JPH07154580A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an image forming device having a character recognition function at low cost and with a reduced mount space in which the storage capacity and the number of storage mounted on a system are reduced without need of special provision of a character recognition storage area and a correc tion work area. CONSTITUTION:When an operation section 117 selects the character resistance mode, an image read section 2000 reads a source document 1000 and the read result is fed to a character recognition section 4000. The character recognition section 4000 recognizes the given character pattern and provides the result of recognition to a CPU circuit 5000. The CPU circuit 5000 allows a character pattern generator 116 to generate a character pattern corresponding to the received recognition result (character code) and the pattern is expanded in a display area of a RAM 115. The expanded character pattern is displayed by a display section and the correction to the recognized result is conducted in the storage area. When the correction is finished, data in the storage area are outputted to an image recording section 6000, which stores the image.

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, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for reading a document image and forming an image on a recording medium such as recording paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a copying machine having a character recognition function, a recognized character storage area, a recognized character correction storage area, an operation content of an image forming apparatus, and an image for displaying a message on a display unit. The display storage area is provided in a separate area of the storage medium in the apparatus, and the controller of the image forming apparatus switches and uses each storage area according to the operation of the image forming apparatus. That is, the scanned image is captured in the image memory, the character pattern stored in the image memory is recognized, the recognized character is stored in the recognition character storage memory, and the content is transferred to the display memory, Display and correct the recognized characters. The corrected contents are reflected in the storage contents of the recognition character storage memory and the display memory. When image formation is performed,
The contents of the recognition character storage memory are expanded on the image storage memory, and an image is formed based on the contents.

[0003]

However, in the apparatus having such a configuration, the apparatus control memory area becomes tight as the image size which becomes the processing symmetry increases.

Since the capacity of the memory device that can be used by the system is limited, the size of the image area that can be processed, the number of image processing functions, the function of copying operation, etc. are limited.

In order to deal with this, it is necessary to increase the capacity of each memory device mounted in the apparatus or reduce the number of parts of the mounted memory, but this increases the manufacturing cost. In addition, this leads to an increase in component mounting area, which does not meet the purpose of providing a low-priced, space-saving product. It is also possible to divide the image to be processed,
In terms of the total image processing speed, the ease of handling by the user, the simplicity of the control method, etc., the performance is lower than that of the batch processing method.

In a recent copying apparatus, a display that requires a large-capacity message display buffer for the purpose of improving the image storage memory capacity and the user interface function as the image processing performance is improved. Insufficient memory capacity is becoming an unavoidable matter due to the tendency of devices to be adopted.

Further, in the method of controlling by dividing the memory area in the apparatus into operation buffers of the image forming apparatus, that is, a display buffer storage area, an image storage area, a recognized character storage area, etc., the data between the storage areas is controlled. It took time to transfer.
For example, since it is necessary to update the display storage area and the image storage area at the same time as updating the recognized character storage area,
It took time to correct the recognized characters and print the correction results.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is not necessary to specially provide a recognition character storage and correction work area, and the capacity and number of storage media mounted in the system can be reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can be reduced in number, has a character recognition function at low cost, and has a small mounting space.

In order to solve this problem, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following structure. That is, in the image forming apparatus that forms the image read by the image reading unit on a predetermined storage medium, the first image storing apparatus stores the image.
Storage means, a recognition means for recognizing a character of a character image to generate a character code, a pattern generation means for generating a pattern based on the character code, a second storage means for storing a character pattern, and a second storage means. Display means for displaying the character image stored in the storage means, editing means for editing the characters stored in the second storage means, selection means for selecting the first and second modes, and first When the mode is selected, the image read by the reading unit is stored in the first storage unit, a visible image is formed on the storage medium based on the image, and the second mode is selected. In this case, the recognition unit and the pattern generation unit are energized with respect to the image read by the reading unit, the generated character pattern is stored in the second storage unit, and the editing by the editing unit is completed. In, and a control means for forming a visible image on the storage medium based on the character pattern stored in the second storage means.

[0010]

In the fairness of the present invention, when the first mode is selected, the read image is stored in the first storage means and the image is formed. Then, when the second mode is selected, the character in the read image is recognized by the recognition means, and a character pattern corresponding to the recognition result is generated and stored in the second storage means. Since the second storage means also functions as the display storage means, in this state, the character pattern stored directly in the second storage means is edited. When the editing work is completed, an image is formed based on the character image stored in the second storage means.

[0011]

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

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of an image copying apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an original feeding device for automatically feeding originals, one by one placed or
Two sheets are continuously fed to a predetermined position on the platen glass surface 2.

