JPH09247478A - Image processing unit and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To outputs a copy image for a required number in each processing mode through one copy start instruction by setting number of copies for each of plural color processing modes independently. SOLUTION: The color processing mode is set in the case of copying by an ACS(Automatic Color Selection) key 306, a full color key 307, a black key 308 are used on an operation panel of a copying machine, and a ten-key is used to set number of copies for each color processing mode (309). Furthermore, the copy sequence for each color processing mode is set depending on the input sequence of each key to set the color processing mode (312). Then the copying processing by each color processing mode set as above is conducted for each set number according to the set sequence.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a method thereof, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus and a method thereof for producing a copy image of a color original.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a full-color copying machine capable of processing a full-color image, its color processing mode (color mode) is, for example, "full color", "black single color",
It has various modes such as "mono color". Here, the full-color mode reproduces the original in full color, the black single-color mode reproduces only one color with or without the tint of the original, and the mono-color mode reproduces other than black with or without the tint of the original. It means that reproduction is performed with a desired single color.

Generally, the processing in the full color mode is
It costs more than the black monochrome mode. Therefore,
Even if the original image includes a full-color portion, the copying process in the full-color mode is not always performed. For example, if the original document does not need to be reproduced in the full-color mode, the copying process in the black monochromatic mode at a lower cost is performed. There are cases.

Also, when a plurality of copies of an original including a full-color portion are made, it is possible to selectively use the full-color mode copy and the black monochromatic mode copy depending on the purpose of the copy.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, when the full-color mode and the black monochromatic mode are selectively used for the same original, for example, the full-color mode is first set as the color processing mode and the required number of copies is performed. Then, it was necessary to reset the color processing mode to the black monochromatic mode for the same original, and then perform the required number of copies. Therefore, the operator had to wait on the side of the copying machine to change the setting of the copy mode, even though the same document was copied.
This has been a particularly complicated task, especially when the number of copies is large.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. The number of copies is set independently for each of a plurality of color processing modes, and a copy image in each color processing mode is set by a single copy start instruction. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and a method for outputting the required number of copies.

[0007]

As one means for achieving the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, the mode setting means capable of setting a plurality of color processing modes at the time of image processing, the start instructing means for instructing the start of the image processing, and the start instructing means in response to one start instruction. And a control unit that controls to perform image processing in each of the plurality of types of color processing modes set by the mode setting unit.

Further, there is provided a number setting means for setting the number of image processing sheets for each of the plurality of types of color processing modes set by the mode setting means, and the control means gives the start instruction means one start instruction. Accordingly, the image processing in the plurality of types of color processing modes is controlled to be performed for each of the numbers set by the number setting unit.

Further, the control means has a processing order setting means for setting a processing order for each of the plurality of types of color processing modes set by the mode setting means, and the control means gives a single start instruction by the start instruction means. Accordingly, the image processing in the plurality of types of color processing modes is controlled to be performed for each of the numbers set by the number setting unit according to the processing order set by the processing order setting unit.

For example, the plurality of types of color processing modes are
It is characterized by including a monochrome mode and a full-color mode.

For example, the plurality of types of color processing modes are
It is characterized by including an automatic setting mode for automatically setting the color processing mode according to an image to be image-processed.

For example, the image processing is an image forming processing.

For example, the image forming process is characterized in that an image is formed on a recording medium.

For example, the mode setting means can set a color processing mode for each type of the recording medium.

For example, the mode setting means can set a color processing mode depending on whether the recording medium is OHP or paper.

Further, as one method for achieving the above-mentioned object, the image processing method according to the present invention comprises the following steps.

That is, a plurality of color processing modes at the time of image processing are set, and image processing is performed in each of a plurality of types of the set color processing modes in response to one image processing start instruction.

Further, the number of image processing sheets for each of the set plural kinds of color processing modes is set, and the number of image processings in each of the plural kinds of color processing modes is set in response to one image processing start instruction. It is characterized by performing each step.

Further, the processing order for each of the plurality of types of color processing modes is set, and the image processing in the plurality of types of color processing modes is performed in accordance with the set processing order in response to one image processing start instruction. It is characterized in that it is performed for each set number of sheets.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a digital full-color copying machine, which is a color image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this copying machine, a digital color image reader unit A (hereinafter referred to as reader unit A),
A digital color image printer unit B (hereinafter, printer unit B) is provided at the bottom.

