JPH09307773A - Image forming device, image forming method, copying machine and copying method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an event that a background color of paper is subject to color space conversion into two colors or occurrence of color pattern conversion by avoiding application of color space conversion and color pattern conversion to an original when it is detected that the original has projection. SOLUTION: A reflection sensor is connected to liens 60200-60210 of an exclusive OR circuit 60212, and when a tab original is sensed by reflection sensors 60100-60110, an output line 60211 of the exclusive OR circuit 60212 provides a signal denoting the tab sensing. The output line 60211 of the exclusive OR circuit 60212 is connected to a controller, and the controller gives a signal to inhibit two-color separation to a 2-color separate section when the original has a tab. Upon the receipt of the signal, the 2-color separate section stops the 2-color separate processing and generates an ND signal from three RGB colors and it is converted in terms of luminance density conversion and the result is outputted as black image data.

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, an image forming method, and a copying apparatus and a copying method. More specifically, the present invention is suitable for copying a document having a projection such as a tab sheet or a partition sheet. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a copying apparatus, and a copying method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when copying is performed by using an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a copy may be made on an original having a protrusion such as tab paper or partition paper. By the way, recently
Many digital copiers have a color space conversion function that converts a three-color separated image signal into a predetermined two-color color space, or a color pattern conversion function that converts a three-color separated image signal into a predetermined pattern. Is becoming popular.

[0003]

However, the above prior art has the following problems. That is, when copying a colored tab sheet, for example, with a copying machine having the color space conversion function and the color pattern conversion function described above, the background color of the tab sheet is color space converted into two colors, or the color pattern is converted. However, there is a problem that the image is output on paper.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and by not performing color space conversion or color pattern conversion when a document such as tab paper or partition paper having a protrusion is detected. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a copying apparatus and a copying method in which the background color of paper is prevented from being color space converted into two colors and color pattern conversion.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is color-separated in an image forming apparatus for visualizing an image read from an original and forming it on a recording medium such as paper. A color pattern converting means for converting the image signal into a predetermined color pattern, a detecting means for detecting an original document having a protrusion or an original having no protrusion portion, and a detecting means for detecting an original document having a protrusion portion. And a control means for controlling the color pattern conversion means so as not to perform the color pattern conversion operation.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 2 is an image forming apparatus for visualizing an image read from an original and forming the image on a recording medium such as paper, in which a predetermined color separated image signal is generated. A color space conversion means for converting into a two-color color space, a detection means for detecting a document with a projection or a document without a projection, and the color if the detection means detects a document with a projection. And a control unit for controlling the color space conversion operation by the space conversion unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 3 is an image forming method for visualizing an image read from an original and forming the image on a recording medium such as paper. A color pattern conversion step of converting into a color pattern, a detection step of detecting a document with a protrusion or a document without a protrusion, and the color pattern conversion step if a document with a protrusion is detected in the detection step. And a control step for controlling so that the color pattern conversion operation is not performed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 4 is an image forming method for visualizing an image read from an original and forming the image on a recording medium such as paper. A color space conversion step of converting into a two-color color space, a detection step of detecting a document with a protrusion or a document without a protrusion, and the above-mentioned color if a document with a protrusion is detected in the detection step. And a control step of controlling so that the color space conversion operation is not performed in the space conversion step.

To achieve the above object, the invention of claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the image signal is a signal obtained by color separation of three colors.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 6 is the image forming method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the image signal is a signal obtained by color separation of three colors.

To achieve the above object, a copying apparatus according to the invention of claim 7 is characterized by including the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

In order to achieve the above object, the copying method of the invention of claim 8 is characterized in that the image forming method of claim 3 or 4 is used.

[0013]

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

First, a schematic structure of the copying machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The copying machine includes an image recording unit (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit) 1, an image reading unit (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) 2, an operation unit (hereinafter referred to as an operator control unit: OCU) 3,
The finishing device 7 is provided.

Explaining in detail the configuration of each of the above units, the printer unit 1 visualizes the image read by the reader unit or the image transmitted from various external devices (not shown) such as a computer terminal and a facsimile, Print on a recording medium such as transfer paper. Further, the printer unit 1 includes a large-capacity print buffer memory (hereinafter, abbreviated as PBM, see FIG. 2) 15, and receives images from an original feeding device 200 of the reader unit 2 described below or an external input device. The transmitted images are stored, and after the storage, sorting such as page switching is performed. The specific operation of the printer unit 1 will be described later.

The reader unit 2 is a document feeding device for feeding a document to a reading position (hereinafter, abbreviated as ADF, see FIG. 4).
200 and a scanner 250 for optically reading a document image
(See FIG. 4). The specific operation of the reader unit 2 will be described later. The OCU 3 includes a display and a keyboard for operation (or a touch panel display). The OCU 3 inputs various settings performed by a user such as setting of the number of copies, setting of the number of copies, editing and processing of an image, etc. A display indicating the state is performed. The finishing device 7 is a part that performs post-process processing on output paper recorded on a recording medium by the printer unit 1, and performs sorting, stapling, bookbinding, and the like.

The basic operation of the copying machine shown in FIG. 3 will be described. When the user sets a document on the ADF 200 of the reader unit 2 and designates the setting of the mode and the start of copying with the OCU 3, the ADF 200 feeds the document one by one and reads it with the scanner 250. In the scanner 250, the exposed original image is photoelectrically converted by the CCD line sensor 111 (see FIG. 1) and read as an electric signal. The read original image is subjected to various processes in an image processing unit 11 (see FIG. 1) described later, and then subjected to a compression process, and the PB of the printer unit 1 is processed.
Transferred to M15.

