JPH0750738A - Digital picture forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the picture forming device coping with various bookbinding modes such as covered binding and saddle stitch. CONSTITUTION:The original on an original glass 18 is read by a scanner 19 and is stored in a page unit as picture data in a picture memory. The required bookbinding modes such as covered binding and saddle stitch are selected by a bookbinding mode selection key on a scanning panel, the specification is performed so that the recording paper with picture formed in the order of page alignment according to the prescribed order of the storage area, that is, the order of page alignment according to the bookbinding mode and the number of total pages of the original. The picture data in a page unit read out in succession from a storage area are sent to a laser light system 60 and formed as a picture on the recording paper by an image forming system 70. The recording paper with the picture formed is ejected in the order of page alignment according to the specified bookbinding mode so that the recording object of the required bookbinding mode can be simply prepared only by performing bookbinding as it is.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital image forming apparatus, and in particular, it is suitable for various bookbinding modes.
The present invention relates to a digital image forming apparatus capable of making a copy in the order of di-array.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A first original image is copied onto one side of a recording sheet fed from a normal first sheet feeding device, and the recording sheet on which an image is formed is temporarily transferred to a second tray such as an intermediate tray. The second original image and then the second original image is copied to the unrecorded surface of the recording paper fed from the second paper feeding device, and both sides of the recording paper can be copied. The machine is already widely used.

However, when copying a book document such as a book on which images are formed on both the front and back sides by a conventional double-sided copying machine, the double-page spread (2 pages) is performed once by a normal double-sided copying process. After exposure, copy this on the first side (front side) of one sheet of recording paper, perform one exposure for the next double-page spread (two pages), and then perform the second side of the previous recording sheet. When copying on the (back side), it is not possible to make a copy that has the same front and back sides as the book original and has the same page order. For this reason, in the case of a book document, a double-sided copying machine has been proposed which separately exposes the right and left sides of the spread page to make a copy having the same front and back as the book document and having the same page order. .

[0004]

However, such a copying machine has a complicated structure in which the left and right sides of the double-page spread are separately exposed, and the left and right sides of the double-page spread have different recording papers. A complicated paper feed control for copying on the front side or the back side is required, and the operation becomes complicated because the exposure order is different between the right-binding original and the left-binding original. It was complicated.

Further, when binding the obtained copy, in addition to the normal binding in which the right or left of the copy is simply bound,
There are several binding methods such as bag binding and saddle stitching (hereinafter called weekly magazine binding), which is bound at the center of a spread page like a weekly magazine, and the page arrangement on the copy also differs depending on the binding method. However, the conventional double-sided copying machine can only deal with ordinary binding, and can produce a copy in a predetermined page arrangement order, even for bag binding, weekly magazine binding, and the like. Things never happened. The present invention is intended to solve the above problems.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in a digital image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on each of the front and back sides of a recording sheet, a document is read,
The image reading unit converts the image signals and outputs the image signals, and the plurality of storage areas corresponding to the respective pages of the document. The image signals of the plurality of pages of the document read by the image reading unit are respectively provided. Image signal storage means for storing in the plurality of storage areas, image forming means for forming an image on recording paper based on the image signal read from the image signal storage means, and a plurality of bookbinding modes Select a bookbinding mode Bookbinding mode
When reading an image signal from the image selecting means and the image signal storing means, depending on the bookbinding mode selected by the bookbinding mode selecting means and the total number of pages of the read original,
And a control means for sequentially designating a plurality of storage areas of the image signal storage means to be read according to a predetermined order.

Here, in the bookbinding mode, in addition to the normal mode, the bag binding mode and the saddle stitching mode for binding in the center of the recording paper are used.
Can be provided. Further, when a plurality of storage areas of the image signal storage means are designated by the control means when the image signal is read out, the recording sheets on which images are formed are sequentially output in the order of page arrangement according to the bookbinding mode. Then, the storage areas are sequentially designated.

[0008]

In the plurality of storage areas of the image signal storage means, document images are stored page by page. At the time of image formation, the image signal read from the image signal storage means is output to the image forming means to form an image on the recording paper. When the image signal is read from the storage means, the control means sets the bookbinding mode. The binding mode selected by the mode selection means and the total page of the read original
In accordance with the number of pages, the plurality of storage areas of the image signal storage means to be read out are output in a predetermined order, that is, in the order of page arrangement according to the bookbinding mode. The storage areas are sequentially designated so that they are printed.

As a result, such as bag binding and weekly magazine binding,
Since copies can be created in an order corresponding to various bookbinding modes, the discharged recording paper can be bound as it is to easily obtain a copy suitable for the bookbinding mode. be able to.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[Overall Configuration of Copying Machine] FIG. 1 is a sectional front view showing the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a front view of a scanning panel.

1 and 2, a copying machine 1 reads a document and converts it into an image signal, a scanning system 10, an image signal processing section 20 for processing an image signal sent from the scanning system 10, and an image signal processing section 20. Based on the image data output from the memory unit section 30 and the memory unit section 30 for controlling whether the image data input from the printer is output to the printer as it is or stored in the memory. The print processing unit 40 that drives the semiconductor lasers 61 and 62, and the two laser lights from the semiconductor lasers 61 and 62 are used as the photosensitive drum 7.
Laser optical system 6 for guiding different exposure positions on 1
0, an image forming system 70 that develops a latent image by exposure, transfers it onto recording paper, and fixes it to form an image; It is composed of a document feeding section 500 for reversing the front and back and a sheet re-feeding section 600 for feeding the recording sheet to the transfer position again.

The scanning system 10 and the image signal processing section 20
And the like, and the printer PRT is constituted by the print processing unit 40, the laser optical system 60, the image forming system 70, and the like.

The scanning system 10 includes an exposure lamp 11 and a first mirror 12, and second and third mirrors 13a and 13 mounted on a scanner 19 which moves below a platen glass 18.
b, condensing lens 14, dichroic mirror-15, C
It is composed of photoelectric conversion elements 16 and 17 using a CD array and a scan motor M2.