In the reader unit A, the original 30 is placed on the original table glass 31 and exposed and scanned by the exposure lamp 32, whereby the reflected light image from the original 30 is mirrored by the mirrors 35, 3.
A full color sensor (CC
D) Focus on 34 and obtain a color separation image signal. The color-separated image signal passes through an amplifier circuit (not shown), is subjected to image processing by an image processing section 40 described later, and is sent to a printer section B. Reference numeral 37 denotes a reference white plate, the reflected light of which is referred to as reference white information at the time of shading correction described later.

In the printer section B, the photosensitive drum 1 which is an image bearing member is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow, and a pre-exposure lamp 11, a corona charger 2, a laser exposure optical system 3 and a potential sensor are provided around the photosensitive drum 1. 12, four developing devices 4Y, 4C, 4M, and 4K having different developing colors, the on-drum light amount detection unit 13, the transfer drum 5, and the cleaning device 6 are arranged.

In the laser exposure optical system 3, the image signal from the reader unit is converted into an optical signal by the laser output unit 41, the laser light output from the laser 42 is reflected by the polygon mirror 3a, and the lens 3b and the mirror 3c. And is projected onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

At the time of image formation, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, and the photosensitive drum 1 after the charge is removed by the pre-exposure lamp 11 is uniformly charged by the charger 2 to form an optical image E for each separated color. Irradiate to form a latent image.

Next, a developing device for a predetermined color is operated to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 1, and a toner image based on resin is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. Developing devices 4Y, 4C, 4
M and 4K are eccentric cams 24Y, 24C, 24M and 24K
, The photosensitive drum 1 is selectively selected according to each color separation.
Approach.

Further, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is
The recording material is transferred from the recording material cassette 7 to the recording material supplied to a position facing the photosensitive drum 1 via the transport system and the transfer drum 5. The transfer drum 5 is axially supported so as to be rotationally driven, and a recording material carrying sheet made of a dielectric material is integrally stretched in a cylindrical shape in an opening area of its peripheral surface. As the transfer drum 5 is rotated, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred with a desired number of color images onto the recording material carried on the recording material carrying sheet by a charging device or roller (not shown) to form a full-color image. .

In the case of forming a full-color image, when the transfer of the four color toner images of Y, M, C and K is completed in this way, the recording material is separated from the transfer drum 5 by the separation claw 8a, the separation push-up roller 8b and the separation charging. Separated by the action of the container 8c,
The sheet is discharged onto the tray 10 via the heat roller fixing device 9.

On the other hand, after the transfer, the photosensitive drum 1 is subjected to the image forming process again after the residual toner on the surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 6.

When images are to be formed on both sides of the recording material, immediately after the recording material is discharged from the fixing device 9, the transport bus switching guide 19 is driven so that the recording material passes through the transport vertical bus 20 and the reverse bus. After being guided to 21a once, the reversing roller 21b is rotated in the reverse direction so that the trailing end of the fed roller is the leading end and the roller is retracted in the direction opposite to the fed direction and stored in the intermediate tray 22. Thereafter, an image is formed on the other surface again by the above-described image forming step.

Further, in order to prevent the scattering and adhesion of the band on the recording material carrying sheet of the transfer drum 5 and the adhesion of oil on the recording material, the brush 14 is applied to the brush 14 through the recording material carrying sheet. Cleaning is performed by the action of the backup brush 15 that faces the backup brush 17, and the backup brush 17 that faces the roller 16 via the oil removing roller 16 and the recording material carrying sheet. Such cleaning is performed before or after image formation, and is performed at any time when a jam (paper jam) occurs.