In the printer unit 1, the images are sequentially read from the PBM 15 according to the user setting from the OCU 3 described above. The read image is converted into an optical signal for photoconductor exposure. The following is recorded on a recording medium through a charging step, an exposure step, a latent image step, a development step, a transfer step, a separation step, and a fixing step in a usual electrophotographic process.

Next, the structure of the reader unit 2 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the ADF 200 and the scanner 250 of the reader unit 2. The reader unit 2 includes a document tray 201 on which documents are stacked, a first mirror table 202 that receives the document exposure and its reflected light, a flow reading document reading position 203, a book mode scan reading position 204, and a sheet feeding unit 205. , Transport path 206 and transport path 2
07, the transport path 208, the transport path 209, and the lens 21.
0, a standby position 211 in the transport path 206, and a standby position 212 in the transport path 208.

A conveying path 207 discharges the one-sided original read at the flow reading original reading position 203, and a conveying path 208.
Transports the back side of the document read at the flow-reading document reading position 203 to the flow-reading document reading position 203 again. The transport path 209 reads the back surface of the document at the flow-reading document reading position 203 and then discharges the document. Here, the flow-reading document reading means that the first mirror table 202 is fixed at the flow-reading document reading position 203 and the document tray 2 is read.
This is a method of scanning the original sent from 01 by moving it over the reading position.

The standby positions 211 and 212 are positions at which the document is stopped in the conveyance path according to the state of a print buffer memory (PBM) 15 which will be described later, and based on the paper detection sensor passage time and the conveyance speed. Position control is performed.

The operation of the reader unit 2 will be described. The flow of originals is conveyed along the direction of the arrow shown along the conveying paths 206 to 209. Here, when reading the back surface of the document, the image is read as a mirror image of the image obtained by reading the front surface. Therefore, a process for converting a mirror image into a normal image will be described later in the image processing unit 11. In the figure, the solid arrow indicates the direction in which the single-sided document is to be read and transported.

During the book mode scan, the document placed on the book mode scan reading position 204 is not moved, and the document is read by scanning while moving the optical devices such as the first mirror base 202 and the second mirror base. . In any case, the reading unit moves relative to the document, and the document is scanned and read. The reflected light from the document exposure passes through the lens 210,
The image is projected onto the line sensor 111 (see FIG. 1) and photoelectrically converted.

In the present configuration shown in FIG. 4, the transport path 206
Has a length that accommodates, for example, two vertically-fed (portrait-fed) A4 originals, and the transport path 208 similarly includes, for example, two vertically-fed (portrait-fed) A4 originals.
It is configured with a length that can accommodate the number of sheets. Conveyance paths 206, 208
In both cases, for example, in the case of A3 horizontal feed (landscape feed), the length is set to accommodate one sheet.

Documents placed on the paper feed tray 201 are face-up top page processing in which the front side of the document is placed on the top and the top page is placed on top. In the case of single-sided original reading, the original is sequentially read along the solid line arrow in the figure. However, in the case of double-sided original reading, the half-size original (A4
(Vertical, B5 vertical, A5 vertical) take different paper feed sequences.

Two half-size originals are fed, and the two originals read at the flow reading original reading position 203 are read on the back side via the conveyance path 208. Then, at the same time when the reading of the back side of the second sheet is completed, a sequence is started in which the reading of the front side of the next two originals starts. That is, the manuscript is read in the order of first page table, second page table, first page back, second page, third page table, fourth page table, third page back, fourth page back ... It is being done.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a double-sided original reading operation. In the figure, 1A and 2A are original images of the first sheet and the second sheet, respectively.
This is the image of the second original document. Hereinafter, 3A, 3B, 4A,
The same applies to 4B.

The document feeder (ADF) 2 of this embodiment
Reference numeral 00 denotes a non-circulation type document feeding device in which a document placed on the document tray 201 does not return to the document tray 201 again. Further, the sheet feeding unit 205, the transport paths 206 and 20
7, 208, and 209 can be driven independently, and can be individually driven, stopped, and controlled in speed.
The control of the ADF 200 is controlled by the controller 123 (see FIG. 1) based on the designation from the OCU 3 and the state of the machine.

Next, the image processing unit 11 for processing the image data read by the copying machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The image processing unit 11 includes an analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit 110, a CCD line sensor 111, and a shading / color space conversion unit 1.
13, the two-color separating unit 114, the document position / tab position detecting unit 165, the line memory 166, and the selector 165 '.
A selector 166 ', a filter circuit 117, a filter circuit 118, a page memory 119, a page memory 120, a scaling / resolution conversion section 125, a scaling / resolution conversion section 126, and an image decoration processing section 127. An image decoration processing unit 128, a density conversion table 129, a density conversion table 130, and a gradation number conversion unit (error diffusion processing unit) 1.
31, a gradation number conversion unit (error diffusion processing unit) 132, a compression rate prediction unit 160, a controller 123 and the like.

The functions of the above respective parts will be described in detail together with the operation.
When the original comes to the original reading position, the reflected light of the original is received by the CCD line sensor 111, and the photoelectric conversion is performed to generate RGB electric signals. The image signal created by the CCD line sensor 111 is amplified by an analog / digital (A / D) converter 112 and then converted to a digital image signal. The digitized RGB signal is
The shading / color space conversion unit 113 performs black correction, white correction (shading correction), and color correction (masking) to perform normalization and standardization.

