and print the score to the totalizing function. Therefore, how much the manuscript is different from the model or the correct answer, It is possible to clarify the correct answer rate.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when scoring, it is sometimes desired to set a score or the like for a certain arbitrary portion (area for scoring), but these settings and calculations are required. It becomes possible to perform processing.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, when the manuscript is scored, arbitrary comments can be added.
Differences can be further clarified.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 17, the answer sheets can be sorted by type (subject), and post-processing can be automated.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, the scores can be sorted according to the score, so that the pass / fail can be sorted, and the post-processing can be automated.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, sorting by individual (ID) can be performed, and post-processing can be automated.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 20, by providing a facsimile transmission function in addition to character recognition and comparison, the comparison result can be transmitted by facsimile without making a hard copy. Moreover, the labor of operation can be reduced.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the invention, the operator can select whether to print the comparison result or send it by facsimile according to the intended use.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in addition to character recognition and comparison, a facsimile reception function is provided so that the image received by facsimile is stored in advance without being printed out on paper. It is possible to compare the images with the images, and it is possible to reduce the paper consumption and the operation labor.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a writing unit in the digital copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a layout diagram of a writing unit.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical path of a writing unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control unit of the copying machine.

FIG. 6 is an overall block diagram of electrical equipment control.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an image scanner unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image processing unit (IPU).

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an IPU output data format.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a system having a frame memory for image data.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration capable of data flow.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a memory system capable of storing compressed data as well as actual data.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the memory unit of FIG.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a data type of image data.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a pixel process unit is arranged outside a memory unit.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a memory unit capable of 100% recovery when the processing speeds of compression and expansion are not in time.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an application unit.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of hardware for realizing a character recognition and comparison method.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an application unit.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an IPU.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing control of a facsimile.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation unit.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of an AI unit.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a correct answer manuscript.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of character recognition and comparison areas.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an answer document.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing pattern output to a page memory (page memory interrupt result).

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing plotter output.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing various setting screens.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the ADF.

FIG. 32 is a front view showing an example of the entire sheet post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a front view showing details of the upper conveyance section of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a side view of FIG. 34.

36 is a side view of the oblique roller portion of FIG. 32. FIG.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a diagonal operation of copy paper.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing the outline of a swinging device of the sheet post-processing device.

FIG. 39 is a plan view showing the relationship between the rocking device and the bottle.

FIG. 40 is a side view of the rocking device.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a stapler device of the sheet post-processing device.

FIG. 42 is a plan view of the stapler device.

FIG. 43 is a front view of a bearing portion.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing movement of the stapler device.

FIG. 45 is a front view of the sheet drawing device.

FIG. 46 is a front view of an operating state of the sheet drawing device.

FIG. 47 is a front view of an operating state of the sheet drawing device.

FIG. 48 is a front view of the operating state of the sheet drawing device.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view showing an example of a bin fence.

FIG. 50 is a plan view of the bin fence.

FIG. 51 is a plan view of the operating state of the bin fence.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the bin fence.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a stapler unit.

FIG. 54 is a block diagram of a control system in the post-processing device.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing signals sent from the post-processing device to the copying machine.

FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing signals sent from the copying machine to the post-processing device.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an editor.

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing a range of area designation.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the editor cut away.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of keys in a mode select area of the editor.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart at the time of entering and interrupting the area designation setting mode of the scoring mode.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of a coordinate input method.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart of area processing type key input.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart of area processing type key input.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart of area processing type key input.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart of area processing type key input.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart of a scoring mode for one original when the end key is pressed.

FIG. 68 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format of one area set by an operation.

FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram showing data in the base / app DPDPRAM.

FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram showing data in the application RAM.

FIG. 71 is an explanatory diagram showing a data area for one registration.

FIG. 72 is an explanatory diagram showing a data area for one registration.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart of area cutout processing.

FIG. 74 is a flowchart of a data comparison process.

FIG. 75 is a flowchart of a process of comparing registered data and read data.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart of a process of comparing registered data and read data.