When (for example, copying two originals onto one recording sheet), 3 is a lamp at a predetermined position on the original glass surface 2.
When a scanner including a scanning mirror 5 and the like is placed on the platen glass surface 2 by the document feeding device 1, the scanner is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction to reflect the reflected light of the document through the scanning mirror 5 and the color 7. Image sensor unit 9 passing through the lens 8
Connect to.

Reference numeral 1000 denotes a controller section for controlling the entire apparatus, which converts the luminance signal obtained by the image sensor section 9 into a recording color signal for printing and outputs it.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an exposure control section composed of a laser scanner section, which irradiates the photoconductor 11 with a light beam modulated based on image data output from the controller section 1000. Numerals 12 and 13 are developing devices that visualize the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 11 with a developing material (toner) of a predetermined color.
Denoted at 14 and 15 are transfer sheet stacking units, which are stacking and storing recording media of a fixed size, and the timing of adjusting the leading edge of the image with the image formed on the photoconductor 11 by being fed to the position where the registration rollers are arranged by driving the feeding roller. The paper is re-fed in the state where it has been taken.

A transfer / separation charger 16 transfers the toner image developed on the photoconductor 11 onto the transfer paper, and then the photoconductor 11 is separated from the photoconductor 11 and fixed by a fixing unit 17 via a conveyor belt. A paper discharge roller 18 stacks and discharges the transfer-receiving paper on which the image formation is completed on the tray 20. Numeral 19 is a direction flapper for switching the carrying direction of the transfer-receiving paper on which image formation has been completed to the paper discharge port and the internal carrying direction to prepare for the multiplex / double-sided image forming process.

FIG. 2 shows an operation unit of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment.

The operation unit is a display unit that displays various key groups and various LED groups for instructing image editing contents such as the image processing unit 3000, which will be described later, image copying operations such as the number of copies, and magnification change ratio, and the contents at the time of operation. And so on.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 5001 denotes a power switch for controlling energization to the image forming apparatus. A reset key 5002 operates also as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. 5003 is a copy start key. A clear key 5004 is used to clear a numerical value. 5005 is an ID key, and this ID key 5
005 enables a copying operation for a specific operator. For operators other than the above, the ID key is used
The copying operation can be prohibited unless is input. Reference numeral 5006 denotes a stop key, which is used when interrupting or canceling copying.

Reference numeral 5007 denotes a guide key, which is used when it is desired to know each function. An up cursor key 5008 is a key for moving the pointer on the menu displayed on each function setting screen 5052 upward. Reference numeral 5009 denotes a down cursor key, which is a key for moving the pointer downward on each function setting screen. 501
Reference numeral 0 denotes a right cursor key, which is a key for moving the pointer to the right on each function setting screen. A left cursor key 5011 is a key for moving the pointer to the left on each function setting screen. 5012 is an OK key,
If this is acceptable on each function setting screen, press this key. In the function setting screens 5013, this key is pressed to execute what is output at the lower right of the screen of 5052.

A standard size reduction key 5014 is used to reduce a standard size to another standard size (for example, when copying A4 size to B5 size). 5015
Is used when selecting the same size copy. Reference numeral 5016 is a standard enlargement key, which is used to enlarge a standard size to another standard size. A cassette selection key 5017 is used to select a cassette stage to be copied. Reference numeral 5018 is a copy density adjusting machine for reducing the density. 5019 is AE
This is a key that automatically adjusts the copy density with respect to the original density. A copy density adjustment key 5020 is used to increase the density. Reference numeral 5021 is a key for designating the operation of the sorter. 5022 is a preheat key, ON / O of preheat mode
Used for FF. Reference numeral 5023 denotes an interrupt key, which is pressed when interrupting during copying and copying is desired. Fifty
Reference numeral 24 is a ten-key pad, which is used when inputting a numerical value.

A marker processing key 5025 is used to set trimming, masking, and partial processing (contour processing, mesh processing, shadowing processing, negative / positive processing). Reference numeral 5026 denotes a pattern processable key, which is used when a color is expressed as a pattern or a color is expressed as a density difference. Fifty
A color erasing key 27 is used to erase a specific color. An image quality key 5028 is used when the user wants to set the image quality. 5029 is a negative-positive key,
It is used when a negative original is converted to a positive image and copied.
An image create key 5030 is used for contour processing,
It is used when performing shadowing processing, net processing, italic processing, mirror processing, and repeat processing. A trimming key 5031 is used when the area is designated and trimming is performed. Reference numeral 5032 denotes a masking key, which is used when an area is designated and masking is performed. Reference numeral 5033 denotes a partial processing key, which specifies an area and then partial processing (contour processing, halftone processing, shadowing processing, negative / positive processing).

