JPH0983704A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the recording time by selecting the image signal processing that is adaptive to a test pattern and then recording the image signals of a specific original to prevent the function set mistakes, to omit the operations required in every function mode and to simplify the operation of a recorder. SOLUTION: An arrow showing the original passing direction, a special bar code pattern, the solid black print, the density gradation and a resolution pattern are successively printed on a B4 size original 1b in its feeding direction. Then the original width is reduced dot to the A4 size and a square is printed at this narrowed part. When the original 1b is set into a facsimile equipment 20 and a copy button is pushed on a control panel 21, a reading part starts to read the original 1b. However, the reading part decodes the bar code pattern printed at the head of the original 1b to decides it as a special test mode and then proceeds to a test mode. In the test mode, the first setting is decided as a binary record, and the image signals are processed and recorded on the recording paper.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus having a scanner for reading an original and a printer unit, and more particularly to a recording apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus having a copy function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a recording apparatus having a scanner and a printer unit, for example, a facsimile apparatus, in the inspection step of the production process of the facsimile apparatus, the copying function of the facsimile apparatus is used to check the function and performance of the apparatus. A document on which a test pattern for printing is printed is read, and a recorded image is obtained by copying and recording, and a person visually confirms and judges the recorded image.

At present, a general facsimile apparatus faithfully reproduces an intermediate tone called a dither or error diffusion method for a document such as a photograph or a gravure, which has a function of binarizing information of the document into black and white and sending it to the other party. It has a plurality of functions such as a function of sending to the other party in image processing (recording by the other party), a document size, a A4 size and a B4 size according to JIS, and a recording function according to the document size.

To confirm the device performance for each of these functions, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case of black-and-white binary, a chart original 1x for performance judgment of black-and-white binary is set in the device 20a and the black-and-white binary mode is set. Then, the operator pushes the operation button of the apparatus 20a to make a copy and take a recorded image to make a visual judgment by a person.

Next, for the performance judgment of the intermediate color tone, the chart original document 1y having the intermediate color tone information is set in the device 20a, the function of the device is set in the intermediate tone mode, and the operator confirms the setting before operating the device 20a. Press the button, make a copy, take a recorded image, and make a visual judgment.

Next, an A4 size original 1z is prepared, and A
Check the 4 size function. The device 20a is capable of reading up to B4 size. On the other hand, for the monochrome binary confirmation and the intermediate tone confirmation described above, the original is prepared in B4 size.
When confirming this function, confirmation as a B4 size function can be performed. For this reason, a chart original for making a function determination of A4 size is set on the apparatus 20a, a copy is made, a recorded image is taken, and a person visually confirms it. The criterion is A4 size (width 210mm) on B4 size recording paper (width 257mm)
Is recorded.

In addition to the function of interposing an electric signal, for example, in the width direction of the chart for confirming the recording performance on the printer side and for confirming the contact of the roller that influences the recording, and in the direction perpendicular to the width direction. A document prepared with a black portion having a width of about 5 cm is used to take a recorded image with a large black width, and the function is checked to see if the rollers are in close contact with each other in the entire width direction and whether there is any abnormality such as a dent on the rollers.

Other than the above, there are communication tests, abnormal operation tests, etc. of the facsimile machine, but the inspection operation is completed in a single time, and there are many inspection items in the copy mode that are easy to obtain many judgments. The original chart document of No. 1 was copied to make a function judgment, and other communication functions and the like were finished with one chart document.

An example in which a plurality of functions are printed in one chart original is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10766/1992 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 125677 is available.

The inventions described in both publications are different from those intended by the above-mentioned conventional example, and the printed contents in the chart are calculated by an electric part in the reading device, and the calculation result is converted into an optimum value by the device. It sets the level as a device. Differences will be described later in the description of the embodiments.