FIG. 77 is a flowchart of a process of comparing registered data and read data.

FIG. 78 is a flowchart of MENU operation processing.

FIG. 79 is a flowchart of operation processing in a setting mode.

FIG. 80 is a flowchart of operation processing in a setting mode.

FIG. 81 is a flowchart of confirmation mode processing.

FIG. 82 is a flowchart of region designation mode processing.

FIG. 83 is a flowchart of region input mode processing.

FIG. 84 is a flowchart of a region release mode process.

FIG. 85 is a flowchart of data cancellation mode processing.

FIG. 86 is a flowchart of data registration mode processing.

FIG. 87 is a flowchart of a data read mode process.

FIG. 88 is a flowchart of an execution mode process.

FIG. 89 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation image of the LCD touch panel of the operation panel.

FIG. 90 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation image of the LCD touch panel of the operation panel.

FIG. 91 is an explanatory diagram showing a warning display on the LCD touch panel of the operation panel.

FIG. 92 is an explanatory diagram showing various setting screens of the digital copying machine of another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 93 is an explanatory diagram showing various setting screens of the digital copying machine of another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 94 is an explanatory diagram showing various setting screens of the digital copying machine of another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 95 is an explanatory diagram of an AI unit of a digital copying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 96 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the system including the FAX transmission function of the digital copying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. Is.

FIG. 97 is a flowchart of a FAX process and dial process by the baseboard CPU.

[Fig. 98] Fig. 98 is a flowchart of processing relating to a receiving operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 172 Copy mode key 173 FAX mode key 174 Scoring mode key 177 LCD touch panel 202 Editor 740 APL (1) 750 APL (2) 760 APL (3) 781 DPRAM 782 Area memory 783 database 784 CPU 785 ROM 786 RAM 787 Image code storage unit 789 Pattern generator 830 Page memory 831 Pre-processing unit 833 Character recognition unit 836 Character comparison unit 837 Image code reading unit 838 Image code comparison unit 839 Comparison result calculation unit 840 Comparison result conversion unit 841 Feature extraction unit 842 Histogram generation unit 843 Conversion unit 844 rotation information register 845 arithmetic unit 846 dictionary matching unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masashi Yamagami 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock company Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Tomonori Tanaka 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Shares In Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Yoshimine Horiuchi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hoshi et al. 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Ricoh Company

