JPH0832766A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically perform variable power processing with simple constitution according to respective document sizes even when documents which differ in size are mixed. CONSTITUTION:Before the documents which are equal in main scanning size and different in subscanning size are conveyed, two kind of document sizes S1 and S2 are estimated from the main scanning size of the documents. According to the document sizes S1 and S2 and an output form size, 1st power and 2nd power corresponding to the respective document sizes S1 and S2 are set in a 1st variable power processing part 35 and a 2nd variable power processing part 37. Each time the image information of the document is read in, the image information is stored in 1st and 2nd image memories 36 and 38 with the 1st power and 2nd power. If a specified document size matches the 1st document size S1 when the document size is specified, the image information stored in the 1st image memory 36 is outputted and when the document size matches the 2nd document size S2, on the other hand, the image information stored in the 2nd image memory 38 is outputted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which optically scans an original, reads it in pixel units, and automatically magnifies and outputs it on output paper of the same size.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a fax machine, an automatic document feeder conveys a document onto a platen glass and then reads the document. For example, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-166965, the document size is detected and designated as the document size while the document is being conveyed on the platen glass by the automatic document feeder. An apparatus has been proposed in which a scaling factor is calculated from the output paper size and the scaling process is performed. However, in this image forming apparatus, the automatic document feeder needs a transport belt for transporting the document to an accurate position on the platen glass, and a motor for driving the transport belt, and thus the configuration of the entire apparatus. However, there is a drawback that the cost becomes complicated and the cost increases.

Therefore, as an image forming apparatus using an inexpensive automatic document feeder, for example, a mechanism for reading a document while conveying the document, as used in a facsimile, is known. Since this image forming apparatus has the advantages of a simple structure and a low cost, it has been used in recent years in a digital copying machine, a multifunctional machine having the functions of a copying machine and a facsimile, and the like.

[0004]

By the way, in the image forming apparatus using the conventional inexpensive automatic document feeder described above, since the original is read while being conveyed, the original is placed on the automatic document feeder. , The original size cannot be determined. Therefore, when originals of different original sizes are mixed, there is a problem that an appropriate magnification cannot be automatically calculated from the respective original sizes and output on the same size of output paper.

In order to solve the above problem, the original is once read and stored in the image memory, the original size is discriminated to determine the magnification, and when the original is read out from the image memory, a scaling process is performed and output. It is possible to do it. However, in general, the image data when stored in the image memory is
In many cases, the binarization process has already been performed, and if the scaling process is performed after that, there is a problem that the image quality deteriorates. Therefore, the image memory may be multi-valued (for example, 256 gradations), but the memory capacity becomes large, which causes a problem of cost increase (8 times).

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is possible to output on the same size output paper with an inexpensive structure, and even if different original sizes are mixed, the original sizes can be changed according to each original size. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can automatically perform variable magnification processing.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the invention of claim 1, before the originals having the same main scanning size but different sub-scanning sizes are fed, the main scanning of the originals is performed. Primary determination means for determining a first document size having a scan size as a long side and a second document size having a main scan size of the document as a short side, and the first document size and the output paper size. A first storage unit for storing image information of the original document that has been reduced and enlarged by the first magnification set based on the first magnification, and a second magnification set based on the second original size and the output paper size. Second storage means for storing the image information of the original document that has been reduced and enlarged by the above, and the primary determination means determines the original document size of the original document based on the sub-scanning size of the original document detected after reading the image information. First Hara Secondary determination means for specifying either the size or the second original size, and the first or second storage corresponding to the first or second original size specified by the secondary determination means. Image forming means for reading the image information stored in either one of the means and forming an image on an output sheet.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a document having a different main scanning size and sub-scanning size is conveyed, the first document having the main scanning size of the document as a long side is conveyed for each document conveyed. Primary determining means for determining a size and a second document size whose main scanning size is the short side,
First storage means for storing image information of the original document reduced and enlarged by a first magnification set based on the first original document size and the output paper size; the second original document size and the output paper sheet; Second storage means for storing image information of the original document reduced and enlarged by a second magnification set based on the size; and the sub-scanning size of the original document detected after reading the image information. A secondary determination unit that identifies the original size of the original document as either the first original size or the second original size determined by the primary determination unit, and the first or the second identified by the secondary determination unit. Image forming means for reading the image information stored in either one of the first or second storage means corresponding to the second document size and forming an image on an output sheet. And butterflies.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, before the originals having the same main-scanning size but different sub-scanning sizes are conveyed, the first determining means makes the main-scanning size of the original the longer side. Assume a document size and a second document size whose short side is the main scanning size of the document. Next, the image information read from the original is stored in the first storage means that has been reduced and enlarged at the first magnification, and also reduced and enlarged at the second magnification and stored in the second storage means. Then, the secondary determination unit specifies the document size as either the first document size or the second document size based on the sub-scanning size of the document detected after reading the image information. Then, when the document size of the document matches the first document size assumed by the primary determination unit, the image forming unit outputs the image information stored in the first storage unit on the output sheet, On the other hand, when the document size of the document matches the second document size assumed by the primary determination unit, the image forming unit outputs the image information stored in the second storage unit to the output sheet.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a document having a different main-scanning size and sub-scanning size is conveyed, the primary-determining means increases the main-scanning size of the document for each conveyed document. Assume a first document size having sides and a second document size having the main scanning size of the document as short sides. Next, the image information read from the original is stored in the first storage means that has been reduced and enlarged at the first magnification, and also reduced and enlarged at the second magnification and stored in the second storage means. Then, the secondary determination unit specifies the document size as either the first document size or the second document size based on the sub-scanning size of the document detected after reading the image information. Then, when the document size of the document matches the first document size assumed by the primary determination unit, the image forming unit outputs the image information stored in the first storage unit on the output sheet, On the other hand, when the document size of the document matches the second document size assumed by the primary determination means, the image forming means
The image information stored in the second storage means is output to an output sheet.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A. Configuration of Example A-1. Structure of Image Forming Apparatus First, the structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus. In the figure, reference numeral 1 is an automatic document feeder, which comprises a document set tray 3, a document feed roller 4, and a document discharge tray 5. A plurality of documents 2 are placed on the document set tray 3. The document conveying rollers 4 convey the documents 2 placed on the document setting tray 3 one by one in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and eject the document 2 to the document ejection tray 5 while passing the reading position A. 6 is a platen glass.