[0011]

The first problem is that there are four chart originals used in the copy mode, and it takes a lot of man-hours to set each chart original according to each function and confirm the copy recording. In addition, there is a copy sheet that comes out for each chart original, so there is a problem that it is expensive and that each chart original is expensive.

The second problem is erroneous setting and wasteful re-setting due to erroneous setting such as erroneous recording image judgment due to erroneous apparatus mode setting and re-recording due to erroneous setting in the conventional method. .

A third problem is that it is complicated to judge a device failure at a user's destination. Conventionally, 4
I took a chart original and copied each chart original while operating for each inspection item.

An object of the present invention is to prevent the setting error by a person of the function by storing the contents of the manuscript judged by various functions in one chart manuscript and automatically switching the function mode by the electric section or the chart manuscript information. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus that eliminates the need for operation for each function mode, shortens the time required for simplifying the operation, and improves the above-mentioned items during maintenance.

[0015]

A recording device of the present invention is a device having either a scanner for reading information on a sheet, a printer unit for recording, or both, and a plurality of functions of the device and a plurality of functions of the device. A document with a test pattern that can be printed on a printer and used to judge the device function,
It has an electric section for reading the position or function information in the document and matching it with each function information for printing on the printer section.

According to the present invention, in a recording apparatus including a reading unit for reading an original document and a recording unit for recording image signals of the original document read by the reading unit, a plurality of image signals for performing different image signal processing respectively. A signal processing unit, a unit for detecting the feed amount of the specific original document while the specific original document on which a test pattern corresponding to different image signal processing is previously recorded is read by the reading unit, and a unit for reading the specific original document during reading. When the feed amount reaches a predetermined amount corresponding to the switching position of the test pattern, a means for switching the image signal processing of the image signal processing means is included, and the image signal processing adapted to the test pattern is selected and the image signal of the specific document is selected. A recording device is obtained, characterized in that

The selection of the image signal processing may be made by changing the size of the document.

Further, according to the present invention, in the recording apparatus including the reading unit for reading the original document and the recording unit for recording the image signal of the original document read by the reading unit, a plurality of different image signal processes are executed. Image signal processing means, means for detecting switching information provided in advance on the specific original while the specific original on which a test pattern corresponding to different image signal processing is pre-recorded is read by the reading section; And a means for switching the image signal processing of the image signal processing means when the switching information is detected during the reading of the image signal, the image signal processing adapted to the test pattern is selected, and the image signal of the specific original is recorded. A recording device characterized by the above is obtained.

The switching information may be a print mark or a hole pattern.

[0020]

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

FIG. 1 is an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention and is a sectional view of a thermal recording type facsimile apparatus, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a chart original used in the facsimile apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the chart document of No. 2 is input to the facsimile device of FIG. 1.

The facsimile apparatus 20 of FIG. 1 is similar to the general thermal recording type facsimile currently sold.
Is binary recording, halftone recording for electrically dispersing the halftone, main scanning side resolution 8 lines / mm, A4 size / B4 size document compatible, telephone communication function, black recording It has functions and performances such as faithfully reproducing white and white records.

The original 1a passes through an automatic paper feeding section 2 which separates and conveys one original, and an original reading sensor 3 which reads the original with light and converts it into an electric signal, and a platen which presses the original reading sensor and rotates. 4 and the discharge roller 5a
And the pinch roller 5b ejects it out of the apparatus.

The document size detection sensor 6 is located between the automatic paper feed unit 2 and the document reading sensor 3, reads document information according to the document size, and the electric unit 7 displays images according to the situation on the recording side in the apparatus. Information is sent to the recording side for recording.

The recording paper 8 in which a recording paper that develops color by heat is wound in a roll is imaged by a thermal head 9 that generates heat by a signal from the electric section 7 and a platen roller 10 that faces the thermal head 9 and rotates while pressing. Convey while recording information. The conveyed recording paper 8 is cut by the cutter 11.

The facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a recording function, a so-called copy function, and a communication function for transmitting image information to a facsimile at a remote place.

FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the electric section 7.
In the figure, the reading unit 70 has the document reading sensor 3 of FIG. 1 and a step motor (not shown) for rotating the platen 4. The output image signal from the reading sensor 3 is stored in the memory 71. The intermediate tone processing unit 72
The reading unit 70 is instructed by an intermediate color tone instruction from the control unit
The image signal from the (reading sensor 3) is processed by a method of electrically dispersing the intermediate tone, for example, the dither method, and stored in the memory 71.

The encoding / decoding unit 73 encodes the image signal stored in the memory 71 and sends the encoded image information to the communication unit 74 during facsimile communication under the control of the control unit 76.
The communication unit 74 executes facsimile communication under the control of the control unit 76. On the other hand, image information from the communication partner is
The data is decrypted by the decryption unit 73 and recorded in the recording unit 75 while being temporarily stored in the memory 71.

The recording unit 75 is the thermal head 9 of FIG.
Then, it has a motor for rotating the platen roller 10, and executes recording on the recording paper 8 by an image signal from the memory 71. The recording unit 75 also has a mechanism for reducing the image signal from the memory 71 in response to a reduction command from the control unit 76.

An operation unit (operation panel) 21 is a unit for designating recording of intermediate color tones, communication, and switching of copy modes, and its output is supplied to the control unit 76. Control unit 7
6 recognizes each designated input and controls each unit in FIG.

The counter 77 operates in the test mode set when the chart original 1b is used. When the chart original shown in FIG. 2 is read by the reading section 70, the counter 77 rotates the platen 4 shown in FIG. The step pulse from the stepping motor to be counted is counted to count the paper feed amount, and the result is notified to the control unit 76. As will be described later, this notification is used for switching the image signal processing from monochrome binary recording to intermediate tone recording.

In the copy mode, reading is performed by the reading unit 70, and the image signal stored in the memory 71 is
It is read out under the control of the control unit 76, transferred to the recording unit 75, and recorded.

The document size detection sensor 6 detects the size of the document and informs the control section 76. When the original 1a is a B4 size original, the original size detection sensor 6 arranged at a position of about 240 mm between the original width A4 of 210 mm and the B4 size of 257 mm detects that the original 1a is the B4 size, Accordingly, the control unit 76 causes the image signal read by the document reading sensor 3 to output the image signal to the memory 71 of the electric unit 7.
Is stored as B4 size information.

If the size of the recording paper 8 is A4 size, the recording unit 75 reduces the image signal and records it, and if it is B4 size, it records with the same size. Conversely, for A4 size documents, the recording paper 8
If A4 size is used, the same size recording is performed, and if B4 size is used, recording is performed by moving to the edge of paper. This is the same in the copy mode and the communication mode.

The original 1b of FIG. 2 is printed with an arrow 12 indicating the sheet passing direction of the original 1b, followed by a special bar code pattern 13, then solid black printing 14, then density gradation 15, then 8 A line / mm resolution pattern 16 and a horizontal oblong tone density pattern 17 are sequentially printed in the paper feed direction, and the document width is B4 size up to this point. Next, the document width is pinched to A4 size, and a square print 19
Has been done.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the original 1b is set in the facsimile apparatus 20 of FIG. 1 and the copy button on the operation panel 21 is pressed, the reading section 70 of FIG. 5 starts reading the original 1b. However, when the first printed barcode pattern 13 of the original 1b is read, the control unit 76
Deciphers it, determines that it is the special test mode, and shifts to the test mode. The transition to the test mode may be performed by inputting a specific number button on the operation unit 21.

In the test mode, image signal processing is performed with the first setting being binary recording, and recording is performed on the recording paper 8. Image signal processing for binary recording is performed until the reading of the resolution pattern 16 is completed. When the reading up to the resolution pattern 16 is completed, the counter 77 indicates the number of driving steps of a step motor (not shown) that rotates the platen 4 that conveys the document.
You can tell by counting. By the output of the counter 77, the control unit 76 switches the image signal processing by reading from the next to the intermediate tone processing, and operates the intermediate tone processing unit 72 to record.