The standardized RGB signal is supplied to the two-color separation unit 1.
At 14, the luminance / density conversion and black / red two-color separation processing are performed.
A black image signal 115 and a red image signal 116 are created.
Subsequent processing is performed in parallel by circuits having independent configurations for the black image signal and the red image signal.

Since the standardized RGB signals detect the image area of the document, the document position / tab position detecting section 1
65 is input. Document position / tab position detection section 165
Detects the tab position of the tab sheet using the line memory 166. These detection results are input to the controller 123 via the CPU bus 167.

In the filter circuits 117 and 118, MTF (Modulation Transfer Functio) at the time of image reading is used.
n) Filtering is performed to recover the deterioration and to weaken the moiré pattern generated at the time of reading the halftone original. The page memories 119 and 120 have, for example, a maximum of A3.
It has a capacity to store one page of images up to the size. The image read by the bidirectional document feeder is read as a mirror image while the image read in the reverse direction is read in the forward direction. Here, the page memories 119 and 120 perform control to convert an image read as a mirror image into a normal image by further performing mirror image processing.

Further, the processing for realizing the Cut & Paste function (see FIG. 6A) for moving a specific area of an image to another place, and the scaling / resolution of a plurality of input original images to the next stage For example, the conversion units 125 and 126 reduce the size to 50% to 4
Processing for realizing a reduced layout function (see FIG. 6B) for forming one image on one sheet is also performed on the page memories 119 and 120 by the memory control signal 124 from the controller 123. . Based on the document and tab positions detected by the document position / tab position detection unit 165, the area of the non-image area is erased in the memory, or a control signal indicating the image area is added to the image output from the memory in parallel with the image. And output it to the subsequent stage.

In the scaling / resolution converters 125 and 126,
The normal image size conversion is performed not only when the reduced layout function described above is realized. Image decoration processing units 127 and 128
In this case, by performing area designation on the document image 620 as shown in FIG. 7, functions such as a negative / positive reversal process 621, a shading process 622, and a halftone process 623 for an image portion are realized. The density conversion tables 129 and 130 perform gamma conversion for correcting the linearity characteristic of the printer and processing for reflecting the density adjustment level input by the user from the operation unit on the image data.

The image data up to this point is 256 bits of 8 bits.
Although it is a gradation signal, a gradation number conversion unit (error diffusion processing unit) 1
In 31 and 132, 4 bits 16 which can be expressed by the printer are used.
It is converted into a gradation image signal. An error is diffused in order to cancel the density unevenness generated at the time of conversion of the number of gradations when viewed in a certain area. The above is the image signal processing performed by the image processing unit 11.

Next, P of the printer unit 1 of the copying machine described above is used.
The BM 15 will be described with reference to FIG. The PBM 15 that stores a large number of pages of images to be printed includes a compression processing unit 150, a compression processing unit 153, and a DRAM 151.
, A DRAM 154, a decompression processing unit 152, and a decompression processing unit 156.

The functions of the above-mentioned parts will be described in detail.
Image data 133 and red image data 134 input to
Are encoded by the compression processing units 150 and 153 using the variable-length lossless compression method. Variable-length reversible means that the amount of data at the time of compression differs depending on the input image, but has the property of restoring exactly the same as the input image after decompression processing.
This is to be compared with a fixed-length irreversible compression system such as G (Joint Photographic Expert Group: a compression system for color still images). Variable length lossless compression method is MH, QC
There are schemes such as ODER and Lempel Ziv, but any scheme may be used.

The DRAMs 151 and 154 are memory sections in the PBM 15, and are composed of a semiconductor memory or a hard disk and a control section for addressing them. When performing a page exchange such as a brochure mode (1 · N page, 2 · N−1 page..., Each within one page), the DR
It can be realized by controlling the addressing in the AMs 151 and 154.

The image to be printed out is the DRAM 15
1 and 154, and the decompression processing units 152 and 156 restore the original image data again. The read timing here will be described. The black image data 135 is a timing necessary for forming a black image, and the red image data 136 is a timing necessary for forming a red image, and is read independently.

The image data of the DRAMs 151 and 154 basically stores all jobs, and the operation will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 15 indicates the concept of PBM.
In FIG. 8A, reference numeral 5002 denotes a copy job currently being printed, for example, a job for copying 100 copies of a 150-page original. In this case, pages 1 to 150 are read out one by one in order and then printed out.
After that, a finishing process is performed. Reference numeral 5003 denotes a printer job which is waiting as a job to be performed next and is requested from an external device, and is, for example, a job for finishing 60 copies of 50 pages. 5004 is, for example, 20
This is a copy job of 50 copies of page 0, which is a job in the middle of reading an image. Here, PBM1
5 becomes full, and the reading operation is temporarily interrupted.

The above job 5002 is continuously executed during that time, and at the same time as printing the 1st to 100th pages of the last copy, it is not necessary to store the output image, so that the job 5004 waiting The images are sequentially replaced. When the job 5002 ends, printing of the job 5003 waiting for the order starts (FIG. 8).
(B)). Reference numeral 5005 denotes a vacant portion of the PBM 15, and other jobs can be input (stored) as long as the memory capacity permits.