The dichroic mirror 15 reflects the light of a specific color such as red among the light reflected from the document,
Light having a complementary color relationship with light of a specific color is transmitted. The photoelectric conversion elements 16 and 17 individually convert an image of a non-specific color mainly containing black and an image of a specific color (red) in the document into electric signals.

The image signal processing unit 20 processes the image signals output from the two photoelectric conversion elements 16 and 17, and causes each pixel of the original image to have a specific color (second color) and other colors (first color).
Color) to the memory unit 30 and
Output image data with data. Memory unit section 30
Will be described in detail later.

The print processing unit 40 processes one of the image data with color data sent thereto according to the difference between the exposure positions corresponding to the two semiconductor lasers 61 and 62. The image data given to the semiconductor laser 62 is delayed.

The laser optical system 60 includes a semiconductor laser 61,
62, a dichroic mirror 63 for synthesizing two laser beams, a polygon mirror 65 for deflecting the synthetic laser beam, a main lens 69, a reflecting mirror 67a, and a synthetic laser beam. It is composed of a dichroic mirror 68 for separating the laser beam into two laser beams, and reflection mirrors 67b and 67c.

The image forming system 70 comprises a developing and transferring system 70A, a conveying system 70B, and a fixing system 70C.

The development transfer system 70A includes a photosensitive drum 71 which is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1, and a first charging charger 7 which is arranged around the photosensitive drum 71 in order from the upstream side in the rotational direction.
2a, the first developing device 73a, the second charging charger 72b,
The second developing device 73b, the transfer charger 74, the separation charger 75, the cleaning portion 76, and the like.

The first developing device 73a contains a two-component developer consisting of a red toner corresponding to the second color and a carrier, and the second developing device 73b contains a black toner corresponding to the first color.
And a two-component developer consisting of a carrier.

The conveying system 70B includes cassettes 80a and 80b for accommodating recording paper, size detection sensors SE11 and SE12 for detecting the recording paper size, a recording paper guide 81, a timing roller 82, a conveying belt 83, and re-feeding. Part 600
Horizontal transport roller 86a for transporting the recording paper loaded from the inside
~ 86c and the like.

The fixing system 70C includes a fixing roller 84 for conveying the recording paper on which the toner image is formed while thermocompression bonding, a discharging roller 85, and a discharge sensor SE62 for detecting discharging of the recording paper on which the fixing process is performed. And so on.

The re-feed unit 600 temporarily stores the recording paper discharged from the discharge roller 85, reverses the front and back in the double-sided mode, and reverses the front and back in the composite mode. The sheet is fed to the horizontal transport roller 86a of the transport system 70B for image formation again without being inverted. The refeed unit 600 is
A switching claw 601 for switching between discharging the recording paper to the discharge tray 621 or guiding it to the re-feeding conveyance path, a conveyance roller 60
2, a reversing roller 603, a reversing sensor SE61 and the like.

In the double-sided copy mode, in the first copying operation, the switching claw 601 is switched to the re-feeding conveyance path side by the solenoid (not shown), and the recording paper on which an image is formed on one side is conveyed by the conveyance roller. After 602, the reversing roller 603 is reached. When the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected by the reversing sensor SE61, the reversing roller 603 is reversed and the recording paper is horizontally conveyed by the roller.
After reaching the timing roller 82 via the rollers 86a to 86c, it waits. At this time, the next recording sheet is also sequentially conveyed at a predetermined interval, and the number of sheets that can be waited by the horizontal conveying rollers 86a to 8 is the length of the recording sheet if there is no delay in image data. Will depend on.

The document feeder 500 includes a document feed tray 51.
The original set on the original 0 is automatically conveyed onto the original glass 18, and the original read by the scanner 19 is discharged to the original discharge section 511.

In the normal mode, one or a plurality of originals are placed with the surface to be read facing up.
Set to 10. When the operation is started, the lowermost original of the set originals is conveyed by the paper feed roller 501 in order, and is separated by the separation roller 502 and the separation pad 503 to feed one by one. To be paper. The conveyed document passes through the intermediate roller 504, and the skew is corrected by the registration roller 505. Immediately after the trailing edge of the original has passed the left end of the original scale 512, the conveyor belt 506 slightly reverses and stops.

As a result, the right end of the document is at the document scale 5.
The original is set at an accurate position on the original glass 18 by contacting the edge of the original 12. At this time, the leading edge of the next original has reached the registration roller 505, so that the transport time of the next original is shortened.

When the document is set at the accurate reading position on the document glass 18, the scanner 19 scans the document for reading. When the reading of the original is completed, the original is conveyed to the left by the conveyor belt 506, and the reverse roller 5
In 07, the conveyance direction is changed, the paper passes over the switching claw 508, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 511 by the discharge roller 509 with the original reading surface facing upward.

In the case of a double-sided original, when the reading of the first side is completed, it is conveyed to the left by the conveyor belt 506,
After the conveyance direction is changed by the reversing roller 507, the switching claw 5
08, the sheet is again fed onto the original glass 18, and the second surface of the original is set to the reading position. The original whose second surface has been read is conveyed to the left by the conveying belt 506, and the reversing roller 507, the switching claw 508, and the discharging roller 50 are conveyed.
Then, the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 511 via the sheet 9.

[Operation Panel] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the structure of the operation panel OP. The operation panel OP includes a liquid crystal touch panel 91, a numeric keypad 92 for inputting the number of copies such as the number of copies and a copy magnification, a clear key 93 for returning the number of copies to the standard value "1", and settings set inside the copying machine. A panel reset key 94 for returning the value to the standard value, a stop key 95 for stopping the copy operation, and a start key 96 for starting the copy operation are provided.

