JPH06191716A - Image forming device having sheet sorting means - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To appropriately select a recovery action, by judging consistency between the image direction of reference image information and that of other image information and when inconsistency is judged in setting a sorting mode by controlling image forming action according to a sorting setting part. CONSTITUTION:In controlling a digital copying machine, having an after- treatment function such as sorting and stapling, consistency between the image direction of reference image information and that of others, in the plural image information read out via a scanner control circuit 206 in a scanner part, is judged in a CPU 201. For example, an image direction is detected based on the character recognition of each document, and whether a document, in which the image direction of the first document is different, exists or not in a copy group from a detected document direction, is judged. When the existence of a document, in which the image direction is different, is judged at the time of a sorting mode setting condition, control is made so as to warning-display this judgment or interrupt image forming action when the number of a sorting setting pieces exceeds a given number.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, an OCR, etc.
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a sheet sorting unit (sorter).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various document image processing apparatuses have been proposed. Among these, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-251818
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4 publication, a character image is cut out from image information of a document read by a scanner, a feature amount of the cut out character image is extracted, and the extracted feature amount is converted according to a rotation angle of the character to change. Rotated characters are recognized by comparing and collating the following feature amounts with a dictionary, and when the rotation angle of the character is not known in advance, the cut-out character image is recognized as two or more different rotated characters. , A technique for determining the rotation angle of a character has been proposed.

On the other hand, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 1-105266 discloses that an appropriate number of character images are vertically cut out from the image information of a document read by an image scanner (width of the read document image from the line head to the line end). And the width from the line end to the line head is equal), and the number of black pixels included in the predetermined width from the line end to the line end is within the predetermined width from the line end to the line head. By utilizing the property of being larger than the number of black pixels included, the top and bottom (top-bottom relationship) of the document image are determined, and when the top and bottom of the document image are determined to be reversed, the image rotation means is used to scan the document image. A technique has been proposed for rotating the tongue to make the top and bottom normal.

[0004]

Various forms of use of the image forming apparatus on the premise of character direction recognition will now be considered. For example, in a copying operation using an image forming apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a sorting device (sorter), a large number of documents (document images) and a large number of sorting setting copies (for example, 20 sets), the operator often leaves the document in the ADF and then leaves the image forming apparatus, because it takes a lot of time to complete the image formation.

After the start of image formation, when it is confirmed that the image orientation in the original is inconsistent, a recovery operation is required so as to prevent unnecessary image formation. Efficient recovery operation is required. This is particularly demanded in an image forming apparatus that does not have a high-quality image processing function such as an image rotation function.

However, in any of the above-mentioned conventional techniques, the development of character direction recognition is not considered even in such a usage mode of the image forming apparatus, and there is a point to be improved in terms of operability and convenience. .

The present invention solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and when the document image direction misalignment is confirmed when using the sorting function, the recovery operation can be appropriately selected and handled according to the number of sorting setting copies, and the convenience and operability can be appropriately adjusted. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus provided with excellent sheet sorting means.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned objects are: paper sorting means; first recognizing means for recognizing the image direction of reference image information in a plurality of image information; and second recognizing the image direction of other image information. The recognition means, the determination means for determining the consistency between the image direction of the reference image information and the image direction of the other image information, and the sorting mode for sorting the sheets by the sheet sorting means When the sorting mode is set, the reference image information and other When the image direction inconsistency with the image information is confirmed,
This is achieved by the first means including a control means for controlling the image forming operation according to the number of sorting setting copies.

Further, the above object is achieved by the second means in which the control means is set so that the image forming operation is interrupted when the number of copies set for sorting is equal to or larger than a predetermined number in the first means.

Further, in the first means, in the first means, when the set number of copies is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, the image forming operation is interrupted for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has passed, the inconsistent state in the image direction is not released. At this time, it is achieved by the third means in which the above-mentioned control means is set so as to automatically restart the image forming operation.

Further, the above-mentioned object is achieved by the fourth means in which the control means is set so that the image forming operation is continued and a warning is displayed when the number of copies to be sorted is equal to or less than a predetermined number in the first means. To be achieved.

[0012]

In the present invention, the first recognizing means recognizes the image direction of the reference image information in the plurality of image information, and the second recognizing means recognizes the image direction of the other image information. Then, the determining unit determines the consistency between the image direction in the reference image information and the image direction of other image information, and when the sorting mode for sorting the sheets by the sheet sorting device is set, the determining unit determines the reference image information. When it is confirmed that the image orientation of the image orientation and the image orientation of the other image information are not matched, the control means controls the image forming operation according to the number of sorting setting copies.

In this case, the control means suspends the image forming operation when the sort setting copy number is equal to or larger than the predetermined copy number.

When the number of copies set as the sorting is equal to or larger than the predetermined number, the control means suspends the image forming operation for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the image forming operation is not released when the misaligned state in the image direction is not released. To restart automatically.

Furthermore, when the number of copies set for sorting is equal to or less than a predetermined number of copies, the control means continues the image forming operation and displays a warning.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In order to make the explanation easy to understand, the explanations will be given separately for each item, and the divided items will be shown above as a table of contents.

1. Schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment 1.1 Overall configuration 1.2 Scanner section 1.3 Writing section 1.4 Photoconductor section 1.5 Developing section 1.6 Paper feeding section 1.7 Automatic document feeder ( ADF) 1.8 Sorta stapler (III) 1.9 Electrical equipment control unit 1.9.1 Sequence control 1.9.2 Image data processing 1.9.3 Application unit 1.9.3.1 About APL1 1. 9.3.2 About APL2 1.9.3.3 About APL3 1.9.3.4 About APL4 1.9.3.5 About APL5 1.9.3.6 About display 1.9.4 Fax operation 1.9.5 Image processing unit 1.9.5.1 Shift, scaling, rotation, reverse scan, mirroring 1.9.5.2 Shift 1.9.5.3 Magnification 1.9.5.4 Rotation 1.9.5 .5 Reverse scan and mirroring 1.10 Human body detection sensor 2. Image orientation judgment 3. Recognizing the image direction by detecting the edge blank area 3.1.1 Detecting the maximum margin within the page area of the output image information and recognizing the image direction from the detected data 3.1.2 Original size and original setting direction (image information Direction) to determine the reference 2 end face and recognize the image direction from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face 3.1.3 When a large number of originals are detected, the maximum end face margin within the page area is detected regarding the image information of the second page transition, Check the matching of the image directionality with the start page image information 3.1.4 Recover when the image directionality NG is detected in the case of multiple originals 3.1.4.1 Only warning display after image formation 3.1.4. 2 Copy interruption and warning display when the orientation is different in the original scan 3.1.4.3 Mismatch of edge margin areas 3.1.5 Correspondence when identification is not possible 3.1.5.1 Predetermined predetermined Image formation / warning display in direction 3.1. 5.2 Image formation / warning display unified to the identified predetermined reference image information direction 3.1.5.3 Image interruption / warning display 3.1.6 Blank original support 3.1.7 Multiple originals Image directionality NG detection (when image processing cannot be performed when the edge blank area mismatch is detected by margin recognition) 3.2.1 The maximum edge margin in the page area of the output image information is detected and detected Staple position determination 3.2.2 Staples on the detected maximum end face margin 3.2.3 Determine the reference 2 end face from the document size and the document setting direction (image information direction), and staple from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face Position determination 3.2.4 Image direction recognition from maximum edge margin data,
Image orientation consistency is confirmed by comparison with standard staple position data 3.2.5 Image orientation is recognized from the maximum edge margin data,
Image orientation N by comparison with reference staple position data
G Recover 3.2.6 When an image exists at the stapling position determined from the maximum end face margin data 3.3.1 Selective control of image direction identification detection according to the image forming mode 3.3.2 After completion of sorting operation , When the manual stapling instruction is input, the staple position N based on the end surface margin data
In case of G 4. Image direction recognition based on layout judgment 4.1.1 Image direction recognition based on layout judgment of entire image 4.1.2 Image blank area detection method during layout judgment 4.2.1 Image direction recognition based on layout judgment [image information direction Combination of data (original setting direction) and image information output size data (original size)] 4.2.2 Recognition of image direction from corner margin data in page area of output image information based on layout judgment 4.2.3 Multiple sheets When manuscript, check the matching of the image directionality with other image information based on the layout judgment (unification of the image direction) 4.2.4 From multiple sheets of manuscript, from the margin data within the page area of the reference output image information based on the layout judgment to other Confirmation of matching of image directionality with image information (unification of image direction) 4.2.5 Predetermined standard when multiple sheets / horizontal and horizontal originals are mixed Matching of image directionality based on layout judgment with respect to image information (unification of image direction) 4.2.6 Recovering when image directionality NG is detected for multiple originals (mismatch of corner blank area) 4.2.7 Identification Correspondence at the time of impossible 4.2.8 Correspondence of blank document 4.2.9 Correspondence at the time of image directionality NG detection in case of a large number of documents (when image processing cannot be supported at the time of detecting the discrepancy of the corner margin area based on layout judgment) 4. 3.1 Staple position determination based on layout judgment (judgment based on document setting direction and document size) 4.3.2 Staple position determination from page area corner margin data of output image information based on layout judgment (staple to proper corner) 4 3.3.3 Staples on the detected corner margins 4.3.4 When a large number of originals are used, based on the layout judgment,
Detect the common corner margin of each output image information and determine the staple position 4.3.5 Confirm the image direction consistency by comparing the corner margin based on the layout judgment with the standard staple position data 4.3.6 Layout judgment Based on the comparison between the corner blank area and the reference staple position data, the image orientation N
G Recover 4.3.7 When there is an image at the staple position based on the common corner margin data based on the layout judgment 4.3.8 When many sheets and vertical / horizontal originals are mixed, the image orientation is matched based on the layout judgment, Staple position determination 4.4.1 Selective control of image direction identification detection according to the image forming mode 4.4.2 Staple position N based on end face margin data when manual stapling instruction is input after completion of sorting operation
In case of G 5. Image direction recognition detection based on character direction determination 5.1.1 Image direction recognition within output image information page based on character recognition 5.1.2 When a large number of documents are printed, reference output image information based on character recognition and other image information 5.1.1 Matching of image directionality (unification of image direction) 5.1.3 Method of distinguishing between vertical document and landscape document [Identification detection based on document size / direction data, character direction data, and line direction data (all types: (Vertical writing / horizontal writing can be supported)] 5.1.4 When multiple sheets / vertical / horizontal originals are mixed, image orientation matching is confirmed based on character direction recognition with respect to predetermined reference image information. 5. When recovering image directionality NG (mismatch in character direction) 5.1.6 Correspondence when image directionality NG is detected when a large number of documents (when image processing is not supported) 5.1.7 Blank document support 5.1 . 8 Correspondence when identification is not possible 5.1.8.1 Image formation / warning display in a predetermined predetermined direction 5.1.8.2 Image formation / warning display unified to the identified predetermined reference image information direction 5.1.8 .3 Image interruption / warning display 5.2.1 Staple position determination by character recognition 5.2.2 Comparison of character string direction data and reference staple position 5.2.2 Predetermined when multiple sheets / horizontal and horizontal originals are mixed The image information direction is identified from the character direction recognition data for the reference image information, and the image direction alignment is confirmed by comparing with the reference stapler position data. 5.2.4 Consistency between the character string direction data and the reference staple position Recover when NG 5.3.1 Selection control of image direction identification detection according to image formation mode 5.3.2 When manual stapling instruction is input after completion of sorting operation, staple position N based on character direction data
In case of G 5.3.2.1 Warning display 5.3.2.2 Staple prohibition 6. Image direction recognition based on punch hole detection and staple hole detection 6.1.1 Image direction recognition based on original document punch hole detection 6.1.2 Image direction recognition based on original document staple hole detection 6.1.3 For multiple originals Detecting punch holes or staple holes in the original and confirming the consistency of the image directionality with the reference image information 6.1.4 Recovering when the image directionality NG is detected in the case of a large number of originals 6.1.4.1 Image formation Post-warning display only 6.1.4.2 Copying is interrupted and the warning is displayed if the orientation is different during document scanning 6.1.4.3 Image rotation processing and document reverse scanning 6.1.5 Correspondence when identification is not possible 6.1 5.5.1 Image formation / warning display in a predetermined direction determined in advance 6.1.5.2 Image formation / warning display unified in the identified predetermined reference image information direction 6.1.5.3 Image interruption / warning display 6.1.6 Blank paper Correspondence 6.1.7 Correspondence at the time of document orientation NG detection in case of many documents (when image processing is not supported) 6.2.1 Staple operation control based on document punch hole detection data (staple position determination-document punch hole side) 6.2.2 Staple operation control based on original staple hole detection data (staple position determination-staple on original staple hole side) 6.2.3 Based on original staple hole detection data, confirm execution of stapling after job completion and When stapling is confirmed, stap operation is interrupted by stap prohibition input 6.2.4 Image information direction is identified from the punch hole or staple hole data of the document, and the consistency of the image direction is confirmed by comparison with the standard staple position data 6.2 .5 By comparing the image direction based on punch hole detection with the standard staple position data Image direction NG recovery 6.2.6 When an image exists at a punch hole position based on punch hole detection 6.3.1 Selection control of punch hole or staple hole identification detection of a document according to the image forming mode 6.3 2.2 Detecting punch holes in the document and erasing punch holes when forming an image on the recording sheet 6.3.3 Detecting staple holes in the document and erasing staple holes when forming an image on the recording sheet 6.3.4 Sorting operation After completion, when the manual stapling instruction is input and the staple position is NG based on various data 7. A detection method for efficiently performing image orientation by performing detection in the order of margin detection, layout detection, and character recognition detection . 1. Schematic Configuration of Digital Copier according to Embodiment 1.1 Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the digital copier, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are a plan view and a side view of a writing unit in the digital copier.

First, a schematic structure of a 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). The copying machine body (I)
Includes a scanner unit, a writing unit, a photoconductor unit, a developing unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like. The configuration and operation of each unit will be described below.

1.2 Scanner Unit The scanner unit is equipped with the first mirror that is equipped with the reflecting mirror 1, the light source 3, and the first mirror 2 and moves at a constant speed, and the second mirror 4 and the third mirror 5. Then, it has a second scanner that moves following the first scanner at half the speed of the first scanner. 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.

A fluorescent lamp or a halogen lamp is used as the light source 3, and a fluorescent lamp is generally used because of its stable wavelength and long life. In this embodiment, the reflecting mirror 1 is attached to one light source 3, but two or more light sources 3 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 processing, 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 that transmits only necessary color information is placed in and out of the optical path guided from the original to the solid-state image sensor 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, R (red), G (green), B
In some cases, a color original is read using a 3-line CCD or the like in order to simultaneously obtain three (blue) information.

1.3 Writing Unit The image information after image processing is in the form of a set of light spots in the optical writing unit by raster scanning of laser light in the photoconductor drum 4.
Written above zero. 2 and 3 are a plan view and a side view showing the writing unit. The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 20 is converted into a parallel light flux by the collimator lens 21, and is 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 with a constant angle 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 that the light spot becomes a minimum light spot.

The laser light which has passed through the fθ lenses 26a and 26b is guided to the synchronization detection light entrance portion (synchronization detection plate) 30 by the synchronization detection mirror 29 outside the image area, propagated to the sensor portion by the optical fiber, and then in the main scanning direction. Synchronous detection, which is the reference for cueing, is performed and a synchronous signal is output. 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.

In FIG. 2, 27 is a mirror and 31 is a mirror.
Is a lens holding unit.

1.4 Photosensitive Member A photosensitive layer is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40.
As a photosensitive layer having sensitivity to a semiconductor laser (wavelength 780 nm), an organic photoconductor (OPC), α-Si, Se-T
e and the like are known, and the organic photoreceptor (OPC) is used in this embodiment. Generally, in the case of laser writing, there are two types, 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. N / P process is adopted.

The charging charger 41 is of the scorotron type having a grid on the photoconductor side, 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 to attach the toner charged in (-) to visualize the electrostatic latent image.

1.5 Developing Section The apparatus of this embodiment includes two developing units, a main developing unit 42a and a sub developing unit 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, the main developing device 4
By putting black toner in the toner replenishing device 43a paired with 2a and color toner in the toner replenishing device 43b paired with the sub-developing device 42b, the main pole of the developing device of the other color is developed during the development of one color. Selective development is performed by changing the position.

By using such a developing device, color information can be read by switching the color filter 6 of the scanner, and the multi-transfer and double-sided copying functions of the paper conveyance system can be combined to perform multifunctional color copying and color editing. Becomes Development of three or more colors can be achieved by a method of arranging three or more developing devices around the photosensitive drum 40, a revolver method of rotating and switching three or more developing devices, and the like.

The images visualized by the developing units 42a and 42b are transferred onto the paper surface which is synchronized with the photosensitive drum 40 and sent from the back surface of the paper by a (+) charge from a 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 from a charge eliminating lamp.

A 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.

1.6 Paper Feeding Unit In this embodiment, a plurality of cassettes 60a, 60b, 60c are provided, and the paper once transferred is passed through the re-feeding loop 72 to enable double-sided copying or 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. Although the registration roller 62 is stopped at this time, the registration roller 62 starts rotating at the timing of the image position formed on the photoconductor drum 40 and feeds the paper to the peripheral surface of the photoconductor 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.

The paper thus transferred is guided by the switching claw 67 to the sheet discharge port on the sorter (III) side during normal copying. On the other hand, during multiple copying, the switching claws 68, 69
The direction is changed by, and the sheet is guided to the registration roller 62 again without passing through the sorter (III) side, passing through the lower sheet re-feeding loop 72.

The case of double-sided copying will be described. The paper is guided downward by the switching pawl 67, and is guided by the next switching pawl 69 to the tray 70 further below the re-feeding loop 72. Then, by reversing the roller 71, it is fed again in the opposite direction, and the switching pawl 69
Is guided to the sheet re-feeding loop 72 and fed to the registration roller 62.

1.7 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) The original placed on the original table 100 is called by the calling roller 104. The called originals are pulled out from the pull-out rollers 105, 106 and the separation belt 107 wound around the pull-out rollers 105.
By the action of, the double feeding is prevented, and the sheet is fed along the single guide plate 108. The document fed along the guide plate 108 is fed to the predetermined exposure position on the contact glass 9 by the belt feeding device 125 and stopped.

The belt conveying device 125 includes a driving roller 109.
And the fixed roller 11 wound around the driven roller 110.
1 has a belt 102 for setting the insertion position of the document and pressing the document against the contact glass 9 by a pressure roller. Hereinafter, description of known operations will be omitted.

1.8 Sorter Stapler (III) Entrance guide plates 1101 and 1102 are provided at the receiving port A for the copy paper discharged from the copying machine, and the copy paper is conveyed following the entrance guide plates 1101 and 1102. A switching claw 1103 is provided. The path above the switching claw 1103 has an inlet guide plate 1101 and a guide plate 111.
0, 1114, transport roller 1108, driven roller 1109,
The upper transfer unit 1100 is provided with a discharge roller 1111, a driven roller 1115, and a proof tray 1116. Further, the path below the switching claw 1103 is a slanting portion guide plate 1205, a slanting portion driven guide plate 1217, a lower conveyance portion guide plate 1308, and driven guide plates 1309 and 131.
0, oblique receiving roller 1201, oblique roller 1202,
Oblique portion discharge roller 1203, driven rollers 1214, 121
6, a sphere 1215, conveyance rollers 1301 and 1302, driven rollers 1305 and 1306, and an inclined portion 1200 that follows the path of the deflection portion B.

A deflecting claw 1312 and a deflecting portion discharging roller 13 are provided at positions corresponding to the respective bins 1350 of the deflecting portion B path.
04 are provided, and the driven roller 1307 is in pressure contact with the deflecting portion discharge roller 1304 with the copy vertical conveyance path interposed therebetween. The conveying roller 1108 and the discharging roller 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 driven. It is driven by a motor 1313.

The description of the post-processing unit such as the stapler mechanism and the punch mechanism and the double-sided reversing unit will be omitted. Further, 46 is a separating claw, 80 is a main motor, and 81 is a fan motor.

1.9 Electrical Control Section FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams showing the control unit of the copying machine, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are control block diagrams of the entire copying system. In FIG. 4, the control unit has two CPUs. The CPU (a) 200 controls the sequence and the CPU (b) 201 controls the operation. CPU (a) 200 and C
PU (b) 201 is a serial interface (R
S232C). In FIG. 4, 202 is an image control circuit, 203 is a signal switching gate array, 204 is an operation unit, 205 is an editor,
206 is a scanner control circuit, 207 is a page memory, 2
Reference numeral 08 is an image processing unit, 209 is a calendar IC, 21
Reference numeral 0 is an application system, and 211 is a laser beam scanner unit.

In FIG. 5, the same members or parts as those described above are designated by the same reference numerals. In the figure, reference numeral 220 is a main control plate, 221 is a paper feed control plate, 222 is a sorter control plate, 223 is a double-sided control plate, 22
Reference numeral 4 is an ADF control plate.

1.9.1 Sequence Control First, sequence control will be described. The sequence sets and outputs the conditions for paper transport timing and image formation, and outputs the paper size sensor, sensors for paper transport such as paper discharge detection and registration detection, duplex units, high-voltage power supply units, relays, solenoids, motors, etc. A driver, a sorter unit, a laser unit, a scanner unit, etc. are connected.

Regarding the sensors, a paper size sensor that detects the size and orientation of the paper loaded in the paper feed cassette and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result, a sensor related to paper conveyance such as registration detection and paper discharge detection, an oil end, and the like. There are inputs from sensors that detect the presence or absence of supplies such as toner end, and sensors that detect machine abnormalities such as door open and fuse blown.

In the double-sided unit, a motor for aligning the width of the paper, a paper feed clutch, a solenoid for changing the conveyance path, a paper presence / absence detection sensor, a side fence home position sensor for aligning the paper width, a paper There are sensors related to the conveyance of the.

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. It is connected to the sorter unit via a serial interface,
The paper is conveyed at a predetermined timing according to a signal from the sequence and is 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, feedback values of output values 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 controlled in the present embodiment so that the monitor voltages when the laser diode is turned on are matched.

Next, the operation-related control will be described. The main CPU (b) 201 controls a plurality of serial ports and the calendar IC 209. In addition to the sequence control CPU (a) 200, the operation unit unit 204, the scanner control circuit 206,
The application system 210, the editor 205, etc. are connected. The operation unit unit 204 has a display for displaying the operator's key input and the state of the copying machine,
Information of key input is notified to the main CPU (b) 201 by serial communication. Based on this information, the main CPU (b) 201 determines whether the indicator of the operation unit unit 204 is turned on, turned off, or blinks, and serially transmits it to the operation unit unit 204. The operation unit CPU turns on, off, and blinks the display according to the information from the main CPU (b) 201. Further, the CPU that performs the sequence control at the start of copying by determining the operating conditions of the machine from the obtained information.
(A) The information is transmitted to 200.

In the scanner section (scanner control circuit 206), information relating to scanner servo motor drive control, image processing, and image reading is serially transmitted to the main CPU (b) 201, and the ADF (ADF control board 22) is also used.
4) and the main CPU (b) 201 are interfaced.

The application (application system 210) is an interface between an external device (fax, printer, etc.) and the main CPU (b) 201.
Exchange the preset information contents. The editor 205 is a unit for inputting an editing function, and includes image editing data (masking, trimming,
Image shift, etc.) is serially transmitted to the main CPU (b) 201. The calendar IC 209 stores the date and time and can be called by the main CPU (b) 201 at any time. It is possible to control the on / off of the power of the timer by a timer.

1.9.2 Processing of Image Data Next, the flow of processing of image data will be described. The gate array 203 receives image data (DATA0 to DATA0) in the following three directions in response to a select signal from the CPU (b) 201.
7) and a sync signal are output.

1) Scanner control circuit 206 → image control circuit 202 In this case, an image signal continuously transmitted by 8-bit data (however, 4 bits or 1 bit is also possible) from the scanner is synchronized with the laser beam scanner unit 211. Signal PM
Output to the image control circuit in synchronization with SYNC.

2) Scanner control circuit 206 → application 210 In this case, an image signal continuously sent by 8-bit data from the scanner (however, it can be 4 bits or 1 bit) is output in parallel to the application 210. The application 210 outputs the input image data to an output device such as a printer connected to the outside.

3) Application 210 → image control circuit 202 In this case, the application 210 is continuously transmitted by 8-bit data (however, it can be 4 bits or 1 bit) from an externally connected input device (fax or the like). The image signal is synchronized with the synchronization signal PMSYNC from the laser beam scanner unit 211 and output to the image control circuit.
In this case, when the image signal from the outside is 1 bit or 4 bits, it is necessary to perform a process of converting the image signal into 8 bit data.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the image scanner unit. An analog image signal output from the CCD image sensor 250 is an image preprocessor (IPP) 2
The signal processing circuit 252 inside 51 amplifies and corrects the light quantity, and the A / D converter 253 converts the signal into a digital multilevel signal. This signal is subjected to correction processing by the shading correction circuit 254, and the image processing unit (I
PU) 255.

Image process unit (IPU) 25
A schematic block diagram of No. 5 is shown in FIG. The image signal applied to the IPU 255 is high-frequency emphasized by the MTF correction circuit 270, electrically scaled by the scaling circuit 271, and the γ conversion circuit 272.
Applied to. The γ conversion circuit 272 optimizes the input characteristics according to the characteristics of the machine. γ conversion circuit 272
The image signal output from is converted into a predetermined quantization level by SW1 of the data depth switching mechanism. This switching mechanism switches to the three data types shown in FIG.
The 4-bit conversion circuit 273 outputs 4-bit data,
The binarization circuit 274 converts the input 8-bit multi-valued data into binary data with a preset fixed threshold value, and outputs 1-bit data. Dither circuit 275
Is 1-bit data and creates an area gradation. SW1 is 3
DATA0-DATA by selecting one of the two data types
Output as 7.

Returning to FIG. 6 again, the scanner control circuit 206
Controls a fluorescent lamp ballast (lamp control circuit) 256, a timing control circuit 257, an electric scaling circuit of the IPU 255, and a scanner drive motor 258 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU (b) 201. Fluorescent ballast 256
According to an instruction from the scanner control circuit 206, the fluorescent lamp 1 is turned on / off and the light amount is controlled. A rotary encoder 259 is connected to the drive shaft of the scanner drive motor 258, and the position sensor 260 detects the reference position of the sub-scanning drive mechanism. The electric scaling circuit is the scanner control circuit 20.
The electrical scaling processing is performed according to the magnification on the main scanning side set by 6.

The timing control circuit 257 outputs each signal according to the instruction from the scanner control circuit 206. That is, when reading is started, the CCD image sensor (CC
D) 250 is supplied with 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. The pixel synchronizing clock pulse CLK, the main scanning synchronizing pulse LSYNC and the main scanning effective period signal LGATE are output to the image reproduction system control unit.

