JPH10229489A - Editing setting device for image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dispense with the manual calculation of a variable power rate for a user by inputting the size of the segmenting region of an input image and the size of an output image formed on a form in the numerical value via a setting input means and then discriminating the variable power rate, based on the information on those input sizes to output the power rate. SOLUTION: A prescribed size input prompt 9 is set via a decision/next selection key 10, and the numerical value is inputted with ten keys operations for input of each length. In this case, the prompt 9 is set so as to indicate the sizes in sequence with the depressing of a key 10. Then the input of four numerical value are confirmed, when a close key 11 is inputted. Thus, an editing setting part automatically decides a variable power rate and forms an image on a form, based on the size of the segmenting region of an input image and the size of an output image formed on the form which are inputted by a user via a setting input means. As a result, an image can be immediately copied, even when the image is formed on the whole or a part of a form after the whole or a part of an original is variably magnified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an editing apparatus for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus for forming an output image on a sheet based on a predetermined input image. In this case, the present invention relates to an editing setting device used for setting editing information such as a magnification between the images in the image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as the image forming apparatus, for example, an image reading section for reading an image of a document as image information, an image processing section for editing an input image from the image reading section, and an image processing section An image output unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the output image of the above, and a main control unit that controls the operation of each unit, wherein each unit operates based on the editing information input to the editing setting device There is. And
In this image forming apparatus, for example, if the editing setting device is set to perform copying of a plurality of copies and then activated, the image reading unit and the image processing unit are once controlled based on the control information of the main control unit. The image output unit is operated to form a predetermined output image, and then the image output unit is operated by a predetermined number of copies to obtain a predetermined number of copies.

By the way, in such an edit setting device for an image forming apparatus, conventionally, not only the same image as the original is formed on a sheet of the same size as the original, but also the image of the original is enlarged or reduced. There are many types that can be formed on paper of a different size from the original.

[0004]

However, in the conventional editing setting device, the size of the paper or the original is input (selected).
By doing so, the magnification can be set (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-67060), or the numerical value of the enlargement / reduction magnification can be input. Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, it is only possible to form an image of the entire document by scaling it to the size of the entire sheet. If it is attempted to form a part of the original image, or if it is intended to form a part of the image on the whole or a part of the paper, calculate the magnification manually beforehand. I had to enter the settings.

Conventionally, as a slightly advanced editing setting device, it is possible to input a numerical value of a scaling ratio in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of a document, and to change the input image information based on the input value to form on a sheet. Some things could be done. However, even with such an edit setting device capable of independent vertical / horizontal magnification setting, there are cases where the entire image of the document is scaled to form it on a part of the paper, In the case where a portion is scaled and it is intended to form it on the whole or a part of the sheet, the scaling ratio must be manually calculated in advance and set and input.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when all or a part of an image of a document is scaled and formed on all or part of a sheet, the scaling ratio can be set without manually calculating in advance. An object is to develop an editing setting device for an image forming apparatus.

[0007]

That is, the present invention relates to an editing and setting device for an image forming apparatus for forming an output image on a sheet based on a predetermined input image, wherein the size of a cutout area of the input image is determined. Setting input means for numerically inputting the size of an output image formed on paper, and magnification determining means for determining the magnification of the output image with respect to the input image based on the numerical information input to the setting input means. And an output setting unit for outputting the determined magnification information to the image forming apparatus.

In the present invention, the setting input means only needs to be capable of numerically inputting the size of the cutout area of the input image and the size of the output image formed on the sheet.
For example, the area that can be cut out is limited to a predetermined square shape, and the length of one side and the length in the output image are input. The length of each side of the cutout region and the length of each side of the output image may be input. Note that the cutout region of the input image is
Taking the case of a copying machine as an example, this means a predetermined area to be copied set in the document image, which may be the whole or a part of the document image.

The magnification determining means may be any one which can determine the magnification of the image from the numerical information input to the setting input means. For example, the length of each side of the output image is determined by each side of the rectangular cutout area. May be obtained by dividing by the length of .times., Or may have a correspondence table of the division results and determine the magnification by appropriately referring to the table.

In the editing and setting apparatus of the present invention, when the user inputs numerical values of the size of the cut-out area of the input image and the size of the output image formed on the paper from the setting input means, the magnification determining means is provided. The magnification of the image is automatically determined from the numerical information input to the setting input unit, and the magnification output unit outputs the determined magnification information to the image forming apparatus.

In the editing setting device of the present invention, when all the numerical values for specifying the size of the cutout area and the size of the output image are not input from the setting input means, the magnification determining means is input. A desired magnification conversion method may be predicted based on an input pattern of input information such as a numerical value to determine an image magnification. With this configuration, for example, a predetermined image can be formed on a sheet without the user inputting all of the lengths of the sides of the cut-out region of the input image and the lengths of the sides of the output image. Becomes Also, in this case, asking the user about the predicted non-input numerical value and the suitability of the magnification conversion method, the problem of forming an image on a sheet based on a setting unintended by the user occurs. Generation can be prevented beforehand, which is more preferable.