Further, on the operation panel OP, as a copy mode, a bookbinding mode setting key for selecting and setting one of a weekly magazine binding mode, a bag binding mode and a normal mode.
97, an original format designation key 98 for designating whether the original is a book format or a sheet format, and a reading completion key 9 for inputting the fact of completion to the device when all the originals have been read.
9, and a display unit 97a for displaying that the bookbinding mode selected and set is the weekly magazine binding mode, a display unit 97b for displaying that the binding mode is the bag binding mode, and the document is in the book format A display unit 98a for displaying is provided.

The liquid crystal touch panel 91 is used for various operating conditions of the copying machine such as the exposure level, copying magnification and recording paper size, occurrence of jam, occurrence of service call, and occurrence of paper empty. An abnormal state and other information can be displayed, and an input can be made to specify an automatic selection mode such as density, copy magnification, recording paper, etc.

[Control Unit] FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the control unit 100 of the copying machine.
0 is mainly composed of six CPUs 101 to 106. These CPU 101 to CPU 106 include ROM 111 to ROM 11 storing programs, respectively.
6, and RAMs 121 to 126, which are work areas, are connected.

Further, the CPUs 101, 102, 105, 1
06 is a serial input / output interface (serial I / O
O) 110 and are connected to each other, and necessary information is exchanged.

The CPU 101 controls input from various operation keys of the operation panel OP and display output to the display unit. The CPU 102 controls each unit of the image signal processing unit 20, and the CPU 103 controls driving of the scanning system 10.
Further, the CPU 104 includes a print processing unit 40 and a laser optical system 6
0 and the image forming system 70 are controlled, and the CPU 105 performs processing for adjusting the overall timing of the control unit 100 and setting the operation mode.

By controlling the memory unit section 30, the CPU 106 temporarily stores the read image data in the image memory 304, reads it, and outputs it to the print processing section 40.

Next, each processing unit for processing the image data will be briefly described.

The image signal processing section 20 includes an A / D converter, a shedding correction section, a color discrimination section for discriminating the color of the pixel of the document based on the image data, a scaling processing section, and an image quality correction section. Etc. The image signals input from the photoelectric conversion elements 16 and 17 are A / D converted and quantized into image data of 8 bits for each pixel, and shade correction, pixel color discrimination, scaling processing, After being subjected to various processes such as image quality correction and the like, it is output as image data D2. Along with this, a 1-bit color data corresponding to each pixel of the image data D2, which indicates whether or not it is a designated specific color.
Data DC is output.

Next, the memory unit section 30 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of the memory unit section 30. The memory unit unit 30 includes a switching unit 30.
1. A binarization processing unit 302 that creates binary data based on parameter settings from the CPU 106, and a multiport image memory 304 having a capacity of 2 pages of A4 size at 400 dpi, respectively. Compressor 3 that can operate independently
11, a code processing unit 305 having a decompressor 312, a code memory 306 having a multiport, and a rotation processing unit 30.
7. A multilevel halftoning processing unit 308 that creates multilevel data based on parameter settings from the CPU 106, a CPU 106 that controls all of these, and the like.

When the image data D2 is written in the image memory 304, the code processing unit 305 reads the data, compresses the data to create code data, and writes the code data in the code memory 306. Further, in accordance with a command from the CPU 106, the code data written in the code memory 306 is read and expanded to create image data, which is written in the image memory 304.

When one page of image data is generated in the image memory 304 by decompression, the image data is read out, rotated in the rotation processing unit 307 as necessary, and multivalued. Multi-valued image data is generated in the unit 308, and this is output as image data D3. The compressor 311 and the decompressor 312 can operate independently of each other and in parallel.
The data is DMA-transferred between and.

The code memory 306 is managed by the management table MT1 stored in the RAM 126.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the management table MT1 and the code memory 306. The code memory 306 is
The memory area is divided into 32 Kbyte units, and writing (reading of image data) and reading (during printing)
Code data is stored in each area in consideration of enabling simultaneous control with. Management page for each page
Bull MT1 has a number indicating the area of the code memory 306,
The page number, the number of the concatenated area, and various additional data necessary for the compression / expansion processing such as the compression method and the data length are stored, and the code memory 306 is based on these information. Is managed dynamically.

FIG. 5A shows the contents of the management table MT1. Pre-concatenation means the concatenation of the 32 Kbyte unit memory area in the page in the forward direction and the first area. The number 00 indicates the first area,
The other numbers indicate the forward area number. Similarly, the post-connection indicates the connection area in the backward direction of the memory area and whether or not it is the final area. The letter FF indicates the last area, and the numeral indicates the area number in the backward direction.

FIG. 5B shows the contents of the code memory 306. For example, the compressed data 1 of page 1 is stored in memory addresses 0 to 32k, and the memory address 3 is stored.
It is shown that the compression data 2 of page 1 is stored in 2k to 64k.

When the CPU 106 reads out the image data from the image memory 304 and compresses it, the management table MT
The compressor 311 is controlled and stored in the code memory 306 while creating the information of 1. Further, when outputting image data, the code data is read from the code memory 306 by the reverse operation. The information in the management table MT1 is erased when the required number of copies of the information of the corresponding page are normally discharged.

The operation mode of the memory unit section 30 includes a direct connection mode and a memory mode, and the memory mode includes two operations, a memory mode writing operation and a memory mode reading operation.

In the direct connection mode, the image data D2 output from the image signal processing section 20 is directly output to the print processing section 40 as the image data D3. In the memory mode, after the image data D2 is binarized, the image memory 304
The image data D is read out from the image memory 304 as necessary and is read by the print processing unit 40.
Output as 3.

The operation mode of the memory unit section 30 is automatically selected according to the copy mode. For example, in the normal copying mode, the direct connection mode is selected, and when the bookbinding mode is selected, the memory mode is selected.

Next, regarding the operation sequence of the entire copying machine in each operation mode, commands such as requests and replies sent or received between the CPUs 101 to 106, or data.
The explanation will focus on the flow of data. In addition, in the following figures,
Commands such as insignificant requests and responses may be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the direct connection mode. As I explained earlier, in this mode,
The image data read by the reading device IR is output to the printer device PRT and printed at the same time.