This pixel synchronizing clock pulse CLK is C
The signal is almost the same as the shift clock pulse given to the CD image sensor 250. 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 pixel 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 2
50 outputs valid data of 4800 bits per line. The scanner control circuit 206 is the main CPU
(B) Upon receiving a reading start instruction from 201, the fluorescent lamp for illumination 1 is turned on, the scanner driving motor 258 is started, the timing control circuit 257 is controlled, and the reading of the CCD image sensor 250 is started. Further, 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. 9 is a block diagram of the memory system of this apparatus. The image signal from the CCD 250 is output as 8-bit data through an image preprocessor (IPP) 251 having functions of shading correction, black level correction, and light amount correction. This data is a multiplexer (1)
Selected by (MUX1) 280, has spatial frequency high-frequency emphasis (MTF correction) function, speed conversion function (magnification), γ conversion function, data depth conversion function (8 bit / 4 bit / 1 bit conversion) Image process unit (IPU) 2
It is processed at 55 and output to the printer PR through the MUX (3) 282. Reference numeral 281 is a MUX (2), and 283 is a memory device (MEM).

In a system having a frame memory for image data, the image data from the IPU 255 is temporarily stored in the memory device (MEM) 283 as shown in FIG.
It is configured to take out from the memory device (MEM) 283 and output to the printer (PR) when necessary. Also,
Image data from IPU255 to printer (PR)
To the memory device (MEM) 283 while simultaneously outputting the same to the memory device (MEM) 283 and outputting the second and subsequent copies.
The method using image data from 83 was also common.

The present apparatus is configured so that the data flow shown in FIG. 11 is possible so that both the processed data and the raw data from the IPU 255 can be taken into the memory device 283. That is, the three multiplexers (MUX1, MUX2, MUX3) 280, 281, 2 of FIG.
The data flow can be changed by switching 82. For example, a single scan of the scanner may result in multiple I
When outputting a copy with the parameters of the PU 255 changed, this can be achieved by the following procedure. Set MUX (1) to A when scanning the scanner, and
(2) is set to B and MUX (3) is set to A, and the first sheet is output. At this time, the raw data enters the memory device (MEM) 283 through the MUX (2). For the second and subsequent sheets, the MUX (1) is set to B, the data from the memory device (MEM) 283 is put into the IPU 255, and is output to the printer (PR) through the MUX (3). At this time, the IPU parameter can be changed every time one copy is made.

When holding compact data such as 1-bit data, MUX (2) is set to A and I is set to I.
The output of the PU 255 is loaded into the memory device. In this case, the printer device switches to the binary data (1 bit) mode for copying. EXTIN and EXTOUT in FIG. 9 are an image data input signal from the outside and an output signal to the outside.

In FIG. 12, the compressor (COMP) 290 and the decompressor (EXP) 291 are arranged in a memory unit (Memory).
(Unit) 292 is inserted before and after so that compressed data other than the actual data can be stored. In this configuration, the compressor (COMP) 290 and the decompressor (EXP) 291 need to operate according to the speed of the scanner and the printer, respectively. Multiplexers MUX (4) 293 and MUX for storing actual data
(5) Set 294 to A and B to use compressed data. 295 is an error detector.

The memory unit 292 shown in FIG.
It has a configuration like 3. Data width converters 300 and 301 are provided at the input and output of a memory block (Memory Block) 302 in order to handle the three image data types of FIG. 14 and code data that is compressed data. Direct memory controller (DMC1, DM
C2) 303 and 304 write data to a predetermined address of the memory block 302 according to the number of packed data and the memory data width, and perform a read operation.

FIG. 14 shows the data type of image data as described above. Usually from a scanner,
Alternatively, the speed of image data to the printer is constant regardless of 8-bit data, 4-bit data, or 1-bit data. That is, the period of 1 pixel is fixed in the device. In this device, M of 8 data lines
It is defined as 1-bit data, 4-bit data, 8-bit data and MSB-filled from the SB side. The blocks that pack and unpack this data into the data width (16 bits) of the memory block are the input data width converter and the output data width converter. By packing, the memory can be used according to the data depth, and the memory device can be effectively used.

In FIG. 15, a pixel process unit (PPU) 310 is arranged outside the memory unit 292 in place of the compressor (COMP) 290 and the decompressor (EXP) 291. The function of the PPU 310 is to perform logical operations on image data (for example, AND, OR, EXOR, N
The unit realizing OT) can calculate the memory output data and the input data and output the same to the printer, and the memory output and the input data (for example, scan data) can be calculated and stored in the memory unit 292 again. Switching between output destination printer and memory unit 292 is MUX
(6) 311 and MUX (7) 312. This function is generally used for image synthesis, for example, the memory unit 2
It is used for putting overlay data on 92 and overlaying scan data with overlay data.

FIG. 16 shows a configuration for storing image data using an external storage device. When saving image data to a floppy disk, EX
A file controller (File Control) from TOUT through an interface (I / F) 320.
er) 321 controls the floppy disk controller (FDC) 322 to store it in a floppy disk on a floppy disk drive (FDD) 323. Under the control of the file controller 321, there are a hard disk controller (HDC) 324 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 325, which can be read and written on the storage medium of the hard disk. A hard disk drive (HDD) 325 stores commonly used format data and overlay data so that it 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 292 receives the compressed data and image data at the same time as the scanner scans. The incoming data is stored in different memory areas, but the compressed data is directly input to the decompressor (EXP) 291 and decompressed. By the time all the data of one page is stored in the memory unit 292, the compressor (CO
When the processing time of the MP) 290 and the decompressor (EXP) 291 ends normally in time, only the memory area of compressed data remains and the area of raw data is canceled. if,
The error detection circuit (Error Detect) 295 is a compressor (COMP) 290 or an expander (EXP) 29.
When an error signal from 1 is detected, the compressed data area is immediately canceled and raw data is adopted.

The memory management unit (MMU) 330 is
This 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 292. By testing the compression and decompression in real time, high speed and reliability and effective use of the memory area became possible. In this embodiment, the memory management unit (MMU) 330 enables dynamic allocation of the memory area.
There may be two memory units for raw data and compressed data.

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

1.9.3 Application Unit A block diagram of the application unit will be described with reference to FIGS. This example is APL1 (file unit), APL2 (FAX unit), APL3
(ON / OFF printer unit), APL4 (LA
N), APL5 (image direction recognition unit), display (T /
S, LCD). First, the base part will be described. Since the engine I / F 340 sends the image data serially, the image data is converted into parallel here. Further, the parallel data in the page memory 341 is converted into serial data by the engine I / F 340 and sent to EXTIN. The control signal is serial and the engine I / F3
40 to the system bus via SCI (serial communication interface) 342. The page memory 341 has a size of one page of A3 in this example, and converts it into a BIT image, and also arbitrates the data speed of EXTIN and EXTOUT and the processing speed of the CPU. The scaling circuit 343 is the page memory 3
CPU 352 using the DMAC 344 to perform high-speed processing for enlarging or reducing the data on 41 by this circuit.
It is designed to perform high-speed processing without going through. The rotation control is, for example, a FAX transmission, and when the document to be sent is A4 portrait and the receiver is A4 landscape, the sending side automatically reduces the size by 71% and the sending side becomes difficult to see. In order to prevent this, rotate the transmitted document 90 degrees when
4 Convert to horizontal and send at the same size.

Another object is to rotate the output image by 90 degrees by the rotation control unit when the receiving size is A4 horizontal and the cassette size is A4 vertical when receiving and outputting, and convert it to A4 vertical and output. This eliminates the need to distinguish between vertical and horizontal cassettes.

The CEP 345 is a circuit having functions of image data compression, expansion, and through. Bus arbiter 3
Reference numeral 46 performs processing of sending data from the AGDC 385 to the image bus and sending to the system bus. Timer 348
Has a function of generating a predetermined clock. RTC34
Reference numeral 9 is a clock that generates the current time. The console is a control terminal, and in addition to reading and rewriting data inside the system, the console can also be used to develop software using a debug tool that is a function of the internal OS. The ROM 350 has basic functions such as an OS. The RAM 351 is mainly used for working. This unit performs basic control of this system.

1.9.3.1 About APL1 SCSI 360 is HDD (hard disk) 325, O
An I / F for a DD (optical disk) 361 and an FDD (floppy disk) 323. ROM362 is SCSI
HDD 325, ODD361, FDD3 via 360
It contains software for controlling 23 and filing system.

1.9.3.2 About APL2 This is a unit for FAX control and consists of the following parts. G4
The FAX controller 370 is a unit that controls the protocol for G4, and this unit is a unit that supports class 1, class 2, and class 3 of G4. Needless to say, ISDN is also supported, and 2 in NET64.
Since it becomes a line of B + 1D (64 KB × 2 + 16 KB), G4 / G4, G4 / G3, G3 / G3, G4 only, G3
Only one of them can be selected. G3FA
The X controller 371 is a unit that controls the protocol for G3, and in this part, the G3F by analog line is used.
It also has a AX protocol, a modem that converts digital signals to analog signals. An NCU (Network Control Unit) 372 has a function of dialing when receiving a call from the other party when connecting to the other party using an exchange. SAF (Store and Forward) 3
Reference numeral 73 is for accumulating image data (including image data, code data, etc.) when transmitting and receiving FAX.

This unit is a semiconductor memory or HDD
325, ODD361, etc. are used. The ROM 374 contains a program for controlling the APL2. Further, the RAM 375 is used for those works and at the same time is made non-volatile by a battery, and the other party's telephone number, the other party's name, data for controlling the FAX function, etc. are stored therein, and the T / S of the display unit is stored. , LCD can be easily set.

1.9.3.3 APL3 This is a control unit for online and offline printers. FDC (floppy disk controller) 3
Reference numeral 80 controls the floppy disk 381. The recent floppy supports SCSI, and here, SCSI, ST506 interface is supported. An SCI (Serial Communication Interface) 382 is used to connect to a HOST computer. The Centro I / F 383 is also similar to the SCI 382. The emulation card 384 performs the following functions.
When looking at the printer from HOST, the current status is NEC, EP
It is sold by many manufacturers such as SON, and the specifications of each are slightly different. Unless the functions of these printers are the same from the HOST's perspective, the HOST
The software that was used in may stop running. In order to eliminate such a problem, an emulation card 384 is attached, and the software contained therein allows the printer to operate as a printer of each manufacturer when viewed from the HOST.

An AGDC (Advanced Graphics Display Controller) 385 converts the code data sent from the HOST into the CGROM 386 and the FONT image in the CG card 387 at high speed in the page memory 34.
It expands to 1. The ROM 388 contains software for controlling these. CGROM (Character Generator ROM) 389 is an FO corresponding to code data.
It contains NT data. The FONT format contains data such as outline FONT. The CG card 387 is an external CGFONT, and the contents are CG
It is similar to the ROM 386. Reference numeral 395 is a RAM.

1.9.3.4 About APL4 This is a unit for controlling the LAN. Here, the LAN controller 390 controls the currently operating LANs such as the Ethernet, omni, and star run. Naturally A
The PL2 (FAX) and APL4 (LAN) work in the background even when other APLs are operating. Three
Reference numeral 91 is a CPU.

1.9.3.5 About APL5 This is a unit for identifying the image direction of the image read by the scanner. Reference numeral 400 is a page memory, 401 is an area memory, 402 is a database, 403 is a CPU, 404 is a ROM, and 405 is a RAM.

1.9.3.6 Display In this unit, LCD 410 and touch switch (T
/ S) is controlled. The LCD 410 can display graphics and characters, and the CG 412 therein has ANK and kanji second-level codes built therein. The TSC 413 is a touch switch controller, which controls T / S. The T / S is divided by a grid of X and Y, and the switch size when used by the operator is TSC4.
It can be freely set by determining the number of grids for one key by 13. Further, the LCD 410 and the T / S have a two-layer structure, and the key size and the key frame of the LCD 410 can correspond to each other. Also, 414 is a CP
U, 415 is SCI, 416 is ROM, 417 is RA
M, 418 are LCDC, and 419 is DPRAM.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the display. As fixed keys, there are a ten key 430 for setting the number of copies and the like, a start key 431 for starting copy, and user-settable function keys 432, 433, 434.
This function key allows the user to freely set the mode. For example, the key 432 is used for the sort mode,
A staple mode can be assigned to the key 433 and a double-sided mode can be assigned to the key 434. As the display, the copy number display 435 and the set number display 436 are fixed displays, and the other displays are displayed on the LCD 410. Also LCD
Reference numeral 410 denotes a touch switch, and it is possible to select a mode by pressing an object displayed on the LCD 410.

Next, the operation of the APL will be described. 1.9.4 Fax Operation First, the fax operation will be described. This FAX is M
It has the functions of F, G2, G3, and G4, and the transmission density is 3.8.
5, 7.7, 15.4 lines / mm 20 for G4
It supports 0, 240, 300, and 400 dpi, and can perform density conversion with each other using the scaling function.
In addition, memory transmission / reception, relay, confidential reception, polling, etc. can be realized by using the SAF memory, and further, memory transmission, memory reception, reception output, etc. can be performed at the same time while storing transmission originals in the memory. explain. By setting the original and pressing the start key 431, the other party in the RAM 375 of the APL 2 is dialed and the other party is called. When it is known that the other party is a FAX, the document reading operation starts. If the start key 431 is pressed when there is no original, a display prompting the user to reset the original is displayed. The scanner operates by the document reading start operation to read the document, and the data is output to the terminal of EXTOUT via the individual circuits in FIG. At this time, by selecting MUX (1) and MUX (3), I
You can choose whether to use PU255 or not.
Functions inside the PU 255 can be freely selected by a program. This signal enters the engine I / F 340 of FIG.
The data is stored in the page memory 341 in accordance with the bit size of the page memory 341 (EXTOUT is sent in a multi-value of 8 bits per pixel. On the other hand, page memory 3
41 corresponds to 16 bits, and the bit configuration is different, so match here).

The data from the scanner is the page memory 34.
When entering 1, SA of APL2 while compressing this data
Accumulates in F memory. By transmitting the data from the scanner while accumulating it in the SAF 373 in this way, the following characteristics can be obtained. When reading from the scanner, one A4 size sheet can be read in about 2 seconds. On the other hand, G
It takes about 9 seconds for A4 size to send in 3. Thus, the transmission time is about 4.5 times longer than the reading time. As in this embodiment, a copying machine, FA
In the device that can be used in combination with X, printer, etc.,
For example, if the next person wants to make a copy during fax transmission, he wants to finish the fax transmission job quickly. However, FA
X transmission may be sent faster or slower depending on the performance of the other device. As in this embodiment, the read data is SAF37.
By transmitting while accumulating in 3, it is possible to increase the apparent transmission speed. Further, since the transmitted document is stored in the SAF memory, it is possible to retransmit and recall the image to correctly send an image when an error occurs during transmission, the line is disconnected, or the like. In this way, the data stored in the SAF 373 is transferred to the G3 fax,
Or it can be accessed from the G4 fax unit.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of the IPU 255 shown in FIG. 20. In addition to the circuit shown in FIG.
40, marker editing circuit 441, outline circuit 44
2. The error spreading circuit 443 and the like are provided.

Next, the reception of image information will be described. Figure 2
2 (a) and 2 (b), the received image data is the modem 4
At 50 it is converted to a digital signal. This is DCR45
The raw data is corrected via 1, further compressed and stored in the SAF memory 452. At this time, the reason why the DCR 451 restores the raw data and then compresses it again is that the normally received data includes an error on the line.
This is because if the data is stored in 2, it is impossible to distinguish between a hardware error and a data error. When recompressing,
Use a memory efficient method. SAF memory 452
The data stored in (1) is printed out for each page (it can also be output after accumulating one file depending on the mode setting).

In order to output from the SAF memory 452, it is necessary that the page memory 341 shown in FIG. 18 is not used by any other APL and that a copying machine is also available. When these conditions are met, the data in the SAF memory 452 is CEP
The data is expanded to the page memory while returning to the raw data via 345. Select the optimum paper size after the development is completed. At this time, when the data in the page memory 341 is A4 portrait and the optimum paper is A4 landscape, the data in the page memory 341 is rotated 90 degrees by the rotation control and is output to the selected paper. With this function, it has become possible to prevent a margin from appearing by outputting an A4 portrait image on A4 landscape paper. This function can rotate the image information read by meeting the other device by 90 degrees not only in the reception output but also in the transmission mode. For example, when the transmission original is A4 landscape and the reception side is A4 portrait, it has been reduced by 71% so far. Although it was sent by, it becomes possible to send at the same size by incorporating 90 degree rotation and it becomes easier to see on the receiving side.

Here, instead of the SAF memory 452, H
When the DD 325 is used, it is possible to use the SAF memory 452 as a buffer and drive the HDD 325 via the SCSI interface of the APL1.
The basic operation of the FAX has been described above.

1.9.5 Image Processing Unit 1.9.5.5.1 Shift, Magnification , Rotation, Reverse Scan, Mirroring FIG. 23 shows the image processing function of the base portion of FIG. 18 in blocks. As shown in FIG. 23, the image processing unit 208 can access the bitmap page memory 207. In order to leave the original document image, it is desirable that the bitmap page memory 207 has a memory for two sheets of the maximum document size that can be copied. That is, the original image data of the original is set in A of the bitmap page memory 207 in FIG. 23, and the image data processed by the image processing unit 208 is set in B. The input to the image processing unit 208 is the image data (video) bus 50.
0 and the image processing command 501.

The image data bus 500 is an 8-bit data bus, and has 8 bits for each pixel, that is, 256 density gradations. The image processing command is input through the system bus from a system controller [CPU (b) 201 in FIG. 4] that controls a system not shown in this figure. A code is determined for each function of image processing, and for example, in the case of image shift, a shift code, a shift direction, and a shift dimension are transmitted from the system controller. In addition, the scaling function, the scaling command,
The X-axis scaling factor and the Y-axis scaling factor are sequentially transmitted. Of course, in the case of normal scaling, the X-axis scaling factor code and the Y-axis scaling factor code have the same value. In addition, a rotation angle code is added to the rotation command.

When reverse scanning is performed by the scanner, mirroring of the image is required. In this case, the mirroring command or the reverse scan command and the reference axis information at the time of mirroring are transmitted.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the bitmap memory 207.
4 shows. In the read image data, 1 byte is assigned as an address for each pixel. The 1-byte data is the above-mentioned image density data. The byte size is
297m in the main scanning direction when the maximum document size is A3
m, the sub-scanning direction is 420 mm and the resolution is 400 dpi, the main scanning direction is (297 ÷ 25.4) × 400 = 46
78 bytes (420 / 25.4) x 400 = 66 in the sub-scanning direction
15 bytes Therefore, in order to store the bitmap image for one A3 original, 4678 × 6615 = about 30 Mbytes are required.

Here, for easy understanding, an array is defined for the main scanning direction, the sub scanning direction, and the density gradation of each bitmap, and the main scanning direction is X, the sub scanning direction is Y, and the density gradation is defined. Z and each bit is DIM (X, Y, Z). The point A shown in FIG. 24 is (0, 0, 0), and the point B is (46
78,0,0), and point C is (6615,4678,0).

Next, the operation processing method of the image processing unit 208 in response to a command from the system controller will be described.

1.9.5.2 Shift First, when a shift command is received, the direction to shift and the mm size to shift are transmitted at the same time. The number of dots to be shifted is calculated from the mm size to be shifted. Based on the shift direction data, it is determined whether it is the forward direction in the main scanning X direction (direction in which the value of X in the array increases) or the backward direction, or the forward direction in the sub scanning Y direction or the backward direction. When the above judgment is completed, the image processing operation is started. For example, main scan X
If a shift command of 25.4 mm is received in the forward direction, the number of shift dots is 400 dots. Then, the bitmap data of the image is controlled by the DMA control in the image processing unit, and the bitmap page memory A
To B. When transferred, the following processing is performed. A (X, Y, Z) = B (X + 400, Y, Z) X is processed from 0 to 4678-400, Y is 0
To 6615 are processed. Z is a byte DMA
In this case, since 0 to bit 7 are transferred at the same time, it need not be considered.

The shift amount from the system controller is determined as follows. In FIG. 28, when the image start position is X1, the X coordinate of the punch or staple position is 20 mm.
If the punch hole diameter is 6 mm, and X1> (20 + 6/2) mm, the punch hole and the image do not overlap, so there is no need to shift. When X1 ≦ (20 + 6/2) mm 2, the punch hole and the image overlap. In this case, the image shift amount SFx is SFx = (20 + 6/2) −X1. This value is transmitted after the shift direction X-axis forward shift command. The same applies to staples.

On the other hand, when the image is spilled due to the SFx shift, that is, when the value of X2 in FIG. 28 is smaller than the shifted SFx. At this time, when the shift image is developed on the transfer paper, the image is cut off. The original image must be reduced in order not to cause image cutout.

1.9.5.3 Scaling When a scaling process is received, for example, in the case of 50% reduction, both X and Y even bytes are thinned and transferred from A to B. In the case of 99%, 0 to 98 of X and Y of A are transferred to B, and then 100 to 198 of X and Y of A are transferred to B. By doing so, one pixel out of 100 pixels is thinned out, resulting in 99% reduction. Similarly 98%
At this time, one pixel out of 50 pixels may be thinned out.

When performing enlargement, if the bits are enlarged as they are, the pixels become rough and become a mosaic shape. Therefore, in order to make this smooth (smoothing), interpolation or a spatial low-pass filter (after two-dimensional Fourier transform) is performed. It is common to perform processing such as high frequency attenuation and inverse Fourier transform). When an image is generated at the punch position and the image is cut off when the image is shifted and the image must be reduced, the magnification is determined as follows. Manuscript X
If the document length in the axial direction is Lx, then M (magnification) = {Lx− (20 + 6/2)} / Lx. In order to guarantee the image, only the reduction in the X-axis direction may be performed, but normally, the magnification is changed in both the X-axis and the Y-axis in order to keep the aspect ratio of the image constant.

1.9.5.4 Rotation Rotation angle is transmitted in units of 90 degrees. In the case of 90 ° clockwise rotation, the pixel data at point A becomes the pixel at point B,
The pixel data of the image may be transferred from the memory A to the memory B so that the pixel data at the point B becomes the pixel data at the point (4678, 4678). However, in this state, the number of pixels differs in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, in the case of 90-degree rotation, the pixels in the longitudinal direction (sub-scanning direction) overflow from the memory. However, since it also overflows from the transfer paper, this state may be left as it is when the reduction process is not performed. However, in the case of reduction, a memory for the sub-scanning direction × the sub-scanning direction is required for the B page memory. Is becoming.

When the rotation angle is 180 degrees, the pixel of A corresponds to the pixel of C. Therefore, the conversion is: A (X, Y, Z) = B (6615-X, 4678-Y,
Z).

1.9.5.5 Reverse Scan and Mirroring Mirroring makes it possible to obtain an image in which the image is mirror-finished with respect to a normal copy. This is useful in the design department as one application of image processing, but the following applications are also possible.

Normally, the scanner reads the document data from the document reference position and develops it in the memory, but if the document size is known, the document is read from the opposite side of the document reference and developed in the memory. The image information expanded in the memory in the above-described normal scan is shown in FIG. 25 (a, b). The diagonal lines and arrows from the left to the right of the document indicate the main scanning direction. FIG. 26
In the figure, (a) and (b) are diagrams when a document is reverse-scanned and developed in a memory. Pixels scanned first together are (0, 0,
Expanded to 0). When the M line in FIG. 26 is assumed to be a mirror and mirroring is performed on the memory, the result is (c) in FIG. According to the mirror axis information received at the same time as the mirroring command or the reverse scan command is received, for example, if it is Y axis information, the memory of FIG. A (X, Y, Z) = B (4678-X, Y, Z) In the case of mirroring on the X axis, A (X, Y, Z) = B (X, 6615-Y, Z). Originally, the original was placed upside down, the original was reverse scanned,
The state of mirroring is shown in FIGS. 27 (a) to 27 (c).

In this description, the data is temporarily fetched in the memory and mirrored, but it is also possible to read in real time and output the M line as a mirror axis.
Even in a low-cost device that does not have a page memory, the image can be rotated by 180 degrees by a simple process.

1.10 Human Body Detection Sensor As shown in the overall block of FIG.
A human body detection sensor 225 is connected to the. this is,
The copier operator detects whether or not the copier operator is present in front of the copier. The installation location is the operation unit, the display unit, the document table, or the vicinity of the front side of the copying machine. This sensor 2
Reference numeral 25 is a reflection type sensor that is combined with an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor. This sensor 225
Is used, for example, to turn on / off the control of preheating of the copying machine (which lowers the fixing temperature to save power when the machine is not in use), guidance explanation control, voice guidance on / off, and judgment of machine operation control. .

The determination as to whether or not an operator exists is made as follows. The reflection type human body detection sensor 225 is
The reflective object is turned on within about 1 m from the sensor. In this case, if the output of the sensor 225 is directly used as the operator's presence signal, the operator's presence is instantaneously detected even when a person passes by in front of the copying machine. Therefore, the sensor output is continuously turned on for a certain period of time. If so, it is determined that an operator exists. This certain fixed time is generally 500 msec to 800 msec. Further, this time may be made as software by a timer of the CPU, or signal delay may be made by hardware of the sensor 225.

2. Image Direction Judgment Methods include: ・ Detecting the blank area at the edge to recognize the image direction ・ Recognizing the image direction by the layout judgment ・ Recognizing the image direction by the character direction judgment and character recognition means ・ Punch There is a method of recognizing the image direction by detecting holes and staple holes and recognizing the image direction by detecting end blank areas. These image direction judgments are made by combining the APL5 shown in FIG. 18 and various functional hardware of the base part. Function. Hereinafter, each method will be described in detail.

3. Recognition of image direction by detection of edge blank area Certain formats such as internal reports and applications submitted to government offices have a certain amount of edge blank area. In addition, bindings (left margin setting, etc.) are set for documents such as documents printed with a word processor and printed with a printer. If these documents are used, the image direction will be determined by determining the maximum blank area on the edge. I can decide.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a method for detecting the number of pixels from the document edge surface to the image start position in order to detect the blank area on the edge surface. First, a method of detecting the image start position in the main scanning direction will be described.

The counter 510 uses the comparator 511 to select the level at which the pixels of the CCD 250 recognize white.
During the period when the output of the comparator 511 is present, the counter 510
The pixel clock 512 input to is counted. On the other hand, the output of the comparator 511 is also connected to the latch of the counter, and the pixel clock 51 is output every time the pixel signal changes from white to black.
2 latches the count value, and the count value is stored in the counter latch 513. Pixel clock 5 at this timing
The 12 count is reset. Further, the count value is reset by the input of the line synchronization signal (LSYNC) 514. With such a circuit, the position where the image starts from the end of the document can be detected, and the position information is stored in the counter 51.
It is stored in the counter latch 513 of 0 for each pixel clock. In order to detect the number of white pixels at the trailing edge of the document, the value of the counter latch 513 may be read at the output timing of the document trailing edge signal. As a method of detecting the sub-scanning direction, the sub-scanning counter 515 may count the number of continuous main scans when the counter latch 513 has the value of the number of pixels corresponding to the document size. This counting is performed on the document end surface and the end portion according to the document size, and the respective sub-scanning counters 51
The value of 5 is stored.

