JPH08102847A - Picture input/output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To eliminate the lack of a picture and wasting of paper and to output the picture by means of an optimum paper size by executing the processing of variable magnification and rotation on the picture to be outputted based on picture attribute information and outputting the picture in the unified paper size. CONSTITUTION: Picture data inputted from a reader part 1 is stored in an external storage device 6 together with picture attribute data. A file part 5 reads picture data and picture attribute data from the external storage device 6 and selects the output paper size based on picture attribute data and paper size designation information inputted from the reader part 1. The picture processings of resolution conversion and rotation are executed on picture data and picture data is converted into picture data corresponding to the paper size. The converted picture is read from the file part 5 and it is transferred to a printer part 2. Even for a file where the pictures different in size coexist, the optimum and unified paper size is selected and picture output can be obtained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input / output device in, for example, an image electronic file device, a digital copying machine, a facsimile, a printer and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a composite digital copying machine having a plurality of functions has been put into practical use in which the scanner portion and the printer portion of the copying machine are used as a facsimile device, a PDL printer device, and an electronic file device.

Conventionally, when the above-mentioned composite digital copying machine is used as an electronic file device and a file in which image data of various original sizes are mixed is output, the image is output. By fixing the document size at the time of data input and outputting the image data with a fixed paper size, or conversely, by detecting each document size, you can select the paper size according to each document size. It is known to output image data.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned apparatus, when image data of various original sizes are mixed in one file, it is forced to output with the designated paper size. Then, in some cases, an image may be lost, a desired output may not be obtained, and useless margins may be generated, resulting in waste of paper.

On the other hand, if the paper size is output in accordance with the size of each original, the output paper size is not the same, which makes it difficult to organize.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image input / output device which can output an image with an optimum paper size from the viewpoints of eliminating missing images, wasting paper, and facilitating file organization. To aim.

[0007]

According to the present invention, an image to be output is appropriately subjected to processing such as scaling and rotation based on the image attribute information of an image file to be output, and the image is output with a unified paper size. Therefore, even when image data of various original sizes are mixed in the file,
It becomes possible to output one side or both sides to the optimum unified paper size for all the image data requested to be output.

As a result, the printing time can be shortened by the preceding feeding of the recording paper in the recording apparatus, and
The waste of paper can be minimized, and even when stapling, the original can be formed in an orderly manner.

[0009]

1 is a block diagram showing the construction of an image forming system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a reader unit 1 is an image input device that reads an image of a document and outputs image data, and a printer unit 2 has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes and outputs image data according to a print command. The image output device outputs a visible image on a recording sheet.

The external device 3 is electrically connected to the reader unit 1 and has various functions. That is, the external device 3 includes a fax unit 4, a file unit 5, an external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a computer, and information from the computer. A formatter unit 8 for forming an image, an image memory unit 9 for accumulating information from the reader unit 1 or temporarily accumulating information sent from a computer, and a core unit 10 for controlling the above-mentioned functions. And so on.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the construction of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2.

First, in the reader unit 1, the originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original table glass surface 102. And, the manuscript is the glass surface 1
When it is transported to the predetermined position 02, the lamp 1 of the scanner section
03 is turned on and the scanner unit 104 is moved to expose and scan the document. The reflected light of the original is reflected by the mirror 105,
It is input to a CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter referred to as CCD) via 106 and 107 and a lens 108.

Next, the image signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201, and the photoconductor 202 is irradiated with the optical signal. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer stacking unit 204 or 205 in synchronization with the leading edge of the developed image,
The developed image is transferred at the transfer unit 206.

The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207 and then discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper output unit 208 is the sorter 22.
When the sorting function is 0, the sheets are discharged to each bin, and when the sorting function is not working, the sheets are discharged to the highest bin of the sorter.

When outputting images to be sequentially read on both sides of one output sheet, the output sheet fixed by the fixing section 207 is once conveyed to the sheet discharge section 208, and then the sheet conveyance direction is reversed. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the re-transferred transfer sheet stacking section 210 via the conveyance direction switching member 209. Then, when the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as the above process, but since the transfer paper is fed from the re-transferred transfer paper stacking unit 210, the same output paper is eventually obtained. It is possible to output two document images on the front and back sides of the document.

Next, the external device 3 is connected to the reader 1 by a cable, and the core section in the external device 3 controls signals and controls each function.