By pressing the Start key 96, the CP
U 101 issues a start request to the CPU 105, and in response to this, the CPU 105 issues a read request to the CPU 102 and a print request to the CPU 104. A paper feed response is sent to inform.

The operation of the reading device IR is the printer device P.
Since it is adapted to the operation of the RT, the actual reading timing by the scanner 19 is an exposure preparation completion response from the CPU 104, which indicates that the sheet has reached a predetermined position in the image forming system 70 and is in a printable state. CPU1
It will be after being published in 02.

When the exposure preparation completion response is issued, the CPU 1
A scan request is issued from 02 to the CPU 103. As a result, scanning starts and when the image area of the original is reached, the image processing mode set by the CPU 102 is set.
Image processing according to a mode (for example, scaling processing, α correction, image quality correction processing, etc.) is performed, and the processed image data is output to the printer device PRT and printed on recording paper.

When the scanning of the original image by the scanning is completed, the CPU 103 sends a scanning completion reply to the CPU 102, the CPU 102 sends a reading completion reply to the CPU 105, and the CPU 104 sends C.
An eject completion reply is issued to the PU 105.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation sequence of the memory mode write operation. As described above, in the memory mode writing operation, the image memory 3 is read from the reading device IR.
The image data is transferred to 04 and stored.

First, C which manages the entire sequence
The PU 105 issues a memory preparation request to the CPU 106. In response to this, the CPU 106 sets the connection state of the switching unit 301 for transferring the image data D2 from the image signal processing unit 20 to the image memory 304 to the internal hardware (see FIG. 4), 2 Setting of a mode for the binarization process (for example, an error distribution method, a threshold for erasing the background, a binarization threshold, etc.), a start address of a writing area to the image memory 304, and XY length information. I do.

When these settings are completed and preparation is completed,
The CPU 106 issues a memory preparation completion response to the CPU 105. In response to this, the CPU 105 to the CPU 10
6 and the CPU 102, a read request is issued, and the CPU 102 issues a scan request to the CPU 103. This starts Sukiyan.

When the scanning reaches the image area of the original, C
Depending on the image processing mode set by the PU 102,
The read data (image data D2) is stored in the memory unit 3
It is output to 0.

When scanning by Sukiyan is completed, CP
The U106 and the CPU 102 issue a read completion response to the CPU 105, respectively. After that, CPU10
5, the CPU 106 issues a compression request to the CPU 106. In response to this, the CPU 106 receives the read address from the image memory 304, the XY length information, the write address to the code memory 306, and the mode of the compressor 311 (for example, MH method) etc. is set and it is activated. As a result, the compression process is performed and the code data is stored in the code memory 306. When the compression process is completed, the CPU 106
A compression completion reply is issued to 105.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation sequence of the memory mode read operation. As described above, in the memory mode reading operation, the image data is read from the image memory 304, output to the printer PRT, and printed.

First, the CPU 105 issues a decompression request to the CPU 106. In response to this, the CPU 106 reads the read address from the code memory 306, the data amount, the write address to the image data 304, the XY length information,
Also, the mode (for example, MH system) of the expander 312 is set and activated. As a result, decompression processing is performed and the image data is written in the image memory 304.

When the expansion process is completed, the CPU 106 sends an expansion completion reply to the CPU 105. next,
Image memory 30 from CPU 105 to CPU 106
4 issues a memory preparation request for reading the image data. In response to this, the CPU 106 causes the internal hardware to transfer the image data from the image memory 304 to the print processing unit 40.
The connection state of the switching unit 301 for outputting the data D3, the setting for rotation processing, the start address of the read area of the image memory 304, and the XY length information are set.

When these settings are completed and preparation is completed,
The CPU 106 issues a memory preparation completion response to the CPU 105. In response to this, the CPU 105 to the CPU 1
A print request is issued to 06 and the CPU 104. When the CPU 104 issues a paper feed response to the CPU 105 to inform the paper conveyance state, thereafter, the image data D3 read from the image memory 304 is output to the printer device PRT and printing is performed.

When the printing is completed, the CPU 106 and the CPU 104 issue a print completion reply and an eject completion reply to the CPU 105. In response to this,
The CPU 105 issues a memory clear request or the like to the CPU 106 in relation to the operation mode.

[Bookbinding Mode] Next, a specific example of the bookbinding mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. First,
It is assumed that the original is an A3 size spread as shown in FIG. 9 and is an N page book including the front cover.

FIG. 10 shows the case of bookbinding mode A (bag binding). First, when the total number N of pages of the original is an even number, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10A, and when the total number of pages N is an odd number, as shown in FIG. 10B, print on each side of A3 size paper in the order of the numbers entered in the drawing. To do. By the above processing, in the binding mode A (bag binding),
Folding in half at the center of each printed sheet realizes bag binding.

FIG. 11 shows the case of bookbinding mode B (weekly magazine binding). First, when the total number of pages N of the manuscript is divisible by 4, as shown in FIG. 11A, when it is divided by 4, the remainder is 3, when it is divided by 4, as shown in FIG. 11B. When the remainder is 2, as shown in FIG. 11C, when divided by 4, when the remainder is 1, as shown in FIG. 11D, it is filled in on the both sides of the A3 size paper, respectively. Print in numerical order.

For example, in FIG. 11A, m is a variable indicating the order of the output of the recording paper. For example, m = 1 is 1
This shows the second recording paper that has been printed and discharged, and the page number on the front surface of the recording paper is "2" at the bottom of the recording paper.
"N-1" indicates that the page number of the recording paper surface is N-1. Further, "1" on the upper side of the recording paper indicates that the page number on the back surface of the recording paper is 1, and "N" indicates that the page number on the back surface of the recording paper is N. The numbers in other recording papers also indicate the page numbers on the front surface or the back surface of the recording paper.

By the above processing, in bookbinding mode B (weekly magazine binding), the accumulation of each printed paper is
Folding the stack in half at the center and binding at the creases makes it possible to realize binding for weekly magazines.