Reference numeral 39 denotes an image leading edge sensor. When the signal plates 38a and 38b cross the sensor 39, an image leading edge signal ITOP is generated. The plates 38a and 38b are in a position facing each other by 180 °, that is, the transfer drum 5 is
When rotated, the ITOP signal is generated twice.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the image processing section 40 shown in FIG. The image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 34 shown in FIG. 1 is gain-adjusted and offset-adjusted by the CCD processing unit 201, and then A / D converted to an 8-bit digital image signal R for each color signal.
G and B are converted. After that, the shading correction unit 20
2, and a known shading correction is performed for each color using the read signal (reference white information) of the reference white plate 37 shown in FIG. The light receiving portion of the CCD 34 is R, G, B
Are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction is corrected in the sub-scanning synchronization processing unit 203 composed of line delay elements.

Reference numeral 204 denotes an input masking section, which is a CCD
The turbidity of the R, G, B filters at 34 is corrected.
Reference numeral 205 denotes a light amount / density conversion unit, which is configured by a look-up table ROM (or RAM), and includes R, G, B
Is converted into C, M, and Y density signals. 20
Reference numeral 6 is a known masking and UCR unit, and although detailed description is omitted, one of the Y, M, C, and Bk color signals for output from the input three primary color signals of Y, M, and C is output. The image signal V1 is sequentially output with a predetermined bit length (for example, 8 bits) for each reading operation.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a selector for selecting an image signal to be recorded, which is an image signal V1 read by the CCD 34.
Then, one of the image signals V2 input from the external device 219 is switched at an arbitrary timing. 208
Is a known gamma correction unit for recording an image with a desired density / gradation according to the characteristics of the printer. Reference numeral 209 denotes a laser driving unit that drives a laser by converting a digital image signal into, for example, a pulse-modulated analog signal.

Reference numeral 217 denotes a CPU unit, which drives and controls a motor 221 for reciprocating an optical system including the lamp 32 and the mirrors 35 and 36 shown in FIG. 1 via a motor driver 216. Further, the light amount control and on / off F control of the document illumination lamp 32 via the CVR 214, and the I / O unit 2
The control of the operation panel 213 via 12 is performed. The CPU 217 includes known devices such as RAM and ROM, and the ROM stores a control program shown in a flowchart described later.

The communication control section 211 has a motor driver 21.
6. Control communication with the external device 219. Specifically, information on the paper size and color mode for recording an image signal from the external device 219, a recording start / end command, and the status of the reader unit A and the printer unit B are displayed on the external device 21.
Notify 9. Reference numeral 210 denotes a synchronization signal generation unit, which uses various reference clocks in the image processing unit 40 based on the ITOP signal generated by the rotation of the transfer drum 5 and the BD signal indicating that the on-drum light amount detection unit 13 has detected the laser light. (CLK, HSYNC, PSYNC, etc.) are generated. A speed conversion unit 220 converts the image signal V2 ′ transferred from the external device 219 into an image signal V2 synchronized with the internal pixel clock CLK1 and the line synchronization signal HSYNC1. Reference numeral 215 is an interrupt counter, which generates various interrupt signals for controlling interrupt processing.

Next, the operation panel 213 is shown in FIG.
A top view of is shown and is explained below.

A touch panel display 400 is used for setting and displaying various copy modes including a color processing mode (color mode). A reset key 401 is used to return the copy mode to the standard mode which is the default value. A stop key 402 is used to stop the copying process. A numeric keypad 403 is used for setting the number of copies and inputting other numerical values. A preheat key 404 is used when shifting to a preheat mode in which the power consumption of the device is suppressed or when returning from the preheat mode. An interrupt key 405 is used when the copying process being executed is temporarily interrupted and another copying process is interrupted. A call key 406 can recall the copy mode that has already been executed up to three times. Reference numeral 407 is a security key used in a security mode described later, and 408 is a clear key for returning the number of copies to "1". Reference numeral 409 is a copy start key for instructing the start of copying, and 410 is a group of function keys used when setting various additional functions such as zooming, area designation, and composition.

FIG. 4 shows an example of operation display on the above-mentioned touch panel display 400, which will be described below.

First, in FIG. 4A, 301 is an apparatus state display unit, 302 is a magnification display unit, and 303 is a soft key group used for setting the magnification. 304 is a paper size display unit, 30
A soft key 5 is used to select the paper size. Detailed description of these is omitted.