Next, the compression rate prediction will be described. Referring again to FIG. 1, the compression ratio prediction unit 160 uses the decoration information of the image obtained from the controller 123 via the bus 161 (shading shown in FIG. 7, partial movement shown in FIG. 6A, etc.), Magnification information (such as the reduced layout shown in FIG. 6B) and the selected density conversion tables 129, 1
30, tone number conversion units (error diffusion processing units) 131, 132
For example, the accuracy of prediction is improved using processing information obtained by the CCD line sensor 111 and processed by the tone number conversion units (error diffusion processing units) 131 and 132 until error diffusion processing is performed. Normally, the predicted value is obtained by performing a simple operation on the statistic of the image information (the image density average value, entropy, etc., which has a high correlation with the compression ratio and is obtained by a simple operation). The calculation or coefficient used here changes according to the processing information.

For example, if the average value of image densities is used for prediction and the following equation (1) is used to convert into the predicted value, the following is obtained. Prediction value = average value of image densities * a + b (1) The controller 123 refers to a RAM table (not shown) and transmits the coefficients a and b determined according to the image processing information to the compression rate prediction unit 160 via the bus 161. The density average value of the image area is 40, for example, and the coefficients a and b according to the processing
, Respectively 0.01 and 0.1, the compression rate is predicted as follows: Predicted value = 40 × 0.01 + 0.1 = 0.5 (2). This is a prediction that the amount of data after compression is ½ of the amount of data before compression.
The controller 123 performs the above-described control based on the compression ratio prediction obtained via the bus 122.

FIG. 9 is a STD (state transition diagram) showing the state transition of the copying machine according to the present embodiment. After the copier is powered on and performs initialization 40101, the copier enters normal operating mode 40102 via transition 40131.
In the normal operation mode 40102, the black memory remaining amount detection signal 19
8. If it is determined that there is no room to store the predicted value in the PBM 15 based on the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199 (see FIG. 1 above), the transition 40111 causes Almos described later.
Take tFull40103. AlmostFull4
If it is determined at 0103 that the PBM 15 is completely empty based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199, a transition 40112 is taken to bring the PBMFull state 40104 to be described later.

In the PBMFull state 40104, when it is determined that the PBM 15 has an empty space based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199, the transition 40122 results in AlmostFull 40103. The Almost Full 40103 sets P based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199.
If it is determined that the BM 15 has room to store the predicted value, the transition 40121 starts the normal operation mode 4.
It returns to 0102.

The state transition flow charts of the respective states will be described below.
12 to 12 and timing charts mainly showing operation timings of the PBM 15 and FIGS. 13 to 17 will be described in detail.

"Normal Operation Mode" Normal Operation Mode 401
In step 02, the PBM 15 is constantly monitored 40201 based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199 to see if there is enough room to store the predicted value.
If there is room to store the predicted value in state transition 15, state transition 4
The monitoring 40201 is performed again by 0202. PBM15
In the state where there is room for storing the predicted value, the copier repeats the monitoring 40201 and the state transition 40202 alternately and repeatedly.

This state will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 13 showing the image input signal 40505 to the page memory 119 and the page memory 120 and the image output signal 40506 from the page memory 119 and the page memory 120. In the figure, 1, 2, n-1, n, n + 1, etc. indicate the order of the read originals.

From the original scan start 40507, the originals fed one by one by the ADF 200 as described above are irradiated by the scanner 250, and the original data is
The storage from the CCD line sensor 111 to the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 through the filter circuit 117 or the filter circuit 118 is started, and the storage for one page is completed in 40501. FIG. 18 shows the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 in this state.
Document data of the first page occupies the entire area of 20 pages.

Completion of image input for one page 40
508, the controller 123 sets the page memory 1
19 or the output from the page memory 120 to the PBM 15 is started. The start of this image output 4
0509, the controller 123 sets the ADF 200
Instructs the next document to be flown and conveyed to the document reading position 203. Thus, in 40503, the storage of the document data of the second page in the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 starts. FIG. 19 shows the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 in this state. A part 41101 of the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 has already been output and released.

Further, the manuscript data of the second page is written in the open area 41101, and at the time of 40504, the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 is stored in FIG.
It is as shown in 0. Generally, when the (n−1) th page is being output and the nth page is being input, two image data coexist in the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 as shown in FIG.

"Transition from normal operation to Almost Full mode" The controller 123 judges in the monitoring 40201 that the PBM 15 may become FULL based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199. Almo causes transition 40111
It becomes stFull40103.

The operation of this transition will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. In the figure, n-1, n, n + 1, n +
Reference numeral 2 denotes the order of the read originals. Reference numerals 40601 and 40602 represent input and output of document data to and from the page memory, respectively.

Up to 40604, when the PBM 15 has no room for one page of the original, the normal operation mode 40 already described.
Operating at 102. After 40604, PBM15
Since there is no room for storing the predicted value in the PBM 15, whether or not the image data currently stored in the page memory 119 and the page memory 120 can be stored in the PBM 15 is determined by actually storing the image data in the PBM 15. You will understand. This state is called AlmostFull.

In this state, the image data is actually P
The ADF 200 shown in FIG. 4 operates so as to limit the number of sheets fed by the sheet feeding unit 205 per time because a confirmation operation for storing the data in the BM 15 is performed. That is, the sheet interval is longer than that in the normal mode (also referred to as skip operation or step feed), and the apparatus can be stopped at any time.