The memory write control and memory read control in the bookbinding mode described above will be described below.
A detailed description will be given with a chart.

[Control Operation] Next, the operation of the copying machine will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the main routine executed by the CPU 101 to the CPU 106 will be described, and then the main routine will be described.
The subroutine in the chin will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the main routine executed by the CPU 101 for controlling various input keys on the operation panel OP, input signals from various sensors, and display output to the display section on the operation panel OP. -It is a chart. First,
Initialization is carried out (step # 11), and an internal timer for keeping the processing time for one routine constant is set to start clocking (step # 12).

Control processing of input signals from various switches from the operation panel OP, various sensors inside the copying machine (step # 13), display control processing to the liquid crystal display panel and display elements on the operation panel OP. (Step # 14),
Other internal mechanisms are controlled (step # 15),
It waits for the internal timer to finish measuring time (step # 16), and returns to step # 12. Note that other CPUs 102 to CPU
Communication with 106 is executed by interrupt processing.

FIG. 13 shows a CPU 102 for image processing.
It is a main routine flow chart executed in.
First, initial settings are made (step # 21), the internal timer is set, and clocking is started (step # 22).
Data input processing (step # 23).

It is determined whether or not the document is a book document reading mode (step # 24), and if the document is a book document, the orientation of the document (vertical or horizontal) is determined (step # 2).
5). If the orientation of the original is horizontal, it is determined that the original is the front cover, and if it is not horizontal, it is determined that the original is a two-page spread, and the determination result is the inquiry of the reading result described later. Is sent to the CPU 106 as an answer to (steps # 26, # 27). If it is determined in step # 25 that the original is not a book, step # 28 is immediately executed.
Move on to.

In order to match the time difference due to the position shift of the photoelectric conversion elements 16 and 17, position adjustment processing is performed (step # 28), color discrimination processing, image processing, image data processing.
Data output processing and other processing (step # 2).
9- # 32). Waits for the internal timer to finish measuring time (step # 33), and returns to step # 22.

FIG. 14 is a CPU for controlling the driving of the scanning system.
It is a main routine flow chart executed in 103. First, initialization is performed (step # 41), the internal timer is set, and clocking is started (step # 42).

It is judged whether or not it is the Bucksukyan mode (step # 43). If it is the bucksukyan mode, the scanning control of the bucksukyan is performed (step # 44). If it is not the bucksukyan mode, the normal scanning control is performed. (Step # 45). It waits for the internal timer to finish measuring time (step # 46), and returns to step # 42.

FIG. 15 is a CPU for controlling the drive of the scanning system.
Flow of motor pulse interrupt control executed in 103
It is a chart.

Although the scan motor M2 rotates by the scanning control, when the motor pulse interrupt is generated by the motor pulse generated in synchronization with the rotation of the scan motor M2, the interrupt time interval of the motor pulse is measured ( In step # 47), energization to the motor is turned on and off to control the drive (step # 48), and the number of pulses is counted (step # 49).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the main routine executed by the CPU 104 which controls the print processing unit, the laser optical system, the image forming system, the printer controller and the like. First, initialization is performed (step # 51), the internal timer is set, and clocking is started (step # 52).

The developing and transferring system 70A is controlled (step # 5
3), the conveyance system 70B is controlled (step # 54), and the fixing system 70C is controlled (step # 55).
Is controlled (step # 56), and other processing is performed (step # 57). It waits for the internal timer to finish measuring time (step # 58), and returns to step # 52.

In the process of step # 54 for controlling the conveyance system 70B, after the paper size is detected by the size detection sensors SE11 and SE12, the re-feed path length, the inter-paper distance,
Then, the CPU 104 calculates the sheet size, and the number M of stackable sheets to the re-feeding path is determined from the calculation result. Since the re-feed path length and the inter-paper distance are constant, the number of paper passing paths is determined from the detected paper size.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the main routine executed by the CPU 105 which controls the overall operation of the copying machine 1 by issuing start and stop commands and operation mode sets to other CPUs. It is a chart. First, initialization is performed (step # 61), the internal timer is set, and clocking is started (step # 62).

The contents of various data input in the interrupt processing are analyzed (step # 63), and if the operation mode is changed, the mode setting processing is performed (step # 6).
4).

Commands such as writing and reading control to the memory according to the copy mode are set (step # 6).
5), the data output by the interrupt processing is set (step # 66), and other processing is performed (step # 6).
7). Wait for the internal timer to finish counting (step # 6
8) Then, return to step # 62.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the main routine executed by the CPU 106 which controls the memory unit section 30. First, make the initial settings (step # 7
1) The command receiving process from another CPU is performed (step # 72), and the status transmitting process is performed (step # 73). Further, writing control to the image memory (step # 74), compression control (step # 75),
Decompression control (step # 76), read control from the image memory (step # 77), other processing (step # 7)
Perform step 8) and return to step # 72.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the details of the input signal control processing shown as step # 13 in the flow chart of FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the document format is a book document by the on-edge of the document format designation key 98 (step # 101). If it is on-edge, it is determined whether the display portion 98a is on (step #. 102). If it is on, the display unit 98a is turned off and the normal mode is set (step #
103) If it is turned off, the display unit 98a is turned on to set the book document reading mode (step # 104).

The selection and setting state of the bookbinding mode (bag binding, weekly magazine binding, or normal copying) is judged by the on-edge of the binding mode setting key 97 (step # 105), and in the case of on-edge, the weekly magazine is selected. Display section 97a showing selection of the binding mode
The lighting state of is determined (step # 106). If it is on, the display unit 97a is turned off, the display unit 97b showing the selection of the bag binding mode is turned on, and the bag binding mode is set (step # 107).

If it is determined in step # 106 that the display portion 97a is off, the lighting state of the display portion 97b is determined (step # 108). If it is on, the display unit 97b is turned off and the normal mode is set (step # 109).

At step # 108, the display portion 97b is judged.
When is turned off, the display portion 97a is turned on and the weekly magazine binding mode is set (step # 110).