Reference numerals 306, 307, and 308 are soft keys used for setting the color processing mode, the black key 308 is a setting key for the black single color mode, and the full color key 307 is a setting key for the full color mode. ACS
The (Auro Color Selection) key 306 is a key that is used to determine whether the original is black and white or color based on the original information, and automatically selects the black single color mode for black and white, and the full color mode for color. is there. Reference numeral 309 denotes a copy number display section in the ACS mode. In FIG.
This indicates that one copy is made in the S mode. In this state, the ten key group 403 can be used to set an arbitrary number of copies in the ACS mode. An execution order display unit 312 is described later.

Full color key 307 in the state shown in FIG. 4A.
When is pressed, the state transitions to the state of FIG. 4B, and “1” is displayed on the full-color copy number display section 310, that is, one copy is set in the full-color mode. If, for example, "4" is input using the ten-key group 403 in this state,
4C, the number of copies display portion 310 displays "4", and the setting is such that four copies are made in the full color mode.

Then, in the state of FIG. 4C, the black key 30
When 8 is pressed, the state transits to the state of FIG. 4D, "1" is displayed on the black single color copy number display section 311, and "(1)" is displayed on the execution order display section 313 and "(2)" is displayed on 314. To be done. This means that first, four copies are made in the full color mode, and then one copy is made in the black single color mode. In the state of FIG. 4D, if “9” is input with the ten-key group 403, the state changes to the state of FIG. 4E, “9” is displayed in the black single color copy number display portion 311 and after the first four copies in full color, the black single color is displayed. It is set to copy 9 sheets.

When the full color key 307 is pressed in the state of FIG. 4E, the state transitions to the state of FIG. 4F. Then, “(2)” is displayed in the execution order display portion 313, and “(1)” is displayed in 314, and the setting is changed such that first, nine copies are made in black and then four copies are made in full color.

When the black key 308 is pressed in the state of FIG. 4F, the state of FIG. 4E is restored again, and it is possible to restore the execution order of the full color copy and the black single color copy.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the full-color key 307 and the black key 308 can be used to set the desired number of copies and the order of copying, respectively. Start key 4 for copying and arbitrary number of full color copies
Execution is possible by pressing 09 once.

FIG. 5 shows a state transition table of the color processing mode and the copy number setting in this embodiment. Hereinafter, how to read the table will be described.

In FIG. 5, "A" is the ACS mode,
“F” indicates a full-color mode, “B” indicates a black monochromatic mode, and the number on the right connected by “=” for each mode indicates the number of copies. The symbol “>” indicates the mode in which the mode marked with the symbol is set last. Therefore,
For example, in the state [A = 0,> F = M, B = N], the setting is such that 0 copies in ACS mode, M copies in full color mode, and N copies in black monochromatic mode are executed in the order of monochromatic black → full color. Indicates the status.

Regarding the transition of the setting state in FIG. 5, 6
The state [A = 0,> F = M, B = N] shown in 1 will be described as an example. In this state, when "A (ACS key 306, hereinafter, A key)" is pressed as indicated by 62, the state indicated by 63 [> A = L, F = 0, B = 0], that is, L in the ACS mode.
Transition to the setting state of copying one copy. On the other hand, when "C (clear key 408, hereinafter, C key)" is pressed as indicated by 64, the setting state of M = 1 sheet shown by 65 [A = 0,> F =
1, B = N]. Further, when the number M is updated by "10 (10-key group 403, hereinafter 10 keys)" shown at 66, as shown at 67, the state [A = 0,> F =
M, B = N]. In addition, as shown in 68, "F
(Full color key 307, hereafter, F key) ",
As shown in 69, the state transits to a state [A = 0, F = 0,> B = N] for canceling the full-color copy. Also, 70
When "B (black key 308, hereinafter, B key)" is pressed as shown in Fig. 7, the number of black monochromatic copies N can be set as shown in 71 [A = 0, F = M,> B = N]. Transition to. Here, the state shown in 61 [A = 0,> F = M, B =
N] and the states shown in 71 [A = 0, F = M,> B = N]
And, the execution order has been changed, and full-color →
The execution order is black.

This embodiment is similarly realized for other states based on the transition rules established according to the table shown in FIG.