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, and a recognition result by the recognition means. An image comparison apparatus comprising: a comparison unit that compares a comparison target and a unit that indicates a result of the comparison unit. 2. A document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, and a recognition result by the recognition means. It has a comparing means for comparing with a comparison target, a designating means for designating a predetermined area of the original, and a means for showing the result by the comparing means, and the recognizing means recognizes only the designated area of the original. The image comparison device is characterized in that the result of the comparison means is shown for each character and pattern in the area. 3. A document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, a recognizing means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, and a recognition result by the recognizing means. Comprising a comparing means for comparing with a comparison target, a designating means for designating a predetermined area of a document, and a means for showing a result by the comparing means, and the recognizing means includes a plurality of designated areas of the document. And an image comparing apparatus for displaying the result of the comparing means for each area. 4. A document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, and a recognition result by the recognition means. The comparison means has a comparing means for comparing with a comparison target, a designating means for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of a document, and a means for showing a result by the comparing means, and the comparison should be stored by the document reading means and the recognizing means. An image comparison apparatus characterized by storing an object. 5. A document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, and a recognition result by the recognition means are stored. A comparison means for comparing with a comparison target, a designation means for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of a document, and a means for showing a result by the comparison means, and a comparison to be stored by the document reading means and the recognition means. An image comparison apparatus, which stores an object and prints the recognized and stored data on a sheet. 6. A document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, a recognizing means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, and a recognition result by the recognizing means. It has a comparing means for comparing with a comparison object, a means for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of a document, and a means for showing a result by the comparing means, and the document reading means and the recognizing means store and cannot recognize. An image comparison device characterized in that the result can be confirmed. 7. A document reading means for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, a recognition result by the recognition means, and a plurality of comparisons. Storage means for storing an object, determination means for determining a comparison object to be compared, comparison means for comparing stored comparison objects, designation means for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of an original, and the above-mentioned comparison And a means for indicating the result of the means, and comparing with a comparison target determined from a plurality of comparison targets. 8. A document reading unit for scanning and reading a document and outputting it as image information, a recognition unit for recognizing the image information by the reading unit as a character or a pattern, a recognition result by the recognition unit, and a plurality of comparisons. Storage means for storing the object, determination means for determining the comparison object to be compared, comparison means for comparing the stored comparison object, designation means for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the manuscript, and a plurality of It has a common area designating means for designating a common area for comparison and a means for showing the result by the comparison means. Based on the result recognized in the common area, a non-common comparison target is determined, and the comparison means An image comparison apparatus, which performs comparison processing of comparison targets that are not common. 9. The image comparison apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the comparison process is not executed when the comparison target cannot be determined in the common area. 10. The image comparison apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when there is no comparison target in the common area, it is notified that there is no comparison target. 11. An original reading means for scanning and reading an original and outputting it as image information, a recognition means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, a recognition result by the recognition means, and a comparison target. A storage means for storing, a comparison means for comparing the stored comparison target, a designating means for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document, and a means for showing the result by the comparison means are provided in a certain area. An image comparison apparatus, characterized in that when the image information is compared with each other, it is determined that the number of characters is the same and that the characters match each other. 12. An original reading means for scanning and reading an original and outputting it as image information, a recognizing means for recognizing the image information by the reading means as a character or a pattern, a recognition result by the recognizing means, and a comparison target. A storage means for storing, a comparison means for comparing the stored comparison object, a designating means for designating a plurality of predetermined areas of the document, and a means for showing the result of the comparison means are provided, When the image information is recognized as blank, the image comparison apparatus is configured to determine whether the comparison target is blank and compare the blanks together. 13. The image comparison apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a calculation unit for counting the result of the comparison, a unit for showing the comparison result, and a count result for the calculation unit. 14. The predetermined pattern according to the comparison result by the comparing means, the pattern generating means for generating a pattern for printing the value of the count result from the calculating means, and the pattern according to claim 11. An image comparison device having a printing unit for printing the image. 15. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising input means for an operator to input additional information, wherein the data storage means adds the additional information to the data at the time of storage, and the operation means adds the operation data. An image comparison device characterized by being selected according to information. 16. The method according to claim 11 or 12,
It has a comment input means for inputting any comment of the operator, selects a comment according to the count result,
An image comparison apparatus, wherein the comment is added to a comparison result and printed. 17. The image comparison apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet post-processing unit that sorts the printed sheets, and the sheets are sorted according to the discrimination code. 18. The paper post-processing unit according to claim 1, 11 or 12, further comprising a paper post-processing unit for sorting the printed papers, and ranking the papers according to the count number of the comparison result.
An image comparison device characterized by sorting according to the rank. 19. The image comparison apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper post-processing unit that sorts the printed paper, and sorts the paper according to the ID number. 20. A description of an image comparison device for scanning and reading an original document, recognizing image information as characters or patterns, and comparing the recognition result with prestored contents, wherein the image information after the comparison process is a telephone line. An image comparison apparatus having a facsimile transmission unit for transmitting to an image comparison apparatus. 21. The output selection according to claim 18, wherein a printing unit that prints according to the input image information and an operator selects and inputs whether to print the comparison result or to perform facsimile transmission. 2. An image comparison apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means and a selector for transmitting the compared image information to either the printing means or the facsimile transmission means, depending on the output selection means. 22. An image comparison device for scanning and reading a document, recognizing image information as characters and patterns, and comparing the recognition result with prestored contents, for receiving image information from a telephone line. An image comparison apparatus having facsimile receiving means, wherein image information received by facsimile is recognized as characters or patterns and compared with contents stored in advance.