A star on the operation panel for instructing the start of copying.
Whether or not the Toki 96 is pressed is judged by the on-edge of the Start-key 96 (step # 111), and if it is on-edge, a scan start request is output (step # 11).
2).

Whether or not all the originals have been read is
It is judged by the on-edge of the reading completion key 99 on the operation panel (step # 113). If it is on-edge, it is confirmed that the data exists in the image memory (step # 11).
4) The bookbinding mode read operation is started (step # 1).
15).

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing details of command setting, which is shown as step # 65 in the flow chart of FIG.

Whether or not the set copy mode is the normal copy mode is determined (step # 211), and if it is the normal copy mode, the command necessary for the direct connection mode operation is set ( Step # 212).

If the normal copy mode is not judged in step # 211, it is judged whether or not it is the book document reading mode (step # 213), and if it is the book document reading mode, it is written in the memory mode. The command required for operation is set (step # 214).

If it is determined in step # 213 that the book document reading mode is not set, bookbinding mode A (bag binding mode)
Whether or not the bookbinding mode A is set, the command necessary for the operation of the bookbinding mode A is set (step # 216). If it is not the bookbinding mode A, the bookbinding mode is set. Since it is the mode B (weekly magazine binding mode), the command necessary for the operation of the bookbinding mode B is set (step # 21).
7).

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the details of command setting necessary for the memory mode writing operation in the book document reading mode, which is shown as step # 214 in the flow chart of FIG. is there.

First, it is judged whether or not the write state is 0 (step # 251). If the state is 0, the CPU
It is judged whether or not a start request is received from 101 (step # 253). When a start request is received, the read request is registered in the read request buffer memory (step #
254). Update the write state to 1 (step #
255), return to the main routine.

If the state is 1, it is judged whether or not there is a reply indicating completion of reading from the CPU 102 (step # 26).
0) If the reading is completed, it is judged from the document size received as the parameter whether the book page is the spread page or the cover page (step # 261).

In the case of the double-page spread, the page number P is registered in the compression request buffer, and the process of updating the page number P by one is executed twice (steps # 262, # 263, #).
H.264, # 265). In the case of the cover, the page number P is registered in the compression request buffer and the process of updating the page number P by one is executed once (steps # 264, # 26).
5). The write state is updated to 0 (step # 26
6) Return to the main routine.

The contents of the read request buffer and the contents of the compression request buffer are shown in step # of the flow chart of FIG.
It is set to be output at 66.

By the above processing, the compression data corresponding to the page of the book document is registered in the management table shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the details of command setting necessary for the memory read operation in bookbinding mode A (bag binding), which is shown as step # 216 in the flow chart of FIG. -It is. Here, the expansion request and the print request are set so that the output form shown in FIG. 10 is obtained.

First, it is judged whether or not the read state is 0 (step # 401). When the read state is 0, the total page number N written in the memory is set as a variable indicating the total page number of image data (step # 40).
3). Subsequently, the page number "1" is registered in the decompression request buffer, and the page number "2" is further registered in the decompression request buffer (steps # 404, # 405).

This decompression request buffer is read in the set processing of the output data of step # 66 in FIG. 17, and if there is a registered number, it is output.

Subsequently, the variable m indicating the page number is set to "3" for the processing of the next read state (step #
406), the print request for the surface of the recording paper is registered in the print request buffer (step # 407), the read state is updated to 1 (step # 408), and the process returns to the main routine.

By registering the print request in the above expansion request buffer, the page number "m" registered with the expansion request is added as a parameter and transmitted to the CPU 106, and the CPU 106 receives this parameter. Based on this, the compression data is extracted from the management table of FIG. In this case, page numbers "1" and "2"
Will be transmitted to the CPU 106.

A parameter indicating whether the surface to be printed is the front surface or the back surface of the recording paper is added to the print request buffer.
When it is transmitted to the CPU 104, the CPU 104 determines this parameter, and in the case of the front side, the paper feed cassette 80a or 8
It is controlled to feed paper from 0b, and if it is the back side, CPU1
A command is transmitted to 08, and the sheet is fed from the sheet re-feeding unit 600.

If the read state is 1 in the determination of step # 401, it is first determined whether or not a paper feed response is received (step # 411). When the paper feed response is received, it is judged whether the reading of all pages is completed (step #
412) If not completed, the page number "m" is registered in the decompression request buffer (step # 413).

Further, it is determined whether or not the final page is registered in the expansion request buffer because the total number of pages is odd (step # 415). That is, when N ≠ m (total page number ≠ final page number m), the page number "m" is sent to the expansion request buffer.
+1 ”is registered (step # 416), and N = m (total page
When the number of pages = the final page number m), step # 416 is omitted. Further, the page number m is updated by 2 (m + 2) (step # 417), and the print request for the recording paper surface is registered in the print request buffer (step # 41).
8) Return to the main routine.

If the paper feed response is not received in the determination of step # 411, the expansion request buffer and the print request buffer are not updated.

Further, in step # 412, all pages are judged.
If the reading of all the recording sheets has been completed, it means that the feeding of all the recording sheets has been completed, so the reading state is updated to 0 (step # 414), and the process returns to the main routine.

23 to 25 are bookbinding mode B shown as step # 217 in the flow chart of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing details of command settings necessary for a memory read operation in the case of (weekly magazine binding). Here, the expansion request and the print request are set so that the output form shown in FIG. 11 is obtained.

First, the read state is determined (steps # 501, # 502, # 503), and the corresponding read state number is entered.

When the read state is 0, the total number of pages N written in the memory is set as a variable indicating the total number of pages of image data (step # 511).

Subsequently, an integer value obtained by dividing the total number of pages N by 4 is substituted for the variable n, and 2 is substituted for the variable m indicating the output of the recording paper (step # 512). The page number "2" is registered in the decompression request buffer (step # 51).
3).