In addition to the magnification setting function of the present invention,
If the position of the cut-out area and / or the formation position of the output image on the sheet can be set, for example, the setting such as moving the image to the center, moving the image to a corner, or moving the image vertically, horizontally, and so on can be performed. If it is possible, more advanced editing can be performed.

[0013]

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

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine to which an editing setting device according to the present invention of the present invention is applied as a setting input unit 1. The copying machine includes, in addition to the setting input unit 1, a reading unit 2 for reading an image of a document, an image processing unit 3 for processing the read image to form a predetermined output image, and a sheet based on the output image. It has an output unit 4 for forming an image thereon, and a main control unit 5 for appropriately operating the output unit 4 according to the editing information from the setting input unit 1.

The reading section 2 includes a platen glass 2a on which a document is placed, a light source 2b for irradiating light on the document on the platen glass 2a, and a CCD sensor 2c for sampling reflected light from the document for each pixel. And a light source 2
The original image is read as a group of a large number of pieces of pixel information by scanning the original with b and sampling the reflected light with the CCD sensor 2c.

The image processing unit 3 includes a reading unit 2 and an output unit 4
In consideration of the characteristics described above, gamma characteristic correction is performed so that an image can be formed on paper at the same density as the original, an image is cut out based on the editing information from the main control unit 5, and the image is enlarged or reduced. To form a predetermined output image, and has a memory for storing image information and an arithmetic processing element for performing the above-described various processes.

The output unit 4 includes a photosensitive drum 4a, a charging corotron 4b for charging the photosensitive drum 4a,
An exposure unit 4c for exposing the charged photosensitive drum 4a based on an output image, a developing unit 4d for supplying toner to the exposed photosensitive drum 4a, and a paper tray 4e for storing paper
And a transfer corotron 4f for transferring the toner from the photosensitive drum 4a to the sheet, and a fixing device 4g for heating and pressing the transferred sheet. Then, a toner image corresponding to the output image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4a by each process of charging, exposure, and development, and the toner image is transferred and fixed on a sheet, thereby forming a predetermined output image on the sheet. Is what you do.

The main control section 5 controls the operations of the reading section 2, the image processing section 3 and the output section 4 based on the editing information from the editing setting section 1. When the image is formed entirely on a sheet larger than that, the scanning speed of the reading unit 2 is reduced according to the magnification to secure the necessary number of pixels in the main scanning direction. The density distribution of pixels in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction is analyzed, and control is performed so as to secure the required number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction.

Accordingly, in the copying machine having such a configuration, part or all of the image of the original is enlarged or reduced in accordance with the magnification information from the edit setting unit 1 and an image is formed on a sheet at a predetermined resolution. can do.

Therefore, the editing setting unit 1 of the present embodiment
Is a setting input unit 1a provided with a touch panel 6, a numeric keypad 7, a start key 8, and the like, and a setting unit control for inputting input information from the input unit 1a and outputting edit information in response to pressing of the start key 8. And a liquid crystal display 1b for displaying setting information set in the setting unit control means and information input from the touch panel 6.

The setting section control means includes an input means 1
an input determining member 1c for determining information input from a.
The vertical and horizontal length of the cutout area of the document and the vertical
A magnification discriminating member 1d for calculating and outputting the magnification of the image based on the numerical input of the horizontal length, an editing information memory 1e for storing editing information such as this magnification information, and the like. An output member 1f for outputting editing information to the main control unit 5 and a display control member 1g for displaying an input screen corresponding to the information from the input discriminating member 1c on the liquid crystal display 1b.

For example, FIG. 2A shows a display screen for inputting the vertical and horizontal lengths of the cutout area of the document and the vertical and horizontal lengths of the output image. When the display screen is displayed, the setting unit control means operates according to the control flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that the vertical / horizontal magnification input screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed by selecting the vertical side independent magnification key on the magnification setting screen of FIG. It is displayed by selecting a dimension designation key on the screen.

The control flowchart for the independent vertical / horizontal scaling input is an input flowchart for inputting the vertical length and horizontal length of the cut-out area of the document, and the vertical length and horizontal length of the output image. After executing (S1 to S17), the vertical magnification and the lateral magnification are calculated (S18), and after executing a predetermined post-processing flowchart (S19 to S28), the main control unit sets the magnification after the processing. And output editing information.