At the time of shifting to the Almost Full state, the controller 123 instructs the ADF 200 to perform the sequence operation, and continues the sequence operation until the Almost Full state is released. AlmostF
The sequence in the “ull” state can be realized not only by controlling the number of sheets fed per time of the sheet feeding unit 205 shown in FIG. It is.

"Almost Full" Almost F
In the UL 40103, the black memory remaining amount detection signal 19
8. Monitoring 40301 whether or not there is free space in the PBM 15 based on the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199, and when there is no free space, the PBM Full state is set by the transition 40112 as described above. Monitoring 4
If it is determined that there is free space in the PBM 15 according to 0301, the monitor 40302 monitors whether there is room for storing the predicted value next. If there is no room, the state transition 4030 is performed.
4, the monitoring 40301 is performed again. AlmostFu
In 11040103, the copying machine alternates between the monitor 40301 and the monitor 40302 while making transitions.

According to the timing chart of FIG. 14, Alm
The operation in ostFull will be described. Normal operation mode 4
In step 0102, as described in the section of the normal operation, in response to the start of the image data of the previous document n-1 from the page memory 119 and the page memory 120, 40608, the next document n is skipped and the document is read. Although the document is conveyed to the position 203, the image data of the document n may not be stored in the PBM 15 in the Almost Full 40103, so that it is necessary to confirm that the read document data has been securely stored in the PBM 15 unless the next document is read. n +
1 cannot be read.

That is, in response to 40609 that the image input of n pages is completed, the controller 123 outputs the image from the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 to the PBM1.
Output is started toward 5. In response to the completion of this image output 40610, the controller 123 opens the areas of the page memory 119 and the page memory 120 and instructs the ADF 200 to feed the next document n + 1 to the reading document reading position 203.

Thus, storage of the (n + 1) th page original data in the page memory 119 or the page memory 120 is started. Thereafter, since the reading of the document and the waiting of the output of the image data are alternately repeated, the AlmostFu is read.
In 1140103, the space between the sheets in the ADF 200 is empty, and the productivity is half of that in the normal operation mode 40102. However, after the output of the image data is completed, the area of the page memory 119 and the page memory 120 is released. Will not destroy.

"Almost Full to PBM Ful
transition to the 1 state ”controller 123 monitors 4030
When the PBM 15 determines that the PBM 15 is FULL based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199 in 1, it instructs the PBM 15 to discard the image currently stored by the PBM 15 and its management information. After that, a transition 40112 is made to cause the PBMFull state 401.
04.

This transition will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. n-1 and n indicate the order of the read originals. Reference numerals 40701 and 40702 denote input and output of document data to and from the page memory 119 and the page memory 120, respectively. Up to 40703 when the PBM 15 runs out of space, the AlmostFull already described
The operation of 140103 is performed. After 40703,
Since there is no space in the PBM 15 for storing the document data, the output of the image is stopped.

In this state, the reading of the original is stopped until there is free space to be actually stored in the PBM 15. Therefore, the ADF 200 shown in FIG. Wait for the start command. At the time of transition to the PBMFull state, the controller 123 instructs the ADF 200 to stop the original reading sequence operation. The PBMFul
At the time of the transition to the l sequence, the original being transported in the transport path is stopped before reaching the original reading position 203.

If the original has flown through the original reading position 203 and is not passed through the PBM 15 without passing through it, another processing such as resetting and rereading of the original is performed, but this is not described here. In addition, even if the original is being conveyed in the conveyance path, the original which has been read and is at a position where the paper can be ejected is ejected without stopping. In FIG. 4 described above, in the one-sided reading mode, the document is made to stand by in the sheet feeding unit 205 and the conveyance path 206. The document on the transport path 207 is discharged. In the double-sided reading mode, the original is made to stand by in the sheet feeding unit 205, the conveyance path 206, and the conveyance path 207, and
The document on 9 is discharged.

As described above, each transport path can be independently driven, stopped, and speed controlled. Therefore, the paper feeding unit 20
5 or the conveyance paths 206 and 208 have independent standby positions 211 and 212, respectively, and stand by in the PBM Full mode.

"PBMFull" PBMFull401
In 04, the monitoring 40401 of whether or not there is free space in the PBM 15 is always performed based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199. Monitoring 4040
Do one. If the monitor 40401 determines that the PBM 15 has free space, the status transition 40122
Transition is made to lmostFull40103. PBMFu
In 1140104, it waits until 40703 to 40704 until an empty capacity is generated in the PBM 15. FIG. 4 above
The operation of the ADF 200 is stopped and waiting for a restart command from the controller 123.

"Recovery of PBMFull" PBMFull
Will be described again with reference to the timing chart of FIG. The monitor 40401 detects the PBM1 based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199.
5 determines that free space has been generated, the controller 1
23 starts output from the head of the image data stored in the page memory 119 and the page memory 120. As described above, the controller 12 starts from the start of the image output.
The control mode of No. 3 is Almost Full 40103.

If the free space of the PBM 15 generated at this time is less than one page of the original, the transition 4 is performed again.
It becomes PBMFull40104 by 0112, and P
Wait for more free space in BM15. The controller 123 outputs the operation restart command of the ADF 200 shown in FIG. 4 when the PBM 15 has a free space. A
Upon receiving a command from the controller 123, the DF 200 restarts feeding of the originals waiting at the standby positions 211 and 212 and the originals on the original tray 201, and resumes the flow scanning original reading.