Here, the state transition table of FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 6 as a state transition diagram. When the start key 409 is pressed, copying is performed in the ACS mode in the state A, in the full color mode only in the state F, and in the monochrome single color mode only in the state B, and in the state Fb, in the order of monochrome black color → full color,
In the state Bf, execution is performed in the order of full color → black single color. Then, the arrow from each state indicates a transition destination state corresponding to the key type pressed in each state.

7A, 7B and 7C, a flow chart for controlling the color processing mode and the setting of the number of copies in this embodiment will be described below.

First, in step S501, the CPU 2
Arrangement area QTY [0], QTY [1] on the RAM in 17
Initialize QTY [2]. Here, QTY [0] is the number of ACS copies, QTY [1] is the number of full color copies, Q
TY [2] stores the number of black monochrome copies, respectively. Then, in step S502, the counter i on the RAM is cleared. This counter i means that the ten-key input is used for ACS copy number setting when i = 0, for full color copy number setting when i = 1, and for black and white copy number setting when i = 2.

In step S503, QTY [0],
Based on [1], [2] and the counter i, the number of copies and the execution order corresponding to the currently set color processing mode are displayed on the touch panel display 400. QT
When the content of each array of Y [] is "0", the corresponding number of copies is blank.

If the clear key 408 is pressed (step S504), QTY [i] is set to "1" (step S505), and the process returns to step S503.

If there is an input from the ten-key group 403 (step S506), RA is input corresponding to the input key.
An integer value of "0" to "9" is set in the latch n on M (step S507). And further QTY
The remainder obtained by dividing [i] by 10 is set in the latch m on the RAM (step S508). When m is not 0 (step S509), the sum of the value of the latch m multiplied by 10 and the value of the latch n is set to QTY [i] (step 510). As a result, an arbitrary value from "1" to "99" corresponding to the ten-key input is stored in the copy number storage section QTY [i] corresponding to each color processing mode.

If the ACS key 306 is pressed (step S511), if the counter i is "1" or "2" (any one of the states F, B, Fb, Bf in FIG. 6) ( Step S512), QTY [0]
Is set to the larger value of QTY [1] and QTY [2] (step S513). Then, QTY [1] and [2] are cleared to 0 and the counter i is set to 0 (step S5).
14). As a result, the transition to the state A shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

If the full-color key 307 is input (step S515), the counter i is checked (step S516). When i = 0, QT [1] is set to QT.
The contents of Y [0] are set, QTY [0] is cleared to 0, and the counter i is set to 1 (step S517). As a result, the transition from the state A to the state F shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

On the other hand, when i = 1, QTY [2] is checked (step S518), and when it is 0, QTY [0] is set to Q.
The contents of TY [1] are set, QTY [1] is cleared to 0, and the counter i is set to 0 (step S519). As a result, the transition from the state F to the state A shown in FIG. 6 is performed. When QTY [2] is not 0, QTY [1] is set to 0.
Clear and set the counter i to 2 (step S5)
20). As a result, the transition from the state Fb to the state B shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

When i = 2, the counter i is set to 1 (step S521), and when QTY [1] is 0 (step S522), 1 is set to QTY [1] (step S523). As a result, the state B shown in FIG.
Alternatively, the transition from Bf to state Fb is performed.

If the black key 308 is input (step S524), the counter i is checked (step S525). When i = 0, QTY [2] is set to QTY.
The content of [0] is set, QTY [0] is cleared to 0, and the counter i is set to 2 (step S526). As a result, the transition from the state A to the state B shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

On the other hand, when i = 1, the counter i is set to 2 (step S527), and when QTY [2] is 0 (step S528), QTY [2] is set to 1 (step S529). As a result, the transition from the state F or Fb shown in FIG. 6 to the state Bf is performed.