Next, 7 is a light source, which illuminates the document while being conveyed in the automatic document feeder 1. 8
Mirrors a, 8b, and 8c sequentially reflect the reflected light of the document when passing through the reading position A and guide it to the SELFOC lens 9. The SELFOC lens 9 focuses the reflected light and inputs it to the one-dimensional image sensor 10. The one-dimensional image sensor 10 is composed of a CCD or the like, converts the reflected light from the document into an electric signal, and supplies it as image information to an image information processing unit 28 described later. The light source 7 and the mirrors 8a, 8b, 8c together form a scanning unit and are fixed at a fixed position when the automatic document feeder 1 is used. On the other hand, when the operator manually reads the document 2 placed on the platen glass 6 without using the automatic document feeder 1,
As shown in the lower part of the figure, the scanning unit is adapted to move in parallel along the platen glass 6.

Next, 11 is a photosensitive drum, and around the photosensitive drum 11, a cleaning section 12 and a charging section 1 are provided.
3, laser beam scanner unit 14, developing unit 15,
The transfer unit 16 and the fixing unit 17 are provided and constitute an electrophotographic process unit. A paper supply unit 18 is capable of supplying output papers of different sizes to the electrophotographic process unit. The output paper supplied from the paper supply unit 18 passes through the conveyance path indicated by the broken line in the drawing, and the transfer unit 1
6. After passing through the fixing unit 17, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 19. During this time, the original image is transferred onto the output paper.

A-2. Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 20 is a console panel, and various instructions are given to the image forming apparatus by an operator. An automatic document feeder control unit 21 controls the above-described automatic document feeder 1 that conveys documents one by one. Reference numeral 22 denotes a document size / direction detection unit, which synchronizes with the operation of the automatic document feeder 1 and allows the document 2 to be fed while being conveyed by the automatic document feeder 1.
Of the document size (main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction) and direction. In the first operation example (embodiment), the document size / direction detection unit 22 detects the size of the document 2 in the main scanning direction when the document 2 is placed on the document set tray 3 shown in FIG. In the second operation example, the main scanning size is detected while the document is conveyed from the document setting position to the position A, and then the document 2 is detected. Is conveyed by the automatic document feeder 1, and the time from the start of the original 2 passing through the position A to the end of the original 2 passing through the position A is measured.
The size in the sub-scanning direction (hereinafter referred to as the sub-scanning size) is detected. As a result, the size of the document itself, that is, the document size (A5, A4, A3, B5, B4, B3, etc.) is detected.

Next, reference numeral 23 is a motor, which scans the original 2 placed on the platen glass 6 along the platen glass 6 with the scanning section composed of the light source 7 and the mirrors 8a, 8b and 8c. Move in parallel. Further, 24 is a motor driver circuit for driving the motor 23. Next, reference numeral 25 denotes a CPU (central processing unit), which reads an instruction from the console panel 20 described above, and gives an instruction to the motor driver circuit 24 or the automatic document feeder control unit 21 according to the instruction, or a predetermined instruction. Each part described later is controlled according to the program.