[Recovery from Almost Full] As described above, the normal operation mode 40102 or PBMF is used.
AlmostFull40103 from ul40104
When the copier having transitioned to the above state determines in the monitor 40302 that the predicted value can be stored in the PBM 15 based on the black memory remaining amount detection signal 198 and the red memory remaining amount detection signal 199, it takes a normal operation mode 40102 by a transition 40121. .

Two timing charts are given below.
The recovery operation from the AlmostFull will be described.
FIG. 16 shows the state in which the AlmostFu is
11 shows a state where it has been resolved. n-1, n, n +
1, n + 2 indicates the order of the read originals. 40
Reference numerals 801 and 40802 denote input and output of document data to and from the page memory 119 and the page memory 120, respectively. Until the PBM 15 has no free space capable of storing the predicted value, up to 40803, the AlmostF
The operation of the UL 40103 is performed.

While the n-th original is being read, the output of large image data of another job is completed for that image, or another job coexisting in the PBM 15 is discarded, and so on. After 40803 in which the PBM 15 has a free space larger than the predicted value, it is possible to read the (n + 1) th original without waiting for the output of the nth image data to be completed.

FIG. 17 shows that A is displayed while the nth image data is being output.
This indicates a state in which 1mostFull has been resolved. n-
1, n, n + 1 and n + 2 indicate the order of the read originals. Reference numerals 40901 and 40902 denote input and output of document data to and from the page memory 119 and the page memory 120, respectively. In response to the fact that Almost Full has been resolved 40903, the controller 123 instructs the ADF 200 to resume reading the document at the normal speed, so that recovery is faster than in the example of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a view showing the schematic arrangement of the operation unit (OCU) 3 of the copying machine. The operation unit (OCU) 3 is a CRT
A screen 30101 and a keypad 30102 are provided. The configuration of each part will be described in detail.
Is, for example, a touch-type input, and a designation from a user is input. The display method is not limited to the CRT, but may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an FLCD.
(Ferroelectric liquid crystal display) may be used. Also,
The input method is not limited to touch-type input,
A pointing device such as a mouse or an input pen may be used. The keypad 30102 is a numeric keypad 30
103, a clear key 30104, and an enter key 30
105, stop key 30106, reset key 3
0107 and a start key 30108.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the display of the CRT screen 30101, the selection menu, and the setting. 30201 is CRT
Standard menu screen in screen 30101, 30202
Designates a book mode (a mode in which an original is set on a platen and scans an original by moving the optical system), 30203 designates a one-sided copy mode in which the original is scanned, and 30204 designates a two-sided copy mode in which the original is scanned. 30205 is a copy magnification designation copy number, 30205 is a copy magnification designation copy number, and 30207 is a designation for selecting a functional device (paper feed tray, stapler, saddle stitcher, glue binder, mailbox sorter, etc.) attached to the main body of the copying machine. A portion 30208 is a detailed copy mode selection designation portion for performing more detailed settings in the copy mode.

FIG. 24 shows the CRT screen 3 shown in FIG.
This is a screen 30301 when the device selection is designated in the designated portion 30207 in 0101. Here, the main body of the copying machine and all the accessories attached to the main body of the copying machine are displayed, and it is possible to select which function should be used. In the figure, 3011
Reference numerals 2, 30113, 30114, and 30115 indicate a first paper feed stage, a second paper feed stage, a third paper feed stage, and a fourth paper feed stage, respectively. First paper feed stage 30112 to fourth paper feed stage 30115
Are loaded with transfer paper set by the user.

Further, 30302 is a proof tray for trial printing the finish of the image after copying on an actual transfer paper, 30303 is a stapling function, 30304 is a stacker for accommodating the output paper after stapling, 3030
5 is a saddle stitcher, 30306 is a stacker for storing saddle-stitched output paper, 30306 is a glue binder, 30307 and 30308 are two-stage stackers for bookbinding processed by the glue binder, 30309 is a mailbox sorter, and 30310 is a mailbox An output sorting bin for sorting by a sorter, 30311 is a screen 3020
A designated portion 30316 for returning to 1 is a display portion for displaying the flow of output paper being sent to each functional device in real time.

FIG. 25 shows the CRT screen 3 shown in FIG.
Detailed copy mode selection designation portion 302 in 0101
This is a screen when a detailed copy mode selection is designated at 08. Here, a copy function is designated in image processing such as the number of gradations, resolution, continuous shooting, and twin color.

FIG. 26 shows Almos in the present embodiment.
The display in tFull mode is shown. In this state, while checking the free space of the PBM 15 as described above, P
Since the image is transferred to the BM 15, the processing speed of reading the document is reduced. In the figure, reference numeral 30501 denotes a display for notifying the user of the status, and reference numeral 30502 denotes a designation portion for canceling the job set by the user in the status.

FIG. 27 shows PBMFU in the present embodiment.
The display of the 11 mode is shown. In this case, as described above, the image reading is in a suspended state, and the PBMFU
The reading process is put on hold until it is no longer in the 11 mode.
In the figure, 30601 is a display for notifying the state, 3060
Reference numeral 4 denotes a display for notifying the waiting time, 30602 is a designation portion for canceling the job set by the user in that state, and 30603 is a designation portion for waiting for the start of document reading in the PBMFull state.

Next, the tab detection and the inhibition of color space conversion, which are the main features of this embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30.