In the external device 3, a fax unit 4 for sending and receiving a fax, a file unit 5 for converting various document information into electric signals and storing the signals in a magneto-optical disk (external storage device 6), and a computer unit for receiving a file. A formatter unit 8 that develops code information into image information, a computer interface unit 7 that interfaces with a computer, stores information from the reader unit 1, and temporarily stores information sent from the computer. Image memory unit 9 for controlling the above, and a core unit 1 for controlling each of the above functions
0 and the like are provided.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control system of the reader unit 1.

The reader unit 1 performs A / D conversion and shading correction on the read signal of the CCD 109.
/ D / SH section 110, an image processing section 111 that inputs image data from the A / D / SH section 110 and performs various signal processing such as color detection and contour processing, and the image processing section 111.
A laser driver 112 that generates a laser drive signal based on the image data from the printer and supplies the laser drive signal to the printer unit 2.

Further, the reader unit 1 has an interface unit 1 for inputting / outputting various signals to / from the external device 3 described above.
13, the image data from the external device 3 by the interface unit 113 can be transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 111 and the laser driver 112.

Further, the reader unit 1 is provided with an operation unit 115 for making various settings for this system. The configuration of the operation unit 115 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The control of the reader unit 1 is as follows.
This is performed based on the program stored in the memory 116 by the CPU 114. In addition to the control program of the CPU 114, the memory 116 is provided with a storage area for various data.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control system of the core section 10.

As shown in the figure, the core unit 10 has an interface unit 120 including a function of a selector for connecting the above-mentioned fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, image memory unit 9 and the like. And a data processing unit 121 that performs various processes such as scaling and rotation of input data, and an interface unit 122 that inputs and outputs various data to and from the reader unit 1.

The control of the core portion 10 is as follows.
This is performed based on the program stored in the memory 124 by the CPU 123. In addition to the control program of the CPU 123, the memory 124 is provided with a storage area for various data.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the file unit 5.

The file section 5 is an interface section 13 for exchanging data with the core section 10.
0 and a CPU 131 that controls the entire file unit 5
And a scaling / rotation circuit 13 for scaling and rotating image data
2 and CODEC 1 for encoding and decoding image data
33 and a memory 13 used for processing these data
4 and a SCSI controller 135 for controlling the SCSI interface to the external storage device 6. In the following description, the memory 134 is assumed to have individually accessible memory units A to D.

Next, the output operation of the image file, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.

FIG. 6 shows the case where image data of various original sizes are mixed in a file in this embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a paper size suitable for all of the image data is selected and output on both sides.

Here, the case where the means for inputting an image is a magneto-optical disk set in the external storage device 6 will be described as an example.

First, it is assumed that the magneto-optical disk of the external storage device 6 is prestored with image data input from the reader unit 1 together with detailed image attribute data of each image data.

The image attribute data includes, for example, the number of pixels in the main scanning direction, the number of pixels in the sub scanning direction, the resolution in the main scanning direction, the resolution in the sub scanning direction, the number of bits per sample,
For example, the size of the original.

Then, the CPU 131 of the file section 5
By making a predetermined access to the external storage device 6 with these image attribute data, it is possible to obtain all the image data in the external storage device 6.

Further, the CPU 131 selects the output paper size based on the image attribute data of all the images requested to be output and the paper size designation information input from the operation unit 115 through the core unit 10.

Further, the CPU 131 receives the encoded information from the external storage device 6 via the SCSI controller 135, and transfers the encoded information to the memory unit C of the memory 134. Then, when the transfer of the encoded information to the memory unit C is completed, the CPU 131 causes the memory unit C to
And another memory unit D are connected to the CODEC 133. As a result, the CODEC 133 reads the encoded information from the memory unit C, sequentially decodes it, and then transfers it to the memory unit D.

Next, the memory unit D and the other memory unit A are connected to the scaling / rotation circuit 132, and the contents of the memory unit D are reduced and rotated under the DMA control by a DMA controller (not shown). The converted image is transferred to the predetermined area of A.

At this time, the CPU 131 causes the image data read from the external storage device 6 to include image attribute data (number of pixels, resolution, document size, document orientation, etc.).
To the scaling / rotation circuit 132 to convert each image reduced in size according to the selected paper size into the number of pixels in the X direction and the number of pixels in the Y direction, and to rotate the image as necessary. And

The rotation process may be performed in the case where the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the document are reversed before and after conversion.

In this way, the image is arranged in a predetermined area on the memory unit A under the control of the CPU 131.

Next, with respect to the second and subsequent images, the area transferred on the memory unit A after conversion is different, except that
They are processed and arranged in exactly the same way.