Reference numeral 5034 denotes a frame erasing key, which is used when erasing the frame according to the mode. The modes are sheet frame erase (creates a frame for the sheet size), document frame erase (creates a frame according to the document size, and document size is specified), book frame erase (frames match the book spread size). There is a blank in the center. There is a book spread size specification. A binding margin key 5035 is used when a binding margin is to be created at one end of the paper. Reference numeral 5036 denotes a move key, which is used when the user wants to move. The movement includes parallel movement (up and down, left and right), center movement, corner movement, and designated movement (point designation). Reference numeral 5037 denotes a zoom key, which provides a copy magnification of 1% from 25% to 400%.
It can be set in increments. In addition, main scanning and sub scanning can be set independently. Reference numeral 5038 denotes an automatic scaling key, which automatically enlarges or reduces the size of the copy paper. Also, the main scan,
Sub-scanning can be automatically scaled independently. Reference numeral 5039 denotes an enlargement continuous shooting key, which is used when one original is enlarged to a plurality of sheets for copying. A reduction layout key 5040 is used when a plurality of originals are enlarged or reduced to one and copied. Reference numeral 5043 denotes a continuous shooting key, which is used when the copying area on the platen glass surface is divided into left and right and continuous copying is performed to automatically make two copies (page continuous copying,
Two-sided continuous shooting).

Reference numeral 5044 is a double-sided key, which is used when it is desired to output both sides (single-sided double-sided, page continuous shooting both-sided, both-sided both-sided). A multiple key 5045 is used when it is desired to perform multiplex (multiplex, page continuous shooting multiplex). 5
Reference numeral 046 denotes a memory key, which is used when a mode using a memory is desired (memory composition, area composition, watermark composition). Reference numeral 5047 is a projector key, which is used when the projector is used. Reference numeral 5048 is a printer key, which is used when setting at the time of printing. Reference numeral 5050 denotes a document mixed loading key, which is used when document sizes are mixed when a copy is made using the feeder. Reference numeral 5051 denotes a mode memory key, which is used to call the registered copy mode in order to register the copy mode set for copying. A display screen 5052 displays the state of the apparatus, the number of copies, the copy magnification, and the copy paper size, and displays the setting contents during the copy mode setting. Reference numeral 5053 is a toggle key for switching between the copy mode, the image processing setting mode, and the character recognition mode.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram for explaining the configuration of the controller section 1000 of the image copying apparatus according to the present invention. As illustrated, the controller unit 1000 includes an image reading unit 2000 (A / D converter 103 therein).
And an image processing unit 3000, an assigning unit 4000, and a CPU circuit 5000.

FIG. 4 illustrates the internal structure of the RAM 115. The RAM 115 is divided into a work area (0) for image processing and image forming operation control, a processed image storage area (1), and a display image storage area (2).

The image processing and image forming operation control work area A is a portion for storing operation parameters necessary for image forming and image processing operations, and the CPU 113 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus based on these data. The processed image storage area B is an area for storing an image of a scanned document. Further, the display image storage area C is an area for storing a video pattern such as a message displayed on the operation unit. In the first embodiment, this area is used as a recognition character storage and correction work area. Is also used.

The controller section 1000 of the embodiment and the components inside thereof will be described together with the operation thereof based on the flowchart of FIG. 5 (corresponding programs are stored in the ROM 114).

The image of the original 1000 to be scanned is formed by the lens 8 of the image reading unit 2000 on a plurality of CCD arrays 9 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction.
Then, each detection element in the CCD array 9 outputs a voltage signal proportional to the amount of light emitted. The signal is A / D
The signal sent to the converter 103 and subjected to A / D conversion (for example, 1 pixel 8 bits) is input to the image processing unit 3000 (step S7001). The image processing unit 3000 first performs shading correction 104 on the scanned image (step S7002).

Here, when the image forming apparatus operates in the copy mode, the mode switching circuit 105 is switched to perform the following processing (step S70).
03).

The image data subjected to the scanning and shading processing is accumulated in the processed image storage area B of the RAM 115 (step S7004). Then, when the accumulation of all the image data is completed (step S7005), the image data is processed by the image editing unit 107 through the luminance density conversion circuit (generally performing log conversion) 106 (step S7006). The time required for document scanning is calculated by the CPU 113 from the cumulative time of document scanning performed at a constant speed and the document size data specified by the scanning unit or detected by the document size detection function, and the operation of the scanning system is controlled.