When i = 2, QTY [1] is checked (step S530). If it is 0, QTY [0] is set to QTY.
The contents of TY [2] are set, QTY [2] is cleared to 0, and the counter i is set to 0 (step S531). As a result, the transition from the state B to the state A shown in FIG. 6 is performed. If QTY [1] is not 0, QTY [2] is cleared to 0 and the counter i is set to 1 (step S53).
2). As a result, the transition from the state Bf to the state F shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

If the start key 409 is pressed (step S533), the counter i is checked (step S534). When i = 0, the original image is prescanned to determine whether it is a color image or a monochrome image. (Step S535). Then, according to the judgment result (step S
536), black single color copy of QTY [0] sheets (step S5)
37) or full-color copy of QTY [0] sheets (step 538). When i = 1, QTY [2]
Is 0 (step S539), full-color copying of QYT [1] sheets is executed (step S541). QT
If Y [2] is not 0, black single color copy of QTY [2] is executed (step S540). And continue to QTY
Execute [1] full color copy (step S54
1). When i = 2, if QTY [1] is 0 (step S542), black monochrome copying of QTY [2] sheets is executed (step S544), and if QTY [1] is not 0, QT [1]
Perform full-color copy of Y [1] sheets (step S5)
43). Then, the full-color copy of QTY [2] sheets is continuously executed (step S544).

By the above control by the CPU 217,
It is possible to execute an arbitrary number of full-color copies and an arbitrary number of black-and-white copies of one original in one order by inputting the start key 409 once.

Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the effect obtained by this embodiment will be specifically described.

Now, let us consider a case in which M full-color copies and N black single-color copies are performed on one original.

First, in the conventional copying machine, when the start key 409 is pressed after setting the mode for full color copying, one sheet of paper is synchronized with the above-mentioned ITOP signal after the printer unit completes the pre-rotation. After M (magenta), C (cyan), Y (yellow), and Bk (black) image formation is repeated M times on the paper, the copy paper is ejected out of the machine and post-rotated to perform a full-color copy operation. It ends once. After that, when the operator notices that the apparatus has stopped, he sets the mode for black monochrome copying and presses the start key 409 again. Then, the apparatus starts pre-rotation again, and after that, Bk image formation is repeated N times for each sheet in synchronization with ITOP, and then post-rotation is performed to complete the black monochromatic copy operation.

Next, in the copying machine of this embodiment, immediately after the Bk image formation for the Mth full-color copy, the image formation for the black monochromatic copy is started. As is apparent from FIG. 8, it is possible to reduce the time for at least one post-rotation / pre-rotation and the wasteful time until the operator notices that the apparatus is stopped, and the productivity and operability are improved. Further, since the operator can press the start key 409 once and move away from the apparatus and perform other work until all copying operations are completed, the operability is further improved.

In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which M sheets of color copy and N sheets of black and white copy are executed for one document by pressing the start key 409 once. Here, if a known automatic document feeder is further added to the document reading unit, the control of this embodiment can be repeated for each of a plurality of documents. This makes it possible to further improve operability and productivity.

In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of description, two types of color processing modes, a full color mode and a black monochromatic mode, have been described, but of course, other color processing modes (for example, a mono color mode) are executed. This embodiment is applicable even when possible.

As described above, according to this embodiment, 1
1 copy of different color processing mode for one original
By pressing the copy start key twice, an arbitrary number of copies can be executed in an arbitrary order.

<Second Embodiment> The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
An embodiment will be described. Since the device configuration in the second embodiment is the same as that in the above-described first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, an example of realizing a so-called "OHP insertion" function of alternately repeating the copying of one original on OHP paper (transparency) and the copying on plain paper will be described. To do.

First, the operation panel 2 shown in FIG.
13, the "OHP insertion" from the function key group 410
Press the key to set the function. Then, a screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the touch panel display 400. Then, an OHP sheet feed stage is selected from the soft key group 901 shown in FIG. 9 and a middle feed sheet feed stage is selected from the soft key group 902. Further, select a color processing mode for the OHP paper from the soft key group 903 and select the soft key group 904.
To select the color processing mode for the insert paper. Here, when [Do not copy] is selected from the soft key group 904, a blank sheet is inserted between the OHP sheet outputs.

By providing the above setting procedure, for example, copying to OHP paper requires full color for presentation, and copying to center insertion paper is sufficient as a black copy for use as a copy. And so on.

A flow chart for controlling the OHP insertion processing in the second embodiment will be shown and described below in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

First, when the OHP insertion key is pressed (step S1001), the touch panel display 4
The screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed at 00 (step S100).
2). Then, the paper feed stages of the OHP paper and the middle insert paper and the respective color processing modes are determined (step S1).
003).