FIG. 28 shows a plurality of reflective sensors 60100, 60101 for detecting the position of a tab on a document.
..., tab position detection board 60111 in which 60110 are mounted at equal intervals, and tab position detection board 6011
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a tab original 60112 passing over the first sheet. The tab position detection substrate 60111 is attached in the vicinity of the paper feeding unit 205 (see FIG. 4) in a fixed state, and the tab document 60112 moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Reflective sensors 60100, 60101, ..., 6011
0 outputs "1" when the tab document 60112 is detected, and otherwise outputs "0".

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the structure of the exclusive OR circuit 60212. As shown, the reflective sensor 6010
0, 60101, ..., 60110 are lines 60200, 60201, ... Of the exclusive OR circuit 60212.
The reflective sensor 601 is connected to the 60210.
, 60110, the tab original 60112 is detected, the exclusive OR circuit 6021
A signal indicating that a tab is detected is output from the second line 6021 1.

FIG. 30 shows the tab document 60 shown in FIG.
112 is a reflection type sensor 60100, 60101, ...
, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a signal waveform when passing over 60110. Line 6020 of exclusive OR circuit 60212
The signal waveforms of 0, 60201, ..., 60210 are 60300, 60301 ,. Since it is an exclusive OR, when a tab is detected 603
A signal waveform like 11 is obtained. Exclusive OR circuit 6
A line 60211 of 0212 is connected to the controller 123, and when the document has a tab, the controller 123 sends a signal for prohibiting two-color separation to the external red image data 1
It is transmitted to the two-color separation unit 114 (see FIG. 1) via 68. When the two-color separation separation unit 114 receives this signal,
The color separation process is stopped and an ND signal is generated from the three colors of RGB based on the following equation.

ND = (R + G + B) / 3 This is subjected to luminance density conversion to obtain the black image data 115 (see FIG. 1 above).
Output).

OUT = −255 / A log (ND / 255) In the above expression, A is a numerical value that changes depending on the performance of the toner to be printed. This OUT is output to the black image data 115 as black image data. In addition, 0 is output from the red image data 116, that is, the image is not output.

Even when the color pattern conversion is provided instead of the color space conversion, the same configuration can be applied. In this case, only the color pattern conversion unit is used instead of the two-color separation unit 114, so the illustration is omitted. What is color pattern conversion?
This is a technique for determining the color-coded originals by determining the colors of the originals such as red, blue, and yellow from the hues and assigning different patterns (vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, grids). When the color pattern conversion unit provided in place of the two-color separation unit 114 receives a signal indicating that it is a tab document from the controller 123, it stops color pattern conversion and generates an ND signal from the three colors of RGB based on the following formula.

ND = (R + G + B) / 3 This is subjected to luminance density conversion and output to the black image data 115.

OUT = −255 / A log (ND / 255) A is a numerical value that changes depending on the performance of the toner to be printed. This OUT is used as black image data and black image data 11
Output to 5 In addition, 0 is output from the red image data 116, that is, the image is not output.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the flow of the entire copying operation of the copying machine according to this embodiment. When the copying operation is started, the original is fed (step S701).
00). Next, it is determined whether or not the document is a tab sheet (step S70101). If the original is not a tab sheet, two-color separation processing or color pattern conversion operation is performed (step S70102). On the other hand, if the original is a tab sheet, 2
The above-described operation is performed without performing the color separation processing or the color pattern conversion operation (step S70103). After that, it is determined whether or not the original remains (step S7).
0104). If it is determined that the original remains, the above process is repeated, and if the original is exhausted, the copying operation ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
The image processing unit 11 of the copying machine has a color pattern conversion function of converting the three-color separated image signal into a predetermined color pattern or a color space conversion of converting the three-color separated image signal into a predetermined two-color color space. Since it has a function, a detection function to detect whether a document with a protrusion or a document without a protrusion, and a control function to control not to perform a color pattern conversion operation when a document with a protrusion is detected. For example, when a document having a protrusion such as tab paper or partition paper is detected, the background color of the document having a protrusion such as tab paper or partition paper is color-pattern-converted into two colors or color pattern conversion is performed. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent a problem such as an image being output on a sheet.

[0092]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, in an image forming apparatus for visualizing an image read from a document and forming it on a recording medium such as paper, color-separated image signals are obtained. To a predetermined color pattern, a color pattern conversion means, a detection means for detecting whether the original document has a protrusion or an original without a protrusion, and when the detection means detects an original document having a protrusion, the color Since a control unit for controlling the color pattern conversion operation by the pattern conversion unit is not provided, for example, when a document having a protruding portion such as tab paper or partition paper is detected, tab paper or partition paper, etc. The effect that the background color of the original document having the protrusions is converted into a two-color pattern and the problem that the image is output on the paper can be reliably prevented.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in an image forming apparatus for visualizing an image read from an original and forming it on a recording medium such as paper, the color-separated image signal is converted into a predetermined two-color color space. Color space converting means for converting into a color space converting means, a detecting means for detecting an original document having a protruding portion or an original document having no protruding portion, and a color space converting means for detecting an original having a protruding portion by the detecting means. Since a control unit for controlling not to perform the space conversion operation is provided, when a document having a protrusion such as tab paper or partition paper is detected, it has a protrusion such as tab paper or partition paper. The background color of the original is color-space converted into two colors, and the problem that the image is output on the sheet can be reliably prevented.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the image forming method for visualizing an image read from a document and forming it on a recording medium such as paper, the color-separated image signal is converted into a predetermined color pattern. A color pattern conversion step, a detection step for detecting whether a document with a protrusion or a document without a protrusion, and when a document with a protrusion is detected in the detection step, a color pattern conversion operation is performed in the color pattern conversion step. Since it has a control step for controlling so as not to perform, for example, when a document having a protrusion such as tab paper or partition paper is detected, the background color of the document having a protrusion such as tab paper or partition paper is The effect that the color pattern is converted into two colors and the problem that the image is output on the paper can be surely prevented.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in the image forming method for visualizing an image read from a document and forming it on a recording medium such as paper, the color-separated image signal is converted into a color space of two predetermined colors. To a color space conversion step, a detection step for detecting a document with protrusions or a document without protrusions, and if a document with protrusions is detected in the detection step, the color space conversion step is performed. Since it has a control step for controlling not to perform the space conversion operation, for example, when an original document having a protrusion such as a tab sheet or a partition sheet is detected, the background of the original document having the protrusion such as a tab sheet or a partition sheet is detected. It is possible to surely prevent the problem that the color is converted into two colors in the color space and the image is output on the paper.