Reference numeral 26 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), which stores a predetermined program executed by the CPU 25, data, and the like. 27 is a RAM
It is a (random access memory) and is used as a working area for storing various data in the processing by the CPU 25. Reference numeral 28 denotes an image information processing unit, which performs various image processing on the image information read by the image sensor 10 described above, and a scaling process when outputting the output information on the output paper in the electrophotographic process unit described above. Give. The detailed configuration of the image information processing unit 28 will be described later.

Reference numeral 29 is an electrophotographic process control unit, which is a cleaning unit 12, a charging unit 13, a laser beam scanner unit 14, a developing unit 15, a transfer unit 16, and a fixing unit arranged around the photosensitive drum 11 described above. The operation of each unit of the electrophotographic process unit including the unit 17 is controlled, and the image processed by the image information processing unit 28 is transferred to the output sheet. Reference numeral 30 denotes a paper feed control unit, which is the paper feed unit 18 described above.
The output paper inside is conveyed to the paper discharge tray 19. Next, reference numeral 31 is a paper size / direction detection unit, which detects the size and direction of the output paper stored in the paper supply unit 18. Reference numeral 32 denotes a paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of output paper in the paper supply unit 18, and C when there is no output paper.
The PU 25 is notified of that fact.

A-3. Configuration of Image Information Processing Unit FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image information processing unit of this embodiment. In the figure, 33 is an image information generation unit,
The image information (analog signal) output from the image sensor 10 described above is converted into a digital signal of a predetermined pixel unit, and this is supplied to the correction / filter processing unit 34. The correction / filter processing unit 34 performs various corrections and filtering processes on the image information output from the image information generation unit 33, and then sends the image information to the first scaling processing unit 35 and the second scaling processing unit 37. Supply.

The first scaling unit 35 automatically sets the corrected and filtered image information by the CPU 25 based on the main scanning size of the original 2 and the output paper size. The image is enlarged or reduced at a magnification of, and supplied to the first image memory 36. The first image memory 36 stores the image information scaled by the first magnification. Meanwhile, the second
The scaling processing unit 37 differs from the first scaling ratio, which is automatically set by the CPU 25 based on the main scanning size of the original 2 and the output paper size of the image information subjected to the correction and the filtering process. The image is enlarged and reduced at the second magnification and supplied to the second image memory 38. The second image memory 38 is
Similar to the image memory 36, the image information scaled by the second magnification is stored.

Here, a method of determining the first magnification in the first scaling processing section 35 and the second magnification in the second scaling processing section 37 will be described. As described above, in the document size / direction detection unit 22 of the present embodiment, first, for each document 2 placed on the document set tray 3 shown in FIG. Detect the scan size. At this point, the document size cannot be specified. In other words, at the time when the main scanning size is known, at least two document sizes can be considered as a document having the main scanning size. For example, when the main scanning size is A4 size, the length in the longitudinal direction (A4 size
Long edge feed; hereinafter referred to as A4LEF)
If it is equal to, the document size having the main scanning size may be A4 size or A3 size. For A3 size originals, this is the length in the lateral direction (A3
This is because the short edge feed (hereinafter referred to as A3SEF) is equal to A4LEF.

Therefore, it is not possible to specify which of the two document sizes the document size is based on only the main scanning size of the document 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the main scanning size of the original 2 is detected and the image information of the original 2 is stored in the image memory, at least two original sizes are assumed from the main scanning size, and Regardless of the size of the two originals, the image information should be scaled to match the output paper size to be output.
It is designed to determine two types of magnification. That is,
The first magnification means that the actual document size is assumed to be 2
The magnification when one of the different document sizes is used, and the second magnification is the magnification when the other document size is used.

In the above example, when the main scanning size of the original 2 is A4LEF (or A3SEF),
The document size of the document 2 may be so-called A4 size or A3 size. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, when the output paper size is A4SEF, that is, when a short A4 size sheet is set as the main scanning size (width), the original (A4 size) → the output paper (A4 size)
Assuming that the first magnification is automatically set to “100%”, the second magnification is automatically set to “70.7%” assuming the original (A3 size) → output paper (A4 size). Set. Therefore, the image information of the original is stored in the image memory 36 in the original size as it is, and the image information of the original is reduced to 70.7% and stored in the image memory 37. It should be noted that the first magnification and the second magnification are automatically set by a similar method even when the document size and the output paper size are other than those described above.

Next, the image information read switching unit 39 displays C
Under the control of the PU 25, the image information is read from either the first image memory 36 or the second image memory 38 based on the document size and the output paper size, and is supplied to the image forming section 40. This image information read switching unit 3
9 is capable of reading out image information while performing rotation processing when reading out the image information. The image forming unit 40 converts the image information read by the image information read switching unit 39 into a laser lighting signal (PWM; pulse width modulation) and supplies the lighting signal to the laser beam scanner unit 14. The laser beam scanner unit 14 irradiates the drum 11 with a laser beam according to a lighting signal.