Next, the remainder obtained by dividing the total number of pages N by 4 is 0.
Or 3 (steps # 514, # 515). When the remainder is 0, it corresponds to (a) of FIG. 11, so the page number "N-1" is registered in the expansion request buffer (step # 516), and when the remainder is 3, (b) of FIG. ), The page number "N" is registered in the decompression request buffer (step # 517). When the remainder is neither 0 nor 3, that is, 1 or 2, (c) and (d) of FIG.
Therefore, the page number is not registered in the expansion request buffer.

Then, the print request for the surface of the recording paper is registered in the print request buffer (step # 51.
8), the read state is updated to 1 (step # 51
9) Return to the main routine.

If the read state is 1, it is first determined whether or not a paper feed response has been received (step # 52).
1). When the paper feed response is received, the page number "1" is registered in the expansion request buffer for processing the back side of the first recording sheet (step # 522).

Next, the remainder obtained by dividing the total number of pages N by 4 is 0.
It is determined whether or not (step # 523). If the remainder is 0, it corresponds to FIG. 11A, so the page number "N" is registered in the decompression request buffer (step # 524). If the remainder is other than 0, that is, 1 or 2 or 3. In the case of, the page number is not registered in the expansion request buffer.

Then, the print request for the back side of the recording paper is registered in the print request buffer (step # 52).
5) update the read state to 2 (step # 52
6) Return to the main routine.

If the read state is 2 (see FIG. 24), first, it is judged whether or not a reply for re-feeding is received in response to the print request for the back surface of the recording paper (step # 531). . If you receive a paper feed response,
It is determined whether the reading of the message has been completed (step # 53
2) If it is not completed, go to the expansion request buffer.
The number "2m" is registered (step # 533).

Next, the total number of pages N divided by 4 is judged to find some remainders (steps # 534, # 535, # 53).
6). If the remainder is 0, it corresponds to FIG. 11A, so the page number "N-2m + 1" is registered in the decompression request buffer (step # 537).
(B), the page number "N-2m + 2" is registered in the expansion request buffer (step # 538).
If the remainder is 2, it corresponds to (c) in FIG. 11, so the page number "N-2m + 3" is registered in the expansion request buffer (step # 539). If the remainder is 1, the figure 1
Since it corresponds to 1 (d), the page number "N-2m + 4" is registered in the expansion request buffer (step # 54).
0).

The print request for the surface of the recording paper is registered in the print request buffer (step # 541), the read state is updated to 3 (step # 542), and the main rule is executed.
Return to Chin.

If it is determined in step # 531 that the paper feed response is not received, the expansion request buffer and the print request buffer are not updated.

Further, in step # 532, all pages are judged.
If the reading of all the recording sheets has been completed, it means that the feeding of all the recording sheets has been completed. Therefore, the reading state is updated to 0 (step # 545), and the process returns to the main routine.

The processing when the read state is 3 (see FIG.
5), a data reading process from the memory for the printing process on the back surface of the recording paper after the printing process on the front surface of the recording paper is completed.

First, it is determined whether or not a paper feed response is received (step # 551). If a paper feed response is received,
The page number "2m-1" is registered in the decompression request buffer (step # 552).

Next, the total number of pages N is divided by 4 and the remainder is determined (steps # 553, # 554, # 55).
5). If the remainder is 0, it corresponds to FIG. 11A, so the page number "N-2m + 2" is registered in the expansion request buffer (step # 557).
11B, the page number "N-2m + 3" is registered in the expansion request buffer (step # 558). If the remainder is 2, it corresponds to (c) of FIG. The page number "N-2m + 4" is registered in the request buffer (step # 559).

If the remainder is 1, it is judged whether or not it is the second recording sheet (m ≠ 2) (step # 556). If m ≠ 2, it corresponds to (d) of FIG. The page number "N-2m + 5" is registered in the expansion request buffer (step # 560). If m ≠ 2, the page number is not registered in the expansion request buffer.

The recording paper number m is updated by 1 (step #
561), the print request for the back surface of the recording paper is registered in the print request buffer (step # 562), the read state is updated to 2 (step # 563), and the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined in step # 551 that the paper feed response is not received, the expansion request buffer and the print request buffer are not updated.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the details of the command receiving process shown as step # 72 in the flow chart of FIG.

Whether or not the command is received is determined (step # 601), and if it is received, the following processing is performed according to the type of command.

If it is a read command, the write state is set to 1 (steps # 602 and # 603), and if it is a compression command, the compression state is set to 1 (steps # 604 and # 605). If it is a decompression command, the decompression state is set to 1 (steps # 606, # 60).
7).

If it is a print command, the read state is set to 1 (steps # 608, # 60).
9) If it is any other command, execute the process corresponding to the command (steps # 610, # 611),
Return to the main routine.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the details of the write control of the image memory, shown as step # 74 in the flow chart of FIG.

First, the state number is determined (step #
701, # 702) and the corresponding state number.

When the state is 0, the process immediately returns to the main routine without any processing.

When the state is 1, the setting process of the memory unit, that is, the write start address to the image memory 304, the XY length information, the image processing parameters and the like are set (step # 703), and the memory is prepared. Set the complete status (step # 704), set the state to 2 (step # 705) and return to the main routine.

If the state is 2, the image memory 304
It is determined whether the writing to the
06), if it is not completed, it immediately returns to the main routine, but if it is completed, the reading completion status is set (step # 707) and the state is set to 0 (step). # 708) and return to the main routine.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing details of the compression control shown as step # 75 in the flow chart of FIG.
It is a chart.

First, the state number is determined (step #
721, # 722), and move to the corresponding state number.

When the state is 0, the process immediately returns to the main routine without processing.

If the state is 1, the memory unit setting process, that is, the compression process such as the read address from the image memory 304, the XY length information, the write address to the code memory 306, and the compression method is performed. Make settings and change the contents of the management table MT1 (step #
725) and set the state to 2 (step # 72
6) Return to the main routine.