In the image editing unit 107, the data processing circuit 111 is operated according to the setting contents stored in the image processing and forming operation control work area A of the RAM 115, and the image processing of the specified contents (for example, trimming or scaling is performed. Etc.) is performed. Then, the image recording unit 6000 operates. The image recording unit 6000 includes a control circuit such as a motor that conveys transfer paper, a laser recording circuit unit that writes the video signal input from the image processing unit 3000 onto the photosensitive drum, and a development control circuit that performs development. Image formation is performed based on the scanned and processed image information (step S7007).

On the other hand, when the character recognition mode is instructed by the operation unit 117 (see FIG. 2), the process branches from step S7003 to step S7008.

Here, the image data obtained by the document scanning and the A / D conversion is sent to the line buffer (not shown) of the recognition section 4000 through the mode switching circuit 1905 (step S7008). Then, when the data for the recognized character size is accumulated in the line buffer of the recognition unit 4000 (step S7009), the data is sent to the character recognition circuit 108. Here, character recognition is performed by cutting out an image (character pattern) of each character from the input image for one scanning line. The character recognition circuit 108 has a built-in dictionary for character recognition.

When a character is recognized, the recognition result (character code) is sent to the character pattern generator 117, where a corresponding character pattern is generated (step S70).
10).

If the character cannot be recognized,
The character recognition circuit 108 generates a specific character code, and causes the character pattern generator to generate a predetermined pattern (a pattern indicating that recognition is impossible).

The generated character pattern is developed by the CPU 113 in the display image storage area C in the RAM 115 (step S7011). During this period, the display controller (not shown) constantly sends the contents of the display image storage area C to the display unit 5052, so that the recognized character is immediately displayed on the display unit 5052.

When the CPU 113 determines that the document scanning is completed (step S7012), the image forming apparatus shifts to the recognized character correction mode. In this mode, the user selects the correction target character using the arrow keys 5008 to 5011 of the scanning unit (step S7014), and inputs the correction character code using the ten-key pad. The 4-digit character code input by the ten-key pad is sent to the character pattern generator and displayed on the display unit 5052 in the same procedure as described above (step S7016).

Finally, the user selects the OK key 50.
By operating 12 (step S7017),
The contents of the display image storage area C in the RAM 115 are processed by the image editing unit (step S7006), and then stored in the image recording unit 11.
2 and image formation is performed (step S700).
7).

Generally, when the resolution of the display device and the resolution of the printing device are compared, the latter is higher. Therefore,
A character pattern (character pattern having a large dot size) that is supposed to be printed may be expanded in the display image storage area C, and the display unit 5052 may read and display the character pattern at intervals of several dots.

As a result, according to the present embodiment, the pattern corresponding to the character code which is the character recognition result is directly expanded in the display image storage area C, and the display image storage area is printed as an image expansion area. Can also be utilized.

<Description of Second Embodiment> A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows a flow of image data processing from document scanning to image output in the second embodiment. The device configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment (first embodiment), and the description thereof will be omitted.

The scanned image of the document 1000 is projected by the lens 101 of the image reading unit 2000 onto a plurality of CCD arrays 102 arranged in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. Here, the voltage proportional to the light irradiation amount is C
It originates from a CD. The signal is the A / D converter 10
3 and the signal after A / D conversion is sent to the image processing unit 3000.
(Step S8001).

In the image processing unit 3000, shading correction 104 of the scanned image is first performed (step S8).
002). When the image forming apparatus operates in the copy mode (step S8003), the switching circuit 105 is switched to perform the following processing.

The image data subjected to the scanning and shading processing is accumulated in the processed image storage area B of the RAM 115 (step S8004), and when the accumulation of all the image data is completed (step S8005), the image data is light color density. The image is processed by the image editing unit 107 via the conversion circuit 106 (step S8006). The time required to scan a document is
The CPU calculates the cumulative time of document scanning performed at a constant speed and the document size data specified by the scanning unit or detected by the document size detection function, and controls the operation of the scanning system.

In the image editing section 107, the data processing circuit 111 operates according to the setting contents stored in the image processing and forming operation control work area A of the RAM 115, and the image processing of the specified contents is performed. Then, the image recording unit 6000 operates. The image recording unit 6000 includes a control circuit such as a motor that conveys transfer paper and the like, and an image processing unit 3000.
A laser recording circuit unit for writing the input video signal to the photosensitive drum and a developing control circuit for developing are provided, and image formation based on the scanned and processed image information is performed (step S8007). ).