B. Operation of Embodiment Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Two operation examples will be described below. First, in the first operation example, originals having the same main scanning size but different sub-scanning sizes are mixed and placed on the original set tray 3, and the respective image information is aligned and output on the output paper of the same size. This is the case. Also,
In the second operation example, originals having different main scanning sizes and sub-scanning sizes are mixed and placed on the original set tray 3,
This is a case in which each image information is aligned and output on output sheets of the same size.

B-1. First Operation Example First, a first operation example will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. 4 and 5 show a first embodiment according to the present invention.
5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of FIG. Also,
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first operation example.
First, the mode of the image forming apparatus is the console panel 20.
Is set by. In this example, it is assumed that the output paper size is A4SEF, the magnification is “automatic”, the number of print copies is set as necessary, and then the image forming process is started. Further, in the automatic document feeder 1, originals of the same main scanning size but different original sizes, that is, different sub-scanning sizes are mixedly placed, and as shown in FIG. Original 2a is A4LEF, second original 2b
Is A3SEF.

(A) Assuming the document size When the document is placed on the automatic document feeder 1, the document size / direction detection unit 22 detects that the main scanning size of the document is "A3SEF width". CPU 25
In step S10 shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that there are two types of document sizes, a first document size S1 and a second document size S2, based on the main scanning size (width) of the document. In this example, two types of document sizes having “A3SEF width” as the long side or the short side, that is, “A4LEF” (first document size S1) and “A3SEF” (second document size S
It is first determined that the document size is any one of 2).

(B) Setting of First Magnification and Second Magnification Next, in step S12, the first magnification is determined from the first document size S1 and the output paper size, and the first magnification is determined.
To the scaling processing unit 35. In this example, since the output paper size is “A4SEF”, the first scaling processing unit 3
In "5", "100%" is set as the first magnification.
Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, the first original 2a is "A4LE".
Since the output paper is “F” and the output paper is “A4SEF”, the orientations of the two are different, and the first magnification is simply “10”.
If set to 0%, the image will not fit on the output paper.

However, in the present embodiment, when the image information is read from the image memory, the image information can be rotated, so that the above problem does not occur. Therefore, the first magnification is set to "100%". Further, in step S14, the second magnification is determined from the second document size S2 and the output paper size, and this is set in the second scaling processing unit 37. In this example, since the output paper size is “A4SEF” as described above, “70.7%” is set as the second magnification in the second scaling processing unit 37.

(C) Manuscript reading operation Next, when the console panel 20 gives an instruction to start copying, in step S16, the conveyance of the manuscript is started. That is, according to an instruction from the CPU 25, the automatic document feeder control unit 21 operates to convey the document placed on the document set tray 3. In this case, first, the first original 2a is conveyed. When the starting end of the first original 2a passes through the position A, the original reading operation by the image sensor 10 is started in step S18.

The operation of reading the original will be described below. The image information (analog signal) read by the image sensor 10 is supplied to the image information generation unit 33, converted into a digital signal, and further subjected to correction and filter processing by the correction / filter processing unit 34. , And is supplied to the first scaling processing section 35 and the second scaling processing section 37. In the first scaling processing unit 35, the image information is scaled up and down at the first scaling factor set in step S12 and stored in the first image memory 36. in this case,
Since the first magnification is 100%, the first image memory 3
6, the image of the first document is stored as it is without being reduced or enlarged. On the other hand, in the second scaling processing section 37, the image information is scaled up and down at the second scaling factor set in step S14 and stored in the second image memory 38. In this case, since the second magnification is 70.7%, the second image memory 38 stores
As shown in FIG. 6, the image of the first original is reduced to 70.7% and stored.

While the above-described reading operation is being performed, the CPU 25 determines in step S20 whether or not the reading of the original document is completed. Whether or not the reading of the original document is completed is determined by whether or not the trailing end of the original document 2 has passed the position A shown in FIG. Then, when the reading of the original is not completed, the determination result in step S20 is "NO", and the step S20 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the reading of the original document is completed, the determination result in step S20 is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S22. Original size /
The direction detection unit 22 detects the sub-scanning size (length) of the first original 2a. In this case, the sub-scanning size of the first document 2a is the "A4SEF length", that is, the length of the A4 size shorter side.

(D) Determination of Original Size and Determination of Read Image Memory Next, in step S22, the original size is determined from the sub-scanning size of the original. In this case, since the sub-scanning size of the first document 2a is "A4SEF length", the CPU2
5, the original size of the first original 2a is "A4LE".
It was secondarily determined that it was "F". Next, in step S24 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether the document size secondarily determined in step S22 is the first document size S1. The document size is the first document size S
If it is 1, the determination result in step S24 is "YES", and the process proceeds to step S26. Step S
In 26, as the image memory for reading out the image information, the first
The image information read switching unit 39 is instructed to select the image memory 36.