On the other hand, this circuit can also be used to determine whether or not there is an image on the original. That is, when no black pixels are recognized in the document size area (latch output cannot be obtained), the document can be recognized as a blank sheet. The above means detects X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 in FIG.

A method of detecting the location of the blank area will be described with reference to FIG. The waveform of the main scanning for outputting the document shown in FIG. 28 (a) at the timing of the sub scanning L is as shown in FIG. 28 (b). From this waveform, X1 and X2 shown in the figure are compared. If X1> X2 as shown in the figure, it can be determined that a blank exists in the sub-scanning direction on the reference point side, and thus the document direction can be determined. In addition to this, pay attention to a certain number of pixels in the main scanning direction with an arbitrary space in the vertical direction,
By storing the signal change with respect to the time axis in the sub-scanning direction, Y1,
Y2 is compared. If Y1> Y2 in this comparison, it can be determined that the installation in the vertical direction is correctly installed.

The method for detecting the document direction will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart. Counter latch 513
30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 30 using X1 and X2 stored in the sub-scanning counter and Y1 and Y2 stored in the sub-scanning counter 515. In step S1, X1 and X2 are compared. If X1 is larger than X2, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, Y1 and Y2 are compared. If Y1 is larger than Y2, step S3
Then, it is determined that the vertical orientation of the original document is set correctly in the vertical writing document. If n in step S2, step S2
Proceed to step 4, and determine that the document is horizontal and upside down. Step S
In the case of 1 and n, the process proceeds to step S5, and Y1 and Y2 are compared as in step S2. If Y1 is larger,
The original image is written vertically and it is determined that it is upside down (step S6).
If not, it is determined that the original is a horizontally-written original that is normally placed (step S7). The judged images are shown in FIG. (A) is the image determined in step S3, similarly (b) is step S4, (c) is step S6, and (d) is step S7.

By the above method, the document is written vertically, horizontally,
The top and bottom can be determined, and for example, when an original group in which the top and bottom are mixed in reverse is to be copied, it can be used as a means for issuing a warning or automatically aligning the top and bottom in one direction.

As post-copying processing, staple,
When punching, etc., the position of the top and bottom and the end blank area,
Since the width and the like become accurate by the above means, stapling and punching are performed while avoiding the image (movement of the staple punch position), punching such as issuing a warning when the punching position and the staple position and the end blank portion do not match. It becomes possible to input information to the staple determination processing means.

3.1.1 Detecting Maximum Margin in Page Area of Output Image Information and Recognizing Image Direction from Detected Data Detecting the image direction by detecting the edge margin area of the document has been described in the previous section. . This makes it possible to detect the image direction of the formatted original image with a simple configuration, and based on the image information, the vertical writing, horizontal writing of the original,
It is possible to detect the vertical direction.

3.1.2 Determine the reference 2 end face from the document size and the document setting direction (image information direction), and recognize the image direction from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face. By using the side as a binding margin in advance, the image direction can be detected by detecting the end margin areas of any two sides of each document, and the image direction of the document can be recognized by each detected document direction. Be seen.

The contents will be described below. The binding margin position of a document that is normally used in an office is determined by the document size. For example, in the case of A4 size paper, the document size is 210 mm × 297 mm, but usually either side of 297 mm in the longitudinal direction is the binding margin position. Therefore, if the original is placed as shown in FIG.
By comparing only X2 and X2, the top and bottom of the original can be determined from the margin area of the original.

When the document is determined to be vertical by the known document size detection, the binding margin position is determined using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513, and when the document size is determined to be horizontal, The binding margin position of the document is determined using Y1 and Y2 stored in the sub-scanning counter 517.

A method of detecting the binding margin position of the document from X1 and X2 of FIG. 28 detected by the white area detection circuit on the document described above will be described. The processing procedure for this detection is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 32, and will be described below with reference to this figure. In step S11, it is determined whether the document size is vertical or horizontal, and if it is vertical, step S1.
Go to 2. If it is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12, X1 and X2 are compared. If X1 is larger than X2, it is determined that the binding margin position of the document is on the reference position side (the document is placed in the correct direction), and if it is smaller, the binding margin is on the opposite side of the reference position. There is (the original is placed upside down). In step S13, Y1 and Y2 are compared. Y1 is more Y2
If it is larger than the above, it is determined that the binding margin is on the reference position side (the original is placed in the correct direction), and if it is smaller, the binding margin is on the side opposite to the reference position (the original is placed upside down). ) Can be judged. With this configuration, the binding margin position and the document image direction of the formatted document image can be detected with a simple configuration.

3.1.3 In the case of a large number of originals, the maximum edge margin in the page area is detected for the image information of the second page transition, and the image directionality with the start page image information is confirmed to match. The image direction is detected by detecting the edge margin area of each document, and there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group copied according to each detected document direction. It is determined whether or not. The contents are described at the beginning of the above-mentioned "3. Image direction recognition by detecting end blank area". A flowchart of this processing is shown in FIG.

In this processing, X1> X in step S21.
If y is 2, y1> Y2 is determined in step S22, if n, horizontal writing is reversed in step S23, and counter b is incremented in step S24. If y in step S22, vertical writing is set up in step S25, and the counter a is incremented in step S21. If n in step S21, Y1> Y2 is determined in step S27, and if y, vertical writing is reversed in step S28, and the counter c is incremented in step S29. If n is determined in step S27, the horizontal writing uprightness is set in step S30, and the counter d is incremented in step S31.

From the count-up result, the counter for the number of originals in the vertical writing vertical direction, the counter for the number of originals in the horizontal vertical writing direction b, the counter for the number of originals in the horizontal vertical writing direction, c, the counter for the horizontal writing vertical writing direction d 34, it is determined whether different original orientations are mixed in the multiple originals of one job according to FIG. In this processing procedure, first, the type of orientation of the document is counted. That is, the original (image) directionality counter E is cleared (step S41). In step S42, it is checked whether or not the counter indicating the direction of each original (image) from a to d is 0. If 0, 1 is added to the original (image) directionality counter E. In step S43, it is determined whether or not the original (image) directional counter E is 3, and if the original (image) directional counter E is 3, all original (image) directions are the same, and different originals are used. It is determined that the document showing the (image) direction does not exist in the multiple document group of one job (step S44). On the other hand, if the value is other than 3, it is determined that there are originals having different original (image) directions in the multi-sheet original group (step S45). By doing so, the orientation of each document in the document group of a large number of documents is detected by a simple device and processing procedure, and it is detected whether or not documents showing different document directions are mixed in the document group. It becomes possible to do.

3.1.4 Image Directionality N for Multiple Originals
Recovery when G is detected 3.1.4.1 Only warning display after image formation When multiple sheets of original are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the edge margin area of each original and copying is performed according to each detected original direction. It is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group
If the result of the determination is that there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the first document, a warning display is displayed on the operation section to check that the document and the copy of that document have different image directions. An operator is informed that it is present.

The contents will be described below. Fig. 35
34, when copying is completed after the processing of FIG. 34 (step S51) and it is determined that the document orientations are mixed (y in step S52), copying of all document groups to the operation unit unit 204 is performed. After the operation unit unit 204
If the CPU is in the READY state (y in step S53),-Vertical writing, horizontal writing, or documents with the opposite image orientation are mixed. -Check the copy paper and align the image direction. A display request code is sent to display the warning (step S54). FIG. 36 shows an example of the operation unit display.

By thus warning the operator of the mixture of the document orientations, the operator normally judges only the front cover of the copy group after image formation, and performs post-processing such as punching and stapling for copy binding. In this case, if there is a copy with a different image direction in the copy group for the original, the page is missing. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent such missing pages, the operator is automatically notified that the copies with different image directions are mixed after completion of copying, and the operator himself checks the image directionality of the copy and confirms the image Requires alignment. This makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

3.1.4.2 Copy interruption and warning display when the directionality is different in original scanning When a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and the respective detection is performed. It is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copied document group based on the copied document direction. If different originals are about to be copied, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation section.Therefore, originals with different image directions are present in the original group, so the operator must change the original placement direction. Informing is done.

The contents will be described below. The processing contents are shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this process, in the case of an original in the vertical writing direction (X1> X2, Y1> Y
2) The flag a is set in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR as a direction flag (step S61), and if horizontal writing is in the reverse direction (X1> X2, Y1 ≦ Y2), the flag b is set (step S62). If vertical writing is in the reverse direction (Y1> Y2 when X1≤X2), a flag c is set (step S63), and if horizontal writing is in the vertical direction (X1≤X2, Y1≤Y2), a flag d is set. (Step S64) The bit configuration of the byte-unit memory FLGDIR in which the flag is stored is as shown in FIG. a is 01H, b is 02H, c is 04H, and d is 0.
8H.

The operation procedure of the copy interruption and the warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40. This FIG. 39,
The flowchart shown in FIG. 40 is performed every first scan of one document. FLGDIR in step S71
To clear. The subsequent steps up to step S72 are the same as in FIG. When it is determined that the document directions are mixed, the copy interruption request flag is set in step S72. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters a sequence of stopping the copy operation by interrupting development of a new original image in the memory, feeding of new transfer paper, and the like.

In step S73, the directionality flag FLG is set.
The image direction counter is cleared according to the flag set in DIR. For example, if the flag c is set, the image direction counter c is cleared. This is to make this flow valid for the next document. In step S74, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out. FIG. 41 shows an example of the display of the operation unit.

When the operator detects the mixture of the document directions,
By stopping the copy operation and displaying a warning, it is possible to obtain a unified copy in the image direction of the first sheet for the copy group imaged by the operator. In particular, when performing post-copy binding processing such as punching after copying and stapling, usually, only the front cover is used to perform punching and stapling, and if there are copies of different image orientations in the copy group with respect to the original, it will be omitted. The pages turn next, and it looks bad. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such a missing page, the operator is automatically notified that originals having different image directions are mixed during copying, and the operator himself checks the image orientation of the originals. It requires changing the installation direction and can prevent missing pages.

3.1.4.3 Mismatch of Edge Margin Areas When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the edge margin areas of each original, and the copy group is detected from each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document, when a document with a different image direction is detected, image rotation processing (inversion on memory) is performed. Execute-Reverse scanning of a document is performed to inform that there is a document with a different image direction or to recover a NG image directionality to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction. Less than,
The contents will be described.

An operation procedure for performing image rotation processing (inversion on memory) and the like by image processing will be described with reference to FIG. When multiple originals are detected and the originals with different image orientations are detected by detecting the maximum edge margin area of each original,
In step S81, the image processing mode is entered, and after image processing, the process proceeds to step S82. In step S82, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. FIG. 43 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

The operation procedure for reverse scanning of the original will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of a large number of originals, when the originals having different image directions are detected by detecting the end margin areas of the respective originals, the original reverse scan mode is entered in step S91, and the image orientation is corrected by the reverse scan.
It proceeds to step S92. In step S92, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. FIG. 45 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit. Note that the above-mentioned processing is of course effective even when a double-sided image formation (double-sided copying) is targeted.

As described above, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and when a large number of originals are detected from each detected original direction, the reference image direction is determined from the end margin area detection data. When it is identified that the image direction of the original (first original) is different from that of the original, the operator is informed that there are originals with different image directions by performing warning display, image rotation processing, reverse document scanning, etc. In addition, by recovering the image directionality NG, it is possible to obtain a copy in which the image direction is unified and to prevent missing pages.

3.1.5 Correspondence at the time of unidentifiable 3.1.5.1 Image formation / warning display in a predetermined direction determined in advance When a large number of originals are detected, by detecting an end margin area of each original The image direction cannot be identified in the image forming apparatus that detects the image direction and determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copy group from each detected document direction. If the image is recognized, the image is formed in a predetermined direction and the warning display is displayed on the operation unit. An announcement is made that it exists.

The contents will be described below. First, X1 in FIG. 28 detected by the white area detection circuit on the original,
A method of detecting the document direction from X2, Y1, and Y2 will be described.

Using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513 and Y1 and Y2 stored in the sub-scanning counter 515 shown in FIG. 29, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When detecting X1, X2, Y1 and Y2, if any of X1, X2, Y1 and Y2 cannot be recognized, "-1" is stored in the counter. In steps S101 and S102, X1, X2,
It is judged whether Y1 and Y2 are recognized,
If y, it is determined that the image direction cannot be identified (step S1).
10). In the case of n, it progresses to step S103. In step S103, X1 and X2 are compared. If X1 is larger than X2, the process proceeds to step S104.
In step S104, Y1 and Y2 are compared. If Y1 is larger than Y2, the process proceeds to step S105,
For vertical writing, determine that the top and bottom of the original are properly installed. If n in step S104, step S10
Proceed to step 6 and determine that the horizontal writing original is upside down. Step S1
In the case of 03 and n, the process proceeds to step S107 and step S107.
Similar to 104, Y1 and Y2 are compared. If Y1 is larger, it is determined that the document image is vertically written upside down (step S108), and if not, it is determined that the document image is horizontally written upright and vertically placed (step S109). The determined images are shown in FIG. 31 described above. (A) is the original determined in step S109, similarly (b) is the original determined in step S108, (c) is the original determined in step S106, and (d) is the original determined in step S105. Based on the image information detection result, the state of each original is incremented by one for each original.

From the count-up result, the vertical document top / bottom direction original document counter a, the horizontal top / bottom original document counter b, the horizontal top / bottom original document counter c, and the horizontal top / bottom normal document counter d, using the counter of the document number counter e whose image direction cannot be identified,
According to FIG. 48 and FIG. 49, it is determined whether or not originals in different directions are mixed in the multiple originals of one job, and whether or not originals whose image direction cannot be identified are mixed.

First, the image direction counter E for counting the types of document orientations is cleared (step S13).
1). In step S132, it is checked whether or not the counters indicating the document directions a to d are 0. If it is 0, 1 is added to the image direction counter E. Step S
In 133, it is checked whether or not the counter indicating the addition of the image direction recognition permission of e is 0. If not 0, 4 is subtracted from the image direction counter E.

In step S134, it is determined whether or not the image direction counter E is 3, and if the image direction counter E is 3, all the document directions are the same, and documents showing different document directions are It is determined that the document does not exist in the multiple document group of one job (step S136). If the value is other than 3, it is determined that there are originals with different original orientations or originals whose image orientation cannot be recognized in the multiple originals group, and the process proceeds to step S135. In step S135, it is determined whether or not the image direction counter E is> 0, and when the image direction counter E is> 0, it is determined that documents having different document directions are mixed in the multiple document group ( Step S13
7). If the image direction counter E is not> 0,
It is determined that there is a document whose image direction cannot be recognized in the group of many documents (step S138).

As shown in FIG. 47, when it is determined that the image direction cannot be identified in the flowchart of FIG. 46 (y in steps S121 and S122), an image is formed in a predetermined direction, and the operation unit After copying all the originals to the unit 204, the CP of the operation unit unit 204
If U is in the READY state (y in step S123), a display request code is sent to perform the following warning display (step S124). The number of originals whose image direction cannot be identified is known by the counter e. The warning is displayed as shown in FIG. -There are <e-sheets> originals whose image orientation cannot be identified. -Check the copy paper and align the image direction. By doing so, it is possible to prevent missing pages by displaying a warning to the operator that image orientation cannot be identified.

3.1.5.2 Image formation / warning display by unifying to the predetermined predetermined reference image information direction When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, Using that information as the reference image direction information, it is determined whether the image direction of the original is different from the reference image direction, and the image forming apparatus that aligns the image directions recognizes that the image direction of the reference page is indistinguishable. If
The next page is determined as the reference image orientation page, and the image orientation is aligned based on the information on that page. By displaying a warning display of the above items on the operation unit, the operator is notified of the presence of a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document.

The contents will be described below. FIG. 51
In step S141, first, the number of pages of the reference document is counted. FLGDIR flag D and page counter m, which will be described later, are cleared before the first original is scanned. F when reading the first original
Since the flag D of LGDIR is OFF, the page counter m is counted by one. From the next step to step S1
The process up to step 42 is the same as that described later with reference to FIG. In the case of a vertically-oriented original document, the flag a is set as a direction flag in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR, the flag b is set if the vertically-oriented document is in the reverse direction, and the flag c is similarly set if the vertically-oriented document is in the reverse direction. If horizontal writing is in the vertical direction, the flag d is set.

When the document direction is identified, the process proceeds to step S142. When the flag D of FLGDIR is OFF, the flag D is set as a data flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units and the reference direction data is stored. When the flag D is on (when the reference direction data is stored), the process proceeds to the next step. The bit configuration of the byte-unit memory FLGDIR in which the flag is stored is as shown in FIG. a is 01H and b is 02
H, c is 04H, d is 08H, e is 10H, D is 20H
Is. Copy end operation unit 204 for all document groups
If the CPU is in the READY state, the operation unit 20
The warning code is sent to 4 and the page counter m
Since the page number of the reference document is identified by, the page number of the reference document is also displayed. FIG. 53 shows an example of the operation unit. By doing so, it is possible to prevent missing pages by displaying a warning to the operator that image orientation cannot be identified.

3.1.5.3 Image interruption / warning display When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and copying is performed according to each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group, if it is recognized that the image direction cannot be identified, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed. Is displayed on the operation unit to indicate that an original whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the original exist in the original group and the copy group, and notify the operator to change the original setting direction. Be seen.

The contents will be described below. FIG. 54
According to the above, in the case of a vertically-oriented original document, the flag a is set in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR (step S151), and in the case of horizontal orientation, the flag b is set (step S152). The flag c is set in the upside-down direction (step S153), and the flag d is set in the horizontal upside-down direction (step S15).
4). In the case of a document whose image direction cannot be recognized, the flag e is set as the direction flag in the flag e (step S15).
5). Byte-based memory FLG in which flags are stored
The bit configuration of the DIR is as shown in FIG. a is 01H, b is 02H, c is 04H, d is 08H, and e is 1
It is 0H.

The operation procedure of the copy interruption and the warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. 56, 57 and 58. The operation procedure shown in these figures is performed every first scan for one document. In this process, first, step S161.
Clear FLGDIR with. The subsequent steps up to step S169 are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. If it is determined that the document directions are mixed, step S161-1 (see FIG. 5).
In 7), the copy interruption request flag is set. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters a sequence of stopping the copy operation by interrupting the development of a new original image in the memory, the feeding of new transfer paper, and the like. Step S161-2
In FIG. 57, the image direction counter is cleared according to the flag set in the direction flag FLGDIR. For example, if the flag c is set, the image direction counter c is cleared. This is to make this operation procedure effective for the next document. However, as for the flag e, the value of the image direction counter e is used for the warning display, so after sending the warning display code, step S1
Clear at 71. In step S170, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent. FIG. 59 shows an example of the display of the operation unit.

3.1.6 Supporting blank originals When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and the original direction is detected in the originals copied according to each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document, when the document is recognized as a blank sheet, the document is inverted by the document inverting unit and then the image is re-imaged. It is considered that the reading operation is performed and the image direction is detected again for the read image.

The contents will be described below. In the reading operation of the ADF (II) shown in FIG. 1, when there is no image information in the image signal of one sheet for an arbitrary document, it is considered that the document is inverted. At that time, the automatic document feeder does not discharge the document, but reverses the document in the automatic document feeder and performs the reading operation by the scanner again. If the information of the read original is blank information again, both sides are considered to be blank, the original is ejected without performing the copying operation, the image information related to this original is discarded, and the next original is read. Perform processing operation. The image direction is detected from the information of the read document again, and when the image direction is the same as the image direction of the series of documents, the normal image forming operation is performed based on the image information of the reversed document. At this time, when the detected image direction is different from the series of image directions, the image formation is interrupted to request confirmation or a warning is displayed. When the detected image direction is different from the series of image directions, the read image information is rotated on the memory to unify the image directions.

The above processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In step S181, the document is set on the document table 100, and in step S182, the document number counter CNT is initialized to zero. Step S
At 183, the blank document determination flag is set to 0. In step S184, only one original is conveyed and set at a predetermined position on the contact glass 9, and then the original is read in step S185. An edge margin area of the document is detected in the edge margin area detection step S186 with respect to the read image information. Step S187 is a blank sheet detection process,
It is determined whether the read document is a blank document, and if it is not a blank document, the directionality is confirmed by the directionality confirmation routine in step S188. If the directionality is correct, step S18
In step 9, the normal copy operation is performed, in step S190, the value of the original number counter CNT is incremented by 1, and in step S1
At 91, the document is discharged from the document feeder. Step S1
At 92, the presence / absence of a document remaining is checked, and if there is a document remaining, the process returns to step S183. If no document remains, the job is ended and the standby mode is entered.

If it is determined in step S187 that the document is blank, the blank document determination flag is determined in step S193. When the determination flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S196, the document is inverted, and the determination flag is set to 1 in step S197.
Returning to step 5, the original is read again. Step S19
When the determination flag FLG is 1 in 3 and both sides are determined to be blank documents, it is considered to be a slip sheet, and the process proceeds from step S194 to step S195 to cancel the image data and proceeds to step S189. Then, after the normal copying operation is performed, the document is discharged in step S191. If it is determined in step S192 that there is a remaining document, the process proceeds to step S183, and the process for the next document is started. If the directionality confirmation routine of step S188 determines that the directionality is not correct, step S19 described below is performed.
After proceeding to the recovery processing routine of No. 8 and performing a predetermined recovery processing, it proceeds to the copy operation of step S189.

Next, the recovery processing routine of step S198 will be described. There are the following recovery processing routines. a. Discontinue the copy operation and display a warning display on the operation unit b. Perform image rotation processing on memory c. Reverse scanning of originals Each item will be described below. An operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting a warning display will be described with reference to FIG. The procedure shown in this flowchart is executed every time one original document is scanned. If a command is written in the ROM of the copying machine body in advance to interrupt the copy operation when the reference staple position and the detected image direction do not match in the staple mode (copy interrupt mode), as shown in step S201. Then, the copy interruption request flag is set. Copy sequence control by this flag
The sequence of stopping the copy operation is started by interrupting the development of a new original image in the memory and the feeding of a new transfer sheet. When the copy interruption instruction is not written, step S2
01 is ignored and the process proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the operation unit 2
In order to display a warning on the LCD 410 of No. 04, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. FIG. 63 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

The operation procedure when the image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) or the like is performed by the image processing is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. The warning display is also the same as in FIG.

The operation procedure for reverse scanning of the original is the same as in FIG. The warning display is also the same as in FIG.

When there is a document whose front and back are reversed when the code of a plurality of originals is present, if the code is executed as it is, a missing page will occur. In order to prevent this, it is possible to determine whether or not the original is a blank sheet, and if it is recognized that the original is a blank sheet, the original can be reversed in the apparatus to return the original to a state in which there is no inversion. When it is recognized that the reversed document is a blank sheet again, it is determined that both the front and back sides are blank sheets, and the copy operation is stopped for this document, so that the missing pages can be prevented.

In addition to the above operations, the orientation of the original direction is recognized to determine the orientation match with other originals, and when there is an unaligned original, a warning display / copy operation is performed. Stop, image rotation processing, document reverse scanning, etc., to notify that there are documents with different image directions or recover the image directionality NG to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction. Also, it is possible to prevent missing pages.

3.1.7 Image Directionality N for Multiple Originals
Correspondence when G is detected (when image processing cannot be supported when mismatch of edge margin areas due to margin recognition is detected) When a large number of originals are detected, the image is oriented by detecting the edge margin areas of each original, and each is detected. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copy group than the document direction, when the document with the different image direction is detected, the image orientation If it is not possible to obtain a uniform copy of the image direction without a corrective action by the operator without a recovery function for NG, Aa) According to the number of sorts, the number of sorts is a predetermined number or more (arbitrary). In the case of), the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call the operator's attention. After the lapse of a predetermined time, if the operator takes no action, the copy operation is restarted. b) According to the number of sorts, when the number of sorts is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number, the copy operation is continued and only the warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B-a) When the human body detection sensor is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call the operator's attention. After the lapse of a predetermined time, if the operator takes no action, the copy operation is restarted. b) When the human body detection sensor is OFF, the copy operation is continuously performed and only the warning display is displayed on the operation unit. In order to reduce the dead time of the machine, notify the operator that there are documents with different image orientations, request the operator to perform processing to unify the image orientations, and perform predetermined operations if there is no correspondence. Is done.

First, the operation procedure of the copy operation which deals with the number of sorts will be described with reference to FIG. The procedure shown in this flowchart is executed every first scan of one document. When there is a document determined to have the image directionality NG with respect to the reference document among the copied documents, a predetermined number of copies N is determined as shown in step S231.
(Arbitrary) and the number of sorts set by the operator are compared by the comparing means. If the number of sets is larger than the predetermined number N, a command is written in advance in the ROM of the copying machine body so as to interrupt the copying operation. Yes (copy interruption mode), copy interruption request flag is set. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters a sequence of stopping the copy operation by interrupting development of a new original image in the memory, feeding of new transfer paper, and the like. And step S23
At step 2, a warning display as shown in FIG. 65 is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. On the other hand, when the operator takes some action and presses the start key 431 again, the copy operation is restarted.

On the other hand, when the operator is not in front of the copying machine and cannot respond to the warning, a timer in the main body for monitoring the elapsed time (TIME) after interruption of copying. Predetermined by PSE
If it is not dealt with after waiting T time, the copy operation is restarted. If the number of sort copies set by the operator is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number N in step S231, step S232 is ignored and the copy operation is continued.

After the copying is completed, in step S233, the operation unit receives the copy reception RE to display a warning to inform the operator that there are originals having different image directions.
If it is in the ADY state, a warning display copy is sent to the operation unit and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.
FIG. 66 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

Next, the operation procedure of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 will be described with reference to FIG. The procedure shown in this flowchart is executed every first scan of one document. If there is a document that has been determined to have image directionality NG with respect to the reference document in the copy document,
As shown in step S241, the human body detection sensor 225
When is ON, a command is written in advance in the ROM of the copying machine to interrupt the copy operation (copy interrupt mode), the copy interrupt request flag is expanded in the memory, and new transfer paper is fed. And so on, and the sequence for stopping the copy operation is entered. Then, in step S242, a warning display prompting the operator to confirm (similar to FIG. 65) is displayed.
On the other hand, when the operator takes some action and presses the start key 431 again, the copy operation is restarted.