On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is operating in the character recognition mode (step S8003), the image data obtained by the document scanning and A / D conversion is sent to the line buffer of the recognition section 4000 ( Step S80
08). When the data for the recognized character size is accumulated in the storage buffer (not shown) of the recognition unit (step S800).
9), the data is sent to the character recognition circuit 108. Here, character recognition is performed by cutting out an image (character pattern) of each character from the input image for one scanning line.
The character recognition circuit 108 has a built-in dictionary for character recognition. When the character is recognized, the recognized character code is sent from the circuit 108 to the character pattern generator 117, and the character pattern generator generates a corresponding character pattern (step S8010).

If the character cannot be recognized, the circuit 1
08 generates a specific character code, and a predetermined pattern is generated from the character pattern generator.

The generated character pattern is generated by the CPU.
The image is expanded in the processed image storage area B in the RAM 115 (step S8011). Further, since the contents of the processed image storage area B are constantly sent to the display unit 5052 under the control of the display controller at the same time when the scanning is started,
The recognized character is immediately displayed on the display portion 5052.

End of document scanning by the CPU (step S
8012), the image forming apparatus shifts to the recognized character correction mode. In this mode, the user can use the arrow keys 5008 to 8011 of the operation unit to select the correction target character (step S8014) and input the correction character code with the ten keys. Also, the 4-digit character code input by the numeric keypad is sent to the character pattern generator, and the display unit 5052 is operated in the same procedure as described above.
Is displayed on the screen (step S8016). The user scans the OK key 5012 (step S801).
7), the content of the processed image storage area (1) in the RAM 115 is sent to the image storage unit via the image editing unit (step S8006), and image formation is performed (step S80).
07).

As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary to specially provide the recognition character storage and correction work area, and the capacity and the number of storage media mounted in the system are reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus having a character recognition function, which is cost-saving and space-saving. Further, since the recognition character display, correction, and output to the image forming unit are executed within one storage means (display memory), data transfer between memories is omitted, and image reading to image formation on a recording medium is performed. Time to get shortened. Further, since the display storage area is used for displaying and correcting the recognized characters, the character recognition function can be added to the image forming apparatus having no output image memory function. That is, it is possible to add a character recognition module to the analog image forming apparatus so that the image forming operation is input to the apparatus by character recognition.

Further, when the character recognition mode is input, the input means functions as an operation content designating means of the image forming apparatus and a recognition character correction means, so that the user sees the correction of the recognition character on the display. It is possible to print the characters displayed after the correction is completed.

Further, the storage destination of the character pattern obtained by recognition in the read image when the character recognition mode is input by the input means and the storage destination of the image when the character recognition mode is not selected By making the same and displaying the information of the storage destination, the effective use of the memory can be further promoted.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus having a character recognition function without increasing the capacity and the number of mounted storage media. It is possible to shorten the time from the character reading to the printing. Even in the image forming apparatus of the system, it is possible to provide a character recognition function without adding an image storage memory.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a special recognition character storage and correction work area, the capacity and number of storage media mounted in the system can be reduced, and the character recognition function can be improved. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that saves cost and mounting space.

[0058]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an operation unit arranged on the upper surface of the main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller unit of the image copying apparatus according to the present invention.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a RAM 115 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of character recognition processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of character recognition processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Description of reference numerals] 1000 originals 2000 image reading unit 3000 image processing unit 4000 recognition unit 5000 CPU circuit 6000 image recording unit

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Office reference number FI Technical indication location G06T 11/60 (72) Inventor Masahiro Serizawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Tokuji Kaneko 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hirohiko Kishimoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Koichi Takahashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yoshio Mizuno 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masanori Hira Tokyo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Akihiko Sato 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Noriaki Matsui Shimomaruko Ota-ku, Tokyo 3-30-2 Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Hosomi Tokyo Metropolitan Univ. Subdivision Shimomaruko 3-chome No. 30 No. 2 Canon within Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a predetermined storage medium by using an image read by an image reading unit, a first storage unit for storing the image, and a character code for recognizing characters of the character image. Recognizing means, a pattern generating means for generating a pattern based on a character code, a second storage means for storing the character pattern, a display means for displaying the character image stored in the second storage means, Editing means for editing the characters stored in the second storage means, selection means for selecting the first and second modes, and an image read by the reading means when the first mode is selected Is stored in the first storage unit, a visible image is formed on the storage medium based on the image, and when the second mode is selected, the image is read by the reading unit. The recognition means and the pattern generating means are energized, the generated character pattern is stored in the second storage means, and when the editing by the editing means is completed, the character pattern stored in the second storage means. And a control means for forming a visible image on the storage medium based on the above. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second storage units are the same storage area.