On the other hand, the original size is the first original size S1.
If not, that is, if it is the second document size S2, the determination result in step S24 is "NO", and the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the image information read switching unit 39 is instructed to select the second image memory 38 as the image memory for reading the image information. In this example, the first document size S1 is primarily determined to be "A4LEF" in step S10, and the document size of the first document 2a is "A4LEF".
Since the secondary determination is “F”, the CPU 25 determines “A4L
The image information read switching unit 39 is instructed to select the first image memory 36 in which the image information is stored assuming “EF”. In the description below, it is assumed that the first image memory 36 is selected.

(E) Printing Operation Next, the process proceeds to step S30 to start the printing operation. The printing operation will be described below. In the image information read switching unit 39, the image information stored at a magnification of 100% is read from the first image memory 36 while being rotated, and is supplied to the image forming unit 40. In the image forming unit 40, the image information supplied from the image information read switching unit 39 is converted into a laser lighting signal and output to the laser beam scanner unit 14. As a result, the paper feed controller 3
0, the electrophotographic process control unit 29 controls the photosensitive drum 1
In the electrophotographic process section consisting of 1 etc., as shown in FIG. 6, the image of the first original 2a is printed on the output sheet of "A4SEF" 1
It is printed at a magnification of 00%.

While the above-described printing operation is being performed, the CPU 25 determines in step S32 whether printing has been completed. Then, if the printing is not completed yet, the determination result in step S32 is "NO", and the step S32 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the printing operation is completed, the determination result in step S32 is "YES", and the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, it is determined whether printing for the set number of copies has been completed. Then, when the printing for the set number of copies has not been completed, the determination result in step S34 is "NO", and the process returns to step S30. Then, in step S30,
S32 is repeatedly executed and the printing operation is repeated.

On the other hand, when printing for the set number of copies is completed, the result of the determination in step S34 is "YES", and the flow advances to step S36. In step S36, it is determined whether or not the next document is placed on the document set tray 3. If there is the next original, step S36.
The determination result in step S16 is “YES”, and step S16
Return to.

(C ') Original Reading Operation Next, the second original 2b shown in FIG. 6 is subjected to the same processing as the above-described steps S16 to S20, and its image information is stored in the first image memory. 36 and the second image memory 3
8 is stored. Steps S10, S12, and S14 are not executed in the processing for the second original 2b and thereafter, so the first original size S1, the second original size S2, the first magnification, and the second magnification are not changed. For the second original 2b, image information is stored in the first image memory 36 and the second image memory 38 in the state shown in FIG. (D ') Determination of original size and determination of read-out image memory When the reading of the second original 2b is completed, in step S22, the original size of the second original 2b is the sub-scanning size " Since it is “A3LEF length”, the CPU 25 makes a secondary determination as “A3LEF”. Next, in step S24, it is determined whether or not the document size secondarily determined in step S22 is the first document size S1. In this case,
The first original size S1 is “A” in step S10.
Since the primary determination is “4 LEF” and the secondary document size of the second original is “A3 LEF”, the determination result in step S24 is “N”.
O ”, and the process proceeds to step S28. Then, as described above, in step S28, the image information read switching unit 39 is instructed to select the second image memory 38 as the image memory for reading the image information.

(E ') Printing Operation Next, the process proceeds to step S30, and the printing operation is started as described above. The printing operation for the second original 2b will be described below. In the image information read switching unit 39, the image information stored at a magnification of 70.7% is read from the second image memory 38 without being rotated, and the image forming unit 4 is read.
Supplied to zero. In the image forming unit 40, the image information supplied from the image information read switching unit 39 is converted into a laser lighting signal and output to the laser beam scanner unit 14. As a result, as in the case of the first original, the paper feeding control unit 30 and the electrophotographic process control unit 29 cause the electrophotographic process unit including the photosensitive drum 11 and the like to cause the second original document to move as shown in FIG. Image is printed on the output sheet of "A4SEF" at a magnification of 70.7%.

Hereinafter, as described above, in step S32, it is determined whether or not the printing is completed. If the printing is not completed yet, the step S32 is repeatedly executed while the printing operation is completed. In case, step S
At 34, it is determined whether or not the printing for the set number of copies is completed, and the printing operation is repeated until the printing for the set number of copies is completed. When the printing for the set number of copies is completed, it is determined in step S36 whether or not the next document is placed on the document set tray 3, and if there is the next document, the process returns to step S16 again. . And step S
16 to S36 are repeatedly executed to read the next original placed on the original set tray 3, and the same processing is repeated to print the original.