Next, the position where the gradation density pattern 17 ends is detected by the feed amount by the step motor (output of the counter 77) as in the above, and the control unit 76 looks for the signal of the document size detection sensor 6. This position is at a position 18 where the sensor 6 is narrowed down, and the document A4 size is detected, and the subsequent recording is treated as an A4 size document. The image processing at this time is binary.

As a general facsimile machine, it is not possible to switch modes and sizes in the middle of an original according to the international standard, which is a special mode treatment peculiar to the apparatus.

Although the above description is a copy, the same applies to the communication mode.

When one copy of the original 1b described above is recorded by copying, a solid black print 14, a density gradation 15, a resolution pattern 16, a gradation density pattern 16, and a square print 19 are programmed in the control section 76 of the electric section 7. Recorded in mode.

As a result, in the recording corresponding to the solid black printing 14, it is possible to confirm the printing operation failure of the thermal head 9 or the printing failure due to the depression of the platen roller 10 or the like.

In the recording corresponding to the density gradation 15, it is judged that a very light density is white, it is judged to be black from a certain density of the original, and it is confirmed whether or not it has a binary recording performance with a good contrast, and it corresponds to the resolution pattern 16. 8 lines / mm
Can be printed, and it can be judged whether or not it has a capacity of 8 lines / mm.

Next, in the recording corresponding to the gradation density pattern 17, the dispersion processing corresponding to the print density is surely performed, and it is confirmed whether or not the distributed printing is performed. In the recording corresponding to the square printing 19, the recording paper 8 It is possible to judge if the square is printed near the edge of the mark, and to judge if it is not.

In this description, the bar code pattern 13 is used for the initial special mode determination, but a special operation of the operation panel 21 may be used, and the mode change in the original 1b is not a count of the feed amount but a bar in the original. Detection of code printing part,
Alternatively, the switching may be performed by detecting a hole or a cutout portion.

An example of recording performed by this operation is shown in FIG.

Conventional inspection methods using a document include Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 1-125677 and 4-10766.

In each of the patents, a special pattern for "setting" the characteristic of the device is printed, the read result is calculated in the device, and the numerical value suitable for the characteristic of each device is set. is there. Among them, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10766/1992 has two types of print patterns in one document, but does not change any setting in the document and uses internal calculation after reading two types of print contents. It is a characteristic setting for each device.

The embodiment of the present invention has several kinds of print contents in one original, the function switching is performed in one original, and the processing of the electric section is performed by the preset function of the apparatus. It is recorded, and the functional performance of the device is confirmed on a recorded image, and basically differs in that it does not set the function.

The present invention is not limited to facsimile machines, but is applied to all recording devices having a document reading unit and a recording unit for recording the image signal of the read document.

[0051]

The first effect is that the time for confirming the functional performance of the device is shortened. The reason is that one original has print contents for checking several types of functional performance, and each function is automatically set and recorded. Number) is shortened.

Secondly, since the function / performance mode is automatically switched during the reading of the original, the mistake of manually recording and confirming the setting of the function corresponding to each original by a person is eliminated.

Thirdly, the number of used originals is 1 / the number of printed contents, and the cost and management of printed matter are greatly reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a chart original used in the facsimile apparatus of FIG.

3 is a perspective view showing a state immediately before inputting the chart document of FIG. 2 to the facsimile apparatus of FIG.

4 is a plan view showing a recording paper on which the chart original of FIG. 2 is recorded by the facsimile apparatus of FIG.