On the other hand, when the warning cannot be dealt with as in the case where the human body detection sensor 225 is operating for an object other than the operator, the elapsed time (TIME) after the interruption of copying is monitored. By the timer in the main body,
If it is not dealt with even after waiting for a predetermined PSET time, the copy operation is restarted. In addition, step S24
If the operator is away from the copier in step 1 (when the human body detection sensor is OFF), step S
242 is ignored and the copy operation is continued.

After the copying is completed, in step S243, the operation unit receives the code RE to display a warning to inform the operator that there are originals having different image directions.
If it is in the ADY state, a warning display code is sent to the operation unit and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.
The warning display on the operation unit is the same as in FIG. 66.

By doing so, the following effects can be obtained.
In the copy operation using the sorter, the image direction NG
When it is recognized that the original document exists, if the number of copies that can be easily corrected after copying is small according to the number of copies, the copying operation is performed without interruption and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after copying is completed. This makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

On the other hand, when a large number of sort copies are difficult to correct later, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation section, whereby it is possible to prevent missing pages. If there are many sorts and the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation section, and if no action is taken within a predetermined time, the copy operation is automatically restarted, and the machine is wasted , And a wasteful occupation time of the current job can be omitted. At the same time, when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation by displaying a warning on the operation unit after completion of copying, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. That is, the operator is automatically notified, and the operator is requested to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself, which makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

In the copying operation of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225, when it is recognized that a document in the image direction NG exists, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is output according to the output signal of the human body detection sensor 225. Is off (when the operator is not in front of the copier),
By performing the copy operation without interruption and displaying a warning on the operation unit after the copy operation is completed, the image can be displayed when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation. Direction NG originals (copies) are automatically notified that they are mixed, and the operator is requested to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself, which makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

On the other hand, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON.
In the case of, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, whereby it is possible to prevent missing pages. Further, when the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copying operation is interrupted, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken after a predetermined time, the copying operation is automatically restarted. However, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary downtime of the machine and unnecessary occupation time of the current job. At the same time, by displaying a warning on the operation unit after completion of copying, when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. Is automatically notified and the operator is requested to check the image direction of the copy by himself.
This makes it possible to prevent missing pages.

3.2.1 Detect the maximum end face margin in the page area of the output image information, and determine the staple position from the detected data 3.2.2 Staple the detected maximum end face margin. The image direction is detected by detecting the edge blank area, and the staple position is determined from the detected image data. Although the contents are as described above, they are also effective when the target is double-sided image formation (double-sided copying). By doing this, it is possible to prevent miss staples in advance.

3.2.3 The reference 2 end face is determined from the document size and the document setting direction (image information direction), and the staple position is determined from the maximum margin area of the reference 2 end face. Any 2 of the 4 sides of the document is determined depending on the document size. The side is set as a binding margin in advance, and the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin areas of any two sides of each document, and the image direction of the document is recognized based on each detected document direction, and the staple position is set. The decision is made.

The contents will be described below. The binding margin position of a document that is normally used in an office is determined by the document size. For example, in the case of A4 size paper, the document size is 210 mm × 297 mm, but usually either side of 297 mm in the longitudinal direction is the binding margin position. Therefore, if the original is placed as shown in FIG.
By comparing only X2 and X2, the top and bottom of the original can be determined from the margin area of the original.

When the document size is determined to be vertical by the document size detection, the binding margin position is determined using X1 and X2 stored in the counter latch 513 shown in FIG. 29, and the document size is determined to be horizontal. In the case, the sub-scanning counter 51
The binding margin position of the document is determined by using Y1 and Y2 stored in 5. The method of detecting the binding margin position of the document from X1 and X2 of FIG. 28 detected by the white area detection circuit on the document described above is the same as that of FIG.

The binding margin position of the original is detected by the above method, and the processing procedure shown in FIG. 68 is executed. When the copying is completed (y in step S261), the document binding margin position of the copy group is determined from the document binding margin position data (step S262). In the staple mode (y in step S263), the staple position is determined from the result of the document binding margin position determination of the copy group (step S2).
64), the stapler is operated and stapled (step S265). After stapling, the standby mode is entered (step S266). When the staple mode is not set, the standby mode is directly entered.

The above-mentioned processing is for double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).
It is also effective when targeting. By doing so, the staple position is determined by detecting the binding margin position and the document image direction of the document image formatted with a simple configuration, and the post-processing after copying can be efficiently performed. it can.

3.2.4 Image direction recognition is performed based on the maximum edge margin data, and image orientation consistency is confirmed by comparison with the standard staple position data. When a large number of originals are used, the image is detected by detecting the edge margin area of each original. The direction is detected, and the consistency between the detected image data and the reference staple position is confirmed. The consistency confirmation method in this case is as described above. It is also effective in the case of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, by determining the consistency between the image direction detected from the maximum end face margin data and the reference staple position, miss staple can be prevented in advance.

3.2.5 Image Orientation NG Recover by Recognizing Image Direction from Maximum Edge Margin Data and Comparing with Standard Staple Position Data NG When multiple originals are used, the image orientation is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original. In the image forming apparatus that detects the staple position and determines the staple position based on the detected image data, when the reference staple position data and the detected image direction do not match, a) the copying operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B) Copy operation is continued and stapling operation is prohibited c) Image rotation processing (reversal on memory) d) Mis-stapling is performed by performing reverse scanning of the document. Be seen.

The contents will be described below. The operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting warning display is the same as in FIG. The warning display contents are the same as in FIG. 63. An operation procedure of continuing image formation and prohibiting stapling will be described with reference to FIG. The procedure shown in this flowchart is executed every first scan of one document. When the staple mode is set by the input from the operation unit, the staple request flag is set. At this time, if it is determined that the image direction detected from the maximum margin detection data does not match the reference staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S281. This flag causes the copy sequence control to enter the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. After the staple mode is turned on / off once, it is sufficient to start from step S281 for the second and subsequent documents. In step S282, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation procedure when performing image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) and the like by image processing is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as in FIG. Although not described above, a) to d) are also effective in the case of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction detected from the maximum margin detection data does not match the reference stapling position, a warning is displayed, the copying operation is stopped, the image is rotated, the document is reverse scanned, and the staple mode is automatically set. By performing release or the like, miss staple can be prevented in the staple mode.

3.2.6 When Images Exist at Staple Positions Determined from Maximum End Face Margin Data When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and the respective detections are performed. In the image forming apparatus that determines the staple position based on the determined image data, when the image exists at the determined staple position, a) interrupt the copy operation and display a warning display on the operation unit. B) continue image formation. , Stapling is prohibited c) Shift / magnification (reduction) is performed by image processing d) Staple position is changed e) Staple is not applied to the image by automatically canceling the staple mode (default) And then
The stapling prevents the copy original from being damaged.

The contents will be described below. An operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting a warning display will be described with reference to FIG. The procedure shown in this flowchart is executed every first scan of one document. When an instruction is written in the ROM of the copying machine main body to interrupt the copy operation when an image exists at the staple position in the staple mode, the copy interrupt request flag is set as shown in step S311. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters a sequence of stopping the copy operation by interrupting development of a new original image in the memory, feeding of new transfer paper, and the like. When the copy interruption command is not written, step S311 is ignored and the process proceeds to step S312. In step S311, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

An operation procedure for continuing image formation and for inhibiting stapling will be described with reference to FIG. The procedure shown in this flowchart is executed every first scan of one document. When the staple mode is set by the input from the operation unit, the staple request flag is set. At this time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S321. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. It should be noted that after once confirming the ON / OFF state of the staple mode, the process of step S321 may be started for the second and subsequent documents. In step S322, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

Sequence / magnification (reduction) by image processing
An operation procedure for performing the above will be described with reference to FIG.
When the staple mode is set, the staple request flag is set. At that time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, the image processing mode is entered in step S331. In step S332, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation procedure for changing the staple position will be described with reference to FIG. When the staple mode is set, the staple request flag is set. At that time, if it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, step S341.
In the staple position changing mode, the position of the staple is changed to staple outside the image area. In step S342, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

The operation procedure for automatically canceling the staple mode (at the time of default) will be described with reference to FIG. When the staple mode is set by default, the staple request flag is set. then,
When it is determined from the maximum margin detection data that an image exists at the staple position, the staple request flag is turned off as shown in step S321. With this flag, the copy sequence control enters the normal copy operation sequence from the staple mode. It should be noted that after once confirming the ON / OFF state of the staple mode, the process of step S321 may be started for the second and subsequent documents.
In step S322, in order to display a warning on the operation unit,
If the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The above-mentioned processing is also effective when the target is double-sided image formation (double-sided copying). FIG. 74 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

As described above, when the image exists at the determined stapling position, the copy operation is stopped / warning is displayed,
By shifting / magnifying an image, changing the staple position, automatically canceling the staple mode, etc., it is possible to prevent the image from being damaged by the staple in the staple mode.

3.3.1 Selection Control of Image Direction Identification Detection According to Image Forming Mode In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original, and each detected image is detected. In an image forming apparatus that identifies and detects an image direction based on data, the image direction identification detection is disabled in the normal image forming mode (excluding post-processing) to prevent a decrease in copy work efficiency.

The contents will be described below. Image direction is detected by detecting the margin area of the document,
In order to identify and detect the image direction based on the detected image data, it is necessary to perform work such as image processing. Then, the work has to be performed every time each original is scanned, which takes a very long time, and is inefficient in the case of a normal copy work. Therefore, in the case of a normal copy work, the copy work is performed without passing through the image direction recognition detection unit, and it is determined in step S351 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 75 whether or not to detect the image direction identification. When performing post-processing such as stapling and punching, the direction identification detection is performed unconditionally, and the direction identification flag is set. When the direction identification flag is set, the process proceeds to the image direction identification detection mode in step S352. After the completion of copying, the process proceeds to the stapling mode (post-processing mode) in step S354, and after the process, proceeds to the standby mode in step S355 to wait for a key input instruction from the operator. When the direction identification flag is off, the process proceeds to the normal copy mode in step S353, and after the copying is finished, the process proceeds to the standby mode in step S355 to wait for a key input instruction from the operator.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus for detecting the image direction by detecting the marginal area of the document, the image direction is identified in the normal image forming mode (excluding post-processing). By disabling the detection, it is possible to prevent the efficiency of the copying work from being lowered.

3.3.2 When the manual stapling instruction is input after the completion of the sorting operation and the staple position is NG based on the margin data of the end face. When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the end margin area of each original. Then, in the image forming apparatus that determines the stapling position based on the detected image data, when the manual stapling instruction is input after the completion of the sorting operation, it is determined from the detected image data that the image orientation of the document is inconsistent. At this time, and when it is determined that an image exists at the determined staple position, a) a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, b) stapling is prohibited, and the operation is performed to prevent misstaple,
The stapling prevents the copy original from being damaged.

The contents will be described below. The operation procedure of warning display output will be described with reference to FIG. After the copying work and the sorting work are completed, the staple counter K is cleared. Then, the READY mode is entered, and the staple flag S is set during the copy / sort operation and when the operator inputs a staple mode input before the operation is started. When the copying and sorting work is completed, the machine once enters the READY mode and waits for the next command. If the staple flag S is set, the staple mode is directly entered. Also, the staple mode is entered by the operator's key input,
The staple counter K is counted one. If the image orientations of the copy originals are inconsistent, or if an image exists at the stapling position, the process proceeds to step S362 and a staple interruption code is issued, as shown in step S361.

In step S363, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. Then, the READY mode is entered again and the next command waiting state is entered. When the staple key is turned on again, the staple counter K is further incremented by 1.
Counted and follow the procedure to go to staple mode. FIG. 77 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

An operation procedure for prohibiting stapling will be described with reference to FIG. The staple flag S is set when the machine is in the READY mode after completion of the copy work and the sort work, or when the staple mode input instruction is given by the operator during the copy / sort work.

When the machine finishes the copy / sort operation,
Enters the READY mode once and waits for the next command. If the staple flag S is set, the staple mode is directly entered, and the staple mode is also entered by a key input by the operator. If the image directions of the copy originals are not aligned, or if the image exists at the stapling position, the process proceeds to step S372 as shown in step S371, and the stapling prohibition code is issued. In step S373, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. Then, the READY mode is entered again and the next command waiting state is entered. FIG. 79 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit.

In this way, when the image directions of the copy originals are inconsistent or when an image exists at the staple position, a warning is displayed, stapling is prohibited, etc. to prevent the image from being damaged by the staple. You can

4. Image Direction Recognition by Layout Judgment As described above, in a device that cuts out characters and judges the top and bottom, the judgment takes time, and real-time control requires considerable cost. Therefore, unless it is an image processing device having a large shift, it is difficult to put it into practical use. Therefore, as a simple method of recognizing the vertical direction, there is a method of determining the layout of the page character string without cutting out the characters.
In this method, characters are written horizontally and fixed as written from the left side, and an attempt is made to determine the top and bottom by determining the sentence end position.

4.1.1 Image Direction Recognition by Judgment of Layout of Entire Image As a method of easily recognizing the vertical direction, there is the following method. This method determines the layout of page character strings without recognizing characters. In other words, the top and bottom of the sentence are determined by the blank area at the beginning of the sentence and the blank area at the end of the sentence, and the line is cut out without cutting out the character. The line cutting is
For example, it can be determined by a black-and-white pattern in the main scanning direction called by a scanner. If one line after the filtering process described later has a white pattern, it can be determined as a line feed portion.

The rotation control of the image, that is, in units of pixels on the memory, is performed so that the layout can be determined depending on whether the type of document is a vertical writing document, a horizontal writing document, or whether the document is placed vertically or horizontally. It is necessary to switch between main scanning and sub scanning. By performing such image rotation, vertical writing,
It is possible to make a good determination even for a horizontally written document, a vertically placed document, and a horizontally placed document (rotation of a filter in the following embodiments). In addition, in order to determine the length of the line, it is sufficient to recognize the starting point of the continuous white pattern of the cut out line. As shown in FIG. 80, when obtained from the line segmentation result,
It can be judged that all the line end positions are on the right side, and the image can be judged to be upside down. In the above example, only the case where the paper orientation of the document is vertical is described, but when the paper orientation is horizontal, the image rotation can be performed as described above and the same determination can be made.

Next, the actual judgment method will be described in detail. First, a method of cutting out a line will be described. Usually, in a manuscript, the space between lines is larger than the space between characters. Images closer to each other by the image filter at the image processing stage are processed as a large dot cluster. Image mosaicing is a similar process. In the mosaic processing, for example, a large dot block is composed of 200 dots × 200 dots (200 × 2).
00 filter), the average density of each pixel contained therein is calculated to obtain a density of 20 × 20 of a large lump. That is, this is a process of averaging the densities of the peripheral pixels.

Row segmentation is an application of the above mosaic processing. For example, a filter of 50 dots × 50 dots is prepared, and a pixel at a certain point is the center, and the surrounding area is 50 dots × 50.
If an image exists within a pixel of a dot, the density of that pixel is set to black. On the contrary, if there is no image in the surrounding pixels, it is white.
In other words, the image of the original image is filtered and binary expression is performed. Normally, the value read by the scanner is read in several tones. If the number of gradations is 256,
If one pixel is represented by 8 bits (1 byte), 0 is the white with the highest reflectance, and 255 (OFFH) is black, where the reflected light does not return to the sensor. When expressed as a value, the data indicates 0 or OFFH. FIG. 81 is a visual representation of what is obtained by the above image processing and which is expanded on the bitmap memory of one page.

If the number of pixels of the filter is reduced, the influence of the surrounding image is eliminated, and the characters are cut out as shown in FIG. 82 instead of the line cutout as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the number of pixels of the filter is set to be large, it is not possible to recognize the space between lines, and it is determined that only the portion having no character in the line is white as shown in FIG. Further, if the number of pixels of the filter is increased and the number of dots is equal to or larger than the line feed width, in the case of a full-size character original as shown in FIG. 84, the whole color is black. In other words, a filter smaller than the space between the lines and larger than the space between the characters is required to successfully cut out the lines. Also, to know the rough layout, a filter larger than the line spacing and smaller than the line feed width is required.

Further, in order to ensure line segmentation, a square filter is used in the above description, but when only horizontal writing characters are supported, a horizontally elongated rectangular filter can be used to accurately segment lines. it can. For example 60
With a filter of dots × 30 dots (horizontal × vertical) (FIG. 85), if the resolution is 15 dots / mm, then 2 mm
You can recognize up to the line spacing. At this time, even if there is a space of about 4 mm, it can be judged as one line because it is connected to the adjacent character.

Even if a rectangular filter such as 60 dots × 30 dots is used, the line cannot be cut out well (in the case of a vertical manuscript such as a textbook in Japanese), the filter is set vertically. , Reverse, 30 dots x 60
Dot filters apply image processing to the original image. By doing so, it is possible to cut out vertical lines even in a vertically written document.

Next, a method for recognizing the original image direction will be described. As described above, by changing the number of dots in the vertical and horizontal directions of the filter, it is possible to determine whether the document is a vertical writing document or a horizontal writing document.
However, it is not possible to judge whether the read original is placed correctly. Judgment as to whether the top and bottom are correctly placed is performed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 85, when a horizontally long filter is used, it is confirmed whether or not the pixel of each Y-axis bit at the X-axis (main scanning direction) address is OFFH. At this time, instead of checking all the bits on the Y axis,
For example, if the filter is 60 × 30, it may be checked every 15 dots. There is no need to check every pixel on the X-axis. Check any pixel from the Xmin point where the image on the X-axis begins. 1 for horizontal writing 1 for paragraph
In order to provide a character space, if it is a 60 × 30 filter, it checks about 4 times the number of horizontal dots (240 dots) every 30 dots to see if the pixel is 0 or OFFH. Similarly, 240 dots may be checked in the original reference direction from the pixel of the maximum value on the X axis, Xmax. It is possible to determine whether the end of the line is on the Xmin side or the Xmax side from the X-axis Xmin and Xmax Y-axis dot information.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 86, X
The number of black level (OFFH) pixels checked on the min side and the number of black level pixels checked on the Xmax side are compared (step S381). When the number of black pixels that can be detected on the Xmin side is larger than that on the Xmax side, it can be determined that the Xmin side is the writing position (step S382). Conversely, when the number of black pixels on the Xmax side is large, it can be determined that the Xmax side is the writing position (step S383), and it is possible to determine that the top and bottom of the document are reversed. By performing image processing as described above,
It is possible to judge whether the document is written vertically or horizontally and whether the document is upside down.

On the other hand, with respect to a vertically long original, a sentence is usually written horizontally. When the document size detecting unit detects that the portrait document is set on the document table in the portrait direction, the discrimination time can be shortened by preferentially selecting the landscape 60 × 30 filter. Conversely, if it is set in the horizontal direction, rotate the filter 90 degrees and
Set to x60. By the way, according to the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 86, when the number of black pixels on the Xmax side is equal to the number of black pixels on the Xmin side, that is, when the characters are written tightly on the entire surface of the document, the writing position is determined. It will be impossible. In such a case, detection can be performed by the following method.

As shown in FIG. 84, with respect to the address of the black pixel closest to the reference point of the X-axis and the Y-axis and the point (point A) diagonal to the reference point of the X-axis and the Y-axis, The address of a close black pixel is detected, and the distance from each corner is calculated. Since the distance from the corner is usually larger at the write start position, L in the figure
1 and L2 are compared, and if L1 ≧ L2, the vertical direction is L2.
If> L1, it can be easily determined that the direction is the opposite direction (see FIG. 86).
Step S384).

This is determined based on the result of line segmentation, that is, the character string occupation area, but the same processing is performed for the character occupation area (character arrangement section occupation area) as a result of further finer filtering as shown in FIG. It will be possible.
Normally, since the line spacing is wider than the space between characters, it is possible to determine whether to write vertically or horizontally depending on the distances between the adjacent four character arrangement sections. For the distance between adjacent character arrangement sections, the center of gravity of each character arrangement section may be obtained by image processing, and the distance between center of gravity (generally, the center of gravity is also called the centroid) may be applied to each character arrangement section.

In FIG. 87, the average value Xave of the distances between the centers of gravity of the character array sections in the X-axis direction is compared with the average value Yave of the distances between the centers of gravity of the character array sections in the Y-axis direction. The flowchart which judges is shown. If Xave <Yave in step S391, horizontal writing can be determined, and if not, vertical writing can be determined. Based on such processing and the document size, it is possible to determine the vertical direction, the writing method (vertical writing, horizontal writing), and the original direction (vertical orientation, horizontal orientation).
Six types of recognition are possible.

4.1.2 Method for Detecting Image Blank Area at Layout Judgment In the above example, the top / bottom and direction of an image are judged. It is also important to judge whether or not there is an image in the department. The stapling place is one of the four corners of the transfer paper in the case of one staple stop, or one of the four sides of the transfer paper in the case of two or more staples. By taking the AND of each white area of a plurality of originals, a blank area common to the originals of one job can be obtained.

In the case of stopping at one position, a triangular pattern is prepared as the pattern of the blank area as shown in FIG. 88, and the lengths X1 and Y1 of the two sides of this triangular pattern are determined by the blank area of each original, and Xmin is set. And calculate the length of Ymin,
It is determined whether or not a straight line connecting Xmin and Ymin extends within the staple range.

In the case of double-sided stop or punching, the blank area pattern is compared with the blank area of the rectangular pattern original image as shown in FIG. The length of the rectangle in the vertical direction (Y-axis length Y) is the same as the length of the original in the vertical direction, and the blank area of each original is indicated by the value of X1. By obtaining Xmin, it is possible to detect a blank area common to each document of one job.

4.2.1 Image Direction Recognition Based on Layout Judgment [Combination of Image Information Direction Data (Document Setting Direction) and Image Information Output Size Data (Document Size)] 4.2.2 Output Image Based on Layout Judgment Image direction recognition based on corner margin data in page area of information Image direction is detected based on layout judgment (from original setting direction and original size) or by detecting corner margin area in page area based on layout judgment. It is possible to obtain a uniform copy of the image direction by confirming the matching of the directionality.

The contents will be described below. The document whose image orientation has been determined follows the operation procedure of the copy interruption and warning display output operation shown in FIG. 62 described above. The warning display is the same as in FIG. Further, the present embodiment is of course also effective when applied to double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

In this way, the image direction is detected based on the layout judgment (from the document setting direction and the document size) or by detecting the corner blank area in the page area based on the layout judgment, and each detected document direction is detected. Determines whether the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction, and confirms that there is a document with a different image direction by checking the matching of the image directionality, and obtains a copy with a uniform image direction. It is possible to prevent missing pages.

4.2.3 Confirmation of Matching of Image Directionality with Other Image Information Based on Layout Judgment (Image Orientation Uniformity ) in Multi -Page Original 4.2.4 Reference Output Image Based on Layout Judgment in Multi -Page Original Confirmation of matching of image directionality with other image information from corner margin data in the page area of information (unification of image direction) In the case of multiple originals, page of reference output image information based on layout judgment of each original or based on layout judgment The image direction is detected by detecting the corner blank area in the area, and it is determined from the detected document directions whether the image direction of the reference document is different from that of the reference document in the copy group. Check the consistency. When the image orientation mismatch is confirmed, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that a copy with the unified image orientation can be obtained.

The contents will be described below. When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected based on the layout judgment of each original or by detecting the corner blank area within the page area of the reference output image information based on the layout judgment, and the copy is performed from each detected original direction. It is determined whether or not the image direction of the reference document is different from the image direction in the group, and the matching of the image directionality is confirmed. At that time, the reference image may be a) the reference output image information is the first output image information (start page), or b) an arbitrary page may be the output image information depending on the number of documents. What is optional means that the operator may set it by himself / herself, or may be written in the ROM so that the page of the reference document is automatically determined depending on the number of documents. The document whose image orientation has been determined follows the copy interruption and warning display output operation procedure shown in FIG. 62, as described above. FIG. 90 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit. Of course, the above-mentioned processing is also effective in the case of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying). Also in this case, the same effect as 4.2.1 is obtained.

4.2.5 Checking Matching of Image Directionality Based on Layout Judgment Based on Predetermined Reference Image Information (Multi- Piece / Longitudinal / Horizontal Document Mixed) (Layout Judgment) By detecting the corner area in the page area of the reference output image information based on the layout judgment or the layout judgment, the image direction is detected, and the image direction and the image of the reference original are included in the copy group from the detected original directions. It is determined whether the directions are different, and the matching of the image directionality is confirmed. When the image orientation mismatch is confirmed, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that a copy with the unified image orientation can be obtained.

The contents will be described below. As shown in FIG. 91 and FIG. 92, the manuscript has a vertical manuscript horizontal writing (paper direction portrait, alphanumeric writing), a horizontal manuscript horizontal writing (paper direction landscape, alphanumeric writing), a vertical manuscript vertical writing (paper direction portrait, Japanese writing) , Horizontal manuscript vertical writing (paper orientation landscape orientation, Japanese writing) 4
There are types. When many originals are stacked, it is possible that the above four types of originals are mixed. However, it is considered that there is no mixture of vertical and horizontal originals. (1) When vertical originals and horizontal originals and horizontal originals are mixed (2) Vertical originals and horizontal originals It is considered that there are two types of cases where the writing is mixed. The above four types of originals can be identified by including the top and bottom of the image by using layout determination.

When a portrait original and a landscape original are mixed, the reference image information is determined and the reference image information is
Unify the image orientation of each document. The following A, B, C, etc. can be considered as a method of determining the reference image information.

A. When the image information of the document corresponding to the cover is used as the reference image information: a) If the cover is a portrait document, the portrait document is the reference image information. B) If the cover is a landscape document, the landscape document is the reference image information. There are two ways.

[0227] The automatic document feeder (ADF) shown in FIG.
In II, the original is set such that the original surface is facing upward and the reverse paper is fed from the bottom sheet, so the image information of the original corresponding to the front cover is recognized last. Therefore, when all pages of the loaded document are stored in memory and the image information of the document corresponding to the cover is confirmed, the image direction of the document is unified using the image information as reference image information. There is also a type of automatic document feeder in which the document surface is set face down and the sheets are fed from the first sheet. Since the image information of the original corresponding to the cover can be recognized first, the image information is used as reference image information, Unify the image orientation of fed documents.

The automatic document circulating and feeding device (RDH) makes one copy of a document, ejects it, and at the same time feeds the second document and returns the first document to the top of the document stacker. By repeating preparations for the next feeding, the copy is finished page by page. With the original face up and the reverse feed from the bottom sheet, RDH recognizes the image information of the original while idly feeding the original, and when the image information of the original corresponding to the cover is confirmed, the image information is used as the reference. The image orientations of the originals fed as image information are unified. In the RDH in which the document surface is set face down and the first sheet is fed, the image information of the original corresponding to the front cover can be recognized first. Therefore, the image information is used as the reference image information, and the image direction of the subsequently fed original is set. Unify.