More specifically, in the input flowchart, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the enter / next
After the prompt 9 is set to input a predetermined dimension by pressing, the numeric keypad is operated to input a numerical value, thereby inputting a dimension of each length. At this time, the prompt 9 is set so as to sequentially indicate each dimension by pressing the enter / next selection key 10 (S1, S3, S5, S7, S9, S1).
1, S13, S15). Then, when the close key 11 or the start key 8 is input, the input flowchart ends after confirming that all four numerical values have been input (S17).

On the other hand, the operation of the post-processing flowchart differs depending on the type of key used to terminate the input flowchart. First, when the process is terminated with the start key 8, it is confirmed whether or not the paper size is designated (S23). If not, the smallest size paper in which the output image can be stored is selected. To output editing information (S25, S28). If a sheet is designated, it is determined whether or not the output image fits on the sheet (S24), and if so, the editing information is output (S2).
8). On the other hand, if the output image does not fit on the sheet, a warning (FIG. 6) is displayed on the liquid crystal display (S2).
6) When the user inputs ok, the editing information is output (S
28), after inputting NG, return to the input flowchart.

On the other hand, when the operation is terminated with the close key 11, the entered numerical value is held and the previous screen (FIG.
Returning to (b) screen) (S20), other editing information is set (S21). Then, when the start key 8 is pressed (S22), it is confirmed whether or not the paper size is designated (S23). Subsequent operations execute the same flowchart as when the operation is terminated by the start key 8.

Accordingly, the vertical length and the horizontal length of the cut-out area of the document and the vertical length and the horizontal length of the output image are input, and the vertical and horizontal magnifications are set based on the input values. In the copying machine, the user can input the size of the cutout area of the input image and the size of the output image to be formed on the paper from the setting input means 1 by numerical values. Since the unit 1 automatically determines the magnification and forms an image on a sheet, there is a case where all or a part of the image of the document is scaled and formed on the whole or a part of the sheet. Also, the copying can be executed without the user manually calculating the magnification in advance.

Embodiment 2 In the copying machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, if all four input numerical values are not input in the control flowchart of the vertical / horizontal independent variable-magnification input, they are input. It is determined whether or not a desired magnification conversion method can be predicted from an input pattern such as a numerical value (S29). If it can be determined, the magnification is calculated based on the prediction instead of returning to the input flowchart. (S18) This is the same as that of the first embodiment except that it is displayed on the liquid crystal display 1b for confirmation (S30, S31), and if it is correct, the post-processing flowchart is executed.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show the relationship between an input pattern and a predicted magnification conversion method. In this embodiment, if any of the input patterns matches,
The magnification is calculated by predicting the magnification conversion method.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen for confirming the result of the magnification calculation and the prediction result of the magnification conversion method. (A) is a confirmation screen when only the horizontal length of the document and the paper is input as a numerical value, and (b) is a confirmation screen when only the vertical length of the document is input as a numerical value. is there.

In such a copying machine, in addition to the same functions and effects as those of the copying machine of the first embodiment, even if the user does not need to make more detailed input settings than necessary, and based on settings unintended by the user. Thus, it is possible to form a predetermined image on paper while preventing the problem of forming an image on paper beforehand.

[0032]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, if the user inputs numerical values of the size of the cutout area of the input image and the size of the output image formed on the paper from the setting input means, The magnification determining means automatically determines the magnification of the image from the numerical information input to the setting input means, and the magnification output means outputs the determined magnification information to the image forming apparatus. In the case where the portion is scaled and formed on all or a part of the sheet, the user does not need to manually calculate the scaling ratio in advance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine to which an editing setting device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a screen for inputting numerical values of a size of a cutout area of a document and a size of an output image.

FIG. 3 is a control flowchart (first half) on the input screen of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a control flowchart (second half) on the input screen of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a screen ((a)) before being developed into the input screen of FIG. 2;
Is a magnification setting screen, and (b) is a vertical / horizontal independent magnification input screen).

FIG. 6 is a warning screen when an output image does not fit on paper.

FIG. 7 is a control flowchart (first half) according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a pattern list of a predictable magnification conversion method (part 1).

FIG. 9 is a pattern list of a predictable magnification conversion method (part 2).

FIG. 10 is a pattern list of a predictable magnification conversion method (part 3).

FIG. 11 is an example of a screen for confirming a prediction result.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: edit setting unit (edit setting device), 1a: setting input means, 1d: magnification discriminating means, 1f: magnification output means.

Claims (2)

[Claims] An editing setting device for an image forming apparatus for forming an output image on a sheet based on a predetermined input image, the size of a cutout area of the input image, and the size of an output image to be formed on the sheet. Setting input means for numerically inputting the size, magnification determining means for determining the magnification of the output image with respect to the input image based on the numerical information input to the setting input means, and an image forming apparatus for determining the determined magnification information An editing setting device for an image forming apparatus, comprising: 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the magnification determining means predicts a desired magnification conversion method based on the input pattern of the input information being input and determines the magnification of the image. Editing and setting device for forming device.