As described above, in the first operation example described above,
At the time when a document having the same main scanning size is placed on the document set tray 3, the main scanning size of the document is detected, and based on the main scanning size, at least two types of the first document size S1 that the document can take are , The second document size S2 is estimated. After that, the original is read and the first original size S1,
Magnification according to the second document size S2 (first magnification, second magnification
Of each image memory (first image memory 3
6, the second image memory 38). Therefore,
Whether the original size of the original is the estimated first original size S1 or the second original size S2,
If image information is read from the image memory that corresponds to the estimated original size that matches the original size and is output, even if the original subscanning size is different, the image is always output on the same output paper with an appropriate scaling factor. it can.

B-2. Second Operation Example Next, a second operation example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described with reference to. 7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the second operation example according to the embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second operation example. In the first operation example described above, the main scanning size of the document is detected when the document is placed on the automatic document feeder 1. On the other hand, in the second operation example, a means for detecting the main scanning size of the document every time when the document is started to be read, that is, while the document is conveyed from the placement position to the position A one by one. , And by changing the processing order,
Even in the case of mixed originals having different main scanning sizes, it is possible to perform the scaling processing according to the respective original sizes and output the same output sheets in alignment.

First, the mode of the image forming apparatus is set by the console panel 20. In this example, similarly to the first operation example described above, the output paper size is A4SE.
It is assumed that the image forming process is started after the F and the magnification are automatically set and the number of print copies is set as necessary. Further, originals having different main-scanning sizes and sub-scanning sizes are mixedly placed on the automatic document feeder 1, and as shown in FIG. 9, the first original 2a is B4SEF and the second original 2a. 2b
Is A3SEF.

(A) Original Reading Operation First, when the console panel 20 gives an instruction to start copying, in step S50, the transportation of the original is started. That is, according to an instruction from the CPU 25, the automatic document feeder control unit 21 operates to convey the document placed on the document set tray 3. In this case, first, the first original 2a is conveyed. When the document is conveyed, the CPU 25
Determines whether or not the main scanning size (width) of the document has been detected in step S52. If the main scanning size of the document is not detected, step S5
The determination result in 2 is "NO", and the same step S5
Repeat 2 On the other hand, the document is at position A shown in FIG.
If the document size / direction detection unit 22 detects the main-scan size of the document while the document is being conveyed to, the step S52
The determination result in step S54 is “YES”, and step S54
Go to. In this case, the main scanning size of the first original 2a is detected to be "B4SEF width".

Hereinafter, steps S54 to S58 are the same processes as steps S10 to S14 shown in FIG. (B) Assumption of Original Size In step S54, the CPU 25 first determines two types of original sizes from the main scanning size (width) of the original, the first original size.
It is assumed that the original document size S1 and the second original document size S2.
In this example, there are two types of document sizes having the “B4SEF width” as the long side or the short side, that is, either “B5LEF” (first document size S1) or “B4SEF” (second document size S2). The original size is determined to be the original size.

(C) Setting of First Magnification and Second Magnification Next, in step S56, the first magnification is determined from the first document size S1 and the output paper size, and this is set as the first magnification.
To the scaling processing unit 35. In this example, since the first original size S1 is "B5LEF" and the output paper size is "A4SEF", the first scaling unit 35 has "115.4%" as the first magnification. Is set.
Further, in step S58, the second magnification is determined from the second document size S2 and the output paper size, and the second magnification is set to the second value.
To the scaling processing unit 37. In this example, the second document size S2 is "B4SEF" and the output paper size is "A4SEF", so the second scaling processing unit 37 sets the second magnification to "81.7%". Is set.

Hereinafter, steps S60 to S78 are the same processes as steps S18 to S36 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 described above. (D) Original Reading Operation Next, in step S60, the CPU 25 starts the original reading operation by the image sensor 10. The document reading operation will be described below. Image sensor 1
The image information (analog signal) read by 0 is
After being supplied to the image information generation unit 33 and converted into a digital signal, the correction / filter processing unit 34 further
After being corrected and filtered, the data is supplied to the first scaling processing section 35 and the second scaling processing section 37.

In the first scaling unit 35, step S5
The image information is reduced / enlarged at the first magnification set in 6 and stored in the first image memory 36. In this case, since the first magnification is 115.4%, the image of the first original 2a is enlarged and stored in the first image memory 36, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the second scaling processing section 37, the image information is scaled up and down at the second scaling factor set in step S58 and stored in the second image memory 38. In this case, since the second magnification is 81.7%, the image of the first original 2a is reduced to 81.7% and stored in the second image memory 38, as shown in FIG. It

While the above-mentioned reading operation is being performed, the CPU 25 determines in step S62 whether or not the reading of the original document is completed. Then, when the reading of the document is not completed, the determination result in step S62 is "NO", and the step S62 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the reading of the document is completed, the determination result in step S62 is "YES", and the process proceeds to step S64. Original size /
The direction detection unit 22 detects the sub-scanning size (length) of the first original 2a. In this case, the sub-scanning size of the first document is “B4LEF length”, that is, the length of the length of B4 size.