B. When the ratio of portrait original to landscape original is detected and the original with a high ratio is used as the reference image information a) If the proportion of the portrait original is large, the portrait original is used as the reference image information b) If the proportion of the landscape original is large, the landscape original Is used as the reference image information.

In the case of the automatic document feeder (ADF), all the pages of the loaded document are stored in the memory, the numbers of the vertical document and the horizontal document are counted, and the ratio between the vertical document and the horizontal document is detected.
In the case of the automatic document circulating and feeding device (RDH), the numbers of vertical documents and horizontal documents are respectively counted while idling the documents, and the ratio of the vertical documents to the horizontal documents is detected.

C. When manually selecting the reference image information, for example, whether a vertical document is the reference image information or a horizontal document is the reference image information, in the manual selection: But
Setting method for setting horizontal document as reference image information (can be set for each of horizontal and vertical documents, and can be set for only one of them.) B) Vertical document horizontally or horizontally There is a method of manually selecting which of horizontal document writing, vertical document vertical writing, and horizontal document vertical writing is used as reference image information (which can be selected and set each time copying is performed).

Next, how to align the originals when the reference image information is determined will be described. (1) When Vertical Document Horizontal Writing and Horizontal Document Horizontal Writing are Mixed (see FIG. 91) When the vertical document is determined as the reference image information, the horizontal document aligns the upper end surface with the left end face of the vertical document. When the horizontal document is determined as the reference image information, the vertical document aligns the right end face with the upper end face of the horizontal document. (2) Vertical Document Vertical Writing and Horizontal Document Vertical Writing are Mixed (see FIG. 92) When the vertical document is determined as the reference image information, the horizontal document aligns the upper end face with the right end face of the vertical document. When the horizontal original is determined as the reference image information, the upper end of the vertical original is aligned with the left end of the horizontal original.

As shown in FIG. 93, in order to unify the image orientation of the recording paper, the image information read into the page memory is 180 °.
It is done by rotating. For example, the above (1)-
If you have both horizontal and horizontal originals,
A case where the portrait original is determined as the reference image information will be described.

When the vertical document horizontal writing as shown in (a) is the reference image information, the left end face of the vertical document and the upper end face of the horizontal document are aligned as shown in (1) of FIG. According to the layout judgment, when the document is a vertical document horizontally written as shown in (b) and the top and bottom are reversed, the image is rotated by 180 °. If the original is recognized as horizontal writing and the top and bottom of the image are as shown in (c), the original image can be matched as it is with the reference image in (a), but (d)
In such a case, the image is rotated by 180 ° to match the reference image information of (a). Note that FIG. 94 shows the relationship between each reference image and the staple position and punch position.

Next, the operation procedure will be described with reference to FIG. After the copying is completed, the image direction matching is confirmed in step S421. RE when the consistency is OK
Enter ADY mode. If the consistency is NG, a warning is displayed on the operation unit in step S422. If the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator.

Although not described above, the present case is of course also effective when the target is double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

When the operator performs post-copy binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, usually, only the front cover is used to perform punching and stapling, and the copy group is different. If there is a copy in the image direction, it will be missing pages and pages will turn over, resulting in poor appearance.
In this embodiment, in order to prevent such a missing page, the matching of the image orientation is confirmed by the layout judgment, and if there are unmatched originals, the image orientation is unified by image processing or the like, and the staple is performed.・ It is possible to prevent missing pages during post-processing such as punching.

4.2.6 Image Directionality N for Multiple Original Documents
Recover when G is detected (mismatch in corner margin area) When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area based on the layout judgment of each original. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the document, when a document having a different image direction is detected, a) the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B) Image rotation processing (reversal on memory) c) Notifying that there is a document with a different image direction by performing reverse scanning of the document, recovering the image direction NG, and performing image direction To obtain a unified copy of. Less than,
The contents will be described. The operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting warning display is the same as in FIG. The warning display contents are the same as in FIG. 63. The operation procedure when performing image rotation processing (inversion on memory) by image processing is shown in FIG.
Is the same as. The warning display is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as in FIG. The warning display content is the same as in FIG. Although not mentioned above, a) to c) are for double-sided image formation (double-sided copying)
Of course, it is also effective when targeting.

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction detected from the maximum margin detection data and the reference staple position do not match, warning display / copy operation stop, image rotation processing, document reverse scanning, etc. are performed. Informs that there are documents with different image orientations, and
By recovering G, it is possible to obtain a copy having a uniform image direction, and it is possible to prevent missing pages.

4.2.7 Correspondence when Unrecognizable When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the blank area based on the layout judgment of each original, and the originals copied from each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document, if the reference document is recognized as the image direction unidentifiable, a) The image is formed in the specified direction and the warning is displayed on the operation unit. B) The next page or the subsequent page is used as the reference direction original to unify the image direction to form the image and display the warning. C) Stop the image formation. By displaying a warning display on the operation unit or the like, it is informed that a manuscript whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the manuscript exist in the manuscript group and the copy group.

The contents will be described below. The operation procedure of forming an image direction in a predetermined direction and displaying a warning on the operation unit is the same as the operation procedure of FIG. 47. The display content is the same as that in FIG.

An operation procedure for forming the image by unifying the image direction with the next page or the subsequent page as the reference direction original and outputting the warning display will be described with reference to FIGS. 96 and 97. In FIG. 96, the number of pages of the reference document is counted in step S471. A FLGDIR reference direction data flag D and a page counter m, which will be described later, are cleared before the first original is scanned. First
When reading the first document, the FLGDIR flag D is O
Since it is an FF, the page counter m is counted by one.
In FIG. 97, the image direction is detected by detecting the blank area based on the layout judgment of each original, and the state of each original is set to 1 for each original based on the image information detection result.
Count up one by one. A vertical document upside-down document number counter a, a horizontal document upside-down document number counter b,
The counters are a vertically-written upside-down document number counter c, a horizontally-written upside-down document number counter d, and an image direction unidentifiable document number counter e. In the case of a vertically-oriented original document, the flag a is set as a direction flag in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR. c, if it is the horizontal writing direction, the flag d is set (step S481). When the document direction is identified, the process proceeds to step S482 and the FLG
When the flag D of the DIR is OFF, the flag D is set as a reference direction data flag in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR and the reference direction data is stored. When flag D is on (when reference direction data is stored)
Goes to the next step. If the image direction cannot be identified, the flag e is used as a direction flag to determine the memory F in bytes.
It is set to LGDIR (step S483).

The bit configuration of the memory FLGDIR having the flag is as shown in FIG. a is 01H, b
Is 02H, c is 04H, d is 08H, e is 10H, and D is 20H.

If the CPU of the operation unit is in the READY state after the copying of all the original groups is completed, a warning display code is sent to the operation unit. Since the page counter m identifies which page is the reference document, the page number of the reference document is also displayed. The display contents of the operation unit are the same as those in FIG.

An operation procedure for interrupting image formation and displaying a warning display on the operation unit will be described with reference to FIG. The image direction is detected by detecting the blank area based on the layout judgment of each document, and if the document information is mixed in the document direction or there is a document whose direction cannot be identified, according to the image information detection result, The flow proceeds to step S491, and the code interruption request flag is set. Step S
At 492, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent out and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The display contents of the operation unit are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, it is possible to prevent missing pages by displaying a warning to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified. Further, by displaying a warning to the operator about the number of originals whose image direction cannot be identified and the originals used as the reference when the copy image is formed, post-processing after copying becomes easy. Further, when the original directions are mixed or there is an original whose orientation cannot be recognized, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed, whereby it is possible to prevent the missing pages.

4.2.8 Support for blank originals When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the margin area based on the layout judgment of each original, and the originals copied from each detected original direction are detected. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document in which the image direction of the first document is different from the image direction of the first document, when recognizing that the document is a blank sheet, after inverting the document by the document inverting means, It is possible to read the image again and detect the image direction again for the read image.

In the ADF (II) reading operation shown in FIG. 1, when there is no image information in the image signal of one sheet for an arbitrary document, it is considered that the document is inverted. At that time, the automatic document feeder does not discharge the document, but reverses the document inside the automatic document feeder and performs the reading operation by the scanner again.

If the information of the read original is blank information again, both sides are considered to be blank, the original is discharged without performing the copying operation, and the image information related to this original is discarded. Performs document read processing operation. The image direction is detected from the information of the read document again, and when the image direction is the same as the image direction of the series of documents, the normal image forming operation is performed based on the image information of the reversed document. At this time, when the detected image direction is different from the series of image directions, the image formation is interrupted to request confirmation or a warning is displayed. When the detected image direction is different from the series of image directions, the read image information is rotated on the memory to unify the image directions.

The above processing is similar to that shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, and step S186 in FIG. 60 may be referred to as "blank area detection based on layout determination".

The operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting warning display is the same as in FIG. Also, the warning display content is shown in FIG.
Is the same as. The operation procedure when performing image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) and the like by image processing is the same as in FIG. 42.
The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as in FIG. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG.

In the case of a code for a plurality of originals, when there is an original whose front and back are reversed, if the code is executed as it is, a missing page will occur. In order to prevent this, it is judged whether or not the original is a blank sheet, and if it is recognized that the original is a blank sheet, the original can be reversed in the apparatus to return it to a state in which the document is not turned upside down. When it is recognized that the reversed original is a blank sheet again, it is determined that both front and back sides are blank sheets, and the code operation is stopped for this original to prevent the missing pages.

In addition to the above operations, the orientation of the original direction is recognized to determine the orientation match with other originals, and when there is an unaligned original, a warning display / code operation is performed. Stop, image rotation processing, document reverse scanning, etc., to notify that there are documents with different image directions, or to recover for a normal NG image direction, and obtain a code with a uniform image direction. Also, it is possible to prevent missing pages.

4.2.9 Image Directionality N for Multiple Original Documents
Correspondence when G is detected (when image processing cannot be supported when mismatch of corner margin areas based on layout judgment is detected) When a large number of originals are detected, the image area direction is detected by detecting the margin areas based on the layout judgment of each original. When a document with a different image direction is detected in the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the copy group from the detected document direction of , If the operator does not have a recovery function for the image directionality NG and it is impossible to obtain a uniform copy of the image direction without a corresponding action by the operator, Aa) The number of sorts is predetermined according to the number of sorts. When the number of copies is greater than or equal to (arbitrary), the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call the operator's attention. After the lapse of a predetermined time, if the operator takes no action, the copy operation is restarted. b) According to the number of sorts, when the number of sorts is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number, the copy operation is continued and only the warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B-a) When the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to call the operator's attention. After the lapse of a predetermined time, if the operator takes no action, the copy operation is restarted.

B) When the human body detection sensor 225 is OFF,
The copy operation is continuously performed, and only the warning display is displayed on the operation unit. In order to reduce the dead time of the machine, notify the operator that there are documents with different image orientations, request the operator to take measures to unify the image orientations, and perform prescribed actions if there is no response. Is done.

The contents will be described below. A above
The copy operation procedure for dealing with the number of sort copies corresponding to is the same as in FIG. The warning display content is shown in FIG.
5, the same as FIG. 66. The operation procedure of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 corresponding to the above B is the same as in FIG. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG. 66.

In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in the case corresponding to the above A, in the copying operation using the sorter, when it is recognized that there is a document in the image direction NG, according to the number of sorts,
When the number of copies that can be easily corrected after copying is small, the copying operation is performed as it is without interruption, and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copying is completed, whereby it is possible to prevent missing pages. On the other hand, when a large number of sorts are difficult to correct later, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit to prevent missing pages. If there are many sorts and the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation section, and if no action is taken within a predetermined time, the copy operation is automatically restarted, and the machine is wasted , And a wasteful occupation time of the current job can be omitted. At the same time, a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copy is completed, so that the operator can punch holes in the copy group after image formation,
When performing post-binding processing such as stapling, it automatically notifies that the image direction NG originals (copies) are mixed and requests the operator to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself to prevent missing pages. Made possible

In the copying operation of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225, when it is recognized that there is a document in the image direction NG, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is output according to the output signal of the human body detection sensor 225. When it is OFF (when the operator is not in front of the copier), the copying operation is performed as it is without interruption, and after the copying operation is completed, a warning is displayed on the operation unit so that the operator can select a copy group for post-imaging processing. On the other hand, when performing post-binding processing such as punching and stapling, it automatically notifies that the image direction NG original (copy) is mixed, and requests the operator to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself. ,
It is possible to prevent missing pages.

On the other hand, the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON.
In case of, it is possible to prevent missing pages by interrupting the copying operation and displaying a warning on the operation unit. Further, when the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copying operation is interrupted, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken after a predetermined time, the copying operation is automatically restarted. Thus, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary downtime of the machine and unnecessary occupation time of the current job. At the same time, when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation by displaying a warning on the operation unit after completion of copying, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. Is automatically notified, and the operator is required to check the image orientation of the copy by himself.
It is possible to prevent missing pages.

4.3.1 Staple Position Determination Based on Layout Judgment (Judgement Based on Original Setting Direction and Document Size) 4.3.2 Staple Position Determination Based on Corner Margin Data in Page Area of Output Image Information Based on Layout Judgment (Proper 4.3.3 Staples in detected corner margins 4.3.3 Staples in detected corner margins When multiple originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the corner margin areas of each original based on the layout judgment of each original. The stapling position is determined from the image data and stapling is performed.

The contents will be described below. As a stapling position determination method based on the layout determination, a) the stapling position is determined based on the layout determination and the original setting direction / original size. There are two possibilities. Then, in the staple position data determined by the above method, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 99, one of the following two steps is determined in step S571.

A) Standby mode: Waiting for the next instruction input by the operator sent to the operation unit. B) Staple mode: Sent as an operation instruction signal to the staple position changing mechanism. And, in the staple mode, the operation signal is sent. The stapling mechanism is controlled based on the above, and after the stapling operation is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode (step S572) and waits for the next instruction input. It should be noted that this embodiment is also effective when a double-sided image formation (double-sided copying) is targeted.

In this way, miss staples can be prevented in advance by detecting the image direction from the document setting direction, document size, corner margin data, etc., and determining the staple position based on the layout determination.

4.3.4 When a large number of originals are used, the common corner margin of each output image information is detected based on the layout determination, and the staple position is determined. The image direction is detected by detecting the corner blank portion, and the staple position is determined from the detected image data.

The contents will be described below. The common margin portion of each image is detected based on the layout determination, and the staple position is determined based on the image data. As for the data of the determined stapling position, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 99, in step S571, one of the following two steps is determined. A) Standby mode: It is sent to the operation unit and waits for the next instruction input by the operator. B) Staple mode: It is sent as an operation instruction signal to the staple position changing mechanism. After controlling the stapling mechanism, after the stapling operation is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode (step S572) and waits for the next instruction input. It should be noted that this embodiment is also effective when a double-sided image formation (double-sided copying) is targeted.

As described above, based on the layout judgment,
Miss staples can be prevented in advance by detecting the common corner blank portion of each output image information and determining the staple position.

4.3.5 Confirmation of Image Direction Consistency by Comparing Corner Margin Area Based on Layout Judgment and Reference Staple Position Data When a large number of originals are used, the common corner margin area of each output image information is judged based on layout judgment. The image direction is detected by the detection, and the consistency between the detected image data and the reference staple position is confirmed. In this case, it is also effective in the case of targeting double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, by determining the consistency between the corner margin portion and the reference staple position data based on the layout determination, the miss staple can be prevented in advance.

4.3.6 Image Directionality NG Recover by Comparing Corner Margins Based on Layout Judgment and Reference Staple Position Data Detecting common corner margins of each output image information based on layout judgment when multiple originals are made In the image forming apparatus that detects the image direction and determines the staple position based on the detected image direction data, when the reference staple position and the detected image direction data do not match, a) interrupt the copy operation. , Display the warning display on the operation unit b) Continue the copy operation and prohibit the stapling operation c) Perform the image rotation process (reverse on the memory) d) Do not scan the document backward, so that no mis-stapling occurs To be done.

The contents will be described below. The operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting warning display is the same as in FIG. FIG. 100 shows an example of a warning display on the operation unit. The operation procedure for continuing image formation and stapling prohibition is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as in FIG. 63.
The operation procedure when performing image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) and the like by image processing is the same as in FIG. 42. The warning display contents are the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as in FIG. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG. These processes are also effective in the case of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, when it is determined that the image orientation detected from the margin detection data by the layout determination and the reference staple position do not match, warning display, copy operation stop, image rotation processing, document reverse scanning, etc. are performed. By doing so, it is possible to notify that there are originals with different image directions, recover the image directionality NG, obtain a copy with a uniform image direction, and prevent missing pages. 4.3.7 When an image exists at the staple position based on the common corner margin data based on the layout judgment When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the common corner margin area based on the layout judgment of each original. In the image forming apparatus that determines the stapling position based on the detected image data of, when the image exists at the determined stapling position, a) the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Continue and prohibit stapling c) Shift / magnify (reduce) by image processing d) Change staple position e) Automatically cancel staple mode (default) So that it doesn't
The stapling prevents the copy original from being damaged.

The contents will be described below. The operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting warning display is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure for continuing image formation and prohibiting stapling is shown in FIG.
The same as 1. Image processing shifts / scales (reduces)
The operation procedure for performing the above is similar to that shown in FIG. The operation procedure when changing the staple position is the same as that in FIG. 73. The operation procedure for automatically canceling the staple mode (at the time of default) is the same as in FIG. The warning display contents are the same as in FIG. 77. These processes are also effective in the case of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, when the image exists at the determined stapling position, the copy operation is stopped / warning is displayed,
By shifting / magnifying an image, changing the staple position, automatically canceling the staple mode, etc., it is possible to prevent the image from being damaged by the staple in the staple mode.

4.3.8 Staple position determination by matching the image directionality based on layout judgment when multiple sheets / horizontal / horizontal originals are mixed When multi-sheet originals, layout determination is performed based on layout judgment of each original The image direction is detected by detecting the corner margin area in the page area of the reference output image information based on whether or not the image direction of the reference document differs from that of the reference document in each copy group from the detected document direction. Is determined, the matching of the image orientation is confirmed, and the staple position is determined. When it is confirmed that the image orientation is inconsistent, the copying operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to alert the operator and prevent the copy original from being damaged by the miss staple. . The content is the same as the description of FIGS. 91 and 92.

The standard stapling positions (or standard punching positions) of the aligned recording papers are the following (1) and (2) 4 respectively.
Streets are conceivable (see FIG. 94). (1) -Vertical document horizontal writing is the reference image information (a) Single-point binding → Staple position at upper left corner (b) Multiple places binding (punch) → Left end face is staple position When horizontal document horizontal writing is reference image information ( B) 1-point binding → Staple position at the upper right corner (B) Staple position at multiple positions (Punch) → Staple position at the right end face (2) -When vertical document vertical writing is the reference image information (B) 1-point binding → Upper right corner Staple position (b) Staple position at multiple locations (punch) → Staple position on right side edge When horizontal document horizontal writing is reference image information (a) Staple position at top left corner → Staple position at upper left corner (b) Staple position (punch) → left edge surface The stapling position of the image is aligned by the recording paper post-processing device (sortus stapler, finisher) installed in the copier body. Since the staple (punch hole) position of the ejected recording paper is determined, the staple (punch hole) position of the ejected recording paper is determined so that it can be stapled (punched).

The operation procedure will be described with reference to FIG. In this procedure, first, after completion of copying, step S5
At 81, it is determined whether the staple mode is set. If the staple mode is set, step S58 is performed.
At 2, the image direction matching is confirmed. Consistency O
When the value is K, the READY mode is entered after the staple is activated. When the consistency is NG, step S583.
Thus, stapling is prohibited and the process proceeds to step S584. In step S584, in order to display a warning on the operation unit, if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state, a warning display code is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. Although not mentioned above, this case is of course also effective in the case of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

4.4.1 Selection Control of Image Direction Identification Detection According to Image Forming Mode In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is detected by detecting the common corner margin area based on the layout determination of each original, and In the image forming apparatus that determines the stapling position based on the detected image data, the image direction identification detection is disabled in the normal image forming mode (excluding the post-processing) to prevent the efficiency of the copying work from being lowered.

The contents will be described below. In order to detect the common corner margin area based on the layout determination of the document and identify and detect the image direction based on the detected image data, it is necessary to perform an operation such as image processing. Then, the work has to be performed every time each original is scanned, which takes a very long time, and is inefficient in the case of a normal copy work. Therefore, in the case of a normal copy work, the copy work is performed without passing through the image direction recognition detection unit to improve the efficiency of the copy work. The contents of this process are similar to those of the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this way, in the image forming apparatus which detects the image direction by detecting the common corner margin area based on the original layout judgment and determines the stapling position based on the detected image data,
In the normal image forming mode (excluding post-processing), the image direction identification detection is disabled and the reduction of the copy work efficiency can be prevented.

4.4.2 In case of stapling position NG based on end face margin data at the time of manual stapling instruction input after completion of sort operation By detecting the common corner margin area based on the layout judgment of each original in the case of a large number of originals In an image forming apparatus that detects the image direction and determines the stapling position based on the detected image data, when the manual stapling instruction is input after the completion of the sorting operation, the image directionality of the document is inconsistent from the detected image data. When it is determined that there is an image, and when it is determined that an image exists at the determined stapling position, a) a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, b) stapling is prohibited, and operation is performed to prevent mis-stapling,
It is possible to prevent the copy original from being damaged by stapling.

The contents will be described below. The warning display output operation procedure is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as in FIG. The operation procedure for prohibiting stapling is the same as in FIG. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG. 79.

As described above, when the image orientation of the copy original is inconsistent or when the image exists at the stapling position, a warning is displayed, stapling is prohibited, etc. to prevent the image from being damaged due to a miss staple. Can be prevented.

5. Image orientation recognition detection based on character orientation determination The image orientation determination is performed on the image memory by the image orientation determination device. The image memory uses an image memory (page memory, arbitrary area memory) that the unit has, but an image memory of another unit may be used. For example, the SAF memory described in the FAX unit or the page memory necessary for compression / expansion when reading the scanner may be used.

Here, a method for determining the vertical direction of the image will be described. Generally, OCR is used to make accurate judgments.
There is a technique for recognizing the top and bottom of a manuscript by performing character recognition using technology. This method is a method of cutting out one character or one character from each original, patterning the character, and comparing the feature of the pattern with the character pattern information stored in the database to determine the character. Neuro and fuzzy techniques are often used to determine characters. If the character cannot be determined without rotating the read and cut out character pattern by 180 degrees, it is determined that the original is placed upside down.
In this case, the top and bottom judgment is made more accurate by making not a single character but a few characters.

Next, the character direction recognition method will be described. In this method, first, a character in an arbitrary character string is cut out from a document read by a scanner. At this time, with respect to the horizontally written original, the characters cut out in the vertically written original are rotated by 90 degrees. In addition, the characters cut out depending on the orientation in which the original is set, such as the orientation of the original being uneven, may be rotated at various angles such as 0 degree, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. As above,
In order to recognize rotated characters, the method of extracting features while rotating the input character image at various angles and comparing and collating with the dictionary corresponding to the regular angle, or the dictionary corresponding to various rotation angles There is a method of preparing a plurality of images in advance and comparing the characteristics of the plurality of dictionaries with the input image.

An example of character direction recognition is shown in FIGS.
It is described based on 6. FIG. 102 shows a schematic processing procedure of an embodiment of the character recognition method. In this processing procedure, first, a character image is input (step S601),
The characteristic is extracted (step S602). Here, the feature extraction is performed by extracting the contour of the input character image and adding the direction code shown in FIG. 103 to the contour portion. Next, with respect to the direction code added to the contour portion of the input character image, a histogram for each direction code is generated as shown in FIG. 104 (step S603). This represents the characteristic amount H of the input character itself. Next, the histograms are rearranged according to the rotation angle of the input character to generate a histogram corresponding to the rotation of the input character (step S604). This is called a rotation histogram. The rotation histogram is collated with a dictionary (steps S605 and S606), and the recognition result is output (step S608). If they do not match in step S606, the value of the rotation control register is changed (step S6).
07), rotate the histogram of the cut-out character by 90 degrees, and generate a rotated histogram again (step S60).
4) The recognition dictionary collation (step S605) is executed.

FIG. 105 shows an example of the hardware configuration for implementing the character recognition method. Reference numeral 206 is a scanner control circuit (scanner), and 255 is an image of APL5 including an image memory for storing an input image from the scanner 206.
It is a processing unit (IPU) 255, and the character direction is recognized by this unit.

The IPU 255 is a rotation information register 6 for storing how much the input unit 600 for handling image data with the scanner 206 and the original character image are rotated.
01, a recognition unit 602 for recognizing characters.

The recognizing unit 602 cuts out a character image from the binary image information of the original read by the scanner 206 and performs normalization such as noise removal.
3. Feature extraction unit 6 for extracting features of the normalized character image
04, a histogram generation unit 605 that generates a histogram of the extracted features, a rotation histogram generation unit 606 that rearranges the generated histograms according to the rotation angle of the rotation information register 601, and generates a rotation histogram,
From the dictionary matching unit 607 that determines a candidate character by performing dictionary matching on the generated rotation histogram, the result output unit 608 that outputs the recognition result, and the dictionary 609 that stores the standard histogram in the case of no rotation for each character. Composed. The rotation histogram generation unit 606 further includes a conversion unit 610 and a calculation unit 611.

For example, FIG. 106 shows direction codes corresponding to respective angles of the character "sentence". When a character is read in the direction as shown in FIG. 7B, the feature extraction unit 604 converts the direction into a direction code as shown in FIG. In this state, the rotation information register 601 contains 0 degree information, and the output information of the histogram generation unit 605 and the rotation histogram generation unit 606 match. This data is compared with the information in the standard histogram dictionary 609. However, since the character “sentence” is read by being rotated by 90 degrees, the judgment result of the dictionary collation unit 607 becomes “unable to judge”. In this case, the value of the rotation information register 601 is rewritten, the histogram generation unit data is again converted into the rotation histogram data with the value of the rotation information register 601, and compared with the dictionary 609. This operation is repeated until the dictionary collating unit that compares the data with the dictionary 609 determines a match. However, if there is no match even after rotating by 270 degrees, it is determined that the determination is impossible, and the same determination is performed using the cut out next character. By the above method, the character direction data is set in the rotation information register 601.

Next, a method of generating the rotation histogram data from the value of the histogram generation unit 605 by using the information of the rotation information register 601 will be described. In FIG. 106, for example, when the rotation angle is 0 degrees as shown in (a),
Comparing with the case of the rotation angle of 90 degrees shown in (b),
By changing the direction code 1 at 90 degrees to the direction code 7 and the direction code 2 at the direction code 8 by replacing the direction code with 6, the direction code is converted to the same direction code as when the rotation angle is 0 degrees. It is possible. However, 6
If the result of addition to 8 exceeds 8, it is replaced with the direction code obtained by subtracting 8 from the result. This conversion is represented by the following calculation formula. D = MOD (d + c-1) +1 d: Direction code before conversion c: Constant depending on rotation angle (0 at 0 degree, 6 at 90 degree,
It is 4 at 180 degrees and 2 at 270 degrees. D: Direction code after conversion In addition to the processing up to character direction determination above, the following application is also possible by using the document size detecting means which is a known technique.