5 is a detailed block diagram of an electric part of the facsimile apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a function inspection method by a conventional facsimile device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1b Chart original 3 Original reading sensor 6 Original size detection sensor 7 Electric section 8 Recording paper 9 Thermal head 13 Bar code pattern 14 Solid black 15 Density gradation 16 Resolution pattern 17 Gradation density pattern 18 Narrowed area 19 Square printing

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus including a reading unit for reading an original and a recording unit for recording image signals of the original read by the reading unit, and a plurality of image signal processing means for executing different image signal processing respectively. Means for detecting the feed amount of the specific document while the specific document on which a test pattern corresponding to the image signal processing is recorded in advance is read by the reading unit, and the feed amount during the reading of the specific document. Becomes a predetermined amount corresponding to the switching position of the test pattern,
A recording means for switching the image signal processing of the image signal processing means, wherein the image signal processing adapted to the test pattern is selected and the image signal of the specific original is recorded. 2. The plurality of image signal processing means includes means for binarizing the image signals and means for performing intermediate tone processing of the image signals, and the specific original is binarized. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first test pattern corresponding to the first color tone and a second test pattern corresponding to the intermediate tone processing. 3. A recording device including a reading unit for reading an original document and a recording unit for recording image signals of the original document read by the reading unit, and a plurality of image signal processing means for executing different image signal processing respectively. A test pattern according to the image signal processing is recorded in advance, a unit for detecting the feed amount of the specific document while the specific document whose size changes in the middle is read by the reading unit; and a unit provided in the reading unit. A size detecting means for detecting the size of the document to be read, and whether the feed amount becomes a predetermined amount corresponding to the switching position of the test pattern during the reading of the specific document,
And a means for switching the image signal processing of the image signal processing means when a change in the document size is detected by the document size detecting means, and the image signal processing adapted to the test pattern and the size is selected and A recording device in which an image signal of a document is recorded. 4. The plurality of image signal processing means include means for binarizing the image signals, means for performing intermediate tone processing on the image signals, and means for processing the image signals according to the document size. The specific document includes a first test pattern according to the binarization process, a second test pattern according to the intermediate tone process, and a size changing unit, and the image signal processing means. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the size change portion of the specific original is detected by the size detecting unit, the image signal is processed according to the original size. 5. A recording device including a reading unit for reading an original and a recording unit for recording the image signal of the original read by the reading unit, and a plurality of image signal processing means for executing different image signal processings, respectively. A means for detecting switching information provided in advance on the specific original while the specific original on which a test pattern corresponding to the image signal processing is pre-recorded is read by the reading unit; When the switching information is detected at, the image signal processing of the image signal processing means is switched, and the image signal processing adapted to the test pattern is selected to record the image signal of the specific original. A recording device characterized by the above. 6. The plurality of image signal processing means includes means for binarizing the image signals and means for performing intermediate tone processing on the image signals, and the specific original is binarized. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a first test pattern corresponding to the color tone processing, and a second test pattern corresponding to the intermediate tone processing. 7. A recording device including a reading unit for reading an original and a recording unit for recording the image signal of the original read by the reading unit, and a plurality of image signal processing means for executing different image signal processing respectively. A test pattern according to the image signal processing is pre-recorded, and a means for detecting switching information provided in advance on the specific original while the specific original whose size changes midway is read by the reading unit; A size detecting unit provided in the reading unit for detecting the size of the document to be read; and when the switching information is detected during the reading of the specific document or when a change in the document size is detected by the document size detecting unit. And a means for switching the image signal processing of the image signal processing means, wherein the image signal processing adapted to the test pattern is selected. Recording apparatus characterized by image signal Teigenko is recorded. 8. The plurality of image signal processing means include means for binarizing the image signal, means for performing intermediate tone processing on the image signal, and means for processing the image signal according to the document size. The specific document includes a first test pattern according to the binarization process, a second test pattern according to the intermediate tone process, and a size changing unit, and the image signal processing means. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the size change portion of the specific document is detected by the size detecting means, the size change part is processed according to the image signal document size.