When the state is 2, the memory unit setting process is performed every compression process for one memory area divided into 32 kbytes. First, the end of one compression process is determined (step # 731). If not completed, the process returns to the main routine and the compression process is continued. The end of the compression processing of is determined (step # 732).

If the compression processing for one page has been completed, the compression processing completion status is set (step # 7).
33) and set the state to 0 (step # 73
4) Return to the main routine. If the compression process for one page is not completed, the memory unit setting process is performed (step # 735) and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing details of extension control, which is shown as step # 76 in the flow chart of FIG.
It is a chart.

First, the state number is determined (step #
741, # 742), and move to the corresponding state number.

When the state is 0, the process immediately returns to the main routine without any processing.

If the state is 1, it is judged whether or not the designated page is already compressed (step # 745).
If it has been decompressed, the memory unit is set (step # 746), the state is set to 2 (step # 747), and the process returns to the main routine. Step # 745
If it is determined that the expansion has not been completed, the expansion error status is set (step # 748), the state is set to 0 (step # 749), and the process returns to the main routine.

If the state is 2, it is judged whether or not the extension pressure processing of the designated page is completed (step # 751), and if it is completed, the extension completion status is set (step # 751).
752) and set the state to 0 (step # 75
3) Return to the main routine.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the details of the image memory read control shown as step # 77 in the flow chart of FIG.

First, the state number is determined (step #
761, # 762), and move to the corresponding state number.

When the state is 0, the process immediately returns to the main routine without any processing.

If the state is 1, a memory unit setting process is performed. That is, the read start address from the image memory 304, the amount of data, and other parameters are set (step # 763), the state is set to 2 (step # 764), and the process returns to the main routine. .

If the state is 2, the image memory 304
It is judged whether the reading of the image data from the
65) When it is finished, the print completion status is set (step # 766), the state is set to 0 (step # 767), and the process returns to the main routine.

In the above embodiment, the memory unit unit 3
The image memory 304 provided in 0 may use a plurality of memory chips as long as the writing operation and the reading operation can be performed independently at the same time, and one memory chip area is divided and used. Good.

Further, in the above embodiment, the binary compression method is adopted for image compression, but the same can be applied when the multi-value compression method is adopted. Further, the circuit configuration of the control unit 100 including the memory unit unit 30, the processing contents of the CPUs 101 to 106, the software structure such as process sharing, and the configuration of other units of the image forming apparatus are not against the spirit of the present invention. Various changes can be made in the range.

[0165]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the recording process for recording a plurality of pages of original images on the recording paper, the image signal storage means stores the original images in page units. When the image signal is read from the area, the storage area to be read is determined in a predetermined order according to the selected binding mode such as normal binding, bag binding, and weekly magazine binding, and the total number of pages of the read original. In other words, the storage area is designated so that the recording paper on which the image is formed is output in the order according to the bookbinding mode.

As a result, the recording paper output from the recording device is output in the page arrangement corresponding to the bookbinding mode.
It is possible to easily create the desired printed matter in the bookbinding mode simply by binding the book, without the need for special page editing work according to the bookbinding mode. It is possible to significantly reduce the time until.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the outline of the internal configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation panel.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control unit of the copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a memory unit unit of a control unit of the copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a management table and a code memory.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in a direct connection mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of a memory mode write operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of a memory mode read operation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a book document.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a binding mode A (bag binding).

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a binding mode B (weekly magazine binding).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a main routine executed by a CPU 101 that controls various key inputs of an operation panel and display output to a display unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a main routine executed by the CPU 102 that performs image processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a main routine executed by a CPU 103 that controls driving of a scanning system.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a motor pulse interrupt control routine executed by the CPU 103 which controls the driving of the scanning system.
To.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a main routine executed by a CPU 104 that controls a laser optical system, an image forming system, and a print processing unit.
Chart.

FIG. 17 is a main routine flow chart executed by a CPU 105 for controlling the operation of the entire copying machine.

FIG. 18 is a CPU 106 that controls a memory unit.
Main routine flow chart executed in.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of control processing of an input signal.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of command setting.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing details of command settings required for a memory mode write operation.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing details of command settings necessary for a memory reading operation in bookbinding mode A (bag binding).
To.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing details of command setting necessary for a memory reading operation in bookbinding mode B (weekly magazine binding).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart (continuation) showing details of command settings necessary for a memory read operation in bookbinding mode B (weekly magazine binding).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart (continuation) showing details of command settings necessary for a memory reading operation in bookbinding mode B (weekly magazine binding).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of command reception.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of image memory writing control.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of compression control.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing details of extension control.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing details of image memory read control.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 scanning system 20 image signal processing unit 30 memory unit unit 40 printing processing unit 60 laser optical system 70 image forming system 500 original document conveying unit 600 re-feeding unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Akio Nakajima 2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A digital image forming apparatus capable of forming images on both front and back sides of a recording sheet, an image reading unit for reading an original document, converting the image into an image signal and outputting the image signal, and a plurality of image reading units corresponding to respective pages of the original document. An image signal storage unit having a storage area for storing each of the image signals of the originals of a plurality of pages read by the image reading unit in the plurality of storage areas; and the image signal storage unit read out from the image signal storage unit. An image forming means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on an image signal, a bookbinding mode selecting means for selecting a desired bookbinding mode from a plurality of bookbinding modes, and an image signal from the image signal storage means. When reading, a plurality of storage areas of the image signal storage means to be read are arranged in a predetermined order according to the bookbinding mode selected by the bookbinding mode selecting means and the total number of pages of the read original. But Further comprising a control means for sequentially specifying Te digital image forming apparatus according to claim. 2. The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bookbinding mode includes a normal binding mode, a bag binding mode, and a saddle stitching mode for binding at the center of the recording paper. A digital image forming apparatus characterized by the above. 3. The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of storage areas of the image signal storage unit when the image signal is read by the control unit are designated by a page arrangement according to a bookbinding mode. A digital image forming apparatus, wherein storage areas are sequentially designated so that recording sheets on which images have been formed in this order are sequentially output.