After that, when the start key 409 is pressed (step S1004), first the OHP paper feed stage is checked (step S1005), and paper is fed from the selected paper feed stage (steps S1006, S1007, S100).
1008). Next, the color processing mode of the OHP copy is checked (step S1009), a black monochromatic image is formed in the black monochromatic mode (step S1010), and M in the full color mode as described in the first embodiment. ，
C, Y, Bk images are sequentially formed (step S1011).
~ S1014).

Next, the paper feed stage of the inserted paper is checked (step S1015), and the paper feed operation is performed according to the selected stage (steps S1016, S1017, S1018). Next, the color processing mode for the insertion paper is checked (step S1019), a black monochromatic image is formed in the black monochromatic mode (step S1020), and a full color image is formed in the full color mode (steps S1021 to S10).
24). Further, when "Do not copy" is selected, the image forming operation is not performed and a blank sheet is output.

When the above operation is completed for the set number of sheets (step S1025), if a plurality of originals are being copied using the automatic original feeding apparatus, it is checked whether or not the original is the final original (step S1026). If it is not a document, a document exchange operation is performed (step S1027). Then, the process returns to step S1005, and the above operation is repeated until the copying of the final document is completed.

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
Copying in different color processing modes for a plurality of different materials from one original can be executed by one pressing operation of the start key. Therefore, the operability can be further improved.

<Other Embodiments> The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but an apparatus including one device ( For example, it may be applied to a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention, image processings in different color processing modes are executed in arbitrary order and on arbitrary numbers of sheets in response to one image processing start instruction. Therefore, the operability and the productivity of the image processing apparatus are improved.

[0092]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image processing unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an operation panel according to this embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel display in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel display in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel display in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel display in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4E is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel display in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4F is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel display in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a transition table of color processing mode setting states in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a transition diagram of a color processing mode setting state in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing color processing mode setting and copying processing according to this embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing color processing mode setting and copying processing according to this embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a flowchart showing color processing mode setting and copying processing according to this embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an effect obtained by the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel display according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing OHP insertion processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing OHP insertion processing according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Photosensitive Drum 4 Developer 5 Transfer Drum 34 CCD 40 Image Processing Unit 41 Laser Output Unit 42 Laser 213 Operation Panel 217 CPU 400 Touch Panel Display

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A mode setting means capable of setting a plurality of color processing modes at the time of image processing, a start instruction means for instructing the start of image processing, and a start instruction means for instructing the start of the image processing. An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls to perform image processing in each of a plurality of types of color processing modes set by the mode setting unit. 2. The apparatus further comprises a number setting means for setting the number of image processing sheets for each of a plurality of types of color processing modes set by the mode setting means, wherein the control means starts one time by the start instructing means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus controls the image processing in each of the plurality of types of color processing modes according to an instruction for each of the numbers set by the number setting unit. 3. A processing order setting means for setting a processing order for each of a plurality of types of color processing modes set by the mode setting means, wherein the control means starts once by the start instructing means. In response to an instruction, the image processing in the plurality of types of color processing modes is controlled to be performed for each of the numbers set by the number setting unit according to the processing order set by the processing order setting unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of color processing modes include a monochrome mode and a full color mode. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of types of color processing modes include an automatic setting mode for automatically setting the color processing mode according to an image to be image-processed. . 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing is image forming processing. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming process forms an image on a recording medium. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mode setting unit can set a color processing mode for each type of the recording medium. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the mode setting unit can set a color processing mode depending on whether the recording medium is OHP or paper. 10. An image characterized by setting a plurality of color processing modes at the time of image processing, and performing image processing in each of a plurality of set color processing modes in response to one image processing start instruction. Processing method. 11. The number of image processing sheets for each of the plurality of types of color processing modes that have been set is set, and the image processing in each of the plurality of types of color processing modes is set in response to one image processing start instruction. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein the image processing is performed for each number of sheets. 12. Further, a processing order is set for each of the plurality of types of color processing modes, and image processing in the plurality of types of color processing modes is performed according to the set processing order in response to one image processing start instruction. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein each of the set numbers is performed.