Similarly, a predetermined number of images are image-converted and arranged in the memory unit A so that all originals have the same size.

Next, the CPU 131 controls the CP of the core unit 10.
It communicates with U123, and makes settings for printing out images on both sides from the memory unit A through the core unit 10 to the printer unit 2. Hereinafter, the image is printed out by the above-mentioned double-sided output operation.

Next, FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow charts showing the overall operation of this embodiment. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 and FIG.

First, in step S1101, the reader unit 1 inputs a series of image data as a file to the file unit 5 to capture an image in the external storage device 6.

Next, in S1102, the image data 1202, which is the file content fetched in S1101, is stored in the external storage device 6.

Then, in step S1103, the user is made to determine whether or not the image data 1202 and 1203 having different document sizes in the file stored in the external storage device 6 in step S1102 should be output with the unified paper size 1201.

If the user does not want to output with the unified paper size, the other processing A is executed in S1114. The process A is a process for outputting the image data in the file with each paper size.

Further, when the user desires to output with the unified paper size, S1104 and S110.
At 5, S1106, and S1107, the user is requested to determine what paper size should be selected to unify the paper sizes.

Here, in step S1104, the user operates the operation unit 1
It is a judgment as to whether or not the paper size is selected by the paper size designating means 15 and S1105 is as to whether or not the minimum original size is selected for the image data in the file requested to be output. In addition, S1106
It is determined whether or not the maximum original size is selected for the image data in the file that is requested to be output.
Reference numeral 07 is a determination as to whether or not to select a paper size such that the number of image data having the document size corresponding to the selected paper size is the maximum in the file.

Then, in the above determination in S1104 to S1107, if any one of the sheet sizes for which the determination is required is selected, then the processing in S1109 is performed.

If none of the paper sizes is selected in the determination of S1104 to S1107, the paper size of the first image data in the file is selected in S1108, and then the processing of S1109 is performed. .

Next, in S1109, the image data stored in S1102 is read by the file unit 5 from the external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5. And
In S1110, according to the paper size selected in S1104 to S1107 or the paper size specified in S1108, the image data read in S1109 is subjected to resolution conversion, and if necessary, image processing such as rotation is performed in the file unit 5, The image data corresponding to the paper size 1201 is converted.

Next, in S1111, the image converted in S1110 is stored in the memory of the file unit 5. Then, the converted image stored in S1111 is S1.
At 112, it is read from the memory of the file unit 5 and transferred to the printer unit 2.

The printer unit 2 receives the image data transferred in S1112, and the printer unit 2 receives the image data in S1113.
To output both sides.

As described above, even in a file in which images of different sizes are mixed, it is possible to perform scaling or rotation of each image, select an optimum unified paper size, and output an image. It is possible to eliminate image loss and waste of paper, and facilitate file organization.

In the first embodiment described above, the case where the magneto-optical disk is used as the image input means has been described, but the same applies to other input means.

For example, as a second embodiment of the present invention, even when the image input from the reader unit 1 includes a double-sided original, it is a double-sided original when the image data is stored in the external storage device 6. Is added to the image attribute information and stored together.

Subsequent processing is almost the same as that described in the first embodiment, but in performing the processing, the image data which is a double-sided original can be always discriminated by knowing the image attribute information. During the processing, image data which is a double-sided original is always treated as double-sided, and even when the file is output with a uniform paper size, the output obtained by the printer unit 2 is double-sided from the reader unit 1. With respect to the input double-sided original, the relationship between the front surface and the rear surface is maintained without being broken.

In the second embodiment described above, the reader unit 1
In the above, the case where image data of a double-sided original was input was described, but even if the number of originals that is the content of the file desired to be output is an odd number and the originals are output in reverse order, the fact is displayed. By storing the attribute information in addition to the attribute information, the same processing can be performed.

That is, when the image data is stored in the external storage device 6 as an image file, the number of originals of the entire image file is stored together with the image attribute information.

The subsequent processing is almost the same as that described in the first embodiment, except that the CPU 131 communicates with the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 and passes from the memory unit A through the core unit 10 to the printer unit. Even when the number of originals is an odd number, it can be dealt with by transferring the information on the number of originals when setting the image printing to 2.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the image data is output on both sides has been described. However, as the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it may be output on one side.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation in this case. Similar to the case of the first embodiment, the image data 1302, 1303, 1 of various original sizes are stored in the file.
When 304 are mixed, a paper 1301 having a paper size that is common and suitable for all the image data is selected, and the image data 1302, 1303, and 1304 are set to the paper 1301.
One-sided output on the surface of.