In Japan, horizontal writing (alphanumeric writing),
Vertical writing (Japanese writing) exists, and the paper orientation also has portrait orientation and landscape orientation. These combination types and the scanner 206
This is to determine the top-bottom direction when a document is placed on.
As shown in FIG. 107, the input means used for the judgment is the document size, the direction angle of the line cut-out block output at the time of character judgment, the character direction angle outputted by the character direction judgment, and the phase difference between the character and line angle Is used. If the above combination is applied to the A4 original size, the scanner 20
A4 is placed in the vertical direction on the document setting table of 6, that is, a in FIG.
The installation directions from h to h and the lateral direction, that is, the installation directions from i to p in FIG. 108 can be considered. Further, as described above, vertical writing, horizontal writing, and upside down may be considered. Such 16 kinds of original states are judged by the table of FIG. 107 and the original states a to p are output.

5.1.1 Image Direction Recognition in Output Image Information Page Based on Character Recognition The image direction in the output image information page based on the original character recognition judgment is detected, the image direction matching is confirmed, and the image direction is determined. To obtain a unified copy of.

The contents will be described below. The following three methods are conceivable as means / methods for character recognition depending on the configuration of the copying system. (A) Digital copier with area memory At this time, a predetermined area is
Alternatively, the character recognition is performed by taking in a range of the image data, which is automatically recognized as a non-background area, into an area memory and extracting characters. (B) Digital copier having a page memory (full memory) In this case, in the case of the page memory, a character is extracted from the page read during the reading scan and character recognition is performed. (C) Analog copier or case without sufficient memory capacity At this time, a reading means capable of reading only a predetermined range, an area memory and a CP for recognition
By using an automatic document feeder (ADF) having a U, by reading an image during conveyance of a document, a predetermined area or a range in which an area other than the background portion of image data is automatically recognized is stored in an area memory. The one that takes in, extracts the character, and recognizes the character.

A document whose image orientation has been determined follows the above-described copy interruption and warning display output operation procedure shown in FIG. Further, the warning display shown in FIG. 65 is displayed. Further, the present embodiment is of course also effective when applied to double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, the image direction is detected based on the character recognition (from the document setting direction and the document size), and it is determined whether the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction depending on each detected document direction. By making a judgment and confirming the matching of the image orientation, it is informed that there are originals with different image orientations, a copy with a uniform image orientation can be obtained, and missing pages can be prevented.

5.1.2 Confirmation of matching of image directionality with other image information from reference output image information based on character recognition when multiple originals are printed (unification of image orientation) The image direction is detected based on the detected document directions, and it is determined whether or not the image direction of the reference document in the copy group differs from the image direction of each detected document direction, and the matching of the image directionality is confirmed. When it is confirmed that the image orientation is inconsistent, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to obtain a copy in which the image orientation is unified.

The contents will be described below. When multiple originals are used, the image direction is detected based on the character recognition of each original, and it is judged from the detected original directions whether the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction or not. I do. At that time, there are two possible methods: a) the reference output image information is the first output image information (start page), and b) the output image information is any page depending on the number of documents. What is optional means that the operator may set it by himself / herself, or may be written in the ROM so that the page of the reference document is automatically determined depending on the number of documents. The document whose image orientation has been determined follows the copy interruption and warning display output operation procedure shown in FIG. Further, the same warning display as in FIG. 90 described above is displayed. Although not mentioned above, double-sided image formation (double-sided copying)
Of course, it is also effective when targeting.

As described above, the image direction is detected based on the character recognition, and it is determined whether or not the copy image direction is different from the reference image direction according to the detected original direction.
By confirming the matching of the image orientation, it is possible to notify that there are originals with different image orientations, to obtain a copy with a uniform image orientation, and to prevent missing pages.

5.1.3 Method for discriminating between vertical document and horizontal document [Discrimination detection based on document size / direction data, character direction data, and line direction data (all types: vertical writing / horizontal writing can be supported)] Document size / direction data obtained by the document size detection means and the image direction and line direction in the output image information page based on the document character recognition judgment are detected to detect whether the document is portrait / landscape or portrait / landscape. Can be considered.

The contents will be described below. Figure 10
As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 108, even if the document size is the same, a depending on the document setting direction and the character direction / line direction.
It is possible to distinguish 16 ways of p. However, since only the character recognition can distinguish the three parameters of the character direction, the line direction, and the phase difference between the character and the line in FIG. 107, for example, a and i, b and j, or c and k,
Such a distinction is impossible. However, by adding the document size detection data to the reference data, that is, by adding two parameters, the document size and the document direction can be discriminated, so that a and i, b and j can be distinguished. become.

As described above, by detecting the document size and direction in addition to the character direction and line direction by character recognition, it is possible to distinguish not only the image direction but also the vertical document or the horizontal document. , More accurate identification is possible. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine the consistency between the individual documents and unify the image directions.

5.1.4 Confirmation of Matching of Image Directionality Based on Character Orientation Recognition for Predetermined Reference Image Information When Mixed Multiple Sheets / Longitudinal / Landscape Originals As shown in FIG. There are four types: portrait, alphanumeric writing, landscape original horizontal writing (paper orientation landscape, alphanumeric writing), portrait original vertical writing (paper orientation portrait, Japanese writing), landscape original vertical writing (paper orientation landscape, Japanese writing) .

When a large number of originals are stacked, it is possible that the above four types of originals are mixed. However, it is considered that the vertically written original and the horizontally written original are not mixed, so here is an example of mixed loading. Vertical writing and horizontal originals There are two types of vertical writing. The above-mentioned four types of originals can be identified including the top and bottom of the image by the recognition of the character direction by the character recognition means and the original size detection means. When the portrait original and the landscape original are mixed, the reference image information is determined and the image directions of the respective originals are unified with respect to the reference image information. The method of determining the reference image information is as described above. The reference stapling position (or reference punching position) of the aligned recording sheets is also as described above.

5.1.5 Image Directionality N for Multiple Originals
Recover when G is detected (mismatch in character direction) When a large number of documents are detected, the image direction is detected based on the character recognition of each document, and the image direction and the image of the first document in the copy group are detected based on the detected document directions. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether there is a document with a different direction, when a document with a different image direction is detected, a) the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B) Image Rotate (reverse on memory) c) Notify that there are originals with different image directions by performing reverse scanning of the originals, etc., or recover the image directionality NG to make a copy with a uniform image orientation. The gain is done. The procedure for interrupting copying and outputting a warning display is the same as in FIG. The warning display contents are the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when performing image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) and the like by image processing is the same as in FIG. 42. The warning display contents are the same as those in FIG. 63. The operation procedure when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as in FIG. The warning display contents are the same as those in FIG. Of course, these processes are also effective in the case of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying).

As described above, when it is determined that the image orientation detected by character recognition and the reference staple position do not match, warning display / copying operation is stopped, image rotation processing, document reverse scanning, etc. are performed. By notifying that there are originals with different image directions and recovering the image directionality NG, it is possible to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction and to prevent missing pages.

5.1.6 Image Directionality N for Multiple Originals
When G is detected (when image processing is not supported) When a large number of originals are used, the image orientation is detected based on the character recognition of each original, and the image orientation of the first original in the copy group from the detected original orientations. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not a document having a different image direction exists, when a document having a different image direction is detected, the image directionality NG cannot be recovered and the operator does not have to take any action. When it is impossible to obtain a copy having a uniform image direction, a) -1 The number of copies is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, the copy operation is interrupted, and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Furthermore, if the operator does not take any measures after the lapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is restarted. a) -2 When the number of copies is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, the copy operation is continued and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. b) -1 When the human body detection sensor is ON, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Further, if the operator does not take any measures after the lapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is restarted. b) -2 When the human body detection sensor is OFF, the copy operation is continued and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. In order to reduce the dead time of the machine, notify the operator that there are documents with different image orientations, request the operator to take measures to unify the image orientations, and perform prescribed actions if there is no response. Is done.

In this case, the operation procedure corresponding to the number of sorts is the same as in FIG. The warning display content is shown in FIG.
Same as 0. A warning display as shown in FIG. 110 is also displayed. The operation procedure of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 is the same as in FIG. Further, the same warning display as that shown in FIGS. 65 and 110 is output.

In the copy operation using the sorter,
If it is recognized that a document with image direction NG exists,
According to the number of sorts, when the number of copies is small and easy to correct afterwards, copying is performed without interruption and a warning is displayed on the copy end operation unit to prevent missing pages. On the other hand, when there are many sorts that are difficult to correct later, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit to prevent missing pages. Furthermore, when the number of sorts is large and the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation section, if no action is taken even after the lapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is automatically restarted, and the machine is wasted. Downtime and current jobs can save wasted occupation time. At the same time, by displaying a warning on the operation unit after completion of copying, when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. Automatically, the operator is requested to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself, and it is possible to prevent missing pages.

In the copying operation of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225, when it is recognized that there is a document in the image direction NG, the human body detection sensor 225 output is turned off according to the output signal of the human body detection sensor 225. When the operator is not in front of the copier, copying is performed without interruption and a warning is displayed on the operation unit after the copying is completed, so that the operator can punch and staple the copy group after image formation. When performing post-binding processing such as copying, automatically notify that the image direction NG original (copy) is mixed, request the operator to confirm the image direction of the copy, and prevent missing pages. Made possible. On the other hand, the human body detection sensor 22
When the 5th output is ON, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, so that it is possible to prevent missing pages. Further, when the human body detection sensor output 25 is ON and the copying operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, if no action is taken even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the copying operation is automatically restarted. , Wasted machine downtime, and current jobs save wasted occupation time. At the same time, by displaying a warning on the operation unit after completion of copying, when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. Automatically, the operator is requested to confirm the image direction of the copy by himself, and it is possible to prevent missing pages.

5.1.7 Supporting blank originals When a large number of originals are detected, the image orientation of each original is detected from the recognition of the character direction by the character recognition means, and the originals are copied according to the detected original directions. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document, when recognizing that the document is a blank sheet, after reversing the document by the document reversing unit,
It is possible to read the image again and detect the image direction again for the read image. The contents are the same as those in FIGS. 42, 44, 60, 61 and 62 described above.
43 and the warning display examples of FIGS. 43, 45, and 63. However, in FIG. 60, "document reading / character direction recognition" may be performed in steps S505 and S506.

5.1.8 Correspondence when Unrecognizable 5.1.8.1 Image Formation / Warning Display in Predetermined Predetermined Direction In the case of a large number of originals, each original is recognized from the character direction recognition by the character recognition means. In the image forming apparatus, which detects the image direction and determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group copied according to each detected document direction, When it is recognized that the direction cannot be identified, an image is formed in a predetermined direction and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that the manuscript whose image direction is unidentifiable and the copy of the manuscript are not included in the manuscript group and its manuscript. Notification is made that it exists in the copy group.

The contents will be described below. The operation procedure of warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. 111 and 112. When copying is started by the copy start button of the main body (step S611), the value of the counter e is initialized to 0 (step S612). The value of the value of the counter e will be described later. Further, when the copy is started, the original is read and the image orientation is detected by the character orientation recognition (step S613). When the image orientation is detected by the character orientation recognition, it is determined whether the character orientation can be identified (step S614). .

If the character direction cannot be identified in step S614, counter e = counter e + 1 is set (step S615), and 1 is added to the value of counter e. Counter e
Is the number of originals whose character direction cannot be identified. At the start of copying in step S612, the value of the counter e is set to 0, and every time an original whose character direction cannot be identified is found, the value of the counter e is increased to 1 in step S615. By adding
After the copying is completed, the number of documents whose character direction cannot be identified can be known from the value of the counter e. If the character direction can be identified in step S614, the matching of the image directions is confirmed. If the image directions are matched, the image is copied as it is. If the image directions are not matched, the image data is rotated. And copy (step S619).

After the copy is completed (step S616), the value of the counter e is determined in step S617. When the value of the counter e is 0, the READY mode is set and the next copy start is awaited. When the value of the counter e is not 0, a warning display code is sent out (step S618) and a warning display is issued to request confirmation from the operator if the operation portion is in the code reception READY state in order to display a warning on the operation portion. Has been done. The contents displayed on the operation unit are the same as in FIG. As described above, it is possible to prevent missing pages by warning the operator that the image direction cannot be identified.

5.1.8.2 Image formation / warning display unified with the identified predetermined reference image information direction When a large number of documents are used, the image direction of each document is detected from the recognition of the character direction by the character recognition means, In the image forming apparatus that uses the information as the information of the reference image direction, determines whether the image direction of the document is different from the reference image direction, and aligns the image directions,
If the image orientation of the reference page is recognized as unidentifiable, the next page is determined as the reference image orientation page, the image orientation is aligned based on the information on that page, and the warning display of the above items is displayed on the operation unit. As a result, the operator is notified that there is a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document.

The contents will be described below. Equipped with an automatic document feeder that sets the document side facing down and feeds the document from the first sheet (original equivalent to the cover) of the bottom sheet,
An operation when the image orientation of the first page, which is the reference image information, cannot be determined by the character orientation confirmation by the character recognizing means, taking as an example an image forming apparatus in which the image orientation of the original corresponding to the cover is used as the reference image information. The procedure will be described based on FIGS. 113, 114, and 115.

Copy start button (start key 43
When the copy is started according to 1) (step S62)
1), the value of the page counter m is initialized to 1 (step S622), and the value of the counter a is initialized to 0 (step S623). The value of the page counter m and the value of the counter a will be described later. When the copying is started, the original direction is read and the image direction is detected by the character direction recognition (step S624). The value of the counter a represents whether or not the reference image information is determined. When the value of the counter a is 0, the reference image information is not determined, and the value of the counter a is 0. If not, the reference image information has been determined. The value of the counter a is 0 by default (step S6
23), when the reference image information is determined, the value of the counter a is incremented by 1 in step S633. In step S625, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter a is 0. When the value of the counter a is 0, the process proceeds to step S626.
When the value of the counter a is not 0, the process proceeds to step S631.

In step S626, it is determined whether the character direction cannot be identified. In step S626, when the character direction cannot be identified, the page counter m = page counter m + 1 is set (step S627), 1 is added to the value of the page counter, and the copy is performed as it is. The value of the page counter m is a value indicating how many pages of the document the character direction cannot be identified. In step S622, the value of the page counter m at the start of copying is initialized to 1, and the document whose character direction cannot be identified. By adding 1 to the value of the page counter m every time when is found, it can be understood that the character direction cannot be identified up to m originals.

If it is possible to identify the character direction in step S626, the image information of the m-th original is used as the reference image information, and the consistency of the image directions is confirmed. If the image directions are not aligned, the image data is rotated and copied (step S632). Then, in step S633, the counter a = a
It is set to +1 and 1 is added to the value of the counter a.

After the copy is completed (step S628), it is determined in step S629 whether the value of the page counter m is 1, and when the page counter m = 1, the READY mode is set and the next copy start is waited. When the page counter m = 1, the original image information corresponding to the front cover is the reference image information. If the page counter m is not 1, a warning display code is sent to display a warning if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state (step S630), and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. The contents displayed on the operation unit are the same as in FIG. By doing so, the operator is warned that the image direction cannot be identified, and it is possible to prevent missing pages.

5.1.8.3 Image Discontinuation / Warning Display When a large number of originals are used, the image orientation of each original is detected from the recognition of the character orientation by the character recognition means, and copying is performed according to each detected original orientation. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the first document in the document group, if the image direction cannot be identified, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning message is displayed. By displaying it on the operation unit, it is shown that a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document exist in the document group and the copy group, and informs the operator to change the document setting direction. .

The contents will be described below. An operation procedure of image forming interruption / warning display output will be described with reference to FIGS. 116 and 117. When the copy start is started by the copy start button (step S641), the document direction is detected and the image direction is detected by the character direction recognition (step S642). In step S643, it is determined whether the character direction is indistinguishable. If the character direction is recognizable, the matching of the image directions is confirmed. If the image directions are matched, the image is copied as it is. , Image data is rotated and copied (step S648). If the character direction cannot be identified in step S643, the copy operation is stopped (step S644), and a warning display code is sent to the operator if the operation unit is in the code reception READY state to display a warning on the operation unit. A warning is displayed to request confirmation (step S645). The contents displayed on the operation unit are the same as in FIG.

When the copy start button is turned on after the warning is displayed, the document whose stopped character direction cannot be identified on the contact glass 9 is copied as it is (step S646), and the warning is displayed on the operation unit. In order
If the operation unit is in the code receiving READY state, a warning display code is sent and a warning is displayed to request confirmation from the operator. READ after copying (step S647)
The mode becomes Y mode, and stands by for the next copy start. After the warning is displayed in step S645, when the ADF is opened / closed (y in step S649), it is determined that the document stopped on the contact glass 9 is removed, and RE
The ADY mode is set, and the next copy start is awaited. 118 and 119 show warning display examples.

In this way, the operator detects the mixed original orientations and the inability to recognize the original orientations, and stops the copying operation / displays a warning so that the operator can make a first copy of the copy group to be imaged. A uniform copy can be obtained in the image direction of the eye. In particular, when performing post-copy binding processing such as punching after copying and stapling, usually, only the front cover is used to perform punching and stapling. , Looks bad. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such a missing page, the operator is automatically notified that originals having different image directions are mixed during copying, and the operator himself checks the image direction of the originals to set the original placement direction. It was possible to prevent missing pages by requesting a change.

5.2.1 Staple Position Determination by Character Recognition The image orientation of the document is detected by recognizing the direction of characters and character strings on the paper of the document using character recognition, and the relationship between the paper and the character string is detected. Optimal post-treatment (sorter /
A stapler, finisher, etc.) position determination is performed.

The contents will be described below. As described above, when the direction of the character and the character string with respect to the paper of the original is recognized using the character recognition method, the relationship between the paper and the character string viewed from the normal character direction (0 °) is shown in the table of FIG. The above 16 types are limited to 4 types as shown in FIG. At this time, depending on what kind of post-processing the user desires (sorter / stapler, finisher, etc.), the following limitation is usually imposed. (I) In the case of stapling in one place As shown in FIG. 120, the upper left corner is (a, b) in horizontal writing, the upper right corner is (c) in vertical writing,
(D) The staple position is determined.

(Ii) In the case of stapling or punching holes in two places In this case, as shown in FIG. 121, the left side band portion is (a, b) in horizontal writing, and the right side band portion is (c) in vertical writing. , (D) The staple position or punch punching position is determined (in the case of staple, respectively).

The following three methods are conceivable as means / methods for character recognition depending on the configuration of the copying system. (A) Digital copying machine with area memory Automatically recognizes a predetermined area or an area of the image data that is not the background area by prescanning. What to do.

(B) Digital copying machine having page memory (full memory) In the case of page memory, a character is extracted from the page read at the time of reading scan and character recognition is performed.

(C) An analog copying machine or an automatic document feeder (ADF) having a reading means capable of reading only a predetermined range, an area memory, and a CPU for recognition, when it does not have a sufficient memory capacity. By using it, by reading the image data while the document is being transported, the specified area or the area of the image data that is not the background area is automatically recognized, and the range is stored in the area memory and characters are extracted to perform character recognition. What to do. The procedure of the actual copy operation is as shown in FIG.
When the operator presses the copy start key, the control CPU identifies whether or not it is in the staple post-processing mode (step S651), and when it is not in the staple mode, a normal copy operation is performed (step S65).
2). If it is in staple mode, the designation is 1
It is discriminated whether or not there is a location (step S653), and in the next step, the processing means is determined by the discriminating means according to each case as shown in FIGS. 120 and 121 (steps S654 and S655).

As described above, since the optimum post-processing position is automatically determined from the direction of the characters / character strings of the document to be read by the character recognition, it is possible to avoid confusion of the operator's work for the post-processing. Becomes Further, there is an advantage that the operator does not need to specify the position depending on the case, the operation is easy, and the work is performed speedily and the time is saved.

5.2.2 Comparison between Character String Direction Data and Reference Staple Positions Character recognition is used to detect the image direction of the original from the direction of the characters and the character string on the original paper, and the relationship between the paper and the character string is detected. The consistency between the optimum post-processing (stapling, punching) position determined from the above and the post-processing position restricted by the hardware is confirmed.

As described above, in the sorter stapler, the operating position is limited to only one fixed corner position, and in the case of the finisher, the operating position is limited to a straight line on one end side. Therefore, in the related art, if the user's instruction input and the document setting direction are not in the correct positional relationship in order to save hardware, there is a possibility that post-processing may be performed at an incorrect position.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, in addition to the image direction recognizing means using the character recognizing method as described above, a position capable of post-processing by hardware and an optimum post-processing position determined based on the character string direction data are compared. And a step of confirming the consistency of the positional relationship between the two. In the case of S / S, stapling is performed in the shaded portion with respect to the paper direction as shown in FIG. At this time, if the original is a vertical original horizontally written as shown in FIG. 124A, it is aligned with the reference staple position. However, FIG.
If the vertical document is vertically written as shown in FIG. The following is an example of the determination made on the actual CPU. As shown in FIG. 125, numbers 1 to 8 are assigned to the absolute staple positions when they are output on the tray of the sorter. When the staple position obtained as a result of character recognition is i, i = 4 in the case of FIG. 124 (a). If the staple position on the hard side is k, the staple position on the hard side is limited to 4 or 8 depending on the sheet direction due to the S / S restriction. In the case of FIG. 123, k = 4. Only when i = k is compared on the CPU, it is determined that the two match. In the case of FIG. 124 (b), since i = 3 and i ≠ k, it is determined that they do not match. On the copy operation, the flow chart is as shown in FIG. This operation procedure includes steps S651 to S65.
The process up to 5 is the same as that in FIG. 122, and the hardware constraint condition (step S656) and the consistency confirmation process (steps S657 and S658) are provided in the subsequent process.

As described above, in addition to the effect obtained by the character recognition described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether or not the determination result conforms to the constraint condition by hardware, so that it is possible to move to the wrong position. It becomes possible to prevent the post-processing of the above.

5.2.3 When a large number of sheets / vertical / horizontal originals are mixed, the image information direction is identified from the character direction recognition data with respect to the predetermined reference image information, and the alignment confirmation of the image direction is made by comparison with the reference stapler position data . 2.4 Consistency between character string direction data and standard stapling position Recovered when NG a) Image interruption / warning display Character recognition is used to detect the image direction of the document from the direction of the characters and character string on the paper of the document. Check the consistency between the optimum post-processing (staple, punch) position determined from the relationship between the paper and the character string and the post-processing position constrained by hardware, and if it is determined that they do not match, suspend the copy operation However, by displaying a warning display on the operation unit, it is shown that the optimum stapling position does not match the post-processing position that can be processed by the post-processing device of the copying machine. It is performed to inform the operator to change the direction.

The contents will be described below. 12
7. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 128, as a result of comparing the post-processing position determined by the hardware and the post-processing position determined based on the character string direction data using the character recognition,
When it is determined that the positional relationship between the two is inconsistent, image formation is interrupted (step S659) and a warning message, such as "Cannot staple to the correct position. Check the orientation of the paper or document." (Step S660). Note that steps S651 to S658 are the same as those in FIGS. 122 and 126. When using a DF or the like, if the image formation is interrupted and a warning is displayed, the DF is also stopped. In this case, the DF process will be described separately.

As described above, in addition to the effect obtained by the character recognition described above, in the present embodiment, when the judgment result does not meet the constraint condition by the hardware, the copying operation is stopped and the direction of the post-processing does not match the operator. This is notified, and the original or paper setting direction is confirmed and the setting direction is requested to be changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent post-processing to an erroneous position.

B) Image rotation processing The character orientation is used to detect the image direction of the original from the direction of the characters and character strings on the original paper, and the optimum post-processing (staple, stapling, etc.) determined from the relationship between the paper and the character string is detected. Check the consistency between the (punch) position and the post-processing position constrained by hardware, and if it is determined that they do not match, rotate the image data captured in the frame memory to determine the optimum stapling position and the position after the copying machine. It is conceivable that the processing device matches the post-processable position and performs the optimum post-processing.

The contents will be described below. When the data copying machine has a page memory, as shown in FIG. 127, since the image data can be taken into the frame memory prior to the image direction recognition, a position that can be post-processed by hardware using character recognition is used. 128 and the post-processing position determined based on the character string direction data are compared, if it is determined that the positional relationship between the two is inconsistent, FIG.
As shown in the flow chart, the necessary rotation angle is calculated by using the direction data obtained by the image direction recognition means and the direction data of the post-processing device, and the image data on the memory is rotated (step S662). After that, copy execution and post-processing are executed (step S663).

As described above, in addition to the effect obtained by the character recognition described above, in this embodiment, when the determination result does not match the constraint condition by the hardware, the image data is rotated so as to match the direction of the post-processing. Thus, it is possible to staple at an optimum post-processing position without the need for an operator to change a document (paper) set.

C) Reverse scanning of original document Using character recognition, the image direction of the original document is detected from the direction of the characters and character strings on the paper of the original document, and the optimum post-processing (staple, staple, etc.) determined from the relationship between the paper and the character string is detected. If the consistency between the (punch) position and the post-processing position constrained by the hardware is confirmed, and if it is determined that they do not match, the optimum stapling position and the copier's The post-processing device automatically matches the post-processable position and performs the post-processing. If it is determined that the post-processing cannot be restored in the device, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. This indicates that the optimum position for stapling does not match the post-processing position that can be processed by the post-processing device of the copying machine, and informs the operator to change the original setting direction or the paper direction. Be seen.

The contents will be described below. 12
As shown in Fig. 7, as a result of comparing the position that can be post-processed by hardware using character recognition with the post-processing position determined based on the character string direction data, it was determined that the positional relationship between the two was inconsistent. In this case, even if the digital copier does not have a page memory, it usually has a line buffer for several lines, so that the paper orientation is set correctly as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 129 (step S664). Y), if the reference staple position and the optimum post-processing position are deviated by 180 ° (y in step S665), the reading operation is not performed during normal scanning, and the image is inverted in the main scanning direction while returning at the reading speed during return. By (step S666), an image forming process can be performed and post-processing can be performed at a correct position (step S667). In other cases, the image formation is interrupted (step S668), and a warning such as "Cannot staple to the correct position. Check the orientation of the paper or document." Is displayed on the display unit (step S669). D
When F or the like is used and the image formation is interrupted and a warning is issued, the DF is also stopped. In this case, the DF process will be described separately.