(E) Determination of Original Size and Determination of Read Image Memory Next, in step S64, the original size of the original is determined from the sub-scanning size of the original. In this case, since it is detected that the sub-scanning size of the first original 2a is "B4LEF length", the CPU 25 secondarily determines that the original size of the first original 2a is "B4SEF". It Next, in step S66 shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the document size secondarily determined in step S64 is the first document size S1. If the document size is the first document size S1, step S
The determination result in 66 is "YES", and step S
Proceed to 68. In step S68, the image information read switching unit 39 is instructed to select the first image memory 36 as the image memory for reading the image information.

On the other hand, the original size is the first original size S1.
If not, that is, if it is the second document size S2, the determination result in step S66 becomes "NO", and the process proceeds to step S70. In step S70, the image information read switching unit 39 is instructed to select the second image memory 38 as the image memory for reading the image information. In this example, the first document size S1 is primarily determined to be "B5LEF" in step S54, and the document size of the first document is "B4SEF".
Since the secondary determination has been made, the CPU 25 displays “B4SE
Second image memory 3 storing image information assuming "F"
The image information read switching unit 39 is instructed to select 8. In the description below, it is assumed that the second image memory 38 is selected.

(F) Printing Operation Next, in step S72, the printing operation is started. In the image information read switching unit 39, the first image memory 36
The image information stored at a magnification of 81.7% is read out and supplied to the image forming unit 40. In the image forming unit 40, the image information supplied from the image information read switching unit 39 is converted into a laser lighting signal and output to the laser beam scanner unit 14. As a result, the paper feed controller 3
0, the electrophotographic process control unit 29 controls the photosensitive drum 1
As shown in FIG. 9, the image of the first original 2a is printed on the output sheet of "A4SEF" at a magnification of 81.7% in the electrophotographic process section including 1 and the like.

Hereinafter, steps S32 to S36 shown in FIG.
Similarly, in step S74, it is determined whether or not the printing is completed. If the printing is not completed yet, the step S74 is repeatedly executed, while if the printing operation is completed, the step S76 is executed. At, it is determined whether or not the printing for the set number of copies is completed, and the printing operation is repeated until the printing for the set number of copies is completed. When printing of the set number of copies is completed, it is determined in step S78 whether or not the next document is placed on the document set tray 3, and if there is the next document, step S50 is performed again.
Return to.

(A ') Second Original Reading Operation Next, the above-described steps S50 and S52 carry the second original 2b shown in FIG. 9 and the original to the position A shown in FIG. In the meantime, the document size / direction detection unit 22 detects the main scanning size (width) of the document. In this case, the main scanning size of the second original 2b is "A3SEF width".
Is.

(B ') Assumption of Original Size Then, in step S54, two kinds of original sizes, a first original size S1 and a second original size S2 are assumed from the main scanning size (width) of the original. In this example,
Two types of document sizes having "A3SEF width" as the long side and the short side, that is, "A4LEF" (first document size S
It is primarily determined that the document size is either 1) or “A3SEF” (second document size S2).

(C ') Setting of First Magnification and Second Magnification Next, in step S56, as described above, the first magnification is determined from the first document size S1 and the output paper size. In this example, the output paper size is "A4SE
Since it is "F", "100%" is newly set in the first scaling processing unit 35 as the first scaling factor according to the output paper size. Further, in step S58, the second
The second magnification is determined from the original document size S2 and the output paper size. In this example, the output paper size is “A4SEF” as described above, so the second scaling processing unit 37
Is newly set to "70.7%".

(D ') Original Reading Operation Next, in steps S60 and S62, the original reading operation by the image sensor 10 is performed. Image information (analog signal) read by the image sensor 10
Is supplied to the image information generation unit 33, converted into a digital signal, and further subjected to correction and filter processing by the correction / filter processing unit 34, and the first scaling processing unit 35 and the second scaling processing unit It is supplied to the scaling processing unit 37. In the first scaling processing unit 35, at the first magnification set in step S56, in this case 100%, as shown in FIG. 9, the image of the first original is stored in the first image memory. It is stored in 36 as it is. On the other hand, the second scaling processing unit 3
In step 7, the image of the first original is reduced to the second image memory 38 at the second magnification set in step S58, in this case 70.7%, as shown in FIG. Is stored.

(E ') Determination of original size and determination of read image memory When the reading of the original is completed, step S62
To step S64. Original size /
The direction detection unit 22 detects the sub-scanning size (length) of the second document. In this case, the sub-scanning size of the second document is “A3LEF length”, that is, the length of the length of A3 size. Next, in step S64, the original size of the second original is determined from the sub-scanning size of the original, and in this case, it is secondarily determined that the original size of the second original was "A3SEF".