The whole operation follows the flow charts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, there is an advantage that paper can be saved by outputting on both sides. In the fourth embodiment, by outputting on one side, the system is convenient for the user who wants a one-sided file. Become.

It is also possible to select either the double-sided output or the single-sided output as described above. Furthermore, for the double-sided original described in the second embodiment, the output method is set according to the user's preference. It is also possible to enable it. For example, if the read original is a single-sided original, single-sided output is performed when the file is output, and if a double-sided original is included, the original is double-sided output.

Furthermore, each of the embodiments described above shows one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. That is, various concrete methods of the above-mentioned functions in the image output method according to the present invention can be adopted in addition to the above-mentioned methods.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Even if image data of various original sizes are mixed in the file, it is possible to output all the image data that is requested to be output in the required uniform paper size, and as a result, advance paper feed, etc. By doing so, there is an effect that the printing time is shortened, paper waste is minimized, and the original can be printed in a neat form even when stapling.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a compound device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the composite device in the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of a reader unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of a core unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system of a file unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image output in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image output in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Reader part, 2 ... Printer part, 3 ... External device, 4 ... Fax part, 5 ... File part, 6 ... External storage device, 7 ... Computer interface part, 8 ... Formatter part, 9 ... Image memory part, 10 … Core part.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image input means for inputting an image, a first storage means for storing the image information input by the image input means as an image file together with image attribute information, and storage and storage in the first storage means. First reading means for reading image information or image attribute information from the image file, scaling means for scaling the image data, rotating means for rotating the scaled image data from the scaling means, and this rotating means Second storage means for sequentially storing the rotation image data from the second storage means, and a second storage means for reading the storage data of the second storage means.
In the image input / output device, the image input / output apparatus includes: a reading unit for reading the data, and an image output unit for visually outputting the data from the second reading unit on a sheet-shaped output medium, wherein the scaling unit outputs the image attribute information output unit. Image attribute information receiving means for receiving the image attribute information, and image scaling means for scaling the image data to a predetermined document size according to the image attribute information received by the image attribute information receiving means. An image input / output device, wherein the output means has a double-sided output means for outputting image data to an output medium on both sides. 2. The image input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the image input means inputs both sides of a double-sided original together with double-sided information that the original is a double-sided original. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first storage unit stores image information as an image file,
An image input / output device, wherein the both-sided information is stored together as the image attribute information. 4. The first storage means according to claim 1, when the image information is stored as an image file, the number of originals of the entire image file is also stored as the image attribute information. Image input / output device. 5. The first storage means according to claim 1, when the image information is stored as an image file, the direction of the image information and the document orientation information are stored together as the image attribute information. An image input / output device characterized by the above. 6. An image input means for inputting an image, a first storage means for storing the image information input by the image input means as an image file together with image attribute information, and storage and storage in the first storage means. First reading means for reading image information or image attribute information from the image file, scaling means for scaling the image data, rotating means for rotating the scaled image data from the scaling means, and this rotating means Second storage means for sequentially storing the rotation image data from the second storage means, and a second storage means for reading the storage data of the second storage means.
In the image input / output device, the image input / output apparatus includes: a reading unit for reading the data, and an image output unit for visually outputting the data from the second reading unit on a sheet-shaped output medium, wherein the scaling unit outputs the image attribute information output unit. And an image scaling means for scaling the image data to a predetermined document size according to the image attribute information received by the image attribute information receiving means. Image input / output device. 7. The image input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the scaling unit scales to a predetermined document size designated by the document size designating unit. 8. The zooming unit according to claim 1, wherein the scaling unit is based on the image attribute information read by the first reading unit, and is adapted to a minimum document size in the corresponding image data. An image input / output device characterized by scaling the image data of. 9. The zooming unit according to claim 1, wherein all of the scaling units match the maximum document size in the corresponding image data based on the image attribute information read by the first reading unit. An image input / output device characterized by scaling the image data of. 10. The zooming device according to claim 1, wherein the scaling unit selects the one having the largest document size among the corresponding image data based on the image attribute information read by the first reading unit. An image input / output device characterized by selecting and scaling all image data according to the original size. 11. The zooming device according to claim 1, wherein the zooming device sets 1 in the corresponding image data based on the image attribute information read by the first reading device.
An image input / output device characterized by selecting a document size of image data to be output first and scaling all image data according to the document size.