As described above, in addition to the effect obtained by the character recognition described above, in the present embodiment, when the determination result does not meet the constraint condition by the hardware, the 180 ° set error which is considered to be most likely to be erroneously set Then, since the image data is apparently rotated so as to match the direction of the post-processing, it is possible to perform the stapling at the optimum post-processing position without the need for the operator to change the document (paper) set. In the case of any other wrong setting, the copying operation is stopped, the operator is notified that the post-processing direction is not correct, and it is requested to confirm the original or paper setting direction and change the setting direction. It is possible to prevent post-processing of the position.

5.3.1 Selection Control of Image Direction Identification Detection According to Image Forming Mode The image direction is detected by recognizing the character direction by using the character recognition means, and the image direction is detected based on each detected image data. In order to identify and detect, it is necessary to perform work such as image processing. Then, the work has to be performed every time each original is scanned, which takes a very long time, and is inefficient in the case of a normal copy work. Therefore, in the case of a normal copy work, the copy work is performed without passing through the image direction recognition detection unit, and the copy work is made efficient. The processing content is the same as that of the flowchart of FIG.

5.3.2 When the manual stapling instruction is input after the completion of the sorting operation and the staple position is NG based on the character direction data 5.3.2.1 Warning display The warning display output operation procedure is shown in FIGS. It will be described based on. When the stapling key is turned on and the copy is started (step S681), the image direction is judged from the recognition of the character direction by the character recognition means with respect to each original, and the consistency of the image directions is confirmed. If the image orientations are not consistent, the image data is rotated and copied, and the copy is terminated (step S682). After copying, the stapler is activated (step S683), and R
The EADY mode is set. When the staple key is not turned on, the copy is started (step S68).
4) The image direction is judged from the recognition of the character direction by the character recognition means for each original, and the copy is completed while confirming the consistency of the image directions, and the copy is finished (step S685). After the copying is completed, if the staple key is not turned on, the stapler does not operate and goes into the READY mode. After the copying is completed, even if the staple key is turned on, if the recording paper does not remain in the bin, the stapler does not operate and the READY mode is set. This is performed regardless of whether the image directions are consistent (step S686) or not (step S687). After the completion of copying, when the staple key is turned on (manual stapling), the alignment in the image direction is maintained, and when the recording paper remains in the bin, the stapler operates (step S688),
It becomes READY mode.

During manual stapling, if the image orientation is not consistent, the stapler does not operate even if recording paper remains in the bin, and a warning is displayed on the operation panel (step S689).

5.3.2.2 Staple Prohibition The procedure of the staple prohibition operation will be described with reference to FIG. During manual stapling, if the image orientation is not consistent, the stapler operation is prohibited even if the recording paper remains in the bin, and a warning is displayed on the operation panel (step S691). Further, FIG. 133 shows an example of the warning display.

6. Image Direction Recognition by Detecting Punch Holes and Staple Holes It is also possible to recognize the image direction by recognizing the pattern of the binding portion such as punch holes and staple holes. So first,
A method of recognizing the pattern of punch holes and detecting the image direction will be described. The punch hole is a round hole having a substantially constant diameter (a commonly used hole is 6 mm) according to its standard. Two or more circular images with a diameter of about 6 mm are detected by image recognition. In this case, it is not necessary to recognize all the document image information. The punch hole exists within about 20 mm from the edge of the document. Therefore, the image to be recognized is specified as the range shown in FIG. 134 within 20 mm from each of the four sides of the document. If there is a punch image,
There are always two or more round hole images in 34, a, u, u, and d. For example, if only one circular image with a diameter of about 6 mm is recognized in the area A, this image is not recognized as a punch hole. With the above method, the recognition determination time can be shortened and the amount of image memory can be reduced.

Further, in order to further improve the accuracy of the judgment result of the positions of two or more round holes, the following calculating means is used. As shown in (a) of FIG. 135, each center coordinate of the round hole is calculated, and the calculation result is, for example, A (Xa, Ya), B (X
b, Yb) and C (Xc, Yc). Further, the maximum image length is XL and YL based on the size of the document. When the main scanning direction of the scanner is the Y-axis direction and the sub-scanning direction is the X-axis direction, the output waveform in the main scanning direction at time Xa is as shown in (b) of FIG. Here, V1 is a punch hole detection level, V2 is a white part level on the document, and V3 is a black part level on the document. Since V1 and V2, V3 are clearly at different signal levels, the discrimination is easy. It is possible to calculate each coordinate of the punch hole from such a waveform. Regarding the coordinates of each hole, the X coordinate is Xmm to X from the image range described above.
It is between -20 mm. With this coordinate information, each A,
It is possible to detect the coincidence of the X coordinates and the coincidence of the Y coordinates of the holes B and C, and if they are substantially coincident, it is possible to recognize the punch holes. In the example of FIG. 135, the image direction is determined based on the fixed information that Xa and Xb are opened on the left end face and the upper part as shown in FIGS. 136 (a) and 136 (b).

The flow of processing in the punch hole detecting method will be described with reference to FIGS. 135, 139 and 140. In steps S701 and S702, the image coordinates P (i,
Set j) in the upper left corner of the document. C in step S703
The signal level SGL read by the CD is shown in FIG. 135 (b).
It is determined whether or not it is equal to the punch hole level V1 shown in.
If they are equal, (mi in step S704 described later)
(n, man determination routine), and then step S7
Go to 05. If not equal, S704 is skipped and S70 is skipped.
Go to 5. In step S705, it is determined whether or not the value of the Y coordinate has reached the end of the document. If not, step S7
In step 18, the Y coordinate is advanced by 1, and the process returns to step S703 and is repeated until the Y coordinate j reaches yl. After reaching the end of the document, the X coordinate is advanced by 1 in step S706, and then step S7.
At 07, the above steps are repeated until the X coordinate at the right boundary of the area A shown in FIG. 134 is reached.

Steps S708 to S711 indicate scanning of the area C in FIG. Step S711
When the end of the area C is reached at step S712, the area E is skipped at step S712, and the area D is scanned at steps S713 to S716. When the end of the Y coordinate is reached in step S717, the X coordinate is advanced by 1 in step S721, and step S7
Returning to step 08, step S708 to step S717 and step S719 to step S721 are repeated to alternately scan the area c and the area d until the X coordinate reaches the coordinate XL-s at the right end of the area c. Step S722
Steps S729 to (A) show scanning of the area, and when the reading coordinate position reaches the lower right corner, the reading scanning ends.

Next, steps S704, S710 and S7.
15, (min, max determination routine) in S724 will be described. In this routine, the maximum and minimum values of the X and Y coordinate values of the outer circumference of the punch hole area are obtained. As shown in FIG. 143, since the punch holes are circular,
Once the minimum value is obtained, other information such as the center value and radius can be easily obtained. When a plurality of punch hole areas are recognized, the maximum value and the minimum value of each of the continuous areas are obtained and written in the storage area.

Next, description will be made regarding FIGS. 141 and 142. Using the maximum value and the minimum value of the punch hole level area obtained according to FIGS. 139 and 140, it is determined whether or not each area is a punch hole. Step S73
The shape determination of the punch hole level area is performed in 0 to S736 and step S743, and steps S737 to S74 are performed.
2, and the distance between the two points is determined in steps S744 to 746.

In step S730, i is set to the head of the array storing the maximum and minimum punch hole area levels. When the shape determined at the punch hole area level is recognized as the punch hole shape, another array for storing the array is prepared, and the array variable m is initialized to 0 in order to write the array. Keep it.

The center coordinates are obtained in step S731, and the radius is obtained in step S732, where Rx is the radius obtained from the X coordinate and Ry is the radius obtained from the Y coordinate. In steps S733 and S734, it is determined whether or not the radius is a value allowable as a punch hole. Here, r is the value of the reference radius, and δ is the allowable width of the reading error or the like. If Rx and Ry are within the permissible range for punch holes in steps S734 and S735, the value of the area is set to the array Q.
In (m), the presence / absence of a region that has not been determined in step S736 is checked, and if there is a region, the array position is advanced in S743, and then the process returns to S731 and steps S731 to S736 are performed until the determination of all regions is completed. And step S
Repeat 743.

Next, the routine advances to a routine for determining between the areas which are found to be acceptable as punch hole shapes. In step S737, the pointer is set to the array position where the coordinate values of the two areas to be compared are stored, and the distance between the centers of the two is set to L in step S738. In step S739, it is determined whether the distance L is an allowable value. Where l is the center value of the distance, ε
Is the allowable width. If this determination is OK, these combinations are determined as punch holes. If there are three or more areas to be determined, the determination is repeated for all combinations in steps S741 to S746. 1. The reading optical system scans the original. 2. The coordinates (x, y) indicating the signal level V1 are obtained. 3. Maximum values xmax and ymax of x and y, minimum value xmi
Find n and ymin. 4. The center coordinate A (Xa, Ya) of the signal level V1 region,
B (Xb, Yb) and radii Ra, Rb are obtained. X0 = (xmax + xmin) / 2 Y0 = (ymax + ymin) / 2 R = (xmax-xmin) or R = (ymax-
ymin) 5. Ra and Rb are judged. Whether Ra and Rb are included in γ-δ <R <γ + δ (γ is the radius of the hole, δ is the allowable value).

6. The center-to-center distance L is calculated. L = {(Xa-Xb) 2 + (Ya-Yb) 2} 1/2 7. Judge L. Is L included in l-ε <L <l + ε (l is the distance between two points, and ε is an allowable value)?

If 8.6 and 7 are satisfied, it is recognized as a punch hole, and if not satisfied, it is not recognized. By using the same method, it is possible to deal with the case where the number of punch holes and the punch hole size are different. Also, when the hole of the staple mark is judged and the image direction is judged, it is performed in the same manner as the image direction judgment method by the punch hole detection.

The shape of the staple hole is within about 1 mm in diameter, and the distance between the holes is determined by the standard, and the one generally used is about 10 mm. Further, since the stapling is applied to the end face or the corner of the paper, the pattern search may be performed for the image within 20 mm from the end face of the document image as in the punching. However, in the case of staple, it becomes necessary to detect whether it is at a corner or an end face. As shown in FIG. 137, the original image is divided into four areas (a, u, o, ki) on the end face and four areas (a, d, i, k) on the corner. 10m radius when one 1mm image is detected in the corner
It is only necessary to detect another 1 mm image within m.
By doing this, the recognition time is shortened. The pattern search method is the same as for punch holes. The search target image is an even number of holes of two or more. The image direction is judged based on the detection result and the information fixed in the judging means. The information fixed in the judging means is shown in FIG. 138.

In the case of corner fixing, it is determined that the image direction is the direction a or b with respect to the staple hole. Also,
In the case of the edge stop, the image direction is determined as in c. The flow chart of the detection method is the same as in the punch hole detection.

6.1.1 Image Direction Recognition Based on Detection of Punch Holes in Original Document Punch holes formed on the original document are detected, and the image direction of the original document is detected from the information of the holes. The contents will be described below. A method of recognizing the image direction using the above punch hole detection routine will be described. When the document is a vertical document horizontally written as shown in FIG. 144, the punch hole positions are usually provided at the left end portion of FIG. 144A and the upper end portion of FIG. 144C. (B), (d) are (a),
(C) is rotated 180 degrees. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, each image state will be called as follows. (A) Left punch upside down (b) Left punch upside down (c) Upper punch upside down (d) Upper punch upside down As described above in the punch hole detection routine, FIG. 144 (e) It can be determined by checking which of (a), (i), (c), and (d) has a punch hole. The processing procedure is shown in FIG. By doing so, the image direction of the formatted original image can be detected with a simple configuration. Further, in the copy operation of a document having punched holes, the image direction can be determined by detecting the punched holes.

6.1.2 Image Direction Recognition Based on Detection of Staple Holes in Original Document Staple holes existing on the original document are detected, and the image direction of the original document is detected from hole information. The contents will be described below. A method of recognizing the image direction using the staple hole detection routine will be described. As in the case of the punch hole detection described above, when the document is the vertical document horizontal writing shown in FIG. 146, the staple position is normally set as shown in FIG.
There are six possible ways (a) to (f) of 46. (D) ~
(F) is obtained by rotating (a) to (c) by 180 degrees. Each image state will be called as follows. (A) Edge stop upside down (b) Edge stop upside down (c) Top edge upside down (d) Top edge upside down (e) Corner stop upside down (f) Corner stop upside down As described in the above-described staple trace detection routine, it can be determined by confirming which position (a) to (f) in FIG. 146 (g) the staple trace exists. The processing procedure at this time is shown in FIG. As described above, the image direction of the formatted original image can be detected with a simple configuration. It is possible to determine the image direction by detecting the staple hole in the copy operation of the document having the staple hole.

6.1.3 When a large number of originals are used, punch holes or staple holes of the originals are detected, and the matching of the image directionality with the reference image information is confirmed. The image direction is determined by detecting, and it is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the reference document in the copied document group according to each detected document direction. The contents will be described below. There are two possible reference images: a) the image information of the start page and b) the image information of any page depending on the number of documents. Here, the term "arbitrary" refers to either being set by the operator or being written in the ROM in advance.

The state of each document is incremented by one for each document based on the image information detection result described in "Image direction recognition based on detection of punch hole or staple hole in document" (FIG. 148). .

From the count-up result, the left punch upside-down document number counter a (step S771) and the left punch upside down document number counter b (step S7).
72), the upper punch upside down document number counter c (step S773) and the upper punch upside down document number counter d (step S774) are used to execute the process shown in FIG.
According to the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not different original directions are mixed in the multiple originals of one job.

As described above, the image directionality of each original is detected based on the detection of punch holes or staple traces, and it is detected whether or not originals showing different original directions are mixed in the original group. Is possible.

6.1.4 Image Orientation N for Multiple Originals
Recovery when G is detected 6.1.4.1 Only warning display after image formation When multiple sheets of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes or staple holes, and the original group is detected according to each detected original direction. If there is a document whose image direction differs from that of the reference document, and if the result of the determination is that there is a document that differs from the image direction of the reference document, a warning is displayed on the operation panel. By displaying, the operator is informed that the originals having different image directions and the copies of the originals are present in the originals and the copies of the originals.

The contents will be described below. Fig. 35
34, when it is determined in the process of FIG. 34 that the document directions are mixed, the CPU of the operation unit unit 204 is operated after the copying of all the document groups to the operation unit unit 204 is completed.
If is in the READY state: -There is a document with the punch hole position or upside down in the image direction. -Check the copy paper and align the image direction. A display request code is sent to display a warning such as. The content of the operation display is the same except that the "vertical writing, horizontal writing" portion in FIG. 36 is set to "punch hole position".

6.1.4.2 When the originals are scanned and the directionality is different, the copy is interrupted and a warning is displayed. When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes or staple holes in each original, and the detection is performed for each. It is determined whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the reference document in the copied document group according to the selected document direction. When a document is about to be copied, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit to notify the operator to change the document installation direction when documents having different image directions exist in the document group.

The contents will be described below. 14
In the case of a document in the left punch upside-down direction according to 9, the flag a
Is set as a direction flag in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR (step S781), and if the left punch is upside down, the flag b is set (step S782). Similarly, if the upper punch is upside down, the flag c is set (step S782). S
783), if it is the reverse direction of the upper punch, the flag d is set (step S784). The bit configuration of the byte-unit memory FLGDIR in which the flag is stored is shown in FIG.
It looks like. The copy interruption and warning display output operation procedure is the same as in FIG. 39 and FIG. FIG. 150 shows an example of the display of the operation unit.

As described above, when the operator detects the mixture of the document orientations, the copying operation is stopped, and a warning is displayed, the operator can unify the image orientation of the first sheet with respect to the copy group imaged by the operator. You can get a copy.

6.1.4.3 Image Rotation Processing and Reverse Scanning of Originals When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes and staple holes of each original, and copying is performed according to each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the reference document in the group, when a document having a different image direction is detected, image rotation processing (inversion on memory) By performing a scan, reverse scanning of the document, or the like, the presence of a document having a different image direction is notified, or the image directionality NG is recovered, and a copy having a uniform image direction is obtained. The operation procedure when performing image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) and the like by image processing is the same as in FIG. 42.
The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when performing reverse scanning of the document is the same as in FIG. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG.

As described above, the image direction is detected by detecting the punch hole or the staple hole of each original,
Depending on the detected original direction, when multiple originals are used,
When it is identified from the edge margin area detection data that the image direction of the reference image direction is different from the image direction of the original document (first original document), the warning image, image rotation process, document reverse scan, etc. are performed to determine the image direction. It is possible to inform the operator that there are different originals and to recover the image directionality NG to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction and to prevent missing pages.

6.1.5 Correspondence in case of unrecognizable value 6.1.5.1 Image formation / warning display in a predetermined direction determined in advance When a large number of originals are detected, punch holes or staple holes of each original are detected. In the image forming apparatus, which detects the image direction by, and determines whether there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the reference document in the copied document group according to each detected document direction, When it is recognized that the image direction cannot be identified, an image is formed in a predetermined direction and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit, so that the document in which the image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document are included in the document group and Notification is made that it exists in the copy group.

The contents will be described below. Based on the image information detection result, the state of each original is incremented by one for each original. From the count-up result, the counter for the number of originals in the left punch upside-down direction, the counter for the number of originals in the left punch upside-down direction, the counter for the number of originals in the upper punch upside-down direction, the counter for the number of originals in the upper punch upside-down direction, Counter for the number of documents whose image direction cannot be identified e
The counter of FIG. 48 is used to determine whether or not the originals of different directions are mixed in the multiple originals of one job, and whether the originals of which the image direction cannot be identified are mixed. To do. Hereinafter, it is as described above.

As shown in FIG. 47, when it is determined that the image direction cannot be identified in the processing of FIG. 151 (step S7).
91), an image is formed in a predetermined direction,
When the CPU of the operation unit unit is in the READY state after the copying of all the document groups is completed, the display request code is sent to the operation unit unit 204 to display the following warning. The number of originals whose image direction cannot be identified is known by the counter e. -There are <e-sheets> originals whose image orientation cannot be identified. -Check the copy paper and align the image direction. The contents displayed on the operation unit are the same as in FIG. As described above, it is possible to prevent missing pages by displaying a warning to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified.

6.1.5.2 Image formation / warning display unified with the identified predetermined reference image information direction When a large number of documents are used, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes or staple holes of each document. Using the information as the reference image direction information, it is determined whether the image direction of the document is different from the reference image direction, and the image forming apparatus that aligns the image directions recognizes that the image direction of the reference page is indistinguishable. In this case, the next page is determined to be the reference image direction page, and the image directions are aligned based on the information on that page. By displaying a warning display of the above items on the operation unit, the operator is informed that there is a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document.

The contents will be described below. Figure 15
In step 2, first, in step S801, the number of pages of the reference document is counted. FLGDIR flag D and page counter m, which will be described later, are cleared before the first document is scanned. When the first original is read, the flag D of FLGDIR is OFF, so the page counter m is counted by one. The process from the next step to before step S802 is the same as the description of FIG. 151.
In the case of a left punch upside down original document, the flag a is set as a direction flag in the byte memory FLGDIR,
If the left punch is upside down, the flag b is set. Similarly, if the upper punch is upside down, the flag c is set. If the upper punch is upside down, the flag d is set. If the document direction is identified, the process advances to step S802 to set FL
When the flag D of GDIR is OFF, the flag D is set as a data flag in the byte-unit memory FLGDIR and the reference direction data is stored. When the flag D is on (when the reference direction data is stored), the process proceeds to the next step.

The bit configuration of the byte-unit memory FLGDIR in which the flag is stored is as shown in FIG. After copying all the originals, CP of the operation unit
When U is in the READY state, a warning display code is sent to the operation unit and the page counter m identifies which page is the reference document, so that the page number of the reference document is also displayed. The display contents of the operation unit are shown in FIG.
Is the same as. As described above, it is possible to prevent missing pages by displaying a warning to the operator that the image direction cannot be identified.

6.1.5.3 Image Discontinuation / Warning Display When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes or staple holes in each original, and the copy group is detected according to each detected original direction. In the image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from that of the reference document, if the image identification is recognized, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Is displayed to indicate that a document whose image direction cannot be identified and a copy of the document exist in the document group and the copy group, and inform the operator to change the document setting direction.

The contents will be described below. Figure 15
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, in the case of the original in the left punch vertical direction, the flag a is set as the direction flag in the memory FLGDIR in byte units (step S7).
81), if the left punch is upside down, the flag b is set (step S782). Similarly, if the upper punch is upside down, the flag c is set (step S783). If the upper punch is upside down, the flag b is set. Yes (step S78
4). In the case of a document whose image orientation cannot be recognized, the flag e is set as a direction flag and set in the flag e (step S81).
1). Byte-based memory FLG in which flags are stored
The bit configuration of the DIR is as shown in FIG. The operation procedure of copying interruption and warning display output is shown in FIGS.
Similar to 8. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, the operator detects the mixture of document orientations and the inability to recognize the orientations of the originals to display a stop / warning display of the copy operation so that the operator can make a first copy of the copy group to be imaged. A uniform copy can be obtained in the image direction of the eye. 6.1.6 Blank document support When a large number of documents are scanned, the image direction is detected by detecting punch holes and staple holes in each document, and the first document in the copied document group is detected according to each detected document direction. In an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there is a document whose image direction is different from the image direction of the document, when the document is recognized as a blank sheet, the document is reversed by the document reversing unit, and then the image reading operation is performed again. It is conceivable that the image orientation is detected again for the read image.

In the reading operation of the ADF (II) shown in FIG. 1, as image information in an image signal for one sheet for an arbitrary document, image information other than the image information (punching hole, staple hole) of the binding portion as described above is used. If there is no image information or no image information at all, it is considered that the document is inverted. The original document is inverted in the automatic document feeder without being ejected from the automatic document feeder, and the reading operation by the scanner is performed again. If the information of the read original is blank information again, both sides are blank, so it is considered as interleaving paper, the image data is canceled and the original is ejected, and the blank is ejected as the recording paper, and the next original Perform the reading process. The image direction is detected from the information of the document read again, and when the image direction is the same as the image direction of the series of documents, the normal image forming operation is performed based on the inverted image information.

At this time, when the detected image direction is different from the series of image directions, the image formation is interrupted to request confirmation or a warning is displayed. The detected image orientation is
When it is different from the series of image directions, the read image information is rotated on the memory to unify the image directions.

The above processing is the same as that shown in FIGS. 42, 60, 61 and 62. However, the portion of step 186 in FIG. 60 is referred to as “punching hole detection”. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIGS. 43, 45 and 90.

When copying a plurality of originals, if there is an original whose front and back are reversed, a missing page will occur if the copy is executed in that state. In order to prevent this, it is possible to return to a state in which the document is not turned upside down by determining that the document is blank and reversing the document in the apparatus at this time. If the reversed document is blank again, both front and back sides are blank, so it is determined that the document is a slip sheet, and a blank page is discharged as a recording sheet for this document to prevent missing pages.

In addition to the above operations, by confirming the directionality of the document direction, it is determined whether or not the directionality with other documents is matched, and if there is a document that is not aligned, a warning display / copy operation is performed. Stop, image rotation processing, document reverse scanning, etc. to notify that there are documents with different image directions or recover the image directionality NG to obtain a copy with a uniform image direction. Also, it is possible to prevent missing pages.

6.1.7 Original Direction N for Multiple Originals
Correspondence when G is detected (when image processing is not possible) When a large number of originals are detected, punch holes or staple holes of each original are detected and the image direction of the first original in the copy group is determined from the detected original direction. In an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not there are originals with different image directions, if originals with different image directions are detected, recovery for the image directionality NG cannot be performed, and no corrective action is taken by the operator. If it is not possible to obtain a copy with a uniform image orientation, notify the operator that there are documents with different image orientations as follows, request the operator to take measures to unify the image orientation, and If not, the dead time of the machine is reduced by performing a predetermined operation.

A) -1 When the number of copies is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Further, if the operator does not take any measures after the lapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is restarted. a) -2 When the number of copies is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, the copy operation is continued and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. b) -1 When the human body detection sensor 25 is ON, the copy operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. Further, if the operator does not take any measures after the lapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is restarted. b) -2 When the human body detection sensor 225 is OFF, the copy operation is continued and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit.

The operation procedure corresponding to the number of sorts is the same as in FIG. The warning display contents are shown in FIGS.
Same as 0. The operation procedure of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 is the same as that shown in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as those in FIGS. 65 and 110.

As described above, in the copying operation using the sorter, when it is recognized by the above-described processing that the original in the image direction NG is present, it is easy to correct it later according to the number of sorts. When the number of copies is extremely small, copying can be performed without interruption, and after the copying is completed, a warning is displayed on the operation unit to prevent missing pages. On the other hand, when a large number of sorts are difficult to correct later, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit to prevent missing pages. Furthermore, if the number of sorts is large and the copy operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken even after the lapse of a predetermined time, the copy operation is automatically restarted and the machine is wasted. It is possible to save downtime and unnecessary time occupied by the current job. At the same time, by displaying a warning on the operation unit after completion of copying, when the operator performs post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after image formation, image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed. It is possible to prevent missing pages by automatically notifying that the copy is being done and requiring the operator to confirm the image direction of the copy.

When it is recognized in the copying operation of the copying machine equipped with the human body detection sensor 225 that there is a document in the image direction NG, the human body detection sensor 225
When the human body detection sensor output is OFF according to the output signal of, that is, when the operator is not in front of the copying machine, the copying is performed without interruption, and after the copying is finished, a warning is displayed on the operation unit so that the operator can When the post-copy binding processing such as punching and stapling is performed on the copy group after image formation, the operator automatically notifies that the image direction NG originals (copy) are mixed, and the operator himself / herself makes a copy. It is required to confirm the image direction and it is possible to prevent missing pages. On the other hand, when the output of the human body detection sensor is ON, the copying operation is interrupted and a warning is displayed on the operation unit, so that it is possible to prevent missing pages. Further, when the output of the human body detection sensor 225 is ON, the copying operation is interrupted, a warning is displayed on the operation unit, and if no action is taken after a predetermined time, the copying operation is automatically restarted. Thus, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary downtime of the machine and unnecessary occupation time of the current job. At the same time, when the operator performs a post-binding processing such as punching and stapling on the copy group after the image formation by displaying a warning on the operation unit after the copy is completed, the image direction NG original (copy) is mixed. It is possible to prevent missing pages by automatically notifying that the copy is being done and requiring the operator to confirm the image direction of the copy.

6.2.1 Staple Operation Control Based on Original Punch Hole Detection Data (Stap Position Determination-Staple on Original Punch Hole Side) When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the punch holes of each original. Then, the stapling position may be determined from the detected image data and the stapling operation may be performed.

The contents will be described below. A staple position determination method based on punch hole detection is shown in FIG.
As shown at 54, a stapling operation is performed on the same end portion as the punch hole detected. That is, in the case of stopping at two places, (a ')-(d') is 1 in each of (a)-(d) in the figure.
In the case of the spot stop, (a ") to (d") correspond to (a) to (d) in the figure, respectively. In this case, each position may be in the shaded area in the figure. The staple position data determined by the above method is shown in FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of 55, step S821.
In step 1, one of the following two steps is determined.