Next, in step S66, it is determined whether or not the document size is the first document size S1. In this example, the second document size is "A3S".
EF ”, that is, the second image size S2, the determination result in step S66 is“ NO ”, and the process proceeds to step S70. Therefore, in step S70, the CPU 25 instructs the image information read switching unit 39 to select the second image memory 38 in which the image information is stored assuming “A3SEF”. In the description below, it is assumed that the second image memory 38 is selected.

(F ') Printing Operation Next, the process proceeds to step S72 to start the printing operation. In the image information read switching unit 39, the second image memory 38
The image information stored at a magnification of 70.7% is read out and supplied to the image forming unit 40. In the image forming unit 40, the image information supplied from the image information read switching unit 39 is converted into a laser lighting signal and output to the laser beam scanner unit 14. As a result, the paper feed controller 3
0, the electrophotographic process control unit 29 controls the photosensitive drum 1
As shown in FIG. 9, the image of the second original is printed on the output sheet of “A4SEF” in the electrophotographic process section including 1 and the like.
Printed at 0.7% magnification.

Thereafter, as described above, in step S74, it is determined whether or not the printing is completed. If the printing is not completed yet, the step S74 is repeatedly executed while the printing operation is completed. In case, step S
At 76, it is judged whether or not the printing for the set number of copies is completed, and the printing operation is repeated until the printing for the set number of copies is completed. When printing of the set number of copies is completed, it is determined in step S78 whether or not the next document is placed on the document set tray 3, and if there is the next document, the process returns to step S50 again. . And step S
50 to S78 are repeatedly executed to read the next original placed on the original set tray 3, and the same processing is repeated to print the original.

As described above, in the second operation example described above,
For the originals having different main scanning sizes and sub-scanning sizes that are mixedly placed on the original set tray 3, the main scanning size is detected for each original to be read, and based on the main scanning size,
At least two document sizes S1 and S that can be taken by the document
After estimating 2, the original is read and each image memory (the first image memory 36, the first image memory 36, and the second image) is magnified at a magnification (first magnification, second magnification) corresponding to each original size S1, S2.
It is stored in the second image memory 38). Therefore, the document size of the document is the estimated document size S1, S2.
In either case, if the image information is read from the image memory corresponding to the matched original size and is output to the output paper, the same output paper will always be output even if the main scan size and the sub scan size of the original are different. It can be scaled down and output at an appropriate magnification.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to output on the same size output paper with an inexpensive structure,
Further, even if the originals of different original sizes are mixed, there is an advantage that the scaling processing can be automatically performed according to the respective original sizes. Further, according to the present invention, since the image information stored in the first and second storage means is already subjected to the scaling processing, it is not necessary to perform the scaling processing after being read out. The advantage of being able to prevent deterioration of image quality is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image information processing unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first operation according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a first operation according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first operation example.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second operation example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 automatic document feeder 2 document 22 document size / direction detection unit 25 CPU (primary determination unit, secondary determination unit) 31 paper size / direction detection unit 36 first image memory (first storage unit) 38 second Image memory (second storage unit) 40 Image forming unit (image forming unit) S1 First document size S2 Second document size

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A first original size having a main scanning size of the original as a long side and a main scanning size of the original are shortened before the originals having the same main scanning size but different sub-scanning sizes are conveyed. A primary determination unit that determines a second document size that is a side, and image information of the document that is reduced and enlarged by a first magnification set based on the first document size and the output paper size are stored. Image information; first storage means; second storage means for storing image information of the original document reduced and enlarged by a second magnification set based on the second original document size and output paper size; Based on the sub-scanning size of the document detected after reading the document, the document size of the document is specified as either the first document size or the second document size determined by the document size primary determining means. Next size Output means for reading the image information stored in either the first or second storage means corresponding to the first or second document size specified by the second determination means and the setting means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image thereon. 2. When a document having a different main-scanning size and a sub-scanning size is conveyed, a first document size whose main side is the main-scanning size of the document and a main-scanning of the document are carried for each document being conveyed. Primary determination means for determining a second document size having a short side as size; and image information of the document reduced and expanded by a first magnification set based on the first document size and the output paper size. A first storage means for storing the first storage means; and a second storage means for storing image information of the original document reduced and enlarged by a second magnification set based on the second original document size and the output paper size. The document size of the document is set to either the first document size or the second document size determined by the document size primary determining means based on the sub-scanning size of the document detected after reading the image information. The secondary determination means for specifying, and the image information stored in one of the first or second storage means corresponding to the first or second document size specified by the secondary determination means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that reads out and forms an image on an output sheet.