According to the invention of claim 5, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the image signal is 3
Since the signals are color-separated, as in the first and second aspects of the invention, when a document having a protrusion is detected, the background color of the document is color space converted into two colors or color pattern conversion is performed. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent such a problem that an image is output on a sheet.

According to the invention of claim 6, in the image forming method according to claim 3 or 4, the image signal is 3
Since the signals are the color-separated signals, as in the inventions of claims 3 and 4, when an original having a protrusion is detected, the background color of the original is color space converted into two colors or color pattern conversion is performed. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent such a problem that an image is output on a sheet.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the copying apparatus includes the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect. When detected, it is possible to surely prevent the problem that the background color of the original is color space converted into two colors or the color pattern is converted, and the image is copied onto the paper. Play.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, since the copying method uses the image forming method according to the third or fourth aspect, as in the third and fourth aspects of the invention, an original having a protrusion is printed. When detected, it is possible to surely prevent the problem that the background color of the original is color space converted into two colors or the color pattern is converted, and the image is copied onto the paper. Play.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print buffer memory (PBM) of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image reading unit (reader unit) of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a double-sided document reading operation in the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of image processing of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing processing for moving a specific area of an image to another place, and FIG. Image of 1
It is an explanatory view showing a reduction layout formed on a sheet of paper.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing negative / positive reversal processing, halftone dot meshing processing, and halftone dot meshing processing in the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a job storage operation of a print buffer memory (PBM) of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which 100 copies of an original of 150 pages are copied. , (B) are explanatory views showing a state in which printing of jobs waiting for their turn at the time when the jobs are finished starts.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state transition of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing state transition of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing state transition of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a state transition of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of the print buffer memory (PBM) of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of the print buffer memory (PBM) of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of the print buffer memory (PBM) of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of the print buffer memory (PBM) of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of the print buffer memory (PBM) of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the storage of the original data for one page in the page memory of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is completed.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where storage of the second page of original data in the page memory of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention has started.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the original data of the second page is being written in the open area of the page memory of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which two image data coexist in the page memory of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operation unit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a CRT screen on the operation unit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where device select is selected on the CRT screen of the operation unit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which detailed copy mode selection is designated on the CRT screen of the operation unit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a display in an almost-full mode on the CRT screen of the operation unit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a display in PBM full mode on the CRT screen of the operation unit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a tab position detection substrate and a tab document of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a tab sheet detection circuit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing a signal waveform of tab sheet detection of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a copying operation of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Reference Signs] 1 image recording unit 2 image reading unit 3 operation unit 11 image processing unit 15 PBM 60100 to 60110 reflective sensor

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Katsuya Suzuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for visualizing an image read from an original to form it on a recording medium such as paper, and a color pattern converting unit for converting a color-separated image signal into a predetermined color pattern, and a protrusion. Detecting means for detecting whether the original has a copy or an original having no projection, and when the detection detects an original having a projection, the color pattern converting means controls not to perform the color pattern conversion operation. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit. 2. An image forming apparatus for visualizing an image read from an original to form it on a recording medium such as paper, and a color space converting means for converting the color-separated image signal into a predetermined two-color color space. A detecting means for detecting whether the original has a protrusion or an original without a protrusion, and when the detecting means detects an original having a protrusion, the color space converting operation by the color space converting means is not performed. An image forming apparatus, comprising: 3. A color pattern conversion step for converting a color-separated image signal into a predetermined color pattern in an image forming method for visualizing an image read from a document and forming it on a recording medium such as paper. A detection step of detecting whether the original has a copy or an original without a projection, and when a detection of an original with a projection is performed in the detection step, control is performed not to perform the color pattern conversion operation in the color pattern conversion step. An image forming method comprising: a control step. 4. A color space conversion step for converting a color-separated image signal into a predetermined two-color color space in an image forming method for visualizing an image read from a document and forming it on a recording medium such as paper. And a detection step of detecting whether the original has a protrusion or an original having no protrusion, and when the original having a protrusion is detected in the detection step, the color space conversion operation is not performed in the color space conversion step. And a control step for controlling the image forming method. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image signal is a signal obtained by color separation into three colors. 6. The image forming method according to claim 3, wherein the image signal is a signal obtained by color separation of three colors. 7. A copying apparatus comprising the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. 8. A copying method using the image forming method according to claim 3 or 4.