A) Standby mode: It is sent to the operation unit and stands by until the operator inputs the next instruction. B) Staple mode: It is sent as an operation instruction signal to the staple position changing mechanism. Then, in the stapling mode, the stapling mechanism is controlled based on the operation signal, and after the stapling operation is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode (step S822) and waits for the next instruction input.

As described above, by detecting the image direction based on the punch hole determination and determining the stapling position, it is possible to prevent miss staples in advance.

6.2.2 Staple Operation Control Based on Original Staple Hole Detection Data (Stap Position Determination—Stap on Original Staple Hole Side) When a large number of originals are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the staple holes of each original. Then, the stapling position may be determined from the detected image data and the stapling operation may be performed.

The contents will be described below. As a staple position determination method based on staple hole detection,
As shown in FIG. 156, the stapling operation is performed on the same end portion as the detected punch hole. That is, in the case of stopping at two positions, (a ') to (d') are respectively added to (a) to (d) in the figure.
However, in the case of stopping at one location, (a ″) to (d ″) correspond to (a) to (d) in the figure, respectively. In this case, each position may be in the shaded area in the figure. The staple position data determined by the above method is shown in FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of step 57, step S831.
In step 1, one of the following two steps is determined.

A) Standby mode: It is sent to the operation unit and stands by until the operator inputs the next instruction. B) Staple mode: It is sent as an operation instruction signal to the staple position changing mechanism. Then, in the staple mode, the staple mechanism is controlled based on the operation signal, and after the staple operation is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode (step S832) and waits for the next instruction input. As described above, by detecting the image direction based on the staple hole determination and determining the staple position,
Miss staples can be prevented in advance.

6.2.3 Stap operation is interrupted by stap prohibition input when confirming stapling execution and stapling execution confirmation after the end of the job based on the original staple hole detection data. By detecting the staple holes of each original in the case of a large number of originals. In an image forming apparatus having a mode in which the image direction is detected, the stapling position is determined from the detected image data, and the stapling operation is performed, the stapling operation execution is confirmed after the recording operation is completed, and if there is a prohibition input. ,
The stapling operation is prohibited.

The contents will be described below. The operation flow will be described with reference to FIG. 158. In step S841, staple holes are detected, and in step S842, a copy operation is performed on a series of documents. After the completion of one job, the operator is requested to confirm the execution of the stapling operation in step S843. If there is a stapling key input, stapling is performed, then the recording paper is ejected in step S844, and the standby mode is entered in step S845. When stapling is prohibited, the recording paper is ejected and the standby mode is entered.

As described above, when the stapling operation is in the default mode, by confirming the stapling operation with the operator before the stapling operation and receiving the stapling prohibition input, it is possible to prevent the miss stapling.

6.2.4 Image information direction is identified from punched hole or staple hole data of the original, and the consistency of the image direction is confirmed by comparison with reference staple position data. Detecting the image direction of the original from the line direction, and confirming the consistency between the optimum post-processing (staple, punch) position determined from the relationship between the paper and the character string and the post-processing position restricted by hardware. Is done.

The contents will be described below. In the sorter / stapler (S / S), the operation position is limited to one position at a fixed corner position, and in the case of the finisher, the operation position is limited to a straight line on one end side. Therefore, in the related art, if the user's instruction input and the document setting method are not in the correct positional relationship due to hardware restrictions, there is a possibility that post-processing will be performed at an incorrect position. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the image direction recognition means using character confirmation as described above,
It has a comparison means for comparing a post-processable position by hardware and an optimum post-processing position determined based on the character string direction data, and has a step of confirming the consistency of the positional relationship between the two.

In the case of S / S, FIG.
The staple position is limited to the shaded area in (a) of FIG. At this time, if the staple position determined from the image direction is the shaded position in FIG. 159 (b), the staple position does not match the reference staple position, resulting in misalignment. An example of the actual judgment is as follows. As shown in FIG. 160, numbers 1 to 8 are assigned to the absolute staple positions when they are output on the sorter tray. If the staple position obtained as a result of punch hole recognition is i, then i = 2 in the case of FIG. 159 (b). When the staple position on the hardware side is k, the staple position is limited to 6 to 8 depending on the sheet direction due to the S / S restriction on the hardware side. In the example of FIG. 159, k = 6 or 7 or 8. Only when i = k, the two are judged to match each other by comparing i and k. In the case of (b) of FIG. 159, i = 2, and i ≠ k, so it is determined that no match occurs.

On the copy operation, the processing procedure is as shown in FIG. That is, the punch holes are respectively recognized depending on whether or not one position is stopped, and the staple position is determined and the consistency is confirmed (steps S851 and S852). As described above, by detecting punch holes, the optimum post-processing position is automatically determined from the direction of the original character / character string to be read, which avoids confusion of the operator's work for post-processing. It will be possible. Further, there is an advantage that the operator does not need to specify the position depending on the case, so that the operation is easy and the work is performed speedily and the time is saved. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether or not the determination result conforms to the constraint condition by the hardware, so that it is possible to prevent the post-processing at an erroneous position.

6.2.5 Image Direction Based on Comparison of Image Direction Based on Punch Hole Detection and Reference Staple Position Data NG Recover NG When a large number of originals are detected, the image direction is detected by detecting the punch holes, and each detection is performed. In the image forming apparatus that determines the staple position based on the obtained image direction data, when the reference staple position and the detected image direction data do not match, a) the copying operation is interrupted and a warning display is displayed on the operation unit. B) Copy The operation is continued and the stapling operation is prohibited. C) Image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) d) Reverse scanning of the document is performed to prevent the occurrence of miss staples.

The operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting warning display is the same as in FIG. The content of the warning display is the same as that in FIG. The operation procedure for continuing image formation and stapling prohibition is the same as in FIG. The contents of the warning display are the same as in FIG. 63. The operation procedure when performing image rotation processing (inversion on the memory) and the like by image processing is the same as in FIG. 42. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when performing reverse scanning of a document is the same as in FIG. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG.

As described above, when it is determined that the image direction recognized by the punch hole detection and the reference staple position do not match, a warning is displayed, the copying operation is stopped, the image rotation process,
By performing reverse scanning of the original, etc., it is possible to notify that there are originals with different image directions, recover the image direction NG, and obtain a copy with a uniform image direction, and to prevent missing pages. Made possible

6.2.6 When Image Exists at Punch Hole Position Based on Punch Hole Detection When a large number of documents are used, the image direction is detected by detecting the punch holes based on the punch hole detection of each document, and In an image forming apparatus that determines punch hole positions based on detected image data, when an image exists at the decided punch hole positions, a) interrupt the copy operation and display a warning display on the operation unit b) image formation Proceed with step 3) to prohibit stapling c) Shift / magnify (reduce) by image processing d) Change staple position e) Automatically cancel staple mode (default) So that it doesn't get inside
The stapling prevents the copy original from being damaged.

The operation procedure for interrupting copying and outputting warning display is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure for continuing image formation and stapling inhibition is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when shifting, scaling (reducing), or the like by image processing is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure when changing the staple position is the same as in FIG. 73. FIG. 71 shows the operation procedure when the staple mode (e) is automatically released (default).
Is shown in. The warning display contents are the same as in FIG.

As described above, when an image exists at the determined stapling position, the stapling mode is changed by stopping the copy operation / warning, shifting / magnifying the image, changing the stapling position, and automatically canceling the stapling mode. In, it is possible to prevent the image from being damaged by the staple.

6.3.1 Selection Control of Punch Hole or Staple Hole Identification Detection of Original Document According to Image Forming Mode In an apparatus having means for detecting punch hole or staple hole and identifying image direction, a normal image is detected. In the forming mode, the punch hole or staple hole identification detection is not activated, and in the image forming mode including the post-processing, the punch hole or staple hole identification warning is activated. The contents are the same as the flowchart shown in FIG.

In an apparatus capable of identifying and detecting punch holes and staple holes, it is wasteful of time and inefficient to constantly operate these identification and detection operations. Therefore, by selectively controlling the punch hole or staple hole identification processing in accordance with the image forming mode, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the copying action.

6.3.2 Detecting punch holes in originals and erasing punch holes when forming an image on a recording sheet When there are punch holes in an original, the punch holes on the original are detected and the corresponding punch hole image on the recording paper is detected. It is possible to erase and prevent unnecessary punch hole marks from being recorded on the recording paper.

The contents will be described below. FIG.
In the document shown in FIG. 2A, when two punch holes B and C are punched in the image area A, the image information of the punch hole area is recorded at the time of recording with respect to the image information captured in the memory. Is ignored as recording information, and writing on the photoconductor is not performed. The image thus obtained on the recording paper becomes an image containing only image information without punch holes as shown in FIG. 162 (b), and a clear image can be obtained. As another method, if a method of recognizing a punch hole before writing on the memory is used,
The unnecessary writing operation and the judgment operation at the time of writing can be omitted without writing unnecessary punch hole information in the memory, and the processing speed is increased.

Presence of punch holes in the original When a copy operation is performed using an original, punch hole marks are recorded on the recording paper,
Although an unattractive image is created, in this embodiment, punch holes are automatically recognized and the portion corresponding to the punch holes on the recording paper is not written, so that unnecessary image information is avoided and only necessary information is recorded. The recorded image can be obtained.

6.3.3 Detecting Staple Holes on Original and Erasing Staple Holes When Forming Image on Recording Sheet When staple holes are present on the original, the staple hole image on the corresponding recording paper is detected by detecting this. Erasing is performed to prevent unnecessary staple hole marks from being recorded on the recording paper.

The contents will be described below. FIG.
In the document shown in FIG. 3A, when there are two staple traces B and C in the image area A, the image information captured in the memory is recorded and the image information of the staple trace is recorded at the time of recording. Is ignored and writing on the photoconductor is not performed. As a result, the obtained image on the recording paper becomes an image of only image information without staple marks as shown in FIG. 163 (b), and a clear image can be obtained. Further, as another method, if a method of recognizing that there is a staple trace at a stage before writing on the memory is used, useless writing operation and writing at the time of writing can be performed without writing unnecessary staple trace information to the memory. Judgment operation can be omitted and processing speed is increased.

When a copy operation is performed using an original document having staple holes, the staple hole marks are recorded on the recording paper and an unattractive image is created. However, in the present embodiment, the staple holes are automatically recognized. Thus, by not writing the portion corresponding to the staple hole on the recording paper, it is possible to avoid recording of unnecessary image information and obtain a recorded image of only necessary information.

6.3.4 After completion of sort operation, when a manual stapling instruction is input, and the staple position is NG based on various data In the case of a large number of originals, the image direction is identified by detecting punch holes or staple holes of each original, and In the image forming apparatus that determines the stapling position based on the detected image data, when the stapling operation is manually input after the sorting operation is completed, if the image data exists at the instructed stapling position, a) warning The display is displayed on the operation unit. B) By prohibiting stapling, the staple is operated so as not to cover the image area, and the copy recording paper is not damaged by the staple.

The warning display output operation procedure is the same as in FIG. However, “image consistency OK” in step S361
The judgment is deleted. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG. The operation procedure for prohibiting stapling is the same as in FIG. However, “image consistency OK” in step S371
The judgment is deleted. The content of the warning display is the same as in FIG. 79.

In this way, when an image exists at the staple position, by displaying a warning, prohibiting stapling, etc., it is possible to prevent the image from being damaged by the staple.

7. Detecting in the order of margin detection, layout detection, and character recognition detection to detect image direction efficiently Detection method to detect image direction efficiently Any document image direction detection means, when other document image direction recognition means is activated, efficiently An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting a direction of an image having a high image direction recognition probability.

In this embodiment, the image direction determining means having a high processing speed is executed, and only when the image direction determining means determines that the image direction cannot be determined, the image direction determining means having the next highest processing determination is executed. The image direction is recognized by.

FIG. 164 shows the concrete procedure. In step S861, the image orientation of the original is determined by detecting the margin. In step S862, it is determined whether the image orientation determination based on the margin detection is impossible. If it is determined that this is impossible, layout determination is executed in step S863. If the image orientation cannot be recognized by the layout determination in step S864,
In step S865, the image orientation determining means based on the character orientation determination is executed. If it cannot be determined in step S866, it is determined that the image orientation cannot be determined. By doing so, it is possible to accurately and quickly determine the image direction.

[0428]

As is apparent from the above description, the sheet sorting means, the first recognizing means for recognizing the image direction of the reference image information in the plurality of image information, and the image direction of the other image information are recognized. The second recognizing unit, the determining unit that determines the consistency between the image direction of the reference image information recognized by the first recognizing unit and the image direction of the other image information recognized by the second recognizing unit, and the sheets are sorted. When the sorting mode is set by the sorting means and the determination means confirms that the image direction of the reference image information is inconsistent with the image direction of the other image information, the image forming operation is performed according to the sorting setting number of copies. According to the invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein the discriminating means discriminates when the image direction of the reference image information and the image direction of the other image information are different. Since the image forming operation in accordance with a constant number of copies is properly controlled, it is possible to perform the appropriate recovery operation according to the sorting setting the number of copies, convenience, can provide an excellent image forming apparatus in operability.

Further, according to the invention as set forth in claim 2, the control means is set so as to interrupt the image forming operation when the number of copies to be set is equal to or more than a predetermined number of copies. Since the formation is interrupted, it is possible to avoid wasteful image formation.

Further, the control means suspends the image forming operation for a predetermined time when the number of copies to be sorted is equal to or more than a predetermined number, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the image forming operation is not canceled if the misaligned state in the image direction is not released. According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, which is set so as to automatically restart the image, when the recovery operation is under the above condition, the image is re-imaged again when the operator does not perform the recovery operation even if the image formation is interrupted for a predetermined time. Since the formation is automatically restarted, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, the control means is set to continue the image forming operation and display a warning when the set number of sorts is less than or equal to a predetermined number. When the number is relatively small, image formation will not be performed for a different job when the image forming operation is interrupted. Therefore, a message to that effect is displayed to warn the operator so that the operator can perform processing according to this warning. It is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity.

Further, according to the invention described in claims 1 to 4, by using various recognition methods as the image orientation matching confirmation tool, a post-processing corresponding function which can be appropriately applied to machines of various layers (segments) is provided. It is possible to provide the provided image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an optical writing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an optical writing unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the entire electrical equipment control of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an image scanner unit.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing unit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing data switched by a data switching mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a memory system.

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

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a memory device.

FIG. 13 is an internal block diagram of a memory unit of the memory device.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing three image data types.

FIG. 15 is an internal block diagram of a memory device.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a memory system using an external storage device.

FIG. 17 is an internal block diagram of a memory device.

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

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 20 is a memory system block diagram.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing unit.

FIG. 22 is a reception block diagram of image information.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an image processing function.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a bitmap page memory.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of image information data expanded in a memory at the time of normal scanning.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of image information data expanded in a memory at the time of reverse scanning.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of image information data mirrored on a memory.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing margins in the X and Y directions of a document.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram for detecting the number of pixels from the document end surface to the image start position.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a document orientation detecting method.

31 is an explanatory diagram showing an image determined by the process in the flowchart of FIG. 30. FIG.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a document binding margin position detecting method.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for matching the image directionality between the maximum edge margin and the start page image information.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining whether or not different document directions are mixed in many documents of one job.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for displaying a warning of a document having mixed directions.

FIG. 36 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining whether or not there is a document having a different image direction in the copied document group.

38 is an explanatory diagram showing the bit configuration of the memory of the flag used for the process in the flowchart of FIG. 37. FIG.

[Fig. 39] Fig. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of copy interruption and warning display output.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for interrupting copying and outputting a warning display.

FIG. 41 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when image rotation processing is performed by image processing.

FIG. 43 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when reverse scanning of an original is performed.

FIG. 45 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a method of detecting a document direction from an edge blank area of a document.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for displaying a warning when image orientation cannot be identified.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining whether or not a plurality of originals in different directions are mixed in one job and originals whose image directions cannot be identified are mixed.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining whether or not a plurality of originals in different directions are mixed in one job and originals whose image directions cannot be identified are mixed.

FIG. 50 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of control for unifying to the identified predetermined reference image information direction.

52 is an explanatory diagram showing a bit configuration of a memory of a flag used for the process in the flowchart of FIG. 51. FIG.

FIG. 53 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of image direction unidentification determination.

55 is an explanatory diagram showing a bit configuration of a memory of a flag used in the process in the flowchart of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of interruption of copying and warning display output when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of interruption of copying and warning display output when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of interruption of copying and warning display output when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 59 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for blank document determination processing.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for blank document determination processing.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for interrupting copying and outputting a warning display when determining a blank document.

FIG. 63 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

[Fig. 64] Fig. 64 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a copy operation that deals with the number of sort copies when the image directions are not aligned.

FIG. 65 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 66 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of coping with a copying operation of a copying machine equipped with a human body detection sensor when image directions are not aligned.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of determining a binding position and performing stapling.

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure for continuing image formation and stapling prohibition when the reference staple position data and the image direction do not match.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for interrupting copying and displaying a warning when an image exists at a determined stapling position.

FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of image forming continuation and stapling prohibition operation when an image exists at a determined stapling position.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure such as a sequence / magnification processing when an image exists at the determined staple position.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a staple position changing operation when an image exists at the determined staple position.

FIG. 74 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 75 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of selection control of image direction identification detection according to an image forming mode.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for displaying a warning when the staple position is inappropriate.

FIG. 77 is a configuration diagram of an operation display unit.

FIG. 78 is a flow chart showing an operation procedure for performing stapling prohibition operation when the staple position is inappropriate.

FIG. 79 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

[Fig. 80] Fig. 80 is an explanatory diagram of determining an image direction from a result of cutting out a line.

[Fig. 81] Fig. 81 is an explanatory diagram in which the result of cutting out rows by the mosaic processing is expanded on the bitmap memory.

[Fig. 82] Fig. 82 is an explanatory diagram in which the result of cutting out a row by the mosaic processing in the case where the number of pixels of the filter is reduced is expanded on the bitmap memory.

[Fig. 83] Fig. 83 is an explanatory diagram in which the result of cutting out a row by the mosaic processing when the number of pixels of the filter is increased is expanded on the bitmap memory.

[Fig. 84] Fig. 84 is an explanatory diagram in which the result of cutting out a line by the mosaic processing when the number of pixels of the filter is increased and the dot is equal to or larger than the line feed width is developed on the bitmap memory.

FIG. 85 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a filter.

[Fig. 86] Fig. 86 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for determining the top and bottom of a document based on an address in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 87 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining horizontal writing or vertical writing from the average value of the distances between the centers of gravity of the character arrangement sections in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

FIG. 88 is an explanatory diagram showing a triangular pattern for stopping one staple.

FIG. 89 is an explanatory diagram showing a staple double-sided stop pattern;

FIG. 90 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 91 is an explanatory diagram showing types of originals.

FIG. 92 is an explanatory diagram showing types of originals.

FIG. 93 is an explanatory diagram showing a unified pattern of image directions.

FIG. 94 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between each reference image and a staple position and a punch position.

FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for image direction matching confirmation determination.

FIG. 96 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for unifying image directions with a subsequent page as a reference direction original.

FIG. 97 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for unifying image directions with a subsequent page as a reference direction original.

FIG. 98 is a flow chart showing an operation procedure of a warning display operation when original directions are mixed or orientations cannot be recognized.

FIG. 99 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of stapling processing based on layout determination.

FIG. 100 is a plan view of an operation display unit.

101 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of image integrity and stapling processing operation. FIG.

102 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the character recognition method. FIG.

FIG. 103 is an explanatory diagram showing a direction code of an outline portion of an input character image.

FIG. 104 is an explanatory diagram of a histogram for each direction code.

FIG. 105 is a character recognition block diagram.

FIG. 106 is an explanatory diagram showing direction codes corresponding to respective angles of the character “sentence”.

FIG. 107 is an explanatory diagram showing a combination table of document size and writing method.

FIG. 108 is an explanatory diagram showing positions of various originals set.

FIG. 109 is an explanatory diagram showing types of horizontal writing and vertical writing of a document.

110 is a plan view of the operation display unit. FIG.

FIG. 111 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure for forming an image and displaying a warning in a predetermined direction.

FIG. 112 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure for forming an image and displaying a warning in a predetermined direction.

FIG. 113 is a flow chart showing an operation procedure of performing image formation and warning display by unifying with the identified predetermined reference image information direction.

FIG. 114 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of performing image formation and warning display by unifying with the identified predetermined reference image information direction.

FIG. 115 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of forming an image and displaying a warning by unifying with the identified predetermined reference image information direction.

FIG. 116 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of image formation interruption and warning display when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 117 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of image formation interruption and warning display when the image direction cannot be identified.

FIG. 118 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 119 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 120 is an illustration showing each pattern for stapling one staple.

FIG. 121 is an explanatory diagram showing each pattern of two staple stapling.

FIG. 122 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for stapling position determination.

FIG. 123 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the sheet orientation and the suitability of the staple position.

FIG. 124 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the paper orientation and the suitability of the staple position.

FIG. 125 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the paper orientation and the suitability of the staple position.

FIG. 126 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for stapling position determination.

FIG. 127 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of warning display processing when the consistency between the character string direction data and the reference staple position is NG.

FIG. 128 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image rotation processing when the matching between the character string direction data and the reference staple position is NG.

FIG. 129 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the document reverse scanning processing when the matching between the character string direction data and the reference staple position is NG.

FIG. 130 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of warning display processing when a staple position is NG when a manual stapling instruction is input.

131 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of warning display processing when a staple position is NG when a manual stapling instruction is input. FIG.

FIG. 132 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a staple inhibiting operation when the staple position is NG when a manual staple instruction is input.

FIG. 133 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 134 is an explanatory diagram showing a punch hole area.

FIG. 135 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of calculating each coordinate of punch holes.

FIG. 136 is an explanatory diagram showing punch hole positions.

FIG. 137 is an explanatory diagram showing a document image divided into ranges.

FIG. 138 is an explanatory diagram showing fixed image information.

FIG. 139 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a punch hole detecting method.

FIG. 140 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a punch hole detecting method.

FIG. 141 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a punch hole detecting method.

FIG. 142 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a punch hole detecting method.

FIG. 143 is an explanatory diagram showing coordinate values of punch holes.

FIG. 144 is an explanatory diagram showing each pattern of punch holes and a detection region.

FIG. 145 is a flowchart showing processing based on the existence location of punch holes and the image state.

FIG. 146 is an explanatory diagram showing each pattern of the staple position.

FIG. 147 is a flowchart showing processing based on a staple trace and an image state.

FIG. 148 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for counting each document state.

FIG. 149 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for counting each document state.

FIG. 150 is a plan view of the operation display unit.

FIG. 151 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of counting each document state and unidentification processing.

FIG. 152 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image direction identification processing by punch holes and staple holes of a large number of documents.

FIG. 153 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of processing for counting the states of respective originals.

FIG. 154 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between punch hole positions and staple positions.

FIG. 155 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of stapling processing by detecting punch holes.

FIG. 156 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a staple hole position and a staple position.

FIG. 157 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of stapling processing by detecting staple holes.

FIG. 158 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of stapling operation confirmation processing.

FIG. 159 is an explanatory diagram showing stapling positions on a document.

FIG. 160 is an explanatory diagram showing staple positions with reference numerals.

FIG. 161 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of staple position determination processing by staple position determination and punch hole recognition.

FIG. 162 is an explanatory diagram showing punch hole erase.

FIG. 163 is an explanatory diagram showing staple mark erase.

FIG. 164 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image direction identification processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 200, 201 CPU 202 Image control circuit 203 Signal switching gate array 204 Operation unit unit 205 Editor 206 Scanner control circuit 207 Page memory 208 Image processing unit 209 Calendar IC 210 Application unit 220 Main control plate 221 Paper feed control plate 222 Sorter control plate 223 Double-sided control board 224 ADF control board 225 Human body detection sensor

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 22, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 1]

[Fig. 2]

[Figure 3]

[Figure 8]

[Figure 10]

FIG. 11

FIG. 25

FIG. 81

[Figure 4]

[Figure 5]

[Figure 6]

[Figure 9]

FIG. 14

FIG. 82

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[Fig. 160]

[Figure 7]

[Fig. 12]

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FIG. 38

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FIG. 19

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FIG. 88

FIG. 103

FIG. 137

FIG. 22

FIG. 89

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FIG. 143

FIG. 24

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FIG. 96

FIG. 138

FIG. 29

FIG. 30

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FIG. 32

FIG. 33

FIG. 34

FIG. 84

FIG. 99

FIG. 124

FIG. 36

FIG. 41

FIG. 37

FIG. 42

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FIG. 47

FIG. 85

FIG. 123

FIG. 40

FIG. 109

FIG. 120

FIG. 125

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FIG. 49

FIG. 45

FIG. 46

FIG. 79

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FIG. 144

FIG. 50

FIG. 51

FIG. 104

FIG. 136

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FIG. 56

FIG. 159

FIG. 57

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FIG. 59

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[Fig. 140]

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[Fig. 135]

FIG. 163

FIG. 72

FIG. 141

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FIG. 145

FIG. 74

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FIG. 78

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[Figure 100]

FIG. 91

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FIG. 154

FIG. 92

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FIG. 97

FIG. 146

FIG. 156

FIG. 98

FIG. 101

FIG. 102

FIG. 105

FIG. 148

FIG. 107

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[FIG. 130]

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[Fig. 150]

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FIG. 164

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical indication location G06K 9/20 320 N J H04N 1/00 108 L 7046-5C (72) Inventor Akihisa Itabashi Tokyo 1-6-3 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Fukano 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Fumio Kurizumi Naka, Ota-ku, Tokyo Magome 1 chome 3-6 In Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A sheet sorting means, a first recognizing means for recognizing an image direction of reference image information in a plurality of image information, a second recognizing means for recognizing an image direction of other image information, and a first recognizing means. Determination means for determining the consistency between the image direction of the reference image information recognized by the second recognition means and the image direction of the other image information recognized by the second recognition means, and a sorting mode for sorting the paper by the sorting means are set. In this state, when it is confirmed by the determination means that the image direction of the reference image information and the image direction of the other image information are inconsistent with each other, a control means for controlling the image forming operation according to the number of sort setting copies is provided. An image forming apparatus having a sorting means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is set to interrupt the image forming operation when the number of copies set to be sorted is a predetermined number or more. 3. The control means interrupts the image forming operation for a predetermined time when the sorting setting number of copies is equal to or more than a predetermined number, and when the misaligned state of the image direction is not released after the lapse of the predetermined time. An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet sorting means according to claim 1, which is set to automatically restart the operation. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means is set to continue the image forming operation and to display a warning when the number of copies to be set is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number. apparatus.